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The Story Behind

The Story Behind

Author: Emily Prokop

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The Story Behind tells the extraordinary history of the ordinary. Everyday objects are more closely examined, from their ancient beginnings through the present—all within 5-10 minutes.
152 Episodes
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Cotton Swabs

Cotton Swabs

2019-08-1008:182

Every time I use the subject of today’s episode, my husband is quick to point out how I shouldn’t. He loves to tell me about all the injuries this common household item causes, and as much as a lot of what I do depends on my hearing, I can’t help but continue to use it now and again. And I’m sure you do too. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Cotton Swabs. Let's get social! The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind. $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds. Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon The Story Behind is also a Book! Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5 Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj Sources About - A Q-Tips Cotton Swab History - Qtips.com The strange life of Q-tips, the most bizarre thing people buy - The Washington Post 1927 Q-Tips ad 15 Swab-Worthy Facts About Q-Tips - Mental Floss The Marketing of Q-Tips—A Brief History - Ear Audites Cotton Swabs Send 34 Kids to the ER Every Day - Live Science What a New Study on Cleaning Your Ears With Q-Tips Should Teach Every Entrepreneur - Inc. ​Why It Feels So Damn Good to Stick a Q-Tip In Your Ear - Men’s Health Just How Bad Is My Q-Tip Habit? - Vice.com 17 Genius Uses for Q-Tips You’ll Want to Use All the Time - Reader’s Digest 14 Ways You Never Thought to Use Q-Tips - BobVila.com
Sunglasses

Sunglasses

2019-05-2311:41

From starting out as eye protection against snow blindness to helping pilots navigate the skies without being blinded by the sun, the subject of today’s episode not only protects your eyes but has also been a staple of fashion for centuries, as it turns out. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Sunglasses. Let's get social! The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind. $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds. Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon The Story Behind is also a Book! Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5 Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj Sources Origins and History of Sunglasses - GlassesHistory.com Who Made Those Aviator Sunglasses? - The New York Times A Brief History of Sunglasses - SunglassMuseum.com The Evolution of Sunglasses - Google Arts & Culture Foster Grant Our Story! - Foster Grant The 15 Most Iconic Sunglasses of all Time - The Idle Man The Fabulous History Of Sunglasses & Their Trends In 25 Pics - The Talko Sunglasses: A History of Protective, Stylish, and Popular Eyewear - Ancient-Origins.org The most famous sunglasses in cinema history - Vogue A Brief History of Eclipse Glasses and the People Who Forgot to Wear Them - Slate How long does it take before your eyes get damaged when looking at the sun? - Scienceline - UCSB Shades at the Table: The Great Debate - Poker News Why You (Now) Look Stupid Wearing Sunglasses at the Poker Table - Poker Junkie 11 Things You Didn't Know About Ray-Ban - Thrillist Solar eclipse and your eyes: How to view an eclipse safely - All About Vision
Glitter

Glitter

2019-04-1806:50

Ever hear of Shiny Object Syndrome? Usually, it’s said to refer to those who see something new and have to have it, only to get bored with it once they finally attain it. But in this episode, I wanted to know just what it is about literal shiny objects that make them so appealing to humans. And this particular shiny object is no different unless you have to clean up the mess it makes. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Glitter. Vote for The Story Behind for the Webby Awards! CLICK HERE to vote! Let's get social! The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind. $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds. Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon The Story Behind is also a Book! Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5 Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj Sources 15 Shimmering Questions About Glitter, Answered - Mental Floss What is Glitter? - The New York Times What Makes Glitter Sparkle? - Wonderopolis The History of Glitter - Huffington Post Bio-Glitter An Evolutionary Theory For Why You Love Glossy Things - Fast Company
Mouthwash

