Smartest Year Ever

1/5/25 - The Woman Behind the Smile

Season 1, Episode 5

Few paintings are as iconic as the Mona Lisa, but who is the woman behind that mysterious smile? In today’s episode, Gordy uncovers the fascinating history of Lisa del Giocondo, a Florentine woman believed to be the model for Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece.

Discover how a 1503 margin note solved one of art history’s greatest puzzles, explore the hidden layers of the painting revealed by modern imaging, and learn why the Mona Lisa remained with Leonardo until his death. Plus, Gordy dives into alternative theories, including the possibility that the Mona Lisa could be a composite model or even a self-portrait of Leonardo himself.

Sources:

• Giorgio Vasari, Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects (1568)

• Heidelberg University Vespucci Note (2005)

• The Louvre Official Website, "Mona Lisa: Who Was She?"

Smithsonian Magazine, "New Discoveries on the Mona Lisa"

1/4/25 - In the Limelight

Step back to the early 19th century to discover how lime revolutionized the stage. In today’s episode, Gordy dives into the origins of the phrase “in the limelight,” revealing how a block of quicklime (calcium oxide) and an open flame created the first stage spotlight. Learn about Thomas Drummond’s invention, its dramatic rise in theaters, and its surprising use during the American Civil War. While its fiery dangers eventually retired lime from center stage, the phrase has kept its glow in our language. Don’t miss this illuminating tale of science, history, and theater!

Sources:

• "Limelight." Oxford English Dictionary.

• Lienhard, John H. "The Lime Light." Engines of Our Ingenuity, University of Houston.

• Greco, Gina. “In the Limelight.” Theatre History Review, 2017.

• Image source: Wellcome Images.

Time zones: a human invention to keep us synced—or confused. Ever wonder why the new year hits some places hours (or even a day) before others? From the chaos of 19th-century “local mean time” to the international drama of Greenwich Mean Time, this episode explores the fascinating history of time zones. We’ll uncover the quirks of New Year’s Eve celebrations across the globe, including the Line Islands, where 2025 starts first, and the Diomede Islands, where two tiny neighbors exist 21 hours apart.

Sources:

• Encyclopaedia Britannica: “Time Zones and the Prime Meridian”

• History.com: “A Brief History of Timekeeping”

• Timeanddate.com: “Who Rings in the New Year First?”

• BBC News: “The Curious Case of Time Zone Adjustments in Kiribati”

• National Geographic: “The Diomede Islands and the International Date Line”

• NOAA: “The Geography of the International Date Line”

Can your dog catch your yawns? Science says yes! In this episode, Gordy explores a fascinating 2008 study revealing that yawning is contagious between humans and their canine companions. Could this be a sign of empathy, a way to sync arousal levels, or just another way our pets vibe with us? Learn how yawns might strengthen your bond with your furry friends in today’s Smartest Year Ever.

Follow us:📺 YouTube: @SmartestYearEver📱 TikTok/Instagram: @SmartestYearEver

Stay curious. Stay clever. See you tomorrow in the Smartest Year Ever.

What Year Is It Again? The Curious Case of Year 1 AD

If you hopped in a time machine and asked a Roman what year it was in "Year 1 AD," they’d have no idea what you’re talking about. The concept of counting years from Christ's birth didn’t exist for centuries! In today’s episode of Smartest Year Ever, we uncover the quirky history of how Year 1 AD became a thing, why it took over 500 years to catch on, and how a monk’s questionable math still shapes the way we measure time today. Along the way, we’ll explore ancient world populations, historic cities, and the unlikely rise of the timeline we now take for granted.

Sources:

• Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Dionysius Exiguus and the Origins of Anno Domini”

• History.com, “The History of the Gregorian Calendar”

• UN Population Division, “World Population Estimates Through History”

• Smithsonian Magazine, “The World in Year One: Population and Culture”

• National Geographic, “The Rise of Urban Centers in Ancient History”