Best It Sounded Good On Paper Podcasts (2025)

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188. What no one told you about the female brain with Dr. Sarah McKay. 1:04:14

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4h ago1:04:14

1:04:14

For too long, women have been told their brains are "broken" or that every struggle is just hormones. In this episode, we shift that narrative. Dr. Sarah McKay — Oxford-trained neuroscientist and author of The Women's Brain Book, Baby Brain, and Brain Health For Dummies — joins me to break down what's really going on in the female brain. We talk ab…

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Do dogs know that they're dogs? 26:18

6d ago26:18

26:18

We treat dogs like they're part of the family. But do they know they are a different species, or do they think they're just short, four-legged people? In this episode, canine cognition researcher Alexandra Horowitz helps us puzzle out this question. We’ll also find out what happens (or doesn’t) when a dog looks in the mirror. Dogs are always dozing…

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Bonus: How to thrive this winter if you struggle with seasonal depression. 5:29

3d ago5:29

5:29

Feeling a little off as the days get shorter and colder? You're not alone! In this bonus episode, we're diving into seasonal depression (aka the winter blues) — what it is, why it happens, and how to recognize the signs. I'm sharing cozy, practical, and playful ways to lift your mood and thrive during the darker months — from light therapy and gett…

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187: Quiet your inner critic and build confidence with Dr. Rachel Goldsmith Turow. 50:17

7h ago50:17

50:17

Do you have an inner critic that's always judging, shaming, or demanding perfection? You know — that little voice that quietly shapes how you see yourself and move through the world. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you! Today I'm joined by Dr. Rachel Goldsmith Turow, clinical psychologist, researcher, mindfulness and compassion teacher…

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Behavioral genetics of herding breeds: article discussion with Sarah Stremming 1:19:52

2h ago1:19:52

1:19:52

This episode, I am being interviewed by Sarah Stremming about a recent scientific article about the genetics of behavior in herding breeds and specifically in border collies. I talk about the study's methods and what it all means, and Sarah grounds it in her deep practical experience with herding dogs. Sarah has been on the podcast so many times th…

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Mystery Sounds from the natural world 33:28

13d ago33:28

33:28

Today’s episode is full of Mystery Sounds from around the world. Molly and co-host Rehema are joined by sonic explorer Thomas Rex Beverly, who travels the globe to capture the sounds of the natural world. He brings us some beautiful head-scratchers that really must be heard to be believed. Plus, we turn the tables on Thomas and ask him to guess som…

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186. A true story of overmedication, recovery, and the courage to rewrite your life with Anne Bracken. 58:48

5h ago58:48

58:48

What happens when the systems meant to heal us end up causing more harm? In this powerful conversation, Tara sits down with Anne Bracken — activist, poet, and author of Crash: A Memoir of Overmedication and Recovery — to explore what it really means to heal beyond labels and prescriptions. Anne shares her deeply personal story of growing up with a …

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Why are octopuses so smart? 30:55

20d ago30:55

30:55

Octopus, more like ROCK-topus! Because these creatures bring the excitement. They can shape shift to match their surroundings. They have three hearts and teeth on their tongues! And they are super smart. Join fill-in host Rosie duPont and co-host Izumi as they explore the world of their eight-armed wonders. They’re joined by Dr. Jennifer Mathers, a…

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185. The power of sound baths with Sara Auster. 37:22

7d ago37:22

37:22

Hey, friends! I'm so excited for today's episode — I've fallen in love with sound baths as a way to invite more calm and stillness into my day, and today's guest is one of my absolute favorites. Sara Auster is a world-renowned sound therapist, meditation teacher, and creator of the PAUSE app. She's been featured in Oprah Magazine, the New York Time…

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Why do electric cars sound so unique? 28:27

27d ago28:27

28:27

You may have noticed that electric cars sound different from gas powered cars. The engine doesn’t rumble; instead, it might sound like a hum or even a song. Why is that? Ride along as we learn how electric cars work and why there is so much shush in their woosh. Plus, Molly and co-host Asher interview Jay Kapadia, a sound designer who programs the …