Mouthwash

2019-04-0909:491

One of the most fascinating things about today’s episode is not just the creation of this everyday object, but the marketing tactic of presenting a problem that many people weren’t concerned with until the solution was advertised. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Mouthwash. Vote for The Story Behind for the Webby Awards! CLICK HERE to vote! Let's get social! The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind. $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds. Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon The Story Behind is also a Book! Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5 Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj Sources The Crazy (and Disgusting) History of Mouthwash - NoCavityKids.com Listerine Halitosis Ad 8 Aug 1921 - Newspapers.com Cloves - The Perfect Pantry Classic Ad Review: Listerine And The Halitosis Hallelujah - AdAge.com History of LISTERINE®: From Surgery Antiseptic to Modern Mouthwash - Listerine 6 Practical Ways Romans Used Human Urine and Feces in Daily Life - Mental Floss What's in the turtle's blood? - News24 How Mouthwash Is Made - MixerDirect.com Discovery Of Bacteria - Explorable Bad Breath Wasn’t Invented by Listerine - Smile Columbia Dentistry
Happy April Fool’s Day. This year, I was part of a number of other podcasts that wanted to do some cross-promotion, so if you’re looking for The Story Behind April Fool’s Day, I invite you to check out the Forgotten News Podcast. I should put a disclaimer on this episode that it may not be suitable for younger or sensitive audiences since procreation and the anatomical names for body parts are mentioned. And remember, take everything you read and hear today with a grain of salt. Enjoy this episode of the Forgotten News Podcast, and if you like it, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode. And if you’re listening to this as a Forgotten News Podcast listener, thanks for coming over and checking out The Story Behind! Jim and Kit did a great job talking about The Story Behind this particular piece of Forgotten News Podcast and I invite you to subscribe while you’re over here. Without further ado, I’m your host Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Son of a Gun. Visit the Forgotten News Podcast website or listen over on PlayerFM or Podbay. Forgotten News Podcast on Twitter Forgotten News Podcast on Facebook Also check out Kit's other podcast, Whispered True Stories Guest Voice Jeremy Collins - Podcasts We Listen To and the Podcasts We Listen to Facebook Group Also, check out Jeremy as a guest voice on The Story Behind the Lead Pipe! Books Mentioned Sex and the Civil War by Judith Giesberg The Story the Soldiers Wouldn’t Tell - Thomas P. Lowry, MD Music MusicForMakers.com Music by Kevin MacLeod of Incompetech.com – Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses / by 3.0
Conversation Hearts

Conversation Hearts

2019-02-1408:27

One of my favorite holidays just passed. February 15th. Yup, you heard me right. February 15th, not the 14th. Oh, I love Valentine’s Day, but I’m more in love with the discounted candy the day after, including a candy that apparently I’m in the minority when it comes to liking. But this year, they were harder to come by, despite being the most popular Valentine’s Day candy. The history of any modern-day candy, actually, can be attributed to these, as well. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Conversation Hearts. Like the podcast? You’ll LOVE The Story Behind Book! Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers Sources: The Origin of the Conversation Heart - Mental Floss Chalk Full of Love: The Evolution of Conversation Hearts - National Geographic The History of Sweetheart Candies - Smithsonian 10+ Years of Conversation Hearts - Reader’s Digest The Pharmacist Who Launched America’s Modern Candy Industry - Smithsonian O.R. Chase Sugar Machine - United States Patent and Trademark Office O.R. & S.E. Chase Lozenge Machine - United States Patent and Trademark Office America's favorite Valentine's Day candy is unavailable this year - CNBC Sweethearts Candies Won’t Be Available This Valentine’s Day - Smithsonian A-Twitter Over Updated Sweethearts Candy - NPR In with the old, out with the new - Boston.com Sweathearts Candies - Sprangler Candy 10 Things You Didn't Know About Candy Conversation Hearts - Country Living Spelling Love with Candy Hearts: The History of Conversation Heart Phrases - InfoPlease Wedding Day Lore - AVictorian.com Sweet Tooth: The Bittersweet History of Candy by Kate Hopkins 'The Mother Of The Valentine' - WBUR Conversation Hearts…necco Or Brach’s? - All Things Heart & Home
The Trampoline

The Trampoline

2019-02-0708:19

One of my favorite things to learn about when researching episodes is how people marketed inventions that had never been on the market before. In The Story Behind Post-its, we talked about how 3M’s style of marketing was to show what the product could do, rather than just showing the product. In The Story Behind Dr Pepper, John W. Davis made it a point to tell six people every day his version of the beverage’s origin story. And, probably in the running for most audacious marketing of an invention covered by The Story Behind is today’s topic, when its inventors rented a kangaroo to help demonstrate the fun jumping capabilities of the product. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind the Trampoline. Like the podcast? You’ll LOVE The Story Behind Book! Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers Sources: Who Made That Trampoline? - The New York Times George Nissen: Inventor of the trampoline - The Independent The up-and-down history of the trampoline - ABC News 21 Fascinating Facts About Trampolines – Exercise, Education, and More! - Trampoline Review Guide The History of Trampolines - Trampoline Gurus Trampoline Equipment and History - Olympic.org The Difference Between a Rebounder & Trampoline - Livestrong.com Trampolines: A History - Rebounderz.com The History of Trampolines: All You Need to Know - TrampolineJudge.com AAP Advises Against Recreational Trampoline Use - American Academy of Pediatrics As Trampoline Parks Jump In Popularity, So Do Injuries - NPR Trampoline Parks Tied to Jump in Emergency Room Visits - Scientific American Referenced: The Story Behind Post-its The Story Behind Dr Pepper The Story Behind Pantyhose
Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day

