A new kids’ podcast series about the expectation-defying natural world, by a Peabody Award-winning science journalist who’s co-host of WNYC Studios’ Radiolab, co-founder of NPR’s Invisibilia, and also a queer mom? With stuff about alternative family structures? Yes! Listen to a trailer here.
“Terrestrials,” a six-part series from WNYC’s Radiolab for Kids, explores Planet Earth and shows why its inhabitants are “stranger than we think.” Radiolab co-host Lulu Miller created and will host the show, which blends creative storytelling, original songs, and scientific revelations. Each episode “will introduce you to a creature or earthly phenomenon that will defy your expectations of how nature is supposed to work,” and feature entomologists, physicists, surfers, hip hop artists, and other experts. There’s also a “Songbud” named Alan (indie punk musician Alan Goffinski) who creates original songs for key moments.
On her Instagram page, Miller says, “Think of it as a nature walk with your nerdy friend who wants to cheer you up a bit, sing at you even, make ya laugh.” She keeps the tone light and fun, though episodes also touch on personal human experiences like grief, fear, disability, alternative family structures, and how they are connected to our natural world. One episode in particular focuses on a trio of eagles who defy scientific expectations through their family structure. (I can’t say more until the episode drops in a few weeks, except that I loved it.)
Miller, a queer mom of two, is “particularly excited about advancing what’s in the world of kids’ podcasting and instilling a curiosity in kids about the natural world at such a critical time for the health of our planet,” according to publicity materials.
New episodes drop Thursdays, starting tomorrow, September 22. If you’re already subscribed to the Radiolab for Kids podcast, it will show up in your feed; if not, go here to subscribe in your favorite podcasting app.
Here’s a trailer: