Squiz Kids

They live in every ocean, they've been around since before the dinosaurs, and they've got a reputation that makes lots of people shiver. This is your Squiz Kids Shortcut to Sharks—the podcast where we dive into the who, what, when, where, why, and how of big news stories.

We’ll take you through HOW a scared surfer became a shark scientist, WHAT makes sharks so weird and wonderful (including baby sharks that eat their siblings!), and WHY many shark species are now endangered—and what we can all do to help.

For the full episod...

This week on Squiz Kids Science Shorts: Ever eaten a chilli and felt your tongue on fire? Ouch! But why does it also sting at the other end — the dreaded “Ring of Fire”?

In this Squiz Kids Science Short we unpack the sneaky molecule capsaicin, the Scoville scale, why water won’t help, and why milk and ice cream save the day. Science never tasted so spicy!

⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠.⁠

Every Saturday, Squiz Kids Science Shorts answers the big, curly questions you’ve been wondering about — breaking down weird facts, everyday mysteries, and the l...

A fun kids vs adults news quiz to test who’s been paying the most attention to the week in news.

For the full episode transcript, click here.

Watch this week's Science Short on YouTube, where we answer the question: Why do Chillies Burn your Mouth... and your Bum??

Your daily kids news podcast.

Victoria makes treaty history; a slimy culprit caught in Germany; giant oysters on the move; and the fake astronaut scam.

Victoria just made history by introducing laws for a treaty with First Nations people — the first in Australia!

A late-night doorbell mystery turned slimy when police in Germany found the culprit: a slug!

From tree-eating beetles to ruler-sized oysters, Australia’s got two new invasive pests. One’s boring holes in trees, the other’s shelling out trouble in waterways.

A pretend...

Your daily kids news podcast.

Super corals in global reef rescue; Gippsland’s Gumboot Gift; new record for Barefoot Lego Dash; and Emil the celebrity moose.

A special type of coral in Palau is handling hot water like a champ. These “super corals” could help save places like Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Scientists are studying them now.

Emil the adventurous moose has trotted hundreds of kilometres across Europe, becoming a four-hoofed celeb! Fans are tracking him online, but after a train track surprise, Emil has disappeared again.

In a squ...

Each fortnight, we give the world globe a spin, and see where we land. Then we take the kids of Australia on an audio excursion to visit that country and its people.

Join your captain, Christie Kijurina, on the Squiz Kids Super Fast Supersonic Jetliner as we take off for Italy — a country shaped like a boot, where legends tell of twin brothers raised by a wolf, where pizza and pasta were born, and where gondolas still glide through winding canals. There’s so much to explore. So buckle up and get ready to discover Italy.

Your daily kids news podcast.

Record Aussie team heads to Tokyo; Croatia’s really long strudel; blood moon in the skies; and who wants a Halloumi McMuffin?

The World Athletics Championships are on in Tokyo, and Australia’s sending its biggest-ever team!

Croatia just cooked up the world's longest apple strudel—over 3km long! That’s a pastry parade of 8,900 slices using literal truckloads of flour and apples.

McDonald’s is feeding the world—with a twist! A new book shows how Maccas serves up local flavours, from spicy paneer...

This week on Squiz Kids Science Shorts: A girl climbs a crane while asleep. A boy boards a train in his pyjamas and travels 100 miles. Yep, it’s all true! But why do people sleepwalk? In this Squiz Kids Science Short, we unpack the science behind sleepwalking.

⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠.

Every Saturday, Squiz Kids Science Shorts answers the big, curly questions you’ve been wondering about — breaking down weird facts, everyday mysteries, and the latest science stories in a fun and kid-friendly way. Quick, curious, and packed with answers you didn’t even know you nee...

A fun kids vs adults news quiz to test who’s been paying the most attention to the week in news.

For the full episode transcript, click here.

Your daily kids news podcast.

Driverless cars on horizon; its AFL footy finals time; Squiz-E heads for the clouds; and Molly, our new world surf champ!

The future has arrived! Self-driving cars are hitting Aussie roads. You still need a human in the seat (for now), but one day, a robo-taxi might drop you at school!

Feeling awful didn’t stop Aussie surfer Molly Picklum from catching world champ glory! Battling the flu, she shredded the waves off Fiji and rode all the way to the top.

It's fo...

Your daily kids news podcast.

Bushfire Banksias bounce back; San Francisco’s Goose Busters; Medieval mayhem in armour; and an ocean rowing record.

