Short & Curly
Kids & Family
About
Short & Curly is the fun and educational ABC Kids and Family podcast that makes philosophy and ethics easy, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Hosted by Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith, the show explores big questions for kids about right and wrong, fairness, truth, knowledge, logic, beauty, and art. Perfect for kids aged 8–12, Short & Curly is loved by families, parents, and teachers worldwide. One of the best kids shows for curious minds, it inspires learning, laughter, and big ideas that help children learn how to think, not what to think. Created by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), trusted makers of aw...
Episodes
- A fairy tale by the campfire – is it okay to scare kids into being good?
In this episode of Short & Curly, the hosts discuss why classical fairy tales often contain dark and scary themes. They explore the historical use of frightening stories to teach lessons and provide a warning regarding the episode's conten…
- The Emperor’s New Clothes - the nudie musical edition
In this musical retelling of The Emperor’s New Clothes, Molly and Carl explore themes of truth and fashion in a kingdom where people pretend to see invisible clothing. The episode follows an emperor and a tailor, culminating in a child rev…
- Little Red Riding Hood - Why are wolves always the baddies?
Molly, Carl, and Eleanor investigate why wolves are portrayed as villains in European fairy tales and discuss the ethics of stereotyping. Their research trip to Germany takes a spooky turn when they get lost in the forest.
- Rumpelstiltskin – is it OK to break a promise?
Molly Daniels explores the ethics of promises made under pressure using the tale of Rumpelstiltskin. The episode examines whether individuals are obligated to keep promises made in difficult situations.
- The Ugly Duckling – when is excluding someone mean, and when is it OK?
This episode of Short & Curly explores the ethics of social exclusion, using the story of The Ugly Duckling to discuss when it is fair to leave someone out and the challenges of forming inclusive friendship groups.
- What were Molly and Carl like at 10-years-old?
Molly and Carl celebrate the 10th anniversary of the podcast and thank the audience for their questions and feedback. The episode also announces that a new season is coming soon.
- BITES – Being scared of spiders
This episode explores why people experience fears of various things, including spiders, clowns, paper, and pancakes, and discusses whether it is okay to have these fears.
- BITES – Driverless cars
This episode of Short & Curly explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding driverless cars, specifically questioning who is responsible if an accident occurs. It considers the roles of passengers, manufacturers, and the vehicles themselves.
- BITES – Grown-ups making the rules
This episode of Short & Curly explores why grown-ups are generally the ones in charge at home, at school, and in government. It raises questions about the fairness of having adults make the rules for everyone else.
- BITES – Cats VS Dogs
The Short & Curly team explores the classic question of which animal is better: cats or dogs. They examine whether this debate qualifies as a philosophical question.
- BITES – Judging people because of who they're friends with
This episode of Short & Curly explores whether it is right to judge someone based on the people they choose to be friends with, using the example of Molly inviting the Joker to a party. The discussion is prompted by a listener's question.
- Should you have to pass a test to have kids?
In this episode, the hosts explore the ethics of whether people should be required to pass a test before becoming biological parents. They discuss this question with students from Gibbs Street Public School as part of their ongoing examina…
- Is it wrong to think bad thoughts about people?
In this episode of Short & Curly, hosts and students from Gibbs Street Public School explore whether private, negative thoughts about others impact a person's character, or if only outward actions matter.
- Graffiti or Gallery? When does graffiti become street art?
This episode of Short & Curly explores the ethical distinction between graffiti and street art, examining who gets to define what qualifies as a work of art. Hosts Molly Daniels and Carl Smith discuss the topic with philosopher Eleanor Gor…
- Risky Rescues: Should you save someone who ignored warnings?
This episode of Short & Curly explores the ethics of whether people should be rescued if they get into trouble after ignoring safety warnings at the beach. The hosts and the Brains Trust from Gibbs Street Public School discuss the responsi…
- Bad dog or bad owner? Who’s really to blame?
This episode of Short & Curly explores the ethical question of whether a dog's poor behavior is the result of their upbringing or the animal itself. The hosts and the Brains Trust from Gibbs Street Public School discuss who is responsible…
- Can you lie even when you don’t say anything?
Molly and Carl explore whether silence or omitting information constitutes a lie while babysitting. Students from Summer Hill Public School contribute to the discussion on the ethics of deception and half-truths.
- Shape shifters — When is something no longer itself?
Molly and Carl explore the philosophical Ship of Theseus paradox while sailing around the globe. They discuss how many repairs a boat can undergo before it is considered a different object.
- Do we need a rule book to be a good person?
Molly and Carl embark on a fictional quest to Greece to locate the mythical Scroll of Rights and Wrongs. They explore the concept of morality and whether a definitive rule book for being a good person exists, aided by students from South W…
- Three siblings, one musical instrument, who should get it?
Queen Ethiconia faces a dilemma when three siblings fight over who should keep a wooden recorder. Listeners are invited to decide who has the best claim to the instrument.
- Matt's big news: How to give up something you love
In this episode of Short & Curly, Matt discusses the challenges of balancing too many responsibilities and explores whether it is acceptable to step back from tasks when feeling overwhelmed. The episode also features perspectives from stud…
- BONUS – Goodbye Matt, thanks for the memories
This bonus episode of Short & Curly serves as a farewell to ethicist Matt Beard, featuring a collection of his classic moments from past episodes.
- BITES – Dog poo in the bin
This episode explores whether it is acceptable to place a bag of dog waste into someone else's bin while walking your dog. It addresses a listener-submitted dilemma regarding proper disposal etiquette.