2019-02-0208:56

Okay, campers, rise and shine and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cold out there today! No, you’re not stuck in a loop, unless you’ve already listened to this episode before. But today’s episode is all about a seemingly silly holiday that has a fascinating history behind it and a 1993 movie that probably helped it become most likely permanently attached to Bill Murray. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Groundhog Day. Find out more about The Story Behind Book! Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers Sources: First Groundhog Day - History.com Groundhog Day 2019: Punxsutawney Phil Predicts An Early Spring - NPR Why A Groundhog? Groundhog Day History & Folklore - Farmers’ Almanac Groundhog Day 2019 facts: The history of Punxsutawney Phil - New York Post Here's How Groundhog Day Got Started - Time Legend & Lore - Groundhog.org Groundhog Day: A History, And 5 Facts You Didn’t Know - Huffington Post 2nd February, 2019 was… Hedgehog Day - DaysoftheYear.com Groundhog Day: History and Facts - History.com The sequel to the Bill Murray movie 'Groundhog Day' is a VR game - Engadget.com Groundhog Day: Like Father Like Son - groundhogvr.com ‘Groundhog Day': How Bill Murray Rom-Com Became an Accidental Classic - The Wrap Reliving Groundhog Day - The Atlantic Just How Many Days Does Bill Murray REALLY Spend Stuck Reliving Groundhog Day? - WhatCulture.com The Precise Number of Groundhog Days in “Groundhog Day” - IFC.com Referenced: Varmints! Groundhogs episode
Pantyhose

Pantyhose

2019-01-1708:31

Even though the topic of today’s episode isn’t necessarily exercise-related, it would be safe to say it gave me a bit of a workout this past week. Imagine paying $12 for something, then you find yourself struggling to put it on, only to have it rip. Now, because I didn’t have time to go to the store for another pair, I put some clear nail polish on the rip and hoped they would hold out for the next few hours until I could take them off and throw them away. Women, you probably know what I’m referring to. Men, don’t worry, there’s a version for you that’s available that, after a Google image search, is now painfully seared into my mind. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Pantyhose. (By the way, the men’s version is lovingly referred to as “mantyhose.”) Get your very own copy of The Story Behind Book! Check out Emily’s other podcast about her weight-loss journey, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook to talk more about the show and submit your own trivia! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers Sources: 50 Years of Pantyhose - Smithsonian Who Invented Pantyhose? - ThoughtCo Before Pantyhose Were a Curse, They Were a Revelation - Racked The History of Pantyhose - TheInventors.org History of Pantyhose - Boing Boing Celebrity Invention: Catwoman's Booty-Accentuating Pantyhose - The Atlantic Pantyhose mystery on Lakeshore - Grand Haven Tribune Referenced: The Story Behind the Toothbrush
Bottled Water

Bottled Water

2019-01-1015:18

Remember the Left Shark from the Super Bowl a few years ago? He was supposed to be just a guy in a shark costume dancing next to Katy Perry during the halftime show. But because he decided to do his own thing, he became the center of attention. Every so often, another Left Shark will come along in the background of an event only to steal the show. The most recent of these was the Fiji Water girl during the Golden Globes red carpet, who has been given the title 2019’s first meme after appearing to have photobombed many shots of the celebrities on the red carpet. Her real name is Kelleth Cuthbert, a Canadian model and influencer. That brings us to today’s topic. As you’ll find out, this everyday object is less about necessity but more about clever marketing, even before Cuthbert generated $12 million worth of brand exposure the past week. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Bottled Water. *Note: A previous version of this podcast episode mentioned "Sarasota Springs," instead of Saratoga Springs. Thank you to John for calling this to my attention. Find out more about The Story Behind Book! Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers Perrier Orson Welles 1979 - YouTube Sources: The Fiji Water Girl's Identity Has Been Revealed And She Was An Influencer Before She Was A Meme - ELLE A Brief History of Bottled Water - Kitchn How Bottled Water Became America's Most Popular Beverage - Serious Eats History of Bottled Water - European Federation of Bottled Water John Snow's data journalism: the cholera map that changed the world - The Guardian Suckers for bottled water - The Guardian Why Americans Are Obsessed With Bottled Water - NPR PET bottles potential health hazard - ABC Science Fiji Water: Spin the Bottle - Mother Jones The story of FIJI Water – A green and fair product? - SinkingIslands.com
Toilet Paper

