How many times have you stopped a conversation to either groan at or admire a pun? We all drop inadvertent puns into conversation. Sometimes we don't even catch them. Wordplay has been around as long as there has been language, but English really seems to lend itself to sly wit. In this episode, we discuss the rise and fall of the much maligned pun, playing with logic for riddles, and the advent of slang.

Intro Music: Zac Bell

Transition Music: Saint-Saens, The Carnival of The Animals- XIV. Finale, Seattle Youth Orchestra 

Exit Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

We all have our routines, whether it be to grab a cup of coffee on the way to work or indulge in a cup of tea in the afternoon.  The luxury of our choices was surprisingly the same for colonial Americans. In this episode, we discuss the availability, popularity, and social context of each of the main non-alcoholic drinks of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. You might be surprised by some of it!

Intro Music: Zac Bell

Transition Music: Georg Phillip Telemann, Trio Sonata for Flutes and Piano in A Minor, II-Allegro

Exit Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

In this second half, we discuss the changes cotton production brought to the United States. Mechanization and factory towns shifted the economics not only of sleepy agricultural communities, but the country as a whole. Of course, factory work brought its own significant problems, but we really can't deny the long-term impact of cotton on the formation of the modern world. 

Intro Music: Zac Bell

Transition Music: Beethoven, Sonata No. 4 in E Flat Major, Op. 7-III. Allegro, Paul Pitman

Exit Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

There are a lot of things that have changed the world. The Roman Empire, the Age of Sail, the printing press, etc. But cotton usually doesn't make that list. The unassuming seed of the cotton plant, covered in white, wispy fibers perfect for spinning into cloth isn't usually considered a major player on the world stage. But in actuality, the industrialization behind the production of cotton textiles made massive changes to the very fabric (pun fully intended) of the modern world. In this first of two parts, we talk about the mechanization of cotton production and the economic and social impacts that reverberated through the world.

Intro music: Zac Bell

Transition Music: Georg Phillip Telemann, 4 Concerto for 4 Violins II. Grave, Viola Viva

George Friedrich Handel, Recorder Sonata in F, HWV 369, II. Allegro, Telemann Trio

Exit Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day 

Have you ever wondered how interpreters learn historic trades? Our guests today discuss how they learned, or are learning, historic trades like woodworking, tin smithing, and tailoring. They cover the historical context of their trade, just what contemporary tradesmen would be doing, how people learned historically, and how they themselves have learned. 

Intro Music: Zac Bell

Transition Music: Telemann Partita B flat, Largo, Telemann Trio

Exit Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

In this episode, our guest, Paige Hildebrand, talks about her research into Elizabethan Free Grammar Schools.  These schools were the foundation of our modern system of education and go back further than you might think! And Paige even found an interesting connection between her research and our English farm!

Intro Music: Zac Bell

Exit Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

Did you know there was a time when Christmas was actually banned in England? Well, at least it was strongly discouraged. In this episode, we delve into the 17th century in England and just what was going on with Christmas, who the major players were, and some of the modern repercussions. 

Music: Second Suite for Military Band, Op. 28 no. 2 - IV. Fantasia on the 'Dargason'. Allegro Moderato, Gustav Holst, USAF Heritage of America Band

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

Ever wanted to know the history of your favorite carols? This episode delves into the background of some of the best beloved carols. Some are more modern than you'd think, while others have a much older melody. So sit back with your favorite warm beverage and enjoy the history of Christmas carols.

In this episode, our guest, Naomi Akogwu, talks about her research into agricultural history and how our modern methods came out of the agricultural revolution of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. She details mechanization and methodological improvements happening at the time, as well as the growth of agricultural colleges and dissemination of knowledge available.  She also covers the challenges facing modern agriculture and how the rise of homesteading is giving some hope for the future.

Intro Music: Zac Bell

Transition Music: Papalin, 25 Norwegian Folk Songs and Dances, Op. 17 - 22. Cow Call - So Lokka Me Over Den Myra 

Exit Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

Welcome back to season three of Banjo Strings and Drinking Gourds! We have a fascinating season of episodes planned for you. This episode, we tackle some of the interesting and bizarre celebrations and holidays not often celebrated today. From agricultural based holidays to merry-making cobblers and smiths, this episode covers a wide array of time and space.

Intro Music: Zac Bell

Exit Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day