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How do lightbulbs work?

6/23/202630 min

We use lightbulbs everyday, but how often do we stop to think about how they work? These genius little inventions are packed with cool science. Molly and co-host Maya will explain how they work step by step. Plus we’ll hear your suggestions for what to shout when you have a bright idea. Oh, and a new Mystery Sound to light up your life. Enjoy!

Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠head to our events page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Fall 2026 show announcement coming soon!

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First 90 seconds
  1. Molly Bloom· Host0:00

    [upbeat music] Lemonada.

  2. Maya· Guest0:02

    [upbeat music] Brains On Universe. You're listening to Brains On, where we're serious about being curious.

  3. Molly Bloom· Host0:14

    [upbeat music] Some things are simple and complex at the same time.

  4. Maya· Guest0:19

    Like getting dressed in the morning.

  5. Molly Bloom· Host0:21

    Yeah. You just need to put on clothes. Simple.

  6. Maya· Guest0:24

    But wait, do I want to look bright and peppy or cool and dark? Is it shorts weather or jeans weather? What will my friends be wearing? Do these socks go good with these shoes? Is my favorite hoodie clean enough to re-wear?

  7. Molly Bloom· Host0:36

    Yikes. See? Complicated.

  8. Maya· Guest0:38

    Another example is the light bulb.

  9. Molly Bloom· Host0:41

    You flick a switch and bada bing, you got light. Simple.

  10. Maya· Guest0:45

    But what's going on inside the bulb to make the light? Turns out that part is complicated.

  11. Molly Bloom· Host0:50

    Don't worry, we're gonna explain it right after this. [upbeat music] We've gotten a lot of feedback on our new show, Brains On Universe presents Puberty: The Podcast. People have written us things like, "As a parent of a seven-year-old, thank you." And, "I find all of this super uncomfortable to talk about, so a podcast through my headphones only I can hear is helpful." The full series is in its own feed. We are so glad it's helpful. That was the goal, and something we couldn't have done without our Smarty Pass pals. When you join Smarty Pass, and you should, you help us serve families with things like the Puberty podcast,

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