Toilet Paper

2019-01-0307:59

One of my favorite compliments I get about The Story Behind book is that people love reading it in the bathroom. At first, people seem embarrassed to tell me this, but in the introductory chapter of the book, I put a PS at the end that says, “I won’t be offended if you read it in the bathroom.. So, in case you want to bring the book into the bathroom or you just want something to think about for those awkward moments you find yourself in a stall without any reading material, this episode is for you. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Toilet Paper. The role of Johnny Carson was played by Chris Nesi from House of EdTech. Find out more about The Story Behind Book! Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers Sources: EVER WONDERED about the history of toilet paper? - Washington Post Toilet Paper History: How America Convinced the World to Wipe - Mental Floss The History of Toilet Paper, Explained - Boxed What Did People Use Before Toilet Paper? - Mental Floss Did ohnny Carson cause a toilet paper shortage in 1973 after making a joke on The Tonight Show? - Snopes History Of Toilet Paper - ToiletPaperHistory.net The History of Toilet Paper - AngelSoft.com History of Toilet Paper - Charmin.com Referenced: How Sears Mail-Order Catalogs Undermined Jim Crow Racism - Chicago Tribune
Hey there! Hope everyone is enjoying this weird week between Christmas and New Years! When I released the last episode, The Story Behind Christmas Traditions, Part 2, I had some questions about the first part. I released that one way back in 2016, but since I’ve gotten more listeners since then, I thought it would be fun to re-release it. Even though it’s no longer Christmas, why not enjoy saying goodbye to Christmas 2018 with The Story Behind. Enjoy! There are lots of fun things in store for The Story Behind in 2019, including Patreon-exclusive content for executive producers. You can be an Executive Producer by going to Patreon.com/TheStoryBehind. Usually, I don’t get a chance to talk about Patreon on the show too much. For those who don’t know what it is, it’s a way to support artists and creators you enjoy on a monthly basis for as low as $1 a month. The reason I call those who support The Story Behind executive producers is that the job of an executive producer is to make sure funds are in place for shows to go on. They are also invested in the content, like an executive producer on television or in the movies. Another reason is that Diane from History Goes Bump called her Patreon supporters that, I absolutely loved it and made sure to get her permission before using it. Executive Producers get to look at the scripts for episodes ahead of time. And starting in 2019. Executive Producers will be getting bonus episodes with no “quick messages” - just full content. There will be a theme for this year and the monthly bonus episodes will be The Stories Behind each month. So, releasing in January will be The Story Behind January, including the history of the name, as well as information about birthstones, birth flowers, notable dates and birthdays, and a whole lot more. So if you’re looking for more episodes of The Story Behind, be sure to check out Patreon.com/TheStoryBehind. In addition, Executive Producers of $5 or more will be getting exclusive access to a new project I’m working on called Muse. It’s still in the very beginning phases so there isn’t much there, but I’m seeing this as a breakout podcast from The Story Behind. It will be a long-form series based on one specific topic. I’m aiming to put out the first episode in March, but for now, I am enjoying the research process. You’ll hear more about that project in future episodes of The Story Behind. I also wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has purchased The Story Behind book and all the lovely pictures of people I’ve seen opening them for Christmas! You all made 2018 amazing for this podcast, and I thank you so much for all your generosity and support. And, as always, thanks for listening. Referenced: The Story Behind Christmas Traditions (Part 1) Everyone Has a Podcast
As I’m recording this, I have my holiday candle burning, my kids hopped up on Christmas cookie sugar, and I’m struggling to find a way to hide Christmas presents from my husband before being able to wrap them. If you’re listening to this way later, and you haven’t already looked at the title of this episode, get ready for a throwback to what kids and retailers call The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. When I first started this podcast back in 2016, I did an episode like this and I liked it a lot, and it’s a nice way to cap off the year, since I’ll be taking a winter break with the show until the new year. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Christmas Traditions: Part 2. Find out more about The Story Behind Book! Are you a member of The Podcast Brunch Club? I’m coordinating with them for a book giveaway with them, as well! Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers FreeXMasMP3.com Sources: The Death of Baldur - Norse-Mythology.org Why Do We Kiss Under the Mistletoe? - History.com Pucker Up! Why Do People Kiss Under the Mistletoe? - Live Science Mistletoe Traditions - Mistletoe.org.uk 15 Fun Facts About Fruitcake - Mental Floss The secret history of fruitcake - CBC FOOD; Lasting Legacy of Fruitcake - The New York Times Why We Eat Fruitcake on Christmas - The Daily Meal A Short History of Fruitcake - The Village Voice Fruitcake Toss - Visit Colorado Springs The Legend of the Christmas Stocking - Smithsonian.org The Christmas Stocking - The New York Times History of Christmas Stockings - Love to Know Christmas Stocking - Love to Know Socks or Shoes? Why We Hang Christmas Stockings - Socks or Shoes? Why We Hang Christmas Stockings Referenced: The Story Behind Christmas Traditions (Part 1) Christmas Past podcast
Tipping

