TL;DR
If you’re tired of the mindless drone of Skibidi Toilet or the constant "Ohio" jokes echoing from the backseat, Short & Curly is your new best friend. It’s an Australian ethics podcast for kids that manages to be hilarious, slightly chaotic, and deeply intellectual all at once. It’s perfect for the 8-to-12-year-old crowd who are starting to realize the world isn't just black and white.
Quick Links:
- Listen to the latest episodes: Short & Curly
- Compare with other science/logic pods: Wow in the World or Brains On!
- Explore more: Best podcasts for elementary kids
Produced by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation—the same folks who gave us the gift of Bluey), Short & Curly is a fast-paced, interactive podcast that tackles "curly" ethical questions.
We aren't talking about dry, academic philosophy here. We’re talking about questions like: Is it ever okay to lie to your parents? Should we stop eating animals? Is it fair to have a best friend?
The show is hosted by Molly Daniels and Carl Smith, who bring a high-energy, comedic vibe that keeps kids engaged. They are joined by a resident "ethicist," Dr. Matt Beard, who helps navigate the logic without ever sounding like he’s lecturing. It’s essentially The Good Place but designed specifically for the middle-grade brain.
If you’ve spent any time around a 10-year-old lately, you know they are obsessed with "fairness." This is the age where their moral compass is calibrating. They’re moving away from "I do what I'm told because I'll get in trouble" toward "I'm doing this because it's the right thing to do (maybe)."
Short & Curly works because it treats kids like the intelligent, curious humans they are. It doesn't give them easy answers. In fact, it often leaves the final decision up to the listener.
The secret sauce is the "Brain Pause." Periodically, the hosts will tell you to pause the podcast to discuss a specific dilemma. This turns a passive listening experience into an active family debate. It’s the perfect antidote to the "zombie stare" we see when kids are deep into a Roblox session or scrolling through YouTube.
The podcast covers a massive range of topics. Depending on what your kid is currently obsessed with, you might want to cherry-pick a few "starter" episodes.
As we move into a world where ChatGPT and AI-generated content are everywhere, the ethical implications are huge. Short & Curly has episodes that ask:
- Is it okay to be mean to a robot? (Great for kids who treat Alexa like a servant).
- Should we let computers make our decisions?
- Is it cheating if a robot helps with your homework?
Middle school is a minefield of social politics. The podcast handles these with a lot of nuance:
- Is it fair to have a "best" friend? This one is a total conversation starter about inclusion and exclusion.
- When is it okay to "tattle" or tell a secret?
- Do you have to be nice to people you don't like?
For the kids who loved The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, these episodes hit home:
- Should we have pets?
- Is it okay to eat animals?
- Who should pay for the damage we do to the planet?
The sweet spot for this show is Ages 8-12.
- Under 7: They might enjoy the silly sound effects and the hosts' energy, but the nuance of ethical dilemmas (like "utilitarianism vs. deontology"—though they don't use those big words) will likely go over their heads.
- 13 and Up: Some young teens might find the "kid-friendly" energy a bit much, but the actual questions remain relevant. If you have a teen, you might transition them to something like [Philosophy Bites] or even just include them in the family discussion during the "Brain Pause."
At Screenwise, we talk a lot about "intentionality." Most of our kids' digital lives are designed to be frictionless. Algorithms on TikTok or Instagram serve them exactly what they want to see, reinforcing their existing bubbles.
Short & Curly does the opposite. It introduces friction. It asks kids to stop, think, and consider a perspective they haven't thought of before. It builds "empathy muscles" and critical thinking skills that are essential for navigating the internet safely.
When a kid learns to ask, "Is this fair?" or "What are the consequences of this action?" they are much better equipped to handle a toxic Discord server or a cyberbullying situation on Snapchat.
One thing to be prepared for: The Australian Accents. They are delightful, but if your kid isn't used to them, there might be a five-minute adjustment period. Also, because it's an Australian show, they might occasionally reference sports or cultural items (like "tiffin" or "primary school" levels) that differ from the US, but it’s never a barrier to understanding the ethics.
Also, be ready to be challenged. The podcast encourages kids to question authority—including yours! If you listen to the episode about "Is it ever okay to lie?", don't be surprised if your 10-year-old brings up that time you told them the park was "closed" because you were too tired to go.
The best way to use Short & Curly is in the car. It turns the "Are we there yet?" energy into a "Wait, don't turn it off, I have a point!" energy.
Try these follow-up questions after an episode:
- "Did you agree with Dr. Matt Beard's take on that?"
- "What would you do if that happened at your school?"
- "Do you think the 'fair' choice is always the 'right' choice?"
Learn more about how to have deep conversations with your kids
Short & Curly is a rare gem in the world of kids' media. It’s high-quality, high-intellect, and high-fun. It’s one of the few things your kids will listen to that actually makes them more pleasant to be around, simply because it opens their eyes to the complexities of the world.
It’s not "brain rot." It’s "brain grow."
Next Steps:
- Subscribe: Find it on [Apple Podcasts], [Spotify], or the [ABC Listen app].
- Pick an Episode: Start with "Is it ever okay to lie?"—it's a universal classic.
- Listen Together: Resist the urge to just hand over the headphones. This one is better as a shared experience.
Check out our full list of recommended podcasts for families