151 episodes

The Story Behind tells the extraordinary history of the ordinary. Everyday objects are more closely examined, from their ancient beginnings through the present—all within 5-10 minutes.

The Story Behind Emily Prokop

    • History
    • 4.5 • 122 Ratings

The Story Behind tells the extraordinary history of the ordinary. Everyday objects are more closely examined, from their ancient beginnings through the present—all within 5-10 minutes.

    Cotton Swabs

    Cotton Swabs

    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: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind. $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds. Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon The Story Behind is also a Book! Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5 Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj Sources About - A Q-Tips Cotton Swab History - Qtips.com The strange life of Q-tips, the most bizarre thing people buy - The Washington Post 1927 Q-Tips ad 15 Swab-Worthy Facts About Q-Tips - Mental Floss The Marketing of Q-Tips—A Brief History - Ear Audites Cotton Swabs Send 34 Kids to the ER Every Day - Live Science What a New Study on Cleaning Your Ears With Q-Tips Should Teach Every Entrepreneur - Inc. ​Why It Feels So Damn Good to Stick a Q-Tip In Your Ear - Men’s Health Just How Bad Is My Q-Tip Habit? - Vice.com 17 Genius Uses for Q-Tips You’ll Want to Use All the Time - Reader’s Digest 14 Ways You Never Thought to Use Q-Tips - BobVila.com

    • 8 min
    Sunglasses

    Sunglasses

    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: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind. $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds. Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon The Story Behind is also a Book! Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5 Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj Sources Origins and History of Sunglasses - GlassesHistory.com Who Made Those Aviator Sunglasses? - The New York Times A Brief History of Sunglasses - SunglassMuseum.com The Evolution of Sunglasses - Google Arts & Culture Foster Grant Our Story! - Foster Grant The 15 Most Iconic Sunglasses of all Time - The Idle Man The Fabulous History Of Sunglasses & Their Trends In 25 Pics - The Talko Sunglasses: A History of Protective, Stylish, and Popular Eyewear - Ancient-Origins.org The most famous sunglasses in cinema history - Vogue A Brief History of Eclipse Glasses and the People Who Forgot to Wear Them - Slate How long does it take before your eyes get damaged when looking at the sun? - Scienceline - UCSB Shades at the Table: The Great Debate - Poker News Why You (Now) Look Stupid Wearing Sunglasses at the Poker Table - Poker Junkie 11 Things You Didn't Know About Ray-Ban - Thrillist Solar eclipse and your eyes: How to view an eclipse safely - All About Vision

    • 11 min
    Glitter

    Glitter

    Ever hear of Shiny Object Syndrome? Usually, it’s said to refer to those who see something new and have to have it, only to get bored with it once they finally attain it.
    But in this episode, I wanted to know just what it is about literal shiny objects that make them so appealing to humans. And this particular shiny object is no different unless you have to clean up the mess it makes.
    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 Glitter.
    Vote for The Story Behind for the Webby Awards! CLICK HERE to vote!
    Let's get social! The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind. $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds. Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon The Story Behind is also a Book! Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5 Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj Sources 15 Shimmering Questions About Glitter, Answered - Mental Floss What is Glitter? - The New York Times What Makes Glitter Sparkle? - Wonderopolis The History of Glitter - Huffington Post Bio-Glitter An Evolutionary Theory For Why You Love Glossy Things - Fast Company

    • 6 min
    Mouthwash

    Mouthwash

    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! CLICK HERE to vote!
    Let's get social! The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind. $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds. Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon The Story Behind is also a Book! Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5 Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj Sources The Crazy (and Disgusting) History of Mouthwash - NoCavityKids.com Listerine Halitosis Ad 8 Aug 1921 - Newspapers.com Cloves - The Perfect Pantry Classic Ad Review: Listerine And The Halitosis Hallelujah - AdAge.com History of LISTERINE®: From Surgery Antiseptic to Modern Mouthwash - Listerine 6 Practical Ways Romans Used Human Urine and Feces in Daily Life - Mental Floss What's in the turtle's blood? - News24 How Mouthwash Is Made - MixerDirect.com Discovery Of Bacteria - Explorable Bad Breath Wasn’t Invented by Listerine - Smile Columbia Dentistry

    • 9 min
    Son of a Gun - Operation Switcharoo

    Son of a Gun - Operation Switcharoo

    Happy April Fool’s Day.
    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.
    I should put a disclaimer on this episode that it may not be suitable for younger or sensitive audiences since procreation and the anatomical names for body parts are mentioned. And remember, take everything you read and hear today with a grain of salt.
    Enjoy this episode of the Forgotten News Podcast, and if you like it, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode.
    And if you’re listening to this as a Forgotten News Podcast listener, thanks for coming over and checking out The Story Behind! Jim and Kit did a great job talking about The Story Behind this particular piece of Forgotten News Podcast and I invite you to subscribe while you’re over here.
    Without further ado, I’m your host Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Son of a Gun.
    Visit the Forgotten News Podcast website or listen over on PlayerFM or Podbay.
    Forgotten News Podcast on Twitter Forgotten News Podcast on Facebook Also check out Kit's other podcast, Whispered True Stories Guest Voice Jeremy Collins - Podcasts We Listen To and the Podcasts We Listen to Facebook Group Also, check out Jeremy as a guest voice on The Story Behind the Lead Pipe! Books Mentioned Sex and the Civil War by Judith Giesberg The Story the Soldiers Wouldn’t Tell - Thomas P. Lowry, MD Music MusicForMakers.com Music by Kevin MacLeod of Incompetech.com – Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses / by 3.0

    • 24 min
    Conversation Hearts

    Conversation Hearts

    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 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! Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon. Media:
    Music for Makers 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

    • 8 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
122 Ratings

122 Ratings

Pachobug ,

Just awesome to listen to.

Thanks for a great podcast

moshe w # tyb ,

PLEASE CONTINUE

This is super informative and cute it is so interesting to learn about these things and I think you should continue

Bonnie Frank ,

OMG Everyone should use this podcast in their classroom

The Story Behind is both informative and thought-provoking, and a there is at least one history lesson in every episode! THIS should be part of every school curriculum.

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