Short & Curly

Episoade

• A fairy tale by the campfire – is it okay to scare kids into being good? 01.04.2026 22min

  At Camp Short & Curly, the marshmallows are toasty, the swings are wild, and Molly’s Amazing Cool Book Club is about to begin — but her stories? YIKES! From creepy sea witches to thumb-chopping tailors, why were some old fairy tales so weird and scary?   A quick warning: this episode includes some old fairytales which are pretty gross, dark and scary sometimes – they even mention violence and death. If you’re not in the mood for that, it might be a good idea to listen to a different episode instead.  
• The Emperor’s New Clothes - the nudie musical edition 01.04.2026 24min

  In this epic musical retelling of The Emperor’s New Clothes, Molly and Carl take you deep into a kingdom where following fashion rules and telling the truth is harder than it looks. There’s a sneaky tailor, an emperor who’s obsessed with her wardrobe, and a whole crowd pretending to see invisible clothes — until one brave kid says what everyone’s thinking.  
• Little Red Riding Hood - Why are wolves always the baddies? 01.04.2026 20min

  Why are wolves always the villains in old European fairy tales? And is it OK to stereotype animals, or people for that matter? To investigate, Molly, Carl and Eleanor head off on a fairytale research trip to the snowy forests of Germany. But their adventure takes a spooky turn when they get lost on the way back to their hotel in the woods, with just one little torch to guide them...
• Rumpelstiltskin – is it OK to break a promise? 01.04.2026 23min

  Short & Curly's world-famous investigative journalist Molly Daniels uncovers a juicy fairytale scandal full of royal drama, magical gold, and a very peculiar little man named... Rumpelstiltskin. But things get serious too— what if a promise you make is made under pressure? Do you still have to keep it? 
• The Ugly Duckling – when is excluding someone mean, and when is it OK? 01.04.2026 22min

  A group of ducklings decide one of their own just doesn’t fit in. He can’t keep up with their games, and — let’s be honest — kind of ruins the vibe. But is it fair to leave someone out just because they don’t have rizz? And is it even possible to create a close-knit group of friends without turning someone else into an outsider? 
• What were Molly and Carl like at 10-years-old? 25.03.2026 5min

  Molly and Carl are celebrating a special anniversary... and you are, too! Happy 10th birthday Curly Crew, thanks for all your curly questions and phenomenal feedback.  (And get excited for a new season, dropping soon!)
• BITES – Being scared of spiders 19.12.2025 3min

  Molly’s just an itsy bitsy cutesy spider, but Carl is freaking out! Lots of people are scared of spiders. In fact, people can be scared of a whole range of things you might find surprising, like a fear of clowns or paper or pancakes. But is that OK?
• BITES – Driverless cars 18.12.2025 3min

  Cars that drive themselves are no longer just something you’d see in a sci-fi movie… they’re on roads and highways right around the world. But what should happen if something goes wrong? Whose fault would it be – the passenger? The manufacturer? The... car itself?!
• BITES – Grown-ups making the rules 17.12.2025 3min

  Who’s in charge at school? Why, that would be the teachers. And who is in charge at home? Your parents or carers. Who is in charge of running the country? Politicians, that’s who. And what do they all have in common?! They’re all grown-ups! How is that fair?!
• BITES – Cats VS Dogs 16.12.2025 3min

  As long as kitties have been meowing, and puppies have been prowling, people have asked - which is better, Cats or Dogs? Finally, the Short & Curly crew tackle this colossal question... but is it even a philosophical question?
• BITES – Judging people because of who they're friends with 15.12.2025 3min

  Molly is having a party so she’s invited over the usual gang – Carl, Eleanor, Tony Ravioli and… the Joker! Batman’s nemesis!! And he’s not a great guy, what with all the crimes he’s committed in Gotham City. Is Molly making the right call here? Should you judge people because of who they’re friends with? Thanks to Violet for this quirky conundrum. 
• Should you have to pass a test to have kids? 01.10.2025 22min

  We test for everything: to get a licence, to move to the next grade, to prove you're ready to use a pen. But when it comes to becoming a biological parent, there's no test to pass. Should there be? Would a parenting test be a good idea? Brains Trust — Gibbs Street Public School, Perth: Fitzroy, Shahla, Jorja, Nafi, Tabitha, Gumaan Listen to Short & Curly, the fun and educational ABC kids podcast about philosophy and ethics. Join hosts Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith as they explore big questions about right and wrong, fairness, truth, knowledge, logic, beauty and art. Perfect for tweens aged 8–12, families, and teachers, Short & Curly is one of the best kids shows for curious minds. Combines storytelling, philosophy, and comedy Perfect for school listening, car trips, or family discussions Created by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), trusted makers of award-winning children's content Binge this free educational ABC kids podcast series on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts worldwide
• Is it wrong to think bad thoughts about people?  01.10.2025 20min