Tipping

2018-12-0609:10

I love my job as a podcast editor. I get to listen to podcasts every day and get paid for it, and my clients are absolutely wonderful, as many podcasters often are. One of my clients, Catherine, is the producer for Solo Travel Talk with Astrid Clements of AstridTravel.com. Every episode I listen to, I find out about travel destinations that all end up going on my bucket list. But when I edited a particular episode, answering questions about today’s topic as it pertains to different parts of the world, I was fascinated to find out that it was more than what I assumed was a way of saying thank you to a restaurant server. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Tipping. Find out more about The Story Behind Book! Are you a member of The Podcast Brunch Club? I’m coordinating with them for a book giveaway with them, as well! This month’s theme: Last Seen. Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers Sources: 'It's the Legacy of Slavery': Here's the Troubling History Behind Tipping Practices in the U.S. - Time Sharecropping - PBS Debunking myths: the real origins of ‘posh’ and ‘tip’ - Oxford Dictionaries When Tipping Was Considered Deeply Un-American - NPR With the holidays upon us, is it time to end tipping? - The Conversation The Racist, Twisted History of Tipping - Mother Jones A Brief History of Tipping - TripSavvy I dare you to read this and still feel good about tipping - The Washington Post Danny Meyer's anti-tipping policy is nothing new — 6 states once banned the practice - Business Insider 9 Amazing Tipping Stories - Mental Floss American tipping is rooted in slavery—and it still hurts workers today - Ford Foundation BAD GRATITUDES: WORKING FOR TIPS SINCE MEDIEVAL SERFDOM - The Asterisk Today After 24 Years Pushing Pizza, Waitress Phyllis Penzo Gets a Tip to Remember: $3 Million - People Holiday Tipping Checklist - Real Simple Etiquette 101: Your Guide to Tipping Around the World - Conde Nast A Longtime Concierge On Hotel Tipping, Online Reviews, and More - Conde Nast Referenced Episode 097: Keep the Change - Tipping While Traveling - Solo Travel Talk
Balloons

