279. Science Storytelling for Kids with Marshall Escamilla

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Marshall Escamilla, co-host and music creator for the Tumble Podcast, a show that brings the wonders of science directly to kids and families. Marshall shares how Tumble was born out of a desire to make science accessible, fun, and genuinely engaging—not just for future scientists, but for every curious young mind, even those who might think science isn’t “for them.”

We dive into how Tumble crafts episodes that spark curiosity by focusing on the stories behind real scientific discoveries. Marshall explains their process of sourcing wild and wonderful questions from kids—everything from “Why is underwear funny?” to “Can robots think like humans?”—and connecting those questions with active researchers to show that scientists are, at their core, just people trying to figure things out. He also highlights their efforts to support inclusive science education, including tools and curriculum to help students create their own podcasts and build scientific literacy in creative, accessible ways.

Tune in as we explore the impact of inviting kids to see themselves as scientists, no matter their background or career path, and why nurturing curiosity and scientific thinking is essential for preparing thoughtful citizens for the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How Tumble Podcast uses real stories to spark scientific curiosity in kids
• The process of turning children’s questions into episodes with scientists
• Supporting blind and low-vision students through accessible podcasting
• Empowering students and classrooms to create their own podcasts
• Why building scientific literacy matters for all, not just future scientists

Resources:

• Tumble Podcast: Listen to stories of discovery and curiosity-driven science.
• MakeClassroomPodcast.com: Explore Tumble’s podcast creator tool and curriculum for classrooms.
• Brains On! Podcast: Another leading science podcast for kids mentioned by Marshall.

Produced by NOVA