Short & Curly

BITES — What to do with unwanted gifts

We all love getting presents, but what about when you get a gift you don't like and will never use? So what should you do with unwanted gifts? Is it ok to give them away or do you have to keep them forever? Thanks to Oscar for this curious question!

BITES – Should teachers bribe students?

It must be hard work being a teacher and trying to get a classroom of kids to behave. But is it ok for teachers to bribe kids with lollies to get them to be good? Thanks to Milly for this curious question!

Is it wrong to love reality TV?

There's drama. There's competition. And there's usually a few tears as well. Reality TV takes everyday people and throws them into weird and exciting and sometimes stressful situations. But is it really real? And is it fair? And should we watch these shows at all? Brains Trust – Linden Park Primary School, Adelaide – Linda, Elina, Jescinta, Dhyana, Siera, Justine

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

Right this very moment, are you awake or are you dreaming? You're awake, right? But are you sure? Maybe you're just in the middle of a very realistic dream? Philosophers have been debating this question for centuries. And we are going to solve it today! Or are we? Brains Trust – Linden Park Primary School, Adelaide – Genevieve, Grace, Alexa, Poppy, Chelsea, Sophie

Why do some jobs earn more money than others?

Molly and Carl have just found out that some people earn a lot more money than they do, and this just makes no cents (pun intended). So how do we decide what different types of jobs should be paid? What about if those jobs are dangerous? If they take many years of training and study? Or if they will make the world a better place? Brains Trust – Linden Park Primary School, Adelaide – Genevieve, Grace, Alexa, Poppy, Chelsea, Sophie

What would it be like to talk to a whale?

Would you like to learn to speak whale language at school instead of Italian or Mandarin? Molly and Carl go on a deep-sea mission to test a new translation device that will let them talk to whales. But even if they manage to make the technology work, will they be able to truly understand each other? Come dive with us and find out. Brains Trust – Linden Park Primary School, Adelaide – Ivy, Finn, Oliver, Ken, Aaron, Nicholas

Is animal testing worth the cost?

Did you know rats are very smart and curious creatures? They laugh when they are tickled, they can take care of each other, and they are actually quite clean. Millions of them are also used in painful scientific experiments to test new drugs and medical theories. Researchers do all this to help humans. But some say these animals deserve a better life. So, what should we do? Brains Trust – Linden Park Primary School, Adelaide – Linda, Elina, Jescinta, Dhyana, Siera, Justine

BITE – Parents' Beliefs

Our parents have their own beliefs, and they'll often try to teach us to have the same. Must we believe what our parents believe? Is it disrespectful to question it? A big thank you to Hazel for this curly question!

BITE – Proud vs Showing Off

You get an award at school, your dog learns a new trick, or your mum lands a great job – they're all moments we can be proud of. When that pride swells inside, it makes us want to tell the whole world! But is it being proud of yourself or just showing off? What's the difference?

BITE – TV All Day

There's nothing like munching on your favourite snacks and watching all your favourite shows and movies. You're not making lots of noise or bothering anyone too. So, why can't you watch TV all day? Thank you to Amelia and Evie for the great question!

BITE – False Advertising

We see advertisements all the time. There are companies that say their yoghurt can make us smarter or their pillows will help us sleep better. Some even say their clothes or cars will help the environment! They may not be lying, but they're also not telling the whole truth. So, is it okay to advertise things that aren't true? Thank you to Ahuva for this colourful question! We also love 'Who wants a virtual life?' too!

BITE – School Money

It's always different when you visit or go past another school. They have different teachers, buildings, books, and activities. Sometimes they even have private football fields and really fancy computers! So, is it okay for some schools to have more money than others? What about those of us who can't attend those fancy, rich schools?

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

Molly is a superfan of the singer Jackfruit Jones (don't try Googling him, we made him up). But she's in for a shock when Carl tells her what Jackfruit is like in real life. Jackfruit Jones has done some bad stuff! So should she keep listening to his music? And can you dislike the artist and still love the art? Brains Trust – Westmead Public School, Sydney: Swetha, Reyansh, Anirudh, Reya, Kushagra, Ashvita

Should you leave all your money to a cat?

We all know Carl loves cats. But did you know that Carl is actually a super-rich millionaire who loves cats so much that when he dies, he wants his vast fortune to be spent on trying to teach cats to read? Which might actually be impossible! Should people get to decide what happens with their money after they are gone? Even if what they want is ridiculous? Brains Trust – Westmead Public School, Sydney: Swetha, Reyansh, Anirudh, Reya, Kushagra, Ashvita

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

Is it okay to not invite all your friends to your birthday party? Molly has an exciting plan for her next birthday party and she can't wait to invite her best and closest friends. The only trouble is she has five close friends but she can only invite four people. What should she do? And what should you say to people who aren't invited? Brains Trust – Westmead Public School, Sydney: Sarah, Mariam, Adhit, Kenny, Panayiotis, Alaina and Ryan

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

There's a small village of elves who have a magical gemstone that brings them great prosperity. But one day a group of fairies turn up claiming the stone originally belonged to them. Hundreds of years ago, the elves' ancestors stole it from them, and now they want it back. So what's the right thing to do? Who should get to keep the gem? Brains Trust – Westmead Public School, Sydney: Swetha, Reyansh, Anirudh, Reya, Kushagra, Ashvita

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

Queuing up for HOURS to go on a 30-second water slide is so annoying! But what if you could pay money to go straight to the front of the queue? Going on a water slide can be so much fun, but not when you're standing in a massive queue in wet swimmers waiting for just 30 seconds of squealing excitement. Many water slide parks allow you to pay extra money for an express pass that lets you jump in front of everyone else waiting in line. Brains Trust – Westmead Public School, Sydney: Sarah, Mariam, Adhit, Kenny, Panayiotis, Alaina (CHECK SP) and Ryan

Should grown-ups lie to you?

Molly has never been afraid of getting a needle because she knows the Needle Ninja will reward her bravery with a basket of Japanese lollies, cakes and toys. Carl has never heard of this person and thinks Molly has been tricked by her mum and dad. But is there any harm in believing in the Needle Ninja? And is it OK for parents to tell their kids stories if it makes them feel better?

Do you want to become a vampire?

Would you like to live forever? Molly and Carl like the idea of being immortal. The upsides: you won’t ever die, you’ll never run out of time to try new things and meet new people. The downsides: drinking blood and sleeping in a coffin, and your non-vampire friends will all leave you when they die. So, would immortality be worth it? And how can you make a decision about something so hugely different from any experience you’ve ever had before?

Why is your room so messy?

We visit the bedroom of one of the messiest kids we know, Harriet. She hates cleaning her room more than anything in life and it always looks like someone opened every drawer and threw all the contents into the air. But is it her fault that her room is a pigsty? And if other kids can manage to keep their rooms tidy, why can’t Harriet?