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184. How to stop living a life that looks good on paper but feels empty inside with Megan Hellerer. 59:32

16d ago59:32

59:32

Have you done everything "right"? Followed the rules, built the dream career, checked all the boxes you thought would make you happy — and yet, you still feel that ache inside? Today's guest, Megan Hellerer, knows that feeling well. After graduating at the top of her class from Stanford and spending eight years as a Google executive, she found hers…

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Do fidget toys really help people focus? 33:48

1M ago33:48

33:48

Fidget toys are everywhere. There are ones you can squeeze, or click, or spin. Others are puzzles or have cool textures to touch. Some classrooms even have fidget toys for students, but do they help kids concentrate or are they just a distraction? Molly and co-host Penelope team up with an unconventional band to learn why we fidget in the first pla…

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183. How a prescription for sleep became an addiction with Laura Cathcart Robbins. 36:31

22d ago36:31

36:31

Today's episode is a raw and powerful conversation about how a prescription for sleep turned into something much darker. Best-selling author and host of The Only One in the Room, Laura Cathcart Robbins, joins me to share her journey of Ambien addiction — from stockpiling pills in her Louboutins to secretly managing withdrawals between PTA meetings …

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182. Why your brain needs connection and how isolation impacts your mental health with Dr. Ben Rein. 59:14

2M ago59:14

59:14

Hey friend. 👋 Today, Dr. Ben Rein joins us to explore why connection isn't just a cool idea — it's a biological necessity for a healthy mind. Dr. Rein is an award-winning neuroscientist, author of Why Brains Need Friends, Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University, and a brilliant science communicator. We dive into the neuroscience of connection, how …

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We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters 7:30

2M ago7:30

7:30

We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop us a line, head to brainson.org. The best way to keep us going is to jo…

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181. Sleep tips that actually improve your mental health with Dr. Sarah Silverman. 1:09:32

1M ago1:09:32

1:09:32

Poor sleep doesn't just make you tired — it can fuel anxiety, worsen depression, and leave you stuck in survival mode. The good news? You can improve your sleep quality, and today's guest is here to teach you how. I'm joined by Dr. Sarah Silverman, a Stanford-trained sleep psychologist and insomnia expert, to unpack the powerful connection between …

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180. Healing starts when you stop trying to fix yourself with Mary O'Malley. 57:48

2M ago57:48

57:48

Feeling like something is wrong with you? Mary O'Malley — author, teacher, and counselor — knows that struggle all too well. After a painful childhood, three suicide attempts, and multiple hospitalizations, she learned that healing isn't about fixing yourself — it's about being present with what hurts. In this conversation, Mary shares how a yoga c…

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Quick tip tuesday... Stop trying to talk your way out of anxiety. 9:55

2M ago9:55

9:55

Today's quick tip isn't about what to do — it's about what not to do. If you've ever tried using affirmations or talking yourself out of anxiety when anxious, you've probably noticed it doesn't really work. Here's why... when your nervous system is in fight-or-flight mode, your amygdala takes your thinking brain offline — it's like taking a phone o…

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179. The hidden mental health impact of perimenopause with Erica Lugo. 48:17

2M ago48:17

48:17

At 35, Erica Lugo's world went dark — depression, OCD, and suicidal thoughts took over, and she kept being dismissed by doctors. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Erica shares how she connected the dots between her mental health and her hormones, and how HRT completely shifted her life. This episode is full of hope for anyone who's been dismiss…

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178. I was about to publish an episode… then my inner knowing said NOPE. 24:57

2M ago24:57

24:57

Hey friends — today's episode wasn't the one I had planned. I had a fertility and prenatal nutrition interview ready to go, but when I sat down to edit it, something felt off. It didn't align with where I'm at or what I want this podcast to be right now (disclosure: It was recorded a year ago). And since I've been working hard to actually trust my …

