Short & Curly
Short & Curly is a fun and educational podcast from ABC Kids and Family that makes philosophy and ethics easy and entertaining for kids aged 8–12. Hosted by Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith, it explores big questions about right and wrong, fairness, truth, and beauty. The show is loved by families, parents, and teachers worldwide, inspiring learning and critical thinking. Created by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, it is available on the ABC listen app and other podcast platforms.
Episodes
Finders keepers
We’re travelling back to the stellar 1970s and Carl has spotted a totally far-out skateboard seemingly abandoned at the local skate park. Can he just… take it? When does finders keepers apply, and how much do we need to worry about the ‘losers weepers’ bit?
Should you be forced to keep learning a musical instrument?
Molly’s newly adopted son Carl Smith Hyphen Daniels Jnr does NOT want to play the violin. He says it’s boring, and hurts his fingers. But Mamma Molly knows best. Why is it that parents can tell us what to do?
The Tragedy of Commonalia
Commonalia is an idyllic paradise, and all the happy pixies that call Commonalia home spend their days exploring the grand forest. The trees of the forest have healing powers, their seeds can be used for medicine, and their branches used to build furniture and homes. But one day soon, the forest will disappear and Commonalia will be destroyed. What could possibly go wrong? And wh
Is the number 5 real?
You can see 5 dogs playing in a park, you can hold 5 lollies, and you can be 5 years old. But is the number 5 itself real? Molly, Carl and Eleanor head on a road trip to find the number 5, and try to figure out what it even means for something to be real.
Zombies Right to Life
After five years of brutal fighting, Carl and Molly have defeated all the zombies on planet Earth, including the zombified version of their Producer, Kyla. But is that zombie still Kyla? And what would it mean if that zombie was Kyla… should that make a difference to how we treat them?
Wait... they didn't pay Indigenous workers and they stole their land?
Short & Curly will be back very soon, but while you're waiting you should check out the podcast Wait... They Did What!? Just like Short and Curly, Wait... They Did What!? examines some ethical conundrums and questionable behaviour. Like in the 1960s when Indigenous people were forced to work practically for free on land that was stolen from them. Hosted by Tilly Oddy-Black an
BITES – Being forced to step out of your comfort zone?
It feels soooo nice staying in your comfort zone – it's so comfortable there! But stepping and stretching outside your comfort zone is an important part of life. Is it right when schools or parents push us to do things outside our comfort zone, before we’re ready? Or is a gentle push sometimes the only thing that will get us moving?
BITES – Is it fair if siblings get the same things at different ages?
It was supposed to be the greatest day of Carl’s life – finally, his parents said he was old enough to go on the big dipper ride at the fun park. But! Carl’s parents let his little sister go on the ride the same day! Is it fair that she only had to wait to be 8-years-old, but Carl had to wait to be 10? How do we tell the difference between something being truly unfair, and somet
BITES – Getting annoyed when people don’t say your name properly?
Names are really important things – they form such a big part of our identities. But for people with less common names, or names with uncommon spellings, it can get really exhausting constantly correcting people's pronunciation. How important is it that we pronounce people's names correctly, and how annoyed can we be when people get ours wrong?
BITES – Do adults-only areas discriminate against children?
There are heaps of seemingly cool places that kids aren’t allowed to visit – fancy resorts, or sometimes even rock concerts. Most of the time we accept these rules, but are they actually unfair? And if we were to let kids into adult places, would we have to start letting adults in kids' spaces?
BITES – What is the meaning of life?
That’s right Curly Crew, we’re going there. We’re answering the big kahuna, the ultimate question – what is the meaning of life? No spoilers here! But it definitely involves snacks, I reckon.
A fairy tale by the campfire – is it okay to scare kids into being good?
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 ment
The Emperor’s New Clothes - the nudie musical edition
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?
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?
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?
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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, GumaanListen to Short & Curly, the fun and educationa
Is it wrong to think bad thoughts about people?
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
Graffiti or Gallery? When does graffiti become street art?
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, T
Risky Rescues: Should you save someone who ignored warnings?
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, GumaanListen to Sh
Bad dog or bad owner? Who’s really to blame?
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, Avjo
Can you lie even when you don’t say anything?
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?
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?
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
Three siblings, one musical instrument, who should get it?
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
Matt's big news: How to give up something you love
As a kid, Matt, our resident ethicist, was always flat out. He juggled volunteering in the school veggie garden, playing sports, sibling duties, music practice, and chores around the house. After a while, it started to feel overwhelming, even though they were all important responsibilities that he cared about! But do humans try to do too much and is okay to just simply do nothing
BONUS – Goodbye Matt, thanks for the memories
See if you can work out which episodes these classic Matt moments are from as we say goodbye (but hopefully not forever) to our wonderful ethicist Matt Beard.
