Common Sense Media Review
By Debra Alvarado
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Interesting and informative pod for kids who love astronomy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
REACH A SPACE PODCAST FOR KIDS is an engaging podcast that brings space exploration to life with hosts, Brian and Meredith, and their expert scientist guests. Their enthusiasm and curiosity about space and planetary science are infectious, and kids will love the many ways in which lessons are offered in each episode, including a presentation of the topic, recorded questions from kid listeners, conversations with scientists, and sometimes an actor will come in to voice a cosmic character, like Janet Varney as Nicky the Star or Rachel Dratch as The Sun. The podcast includes full episodes as well as mini episodes, which focus on answering listeners' recorded questions. Packing in both accessible and high-level explanations of significant scientific phenomena, kids and their families are sure to be fascinated by what they learn in each episode. Brian and Meredith often model communication and teamwork, like when they give step-by-step instructions on how to make a telescope, including the errors they make along the way, letting listeners know that "making mistakes is part of the learning process."
Is It Any Good?
If your kids get excited about space exploration and planetary science, this podcast is for them! REACH A Space Podcast for Kids packs relevant information into each episode, keeping listeners tuned in through engaging conversations, humor, and stories of real-life experiences of astronauts and astronomers. Through clear messaging, kids will hear how everyone has the potential to achieve their goals and that asking questions and working together are keys to success. The many qualified and enthusiastic expert guests (including scientists from NASA and the Adler Planetarium) define and explain each topic and share real life discoveries being made every day.
The targeted lessons in each episode are ideal for kids who have some scientific background and knowledge. Though some explanations may be complicated (for example, the term binary system is referenced, but not directly defined), the delivery is interesting and those who love studying space will find the podcast exciting and meaningful. Whether it's the funny banter between hosts, the insider look into space from astronauts, the whimsical planetary characters that come to life through well-known actors, or the tons of resources provided in the show notes after each episode, this podcast finds many creative and dynamic ways to make astronomy fun for kids and their families.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how REACH A Space Podcast for Kids a variety of experts in the field of astronomy to share their career journeys. What did you notice about the different experiences? Knowing there's not only one specific path to reach your goals, does this make them feel more attainable?
Why are teamwork and communication so important for astronauts and scientists? How do these character strengths lead to making scientific discoveries and even saving lives in space?
This podcast goes in depth talking about all things space and astrology. Do you feel like learning about space through a podcast is understandable since it's such a visual subject? How do you learn best?
What is something you have always been curious to know about space? Why is curiosity an important character strength for scientists?
Podcast Details
- Release date : May 31, 2020
- Genre : Science & STEM
- Run time : 16 minutes
- Hosts : Brian Holden , Meredith Stepien
- Production Company and Network : Soundsington Media
- Pricing structure : Free
- Topics : STEM
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Teamwork
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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