Hey there from Hiatus-land! Enjoy this bonus episode drop. Normally, I don't use pid advertising in The Story Behind, but when I talked to the folks over at Stitcher about this new project, I was so excited and knew my audience would love this podcast. Check out Lost at the Smithsonian, a new podcast from Stitcher! Comedian and pop culture fanatic Aasif Mandvi gets up close and personal with the most iconic artifacts at the National Museum of American History. Join Aasif and his guests as...

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...

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:...

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!

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...

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!

Surprise! This is a special preview episode for the MUSE series I'm creating over on Patreon for Executive Producers at the $5/month level or higher. Want more? Go visit Patreon.com/TheStoryBehind

The Story Behind will be taking a break for a few weeks and will be playing reruns. But be sure to follow @StoryBehindPod on Twitter and Instagram and join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook!

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...

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!)

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.

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.

Find out the history and trivia of bottled water! From early uses to modern-day trends to some very clever marketing from Perrier during the '80s. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Bottled Water.

Enjoy this history of the epitome of "everyday" items: Toilet Paper! Learn about what humans used before the rolls we use today, how toilet paper was once taboo, and how a simple joke led to a shortage scare.

Hey there! Hope everyone is enjoying this weird week between Christmas and New Years! When I released the last episode, The Story Behind Christmas Traditions, Part 2, I had some questions about the first part. I released that one way back in 2016, but since I’ve gotten more listeners since then, I thought it would be fun to re-release it. Even though it’s no longer Christmas, why not enjoy saying goodbye to Christmas 2018 with The Story Behind. Enjoy!

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 Christmas Traditions: Part 2.

One of my clients, Catherine, is the producer for Solo Travel Talk with Astrid Clements of AstridTravel.com. But when I edited a particular episode, answering questions about today’s topic as it pertains to different parts of the world, I was fascinated to find out that it was more than what I assumed was a way of saying thank you to a restaurant server. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Tipping. www.TheStoryBehindPodcast.com

When I was in Washington, DC, a few weeks ago, I stopped at the International Spy Museum and 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. 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.

I hope listeners in the United States had a lovely Thanksgiving and hopefully can have some fun conversation about today’s topic while eating the leftovers. 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 Cranberry Sauce. www.thestorybehindpodcast.com

As long as there have been humans, humans have been getting sick, and many of these idioms carry a lot of unverifiable history with them. And, much like the cure for the common cold, the true origin stories of these phrases may never be found. 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 Sick Sayings. www.thestorybehindpodcast.com Buy the book: thestorybehindbook.com

If you follow @StoryBehindPod on Instagram, you may have seen that I went to Boston last weekend for the Sound Education conference at Harvard University to be on a panel with other history podcasters. I got to hang out with Chris Nesi from The House of #EdTech podcast while I was there and he suggested I do an episode relating to Boston. And food is always one of my favorite topics to research. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Boston Baked...

If you've ever been in The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook, you know we have a love for the topic of today's episode. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind "Africa" by Toto!

If you’re a parent who has even been on Pinterest and looked for activities for your child, you’ve probably seen at least a dozen different recipes for modeling clay or sensory dough, as it’s sometimes called. Most of the recipes are different variations on the mixture of flour, water and salt dough I remember using to make Christmas ornaments. But for those parents who don't want to deal with the mess, today's topic is here to help. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind...

There will be a new episode this week, but I also wanted to put out a bonus episode talking about The Story Behind book, which releases Monday, October 15th. In all honesty, it's still not real, even after getting the advanced copies of the book, and on top of everything, social media fatigue and impostor syndrome have really gone into overdrive the past few weeks. But before the book launch day is here, I wanted to thank you all, once again, for all your support. Plus, get a preview of...