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Invention

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From agriculture to the X-ray machine, Stuff to Blow Your Mind hosts Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the inventions we created, and how they created us.
74 Episodes
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Soap

Soap

2020-04-2001:13:13

We’re all probably using a lot more soap these days, but… what is it exactly? How does it work? Who invented it and how has it changed the world? Join Robert and Joe as they explore the invention of Soap. This episode marks the final installment of Invention as a standalone podcast, but invention-based episodes will continue on the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chewing gum is everywhere today, but where does it come from? What did we chew before Bubblicious? How does gum affect us? Robert and Joe explore in this episode of Invention. (Originally published 7/8/2019) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We all love a good museum, but how long have we had them? In this episode of Invention, Robert and Joe discuss just what a museum actually is and when the concept seems to have entered human civilization. (7/1/2019) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s hard to imagine how anyone looked cool before the invention of sunglasses, but just when did humans pop their first pair of shades? In this episode of Invention, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss everything from the blinding white hell of arctic wastes to the blood-soaked spectacle of gladiatorial combat. (Originally published 1/7/2019) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A fungal accident in the early 20th century opened the door for the medical wonders of the antibiotic age. In this episode of Invention, Robert and Joe explore what came before and how Alexander Fleming’s discovery changed the world. (Originally published 7/15/19) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Invented Words, Part 2

Invented Words, Part 2

2020-03-1656:36

Where do new words come from? Robert and Joe explore in the latest episode of Invention. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Invented Words, Part 1

Invented Words, Part 1

2020-03-0957:29

Where do new words come from? Robert and Joe explore in the latest episode of Invention. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Invention: Barbed Wire

Invention: Barbed Wire

2020-03-0257:03

You may very well encounter barbed wire everyday -- and, in all likelihood, you see THROUGH this flesh-ripping barrier. Where did this invention come from? How did it change the world? Robert and Joe discuss “the devil’s rope” in this episode of Invention. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fire technology depends on the ability to not only create and foster fire, but also the ability to snuff it out as needed. Today, the fire extinguisher is an important active fire protection device, but where does this technology emerge in human techno-history? Robert and Joe explore in this episode of Invention. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fire technology depends on the ability to not only create and foster fire, but also the ability to snuff it out as needed. Today, the fire extinguisher is an important active fire protection device, but where does this technology emerge in human techno-history? Robert and Joe explore in this episode of Invention. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mastery of fire was one of humanity’s greatest technological leaps forward, but even the ability to create fire only gets you so far if the flame is not easily generated and/or transferred. Thus, the millennia-spanning quest to create the subtle technology we so easily take for granted: the modern matchstick. Join Robert and Joe for a multi-episode Invention exploration on fire-generation technology. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mastery of fire was one of humanity’s greatest technological leaps forward, but even the ability to create fire only gets you so far if the flame is not easily generated and/or transferred. Thus, the millennia-spanning quest to create the subtle technology we so easily take for granted: the modern matchstick. Join Robert and Joe for a multi-episode Invention exploration on fire-generation technology. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mastery of fire was one of humanity’s greatest technological leaps forward, but even the ability to create fire only gets you so far if the flame is not easily generated and/or transferred. Thus, the millennia-spanning quest to create the subtle technology we so easily take for granted: the modern matchstick. Join Robert and Joe for a multi-episode Invention exploration on fire-generation technology. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Pencil

The Pencil

2020-01-2048:55

It’s easy to take the pencil for granted, but that eraser-capped wooden cylinder with a core of graphite has a story and a history -- and Robert and Joe explore it in this episode of Invention. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Mai Tai isn’t only the most famous Tiki cocktail, it’s one of the most well known cocktails on the planet. But where does it come from? Who invented it? In this episode of Invention, Robert and Joe turn to noted Tiki historian and mixologist Jeff “Beachbum” Berry for answers. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chopsticks are such an intuitive and precise eating utensil, it’s easy to assume they’ve been with us. But as Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore, this neolithic invention didn’t really leave the kitchen for the dinner table in a major way till the fifth century CE. Prepare to explore the invention of chopsticks. (Originally published 12/17/18) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join your Invention hosts Robert and Joe for another round of listenener mail on recent episodes devoted to the Microwave Oven and all sorts of toys. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the first year of Invention comes to a close, Robert and Joe catch up on listener mail for everything from air conditioning and ketchup to toys and bubble wrap. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Toys, Part 3

Toys, Part 3

2019-12-1601:17:45

As the holiday season sets in, Robert and Joe open up Santa’s toy bag to consider the invention of various toys -- toys intended to teach, toys intended to puzzle and toys that leverage technology for good old fashioned childhood fun. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Toys, Part 2

Toys, Part 2

2019-12-0957:02

As the holiday season sets in, Robert and Joe open up Santa’s toy bag to consider the invention of various toys -- toys intended to teach, toys intended to puzzle and toys that leverage technology for good old fashioned childhood fun. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Comments (32)

Michael Jiggens

When Aluminium becomes aluminum...