BITES – Dog poo in the bin
You are enjoying a walk with your four-legged friend, when they do a big stinker on the street. Don't worry — you're prepared! You've brought the dog poo bags! But do you really have to carry the smelly parcel of poo all the way home? Is it okay to put your dog poo in someone else's bin?Thanks to Genevieve for this stinky dilemma!
BITES – Paying people to be kind
Everyone says it's good to be kind and that acts of kindness can make the world a better place. But often we aren't as kind as we could or should be. So should we pay people to be kind? Would it make the world a better place?Thank you to Pepper for this awesome question!
BITES – Friends inviting themselves over
It's fun to hang out with our friends, but sometimes we need a bit of alone time. Maybe you want to listen to your favourite music and sing along loudly. Or curl up in a special place and read a book. So should you always say yes if someone asks if they can come over to your house? Thanks to Melissa for this curly question!
BITES — What to do with unwanted gifts
We all love getting presents, but what about when you get a gift you don't like and will never use? So what should you do with unwanted gifts? Is it ok to give them away or do you have to keep them forever? Thanks to Oscar for this curious question!
BITES – Should teachers bribe students?
It must be hard work being a teacher and trying to get a classroom of kids to behave. But is it ok for teachers to bribe kids with lollies to get them to be good? Thanks to Milly for this curious question!
Is it wrong to love reality TV?
There's drama. There's competition. And there's usually a few tears as well. Reality TV takes everyday people and throws them into weird and exciting and sometimes stressful situations. But is it really real? And is it fair? And should we watch these shows at all?Brains Trust – Linden Park Primary School, Adelaide – Linda, Elina, Jescinta, Dhyana, Siera, Justine
How do you know if you're dreaming or awake?
Right this very moment, are you awake or are you dreaming? You're awake, right? But are you sure? Maybe you're just in the middle of a very realistic dream? Philosophers have been debating this question for centuries. And we are going to solve it today! Or are we?Brains Trust – Linden Park Primary School, Adelaide – Genevieve, Grace, Alexa, Poppy, Chelsea, Sophie
Why do some jobs earn more money than others?
Molly and Carl have just found out that some people earn a lot more money than they do, and this just makes no cents (pun intended). So how do we decide what different types of jobs should be paid? What about if those jobs are dangerous? If they take many years of training and study? Or if they will make the world a better place?Brains Trust – Linden Park Primary School, Adelaide
What would it be like to talk to a whale?
Would you like to learn to speak whale language at school instead of Italian or Mandarin? Molly and Carl go on a deep-sea mission to test a new translation device that will let them talk to whales. But even if they manage to make the technology work, will they be able to truly understand each other? Come dive with us and find out.Brains Trust – Linden Park Primary School, Adelaid
Is animal testing worth the cost?
Did you know rats are very smart and curious creatures? They laugh when they are tickled, they can take care of each other, and they are actually quite clean. Millions of them are also used in painful scientific experiments to test new drugs and medical theories. Researchers do all this to help humans. But some say these animals deserve a better life. So, what should we do?Brains
BITE – Parents' Beliefs
Our parents have their own beliefs, and they'll often try to teach us to have the same.Must we believe what our parents believe? Is it disrespectful to question it?A big thank you to Hazel for this curly question!
BITE – Proud vs Showing Off
You get an award at school, your dog learns a new trick, or your mum lands a great job – they're all moments we can be proud of.When that pride swells inside, it makes us want to tell the whole world!But is it being proud of yourself or just showing off? What's the difference?
BITE – TV All Day
There's nothing like munching on your favourite snacks and watching all your favourite shows and movies. You're not making lots of noise or bothering anyone too.So, why can't you watch TV all day?Thank you to Amelia and Evie for the great question!
BITE – False Advertising
We see advertisements all the time. There are companies that say their yoghurt can make us smarter or their pillows will help us sleep better. Some even say their clothes or cars will help the environment!They may not be lying, but they're also not telling the whole truth.So, is it okay to advertise things that aren't true?Thank you to Ahuva for this colourful question! We also l
BITE – School Money
It's always different when you visit or go past another school.They have different teachers, buildings, books, and activities. Sometimes they even have private football fields and really fancy computers!So, is it okay for some schools to have more money than others? What about those of us who can't attend those fancy, rich schools?
Should you listen to good music made by a bad person?
Molly is a superfan of the singer Jackfruit Jones (don't try Googling him, we made him up). But she's in for a shock when Carl tells her what Jackfruit is like in real life. Jackfruit Jones has done some bad stuff! So should she keep listening to his music? And can you dislike the artist and still love the art?Brains Trust – Westmead Public School, Sydney: Swetha, Reyansh, Anirud
Should you leave all your money to a cat?