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Quick tip tuesday... A neuroscientist's go-to trick for calming anxiety. 6:40

2M ago6:40

6:40

If you've ever tried to think your way out of anxiety only to end up more stuck in worry and rumination, this tip is for you. In this quick tip tuesday, Dr. Russell Kennedy — doctor, neuroscientist, and one of the world's most respected voices on anxiety — shares his go-to strategy for getting out of your head and back into your body when anxious. …

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177. Rethinking anxiety: what it is (and what it isn't). 18:29

3M ago18:29

18:29

Hey friends, it's just you and me today! No guest, no script — just me, sitting on the floor with my mic, following a nudge I couldn't ignore. I'm diving into a topic I'm so fired up about... what anxiety really is (and what it isn't). There's a ton of noise out there about anxiety, but I want to cut through the confusion and share my perspective w…

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Quick tip tuesday... How to use visualization to reduce anxiety. 11:14

3M ago11:14

11:14

Hey friends. If you're tired of feeling anxious and want a quick, practical way to calm your nervous system, this tip is for you. Today, I'm breaking down how to use visualization to reduce anxiety and shift your nervous system out of a sympathetic state of "fight-or-flight." 📱This tip's too good to keep to yourself — text this episode to a friend …

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176. Break generational cycles and become the parent you needed with Bryana Kappadakunnel. 1:11:06

3M ago1:11:06

1:11:06

Hey, my friends! Parenting can feel like a mirror—reflecting not just our child's behavior, but our own wounds, patterns, and triggers. What if the biggest shifts didn't start with our kids, but with us? Today, I'm chatting with Bryana Kappadakunnel, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, mother, and author of Parent Yourself First. For over a dec…

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Quick tip tuesday... How to get off the blood sugar roller coaster that's making you anxious. 3:52

3M ago3:52

3:52

Hey friends. 👋 Today, we're talking about something you might not realize is fueling your anxiety... blood sugar. When your morning starts with cereal, bagels, or pastries, your blood sugar spikes and then crashes—sending your nervous system into fight-or-flight. That crash triggers stress hormones, which can leave you feeling anxious, irritable, o…

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175. Dr. Cathy Wield's fight to break free from the shackles of psychiatry. 1:06:52

3M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

Today's guest is the very reason I fight so hard for a better mental health narrative. Dr. Cathy Wield shares her extraordinary mental health journey — from years of hospitalizations, 100+ ECT treatments, and 33 medications, to the retraumatization she endured and the moments she felt the system failed her. She opens up about her suicidal thoughts,…

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174. The truth about psychiatric medications no one tells you with Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring. 59:04

3M ago59:04

59:04

Hey, friend. Today, I'm hanging out with Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, a psychiatrist and former pharmaceutical researcher who now dedicates his career to helping people safely taper off psychiatric medications. He's one of the few voices in medicine willing to speak out — and what he shares may just change the way you think about mental health treatmen…

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Quick tip tuesday... using stillness to calm your nervous system. 6:08

3M ago6:08

6:08

Hey friend. In a world that never slows down, stillness isn't just nice — it's necessary. Today I'm sharing why stillness is so important for calming your nervous system, easing anxiety, and reconnecting with your inner knowing. I also walk you through my three favorite ways to invite more stillness into your day. Loved this tip? Please share it wi…

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173. How to stop fighting anxiety and start using it to your advantage with Dr. David Rosmarin. 46:08

4M ago46:08

46:08

Hey friend. Are you an anxious soul who's hell-bent on making your anxiety disappear? If you're nodding your head yes, this episode is for you. Today, I'm joined by Dr. David Rosmarin — Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, program director at McLean Hospital, and founder of the Center for Anxiety. He's a clinical psychologist, scientist, …

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Quick tip tuesday... 3 ways to calm your nervous system (and reduce anxiety) fast. 7:53

4M ago7:53

7:53

Hey, friend. Welcome to the very first quick tip tuesday! 🥳 Today's tip is all about how to send signals of safety to your amygdala — so you can calm your nervous system, reduce your anxiety, and find a little more joy in life. If you find this helpful, please share it with a friend who's feeling a little anxious, a touch stressed out, or just crav…

