Researching the Obvious

Contrary to pop culture belief, vampires were never meant to be sparkly or live in castles wearing capes! This spooky season episode is all about the frightful and not so delightful monsters and supernatural beings that lurk in the shadows. Join Emily and Katie as they discuss the history of these supernatural creatures, the cultures that shaped them into being, and how the idea of them has changed over time.  

What is the difference between a Wendigo and a Skinwalker?

How did the idea of vampires originate and when did it change?

Why can’t Werewolves and Vampires just be friends?

What are some of the cultural and medical contexts for the beliefs around supernatural creatures?

https://www.frenchquarterphantoms.com/blog/the-history-of-vampires-and-their-origins 

https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/why-do-vampires-and-werewolves-hate-each-other 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendigo 

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/mn-wendigo/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin-walker 

https://www.executedtoday.com/2014/12/20/1879-swift-runner-wendigo/ 

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/navajo-skinwalkers/ 

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/skinwalker-ranch/ 

Knock once for yes and two for no? In the age of Spiritualism, seances, mediums and contacting “the other side” were not only commonplace but an everyday source of entertainment. The Spiritualist movement has roots in upstate New York and arose during a time of religious, social, and philosophical exploration. In this episode, Emily and Katie explore the historical context of spiritualism, what kickstarted its existence, mediums, seances, and … Johnny Appleseed spreading the Swedenborg religion? What?

What was going on in the US when the Spiritualist movement gained traction?

What was the second great awakening and how did it influence this movement?

How is Johnny Appleseed related to Spiritualism?

Who were some of the famous mediums and what did they do?

What’s the origin of the Ouija board?

Johnny Appleseed spreads Swedenborgian ideas

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ouija-7eleven

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/the-tiny-new-york-town-where-mediums-give-voice-to-the-dead-180987270/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediumship 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table-turning 

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-fox-sisters-and-the-rap-on-spiritualism-99663697/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_sisters 

https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/mesmerized/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Dunglas_Home 

https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/hayden-maria-b-ca-1852 

https://msmagazine.com/2019/10/29/waking-the-witch-the-feminist-history-of-spiritualism/ 

Love triangles, friends to lovers, climactic chase-afters, grand epiphanies and declarations of love, oh my! In this follow up to Episode 20, join Emily and Katie for a review of classic examples of both old and new romantic comedies and the characters and tropes that make them iconic. From all the “awwws” to the cringiest moments, see which films stood the test of time and epitomize the Rom Com genre and those that missed the mark.

Spoiler Alert, in this episode the following rom-coms are discussed in detail:

It’s Complicated

10 Things I Hate About You

Notting Hill

Never Been Kissed

500 Days of Summer

He’s Just Not That Into You

My Best Friend’s Wedding

Marry Me

On the half shell, baked, broiled, grilled, Rockefeller. These small yet versatile bivalves have been an integral part of our American culinary history for hundreds of years. Oysters may be a premium food item now, but once they were so plentiful their shells literally paved the streets of cities! In this episode, join Emily and Katie for a deep dive, or perhaps a dredge or rake, of all things oyster as they discuss the long history of oysters as a food source, their economic impacts, their role in some of the first American restaurants, the Oyster Wars, and even Oyster pirates!

What are oysters and where do we find them?

What role did oyster cellars play in the American restaurant scene?

Wait, there were actual wars over oysters!?!?

How do oysters impact the marine environments around us?

Why do some vegans make an exception and even a case for consuming oysters?

https://foodworthwritingfor.com/2018/07/31/the-history-of-oysters-its-rise-as-a-delicacy-and-a-staple-food-beloved-by-many/ 

https://www.fishersislandoysters.com/blog/2021/2/22/thomas-downing 

https://www.nypl.org/blog/2011/06/01/history-half-shell-intertwined-story-new-york-city-and-its-oysters 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyster_Wars 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_Molly 

https://visualizingnyc.org/essays/the-mighty-mollusk-oyster-consumption-among-the-two-great-classes-of-society/

https://www.morningagclips.com/americas-oyster-craze/

https://www.agmrc.org/commodities-products/aquaculture/aquaculture-non-fish-species/oysters 

https://vinepair.com/articles/map-oyster-regions-united-states/

https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-content/MFR/mfr584/mfr5841.pdf 

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/12/ill-have-them-with-hot-sauce-should-vegans-eat-oysters 

The discussion of chain restaurants continues! Have you ever noticed that some places seem to have more chain restaurants than others?  And perhaps you’re wondering how some of the most famous chain restaurants got their start and continue to succeed. In this episode, Emily and Katie discuss some of the geographical research around chainness, place and placelessness, and dive into some interesting histories of specific restaurants.

