Brains On Universe Presents….Puberty! (The Podcast)

Butterflies in your stomach. Blushing when someone walks into the room. Thinking about one person all the time. Sound familiar? That’s a crush — and there’s real science behind why it feels so intense. In this episode, we’re exploring why crushes make our bodies react the way they do, what it means to set boundaries, and how to ask for — and give — consent in all kinds of situations, not just romantic ones. Pediatrician Dr. Krupa Playforth helps us understand how to be assertive, respect other people’s limits, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right. Whether you’ve had a million crushes or none at all, this episode has something for you. Because when it comes to puberty… No two people go through it exactly the same way. There is no one normal! Want to support the show? ⁠Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠Smarty Pass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click ⁠here⁠ for a transcript of this episode.

It's not just your body that changes during puberty — your brain is going through some major renovations, too. And you might notice those changes in your emotions and moods. One minute you're happy, the next you're sad, and sometimes you don't even know why! In this episode, we're digging into the science behind mood swings, finding out why your brain's emotional headquarters develops faster than its center for self-control and learning how hormones can act like amplifiers for your feelings. Plus, therapist Tim McLeod shares tips for handling big emotions — and how to know when it might be time to talk to a trusted adult. But don't worry — puberty isn't all overwhelming feelings. It's also your portal into a whole new world of independence, freedom and figuring out who you are. Want to support the show? Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠Smarty Pass⁠⁠⁠⁠ to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Click here for a transcript of this episode.

Ovaries and testicles are like hormone factories — and they also make the cells needed to create new humans! But what exactly do these body parts do? And how do they work? In this episode, we're getting to know the reproductive organs: ovaries and testicles (because understanding your body gives you the confidence to take care of it!). Pediatrician Dr. Cara Natterson and health educator Chris Pepper are here to help us break it all down. Want to support the show? Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠Smarty Pass⁠⁠⁠⁠ to listen to ad-free Click here for a transcript of this episode

In this episode, we’re talking about some of the first body changes you might notice when you go through puberty. We’re answering a lot of listener questions in this episode including: Why do grownups have hair where kids don’t? Why do armpits get stinkier during puberty? Why do zits happen? Why do you get oilier when you’re a teen? Dr. Cara Natterson, author of The Care and Keeping of You and host of the podcast This is So Awkward, joins us again to help us navigate tricky issues dealing with your skin, sweat and hair. Click here for a transcript of this episode.

Puberty! It’s a lot. There are the awkward conversations and the questions we’re too nervous to ask and the sometimes uncomfortable experience of living in a body that’s changing fast (and publicly!). This podcast is here to help. Hosted by Molly Bloom, of the award-winning science podcast Brains On, and co-hosted by high schoolers who've just been through it, Puberty! (The podcast) is for everybody — and every body Designed for kids 7-12, the show will cover everything from brain chemicals to consent, in a straight-forward and digestible package. This is a safe space for young people to understand their bodies and their brains, and it’s a resource for parents to tackle otherwise difficult topics. Experts, including Dr. Cara Natterson (Less Awkward), Chris Pepper (Talk to Your Boys), Nora Gelperin (Advocates for Youth), and Erin Walsh (Spark & Stitch Institute), provide science-filled explanations and answer listener questions. This series is a great tool for parents to start conversations with their kids about puberty. The series is thoroughly researched, fact-checked and driven by questions from the Brains On Universe audience. If you have a question you’d like to hear answered on a future episode you can submit them brainson.org/contact And if you’re a parent who lives in Los Angeles, we’re hosting a live conversation at LAist with Dr. Cara Natterson and Dr. Christopher Miller about how to navigate this time in your kid’s life. You can RSVP here: https://laist.com/events/brains-on-universe-presents-puberty-the-podcast