Through podcasts, kids’ shows also get more airtime on old-school radio

One afternoon in mid-July, Jane Lindholm settled into her host’s chair for another installment of Vermont Edition, Vermont Public Radio’s noontime call-in show. But instead of starting the hour with statewide news and issues, a twangy tune began to play.

“If you are a regular listener in this space, you might have noticed that this is not the regular Vermont Edition theme music that you usually hear at noon,” Lindholm said. “Today, But Why? is taking over the airwaves.”

Lindholm’s second gig at the station is hosting But Why?, a podcast that answers questions sent by curious kids. For the next hour, she fielded questions about the Big Bang, black holes and beyond with a local astronomy professor. Meanwhile, But Why? co-producer Melody Bodette juggled over 100 prerecorded questions, as well as callers from all over the country and commenters on Facebook Live.