Update on the show + Audiobook link
The Story Behind
Thank you to everyone who came by over the past few months while I recorded the audiobook of The Story Behind. The audiobook is available on Audible and you can get that at this link: In addition, for those who saw the Live recordings in The Story Behind Discussion Group, you know I realized there were a number of errors in the printed book as I was reading through it. I am so grateful to my publishers who will be updating future printed copies with the corrections, as well as the eBook versions. While I wish the actual podcast could continue as it once was, I...
info_outline
Cotton Swabs
The Story Behind
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: The Story Behind Facebook Page: The Story Behind on Instagram: The...
info_outline
Sunglasses
The Story Behind
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: The Story Behind Facebook Page: The Story Behind on Instagram: The Story Behind on Twitter: Support the Show — Become an...
info_outline
Glitter
The Story Behind
Whether you hate it or not, you have to admit it catches your eye. And there's a scientific reason for that! This week's episode is all about that annoying-to-clean-up craft supply. Listen for free to The Story Behind Glitter!
info_outline
Mouthwash
The Story Behind
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! Let's get social! The Story Behind Discussion Group: The Story Behind Facebook Page: The Story Behind on Instagram: The Story Behind on Twitter: Support the...
info_outline
Son of a Gun - Operation Switcharoo
The Story Behind
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. Since we switched, enjoy checking out their episode right here on The Story Behind!
info_outline
Conversation Hearts
The Story Behind
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...
info_outline
The Trampoline
The Story Behind
We've talked about some fun marketing techniques on past episodes of The Story Behind ... but for this invention, a kangaroo is involved! (No kidding!)
info_outline
Groundhog Day
The Story Behind
Rise and shine, campers! This episode explores the history of the holiday Groundhog Day, and gives the actual amount of time Phil Connors spends in a time loop in the classic 1993 movie.
info_outline
Pantyhose
The Story Behind
Find out how a woman's discomfort with garter belts led to the invention of pantyhose and how they went from everyday item to not as popular in recent times.
info_outlineThis 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.
Media:
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