  We all have thoughts about other people that we’d never say aloud. But do our private thoughts say something about the kind of people we are? Or is it only our actions that count?  Brains Trust - Gibbs Street Public School, Perth: Layla, Avjot, Johanna, Imogen, Sampada, Claudia. Listen to Short & Curly, the fun and educational ABC kids podcast about philosophy and ethics. Join hosts Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith as they explore big questions about right and wrong, fairness, truth, knowledge, logic, beauty and art. Perfect for tweens aged 8–12, families, and teachers, Short & Curly is one of the best kids shows for curious minds.  Combines storytelling, philosophy, and comedy Perfect for school listening, car trips, or family discussions Created by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), trusted makers of award-winning children’s content Binge this free educational ABC kids podcast series on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts worldwide
• Graffiti or Gallery? When does graffiti become street art? 01.10.2025 23min

  Ever walked past a spray-painted wall and thought, "That's actually really cool and beautiful!" But is it art or just stylish vandalism? Molly and Carl grab some spray cans and dive into the messy, colourful world of graffiti to ask: when does a rebellious scribble become art, and who gets to decide? Brains Trust — Gibbs Street Public School, Perth: Fitzroy, Shahla, Jorja, Nafi, Tabitha, Gumaan Listen to Short & Curly, the fun and educational ABC kids podcast about philosophy and ethics. Join hosts Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith as they explore big questions about right and wrong, fairness, truth, knowledge, logic, beauty and art. Perfect for tweens aged 8–12, families, and teachers, Short & Curly is one of the best kids shows for curious minds. Combines storytelling, philosophy, and comedy Perfect for school listening, car trips, or family discussions Created by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), trusted makers of award-winning children's content Binge this free educational ABC kids podcast series on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts worldwide
• Risky Rescues: Should you save someone who ignored warnings? 01.10.2025 20min

  There's wild surf at the beach today, but people are still choosing to swim outside the area patrolled by lifeguards. If those swimmers get into trouble out there, should other people put themselves at risk to save them? Or does ignoring the warnings mean you're on your own? Brains Trust — Gibbs Street Public School, Perth: Fitzroy, Shahla, Jorja, Nafi, Tabitha, Gumaan Listen to Short & Curly, the fun and educational ABC kids podcast about philosophy and ethics. Join hosts Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith as they explore big questions about right and wrong, fairness, truth, knowledge, logic, beauty and art. Perfect for tweens aged 8–12, families, and teachers, Short & Curly is one of the best kids shows for curious minds. Combines storytelling, philosophy, and comedy Perfect for school listening, car trips, or family discussions Created by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), trusted makers of award-winning children's content Binge this free educational ABC kids podcast series on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts worldwide
• Bad dog or bad owner? Who’s really to blame? 01.10.2025 20min

  Most dogs are loving companions, but what about the ones that bite, bark, or cause chaos? Is a dog's bad behaviour their own fault or is it down to the way they were raised? From neglected pups to misunderstood mutts, we dig into the debate: Who's really responsible when a dog goes rogue, and what should we do about it? Brains Trust — Gibbs Street Public School, Perth: Layla, Avjot, Johanna, Imogen, Sampada, Claudia. Listen to Short & Curly, the fun and educational ABC kids podcast about philosophy and ethics. Join hosts Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith as they explore big questions about right and wrong, fairness, truth, knowledge, logic, beauty and art. Perfect for tweens aged 8–12, families, and teachers, Short & Curly is one of the best kids shows for curious minds. Combines storytelling, philosophy, and comedy Perfect for school listening, car trips, or family discussions Created by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), trusted makers of award-winning children's content Binge this free educational ABC kids podcast series on the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts worldwide
• Can you lie even when you don’t say anything? 02.04.2025 24min

  The line between truth and deception can be blurry. Is leaving out important information a lie? What about misleading gestures, or half-truths? Babysitting Matt's kids force Molly and Carl to confront these complexities firsthand as they lie to get out of tricky situations. Summer Hill Public School: Dimitri, Mia, Teddy, Milla, Cleo, Marcus
• Shape shifters — When is something no longer itself? 02.04.2025 22min

  Join Molly and Carl as they valiantly attempt a world record sailing around the globe on their boat, the Theseus. Faced with a constant need for boat repairs, they are forced to confront a perplexing question: how many changes can you make to something before it's no longer the same thing it started out as? South Wagga Public School: Noah, Lucas, Jasmine, Hunter, Olivia
• Do we need a rule book to be a good person? 02.04.2025 21min

  Molly and Carl visit Greece in search of the mythical "Scroll of Rights and Wrongs", an ancient guide written by the smartest person to have ever lived: Adamantia The Wise*. The elusive ancient text contains the ultimate guide to morality, but what does it say? South Wagga Public School: Noah, Lucas, Jasmine, Hunter, Olivia *definitely not a real person and very much the invention of Molly & Carl.
• Three siblings, one musical instrument, who should get it? 02.04.2025 23min

  Have you ever had a fight with your sibling over who should get to keep something? In a small village a long time ago, Queen Ethiconia had to settle a dispute between three siblings fighting over a musical instrument they all want and all think they deserve: a wooden recorder. Each says the recorder should be theirs, but for very different, compelling reasons. So, who should get the flute? You decide. South Wagga Public School: Noah, Lucas, Jasmine, Hunter, Olivia