What makes some cities more chain-y than others?

What does Geographical research reveal about the chain restaurant landscape?

How did Dunkin Donuts, White Castle, KFC, and other notable chains get their start?

Why does BeniHana have the craziest origin story you’ve ever heard?

https://www.gpb.org/news/2022/10/06/which-states-have-the-most-chain-restaurants-georgia-tech-researchers-map-it-out 

https://www.franchise-law.com/franchise-law-overview/a-brief-history-of-franchising.shtml 

https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/history-of-benihana-facts 

https://www.mashed.com/256954/the-untold-truth-of-benihana/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steak_%27n_Shake 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Castle_(restaurant) 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkin%27_Donuts

Everyone has a favorite tried and true restaurant when they’re craving a burger, some fried chicken, or that timeless combo of soup, salad, and breadsticks. You know, those restaurants that you come across no matter how far from home you are. Restaurant chains are a ubiquitous presence along highways, in suburbia, and even in small towns. It might be easy to take these food fixtures for granted, but they haven’t always been around. In this episode, Katie and Emily discuss the evolution of Restaurants in the U.S., the types of restaurants that are commonly part of the chain format, and the difference between franchising and corporate chain management.

What are the differences between fine dining, casual, fast casual, and fast food?

How did the restaurant scene originate and evolve in the US?

What’s the difference between the corporate and franchise model?

What are some of the largest chain restaurants in the US?

Why is Dunkin so much better in New England?

https://www.franchise.org/franchising-overview/

https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2018/03/franchises.html

https://restaurant-ingthroughhistory.com/  

https://wallethub.com/edu/metro-areas-that-most-and-least-resemble-the-us/6109 

https://www.upmenu.com/blog/types-of-restaurants/

https://historicalpix.com/blogs/time-capsule/a-quick-history-of-restaurants-in-the-united-states 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_casual_restaurant 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast-food_restaurant 

Have you ever been “just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her?” Whether it’s a tale of unrequited love, enemies turned lovers, player turned monogamist, or a classic makeover montage, it’s easy to live, love, and laugh through a good rom-com. The romantic comedy film genre has been around for decades, but its roots go back much further, all the way to Ancient Greece, in fact! In this episode, Emily and Katie discuss the literary and theatrical origins of the romantic comedy, explore the first examples of this type of film, and reminisce about the “golden era” of rom-coms that they grew up in. All of these fun rom-com facts will have you thinking “I’ll have what she’s having”!

How did literary and theatrical comedies help shape the modern Rom-Com genre?

How have Romantic Comedy films evolved over the years?

What are some of the cultural perspectives around the Romantic Comedy film genre?

What is considered the “golden era” of Rom-coms and…

Why are we seeing less of those “classic” Rom-coms today?

https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/29/entertainment/romantic-comedy-evolution-trnd/index.html 

https://technicianonline.com/76174/culture/what-happened-to-the-rom-coms-of-the-90s/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romantic_comedy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_comedy 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chivalric_romance 

https://library.fiveable.me/lists/restoration-comedy-characteristics 

https://library.fiveable.me/british-literature-i/unit-7/characteristics-shakespearean-comedy/study-guide/NEkLrJRbGWzMMxyx 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_for_the_Reformation_of_Manners 

https://screenrant.com/oscars-movies-sweep-win-big-five-awards/ 

Have you ever wondered why curiosity killed a cat? Or perhaps someone has suggested to you that you pull yourself up by your bootstraps? Idioms are used in our everyday conversations without a second thought, but many of these phrases have not only a long history but have meanings that have changed drastically over time. In this episode, Emily and Katie give an introductory English lesson on different types of phrases and discuss their usage, origins, and meanings. You may think you know what these phrases mean, but they may not mean what you think they mean - inconceivable!

