Short & Curly

Short & Curly

Should we move to Mars? Is Dumbledore as great as he seems? Should you eat your pet?!

These are just some of the diabolical questions raised in the newly-launched second season of Short & Curly, ABC Radio's popular ethics podcast for curious minds, both young and old.

Following its successful launch in April, Short & Curly has consistently topped the iTunes charts in the Kids & Family category and found a solid fan base for its hosts, Carl Smith (ABC3) and actress Molly Daniels (Tomorrow When The War Began).

Season Two features five brand new episodes, with Molly and Carl joined by ethicist Dr Matt Beard to straighten out the curliest of questions " taking listeners on another fun-filled journey into the world of ethical dilemmas.

Aimed at children aged 7-12, the podcast is unique, both for its content and the use of the "pause button". Once or twice each episode, listeners are asked to briefly contemplate what they've heard and/or to discuss the questions raised with friends or family members.

'One of the best ways to develop your ideas about what's right and wrong is to learn to think philosophically," says Short & Curly producer, Kyla Slaven.

'We've used examples and pop culture references to give often complex concepts a solid basis in reality, as well as mixing in a major dose of fun. In effect, it's teaching kids how to think, not what to think."

Another unique aspect of the podcast is that it is delivered in batches, like Netflix, but in this case timed to land just before each school holidays.

So, whether for listening and discussing in the car, the classroom, or during dinner conversations, here's a taste of what you can tune in to across the second series.

Should we move to Mars? There are 1,000 people shortlisted for the trip of a lifetime, from which they will never return. Do humans have a right to inhabit other planets, and which humans specifically? Would you like to be a Mars space cadet?
Guest: Josh Richards, Mars One candidate from Australia.

Is Dumbledore as great as he seems? He is willing to sacrifice Harry Potter for the good of the many, leading him (as Professor Snape says) 'like a pig to slaughter". Be part of the jury which answers the question: Is Dumbledore an ethical person and how flawed are we allowed to be?
Guests: The Adelaide Auguries Quiddich team

Should you eat your pet? Why do many of us freak out at the idea of eating dog? Why is it okay to eat a baby cow (veal) or sheep (lamb) and not a cute little puppy?
Guests: Tim O'Connor, dog eater, and Ali, owner of Bacon the pet pig.

Children under the microscope " the ethics of science: In the 1950s a group of young boys took part in a now famous three-week-long experiment at a summer camp.The problem was the kids weren't told they were taking part. Is there such a thing as dangerous unethical knowledge?
Guest: Gina Perry, author of a book about the Robbers Cave experiment.

Is it ever okay to lie? If your parent asks you to pretend to be younger than you are to get a cheap entry fee to the fun park, what do you do? Based around a visit to an amusement park, the show explores a few scenarios about lying, a subject which has divided some of the greatest thinkers in history.

Here's how to listen:

iTunes
The ABC First Run website
Soundcloud
The ABC Radio app and other podcasting apps
And find out about other podcasts on the ABC Podcasts Facebook