Volunteers planted 800 baby Banksia plants on Mount Burrowa to help bring back bushfire-damaged forests.

Foster City is under attack… by geese! With up to 400 Canada geese causing chaos (and heaps of poo), the city is launching a high-tech goose-busting mission.

The medieval sport of Buhurt is taking off in Australia, with more women joining all-armour battles.

Three Scottish brothers rowed across the entire Paci...

This is your Squiz Kids Shortcut to Guinness World Records. The podcast where we dive into the who, what, when, where, why, and how of big news stories.

They’ve been used to settle pub arguments, they’ve sold more than 143 million copies, and they’ve crowned everything from the world’s tallest person to the fastest sock-putter-onner. This is your Squiz Kids Shortcut to Guinness World Records — the book that celebrates the biggest, fastest, weirdest and wackiest achievements on the planet. We’ll take you through how a beer company accidentally invented it, what kinds of records make...

Your daily kids news podcast.

Schools banning screen time; world record redhead-gathering; England’s stinky poo zoo; and the world’s most expensive wave.

Laptops or lined paper? Classrooms are caught in a battle between screens and scribbles!

Strawberry blondes from all over the world gathered in the Netherlands to celebrate their fiery locks.

Scientists in the UK are diving into rhino doo-doo to help save this endangered species. Turns out, their poop is packed with info.

In Abu Dhabi, a giant wave pool lets you surf...

This week on Squiz Kids Science Shorts: Are energy drinks really bad for you? We unpack what’s inside, why people drink them, and why doctors say kids shouldn’t.”

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Every Saturday, Squiz Kids Science Shorts answers the big, curly questions you’ve been wondering about — breaking down weird facts, everyday mysteries, and the latest science stories in a fun and kid-friendly way. Quick, curious, and packed with answers you didn’t even know you needed.

Do you have a science qu...

A fun kids vs adults news quiz to test who’s been paying the most attention to the week in news.

For the full episode transcript, click here.

Your daily kids news podcast.

Project Mars has lift off; Bog snorkelling in Wales; Squiz-E meets the K-Pop Demon Hunters; and Tay Tay is getting married.

SpaceX nailed its 10th test flight, launching a rocket, dropping off satellites, and landing safely back on Earth.

In the UK, people have been flopping through bogs and body-slamming in buckets of gravy.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially engaged! The singer and the football star shared their big news online with a sweet message.

Our trusty internet detective...

Your daily kids news podcast.

Checking in on our Green Goals; a very messy festival; a chirp-off champion crowned; and human hair toothpaste.

Australia's making strides on its climate goals, slashing emissions and plugging into renewable power—but experts say we’ve gotta pick up the pace.

A tomato-throwing festival in Spain - the world is full of gloriously goofy traditions!

Nearly 100 wannabe birds impersonators flapped onto the stage in Hong Kong, competing to sound like owlets and sparrows. The bird call contest helped raise awareness for protecting the...

Each fortnight, we give the world globe a spin, and see where we land. Then we take the kids of Australia on an audio excursion to visit that country and its people.

Join your captain, Christie Kijurina, on an audio adventure. Today, we’re flying high into the Himalayas to visit Bhutan — a tiny kingdom known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon. From its breathtaking mountains and unusual animals, to spicy food, no traffic lights, and a happiness index that’s more important than money, there’s so much to explore. So buckle up and get ready to...

Your daily kids news podcast.

Frozen trees and koala conservation; Vampire bats love to cuddle; Sydney’s big wet and astro-turfing; plus a big week for K-Pop Demon Hunters.

Scientists are freezing rare trees to protect them from deadly fungus (just like sci-fi heroes!), and koalas are bouncing back in NSW with a surprise baby boom.

You’d think false vampire bats were scary little beasties—but surprise! They’re actually super snuggly. Scientists caught them on video giving each other big bat hugs.

K-Pop Demon Hunters is everywhe...

A fun kids vs adults news quiz to test who’s been paying the most attention to the week in news.

For the full episode transcript, click here.

Your daily kids news podcast.

SA’s soy-sauce fish ban; India’s garbage cafes; the great London Zoo weigh-in; and a cruise-ship-chaos fake.

Those cute little fishy soy sauce bottles? They’re swimming away for good in South Australia! A new law is banning single-use plastics like them to help protect the environment

In India, you can pay for your lunch… with garbage! These amazing “garbage cafes” give tasty meals in exchange for plastic rubbish.

