But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids is an exceptional educational podcast. The show's title may imply that it's only for kids, but it could appeal to adults, too. Its appeal cuts across all ages because of the variety of topics addressed. Topics range from why crickets chirp to existential questions relating to being mortal. Started in April 2016 by Vermont Public Radio, the series has a loyal worldwide following. The title comes from the question many children ask parents-"But why?"

Award-winning radio host and anthropologist Jane Lindholm presides over But Why. The Harvard University graduate has years of writing, hosting, and producing experience. She's worked for Washington DC's National Public Radio and the Marketplace radio show in Los Angeles. After moving to Vermont in 2007, she began hosting the daily radio program Vermont Edition. In 2015, her show won a Best Talk Radio Show award. Jane is also the producer of this podcast.

Guests on the show are an eclectic bunch who are experts in their various fields. Educators, biologists, linguists, and astrophysicists make up the guest list. They explain terms, ideas, and concepts in simple words and without condescension. The host starts each podcast episode with a short introduction to the topic. Next, she plays the audio containing questions from kids worldwide. The guest then responds to questions, offering insight and interesting facts.

It's a big, exciting world, and the kids' questions on the show reflect this. They ask questions like "Why do people grow old? What does the end of the world feel like? Who invented the president and why?" The questions vary and are well thought out. Topics explore many interesting animals, plants, and habitats. From river eels to slow sloths, these kids want to know everything, and the series explains it all. New episodes of But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids are available every other week.