The Week Junior Show
The Week Junior Show takes you behind the scenes of the award-winning magazine for 8 to 14-year-olds. Each week, Bex from Fun Kids is joined by members of The Week Junior team to discuss their favourite stories, debate the week’s hot topic and discover whether the ‘Real or Rubbish?’ report is fake news or the real deal.
Episodes
Slowing down AI and woolly glaciers
The boss of AI company Anthropic has said that powerful artificial intelligence should be developed more slowly and checked more closely, and Bex, Eve and Dan talk through why more than 70 UK politicians are also asking for new rules on AI. There’s also scientists in Switzerland wrapping melting glaciers in blankets of sheep’s wool, a marathon in Canada that may have been too long for
Fast fashion fees and a fossil hunter’s blue plaque
France has brought in new rules that make ultra fast fashion companies pay a fee on every new item of clothing they sell there, from 43p for an item of underwear to £10.28 for a jacket, and Bex, Eve and Martha talk through why cheap, quickly made clothes create so much waste. There’s also a blue plaque for fossil hunter Dorothea Bate, one of the first women to work as a scientist at th
Nepal flood aid and a castle on rollers
Flash floods hit communities along the border between Nepal and Tibet on 26 August after a glacier collapsed high in the mountains, and Bex, Eve and Joe talk through the rescue effort and the aid arriving from around the world, including a £5 million package from the UK and 68 tonnes of supplies from India. There’s also the 360-tonne castle tower in Hirosaki, Japan, hauled back to its original pos
Runny egg warning and Snowdon queues
The Food Standards Agency has warned young children, older people and pregnant women to avoid runny eggs in cafes and restaurants after an outbreak of salmonella, and Bex, Eve and Joe talk through the advice. There’s also a queue forming at the summit of Snowdon, a Spider-Man screening in Colombia emptied by a foul smell, 11-year-old museum curator Anderson Taylor as hero of the week, and a big de
Total solar eclipse and hidden gold
A total solar eclipse passed over Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, and Bex, Eve and Martha talk through what happened, including Eve’s trip to Spain to see it. There’s also an 18-year-old in Belgium who uncovered £7.5 million of gold while doing a summer job on a building site, robot cleaners for hire in San Francisco, trainee volunteer firefighter Talara as hero of the week, and a big debat
Lucky lotto ticket and giant cars
A new defence agreement has been signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and Bex, Joe and Dan talk through what it means. There’s also a woman in Italy whose winning lottery ticket was rescued from a bin lorry, pufflings being saved in Iceland, Parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt as hero of the week, and a big debate on whether cars have got too big. Plus the picture book shortlist for The Wee
Farming octopuses and the missing space pen
The Commonwealth Games have come to a close, and Bex, Joe and Stevie look back at what happened. There’s also a hero rescue dog retiring, a nine-year-old author, and a big debate on whether it’s wrong to farm octopuses after a Spanish company dropped plans for the world’s first octopus farm. Plus the STEM shortlist for The Week Junior Book Awards, Pamela Butchart on this week&rsq
Number 10 North and noisy museums
The Prime Minister opens a second Number 10 in Manchester, and Bex, Joe and Stevie explain what it means for where power sits in the UK. There's also a campaign asking museums to let children be as loud as they like, a big debate on whether it's ever good to be bored, and a giant mirror in space that could turn night into day. Plus the poetry shortlist for The Week Junior Book Awards, the Science+
New Prime Minister and pets in restaurants
The UK has a new Prime Minister. The team explains who Andy Burnham is and how he landed the top job so quickly. There's also the Queen's surprise Christmas present for every Year 6 pupil, an electric guitar that may – or may not – have been made from the burned wood of Notre Dame, and a debate on whether pets should be allowed everywhere. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i
The Bayeux Tapestry and Neil the Seal
This week, the Bayeux Tapestry arrives in the UK for the first time in nearly 1,000 years, a famous elephant seal called Neil causes a stir in Tasmania, and the team debates whether schools should close during heat waves. Plus a baffling case of crabs in a garden shed, the new Children's Laureate, and your chance to win this week's book.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Hope Issue: Drone rescues and robot octopuses
It's the Hope Issue! Bex is joined by Eve and Joe from The Week Junior. Joe reveals how a potato-shaped sea creature from Antarctica could one day help scientists treat skin cancer, and Eve explains how thermal-imaging drones are being used in Germany to rescue baby deer hidden in tall grass. There's also a big debate — should adults have screen-free days? — and a special visit from Ed
