Where did birthday cake actually come from? Why do we blow out candles and make a wish? And why does a Korean birthday start with a bowl of seaweed soup?

In this episode, Kinara and Aparna take a delicious trip through the history and science of birthday food. They trace birthday cake all the way back to ancient Greece, uncover the surprisingly dramatic story behind the Happy Birthday song, and tour birthday food traditions from Korea, Ghana, Brazil, Australia, the Netherlands, and more.

Plus: a science experiment involving pizza, fake cake, and a bacteria count that might change how you feel about candles — but probably won't stop you from blowing them out.

Fun, surprising, and perfect for curious eaters of all ages.

Find us on Instagram: @yumbutwhy

Email us: yumbutwhy@gmail.com

Why does ice cream make your brain freeze? Who first invented frozen desserts? And how did people enjoy icy treats thousands of years ago — even in the desert?

In this delicious episode of Yum But Why?, Kinara and Aparna dig into the surprisingly global history of ice cream, from ancient Persian faloodeh and Mughal kulfi to stretchy Turkish dondurma, Japanese mochi ice cream, and more. Along the way, they explore the science behind what makes ice cream so creamy, why it gets icy in the freezer, and what really causes brain freeze.

Plus, they’re joined by a very special guest from the Bay Area’s own Koolfi Creamery, where traditional Indian flavors meet modern American ice cream.

This episode is packed with:

• 🍨 the history of ice cream across cultures
• 🧠 the science of brain freeze
• 🌍 frozen treats from around the world
• 😂 kid-friendly ice cream jokes and fun facts
• 🍦 a special guest interview

Perfect for curious kids, families, and anyone who loves dessert.

Listen now on all major podcast platforms — and don’t forget to grab your favorite frozen treat while you tune in!

#YumButWhy #KidsPodcast #IceCream #FoodScience #PodcastForKids #KidsFoodPodcast

Find us on Instagram: @yumbutwhy

Email us: yumbutwhy@gmail.com

New Year's Food Traditions Around the World

Ring in the new year with delicious traditions from across the globe! In this episode, we explore why people eat special foods on New Year's Day—from Hoppin' John and collard greens in the American South to 12 grapes at midnight in Spain, from long noodles in Japan to tamales in Mexico.

Discover the deep cultural meanings behind these foods: round foods for prosperity, long foods for longevity, green foods for wealth, and forward-moving foods for progress. Learn about Indigenous winter solstice celebrations and first foods ceremonies, and why grape farmers may have accidentally created a national custom in Spain.

Perfect for families who want to understand the beautiful ways food connects us to culture, history, and hope for the year ahead. Plus: foods to avoid (no backward-moving lobsters!), fun facts, and ideas for creating your own family fusion feast.

Challenge: Pick ONE tradition from this episode and try it next year!

Episode length: ~25 minutes Perfect for: Ages 5+ and families Topics: Cultural traditions, food history, New Year's celebrations, Black American history, Indigenous traditions, global cuisines

Find us on Instagram: @yumbutwhy

Email us: yumbutwhy@gmail.com