- BITES – Paying people to be kind
This episode explores the question of whether people should be paid for acts of kindness. It examines if monetary incentives would encourage more kindness and positively impact the world.
- BITES – Friends inviting themselves over
This episode considers the balance between spending time with friends and needing privacy. The hosts discuss whether it is always necessary to say yes when someone requests to visit your home.
- BITES — What to do with unwanted gifts
This episode of Short & Curly explores the dilemma of what to do with unwanted gifts. The show discusses the ethics of regifting or disposing of presents that will not be used.
- BITES – Should teachers bribe students?
This episode explores the question of whether it is appropriate for teachers to bribe students with lollies to encourage good behavior in the classroom. The discussion is prompted by a listener named Milly.
- Is it wrong to love reality TV?
The students from Linden Park Primary School discuss the ethics of reality television, exploring questions about its authenticity, fairness, and whether it is right to watch these programs.
- How do you know if you're dreaming or awake?
This episode of Short & Curly explores the philosophical question of how to distinguish between being awake and dreaming. Students from Linden Park Primary School join the discussion to examine whether one can ever be truly certain of real…
- Why do some jobs earn more money than others?
Molly and Carl explore the reasons why different jobs have different pay rates. They consider factors such as training requirements, job danger, and the positive impact a profession may have on society.
- What would it be like to talk to a whale?
Molly and Carl explore the possibilities and challenges of communicating with whales using new technology. The episode features insights from students at Linden Park Primary School in Adelaide.
- Is animal testing worth the cost?
This episode of Short & Curly explores the ethical dilemma of using animals for scientific research, considering both the benefits to human medicine and the welfare of the animals involved. The Brains Trust from Linden Park Primary School…
- BITE – Parents' Beliefs
This episode explores whether children should adopt the beliefs of their parents or if it is appropriate to question them. The discussion is prompted by a listener question about respecting parental views while maintaining independent thou…
- BITE – Proud vs Showing Off
This episode of Short & Curly explores the differences between feeling pride and showing off, examining when it is appropriate to share one's achievements.
- BITE – TV All Day
This episode explores whether it is acceptable to watch television all day while snacking. Amelia and Evie contribute to the discussion by posing the initial question.
- BITE – False Advertising
This episode of Short & Curly explores the ethics of advertising, questioning whether it is acceptable for companies to exaggerate or omit information about their products. The discussion is prompted by a listener's question about truth in…
- BITE – School Money
This episode of Short & Curly explores the ethical question of whether it is fair for some schools to have more funding and resources than others. The discussion considers the impact of educational inequality on students.
- Should you listen to good music made by a bad person?
This episode explores the question of whether it is right to listen to music created by an artist who has behaved badly. Molly and Carl discuss the dilemma, with members of the Brains Trust from Westmead Public School providing their persp…
- Should you leave all your money to a cat?
The team explores the ethics of estate planning and inheritance. They specifically discuss whether a person should have the right to leave their fortune to pet cats for unlikely projects, such as teaching them to read.
- What if you can’t invite all your friends to your birthday party?
This episode of Short & Curly explores the dilemma of not being able to invite all close friends to a birthday party. A panel of students from Westmead Public School discusses how to handle party invitations and what to say to those not in…
- Who should get the magical gemstone? A tale of elves, fairies and justice
This episode of Short & Curly explores the ethical dilemma of who should possess a magical gemstone claimed by both elves and fairies. Students from Westmead Public School discuss the historical origins of the stone and what constitutes a…
- Is it okay to jump the queue at a waterslide park?
This episode explores the fairness of using express passes to bypass queues at water slide parks. Students from Westmead Public School join the discussion to consider the implications of paying for priority access.
- Should grown-ups lie to you?
This episode of Short & Curly explores the morality of parents telling their children stories, like the Needle Ninja, to make them feel better during difficult situations. It examines whether it is acceptable for grown-ups to lie to kids.
- Do you want to become a vampire?
In this episode of Short & Curly, Molly and Carl explore the pros and cons of immortality and the appeal of becoming a vampire. They discuss the challenges of making decisions about experiences that are entirely outside of human reality.
- Why is your room so messy?
The host visits Harriet, a child who struggles with keeping her room tidy, to discuss the reasons behind messy bedrooms and whether it is a personal fault. They explore why some children find it easier to keep their spaces organized than o…
- Do you have to forgive someone who says sorry?
This episode discusses whether one is obligated to forgive someone who apologizes after doing or saying something wrong, even if that forgiveness is not genuinely felt. The discussion features insights from students at Lyneham Primary Scho…
- Is a child's life more valuable than an adult's?
This episode of Short & Curly explores the ethical question of whether a child's life is more valuable than an adult's. Inspired by the sinking of the Titanic, guests discuss whether prioritizing women and children for lifeboats is fair.
- Matt's pick: Is Santa Claus a bad person?
This episode of Short & Curly examines the ethical implications of Santa Claus watching children's behavior day and night to determine rewards or punishments.
- Carl's pick: Oedipus – The Musical
Molly, Carl, and Matt explore the ancient story of Oedipus and discuss whether his actions were a result of personal choices or fate. The episode features a musical take on this classic tragedy.
- Molly's pick: Is it ever okay to be a cannibal?
Molly, Carl, and Matt discuss the ethical dilemma of cannibalism in a hypothetical survival scenario where they are lost at sea without food.