Sports day and beavers in your city
The team share their favourite sports day activities as listeners answer last week's question about music that helps them relax. Plus: Young climate leaders gathered at Tate Modern for the London Climate Action Week Summit, including 11-year-old campaigner Anishwa Kunchala. Plus, over 1,500 children took part in a challenge to turn broken toys into something new. A "grumpy" Pallas's cat named Duc
Keir Starmer resigns and changes for free school meals in Wales
On Monday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he would step down as Prime Minister and Labour Party leader. Eve, Joe and Bex digest the latest – plus there’s an interview in this week’s magazine with a music therapist, which made us wonder: what music helps you relax?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Social media ban and Toy Story 5
Eve explains new government plans to set a minimum age of 16 for social media platforms as Joe shares the story of Parkrun, which recently hit its millionth ever event since starting in 2004. Plus, has a lost gold bar ($17,000!) sparked a real treasure hunt at a Finnish ski resort, or is it all made up? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Armenian elections and the case for more public toilets
Joe explains the results of Armenia’s recent election, what it means for their relationship with Russia and the EU, and why the country’s foreign policy is in the headlines as Eve shares the incredible story of the couple who visited every RNLI lifeboat station in the UK, raising thousands of pounds for charity – and why lifeboat heroes matter. Plus, could an art gallery rea
Book Awards and skipping school for sport
This episode, Bex is joined by Week Junior writers Eve and Joe to explore the biggest stories from the latest issue, including: The Week Junior Book Awards 2026: Find out which books made the shortlist, how judging works, and how YOU can vote for your favourite book cover and Children's Choice Award! Get all the voting details and your chance to win a big bundle of books. A Teeny Octopus Discover
Heatwave and Ronaldo's football boots
This week the team will be talking about a spring heat wave, a rubbish collecting scheme in Germany and whether university education should be free. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In-car toilets and banning sun loungers
Join Bex, Eve, and Joe as they discuss some of the most curious, creative, and controversial news stories for 8–14-year-olds. Hear them talk about the Chelsea Flower Show, a brand new road called "Pork Pie Way", an inventive but unusual in-car toilet and debate whether beaches should ban sun loungers, and how the rules might affect people, businesses, and the environmentSee omnystudio.
Campfires in the Cairngorms and top secret UFO files
Bex, Eve, Joe and Kaye are uncovering newly released top secret UFO (or UAP) files from the US government, meeting an unexpected stadium mascot (is a real goose cheering on a baseball team?), and debating whether campfires should be banned after record wildfires.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
David Attenborough's 100th birthday
Amsterdam bans outdoor advertising for meat and fossil fuel products; meet the UK’s first 'gull ranger'; and the team discusses David Attenborough – the legendary broadcaster’s incredible century and the parties readers held to mark it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Giant tiramisu and an amazing axolotl rescue
This week the team will be talking about the government’s new rules around smoking and vaping, a GIANT tiramisu and an amazing axolotl rescue. We’ll also be having a big debate about whether helium balloons should be banned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mayo music and Local and Community History Month
Bex is joined by Eve and Joe from The Week Junior, the magazine making sense of the world for 8–14-year-olds. Discover a massive German landscape being turned into sparkling lakes from abandoned coal mines. Plus, Joe tries to stump Bex with the weirdest Real or Rubbish story yet: can mayonnaise really be used to make music?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
School dinners and Daddy Pig's London Marathon
The team talk Artemis II's safe splashdown, Daddy Pig's big London Marathon plans, and debate whether all woods should be open to the public. Plus: fairy tale adventures, self-care, and England's plan to change school dinners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Artemis II and wiggly bee bums
This week the team will be talking about an incredible mission around the Moon, a stolen sports trophy and a wiggly bum dance performed by bees!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April Fool's and languages in schools
This week the team will be talking about the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, a rare book about Vikings and a very cool pair of glasses. There will also be a big debate about whether schools should teach more languages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The best pranks, and should museums charge for entry?