Do you have to forgive someone who says sorry?

If someone does or says something bad to you, but then apologises for it, should you forgive them no matter what? Even if you don't really feel it in your heart? Brains Trust: Lyneham Primary School: Neve, Ashwyn, Alice, Ava, Sammy.

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

The Titanic cruise ship hit an iceberg in 1912 and sank to the bottom of the ocean. Lots of people died because there weren't enough life rafts for everyone. Women and children were offered seats on the lifeboats first because of their age and gender. But is that fair? Are the lives of kids more precious than the lives of adults? Guest: David Dyer, author of The Midnight Watch. Brains Trust: Buranda State School — Meena, Caitlin, Banjo, Rosey, Hailey and Rex.

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

Imagine if you were being watched every second of the day to make sure you behaved well. And then you got rewarded or punished depending on how you acted? In this episode, we take a long hard look at Santa Claus, because news flash, we are told he's watching you day and night.

Carl's pick: Oedipus – The Musical

Meet Oedipus. He's the main character in one of the world’s oldest stories. He lived a long time ago and he did some pretty bad things. But was it his fault or was it fate? Was there anything he could have done to avoid tragedy? Join Molly, Carl and Matt as they sing their way through an ancient tale of terrible misfortune.

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

Molly, Carl and Matt become lost at sea, they've run out of food and they lack basic survival skills. So, would it be okay for them to eat each other if they get really really really hungry? Maybe don't listen to this episode while you're eating!

INTRODUCING — new series A World Without …

This season we go on a little adventure in our minds. Join Molly, Carl and Matt as we imagine what the world might be like without things like schools and sadness and punishment. Would everything be better without them?

A World Without … Privacy

Imagine if something private you told a friend could be shouted out for the whole world to hear? Or if an embarrassing bodily function was shared with everyone? Some people say privacy is only necessary if you have something to hide, but are there other reasons to keep certain things just for yourself? Brains Trust: Plenty Parklands Primary School in Mill Park, Melbourne: Ibrahim, Kiara, Victoria, Vinugo and Sienna.

A World Without … Heartbreak

We often feel sadness and heartbreak when something bad happens, like when a much-loved pet dies or someone at school doesn't want to be friends anymore. Or even when your sports team loses the grand final after you've trained really hard for it. Would life be better if you could magically make that sadness disappear? Brains Trust: Plenty Parklands Primary School in Mill Park, Melbourne: Ibrahim, Kiara, Victoria, Vinugo and Sienna.

A World Without … Schools

What's the point of school anyway? That's a question lots of you have written to us to ask. Nearly every day of the week for years and years and years, you have to get up, put your uniform on and go to a big building full of other children, just so you can learn stuff. And then once you're in the school building, grownups get to decide when you're allowed to eat your lunch and when you're allowed to play. It's tiring and sometimes boring. So should we just get rid of schools? Brains Trust: Plenty Parklands Primary School in Mill Park, Melbourne: Ibrahim, Kiara, Victoria, Vinugo and Sienna.

A World Without … Punishment

What if there was no fine for letting your dog poo on the footpath? No consequences for hitting your brother or sister? And teachers never gave detention for breaking a school rule? If we lived in a world without punishment, would we all start just doing whatever we wanted? Or are there better ways to deal with people doing the wrong thing? Brains Trust: Plenty Parklands Primary School in Mill Park, Melbourne: Mara, Roni, Alana, Isaac and Adele.

A World Without … Winning and losing

Would you still want to play sport if there was no one keeping score, there were no winners or losers, and no trophies at the end of the season? What would be the point? On the other hand, can competition actually ruin sport? Come and spend the afternoon with Molly and Carl as they kick the ball around in a park. Brains Trust: Plenty Parklands Primary School in Mill Park, Melbourne: Mara, Roni, Alana, Isaac and Adele.

BITE — Money on the Street

If you find a $20 note on the street, can you keep it? Does it make it okay if it's just $5? Money is complicated, especially because everyone has a different relationship with it. So, when it comes to money, things can get curly really quickly. A big thank you to Isla for this tip-top question!

BITE — Loopholes

Do you have a favourite game? Maybe it's 'tip' or 'snap'? There are rules everywhere: from playing a game, watching TV, and even how to ask a question in class. But where there are rules, there are often loopholes. Are loopholes always bad? What if you're not hurting anyone? Thank you to Eloise for this loopy question

BITE — Independence

The word ‘independent’ often sits with other words – like independent learning, independent thinking, independent adult, and lots more. So, what is independence and at what age should we get it? Thank you to Leela for this thoughtful question!

BITE — Scared of Change

Getting comfortable can feel warm, nice, and sometimes even soothing. So, when we're happily floating along in life, a sudden tide change can really rock the boat. How do you deal with change? Should you be scared? Thank you to Kira for today's amazing question!

BITE — Mistaken Beliefs

Beliefs can shape the way someone speaks, acts, and even dreams. Everyone believes different things, but sometimes those things aren’t true. If your friend’s belief isn’t quite right, should you tell them? Does it really matter if it’s true or not? Thank you to India for this curious question!

Should children swear?

Lots of adults think children should never swear. Many Short & Curly listeners tell us they secretly swear behind their parent’s backs. So what’s wrong with swearing anyway? Aren't they just harmless words? Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Mariah, Megan, Dylan, Aeldrich, Lily

The ethics of "getting even"

Have you ever wanted to give someone a taste of their own medicine? They might have hurt you or been mean to you or taken something that's yours. But is it okay to do the same thing back to them? Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Maggie, Feranmi, Leo, Oli, Esha, Marjorie

When does curiosity become rudeness?

Short & Curly listener Luca often gets stared at when he is in his wheelchair. His parents think the people who look too long are just being curious but Luca thinks it's just plain rude. So when does curiosity become rudeness? And how can we be curious about someone's difference without hurting their feelings? Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Bruno, Leilani, Eloise Lawson, Lexi, Kodah

Should you kill insects?

There are about 10 quintillion insects in the world. Yes, that's a real number. And it's a lot! They're very small and very different from us humans. We might not stop to think about it before we poison a cockroach, squish an ant with our shoe, or kill a mosquito, but is it ethical to kill an insect? Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Riley, Mahlia, Milo, Clay, Angus, Ava

Humans – good or bad?

War, environmental destruction, inequality. We humans can do some pretty bad stuff. Lots of listeners have asked us if humans are more good than they are bad. Maybe it's time for you to be the judge. Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Mariah, Megan, Dylan, Aeldrich, Lily Extra: Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Bruno, Leilani, Eloise Lawson, Lexi, Kodah Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Maggie, Feranmi, Leo, Oli, Esha, Marjorie

BITE – Cartoon Violence

If you love watching cartoons where the good guys battle the bad, it probably has fighting, explosions, and maybe guns too. Is it okay to watch violence if it's in a cartoon? Can we laugh and find it funny? Thank you to Linus for this exciting question!