Balloons

2018-11-2909:49

When I was in Washington, DC, a few weeks ago, I stopped at the International Spy Museum before leaving. I could have stayed in there for hours, and it was incredible to see these gadgets and spy equipment that we normally only see in movies. But a set of pictures intrigued me. They were of both Union and Confederate soldiers using the topic of today’s episode to spy on one another. Not only would they use this to observe the enemy, but they were also able to learn the terrain of the battlefield, take inventory, and even aim accordingly in the direction of the oncoming enemy. Oh, and this “spy vehicle” wasn’t concealed at all. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Balloons. Grab your copy of The Story Behind Book! Are you a member of The Podcast Brunch Club? Find out how you can WIN a copy from them, plus meet other podcast listeners in your area! Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers Sources: Balloon - Etymonline.com This Party’s Blowin’ Up - Slate Frequently Asked Questions - The Balloon Council The Physics Of The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons - Wired Early Balloons Were Made From Animal Intestines - Mental Floss History of Toy Balloon - Who Invented the Rubber Balloon? - History of Balloons Why We Are Running Out of Helium And What We Can Do About It - Forbes That Dire Helium Shortage? Vastly Inflated - Wired We Discovered Helium 150 Years Ago. Are We Running Out? - National Geographic It's The Dixville Notch Chamber Pot Mystery: Who'll Be First To Vote In First Primary This Year? - Hartford Courant Explainer: Why Dixville Notch Votes at Midnight - WNYC Neil Tillotson, 102, First Presidential Voter - The New York Times Why Does Helium Change the Sound of Your Voice? - Wonderopolis
This past year has been one of the busiest I’ve ever had. I could never have imagined two years ago that starting this podcast would have brought me the most amazing listeners in the world or that they would go from listeners to the best book launch team I could have imagined. Since we’re celebrating Thanksgiving in the United States this week, I wanted to take a moment to tell you how thankful I am for everything you’ve done for me and this podcast. From sharing the show with your friends and family, to writing such kind words and Amazon reviews for The Story Behind book, to supporting the show on Patreon, and for all those times you’ve shared trivia you’ve learned on the show or shared trivia back with me. I hope your holiday season is a happy one. And I look forward to seeing where The Story Behind goes in 2019, because you’ve proven that even though I write and produce the show, you are actually what makes the show great. So, thank you! I hope listeners in the United States had a lovely Thanksgiving and hopefully can have some fun conversation about today’s topic while eating the leftovers. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Cranberry Sauce. Find out more about The Story Behind Book! Bonus link for reading the show notes: Ultimate Party Meatballs recipe Still looking for recipes? Check out Adam from Odd Dad Out and his cranberry sauce recipe. Are you a member of The Podcast Brunch Club? I’m coordinating with them for a book giveaway with them, as well! Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers who support the show through the Patreon Page at patreon.com/thestorybehind: Jeffrey Seguritan, Podcasts We Listen to, Dan Gallagher, Jonathan Bloom, Ryan P. Jackson, Barry G, Bandrew Scott, Jarrod Dunham, Linguist Sam, Ryle Davis Jr., Dave Jackson, Sunshine & PowerCuts, Everyone Has a Podcast, Adam Higgins, The Beardcaster, Elikqitie, Jim Collison, North Omaha History Podcast, Dan Brenic, Two Peas on a Podcast, Jason Bryant, History Goes Bump, The One Word Go Show, and Stargate Pioneer. Click here to support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers Sources: This Man Made the First Canned Cranberry Sauce - Smithsonian Cranberries: The Most Intriguing Native North American Fruit - The American Phytopathological Society Canned cranberry sauce, explained - Vox Cranberries, a Thanksgiving Staple, Were a Native American Superfood - National Geographic Made in Jersey - Cranberries: New Jersey's contribution to Thanksgiving dinner - NJ.com 10 facts you may not know about N.J. cranberries - NJ.com The Cranberry Industry and Ocean Spray Cooperative: Lessons in Cooperative Governance - Food System Research Group How Canned Cranberry Jelly Became a Thanksgiving Icon - Kitchn The dark and sordid history behind America’s obsession with cranberries - Quartz History of Our Thanksgiving Meal - Organic Authority Beatles Myths - The Internet Beatles Album Cranberries - Band Name Explained The Cranberries - AllMusic The Great Thanksgiving Cranberry Scare Of 1959 - Forbes The Great Cranberry Scare of 1959 - The New Yorker Could The Delaney Clause Rear Its Head Yet Again? - The FDA Law Blog The 1st Great Chemical Cancer Scare? Cranberries, Thanksgiving 1959 - American Council on Science and Health Cranberry Study Shows Flaws in Research - Healthline 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Cranberries and Cranberry Bogs Slideshow - The Daily Meal Irrigation Return Flow or Discrete Discharge? Why Water Pollution From Cranberry Bogs Should Fall Within the Clean Water Act’s NPDES Program - Environmental Law Review Your Thanksgiving cranberry sauce is poisoning Native American lands - The Guardian Referenced: The Story Behind Subliminal Messages Toe on the Trigger