It’s weigh-in week at London Zoo! From penguins to pythons, every animal is stepping on...

Your daily kids news podcast.

The solar system gets a visitor; a 10-year-old makes chess history; skibidi goes mainstream; and solar cars race the outback.

An interstellar comet is zipping through our solar system like a space tourist with no time to stop! It’s super fast, super far, and maybe even alien (probably not, but wouldn’t that be cool?).

At just 10 years old, Bodhana Sivanandan checkmated a grandmaster! This chess superstar started playing at five and just made history.

The Cambridge Dictionary just got a glow-up with...

Squiz Kids Q&A with Aussie kids author extraordinaire, Andy Griffiths.

Andy Griffiths is back in the Q+A hot seat for the fourth time — this time to launch his brand new book, You and Me and the Peanut Butter Beast.

From what inspired him to become a writer, to how he handles stress, whether his imagination ever goes quiet, and even which Treehouse feature he’d sneak into his own home — Squiz Kids have the hard questions covered.

It’s fun, fast, and full of Andy’s trademark silliness.

Your daily kids news podcast.

Earthquake rattles Queensland; China’s robot Olympics; Wallabies stun the Springboks; and Black Pink break a record.

A 5.6-magnitude earthquake shook parts of Queensland, the biggest one on land in Australia in 50 years!

In China, robots raced, played soccer, and even kickboxed in a weekend of wacky robo-sports. There were plenty of spills and giggles, but it’s just the start of what these clever machines might do in the future.

The Wallabies pulled off a rugby miracle, smashing a 62-year losing streak to b...

A fun kids vs adults news quiz to test who’s been paying the most attention to the week in news.

For the full episode transcript, click here.

Why is the sky blue???  This week on Squiz Kids Science Shorts, Christie answers this question. Find it in the Shorts menu on the Squiz Kids YouTube channel.

A fun kids vs adults news quiz to test who’s been paying the most attention to the week in news.

For the full episode transcript, click here.

Why is the s...

Your daily kids news podcast.

80 years since a World War’s end; jellyfish jam a French power plant; the AFLW kicks off; and big kidfluencer concerns.

In 1945, Australia celebrated VP Day as Japan surrendered and World War Two finally ended.

Thousands of jellyfish swarmed a French nuclear power plant, clogging pipes and forcing a shutdown.

The AFL Women’s 10th season kicks off tonight with 18 teams, more games, and fierce finals ahead.

Some kids are famous online for showing off toys, sneakers, and trips—but experts worry...

Your daily kids news podcast.

Recognising Palestine: what it means; Santa’s cycling helpers; Meteorite buzzes Melbourne; and yee-haa it’s rodeo time.

Australia’s joined other countries in recognising Palestine as its own state, hoping one day kids in both Israel and Palestine can grow up as neighbours, sharing peace, not conflict.

Three super-fit postal “elves” are cycling nearly 3,000 km from Germany to Santa’s home in Finland to deliver letters by hand. That’s Christmas spirit with a side of leg cramps.

A meteorite blazed across Victoria, sparking a sky show and a...

People once believed the Earth was flat. That illnesses were caused by bad smells. And that bleeding a patient with leeches could cure almost anything. In this Shortcut, released for National Science Week, we dig into some of the biggest scientific ideas that turned out to be wrong. We’ll explore how science corrects itself through experiments, evidence, and peer review, and why admitting mistakes is what makes it so powerful. Plus, we uncover the myth that caused real-world harm before the facts set the record straight. So, pop on your safety goggles, it’s time to investigate!

Fo...

Your daily kids news podcast.

National Science Week kicks off; Belgium’s ferret rat-busters; 12-year-old surf champ; and the World’s Ugliest Dog.

A Japanese rocket is zooming through space, chasing a giant, cigar-shaped “dark comet” that may hold clues to how water first came to Earth.

Brussels is thinking of sending ferrets into drains to chase away an explosion of stinky brown rats. These furry pest-busters could be the city’s secret weapon.

Meet Kelia Mehani Gallina — the fearless 12-year-old who took on one of the world’s toughest sur...

A fun kids vs adults news quiz to test who’s been paying the most attention to the week in news.

For the full episode transcript, click here.

Are Aliens real??? This week on Squiz Kids Science Shorts, Christie answers this question. Exclusive to YouTube. Find it in the Shorts menu on the Squiz Kids YouTube channel.

Your daily kids news podcast.

A big battery powers up; French statues talk back; a bear trolls a troll; and a TikTok tall tale.