BITE – Friends with Teacher

Friends are like flowers. There are lots of different ones out there, but you pick a couple to be your favourites. But what about your teacher? Can you be friends with them? And if they're a friend, can they still be a good teacher? Thank you to Orli for this great question! Pssst, we love your favourite episode too! 'Are parents hypocrites?' was a goodie.

BITE – Truth Telling

What if your friend asks if their shirt looks cool and you don't think it does? Or your dad asks if you like his gift, but you actually don't? The truth can be so hard to say – especially to the people we love the most. Should we tell the truth even when it hurts someone? Thank you to Charlotte and Nima for this curly question!

BITE – Bullying the Bully

Bullying is being mean to someone over and over again. It can happen at home, school, online, on the bus… and it's not always physical. When you're bullied, you can feel hurt, angry, and sad, all at once. So, if a bully hurts you, can you hurt them back? Can you call it justice? Thank you to Athena for this great question!

BITE – Family Sacrifices

Sacrifice is a big word, and it's often said in a big situation. How much should a family sacrifice for one person's happiness? What if you're the only one sacrificing? Thank you to Eli for this curly question – hope you listen to this one on a car ride too!

Should we ban homework?

It's one of the most requested topics ever – homework! Nobody loves doing it, but is it something we should do or not? Molly and Carl find out whether teachers should be allowed to give you work to do outside of school time. Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Bruno, Leilani, Eloise Lawson, Lexi, Kodah

Should you be punished for something you did a long time ago?

Molly has a confession to make. In her youth, she was a famous cat burglar, who stole precious jewellery and never got caught! But now as an elderly woman, justice has caught up with her. But if her crimes were a long time ago and she's changed a lot since then, should she still be punished? Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Maggie, Feranmi, Leo, Oli, Esha, Marjorie

The backyard chicken dilemma

Short & Curly listener Tabitha thought it would be great to get some backyard chickens. Delicious, fresh eggs every morning and cute birds to name and look after. But in reality, it wasn't so easy. Like, what happens when the chickens get older and stop laying eggs? Is it okay to kill them and replace them with younger chicks who will lay eggs? Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Maggie, Feranmi, Leo, Oli, Esha, Marjorie

Is it okay to yell at a robot?

Have you ever found yourself being rude to a smart speaker because it doesn’t understand you? As robots get better and smarter and more human-like, how should we treat them? Does it matter if we act badly towards something that isn’t even human? Brain Trust - Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Riley, Mahlia, Milo, Clay, Angus, Ava

Is envy always a bad thing?

If you've seen the movie The Lion King, you'll know that envy and jealousy play a big part in the story. Scar's envy of his brother King Mufasa takes him down a very dark and murderous path. But is envy always a bag thing? Is it wrong to really, really want something someone else has? Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Bruno, Leilani, Eloise Lawson, Lexi, Kodah

How to win an argument with your parents

Have you ever been trying to convince your parents of something and just ended up crying, yelling or storming off to sulk in your room? Grown-ups might be bigger than you, they might have more power than you, and they might even be wiser than you, but that doesn’t mean you can't beat your parents in a good fair argument. And even if you still don’t win, learning to argue in a way that’s good for everyone is a really handy skill to have. Brains Trust: Lyneham Primary School: Neve, Ashwyn, Alice, Ava, Sammy

Is it okay to read someone else's diary?

Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl who was killed by the Nazi's a long time ago. Before she died she wrote a diary which ended up become a book. It has now been read by millions of people and is often given to school kids to read in English class. But should we really be reading her diary at all? Interview: Stephanie Irvine Brains Trust: Newtown Public School: Kate, Wolfgang, Gabriel, Jesse, Betty, Honey.

Do toys and games shape who we'll become?

People often give certain kinds of toys and games to girls when they are young and other kinds of toys and games to boys. But do the toys and games you are given as a child shape what sort of person you will become in life? And does it matter? Brains Trust: Lyneham Primary School: Oliver, Lanna, Toby, Riley, Elly

Do you have to forgive someone who says sorry?

If someone does or says something bad to you, but then apologises for it, should you forgive them no matter what? Even if you don't really feel it in your heart? Brains Trust: Lyneham Primary School: Neve, Ashwyn, Alice, Ava, Sammy

Whose job is it to clean up space junk?

There's so much junk flying around in outer space – broken bits of old rockets and thousands of dead satellites. There are even golf balls left on the moon! But who has the responsibility for cleaning up all this rubbish? Brains Trust: Newtown Public School: Oliver, Freya, Maggie, Arun, Heath, Malley

ANNOUNCEMENT — From Short & Curly headquarters

Molly has an update about when new episodes are coming out.

BITE — Who gets the biggest piece of cake?

If you make something delicious to eat, do you have to share it evenly with other people? You did all the work, so is it fair to have to share? Today's BITE: If you make a cake is it okay to have a bigger slice than everyone else?

BITE - Parents playing favourites

If parents give more attention to one of your siblings does that mean they're playing favourites? Is it okay to give you less attention than you RIGHTLY DESERVE??? Today's BITE: Is it okay for your parents to give more attention to your younger sibling? Thanks to Maddie for this excellent question.

BITE — You look funny

People get judged for how they dress, the way they do their hair and what kind of body they have. But what would life be like if we just ignored all our differences completely? Today's BITE: Would the world be a better place if everyone looked the same?

BITE — Girls’ teams and boys’ teams

Why are most sports trams girls only and boys only? Even when it's the same type of sport they are playing! Today's BITE: Should we get rid of separate boys and girls' sports teams? Thanks to Charlie for this excellent question.

BITE — Murdering murderers

If someone does something bad, is it just and fair to do that same thing back to them? Today's BITE: Is it wrong to murder a murderer? Thanks to Maddison for this excellent question.

Molly's PICK — Would you donate your kidney to a stranger?

Molly went on a deep dive into the Short & Curly archive to find you one of her fave episodes. It's all about whether you should donate a kidney to a family member or friend if they needed one.

Carl's PICK — Should we kill feral cats?

We all know Carl loves cats, but today he has an important feline update, as well as bringing you one of his favourite episodes from the archives. It's all about whether it's okay to take the lives of some animals, like feral cats, and protect others.

Matt's PICK — Who gets saved first in a fire?

Matt has chosen a high drama, life and death episode for you to listen to from our archives. Plus the gang got to dress up as firefighters for this show, so that made it even more fun. In this episode, we ask, if you were a firefighter and had to save people in a burning building, who would you help first?

Are some pranks just not okay?

