This episode kicks off with co-host Brooke sharing her passion for soccer before diving into the sport's fascinating history. Discover ancient ball games like China's Suju and medieval Europe's Mob Football, leading up to the formal establishment of modern rules in 19th-century England. The hosts also unravel the mystery behind the 'soccer' versus 'football' naming convention and recount the exciting story of the first-ever World Cup.
There are so many trends in skin care, from fun-shaped pimple patches to Korean sheet masks. They might seem like the latest fad, but did you know some of these beauty treatments have been around for hundreds of years? Join Joy and co-host Roop as they look back through skin care history, from the fashionable beauty marks of the French aristocracy to bird poop facials in Japan. Plus, something called a toilet mask. All that and a new First Things First! If you want to learn more about puberty, c...
This episode uncovers the fascinating, century-long struggle to select America's national anthem. It introduces early contenders like 'Yankee Doodle' and 'Hail Columbia,' details multiple failed contests, and highlights the eventual triumph of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' in 1931, driven by organized patriotic groups. The discussion also touches on the song's controversial origins and the enduring role of other unofficial anthems in representing different facets of the nation's identity.
Skibidi, rizz and slay are examples of slang. Slang words are fun, zippy terms that usually spread from one small group of people, to the entire world. This week Joy and co-host Dax explore the unexpected history of a few different slang words, from a recluse poet, to the lively ballroom scene in New York City. Plus a First Things First to win mad aura. Libbidity gibbletz, you won’t wanna miss this! Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to li...
The Titanic sank only four days into its voyage. Even though the ship was lost to the ocean, the history and stories survived. Join Joy and her co-host Juniper as they find out how this mega ship was built, hear some theories on why it sank, and learn how the history of this voyage was preserved by dedicated historians. Featured Expert: Ross Mumford is a Titanic researcher, historian and educator. He currently manages Titanic: the Exhibit . Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want t...
Explore the quirky history of Daylight Saving Time, uncovering its roots in ancient timekeeping and a bug hunter's desire for more daylight. The episode explains the science behind seasonal daylight changes, details how DST was adopted during world wars, and the chaos it caused before standardization. It also delves into why many countries and some US states no longer observe it, debating its energy-saving claims and discussing its impact on human health.
This episode unravels the surprising origin of the beloved board game Candyland, revealing it was invented by Eleanor Abbott for children recovering from polio in the late 1940s. It delves into the game's mechanics, the devastating impact of the polio epidemic, and the eventual triumph of the polio vaccine. The hosts also engage in fun quizzes about other classic board games and Candyland characters.
Join Joy and Dia as they uncover the fascinating transformation of diamonds from exclusive jewels for the wealthy to an almost clichéd symbol of love. The episode delves into the environmental and ethical issues of diamond mining, the discovery of vast diamond fields in South Africa by the De Beers brothers, and their brilliant advertising campaign, including the iconic "A Diamond is Forever" slogan, which reshaped cultural perceptions. It also touches on other historical ways people have expressed affection.
Journey through the history of plush toys, discovering how they evolved from simple rag dolls to mass-produced wonders during the Industrial Revolution, with a special focus on the German Steiff company. Learn the unexpected story behind the beloved teddy bear, tracing its name back to President Theodore Roosevelt and a famous hunting trip. The episode also unearths the peculiar tale of Billy Possum, a stuffed animal inspired by President William Howard Taft, and why it never achieved the same fame as its ursine counterpart.
We’re so thrilled to be back that we’re celebrating with a very special episode. It’s a First Things First Spectacular! We’ll be playing three different rounds of the game where we put things in the order they came in history. We’ve brought in three history experts and three kid co-hosts to help. So strap on your history hats and get ready for a fact-tastic time! Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! S...
Get ready to explore the before... some more! That's right, a brand new season of Forever Ago is around the corner. Tell your friends! Let your enemies know by sending them a cryptic message 🎧🕰️ ⒻⒶ🔙🔜 🕰️🎧 Leak it to the press! The first episode drops March 11, and it's a doozy - an all First Things First episode. Make sure you're subscribed, so you won't miss a thing. Want to listen to Forever Ago without the ads? Sign up for Smarty Pass , and you'll get ad-free versions of Forever Ago, Bra...
Woooohooooo and historical HUZZAH! We are coming back next spring and can't wait for you to hear all that we have planned. Now that Forever Ago and the entire Brains On Universe are independent, we need your support more than ever. We make the show for you, and we can't make it without you. Help us make this the best season yet, and subscribe to Smarty Pass . You get ad-free versions of Forever Ago, Brains On, Smash Boom Best and Moment of Um. There are also discounts on live events and merch, p...
We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop us a line, head to brainson.org . The best way to keep us going is to join Smarty Pass or donate here: https://brainson.supercast.com . Thank you! See Smash Boom Best LIVE in Princeton, NJ! Join us at the McCarter Theatre...
Molly Bloom announces that the Brains On Universe shows, including Forever Ago, are taking a break from releasing new episodes. This pause is due to the team moving to a bigger and better headquarters. While new episodes are on hold, fans can attend upcoming live Brains On and Smash Boom Best shows or sign up for the newsletter to get updates on the new location.