We all know Carl loves cats. But did you know that Carl is actually a super-rich millionaire who loves cats so much that when he dies, he wants his vast fortune to be spent on trying to teach cats to read? Which might actually be impossible! Should people get to decide what happens with their money after they are gone? Even if what they want is ridiculous?Brains Trust – Westmead
What if you can’t invite all your friends to your birthday party?
Is it okay to not invite all your friends to your birthday party? Molly has an exciting plan for her next birthday party and she can't wait to invite her best and closest friends. The only trouble is she has five close friends but she can only invite four people. What should she do? And what should you say to people who aren't invited?Brains Trust – Westmead Public School, Sydney
Who should get the magical gemstone? A tale of elves, fairies and justice
There's a small village of elves who have a magical gemstone that brings them great prosperity. But one day a group of fairies turn up claiming the stone originally belonged to them. Hundreds of years ago, the elves' ancestors stole it from them, and now they want it back. So what's the right thing to do? Who should get to keep the gem?Brains Trust – Westmead Public School, Sydne
Is it okay to jump the queue at a waterslide park?
Queuing up for HOURS to go on a 30-second water slide is so annoying! But what if you could pay money to go straight to the front of the queue? Going on a water slide can be so much fun, but not when you're standing in a massive queue in wet swimmers waiting for just 30 seconds of squealing excitement. Many water slide parks allow you to pay extra money for an express pass that l
Should grown-ups lie to you?
Molly has never been afraid of getting a needle because she knows the Needle Ninja will reward her bravery with a basket of Japanese lollies, cakes and toys. Carl has never heard of this person and thinks Molly has been tricked by her mum and dad. But is there any harm in believing in the Needle Ninja? And is it OK for parents to tell their kids stories if it makes them feel bett
Do you want to become a vampire?
Would you like to live forever? Molly and Carl like the idea of being immortal. The upsides: you won’t ever die, you’ll never run out of time to try new things and meet new people. The downsides: drinking blood and sleeping in a coffin, and your non-vampire friends will all leave you when they die. So, would immortality be worth it? And how can you make a decision about something
Why is your room so messy?
We visit the bedroom of one of the messiest kids we know, Harriet. She hates cleaning her room more than anything in life and it always looks like someone opened every drawer and threw all the contents into the air. But is it her fault that her room is a pigsty? And if other kids can manage to keep their rooms tidy, why can’t Harriet?
Do you have to forgive someone who says sorry?
If someone does or says something bad to you, but then apologises for it, should you forgive them no matter what? Even if you don't really feel it in your heart?Brains Trust: Lyneham Primary School: Neve, Ashwyn, Alice, Ava, Sammy.
Is a child's life more valuable than an adult's?
The Titanic cruise ship hit an iceberg in 1912 and sank to the bottom of the ocean. Lots of people died because there weren't enough life rafts for everyone. Women and children were offered seats on the lifeboats first because of their age and gender. But is that fair? Are the lives of kids more precious than the lives of adults?Guest: David Dyer, author of The Midnight Watch.Bra
Matt's pick: Is Santa Claus a bad person?
Imagine if you were being watched every second of the day to make sure you behaved well. And then you got rewarded or punished depending on how you acted? In this episode, we take a long hard look at Santa Claus, because news flash, we are told he's watching you day and night.
Carl's pick: Oedipus – The Musical
Meet Oedipus. He's the main character in one of the world’s oldest stories. He lived a long time ago and he did some pretty bad things. But was it his fault or was it fate? Was there anything he could have done to avoid tragedy? Join Molly, Carl and Matt as they sing their way through an ancient tale of terrible misfortune.
Molly's pick: Is it ever okay to be a cannibal?
Molly, Carl and Matt become lost at sea, they've run out of food and they lack basic survival skills. So, would it be okay for them to eat each other if they get really really really hungry? Maybe don't listen to this episode while you're eating!
INTRODUCING — new series A World Without …
This season we go on a little adventure in our minds. Join Molly, Carl and Matt as we imagine what the world might be like without things like schools and sadness and punishment. Would everything be better without them?