Have you ever pranked your brother or sister by freezing their bowl of cereal and milk the night before and then serving them a solid, icy breakfast? Or have you replaced salt in the saltshaker with sugar? Or put big, heavy rocks in a friend's school bag when they're not looking? Pranks can be can hilarious and entertaining, but can it sometimes be just plain wrong and mean to prank someone? Brains Trust – Lyneham Primary School: Oliver, Lanna, Toby, Riley, Elly

Should you give money to homeless people?

Have you ever been asked for money by a homeless person? What happened? And do you think we have any responsibility to help strangers when they are in need?

Is Santa Claus a bad person?

Imagine if you were being watched every second of the day to make sure you behaved well. And then you got rewarded or punished depending on how you acted? In this episode, we take a long hard look at Santa Claus, because news flash, we are told he's watching you day and night.

Do athletes have to be role models too?

We admire our favourite sportspeople for their physical skills but do they have to be good people as well? Should we expect sportspeople to be role models on and off the field? Join superstar athletes Molly and Carl at the World Ping Pong championships.

Do horses want us to ride them?

For centuries humans have ridden horses. We've ridden them long distances, into wars, in big races and just for fun. We've developed a close relationship with horses. But has anyone asked a horse what it thinks about all this? Would a horse want us to ride it and how would we even know?

BITE — Selling unwanted presents

Ever opened a present and thought, “I will never use this”. So why not just sell it and buy something you do like? Today’s BITE: Is it okay to sell a present someone gave you? Thanks to Indi for this excellent question.

BITE — Pocket money

Do you get pocket money, and if so, do you have to do something to earn it? Today's BITE: Should I get pocket money for doing chores? Bites producer: Jake Morcom

BITE — Drinking beer

If beer has no alcohol in it, is it still really beer? Today’s BITE: Should kids be allowed to drink beer if it’s non-alcoholic? Thanks to Harry for this excellent question. Bites producer: Jake Morcom

BITE — You can’t watch that

Have you ever watched a movie or TV show that was meant to be for adults only? Do you wish you hadn’t seen it, or are the rules about what kids can and can’t watch unfair? Today’s BITE: Is it okay to read books or watch movies that people say are too old for you?

BITE — Is love good?

Love is always good, right? Because love itself is good isn’t it? Well, isn’t it?? Today’s BITE: Is love always ethical? Thanks to Elizabeth for this excellent question.

The ethics of smartphones

When Molly got her first smartphone, she was so excited she couldn’t stop staring at her screen and she walked into a power pole. Carl is not so convinced by this flashy and very useful technology. Brains Trust: Guardian Angels Primary School in Queensland — Cienna, Daniel, Ellena, Eva, Kaizin and Laetitia.

Making "life and death" decisions for your pet

Molly and Carl finally get their dream jobs as vets but soon learn it's not all cuddles with cute animals — big and important decisions have to be made. Like whether to de-sex a pet or when it might be best to euthanise a much-loved furry member of the family. Brains Trust: Guardian Angels Primary School in Queensland — Cienna, Daniel, Ellena, Eva, Kaizin and Laetitia Guest: Dr Ari Ende, VETaround, Sydney

It's the end of the world. Let's go berserk!

Here's a little thought experiment: if you found out the world was going to end next week, would the rules about right and wrong change? If there was no tomorrow would it be okay to steal something you really wanted, or punch someone who had been bullying you? Let's see how Molly and Carl deal with a little thing called… the end of the world. Brains Trust: Somerset College in Queensland — Ethan, Saeesha, Spencer, Maddi, John, and Harry.

Can we build a world that works for everyone?

Carl has shrunk Molly and set her up in a world built of LEGO. You'd think that would be a fun adventure, but not for Molly, who just doesn't fit in. We find out if it's possible to build a world that works for everyone. Brains Trust: Somerset College, Queensland — Charlotte, Abhiraj, Magnus, Isabel, Sarah and Archie. Guest: Simon Darcy, Professor of Social Inclusion at the University of Technology, Sydney.

Should we always be brave?

Molly and Carl head to Sweden to try one of the most disgusting foods in the world. Just wait until you find out what it is! Between gagging and dry retching, they try to answer an important question — am I brave or am I a coward? And is one always good and one always bad? Brains Trust: Guardian Angels Primary School in Queensland — Cienna, Daniel, Ellena, Eva, Kaizin and Laetitia.

BITE — It was an accident!

Have you ever been punished for something that was an accident? Like, you really, really didn't mean to do it, but you still got in trouble. Today's BITE: If you didn't mean to do something should you still get in trouble?

BITE — Killing in computer games

Do you ever play computer games where you have to kill another character? Does that make you feel bad? Should it? Today's BITE: Is it wrong to enjoy killing people in computing games?

Is it fair to punish the whole class?

Have you ever been in a situation where someone did something wrong, but didn't own up? And then the teacher punished the whole class until the real culprit confessed! Is it fair for a whole group to be punished for something one person did? Molly, Carl and Matt go back to school to find out. Brains Trust — Somerset College in Queensland: Ethan, Saeesha, Spencer, Maddi, John, and Harry.

Swimmers vs sharks — who matters most?

On a hot sunny day there's nothing Molly loves better than a swim in the ocean. But the sea can be dangerous, right? There are big waves, dangerous rips and SHARKS! Even though shark attacks are actually very rare, they can be deadly. So, should we kill sharks before they have a chance to kill us? Brains Trust: Guardian Angels Primary School in Queensland — Cienna, Daniel, Ellena, Eva, Kaizin and Laetitia. Paul De Gelder — Former Navy Diver and shark attack survivor.

Do the ends justify the means?

When Matt doesn't have his nose in a big thick philosophy book, he loves watching movies. So when he invites Molly and Carl to "Matt's Mega Movie Trivia Night", they jump at the chance. But it's not any old trivia night, it's about ethics, and he asks only one big question: If you do something bad but you do it to make the end result good, does that make it okay? Brains Trust: Guardian Angels Primary School in Queensland — Cienna, Daniel, Ellena, Eva, Kaizin and Laetitia

Should robots replace humans?

Imagine a future where robots do the jobs humans are doing now, like construction workers, nurses, musicians and truck drivers. We could spend more time relaxing and playing with our friends. Woo hoo, bring it on! But are there some jobs that robots can't or shouldn't do? Brains Trust: Guardian Angels Primary School in Queensland — Cienna, Daniel, Ellena, Eva, Kaizin and Laetitia

Who owns a forest?

Molly and Carl take a riverboat adventure along the Amazon river in search of an elusive and very fragrant plant in the Amazon forest. But who owns this flower, and who owns the forest it's in? And who should get to decide what happens to the "the lungs of humanity", the Amazon rainforest? Brains Trust: Somerset College in Queensland — Charlotte, Abhiraj, Magnus, Isabel, Sarah and Archie

A little gift for you!

