Worth a Listen: 10 Podcast Episodes That Explain the Science of Fall
By Joshua Smith
Most weeks, this column focuses on podcasts in general: shows you can follow, sample, and add to your regular listening routine. This week, we are trying something a little different. Instead of recommending whole shows, we are looking at specific episodes. Sometimes one good episode is all it takes to discover a new favorite podcast.
September is one of those months when the outside world starts changing right in front of us. The days get shorter, the mornings feel cooler, apples show up by the bag, birds begin moving, mushrooms appear in the woods, and before long, the hillsides will be lit up in red, orange, and gold. Here are 10 podcast episodes that help explain the science of fall.
1. “Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?” — But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
A great local pick from Vermont Public. This episode explains fall foliage in a way kids can understand and adults can enjoy too.
2. “Fall foliage is still a mystery: Why do some leaves turn red?” — Short Wave
NPR’s science podcast digs into one of autumn’s prettiest questions: why some leaves go red instead of yellow or orange.
3. “Why do leaves change color in the fall?” — Chemistry For Your Life
This episode looks at the chemistry behind leaf color, including pigments, chlorophyll, and what happens when trees prepare for winter.
4. “What’s the science behind spectacular fall foliage?” — Outside/In
A good regional fit from a New Hampshire-connected show, this episode explores why places like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are known for such strong fall color.
5. “Why do seasons change?” — But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
This episode explains solstices, equinoxes, Earth’s tilt, and why the seasons happen in the first place.
6. “Why do we have Daylight Saving Time?” — Brains On!
A family-friendly science episode that also talks about why days get shorter in winter and longer in summer.
7. “Birding the Fall Migration” — Science Friday
Fall is a major time for bird migration. This episode is a nice pick for anyone who notices geese overhead or birds gathering before heading south.
8. “The Fall Bird Migration” — SciStarter Podcast
Another good birding pick, especially for families interested in citizen science and watching migration as it happens.
9. “The Science of Fungi” — Tumble Science Podcast for Kids
Fall is mushroom season in the woods, fields, and backyards. This kid-friendly episode explores the strange and important world of fungi.
10. “How the Woolly Bear Caterpillar Does Something Pretty Amazing to Survive the Winter” — Scientific American
A fun seasonal choice for anyone who grew up hearing woolly bear folklore. The science of how these little caterpillars survive winter is even more interesting than the old weather predictions.
Fall is not just a pretty season. It is full of science: light, temperature, chemistry, migration, plant life, animal behavior, and the slow turning of the year. These episodes are a good reminder that the changes happening outside our windows are worth noticing.
New to podcasts? It is easy to start. Open the podcast app on your phone, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon Music, or another podcast app you already use. Type the episode or podcast name into the search bar, tap the show, and press play. You can also tap “follow” or “subscribe” so new episodes show up automatically.
Don’t forget: For a local listen with a strong outdoor connection, The St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Outdoor Edge, hosted by Gary Moore, is available wherever you get podcasts and on the WYKR app. The show covers hunting, fishing, conservation, rural life, local outdoor history, and the stories tucked into the hills, trails, fields, and back roads of northern New England.