The Fact Detectives
Kids & Family
About
The Fact Detectives are two curious kids on a mission to find out all the cool facts about EVERYTHING! Join Anika and Dexter as they take their BIG questions to some very smart grown-ups who know lots of interesting facts about lots of interesting stuff. In this brand new season, The Fact Detectives ask; What does a Triceratops and a Peacock have in common? Can you pat a shark? And what is an animal mummy? Executive Producer: Lorna Clarkson Producer: Cinnamon Nippard Sound Designer: Josh Newth, Cinnamon Nippard, Darcy Milne
Episodes
- Allergies
In this episode of The Fact Detectives, hosts Anika and Esther speak with immunologist Dr Catriona Nguyen-Robertson about the differences between allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities. They also discuss how Australian researchers are…
- Planets
In this episode of The Fact Detectives, hosts Anika and Esther talk with astronomer Dr. Tanya Hill about planets. They cover what planets are made of, the criteria for dwarf planets, and why Pluto is no longer classified as a planet.
- Bubbles
This episode explores the science behind the rainbow colours of bubbles, introduces the profession of bubbleology, and discusses animals that use bubbles. Mei Liu from Scienceworks joins hosts Anika and Esther to share facts about bubble m…
- Rocketships
This episode of The Fact Detectives explains how rocketships function, using an analogy of a basketball pass to illustrate space travel. Douglas Bair from Scienceworks joins hosts Anika and Esther to discuss the topic.
- Skeletons
In this episode of The Fact Detectives, paleontologist Dr Hazel Richards joins hosts Anika and Esther to discuss skeletons. They cover why children have more bones than adults, the purpose of skeletons, and what bones are made of. This epi…
- Crabs
Anika and Esther explore the diverse habitats of crabs, including deserts, rainforests, and deep oceans, with insights from Jo Taylor of Museums Victoria Research Institute. This episode is a collaboration between The Fact Detectives and M…
- The Kids Holiday Quiz 4
The Fact Detectives present The Kids Holiday Quiz 4, featuring Billy and podcasting friends. The episode challenges listeners to find answers within the quiz.
- The Kids Holiday Quiz 3
The Fact Detectives present The Kids Holiday Quiz 3, featuring Billy and other podcasting friends. Listeners are encouraged to find the answers within the episode.
- The Kids Holiday Quiz 2
The Fact Detectives present The Kids Holiday Quiz 2, a special episode featuring podcasting friends. Listeners are encouraged to find the answers to the quiz.
- The Kids Holiday Quiz 1
The Fact Detectives present The Kids Holiday Quiz 1, a collaborative episode with podcasting friends. Listeners are encouraged to search for related podcasts if they need to review the material.
- Halloween
This episode of The Fact Detectives delves into the origins of Halloween traditions such as dressing up, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating. Host Anika and Esther are joined by guest Michelle Smith, a Monash University researcher spec…
- Fan Facts: Rocco and Olive (Burps and Cocoons)
This episode of The Fact Detectives features hosts Billy and The Super Computer answering listener questions from Rocco and Olive about burping and how cocoons are made. Production and sound design by Josh Newth, executive producer Lorna C…
- Glow-worms
Anika and Esther discuss glow-worms with author Cathie Plowman, covering their differences from fireflies, the reasons and mechanisms behind their glow, and viewing locations. Glow-worms are highlighted as the Australian Cave Animal of the…
- Spin, Tape, Stream
Anika and Esther, with guest Simon Pampena, discuss how music was first recorded, the workings of a microphone, and the distinctions between analogue and digital music. This episode is a collaboration between The Fact Detectives, Kinderlin…
- Dragonflies
Anika and Esther explore dragonfly facts, including their speed and wing mechanics, with guest Dr Claire Keely from Melbourne Museum. This episode of The Fact Detectives is a Kinderling co-production.
- Stars
Dr. Tanya Hill, an astronomer at the Melbourne Planetarium, joins hosts Anika and Esther to explain how many stars exist, how they are counted, and the phenomenon of twinkling.
- Megalodon
Anika and Esther explore Megalodon facts with paleontologist Tim Ziegler, discussing their size, diet, and the time period they inhabited. This episode of The Fact Detectives is a Kinderling co-production with Melbourne Museum.
- Poo
In this episode of The Fact Detectives, hosts Anika and Esther explore the science behind farts and poo with guest Douglas Bair from Scienceworks. They discuss which animals fart, the reasons behind it, and the biological process of waste…
- Fan Facts: Zach (Dinosaur Extinction)
The Fact Detectives episode
- Crocodiles
In this episode of The Fact Detectives, hosts Anika and Esther, with guest Dr Matthew Brien, explore crocodile facts. They discuss the differences between alligators and crocodiles, whether crocodiles are 'living dinosaurs,' and the truth…
- La Niña and El Niño
Anika and Esther discuss La Niña and El Niño with meteorologist Jonathan How. They explore the phenomena's occurrence and impacts, including flooding and drought.
- Space Junk
This episode of The Fact Detectives discusses space junk, covering its origins, amount, associated problems, and potential solutions. The discussion features Steven Freeland from the International Institute of Space Law.
- Flies
This episode of The Fact Detectives explores the world of flies with Dr. Bry the Fly Guy. The discussion covers why flies can be annoying, their attraction to feces, and their surprising importance in processes like chocolate production.
- Fungi
Anika and Dexter explore the world of fungi with Brett Summerell, Chief Scientist at the Sydney Botanic Gardens. They discuss the differences between mushrooms and toadstools, the functions of fungi, and their edibility.