Molly and Carl got you something for Christmas. They made it themselves, on their phones. What could it be?

INTRODUCING — Short & Curly's big surprise!

2020 has been a pretty weird year, right? But at least we know one thing: Short & Curly listeners are the best! So here’s something just for you.

BITE — Banning peanut butter

Nut allergies are one of the super dangerous food allergies. If you’re allergic to nuts, it causes anaphylaxis and sometimes death. Today’s BITE: Should we ban nuts since people with allergies can die if they eat them? Thanks to Tammy for this excellent question.

BITE — Rough play

You can do things on the sporting field which would be a big no no at almost any other time. Today's BITE: Should rough sports be banned? Thanks to Nora for this excellent question.

BITE — Bossy parents

Have you ever asked why you have to do something and your parent or an adult says to you, "Because I say so"? It's so infuriating, right? Today's BITE: Do we have to do everything our parents tell us to? Thanks to Samira for this excellent question.

INTRODUCING — Short & Curly BITES

We get so curly many questions sent to us that we thought we'd make some special mini bite-sized versions of the show for you to nibble on! We will drop these BITES into your podcast feed (get it?) every now and then, so keep your ears out.

Bringing back extinct animals. What could go wrong?

So many birds, mammals and insects which once existed on Earth are now gone forever — extinct, kaput! This got Carl thinking, what if forever wasn't really forever? Should we try and bring some of these creatures back, especially if it was humans who caused them to become extinct in the first place?

Should we censor stuff on the internet?

When Molly and Carl are not making Short & Curly they are in charge of the world's biggest video sharing platform, called, TubeVids. That's right, it's their job to watch gaming videos, and movie parodies all day long! But it's not all fun and cat videos, people also post lots of mean stuff, as well as videos that are straight out untrue. What should they do about it? Let all the videos stay online or censor what we get to see?

Should Gabi have climbed the cherry blossom tree?

Cherry blossom trees are very important in Japan. They're so special they even have their own festival every year. Our listener Gabi lives in Japan and got in trouble for climbing one. But did he really do the wrong thing? Do the rules of another culture (or even another family) apply to us when we visit?

Do you always have to keep a secret?

If your friend asks you to keep a secret, should you ever break that promise? When should you keep your mouth zipped and when should you spill the beans? Join us for an old-fashioned detective story involving a crime and a secret.

Food fight! Can you be an ethical snacker?

Molly and Carl love snacks and treats. But when one of our listener's challenges them to buy only ethical snack foods, they face tricky choices in the supermarket. Join us on a race to see whether things that are yummy to eat can also be good for the world.

Are you really free?

This season we look at one of the curliest questions of them all, are you really free? We say all the time that someone made good choices or bad choices. Or that they should be punished or rewarded for the choices they make. But did you really choose to like a certain style of fashion? Is it your fault if you're a messy person? Can society be blamed for people turning to crime? And do Molly and Carl have any control over their emotions? (Umm, that's a big NO). Join us as we try and find out if we have free will or not.

Oedipus – The Musical

Meet Oedipus. He's the main character in one of the world’s oldest stories. He lived a long time ago and he did some pretty bad things. But was it his fault or was it fate? Was there anything he could have done to avoid tragedy? Join Molly, Carl and Matt as they sing their way through an ancient tale of terrible misfortune.

Why is your room so messy?

We visit the bedroom of one of the messiest kids we know, Harriet. She hates cleaning her room more than anything in life and it always looks like someone opened every drawer and threw all the contents into the air. But is it her fault that her room is a pigsty? And if other kids can manage to keep their rooms tidy, why can’t Harriet?

Did your brain make you do it?

You're at the movies with a giant box of popcorn on your lap, enjoying the film and eating the popcorn. You look down and see the box is empty, but you don't even remember eating it all, because you were focused on the film. As you gobbled on those salty snacks, were you in control of your actions? Are you still responsible if you do something unconsciously? The famous science writer Sam Harris says we are biochemical puppets, not anywhere near as in control as we think we are. So, we're going to take a look at Carl's brain to find out who's in charge (if anyone!).

Are you the boss of your emotions?

Molly and Carl might be great friends but that doesn't mean they don't fight sometimes. But when they do get into conflict they have very different ways of dealing with things. So, what should you do if you're feeling hurt or angry with someone? Is it best to bottle up your emotions and say nothing, or is it healthier to let it all out? We'll be getting some tips from an ancient group called The Stoics, who wanted to know how to deal with the highs and lows of being alive.

Is it society's fault if you become a criminal?

The bushranger Ned Kelly led a gang of criminals more than 100 years ago. He was first arrested when he was just 14 and then he went on to rob and kill people. But before his last infamous shootout, Ned Kelly wrote a letter to the world saying that none of it was his fault, that society was unfair and he had no alternative. So, can you really blame society for how your life turns out?

BONUS—How to work together through coronavirus

Like the whole world, the Short & Curly team is dealing with the coronavirus. In this special episode, Matt, Carl and Molly talk about how working together when things get hard can make a big difference for everyone. And Carl learns that wearing lycra and doing jazzercise is great fun when you’re in isolation! If you’re doing it a bit tough and need some help there are a bunch of places you get in touch with: Youth Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Reach out https://au.reachout.com/ Parent help line 1300 30 1300 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Lifeline 131114

BONUS — Pets, pests and farm animals, why do we value them differently?

Short & Curly listeners Harry, Max and Hugo live on farm surrounded by all kinds of animals: pets, livestock, and also pests like feral pigs. Some animals they love, some animals they hate, and some are just another member of the herd. Why do we value some animals differently from others? Come with us as we get a tour of their farm. And a warning, this episode deals with the death of animals.

Do you want to become a vampire?

Would you like to live forever? Molly and Carl like the idea of being immortal. The upsides: you won’t ever die, you’ll never run out of time to try new things and meet new people. The downsides: drinking blood and sleeping in a coffin, and your non-vampire friends will all leave you when they die. So, would immortality be worth it? And how can you make a decision about something so hugely different from any experience you’ve ever had before?

Should we ban families?

Why do some kids get all the luck? It doesn't seem fair that some kids are born into families with lots of love and support, while other kids don't get any, or don't have a family at all. The philosopher Plato had a pretty wild idea for how to fix this unfairness — get rid of families! He said if we did that, people would care more about all children, not just their own. What do you think? Would the world be a better and fairer place if we brought up children in a different way? Brains Trust: Eve, Olivia, Darby, Christian, Neve and Tessa from Leichardt Public School. Actors: Isaac, Harriet, Cody and Isabelle. And special thanks to Oren Thaler, for telling us about his time growing up in the Kibbutz.

Should you give up your teddy bear?