Mar 9th
Reply

Corey Goodall

I remember my grandparents had fire grenades in a couple spots in their house! One was always eye level when I started down the steps but it was, smartly, just out of reach of a mischievous 6-10 year old 😁😁.

Feb 19th
Reply

Reef Weston

I tried this podcast and tried to hang in there. but these guys are so lame and boring im finally going to unsubscribe

Jan 21st
Reply

King Alfred

He talked about oatmeal runders for a long time but I didn't know A/C originated from the old granule box

Nov 8th
Reply (1)

HOLISTIC ORAL HEALTH

GROSS .. REALLY GROSS..

Aug 12th
Reply

HOLISTIC ORAL HEALTH

NO WONDER I HAVE NEVER USED A WATER FOUNTAIN.. UGGGHHH

Aug 12th
Reply

HOLISTIC ORAL HEALTH

EVERY PERSON'S BODY IS UNIQUE .. SO, NO TWO EXPERIENCES WILL BE ALIKE .. ONE MUST HAVE TO GET TO KNOW OWN NEEDS & LIKES OR DISLIKES.

Aug 12th
Reply (1)

HOLISTIC ORAL HEALTH

GLAD TO HAD MET YOU .. RESEARCHING & STUDIES FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES HERE TO SHARE WITH ALL SOULS READY TO CHANGE THEIR LIVES & BEING IN BALANCE .. A RT & SCIENCE OF KEEPING NATURAL TEETH & HEALTHY GUMS FOR LIFE..! THE WISDOM OF THE TEETH..

Aug 12th
Reply (1)

HOLISTIC ORAL HEALTH

YES.. YOUR FATHER WAS A DENTIST... WHAT A GREAT IDEA TO CONTINUE HIS LEGACY

Aug 12th
Reply (1)

Allen Wilson

I hope you reference the scissor theme & scene from the film Dead Again with Emma Thompson.

Aug 12th
Reply (1)

Kaden Hansen

My thoughts after this discussion turn towards this idea found in the Borderlands video game series, particularly in Borderlands 2 where there is some sort of satellite that monitors a specific geographical area and if any sort of life wanders into these areas some sort of laser appears from this satellite and the life is soon evaporated. This type of technology set to surround a nation could strictly allow a specific determination of who could enter that nation and end the fear of a full on invasion. That's not to even mention the fact that it would end the Trump wall debate lol. Not that it would end war, but it would very well change the face of war.

Aug 8th
Reply (1)

Kaden Hansen

Not to mention the giving machines in SLC around Christmas time

Jul 31st
Reply (1)

Ron Smallwood

Many years ago (50 or so) I was an anthropology undergraduate helping on a first nation's dig in eastern Oregon. In a small cave we found a 5 by 5 pattern of small holes or pits dig in the floor. We couldn't figure out what they were for but one of the tribal members asked his grandmother. She told us about a game they played when she was young. It involved moving your markers (stones, sticks, or other objects) from the centre hole to the same outside hole. The rules seemed very complex with dice, clans, rivals,.... I couldn't follow it but I would say that "board games" came before the "boards".

Mar 26th
Reply

Özgür Yüksel

So gracious and in depth discussion of such a delicate and much overlooked subject. Nice job!!

Mar 17th
Reply

David Owen

in regards to the request of comments on oil pulling, I used to work in the wilderness and would spend eight days at a time in the woods and got extreme mouth pain. I went to the dentist the first chance I had to get back into civilization, and my dentist told me that I had a obstructed salivary gland probably from dehydration that had become mildly infected. he instructed me to do oil pulling with coconut oil 5 to 6 times a day as it has mild antibacterial properties, and would be much less harsh than constantly using mouthwash or salt water rinses. he of course also gave me a referral instead of things do not get better in 3 days to see this other Doctor Who Would perform a special procedure to unobstruct the gland. But sure enough things started to get better quickly after 1 day of oil pulling, so I stayed with it, and my mouth felt great after 2 days! now, whenever I get a canker sore inside my mouth somewhere I do oil pulling several times throughout the day and they seem to

Feb 19th
Reply

67225615

Don't continue to be drugged,Buy toothpaste without Flouride.Flouride is also found in your mechanically separated meat such as chicken nuggets,because we need to make sure your taking all of your medication.

Feb 17th
Reply

Paraic Garry

interesting topics but dragged out and made boring

Feb 14th
Reply

Benjamin Jordan

you guys are incredible, makes my day better every time I listen to your podcast.

Jan 8th
Reply

Eric

love the podcast keep it going

Jan 8th
Reply

Werner Harding

dont swallow your toothpaste because fluoride is poison but also guys fluoride isn't bad for you dont believe the conspiracies.... lol biggest contradiction ever

Jan 4th
Reply (1)