Retropod

486 Episodes

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Earthrise

2019-12-3105:441

On Christmas Eve in 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts captured an image that symbolizes hope and inspired environmentalism.

Hair peace. Bed peace.

2019-12-3006:54

On March 25, 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono were a few days into their marriage when they invited the press to join them at their honeymoon suite at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel.

The jazz queen who chose home over fame

2019-12-2707:03

Jazz singer Ethel Ennis’s voice wowed audiences and won praise from critics. But when she was faced with the opportunity to become a superstar, Ennis chose a different path.

Clara Barton, America's most famous nurse, broke boundaries to treat Civil War victims

2019-12-2607:371

The nurse who founded the American Red Cross had no formal training in medicine. She tended to countless wounded soldiers.

The military's famous Santa Tracker began with a wrong number

2019-12-2506:56

In the 1950s, a child trying to call Santa Claus accidentally called NORAD and changed Christmas Eve forever.

The 'Toy King' who never aspired to the throne.

2019-12-2306:501

Toys R Us founder Charles Lazarus had no idea how big the toy industry would become.

Last Seen Ads

2019-12-2006:53

After the Civil War, formerly enslaved people placed notices in black-owned newspapers across the country to find their loved ones.

How 'Broadway Joe' redefined the NFL

2019-12-1907:02

A few days before his team took the field as huge underdogs in Super Bowl III, New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath made what was seen as an insane prediction at the time: "The Jets will win Sunday," he said. "I guarantee it."

The game show contestant who cheated his way to fame

2019-12-1807:37

In the 1950s, Charles Van Doren, a quiet professor in New York City, became wrapped up in one of the biggest television quiz show scandals in history.

How food found its way into the freezer

2019-12-1707:001

While on a research trip to the Arctic in the early 20th century, scientist Clarence Birdseye — a name you might recognize from the frozen food aisle — made an observation that would go on to change the way we eat.

The day before the Chernobyl disaster

2019-12-1608:111

Disasters don’t just happen. Like anything in life, there’s usually a buildup. In the case of the Chernobyl disaster, the series of failures stretched back more than a decade. But what happened the day before the explosion?

The most difficult job Robert Mueller ever had

2019-12-1307:13

Serving as special counsel is probably only the third hardest job Robert Mueller has held. His life in public service started when he just 23 years old, as a Marine lieutenant in the Vietnam War.

Queen Arawelo

2019-12-1207:11

Growing up in Somalia, a country where stories are handed down through generations, one of the first tales that children are told is about an ancient queen who fought to give women power by castrating men.