https://www.vice.com/en/article/an-in-depth-investigation-into-the-origins-of-the-phrase-it-is-what-it-is/  

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2006/02/why-we-say-balls-to-the-wall.html 

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/where-did-the-term-under-the-weather-come-from

https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/under-the-weather-meaning 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brentbeshore/2013/04/17/how-killing-two-birds-with-one-stone-kills-us-and-our-work/ 

https://www.rd.com/article/bite-the-bullet-meaning/ 

https://www.rd.com/article/close-but-no-cigar-origin/ 

https://www.grammarly.com/blog/idioms/english-proverbs/ https://thecultureur.com/around-the-world-in-52-proverbs/ https://www.anythinklibraries.org/blog/misunderstood-sayingshttps://englishonline.britishcouncil.org/blog/articles/incomplete-idioms-5-famous-phrases-that-dont-mean-what-people-think/ https://goodworkinstitute.org/feed-two-birds-with-one-scone/

Whether you’re choosing your favorite hot dog topping, or dipping French fries into your preferred sauce on the side, condiments are a delicious way to add a little something extra to any dish. The US condiment market offers so many options, and some of them have a much older and international history than you might think! In this episode, join Emily and Katie for a tasty discussion of some of the most popular condiments, where they come from, and how they’ve transformed into the delectable dips and toppings we use today.

What is the multi-national history of ketchup as we know it today?

What exactly is the difference between a chutney and a relish?

What countries claim the invention of mayonnaise?

What are the varieties of mustard and how old are they?

What role has Heinz played in American condiments?

https://www.history.com/news/ketchup-surprising-ancient-history 

https://slate.com/culture/2013/12/mayonnaise-history-was-it-invented-by-the-french-or-the-spanish.html 

https://www.foodrepublic.com/1293031/guide-to-kinds-of-mustard/

https://mustardmuseum.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_(condiment) 

https://www.foodrepublic.com/1293031/guide-to-kinds-of-mustard/

https://www.discovergermany.com/pass-the-mustard-please/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French%27s 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayonnaise

https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/what-is-chutney

https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/what-is-relish/ 

https://www.thetakeout.com/what-is-relish-other-than-the-best-hot-dog-condiment-1849128578/ 

https://dannwoellertthefoodetymologist.wordpress.com/2024/04/19/the-north-american-pickled-relish-family-tree/ 

https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/research/collection-highlights/h-j-heinz-company/

Whether you wear makeup yourself or pass by the large beauty sections in stores, you may have noticed that makeup and beauty products are a big business, but did you know they’re also thousands of years old? Makeup has served different purposes throughout the centuries and is now a constantly evolving trend. From ancient Egypt and notable makeup “influencers” like Nefertiti and Cleopatra to the red lipstick that became an icon during the suffragette movement to today’s “no makeup” makeup looks, makeup has had a long and varied history in both formulation, purpose, and style. Join Emily and Katie on a journey through the long history of makeup in our culture that might make you look twice at that tube of lipstick, mascara, or bottle of foundation in your bathroom.

What types of makeup were used in Ancient Civilizations and why?

How did the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti inspire modern makeup looks from beyond the grave?

What are the origin stories of the various makeup products we still use today?

Why is red lipstick a significant symbol of the suffragette movement?

What are some of the American makeup trends that have been popular over the years?

Sources:

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/dec/22/recession-cosmetics-lipstick

https://www.vice.com/en/article/history-of-eyeliner-kohl/ 

https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/jan/27/from-ancient-egypt-to-cardi-b-a-cultural-history-of-the-manicure

https://www.hagley.org/librarynews/how-have-lovely-nails-history-modern-nail-polish

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/history-of-red-lipstick

https://www.makeup.com/makeup-tutorials/expert-tips/makeup-history-of-mascara

https://www.janeanddickwax.com/a-history-of-brows-from-ancient-civilizations-until-today/

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/a62365219/brow-lamination/

https://www.cosmeticsandskin.com/gfg/eyeshadow.php 

https://journalistic.org/editorial/makeup-trends-from-each-decade-1920-2020-1151/

https://cosmeticsandskin.com/bcb/lash-brow-ine.php 

https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/news/a13574/the-history-of-women-and-their-eyelashes/