Why are octopuses so smart?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids

Brains On Universe

Kids & Family, Education For Kids

4.4 • 13.5K Ratings

🗓️ 4 November 2025

⏱️ 31 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Octopus, more like ROCK-topus! Because these creatures bring the excitement. They can shape shift to match their surroundings. They have three hearts and teeth on their tongues! And they are super smart. Join fill-in host Rosie duPont and co-host Izumi as they explore the world of their eight-armed wonders. They’re joined by Dr. Jennifer Mathers, a biologist and psychologist who studies octopus cognition, and Ophelia, who is a chatty octopus. You can also play along with our octopus themed game show. All that plus a brand new Mystery Sound and mail from our listeners!

Guest: Dr. Jennifer Mathers, author of Octopus Mind

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Lemonada.
0:06.7	You're listening to the Brains-on universe.
0:11.1	You're listening to Brains-Zone, where we're serious about being curious.
0:16.0	Hey, friends, Rosie DuPont here.
0:19.2	Who's got two arms, one heart, and is filling in for Molly Bloom today?
0:22.8	This gal.
0:24.1	And who has eight arms, three hearts, and is the star of today's episode?
0:28.9	The octopus.
0:30.4	There are so many cool things about this creature.
0:34.0	I'm just going to give you a few spoiler-free teases.
0:40.3	Donut-shaped brains. Daring escapes.
0:44.3	Arms that can think and tongue teeth. Other animals than us play in ways that we don't really understand because we really don't know all the things that they can do.
0:55.1	Curious to know more? You'll find out what all that means coming up.
1:02.1	You're listening to Brains On, part of the Brains On universe. I'm Rosie DuPont, and I'm excited to be guest hosting this week.
1:12.9	My co-host today is Izumi from Lethbridge, Canada. Hi, Azumi. Hi, Rosie. Brains-on features real science
1:20.1	explained by real people, something that's getting less and less common these days.
1:24.9	If this show matters to you, please support it so we can keep making it.
1:28.8	The good news, we make it totally worth your while.
1:32.3	Join Smarty Pass and get the glow of someone who powers our shows.
1:36.5	Plus, you get access to totally ad-free episodes, bonus content, and invites to special online hangouts with our crew.
1:45.7	You can even get a personal message from Molly Bloom. Just head to brainson.org to join Smarty Pass. Thanks. Now, Izumi, today we're
1:53.7	talking about boneless and brainy octopuses in answering this question from Benji.
	...

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