This week the team discuss your favourite pranks, share your movie recommendations, and reveal some exciting BTS news. This week's big debate is whether museums should charge for entry plus you share your creative projects and activities.For a chance to hear yourself on the podcast, send in a voicenote at funkidslive.com/theweekjuniorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How hedgehogs hear and Parliament leaving London
This week the team will be talking about cuts to air pollution in cities around the world, changes to video game age ratings, and hedgehogs’ super hearing. There’s also going to be a big debate about whether Parliament should leave London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New allergy rules in schools and Basic Income
This week the team will be talking about some of the news featured in this week’s issue, including the government’s plans for allergy rules in schools in England, a rapping world record and a basic income for artists in Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's happening in the Middle East?
This week the team will be talking about some of the news featured in this week’s issue, including breaking down what’s been happening in the Middle East. We’ll also be discussing a Stone Age discovery in Germany, a new Olympic sport, and whether adverts played during sports are distracting for viewers. As well as that, we’ve got an exclusive interview with some of the
Are audiobooks as good as reading?
This week, we’ve got loads to chat about, including a monkey’s cuddly friend, a charity founder who’s made a difference in Sudan, and whether audiobooks are better than reading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lunar New Year and Larry the cat
In this week’s episode we’ve got lots to chat about, including Lunar New Year celebrations, Larry the cat’s big anniversary, and the Winter Olympics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Winter Olympics and sending humans to space
In this week’s episode we’ve got lots to chat about! There’s the Winter Olympics, a new home for birds, sending humans to space, and even a crafty cat... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Greenland and no social media for under-16s
In a week where the biggest artists in the music industry were recognised at the Grammys, and Dame Sarah Mullaly officially became the Archbishop of Canterbury, we’re going to be talking about some of the other stories that entertained and interested The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Storytelling Week and return of the lynx
In a week where a very powerful storm swept across the US and Japan's pandas returned to China, we're going to be talking about some of the other stories that entertained and interested The Week Junior team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Artemis II and a model Sun
In a week where global ocean protection rules came into force, and a medieval ship was found off the coast of Denmark, we’re going to be talking about some of the other stories that entertained and interested The Week Junior team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Year of Reading and retro tech
In a week where tourists were stranded in Lapland due to freezing temperatures and the world’s latest tech was showcased at a special event in Las Vegas in the US, we’re going to be talking about some of the other stories that entertained and interested The Week Junior team. We’ll be talking about the National Year of Reading, an amazing new discovery in Wales and retro vs modern
Is it OK to sell Dinosaur Fossils at Auction?
