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 SwabsThe 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 SunglassesThe 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 GlitterThe 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 MouthwashThe 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 SwitcharooThe 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 HeartsThe 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 TrampolineThe 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 DayThe 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 PantyhoseThe 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_outlineWhen 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.
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- This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers
Media:
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