- Ladybeetles
In this episode of The Fact Detectives, Anika and Dexter explore the world of ladybeetles with Dr Ken Walker. They investigate why ladybeetles are brightly colored, why farmers consider them lucky, and the different names they are known by.
- Fan Facts: The Narrator Man Visits Fact Detectives HQ
The Narrator Man visits Billy and The Super Computer at Fact Detectives HQ to assist with narration, following a previous visit where Billy and the Super Computer helped him with episode ideas.
- Cars
In this episode of The Fact Detectives, host Anika and Dexter, joined by guest Matilda Vaughan, delve into the history and mechanics of cars. They discuss engine and electric car technology, the influence of automobiles on urban developmen…
- Fan Facts: Mirrin and Grace (Stink Bugs and Komodo Dragons)
This episode of The Fact Detectives features fan questions from Mirrin and Grace, covering topics such as how stink bugs produce their odor and interesting facts about Komodo dragons.
- Fan Facts: Sienna, Mahlia and Theo (Planets and Clouds)
The Fact Detectives answer fan questions from Mahlia, Sienna, and Theo about how the Earth was created and where clouds come from. This episode is hosted by Billy and The Super Computer.
- Ichthyosaurs
This episode of The Fact Detectives features paleontologist and geologist Tim Ziegler discussing Ichthyosaurs, including the discovery of the first fossil. The podcast is a collaboration with Melbourne Museum.
- Back to School Pop Quiz
The Fact Detectives are back with a pop quiz to prepare listeners for going back to school. The quiz tests attention paid to previous episodes, challenging listeners to answer more questions correctly than the host, Billy.
- Fan Facts: Nessa and Tess (Christmas Special 2)
In this Christmas special, The Fact Detectives answer fan questions from Nessa and Tess about how Santa's reindeer fly and the origins of decorating Christmas trees.
- Fan Facts: Juliette and Annabel (Christmas Special 1)
The Fact Detectives Christmas Special features fan questions from Juliette and Annabel, covering topics such as the tallest Christmas tree and the necessity of sleep. The episode is hosted by Billy and The Super Computer.
- Light
In this episode, Anika and Esther delve into the nature of light, exploring its sources, the mechanics of glow sticks, and the phenomenon of sunset colors. They are joined by Mei Liu from Scienceworks for this Kinderling co-production.
- Fan Facts: Arco and Etta (Black Holes and Humans)
In this episode of The Fact Detectives, hosts Billy and The Super Computer answer fan questions from Arco and Etta regarding black holes and human origins. Listeners are encouraged to submit their own questions.
- Fan Facts: Audrey and William (Wrinkles and Crabs)
The Fact Detectives answer listener questions about why skin wrinkles after swimming and why crabs have pincers.
- Gondwana
Anika and Esther discuss the supercontinent Gondwana, its formation, and its breakup with palaeontologist and geologist Rolf Schmidt from Melbourne Museum. This episode of The Fact Detectives is a Kinderling co-production.
- Fan Facts: Mali, Eila and Luca (Algae and Mountains)
The Fact Detectives answer listener questions about algae and mountain formation in this episode hosted by Billy and The Super Computer.
- Fan Facts: Eden and Eva Lena (Asbestos and Wolves)
This episode of The Fact Detectives features fan questions from Eden and Eva Lena. It covers what asbestos is and its potential harm when inhaled, alongside quick facts about wolves.
- Fan Facts: Athena and Annabel (Horses and Tasmanian Tigers)
In this episode of The Fact Detectives, hosts Billy and The Super Computer address listener questions about horses versus ponies and the potential revival of the Tasmanian Tiger.
- Fan Facts: Milly and Olly (Water and The Moon)
The Fact Detectives' first Fan Facts episode addresses questions from listeners Milly and Olly, exploring the origins of water and the Earth-to-Moon distance. Send your own questions to factdetectives@kinderling.com.au.
- Elephants
This episode of The Fact Detectives features Professor Clare McArthur from the University of Sydney discussing elephants. Anika and Dexter investigate common questions about elephant size, memory, and their distinctive trunks.
- Crystals
Anika and Dexter explore the world of crystals with geologist Dermot Henry, learning about their formation, shapes, and the differences between crystals, minerals, and rocks. This episode is a co-production with Melbourne Museum.
- Exercise
This episode of The Fact Detectives investigates the relationship between exercise, intelligence, and happiness. Catriona Nguyen-Robertson from Scienceworks discusses the physiological effects of exercise and the etymology of the word 'mus…
- Welcome to Country
This episode of The Fact Detectives explains the concept of Welcome to Country, the importance of 'Country,' and differentiates it from an Acknowledgement of Country. Hosts Anika and Dexter are joined by First Peoples Programs Officer Di-D…
- Moons
This episode of The Fact Detectives explores the topic of moons, answering questions about what they are, why they shine, and their presence on other planets. Hosts Anika and Dexter are joined by astronomer Sara Webb for this Kinderling co…
- Tasmanian Devils
This episode explores the characteristics of Tasmanian Devils, including their sounds and unique abilities, with insights from Danielle Kennedy of Devils@Cradle sanctuary. Hosts Anika and Dexter discuss how these animals got their name.
- Electricity
Anika and Dexter investigate the nature of electricity, the workings of lightbulbs, and static shocks with Tom Lang from Scienceworks. This episode of The Fact Detectives is a Kinderling co-production.
- Venom and Poison
This episode of The Fact Detectives explores the distinction between venom and poison, their evolutionary roles, potential human applications, and the high concentration of venomous species in Australia. Hosts Anika and Dexter interview Dr…
- Deep Sea Creatures
Anika and Dexter discuss deep sea creatures with marine biologist Melanie MacKenzie, exploring the ocean's depths and the life within.