This week, Bex is joined by Eve, Kay, Vanessa and Elena where they kick off 2026 with a big debate about whether or not you should be able to buy Dinosaur fossils, reports on the recent snowstorms and hear all about a viral catSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NEW PODCAST: Judge Bex
Get Judge Bex now: https://podfollow.com/judgebex Welcome to the hilarious family courtroom of Judge Bex! Bex settles two dramatic disputes: Isla versus her dad “Fishboy” over unfair bath time rules, and Hattie versus her homework-happy dad, who wants three hours of maths daily. With special guest Hugh Bonneville weighing in and creative verdicts all round, Judge Bex’s judgments
Favourite stories of 2025
Here's a round-up of our favourite stories and moments in the magazine this year! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Percy Jackson stars and giving gifts
In a week where resident doctors started a five day strike in England and a pantomime horse race took place in London, we’re going to be talking about some of the other stories that inspired and entertained The Week Junior team. We’re also going to be hearing an exclusive interview with the stars of Percy Jackson and the Olympians!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The future of zoos
In a week where Ukraine’s president visited Downing Street and the Sports Personality of the Year nominees were announced, we’re going to be talking about some of the other stories that inspired and entertained The Week Junior team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Largest City in the World
In a week where the host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games was announced and the Winter Olympics flame was lit in Greece, we're going to be hearing what other stories entertained Eve, Joe and the rest of the Week Junior team! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cloud seeding and soil stories
In a week where chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed the autumn budget and COP30 talks came to an end, we're going to be talking about some of the other stories that inspired and entertained The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Week Junior turns 10
In a week where the Deaflympics began and World Children’s Day was observed, we’re going to be talking about some of the other stories that inspired and entertained The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Red Kite resurgence and Americanisms
In a week where people marked Remembrance Day and Wales welcomed a new Archbishop, we’re going to be talking about some of the other stories that inspired and entertained The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tourist taxes and the Grand Egyptian Museum
In a week where Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave a major speech ahead of the Budget and a rare diamond was unearthed in Botswana, we’re going to be talking about some of the other stories that inspired and entertained The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Halloween costumes and dinosaur discoveries
In a week where Comic Con took place in London and Japan launched a spacecraft to the International Space Station, we’re going to be talking about some of the other stories that inspired and entertained The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The French Museum Robbery
It's a special spooky edition of the Week Junior Show! Bex and The Week Junior team discuss a gem theft from a French museum, a top architecture award and a boy who's raising awareness of having a stammer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are AI actors a good idea?
This week Bex and The Week Junior team discuss whether AI actors are a good idea, and how green turtles are making a big comeback! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Amazing Works of Jane Goodall
This week on The Week Junior Show, we talk about the life of conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, we learn about a special Halloween costume swap scheme and an over 70s football team triumph!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should teachers be able to work from home?
This week Bex is joined by Joe & Eve from the Week Junior Magazine. They will be discussing some of the latest stories in this week's magazine including an international agreement to protect the High Seas and the national cat awards!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should children help around the home?
Now, in a week where flights at European airports were delayed due to cyber attacks and the World Athletics Championships took place in Japan, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories that feature in the latest issue of the magazine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jimmy Wales and making space for hope
We’ve got a very special episode this week, because we’re taking part in the Be Hope Podcast Takeover, and we’ll have Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales on the show later to talk about why it’s important to be hopeful and how listeners to our podcast can help to make the world a better place. We’ll also be talking about a boost for women’s sport, a champion cyclist&r
Slime balls and feeding people
In a week where Ethiopia launched Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories that feature in the latest issue of this week’s magazine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New school term and payment for good grades
In a week where the Met Office announced the UK had recorded its warmest summer and South Korea announced a mobile phone ban in schools, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories that feature in the latest issue of this week’s magazine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
KPop Demon Hunters and skincare for young people
In a week where Guinness World Records celebrated its 70th anniversary and people gathered for Notting Hill Carnival, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories that feature in the latest issue of this week’s magazine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Snaps in galleries and oil rig art
In a week where world leaders met to discuss peace in Ukraine and the word “inspo” was added to the Cambridge Dictionary, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories that feature in the latest issue of the magazineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chaos Theory and a Scarecrow Festival
In a week where Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed a peace deal, and firefighters tackled a blaze on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories that inspired The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Storm Floris and AI generated music
In a week where some sacred jewels were returned to India, and there was a powerful earthquake in Russia, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories that inspired The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lionesses' victory and child-free holidays
In a week that saw Donald Trump visit Scotland and the Dog Surfing Championships take place in Dorset, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories that inspired The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dragonflies and pool etiquette
In a week where the Tall Ships Races took place in Aberdeen and Island Games in Orkney drew to a close, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories that inspired The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sandwiches made from fruit
In a week where the Wimbledon tennis championships came to an end and the UK and France agreed a new boats plan, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories that inspired The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
500th ISSUE SPECIAL: Tips on staying cool and should summer be shorter?
In a week where experts revealed an ancient study in Peru and Texas in the US experienced flash floods, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories, events and people that inspired The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sheep on homes and should we stop flying?