Trace the surprising history of school uniforms, starting with 800-year-old cloaks in England. Discover how modern uniforms evolved and later gained popularity in America, particularly within immigrant communities seeking unity. The episode dives into the arguments for and against uniforms, sharing listener perspectives and Hannah's personal experience.
Join the agents as they uncover the fascinating double life of Josephine Baker. Learn about her challenging early years in the segregated US and her explosive rise to superstardom as a dancer and entertainer in Paris. The episode reveals her secret role as a spy for France during World War II, leveraging her fame to gather intelligence. Finally, explore her post-war legacy, including military honors and continued activism for civil rights.
Uncover the fascinating history of the Mesoamerican ball game, considered by many historians to be the world's first team sport. Learn how archaeologists pieced together clues about this ancient game, played over 3,000 years ago across Mesoamerica. Discover its rules, its importance to civilizations like the Aztecs, how it survived colonization, and meet a modern player keeping its traditions alive.
Joy is a real cool customer. How cool? Well, let’s just say she regularly sleeps in feline PJs, aka the cat’s pajamas. Cat’s pajamas are slang for something being really cool. To prove how much slang she knows, Joy plays a game of First Things First featuring some of her favorite slang terms. Only the coolest kids can win the game, daddy-o. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Joy and Flora on a camping trip as they uncover the history of the Girl Scouts. Discover how Juliette Gordon Lowe started the organization over a century ago, providing girls with skills beyond traditional expectations. Learn about the fight for inclusion, particularly the story of Josephine Groves Holloway, who worked tirelessly to ensure black girls could join, leading to desegregation within the scouts. The episode also features fun listener contributions and a segment on the history of Girl Scout cookies.
This episode explores the origins and making of maple syrup, highlighting the tradition's deep roots in Native American culture. Guests share stories and insights into the history, process, and importance of sugar bushing. The episode also touches on food sovereignty and modern-day maple syrup production, offering a comprehensive look at this sweet treat.
Forever Ago is on Spring Break this week! We’ll be back next week with a brand new episode all about the magic of maple syrup. In the meantime, enjoy this saucy showdown from our friends at Smash Boom Best! Today’s debate is a captivating clash of two condiments. It’s Ketchup vs. Ranch! We’ve got comedian and writer Devohn Bland here to defend team Ranch and voice actor Merk Nguyen ready to fight for Ketchup! Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Vote below for the team YOU think won! See omn...
Fireworks dazzle us on special holidays, at flashy concerts and during some big public events (National Mr. Potatohead Day anyone?). But did you know people have been using fireworks to celebrate for centuries? This week Joy and cohost Elliott learn about how firecrackers started with exploding bamboo in ancient China and how a couple of monks accidentally invented gunpowder. All this, plus an explosive new round of First Things First. Featured Experts: Dr. Haiwang Yuan is a writer, translator, ...
Join Joy and Ali to explore the fascinating history of the Native Youth Olympics. Learn how a group of homesick Alaska Native students, displaced by historical boarding school practices, initiated this annual sporting event in 1971 to celebrate their culture through traditional games. The episode highlights how these games, originally designed for survival skills, now foster community, sportsmanship, and personal growth for hundreds of participants.
Join Joy and Senna as they delve into the history of Bollywood cinema and Dada Saheb Falke, a pioneering filmmaker. They explore Bollywood's unique characteristics, including music, dance, and epic stories. The episode covers Falke's journey, his challenges in making India's first film, and the lasting impact of his work on the Bollywood industry.
Joy Dolo and Maya explore the surprising history of mayonnaise, despite Joy's dislike for it. They delve into its ingredients, etymology, and global popularity, featuring a taste test rivalry between mayo brands. Food expert Francis Lam joins to discuss the culinary uses and the science behind this popular condiment, even convincing Joy to consider its merits.
Hey Forever Ago friends! Happy April Fools Day! We’re so excited to be back in your ears with brand new episodes next week, on April 9th! No fooling, we promise!! But we are celebrating by re-releasing our episode all about the history of April Fools Day. Happy Pranking! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode explores the history of whale conservation through the story of how humpback whale songs were discovered and popularized. It features guest Hugh the Humpback Whale, and discusses Marie Fish's underwater sound discoveries and Roger Payne's famous whale song record, which significantly impacted conservation efforts and changed public perception of whales.
Explore the origins of rap music, starting with a back-to-school party in the Bronx in 1973 where DJ Kool Herc's breakbeat technique and Coke LaRock's rhyming sparked a new sound. Discover how Sylvia Robinson and the Sugar Hill Gang's hit song "Rapper's Delight" later brought rap from local parties to the global radio airwaves.
Joy and Amira visit a career fair featuring jobs that no longer exist, such as knocker-uppers, switchboard operators, and ornamental hermits. They discuss the impact of technology and cultural shifts on the job market and play a game about the history of labor rights. Listeners share creative ideas about the jobs of the future.
You probably know Sesame Street as a fun, fast-paced show full of talking puppets, like Elmo and Big Bird. But it actually started as a huge experiment to see if TV could change kids’ lives for the better! Join Joy and co-host Truman as tell the tale of how Sesame Street came to be. It’s a wild story full of big gambles, creative ideas, haters and doubters! Along the way, they’ll help a very eager actor get ready for a big audition. Plus, a new First Things First featuring three iconic Sesame St...
