Common Sense Media Review
By Robert Yaniz Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ethical discussions provide thoughtful convo starters.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
SHORT & CURLY invites listeners to engage in a different ethical discussion every single episode. With a balance of insight and humor, Carl and Molly introduce an ethical question with a focus on the kids' perspective. The topic can be as simple as a family disagreement or as complex as the right to privacy. The show presents entertaining scenarios demonstrating both sides to listeners and periodically encourages pausing the episode to continue the discussion outside of the show. In addition, Dr. Matt Beard of The Ethics Centre, a "brains-trust" of school children, and occasional special guests fill out the conversation with well-rounded perspectives on the issue.
Is It Any Good?
Short & Curly delicately unravels ethical questions for children and their families. The show does a remarkable job of introducing thoughtful questions that bear in mind kid perspectives and what they value. It teaches critical thinking by giving listeners the insight to form their own opinions. At the same time, Short & Curly stresses the importance of understanding how others might see the same issue.
Although the show has been inconsistent in posting new episodes, Short & Curly has an extensive backlog with plenty of worthwhile material for families to dig into. Due to the complicated nature of the topics the show covers, the podcast isn't recommended for very small children, as they might not be prepared for the questions it raises. But this is the perfect way for older kids and their families to tackle a wide variety of hotly debated questions affecting the world today.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Short & Curly incorporates a "brains-trust" of school children in each episode. Why might their perspective be so vital to shaping the future?
Carl and Molly represent the kid perspective as the ones discovering the intricacies of an episode's topic. But what does Dr. Beard bring to the conversation?
Short & Curly balances silly humor – including fantastical elements, such as superheroes – into the discussion. Is it necessary to include comedy into such ethical considerations?
Podcast Details
- Release date : March 24, 2016
- Genre : Kids & Family
- Website : https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/shortandcurly
- Hosts : Carl Smith , Molly Daniels , Dr. Matt Beard
- Production Company and Network : Australian Broadcasting Corporation
- Pricing structure : Free
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 2, 2025
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