In a week where Beamish museum won the Museum of the Year Award and a DR Congo peace deal was agreed, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories, events and people that inspired The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chocolate handbags and flea treatments for pets
In a week where world leaders met for a NATO summit in the Netherlands and a volcanic eruption in Indonesia disrupted flights, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories, events and people that inspired The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A perfume garden and a police officer's lost hat
In a week where protests against tourism took place in Europe, and a collection of gold coins in France sold for a fortune, find out the other stories, events and people that inspired The Week Junior team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How To Train Your Dragon and an incredible spelling bee
In a week where the UK government announced that 500,000 extra pupils in England would get free school meals and the World Crazy Golf Championships took place, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories, events and people that inspired The Week Junior team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Taylor Swift and making shops responsible for recycling
In a week where Poland elected a new president and Ncuti Gatwa said farewell to Doctor Who, we’re going to be discussing some of the other stories, events and people that inspired The Week Junior team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wild camping and SUVs
A Supreme Court ruling means wild camping is once again allowed on Dartmoor and Kaye shares a heartwarming story from a donkey sanctuary in Ethiopia providing free treatment to hard-working animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trade deals and bluebells
In a week where Romania chose a new president and the new Lilo & Stitch film landed in cinemas, the team behind The Week Junior discuss some of the other stories, events and people that inspired them this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pope, walking to school week, and a head-bopping sea lion
It's a week where the US and the UK agreed a new trade deal and authors and illustrators were celebrated at the British Book Awards. Plus, we're going to be discussing some of the other stories, events and people that inspired the Week Junior team this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Panto GCSEs to animal impressions
This week, Bex is joined by Joe and Eve from The Week Junior to unpack the biggest, silliest, and most heartwarming stories making headlines. Get involved: 🎙️ Voice note: funkidslive.com/theweekjunior📧 Email: hello@theweekjunior.co.uk📊 Vote: theweekjunior.co.uk/pollsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Snail ice cream and power cut chaos
Join Bex, Joe, and Eve for a brand new The Week Junior Show In this episode: Massive power cuts in Spain and Portugal – what caused them, and how did people cope? Valerie the dachshund is found after 529 days in the wild Snail and garlic ice cream – real or rubbish? Should schools remove mirrors from bathrooms? Plus celebrate TWJ's 10th birthday with editor Vanessa and we he
Superheroes and the Pope
We've got writers Eve and Kaye talking about people around the world paying their respects to the Pope, the secret to a perfect bowling score, and some girls fighting for a change to their school uniform. There's also going to be a big debate about whether Superman is the best superhero, and we'll be hearing from a winner of this year's series of Gladiators!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Astrobot and a GIANT Easter Egg!
This week we're talking all about AstroBot's big victory at the video game BAFTAS, a bronze age face and a giant easter egg! All this and many more Easter treats in this week's episode of The Week Junior Show! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are tariffs?
We're going to be talking about Trump's tariffs, Saturn's moons and the 2035 Women's World Cup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Myanmar quake and solar eclipses
We're going to be talking about how the world has come together to help people in Myanmar after an earthquake, a solar eclipse that could be seen across the UK, and a very special cat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lab-grown meat and the World Athletics Indoor Championships
We're going to be talking about the brand new TV show, a sea survey that's revealed some new creatures and some brilliant victories at the World Athletics Indoor Championships. We'll also be having a big debate about eating lab-grown meat. Now, there's a story in the magazine this week about a new GCSE in natural history that's going to be launched.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati
Astronauts return to Earth and the Special Olympics World Winter Games
We're going to be talking about the Special Olympics World Winter Games, two astronauts who are back home after nine months in space, and an amazing victory for Newcastle United. We'll also be having a big debate about whether peaceful protesters should go to jail. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are poems better than stories?
We're going to be talking about the world's biggest iceberg, finding out how a man's blood saved millions of lives, and having a big debate on whether poems are better than stories. We'll also be hearing an interview with 12-year-old Week Junior reader Lyra, who recently raised more than £1,700 for cat's protection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
