Short & Curly

ABC

362 - A fairy tale by the campfire – is it okay to scare kids into being good?

Short & Curly is the fun and educational ABC Kids and Family podcast that makes philosophy and ethics easy, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Hosted by Molly Daniels, Carl Smith, and philosopher Eleanor Gordon-Smith, the show explores big questions for kids about right and wrong, fairness, truth, knowledge, logic, beauty, and art. Perfect for kids aged 8–12, Short & Curly is loved by families, parents, and teachers worldwide. One of the best kids shows for curious minds, it inspires learning, laughter, and big ideas that help children learn how to think, not what to think. 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 Classroom Resources: Listen to the podcast in the classroom or as homework and use these resources to explore and expand upon the diverse themes and subjects covered in the show.

362 - A fairy tale by the campfire – is it okay to scare kids into being good?

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Episodes

Wed, 01 Apr 2026

Wed, 25 Mar 2026

Fri, 19 Dec 2025

Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Tue, 16 Dec 2025

Mon, 15 Dec 2025

Wed, 01 Oct 2025

Wed, 02 Apr 2025

Sun, 22 Dec 2024

Sat, 21 Dec 2024

Fri, 20 Dec 2024

Thu, 19 Dec 2024

Wed, 18 Dec 2024

Tue, 01 Oct 2024

Mon, 01 Jul 2024

Thu, 28 Mar 2024

Wed, 03 Jan 2024

Mon, 18 Dec 2023

Short & Curly

Episodes

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

The Emperor’s New Clothes - the nudie musical edition

Little Red Riding Hood - Why are wolves always the baddies?

Rumpelstiltskin – is it OK to break a promise?

The Ugly Duckling – when is excluding someone mean, and when is it OK?

What were Molly and Carl like at 10-years-old?

BITES – Being scared of spiders

BITES – Driverless cars

BITES – Grown-ups making the rules

BITES – Cats VS Dogs

BITES – Judging people because of who they're friends with

Is it wrong to think bad thoughts about people?

Should you have to pass a test to have kids?

Graffiti or Gallery? When does graffiti become street art?

Risky Rescues: Should you save someone who ignored warnings?

Bad dog or bad owner? Who’s really to blame?

Can you lie even when you don’t say anything?

Shape shifters — When is something no longer itself?

Do we need a rule book to be a good person?

Three siblings, one musical instrument, who should get it?

Matt's big news: How to give up something you love

BONUS – Goodbye Matt, thanks for the memories

BITES – Dog poo in the bin

BITES – Paying people to be kind

BITES – Friends inviting themselves over

BITES — What to do with unwanted gifts

BITES – Should teachers bribe students?

How do you know if you're dreaming or awake?

Why do some jobs earn more money than others?

What would it be like to talk to a whale?

Is animal testing worth the cost?

Is it wrong to love reality TV?

BITE – Parents' Beliefs

BITE – Proud vs Showing Off

BITE – TV All Day

BITE – False Advertising

BITE – School Money

Should you listen to good music made by a bad person?

Should you leave all your money to a cat?

What if you can’t invite all your friends to your birthday party?

Who should get the magical gemstone? A tale of elves, fairies and justice

Is it okay to jump the queue at a waterslide park?

Should grown-ups lie to you?

Do you want to become a vampire?

Why is your room so messy?

Do you have to forgive someone who says sorry?

Is a child's life more valuable than an adult's?

Matt's pick: Is Santa Claus a bad person?

Carl's pick: Oedipus – The Musical

Molly's pick: Is it ever okay to be a cannibal?

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