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Sarah Baik

Engagement Producer, But Why

Sarah Baik is the Engagement Producer for But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids.

Prior to joining Vermont Public, Sarah was in charge of digital content at WQXR, New York's Classical Music station. She has also helped produce episodes for some of the narrative podcasts she loves, including 99% Invisible and Proof Podcast from America's Test Kitchen. Sarah holds an MFA in Literary Reportage from New York University.

  • hands hold bottles of sunscreen
    Why do we need to use sunscreen?
    Jane Lindholm
    It’s summer and that means slathering yourself with sunblock before you’re allowed to go run around outside. Not everyone loves that ritual: sunscreen can be cold or sticky. Sometimes it gets in your eyes, and it always feels like it’s time to reapply JUST as you’re about to jump in the water or go kick the ball. So, what’s the deal? Is it really all that important? We get the scoop from Dr. Jeff Yu, a pediatric dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. He’ll help us understand: What is a sunburn? What’s a tan? How does sunscreen work? How do you protect your eyes?
  • Two horseshoe crabs in the shallow water of Cape Cod. They blend in with the rocks and are covered with algae and barnacles.
    Are horseshoe crabs...crabs?
    Jane Lindholm
    How did horseshoe crabs get their names? Are they even crabs? And did they really exist before the dinosaurs? Early spring presents a unique opportunity to see these living fossils up close as they scuttle up to the shoreline along the Atlantic coast of the United States to mate and spawn. But Why traveled to Cape Cod to see horseshoe crabs up close. There we met up with horseshoe crab expert Sara Grady, who works for Mass Audubon. We learn all about these arthropods and answer questions like: Can humans eat horseshoe crabs? What’s with the pointy tails? Do they pinch? How long do they live? And what’s so special about their blood?
  • a walrus sits on the ice
    Why do walruses look so weird?
    Jane Lindholm
    Why do walrus look the way they do? Why do they have such long tusks? Do they have other teeth? Do walruses migrate? We learn all about these majestic giants with Adam Ratner of the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California.
  • three baby elephant seals with numbers on their heads in a pool at the Marine Mammal Center.
    What’s a seal? What’s a sea lion?
    Jane Lindholm
    What’s the difference between seals and sea lions? Do seals bark? Are they gray? Do harbor seals live in snowy regions? Why do sea lions eat fish? Why do sea lions fight each other? Seals and sea lions are pinnipeds, fin-footed marine mammals, and we’re learning all about them today with a visit to the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, where marine biologist Adam Ratner answers all your pinniped questions!
  • Multi-colored ears of corn are displayed in boxes of loose corn.
    Who invented tacos?
    Jane Lindholm
    Do you love tacos? Then you’re not alone! Tacos originated in Mexico but they’re popular worldwide and they are ever evolving. Kids have a lot of questions about this favorite food so we visited Nixta Taqueria in Austin, Texas to learn more! Who made the first tacos? And where? What’s the deal with crispy shells vs. soft tortillas? Why do tacos have sauce? Why does corn come in so many different colors? And are there rules about what makes a taco…a taco?
  • A white archway flying United States and Canadian flags.
    What are taxes and tariffs?
    Jane Lindholm
    No matter how old you are, you’re part of the economy, but it can be tricky to understand what the economy actually is. Plus, what are taxes? What’s inflation? What are tariffs and why have they been in the news so much in 2025? In this episode, we break down economic terms and concepts with business reporter Stacey Vanek Smith.