Do you have a teddy, a doll or a rug that is, or was, very important to you? We are told that as we grow up we need to get rid of ‘babyish’ things like that, but do we really? And if we lose our teddy or give it away, is it alright to feel sad about it? We hear about teddies and other things which were important to Molly, Carl and Matt and find out who kept theirs and why.

What is discrimination and is it always bad?

One of the best places to be on a hot summer's day is cooling off in a swimming pool. But until the 1960s Aboriginal people were not allowed to swim in the local pool in Moree, in country New South Wales. They were excluded because of a reason that had nothing to do with the ability to swim. They were excluded only because they were Aboriginal. So what is discrimination and what makes it bad?

Did Carl really see a UFO?

Carl is excited because he saw a UFO last night. He can't believe it! (And neither can Molly, but for different reasons). But should we believe Carl and if not, why not? How do we decide if something is true or not? What sort of evidence do we need?

Is it ever okay to be a cannibal?

Molly, Carl and Matt become lost at sea, they've run out of food and they lack basic survival skills. So, would it be okay for them to eat each other if they get really really really hungry? Maybe don't listen to this episode while you're eating!

Are parents hypocrites?

"Do as I say, not as I do!" Does this sound like the adults in your life? Short & Curly listeners often complain that their parents tell them to do one thing but then do something completely different themselves. So unfair! Or is it? Guests: Brains Trust (Warialda Public School) Lisa, Mia, Wes, Lachie, Luke, Frank, Jorja, and Christian.

When should you stop being friends with someone?

Here's a question from Short & Curly listener Harvey: "Is it OK to hang out with your friends if they're being mean to other people?" Difficult, right? Have you been in a tricky situation like this? What's the best thing to do and why?

Should grown-ups lie to you?

Molly has never been afraid of getting a needle because she knows the Needle Ninja will reward her bravery with a basket of Japanese lollies, cakes and toys. Carl has never heard of this person and thinks Molly has been tricked by her mum and dad. But is there any harm in believing in the Needle Ninja? And is it OK for parents to tell their kids stories if it makes them feel better?

Should we put GPS trackers on kids?

Carl often gets lost when he's out on the streets alone. So the S&C team have decided a tracking device will keep him safe and sound. But is this a good idea? How do we balance safety with the need to become independent? And would you be okay with an adult putting a tracking device on you?

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

The Titanic cruise ship hit an iceberg in 1912 and sank to the bottom of the ocean. Lots of people died because there weren't enough life rafts for everyone. Women and children were offered seats on the lifeboats first because of their age and gender. But is that fair? Are the lives of kids more precious than the lives of adults? Guest: David Dyer, author of The Midnight Watch. Brains Trust: Buranda State School — Meena, Caitlin, Banjo, Rosey, Hailey and Rex.

What can Severus Snape from Harry Potter teach us about courage and forgiveness?

Severus Snape is one of the trickier characters in the Harry Potter series. As a teacher, he can be mean and impatient and unfriendly and sarcastic. But Snape might also be able to teach us a lot about growing up and courage and forgiveness. Listen and decide for yourself. Guest: Lorrie Kim, author of Snape: A Definitive Reading. Brains Trust: Buranda State School — Meena, Caitlin, Banjo, Rosey, Hailey and Rex. Actors: Zali, Ngaio, Joel, Adam, Hannah and Jarvis.

Mind games and teasing on the sporting field

To be good at sport you need both physical skills and mental strength. So is it okay to tease and sledge your sporting opponents to get an advantage? Join Molly and Carl for a game of backyard cricket. Brains trust: Cricketers Haadia Khan, Lucy Johnston, Grace Bryson-Smith and Sienna Moore. Actors: Zali, Ngaio, Joel, Adam, Hannah and Jarvis

Answer the question! Short & Curly the game show

Test your buzzers, put your Short and Curly thinking caps on and get ready for round one. Molly, Carl and Matt tackle some of the many questions you've emailed us, on the game show that's got everyone talking: Answer The Question! Actors: Zali, Ngaio, Joel, Adam, Hannah and Jarvis.

Birthday presents — should we stop giving them?

How much stuff do you have? How many toys, books, games and clothes you have got that you don't use or wear? Is it time to re-think why we give and receive birthday presents? Let's drop in to Molly's birthday party and find out. Brains Trust: Buranda State School — Luca, Huon, Freya, Serefie, Noya and Ava. Actors: Neve and Tessa.

A sad tale about Matt Beard’s pet fish, Bucket and Spade

Matt was so excited when he bought two pet fish and named them Bucket and Spade. It wasn't long though before one of those fish got sick. Very sick. The pet shop said he needed special chemicals for the water, so he spent a lot of money to make things better. Sadly, things didn't improve for Bucket. Or was it Spade? Anyway, did Matt do the right thing for his fish? And is a fish's life as important as other types of pets?

Who should decide when you can get your ears pierced?

Some kids really want to get their ears pierced but their parents won’t let them. So, who should get to decide when and how you’re allowed to decorate your body with a piercing or even a tattoo? We get out the piercing gun and the tattoo ink and find out how much control we should have over our own bodies.

What’s the point of school uniforms?

School uniforms have been around for hundreds of years but what's the point of them? Do they kill your individuality, or do they help you focus on learning, without all the worries about fashion and how you dress? We hear from children who wear uniforms and children who don't.

Was Robin Hood right? Should you rob the rich to help the poor?

Robin Hood and his band of merry men of Sherwood forest reckoned rich people had it too good. So, they roamed around the countryside robbing the rich to give to the poor. Do you agree?

Is it okay to use technology to help you sing better?

Molly Daniels thinks she has what it takes to be a superstar pop singer. The only trouble is, she's out of tune and can't hit the notes properly! Eek. But wait, there's a program many musicians use which "fixes" their voice. Is it wrong to use technology to make you sound better than you are?

INTRODUCING — Short & Curly update!

We've got exciting news for you — Short & Curly is coming back soon! Molly, Carl and Matt haven't just been lazing around at the beach eating lollies, they've been super busy making you brand new episodes. And they're awesome! Hit play for a sneak peek. And tell your friends to subscribe now, so you can all hear the new shows as soon as they come out. Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producer: Ian Walker

Life, death and a runaway train

An out-of-control train is heading straight for a group of people who don't know they are about to be hit. You, as the driver, have some life and death decisions to make. What will you do? Hop on for a journey into one of the world's most famous thought experiments. This season is a special collaboration between the ABC Audio Studios and WNYC Studios in New York City. Hosts: Carl Smith and Shumita Basu Series Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producers: Emily Botein and Ian Walker Producer: Amy Pearl Sound Engineers: Isaac Jones, Hamish Camilleri, Jolen Camilleri Production Support: Sarah Sandbach and Brigit Berger

When is it okay to dob on someone?

