Digest

The "It's Been A Minute" podcast kicks off with a Smackdown competition in Concord, New Hampshire, focusing on two categories: the most influential thing and the most important person from the area. In the first category, Nick Capodice argues for the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home video game console, while Hannah McCarthy champions the Abbott and Downing Concord stagecoach, highlighting its role in westward expansion. Brittany Loose chooses the Dover Mill, emphasizing its connection to the first all-women's labor strike in US history. The second category focuses on the most important person from New Hampshire. Hannah McCarthy selects Horace Greeley, a prominent journalist and newspaper editor who played a significant role in shaping American politics and journalism. Nick Capodice chooses Robert Frost, a renowned poet whose work has resonated with generations. Brittany Loose argues for Harriet E. Wilson, a forgotten author whose novel "Our Nick" is considered the first book published by a Black person in the United States. The NPR jury declares the Magnavox Odyssey as the most influential thing and Horace Greeley as the most important person from New Hampshire. The episode concludes with a preview of next week's Smackdown in Birmingham, Alabama, where Brittany Loose will argue for an invention she believes deserves more recognition.

Outlines

00:00:00

Concord, New Hampshire Smackdown

The "It's Been A Minute" podcast features a Smackdown competition in Concord, New Hampshire, where guests debate the most influential thing and the most important person from the area. The first category features arguments for the Magnavox Odyssey, the Abbott and Downing Concord stagecoach, and the Dover Mill. The second category focuses on Horace Greeley, Robert Frost, and Harriet E. Wilson.

00:00:55

Smackdown Results and Next Week's Preview

The NPR jury declares the Magnavox Odyssey as the most influential thing and Horace Greeley as the most important person from New Hampshire. The episode concludes with a preview of next week's Smackdown in Birmingham, Alabama.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the most influential thing to come from New Hampshire, according to the NPR jury?

  The NPR jury declared the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home video game console, as the most influential thing to come from New Hampshire.

• Who is considered the most important person to come from New Hampshire, based on the arguments presented?

  The NPR jury chose Horace Greeley, a prominent journalist and newspaper editor who played a significant role in shaping American politics and journalism, as the most important person from New Hampshire.

• What is the significance of the Dover Mill in New Hampshire's history?

  The Dover Mill is significant for being the site of the first all-women's labor strike in US history. This event, sparked by poor working conditions and unfair wages, played a crucial role in the fight for women's and labor rights.

• How did the Abbott and Downing Concord stagecoach influence westward expansion?

  The Concord stagecoach, known for its comfort and durability, facilitated westward expansion by transporting people, money, and mail across the country. Its influence extended beyond transportation, becoming a symbol of westward expansion and later associated with Wells Fargo.

• What is the significance of Harriet E. Wilson's novel "Our Nick"?

  "Our Nick" is considered the first book published by a Black person in the United States. It tells the story of a mixed-race woman facing racism and discrimination in the 19th century, offering a unique perspective on American history and literature.

Show Notes