Discover the fascinating history of ice hockey, tracing its surprising roots from ancient stick-and-ball games in Europe and the Mi'kmaq people to the first organized indoor game in Montreal. Learn how the game evolved with the invention of the puck, the formation of leagues like the NHL and the Stanley Cup, its growth into a professional and international sport including Olympic play, and the rise of women's hockey.
Explore the fascinating history of surgery, a key advancement in human health, tracing its roots from 10,000-year-old trepanation to sophisticated modern techniques. Learn about key milestones like the detailed practices in ancient Egypt and India, the role of medieval barber surgeons, the impact of anatomical study during the Renaissance, and the revolutionary introductions of anesthesia and antiseptics in the 19th century. The episode also covers 20th-century breakthroughs like X-rays and blood transfusions, leading up to modern advancements such as organ transplantation, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic systems.
On the morning of August 27, 1883, one of the most destructive natural disasters of the 19th century occurred between the islands of Java and Sumatra, in what is today the nation of Indonesia. After weeks of low-level rumblings, a volcanic eruption totally obliterated the mountain that it had formed. The devastation wasn’t limited to the immediate area around the volcano. The blast’s effects literally affected the entire planet. Learn more about the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa and its devastating ...
Located in the Pearl River Delta, off the coast of the mainland of the People’s Republic of China, is Macau. Macau is often overlooked due to its larger neighbor, Hong Kong, but Macau, despite being similar, has had its own unique history. What began as a fishing village evolved into a major trading port, and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most popular entertainment centers in Asia. It remains unlike any other place in Asia, and indeed, the entire world. Learn more about Macau and...
Learn about Catherine the Great, a German-born empress who transformed the Russian Empire into a major power. The episode covers her political rise through a coup, her implementation of enlightened reforms in administration and culture, and her significant territorial expansion through wars and the partitions of Poland, while also examining the contradictions of her rule, particularly regarding serfdom.
Discover the history and function of SONAR, the underwater navigation technology born from the needs of submarine warfare. Learn about its development from early sound experiments and WWI innovations through WWII and the Cold War, including its natural parallel in animal echolocation. The episode also covers anti-sonar countermeasures and the wide range of civilian applications that emerged after the war.
Traditional chemical rockets are limited for long-distance space travel beyond Earth's orbit. This episode explores alternative propulsion methods like efficient ion thrusters for steady acceleration, powerful nuclear thermal rockets for faster transit within the solar system, and solar sails utilizing light pressure for interstellar journeys. These technologies are crucial for future space exploration.
In this Q&A episode, Gary answers listener questions covering diverse topics including the qualities of good Roman emperors, safety while traveling internationally regarding food and water, why he chose to return to his hometown in Wisconsin, the future of movie theaters, and how he defines membership in the Completionist Club.
Discover the fascinating history of the hamburger, tracing its roots from ancient practices of mincing meat and the German Hamburg steak. Learn about the various competing claims for its invention in the United States, the critical development of the hamburger bun, and the role of early chains like White Castle in standardizing it. The episode also explores how post-war advancements and the franchise model, led by McDonald's, propelled the hamburger to global popularity.
Explore the final desperate days of Adolf Hitler and his inner circle in the Berlin bunker as Nazi Germany collapsed. This episode details Hitler's psychological breakdown, his last decisions including marrying Eva Braun, and his suicide on April 30, 1945. It then delves into the decades-long mystery surrounding the fate of his remains, the secrecy maintained by the Soviet Union, and the forensic evidence that ultimately confirmed his death.
Explore the incredible journeys of Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant who traveled to China in the 13th century. Learn about his family's trading background, the difficult overland route to Kublai Khan's court, and Marco's unique role serving the Mongol emperor. Discover his observations of advanced Chinese civilization, the circumstances of his return and imprisonment, and how his famous book, "The Travels of Marco Polo," introduced the wonders of the East to Europe, inspiring future explorers like Columbus despite initial skepticism and historical debate.
This episode recounts the brutal Bataan Death March during World War II in the Philippines. Learn about the strategic importance of Bataan and Corregidor, the surrender of American and Filipino forces, the horrific conditions and atrocities during the forced march, the devastating death toll, and the subsequent war crimes trials.
This episode dives into the bond market, a massive global financial system often overlooked compared to stocks. It explains what bonds are, how they are issued and traded, and the crucial relationship between bond prices and yields. The discussion also covers different types of bonds, rating agencies, and the significant role of US Treasury bonds, highlighting how bond markets wield surprising power over public policy and government finances.
Discover the origins and evolution of Memorial Day, starting with post-Civil War observances like the 1865 Charleston ceremony and the GAR's 1868 call for Decoration Day. Learn how it transitioned from honoring only Civil War dead to all fallen soldiers after World War I and II, its official recognition, the controversial move to a Monday holiday, and the modern tension between solemn remembrance and popular summer traditions.