Sorry for the delayed episode this week! If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you may have seen that I went to DC Podfest. And the first day I was there, I woke up with the beginnings of a cold. Luckily, I was able to get a hold of a bottle of Zicam fairly quickly and stave off the cold for a few days … until I got home. And then, it hit. This week has been a bit of a fever dream for me, but it made me start to wonder about some of the things we say when we’re sick and the origins, so get ready for a bit of an etymology episode. But as long as there have been humans, humans have been getting sick, and many of these idioms carry a lot of unverifiable history with them. And, much like the cure for the common cold, the true origin stories of these phrases may never be found. You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Sick Sayings. Find out more about The Story Behind Book! Are you a member of The Podcast Brunch Club? I’m coordinating with them for a book giveaway with them, as well! Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers who support the show through the Patreon Page at patreon.com/thestorybehind: Jeffrey Seguritan, Podcasts We Listen to, Dan Gallagher, Jonathan Bloom, Ryan P. Jackson, Barry G, Bandrew Scott, Jarrod Dunham, Linguist Sam, Ryle Davis Jr., Dave Jackson, Sunshine & PowerCuts, Everyone Has a Podcast, Adam Higgins, The Beardcaster, Elikqitie, Jim Collison, North Omaha History Podcast, Dan Brenic, Two Peas on a Podcast, Jason Bryant, History Goes Bump, The One Word Go Show, and Stargate Pioneer. Click here to support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers Sources: God Bless You! Idioms for Those With the Cold and Flu Illness - ABC News Etymology of Bless You! - Snopes The meaning and origin of the expression: A frog in the throat - The Phrase Finder Sick as a dog - World Wide Words What is the origin of the phrase 'as sick as a parrot'? - The Guardian Does your heart stop when you sneeze? - Everyday Mysteries Sneezing With Your Eyes Open - Discovery/Mythbusters Ahem! What is a ‘frog in the throat,’ anyway? - NBC News Have You Ever Had a Frog In Your Throat? - Wonderopolis David Blaine Went on an Epic Quest to Learn How to Regurgitate Frogs - Vulture Referenced: Podcast Brunch Club Sunshine & PowerCuts Podcast Brunch Club: Connecticut Chapter Facebook Group The Story Behind Book
If you follow @StoryBehindPod on Instagram, you may have seen that I went to Boston last weekend for the Sound Education conference at Harvard University to be on a panel with other history podcasters that included Liz Covart from Ben Franklin’s World, Patrick Wyman from Tides of History, and David Stenhouse from BackStory. I respect these podcasters greatly and it was such an honor to be in the same room as them. Because my travel schedule is pretty hectic this month, I only stayed in Boston for one day so I didn’t get to experience anything outside of Harvard and the train station, but if you’ve ever been to Boston, you know that it seems there’s history on every street. I got to hang out with Chris Nesi from The House of #EdTech podcast while I was there and he suggested I do an episode relating to Boston. Since any history regarding Boston would be a huge undertaking, I wanted to pick something a little more obscure, but still very much Boston-related. And food is always one of my favorite topics to research. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Boston Baked Beans. Find out more about The Story Behind Book! Are you a member of The Podcast Brunch Club? I’m coordinating with them for a book giveaway with them, as well! Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers who support the show through the Patreon Page at patreon.com/thestorybehind: Jeffrey Seguritan, Podcasts We Listen to, Dan Gallagher, Jonathan Bloom, Ryan P. Jackson, Barry G, Bandrew Scott, Jarrod Dunham, Linguist Sam, Ryle Davis Jr., Dave Jackson, Sunshine & PowerCuts, Everyone Has a Podcast, Adam Higgins, The Beardcaster, Elikqitie, Jim Collison, North Omaha History Podcast, Dan Brenic, Two Peas on a Podcast, Jason Bryant, History Goes Bump, The One Word Go Show, and Stargate Pioneer. Click here to support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers Sources: The Great Molasses Flood - Boston Discovery Guide Boston Baked Beans: Recipes and Lore - Trip Savvy Without Warning, Molasses in January Surged Over Boston - Smithsonian What Was the Triangle Trade? - ThoughtCo.com History shows Boston curse full of beans - Chicago Tribune Was Boston once literally flooded with molasses? - The Straight Dope The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 - History.com Remembering Boston's Great Molasses Flood of 1919 - Mental Floss Solving a Mystery Behind the Deadly ‘Tsunami of Molasses’ of 1919 - The New York Times Boston Baked Beans - Old Time Candy A Selective History of Beans - Republic of Beans Boston Baked Beans, and Other Foods Named After Different Foods - Serious Eats Bean Town Origin - Celebrate Boston Confectioners' and Bakers' Gazette, Volume 21 - Google Books Other References in the Show Sound Education Ben Franklin’s World Tides of History Backstory House of #EdTech