Kids dob to parents and teachers for all kinds of reasons. It often feels bad when someone tells on you. And, if you're the one doing the dobbing (or snitching as our American friends say), the kid who gets in trouble might not like you for it. So should we tell on people at all? When is it right to speak up and when is it better to keep your mouth shut? This season is a special collaboration between the ABC Audio Studios and WNYC Studios in New York City. Hosts: Carl Smith and Shumita Basu Series Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producers: Emily Botein and Ian Walker Producer: Amy Pearl Sound Engineers: Isaac Jones, Hamish Camilleri, Jolen Camilleri Production Support: Sarah Sandbach and Brigit Berger

Were the Ancient Romans bad people?

The Ancient Romans were a bloodthirsty lot. As entertainment, they headed down to the local arena, to watch people and animals fight to the death. Today this would be illegal in many parts of the world. But the Roman Empire was a long time ago, and maybe they didn't know any better. So were the Romans wrong in how they lived their lives and can we judge them for it? This season is a special collaboration between the ABC Audio Studios and WNYC Studios in New York City. Hosts: Carl Smith and Shumita Basu Series Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producers: Emily Botein and Ian Walker Producer: Amy Pearl Sound Engineers: Isaac Jones, Hamish Camilleri, Jolen Camilleri Production Support: Sarah Sandbach and Brigit Berger

What sort of life should an elephant have?

Elephants are extremely intelligent and highly social creatures who traditionally live in large family herds. But their traditional natural world isn't perfect. In the wild, they face many dangers, including from humans. An elephant living in a zoo has a very different life, a much safer one. But they must live a life controlled by humans and cope without the support of their social herd. So, are zoos a good place for elephants? Would a 'wild' life necessarily be a longer, safer or better life? And, how do we even know what counts as a 'good life' if you are an elephant? This season is a special collaboration between the ABC Audio Studios and WNYC Studios in New York City. Hosts: Carl Smith and Shumita Basu Series Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producers: Emily Botein and Ian Walker Producer: Amy Pearl Sound Engineers: Isaac Jones, Hamish Camilleri, Jolen Camilleri Production Support: Sarah Sandbach and Brigit Berger

How to make the best kind of friends

Making friends and keeping friends can be hard. Sometimes you like someone a lot and then one of you changes and your friendship ends. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle thought friendship was one of the most important things in life and he came up with three main types of friendships. This show lets you think about what kind of friends you have and why. This season is a special collaboration between the ABC Audio Studios and WNYC Studios in New York City. Hosts: Carl Smith and Shumita Basu Series Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producers: Emily Botein and Ian Walker Producer: Amy Pearl Sound Engineers: Isaac Jones, Hamish Camilleri, Jolen Camilleri Production Support: Sarah Sandbach and Brigit Berger

INTRODUCING — Short & Curly Goes To America

While Molly stays at home to fight crime and breed endangered lizards, Carl packs his toothbrush and some clean underwear for Short & Curly’s big adventure to New York City.

Should we kill feral cats?

Australia is on the war path, pledging to kill two million feral cats by 2020. They felines are biologically the same creatures as the kitties people have as pets at home, but most were born in the wild. Feral cats are said to be responsible for millions of native animals and birds being killed each year and their numbers are skyrocketing. So, a big program to cull cats is underway. Is it okay to take some lives to protect many others? And what about the poor cats? Is it their fault humans brought them here, then let them loose in the environment? Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producer: Ian Walker Guest: Gregory Andrews, Threatened Species Commissioner Department of Environment and Energy, Australian Government Brains Trust: Oliver, Hugh, Lily, Polly, Georgie, and Paddy from Millthorpe Public School, NSW

Is your classroom fair?

That's not fair! How often have you heard that said at school? When the bell rings, Molly and Carl head back to the classroom but it's not long before one of them is in trouble with the teacher. A disruptive student (hint, it's Carl) can take up a lot of the teacher's attention. Is it wrong that a teacher can't give everyone an equal amount of their time? Can a classroom ever be truly fair? Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producer: Ian Walker Brains trust: Finn, Ilka, Phoenix, Megan, and Eleanor from Millthorpe Public School, NSW Acting crew: Neve, Denholm, April

Would you donate your kidney to a stranger?

They cut a small hole in your abdomen, blow some carbon dioxide into your tummy so it puffs up like a balloon, then carefully take out a perfectly healthy part of your body. Yikes. This is what happens when you donate a kidney. Most of us have two, but we really only need one to live long and healthy lives. So, if a family member or friend had kidney disease and you discovered yours was a perfect match, would you donate one? And what about if that person was a stranger? Would that change your answer? Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producer: Ian Walker Guest: Michael Page, Centre for Effective Altruism, United Kingdom Brains Trust: Oliver, Hugh, Lily, Polly, Georgie, and Paddy from Millthorpe Public School, NSW

Can robot soldiers make armies better?

Is it possible for an army to do the right thing? After all, armies destroy buildings and neighbourhoods, they kill and severely injure people, including children. Many wars and conflicts go on for years. But, weirdly, war do have rules, even if not everyone follows them. Do these rules really make it possible to create an ethical army? Can technology — like robots, drones and stun guns — lead to fewer casualties? After donning their battle fatigues, Molly and Carl design some ethical armies of their own. Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producer: Ian Walker Brains trust: Finn, Ilka, Phoenix, Megan, and Eleanor from Millthorpe Public School, NSW Acting crew: Neve, Denholm, April

What would you risk to get to the top?

At almost nine kilometres from top to bottom, Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. Many have died or suffered serious injuries trying to conquer the peak. Take a cold and windy journey with Molly and Carl as they gather their ropes and ice picks, lace up their climbing boots and head out into the wild for some high altitude curly questions. Along the way, you'll meet the youngest Australian to have made it to the summit. Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producer: Ian Walker Guest: Alyssa Azar, youngest Australian to reach the summit of Mount Everest Brains Trust: Oliver, Hugh, Lily, Polly, Georgie, and Paddy from Millthorpe Public School, NSW

Should pugs dogs exist?

Carl thinks they have the cutest, squishiest faces and biggest googly eyes of the entire canine world. He definitely wants to buy one. But the life of a pug is not always a happy one. Over time, dog breeders have made pugs so flat-faced that many have serious trouble breathing. They can't run around and play as much as other dogs and get overheated in summer. Many pugs end up needing major surgery just to help them get enough oxygen. So, should Carl be buying a dog like that, even if he would love it and look after it really well? Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producer: Ian Walker

Who wants a virtual life?

Let's say you can hook your brain up to a machine that feels 100 per cent real and offers you the kind of life you've always wanted. You could climb one of the world's tallest mountains, get yourself some great friends, and even program in some challenges to keep it interesting. The catch is this perfect world isn't real… It's a simulation. Molly thinks it sounds cool, but isn't sure about leaving her real life dogs behind. The show takes us on a thought experiment to work out what it is we really want from life and what things are important. Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producer: Ian Walker

Why can’t children vote?

