[Exploring Big Dreams: A Look at Kids' Bucket Lists]-[What’s on your bucket list?]

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids · B2 · 2025-12-26

📋 Summary

Exploring Big Dreams: A Look at Kids' Bucket Lists

In this special end-of-year episode of But Why, host Jane Lindholm and her team, Melody and Sarah, shift the traditional format of the podcast. Instead of answering questions from curious children, they invite listeners to share their "bucket list" items—the big dreams, goals, and fantasies they hope to accomplish throughout their lifetimes.

Defining the Bucket List

Jane explains that a bucket list can encompass a variety of ambitions. While some items are grounded in reality—such as travel, athletic feats, or career goals—others lean toward the fantastical. The hosts themselves share their own aspirations, with Jane mentioning a desire to see "koalas and kangaroos in Australia," Melody aiming to "finish hiking the Long Trail" in Vermont, and Sarah working toward running a "half marathon."

Physical and Athletic Challenges

Many young listeners expressed a desire to push their physical limits. Hannah, a 10-year-old from Washington, D.C., shared her goal of "climbing a V10," which the hosts clarify is a difficult bouldering grade. Similarly, Jack from Cincinnati aims to complete a "10K" race. These goals highlight a spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of mastery in sports.

Travel and Global Exploration

Travel was a recurring theme among the submissions. Children expressed desires to visit iconic locations such as "Disney World," "Ireland," "Greenland," "Russia," and the "Amazon rainforest." Some, like Eleanor and Levi, shared a common dream of visiting Hawaii, while others, like Dom, dream of visiting "Antarctica to see the penguin." These aspirations reflect a deep curiosity about the natural world and different cultures.

Future Careers and Fantasies

When it comes to future professions, the range of imagination is vast. From Isabella, who wants to be a "singer," to Florence, who aspires to be a "special effects makeup artist," the children look forward to creative roles. Others, like Mary, want to be a "cooker" to help people stay healthy, while Logan dreams of being a "successful YouTuber" with a "room that's just for Lego."

Some dreams push the boundaries of reality, such as Julian’s interest in riding the "magic school bus" to the sun, or William and Lucia’s ambitions to travel to "space" or "Pluto." These whimsical goals emphasize that for kids, the bucket list is as much about the fun of imagining as it is about practical achievement.

Small Steps and Short-Term Goals

Not all bucket list items are lifelong endeavors. Some children, like Penny, are focused on immediate goals, such as starting a "rubber band bracelet business," showcasing an early entrepreneurial spirit. Others, like Nova, simply want to "stay up all night before I go to college," a classic rite of passage that the hosts fondly recognize.

Conclusion

This episode serves as a heartwarming celebration of childhood ambition. Whether it is mastering the Japanese art of "origami," building a computer, or simply wanting to "hold a rainbow butterfly," the dreams shared by the listeners demonstrate the boundless curiosity of the But Why audience. The hosts conclude the year by encouraging all listeners to stay curious and continue sharing their questions and aspirations.

🎯Key Sentences

I mean, you can't really control that.

Ooh, that's a good one.

It's not that long.

Go Jane.

Well, let's get into the answers you've sent us

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📝Key Phrases

bucket list

work towards

get back into

take a lot of work

get into

Expand All

📖 Transcript

But Why?

A podcast for curious kids is known for serious answers to silly questions sent in by kids just like you.

But did you know that But Why is now a book series?

Our first book, Our Llamas Ticklish, answers questions from real kids about farm animals.

This colorfully illustrated book is perfect for kids ages 8 to 10.

And our second book, Do Fish Breathe Underwater?, explores the underwater world of the oceans.

Or study on the web version →