One of the world’s biggest batteries, yep, the size of eight footy fields,  just switched on in Australia! It stores solar power for when we need it most.

A giant grizzly bear charged at an ice hockey mascot dressed as a troll in Alaska. Luckily, the troll (and the humans) escaped soggy but safe!

At France’s famous Versailles Palace, statues are now talki...

Your daily kids news podcast.

Australians rally for big causes; marimba magic rocks South Africa; a teen pilot takes flight; and a Labubu boo-hoo.

From the sounds of didgeridoos in the Northern Territory to chants for peace on Sydney's Harbour Bridge, Aussies gathered to stand up for culture and peace.

What do you get when more than 1,200 students grab their mallets and play in harmony? A joyful, record-breaking marimba jam! South Africa’s young music-makers have officially bopped their way into the history books

Fifteen-year-old Byron Waller’s week...

Each fortnight, we give the world globe a spin, and see where we land. Then we take the kids of Australia on an audio excursion to visit that country and its people. Join your captain, Christie Kijurina, on an audio adventure.

Today, we’re flying across the Indian Ocean to Madagascar — the world’s fourth-largest island, famous for upside-down-looking trees, lots of lemurs, and a Hollywood movie that shares its name. So, buckle up and get ready to discover this wild and wonderful island!

For the full episode transcript, click here.

Links:
Map of...

Your daily kids news podcast.

Snowfall in the Sunshine State; Wallabies crush the Lions; Zootopia 2 makes a splash; and slip n’ slide on the hot dog highway.

The sunny state turned snowy as a cold snap hit. Snowball fights in Stanthorpe, sled races in Guyra, and soggy sheep in the paddocks.

In Pennsylvania, a truck full of hot dogs spilled its load. Sausages went everywhere! The road turned into a slip-n-slide of snack food.

The Wallabies braved rain and lightning to beat the British and Irish Lions 22–12! Even thou...

A fun kids vs adults news quiz to test who’s been paying the most attention to the week in news.

For the full episode transcript, click here.

What is a harmful algal bloom, and why is the one in South Australia so bad? This week on Squiz Kids Science Shorts, Christie answers this question. Exclusive to YouTube. Find it in the Shorts menu on the Squiz Kids YouTube channel.

Your daily kids news podcast.

YouTube ban for kids; Aussie rocket goes boom; AI tiger trade fake; and a giant claw grabs a record.

The Aussie government is hitting pause on YouTube for kids under 16 in Australia! It’s joining TikTok and the crew on the social media banned list. But don’t worry—YouTube Kids is still good to go. It's all about keeping the internet safer (and way less weird) for young viewers.

The Philippines just levelled up claw machines... big time! A giant grabber the size of a hous...

Your daily kids news podcast.

Oscar Piastri’s sprint to history; Gaza crisis rallies the world; First Nations first in Canberra; and it’s meteor shower time.

Oscar Piastri from Melbourne just zoomed into the record books by winning five Formula 1 races this season! That puts him in pole position to become the first Aussie in 45 years to win the whole championship.

In Gaza, families are struggling to get food because of a long and painful conflict. People around the world are racing to help, trying to bring food and peac...

This is your Squiz Kids Shortcut to The Tour de France—the podcast where we dive into the who, what, when, where, why, and how of big news stories.

They’ve been racing it for more than 120 years. It was started by a French newspaper to sell more copies. And riders pedal more than 3,000 kilometres across mountains, fields and cobblestones. In this Shortcut, we take you inside the world’s most famous bike race — from how the stages and teams work, to the meaning behind those colourful jerseys. We’ll uncover wild cheating scandals, high-tech gear, and the rise o...

Your daily kids news podcast.

Asteroid with its sights on the Moon; heartbreak for the Wallabies; Prague’s vulture puppets; Australia’s surfing grandad.

Scientists are tracking a space rock the size of a small building that could crash into the Moon in 2032. Don’t panic — Earth’s safe! But the Moon might want to duck.

Rain finally poured over South Australia, bringing smiles to farmers and soggy paddocks to thirsty livestock. With more showers on the way, this could be the drought-buster we’ve all been waiting for!

In Prague...

A fun kids vs adults news quiz to test who’s been paying the most attention to the week in news.

For the full episode transcript, click here.

Can a snake bite itself to death? This week on Squiz Kids Science Shorts, Christie answers thisssss question. Exclusive to YouTube. Find it in the Shorts menu on the Squiz Kids YouTube channel.