Kids have to live by the rules of the society they are born into but don't get a say on what those rules are. Unfair, right? Decisions made by governments today affect kids' futures but we don't let them near the ballot box. Are children wise enough or informed enough to make big decisions about government? Short & Curly mounts our own political debate with surprising results. Guest Amara is a smart kid who doesn't think it's necessary. How would you vote? Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producer: Ian Walker

Are some people just unlucky?

Many cultures believe it's good luck if a bird poos on your head, like what happened to Carl (eww!). Others say it's bad luck if you break a mirror. For centuries, humans have tried to understand things like right and wrong, fair and unfair. So, how much does luck play in your life, in good or bad ways? And how might understanding luck make us think differently about the world? Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producer: Ian Walker

The ethics of invisibility

What would you do if you had the power of invisibility? Would you sneak around, spy on people, commit crimes, pull practical jokes, or find out what other people really think about you? The military is putting tonnes of money and effort into trying to make things invisible, but don't hold your breath. We introduce a new superhero, Invisibilia, to help us explore some really big questions. How would you behave if you thought no-one could see you? Is it about doing the right thing or is it the "getting caught" part that stops bad behaviour? Producer: Kyla Slaven Executive Producer: Ian Walker

Should we ban lollies?

Lollies are a colourful and magical and very sweet part of many children’s lives. But can you say no when faced with a bowl of jelly beans or sour worms or other types of candy? With so much concern nowadays about the amount of sugar in our diets, this show looks at self control and what we should do if people don’t have any.

Is Pokemon Go playing you?

Walked into any traffic lights lately as you stare manically at a screen? Maybe you’re one of the millions of people playing Pokemon Go, the augmented reality game which sends its players out into the streets to catch weird little imaginary creatures. Is it an annoying disruption of public spaces? And, because it’s cleverly designed so you never want to stop playing, we ask: Are you playing the game or is the game playing you?

Should celebrities keep it real?

Images of movie stars and pop singers are everywhere we look – album covers, concert posters, t-shirts, Instagram feeds and other social media. Photos and videos are a big part of how famous people present themselves. But, how honest and accurate are they? Do they look anything like they do in real life… and should they? When do small changes to an image turn it into a lie? And does it even matter?

Who gets saved first in a fire?

For professional fire and rescue workers, it’s not all sirens, cool trucks and running red lights. They often have to make really hard and terrible decisions in moments of heat, smoke and danger. Their job is to be there to help on the worst day of your life. So, if you were a firefighter, who would you save first?

Do you have to love your sibling?

We’re often told we have a special responsibility to our brothers and sisters just because they are family. But, do we really? And what kind of duty is it? What if you found out the annoying new kid at school was your long lost brother or sister? Would you feel any differently about them? And, if you really didn’t like them, is it somehow worse to kill a sibling than to kill anyone else? Yep, some murderously tricky questions!

Is Dumbledore as great as he seems?

He is wise and old and learned and kind, but the Principal of Hogwarts is not perfect. He deceives, he holds back really important information about issues of life and death, and is willing to sacrifice Harry Potter for the good of the many, leading him (as Professor Snape says) “like a pig to slaughter”. So, is Dumbledore an ethical person? How flawed are we allowed to be and still be counted as “good”?

Should you move to Mars?

There are 1,000 people currently shortlisted for the trip of a lifetime, from which they will never return! They want to be the first stage in the human habitation of the red planet. But do humans have a right to inhabit other planets, and which humans specifically? Would colonizing Mars be a chance to create a better world from scratch, or will it become an environmental and ethical nightmare? Would you want to go?

Is it ever okay to lie?

Kind lies. White lies. Little lies. We take a trip to the fun park to look at all sorts of lies we tell for all sorts of reasons. Like what if your parent asks you to pretend to be younger than you are to get a cheaper entry fee? What’s the right thing to do? Amidst the rides and games, junk food and excitement, we explore a few stories about lying, a subject which has divided some of the greatest thinkers in history.

Children under the microscope — the ethics of science

In the 1950s, a group of young boys took part in a now famous experiment to find out how easy it would be to turn two groups of children into enemies. The boys didn’t know they were in a scientific study, and many later regretted the things they did to each other. Is the knowledge we might get from such an experiment worth the pain it might cause to get it?

Should you eat your pet?

Unless you’re a vegetarian, there are some animals you probably eat regularly. But how would you cope if your next dinner was some stir-fried dog? Why is it okay to eat a baby cow (veal) or sheep (lamb) and not a cute little puppy? Are our ideas about eating animals a bit of a mess? And does this matter?

Can competitive sport be truly fair?

When you dive into the pool at the school swimming carnival, how fair is the race? You might all start swimming at the same time, but what things give you an unfair advantage over other competitors? You might have access to great coaches, great equipment and great healthy food. Are these good things fair or not? We are joined by Liz Ellis, the three time world champion former captain of the Australian netball team, the Diamonds. Also appearing is Joseph Winter, the head of Innovation, Research and Development at the Australian Institute of Sport. Basically, he gets to develop all kinds of cool high performance gadgets and clothing.

Is it ever okay to fight back against a bully?

Back in 2011, an Australian teenager was filmed being punched again and again in the school playground by a bully. What made the video go viral was what happened next. The bullying victim lifted up the bully and threw him to the ground, hard. Was that a kind of justice? Our guests are Onor, Izzy and Alex from Theatre Bugs in Adelaide.

Should chimps have the same rights as kids?

They share most of our DNA and many of our social skills, and in some experiments, chimpanzees outperform human children. So why do we put chimpanzees in zoos and children in schools? Is the line between humans and other animals a little more blurred that you'd think? Our guest Lou Grossfeldt is a zoo keeper with over twenty years on the job. She works with primates at Mogo Zoo and even has a tattoo of her favourite chimpanzee on her back. She is the co-author of the book Our Primate Family.

Is stealing music or jokes really stealing?

Not all stealing is about taking someone's physical property. If a comedian comes up with a joke, you see it on YouTube and then start telling all your friends, is that stealing? If you take a small sound or beat from a song you love and then use it in a whole new piece of music you've created, is that stealing? Our guest, Urthboy, is one Australia’s best known hip hop artists and is also part of the group The Herd.

Can you trust a robot?

By the time today's 7-12 year olds get their driver's license, robotic cars will become more common. They will be programmed to make snap decisions when something goes wrong on the road, but can we trust them? And, as robots around us become more and more sophisticated and human-like, how can we be sure what they tell us is real? Our guest Gerard Waldron doesn't think his granddaughter will ever need to learn to drive. Gerard was in charge of the first trial of a driverless car trial on a public road in Australia and is the head of the ARRB Group.