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172. Why moms need to stop doing it all — and start focusing on what matters with Dr. Whitney Casares. 57:47

4M ago57:47

57:47

Hey friends. If you're a working mom feeling stretched too thin, drowning in demands, and simmering with that all-too-familiar mom rage… this episode is for you. Today, I'm joined by the brilliant Dr. Whitney Casares — a Stanford-trained pediatrician, speaker, mom of two, and founder of Modern Mommy Doc and the Modern Mamas Club app. She's also the…

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Solosode: My history with anxiety, panic attacks, and psych meds. 31:20

4M ago31:20

31:20

Hey friend. Today, I'm opening up about my history with anxiety, panic attacks, and my journey with psych meds. I'm sharing how anxiety first showed up in my life, what I think was really triggering my nervous system to stay stuck in survival mode, and the moment things got so dark, I started having thoughts of not wanting to live. This episode is …

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171. Dr. Claire Plumbly: Is your nervous system stuck in burnout? 56:54

4M ago56:54

56:54

Today, I'm hanging out with Dr. Claire Plumbly — Clinical Psychologist, EMDR Consultant, and author of The Trauma of Burnout. She's also the founder of Plum Psychology, a UK-based center specializing in trauma-informed care. In today's episode, we unpack... The difference between stress and burnout Why burnout isn't your fault The invisible load th…

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Laura Sharkey, PhD, KPA CTP, SDC: What puppies are capable of 34:46

4M ago34:46

34:46

This week I'm talking to Dr Laura Sharkey, dog trainer turned dog breeder, who runs the Bosun Dog Project. This project produces lovely mixed breed dogs who are bred to fit well into homes as companions. This episode was actually recorded in person with me and Laura in the same room. We started talking about what we would talk about and then I real…

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170. Why women must ditch silence, stigma and shame—and start sharing their stories with Dr. Jessica Zucker. 54:29

4M ago54:29

54:29

Today I'm joined by Dr. Jessica Zucker — clinical psychologist, author of "Normalize It" and "I Had a Miscarriage", and a powerful voice in the movement to help women speak openly about what's often left unsaid. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Vogue, and Harvard Business Review, among others. …

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Solosode: We're overcomplicating things (and a few other thoughts). 26:11

4M ago26:11

26:11

Hey friend. Today's chat comes straight from my heart to your ears. I'm opening up about why I think we're overcomplicating healing, the 6(ish) things I want you to focus on, why I really dislike when professionals act like they have it all together, and—yes—my strong craving for friendships too Can you do me a favor? I'd love your honest feedback.…

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169. The loving moments and bitter truths of motherhood with Dr. Margo Lowy. 49:15

5M ago49:15

49:15

If you ever think motherhood is hard, or maybe even hate parts of it, then this episode is a must for you. Today, Dr. Margo Lowy is hanging out with us to help me create a conversation about maternal ambivalence. Dr. Lowy is a mother to three, author of Maternal Ambivalence, and a psychotherapist who specializes in mothering. It's safe to say that …

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Solosode: Sometimes I get an urge to self-medicate. 12:49

5M ago12:49

12:49

Hey friends. Today, I'm getting real about the occasional urge that creeps up to self-medicate. If you found this solosode helpful and know someone who'd benefit from hearing it, please share it with them. Want to make sure you never miss a solosode? Be sure to follow the tara bixby podcast so all solosodes (and regular episodes) automatically down…

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168. An honest conversation about OCD, self-harming, psych meds, and more with Dr. Julia Britz. 53:29

5M ago53:29

53:29

Dr. Julia Britz is a licensed naturopathic doctor who specializes in helping people who are struggling with mental health issues such as OCD, eating disorders, and psychiatric medication tapering. She utilizes natural and integrative modalities including targeted amino acid therapy, peptide therapy, micronutrient therapy, bioresonance, botanical me…