Ever wondered how Birkenstocks went from a German cobbler’s passion project 250 years ago to a starring role in the Barbie movie? Or who created that bottle of Sriracha that is permanently living in your fridge? Did you know that Air Jordans were initially banned by the NBA, or that Super Mario became the best-selling video game character ever thanks to a strategy called “The Infinite Game?” On Wondery’s new weekly podcast, The Best Idea Yet, Nick Martell and Jack Crivici-Kramer have identified ...
This episode explores the fascinating story of Jupiter's four largest moons, the Galilean moons. Discover how Galileo's 1610 observation of these moons revolutionized astronomy and challenged the geocentric view of the universe. Learn about their controversial naming history and the modern space missions that have revealed their unique characteristics, from Io's extreme volcanism to Europa's potential subsurface ocean and Ganymede's magnetic field.
Discover the financial chaos following the American Revolution that led to the proposal for a national bank. Learn about the fierce constitutional debates and the creation, operation, and eventual failure of the First Bank of the United States. Understand how subsequent financial crises, especially during the War of 1812, necessitated the Second Bank, its tumultuous history under Nicholas Biddle, and its dramatic demise during Andrew Jackson's presidency, shaping early American economic policy.
The Sahara Desert presented a significant barrier between Roman North Africa and sub-Saharan regions. While direct contact was limited, particularly in the west, interactions occurred through intermediaries and routes along the Nile and Red Sea. Trade involving exotic animals and the discovery of Roman coins indicate some level of exchange, supplemented by documented Roman expeditions south of the desert.
For centuries, the English Channel served as a moat that kept the conflicts of Continental Europe away from the island of Great Britain. While it served as a barrier for armies, it also served as a hindrance to commerce. The movement of goods and people across the English Channel was much more difficult than he small distance that had to be crossed. Some dreamed of one day taming that barrier, and in the 1990s, that dream came true. Learn more about the Channel Tunnel, aka the Chunnel, on this e...
This episode delves into the history of salt, from its chemical composition and vital necessity for all life to how ancient humans procured it. Discover its role as a crucial preservative before refrigeration, its value as an early trade good, how it shaped economies, spurred wars, founded cities, and even influenced political movements, concluding with its modern uses and common misunderstandings.
Explore the life of "Honest" Jack Sheppard, a petty criminal in 18th-century London who became a folk hero due to his repeated, daring escapes from prison. Learn about the social context of the time, his path to crime, and the series of captures and escapes that made him a celebrity before his eventual execution.
This episode discusses Emperor Diocletian and his efforts to save the Roman Empire from collapse during the Crisis of the Third Century. It covers his establishment of the Tetrarchy, economic and administrative reforms, and treatment of Christians. Despite the failure of some policies, Diocletian's reign reshaped the empire and influenced its future division.
This episode explores the history of comets, from ancient omens to modern scientific understanding. It details early comet observations, the shift in understanding during the Renaissance, and the composition and behavior of comets, including the formation of their tails. The episode also discusses the origins of comets in the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud and provides information on upcoming comet sightings.
This episode explores the history and evolution of aircraft carriers, from their humble beginnings as balloon carriers in the 19th century to the modern supercarriers of today. It covers key innovations, including the integration of fixed-wing aircraft, angled decks, and nuclear power, and discusses their role in naval warfare, as well as their potential vulnerabilities in the face of modern weaponry.
This episode of Everything Everywhere Daily explores the events of 1775, the first year of the American Revolution. It covers the rising tensions, the battles of Lexington and Concord, the siege of Boston, and the capture of Fort Ticonderoga. The episode highlights the significance of 1775 as the year the colonists began their journey toward independence.
This episode delves into the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, exploring the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings, the key figures involved, and the immediate and long-term consequences of William the Conqueror's victory. It covers the political landscape of England prior to the invasion, the claims to the throne, the battle itself, the subsequent consolidation of Norman power, and the profound impact on English law, culture, and language.
This episode explores the multifaceted history of Alcatraz Island, from its early days as a military fort and prison to its infamous period as a federal penitentiary housing notorious criminals like Al Capone. It also covers the daring escape attempt, the Native American occupation, and its current status as a popular tourist destination, discussing potential future uses beyond its historical roles.
This episode explores the history of the RMS Titanic, from its conception as the largest and most luxurious ship of its time to its tragic sinking on its maiden voyage. It addresses common misconceptions about the ship and the disaster, detailing the design flaws and contributing factors that led to the immense loss of life. The episode also covers the aftermath, including changes to maritime law and the eventual discovery of the wreck.
In the early 17th century, Japan was witness to a samurai who was arguably its greatest warrior ever. He wasn’t just one of the greatest swordsmen in history; he was a philosopher, a writer, an artist, and, in contravention to the samurai code at the time, he was a vagabond. Today, he is considered a saint of Japanese martial arts, and he has been portrayed in Japanese movies and books. Learn more about Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s greatest swordsman on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. ...
This episode delves into the history of the ancient Greek Olympics, exploring its origins as a religious festival honoring Zeus. It covers the evolution of events, from the stadium race to combat sports like pankration, and the traditions surrounding the games, including the Olympic Truce. The episode also discusses the eventual decline of the Olympics under Roman rule and its eventual revival in modern times.