This is a very special episode of The Story Behind. Believe it or not, two years ago I pressed Publish on the first three episodes of this podcast, The Story Behind the Theremin, The Story Behind Dry Ice, and The Story Behind Sugar Skulls. This podcast was supposed to be a side-project for me. It was supposed to just take up a little of my time, so I could continue my hobby of podcasting while holding a full-time job and when I was pregnant with my son. That’s what it was supposed to be. But in the two years since the show began, it took on more. It became my favorite distraction. It allowed me to geek out over things I never had a reason to learn otherwise. And it kept my brain from going to complete mush with pregnancy brain and post-partum brain. Plus, it led me to a career in podcasting and finally, it became the basis for The Story Behind book. Now, after last year’s one-year and 100th episode special of The Story Behind The Musical, which was sung, I knew it would take a lot to top that for this year’s episode. In fact, it’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you. There’s nothing that a 100 episodes or more could ever do. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind “Africa” by Toto. Find out more about The Story Behind Book! Are you a member of The Podcast Brunch Club? I’m coordinating with them for a book giveaway with them, as well! Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers who support the show through the Patreon Page at patreon.com/thestorybehind: Jeffrey Seguritan, Podcasts We Listen to, Dan Gallagher, Jonathan Bloom, Ryan P. Jackson, Barry G, Bandrew Scott, Jarrod Dunham, Linguist Sam, Ryle Davis Jr., Dave Jackson, Sunshine & PowerCuts, Everyone Has a Podcast, Adam Higgins, The Beardcaster, Elikqitie, Jim Collison, North Omaha History Podcast, Dan Brenic, Two Peas on a Podcast, Jason Bryant, History Goes Bump, The One Word Go Show, and Stargate Pioneer. Click here to support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers Toto - Africa ( Chicken Cover ) Sources: The story behind Toto's 'Africa' - Boing Boing Toto's David Paich talks Quincy Jones sessions and writing Africa - Music Radar Q&’80s: Toto’s Dave Paich on Writing and Recording ‘Africa’ - Grantland Africa by Toto - Song Facts Toto's 'Africa': The Oral History of '80s Pop's Most-Spoofed Megahit - Billboard The Ongoing Legacy of Toto’s ‘Africa’ - Ultimate Classic Rock How ‘Africa’ by Toto Became the Internet’s Favorite Song - Vice/Motherboard Weezer Covers Toto's 'Africa,' Taking Us Deep Into The Internet's Heart Of Beigeness - NPR Weezer and Toto: the inside story of music’s unlikely love-in - The Guardian @weezerafrica on Twitter Weezer Recruit ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic for Video of Toto Cover ‘Africa’ - Rolling Stone The strange appeal of Toto’s Africa — and why it’s cover-proof - Financial Times r/TotoAfricaCovers - Reddit The Secret History Of Toto - Louder Sound Toto Band History - Toto99.com Interview: Toto: how we made Africa - The Guardian Steve Barron - IMDb How Toto’s ‘Africa’ Became the New ‘Don’t Stop Believin” - Rolling Stone Yacht Rock Web Series Africa - Toto (video) Other Episodes Referenced The Story Behind the Theremin The Story Behind Dry Ice The Story Behind Sugar Skulls The Story Behind the Band-Aid
If you’re a parent who has even been on Pinterest and looked for activities for your child, you’ve probably seen at least a dozen different recipes for modeling clay or sensory dough, as it’s sometimes called. Most of the recipes are different variations on the mixture of flour, water and salt dough I remember using to make Christmas ornaments. So, one morning this week, I was searching for a recipe for my son. I spent a good 20 minutes making it, mixing in different colors, getting just the right proportions of flour to water to coconut oil so it wouldn’t stick to my hands or leave a greasy mess, only to have my son pick it up, drop it on the cat, and decide he was done with it. 20 minutes of making it, only to have it covered in cat hair after a minute or so. After all that, I threw away the dough I had made and added today’s topic to the shopping list partially because it was easier to keep in the house and more convenient. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Play-Doh. Find out more about The Story Behind Book! Find out about The Monday American Podcast giveaway for The Story Behind book in their October 4th episode, The Korean War (Part III): A War No Victor. Are you a member of The Podcast Brunch Club? I’m coordinating with them for a book giveaway with them, as well! Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight! Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers who support the show through the Patreon Page at patreon.com/thestorybehind: Jeffrey Seguritan, Podcasts We Listen to, Dan Gallagher, Jonathan Bloom, Ryan P. Jackson, Barry G, Bandrew Scott, Jarrod Dunham, Linguist Sam, Ryle Davis Jr., Dave Jackson, Sunshine & PowerCuts, Everyone Has a Podcast, Adam Higgins, The Beardcaster, Elikqitie, Jim Collison, North Omaha History Podcast, Dan Brenic, Two Peas on a Podcast, Jason Bryant, History Goes Bump, The One Word Go Show, and Stargate Pioneer. Click here to support this podcast on Patreon. Media: Music for Makers Sources: Play-Doh - National Toy Hall of Fame The History of Play-Doh: Good, Clean Fun! - Museum of Play Who Invented Play Dough? - Woderopolis 10 Fun Facts About Play-Doh - Mental Floss Play-doh Was Originally Wallpaper Cleaner - Today I Found Out 9 Things Invented or Discovered by Accident - How Stuff Works Playmakers Part II: Play-Doh - Parents’ Choice Play-Doh can fake your fingerprint - CNET The shocking story behind Playdoh's original purpose - Business Insider  Referenced: Ice Cream Float Wikipedia Page
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