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...
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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...
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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...
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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!
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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...
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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!
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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...
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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!)
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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.
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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_outlineOne 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!
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- This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers
Media:
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