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167. Danika Brysha: Postpartum(and beyond) is a lot—let's talk about it. 53:29

5M ago53:29

53:29

Hey, friends. Since having a baby, I'm all about normalizing the hard parts of motherhood, and today Danika Brysha is helping me do just that. Danika is America's leading Self-Care Expert and founder of Self-Care Society and Model Meals. She is a 3x Wellness Entrepreneur, former Plus Size Fashion Model for brands like Bare Minerals, Old Navy, and L…

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Micah Halpern, PhD: Canine Genetic Testing 1:01:55

5M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

This week I'm talking with Dr Micah Halpern, a geneticist who has worked with many species including zoo animal population health, and is currently the pricipal scientist and owner of GenSol Diagnostics. Micah and I got nerdy about genetic testing for canine health and other traits - what are some of the different technologies involved, and how do …

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166. Dr. Kim Gorgens: Is a brain injury at the root of your mental health struggles? 34:54

5M ago34:54

34:54

I'm excited for you to hear my chat with the brilliant Dr. Kim Gorgens. Dr. Gorgens is a board-certified rehabilitation psychologist and Professor of Psychophysiology, Clinical Neuropsychology, and Psychology of Criminal Behavior at the University of Denver. She manages a large portfolio of brain injury-related research and has lectured extensively…

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A big update about the Brains On Universe 2:57

6M ago2:57

2:57

We're moving the Brains On Universe Headquarters, and that means we have to stop putting out new episodes until we get settled. We know: not cool. But, our new home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit. In the meantime, we still have some live shows planned this fall. Brains On Live…

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165. Kenzie + Brandee: A vulnerable conversation about postpartum psychosis, suicide, and more. 1:01:42

6M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Today's conversation is a special one. The hosts of the Just Stay Podcast, Kenzie and Brandee, are here to share how mental health has impacted their lives. Kenzie's story resonated with me when she discussed her postpartum mental health experience, which included postpartum psychosis and a stay at a behavioral health center. Kenzie gets raw about …

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Solosode: Never give up hope... and other thoughts. 17:48

6M ago17:48

17:48

God gave me a mic, and I'm gonna use it. Today, I'm sharing a few thoughts on psych meds, why I want the mental health narrative to change, why I'm passionate, and why I never want you to give up on hope. If you love today's solosode, please share it with someone you know will love it too. Need a friend? Come hang out with me on Insta. I'll gladly …

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The life of a NASA astronaut 35:17

6M ago35:17

35:17

Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show: Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newsletter for parents | Find teacher resources Living in space would be super cool. You could flo…

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164. Julia Hotz: Social prescribing - a new way of prescribing. 45:47

6M ago45:47

45:47

Today, the fantastic Julia Hotz is hanging out with us to unpack all things social prescribing and why it's time to update the sort of prescriptions that are being given out. Julia is a solutions-focused journalist based in New York. Her stories have appeared in The New York Times, WIRED, Scientific American, The Boston Globe, Time, and more. She h…

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Introducing - Eastwood Reloaded 1:16

6M ago1:16

1:16

Clint Eastwood is more than a movie star—he’s a myth, a mayor, a meme, and maybe the last great American icon. In this cinematic biography told one film at a time, we break down the legend behind the lens. From spaghetti Westerns to Oscar-winning dramas, from Dirty Harry to political oddities like debating an empty chair, Eastwood Reloaded explores…

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Solosode: Why you NEED to start saying these two words... choose again. 4:15

6M ago4:15

4:15

Hey, friends. In today's solosode, I'm teaching you why I'm obsessed with these two words... choose again. I'm also sharing why you need to become obsessed with them, too. Love this solosode? Please share it with everyone you know. Want to make sure you never miss a future solosode? Be sure to hit subscribe so all future episodes automatically down…

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How do weather stations predict the weather? 28:29

6M ago28:29

28:29

Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show: Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newsletter for parents | Find teacher resources You can’t see into the future, but with weather re…