A World Without … Privacy
Imagine if something private you told a friend could be shouted out for the whole world to hear? Or if an embarrassing bodily function was shared with everyone? Some people say privacy is only necessary if you have something to hide, but are there other reasons to keep certain things just for yourself?Brains Trust: Plenty Parklands Primary School in Mill Park, Melbourne: Ibrahim,
A World Without … Heartbreak
We often feel sadness and heartbreak when something bad happens, like when a much-loved pet dies or someone at school doesn't want to be friends anymore. Or even when your sports team loses the grand final after you've trained really hard for it. Would life be better if you could magically make that sadness disappear?Brains Trust: Plenty Parklands Primary School in Mill Park, Mel
A World Without … Schools
What's the point of school anyway? That's a question lots of you have written to us to ask. Nearly every day of the week for years and years and years, you have to get up, put your uniform on and go to a big building full of other children, just so you can learn stuff. And then once you're in the school building, grownups get to decide when you're allowed to eat your lunch and wh
A World Without … Punishment
What if there was no fine for letting your dog poo on the footpath? No consequences for hitting your brother or sister? And teachers never gave detention for breaking a school rule? If we lived in a world without punishment, would we all start just doing whatever we wanted? Or are there better ways to deal with people doing the wrong thing? Brains Trust: Plenty Parklands Primary
A World Without … Winning and losing
Would you still want to play sport if there was no one keeping score, there were no winners or losers, and no trophies at the end of the season? What would be the point? On the other hand, can competition actually ruin sport? Come and spend the afternoon with Molly and Carl as they kick the ball around in a park.Brains Trust: Plenty Parklands Primary School in Mill Park, Melbourn
BITE — Money on the Street
If you find a $20 note on the street, can you keep it? Does it make it okay if it's just $5?Money is complicated, especially because everyone has a different relationship with it. So, when it comes to money, things can get curly really quickly.A big thank you to Isla for this tip-top question!
BITE — Loopholes
Do you have a favourite game? Maybe it's 'tip' or 'snap'? There are rules everywhere: from playing a game, watching TV, and even how to ask a question in class. But where there are rules, there are often loopholes.Are loopholes always bad? What if you're not hurting anyone?Thank you to Eloise for this loopy question
BITE — Independence
The word ‘independent’ often sits with other words – like independent learning, independent thinking, independent adult, and lots more. So, what is independence and at what age should we get it? Thank you to Leela for this thoughtful question!
BITE — Scared of Change
Getting comfortable can feel warm, nice, and sometimes even soothing. So, when we're happily floating along in life, a sudden tide change can really rock the boat.How do you deal with change? Should you be scared?Thank you to Kira for today's amazing question!
BITE — Mistaken Beliefs
Beliefs can shape the way someone speaks, acts, and even dreams. Everyone believes different things, but sometimes those things aren’t true. If your friend’s belief isn’t quite right, should you tell them? Does it really matter if it’s true or not? Thank you to India for this curious question!
Should children swear?
Lots of adults think children should never swear. Many Short & Curly listeners tell us they secretly swear behind their parent’s backs. So what’s wrong with swearing anyway? Aren't they just harmless words? Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Mariah, Megan, Dylan, Aeldrich, Lily
The ethics of "getting even"
Have you ever wanted to give someone a taste of their own medicine? They might have hurt you or been mean to you or taken something that's yours. But is it okay to do the same thing back to them?Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Maggie, Feranmi, Leo, Oli, Esha, Marjorie
When does curiosity become rudeness?
Short & Curly listener Luca often gets stared at when he is in his wheelchair. His parents think the people who look too long are just being curious but Luca thinks it's just plain rude. So when does curiosity become rudeness? And how can we be curious about someone's difference without hurting their feelings?Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Bruno, Le
Should you kill insects?
There are about 10 quintillion insects in the world. Yes, that's a real number. And it's a lot! They're very small and very different from us humans. We might not stop to think about it before we poison a cockroach, squish an ant with our shoe, or kill a mosquito, but is it ethical to kill an insect?Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Riley, Mahlia, Milo, Cl
Humans – good or bad?
War, environmental destruction, inequality. We humans can do some pretty bad stuff. Lots of listeners have asked us if humans are more good than they are bad. Maybe it's time for you to be the judge.Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Mariah, Megan, Dylan, Aeldrich, LilyExtra:Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Bruno, Leilani, Eloise Lawson, Lexi, K
BITE – Cartoon Violence
If you love watching cartoons where the good guys battle the bad, it probably has fighting, explosions, and maybe guns too.Is it okay to watch violence if it's in a cartoon? Can we laugh and find it funny?Thank you to Linus for this exciting question!
BITE – Friends with Teacher
Friends are like flowers. There are lots of different ones out there, but you pick a couple to be your favourites.But what about your teacher? Can you be friends with them? And if they're a friend, can they still be a good teacher?Thank you to Orli for this great question!Pssst, we love your favourite episode too! 'Are parents hypocrites?' was a goodie.
BITE – Truth Telling
What if your friend asks if their shirt looks cool and you don't think it does? Or your dad asks if you like his gift, but you actually don't?The truth can be so hard to say – especially to the people we love the most.Should we tell the truth even when it hurts someone?Thank you to Charlotte and Nima for this curly question!
