The Story Behind

The Story Behind

By Emily ProkopEducationHistory
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The Story Behind episodes

  • Hypnosis | Everybody Trance Now! (TSB071)

    Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook!

    If you are driving, did you notice the last exit you passed? Or do you remember where you were on the road five minutes ago? If you answered no to those questions, you're already familiar with this episode's topic.

    (Also, what are you doing reading show notes while you're driving? Watch the road!)

    There may not have been any spinning spirals or dangling pocket watches, but you may have just entered into another state. And not geographically. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Hypnosis.

    Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

    Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

    If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

    Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

    Media:

    Music for Makers

    Franz Anton Mesmer - Encyclopeda Britannica

    How Hypnosis Works - How Stuff Works

    History Of Hypnosis - HistoryofHypnosis.org

    Self-Hypnosis for Everyday Life - Psychology Today

    How Does Hypnosis Work? - Live Science

    I've Heard That Hypnosis Can Be Used to Ease Pain During Childbirth. How Does Hypnobirthing Work? - Mayo Clinic

    Can Hypnosis Kill You? - Popular Science

    10 Deadly Cases of Hypnosis - Listverse

    The First Recorded Death in Hypnosis - Journal of the American Medical Association, Volume 23

    VIDEO - The History of Hypnosis

    VIDEO - The Science of Hypnosis

    8 min
  • Subliminal Messages | Conspiracy Theories, Advertising, Paul is Dead (TSB070)

    There's a lot we may never get the full Story Behind. In fact, this topic is probably far from being explored to its full potential, especially within a short podcast episode. But that didn't stop me -- and my ADD -- from becoming intrigued by its origins, how it works and how it's used every day without us being aware of it. But then again, there are those who are aware of it or who think they're aware of it, and those who are hyper-aware of it. Everyday occurrences like product placement in movies and television, underlying messages in music and maybe even the ability for our brains to hear something one way, but our subconscious can pick up on its reverse, therefore having the potential to brainwash us. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Subliminal Messages.

    WHAT I SAID AT THE END OF THE EPISODE: But as part of the media, I'm supposed to say that.

    Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

    Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

    If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

    Looking for more female-hosted podcasts? Find them by searching #LadyPodSquad on Twitter.

    Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

    Media:

    Music for Makers

    The Simpsons: "Join the Navy"

    Paul McCartney is Dead

    Sources:

    Documentary - Programming the Nation?

    The Shocking Drink And Incredible Coke History Of Subliminal Advertising - Business Insider

    Popcorn Subliminal Advertising

    Classical Rhetoric 101: A Brief History - Art of Manliness

    Sex in the Ice Cubes - Slate

    UCL Study: Subliminal Messaging 'More Effective When Negative' - University College London

    Subliminal Advertising Leaves Its Mark On The Brain - Science Daily

    Power of the Hidden Message Revealed - The Independent

    Classical conditioning: Are All Your Thoughts Yours? - Blasting News

    "The Simpsons" Producer Responds To Insane Conspiracy Theory That is Show Helped Start the Arab Spring - Mother Jones

    Does Subliminal Messaging Work? A New Film Investigates - The Atlantic

    The Devil Wears Headphones: A Brief History of Backmasking - Mental Floss

    Backmasking of Songs: Psychology & Examples - Study.com

    10 Famous Cases of Backmasking - Listverse

    The 10 Wildest Led Zeppelin Legends, Fact-Checked - Rolling Stone

    10 min
  • Tattoos | Body Art That's Ink-redible (TSB069)

    Psychologists have studied the importance of symbols and found people, whether conscious of it or not, are drawn to symbols of immortality like the Egyptian ankh, or hearts, crosses and flags. History has uncovered jewelry and decorations with these symbols on it dating hundreds of years back and, in this episode, we'll talk about how these art, designs and symbols not only adorned the belongings of people in the past, but were also used to decorate the body. Nowadays, 3 out of 10 Americans get inked and not necessarily as a symbol for prolonging life, but it may remind them of milestones in their lives or important people they've lost or even that our lower backs wouldn't be complete without a strategically placed butterfly. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Tattoos. But first, a quick message.

    Visit Patch of Sky Farm for skin and body care products, upcycled crafts and nutrition coaching and meal planning.

    Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

    Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

    If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

    Looking for more female-hosted podcasts? Find them by searching #LadyPodSquad on Twitter.

    Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

    Media:

    Music for Makers

    Sources:

    16 Interesting Facts About Tattoos - MSN

    If Tattoos Could Talk - Psychology Today

    Tattoo Takeover - The Harris Poll

    Why do people go back for more and more tattoos? - BBC

    How Tattoos Went From Subculture to Pop Culture - Huffington Post

    Tattoos - Smithsonian Magazine

    Samoa: Samoan Tattoos - Polynesia.com

    Can Tattoos Be Medicinal? - Smithsonian Magazine

    Did Thomas Edison Invent the Tattoo Machine? - Inked Magazine

    A Visual Guide to Sailor Tattoos - The Atlantic

    A Sailor's Life: The Legend of Tattooer Sailor Jerry Collins - Inked Magazine

    The Sailor Jerry Festival - SailorJerryFestival.com

    9 min
  • Ear Piercing | A Hole Lot of History (TSB068)

    I love picking topics for this podcast that are normally not questioned on an everyday basis. In fact, many topics I pick stem from me being able to slow down for a few seconds and question, "Hey, where does this come from?" or "Why do we do this?" Most topics are pretty easy to research, but I was surprised this particular topic of why we do something was a little harder, most likely because humans have been doing it for so long, no one really questions why or the origin stories behind it. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Ear Piercing.

    Visit Patch of Sky Farm for skin and body care products, upcycled crafts and nutrition coaching and meal planning.

    Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

    Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

    If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

    Looking for more female-hosted podcasts? Find them by searching #LadyPodSquad on Twitter.

    Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

    Media:

    Music for Makers

    Sources:

    History of Ear Piercing - Painful Pleasures

    Why Did Pirates Wear Earrings - Live Science

    Evil Ear - Santharia

    History of Ear Piercing - All That is Interesting

    History of Body Piercing - Painful Pleasures

    Body Piercing Statistics - Statistic Brain

    Ear Piercing to Relieve Migraines - Penn State University

    8 min
  • Bubble Gum | Pop-Notch Chewing Satisfaction (TSB067)

    Many people can probably relate to eating too much of something at one time, and then never wanting it again, right? Well, for me, that thing is bubble gum. I was in a show years ago in which the director wanted my character to chew bubble gum and be able to blow a bubble on demand. So, for the two months of rehearsal, I constantly chewed bubble gum to the point where my jaw hurt at the end of the day. After the show, I hadn't had another piece since, which was more than 10 years ago. That was until my 6-year-old asked me to teach her to blow a bubble and I had to taste that iconic super-sweet taste all over again. Luckily, it's one of those skills that's hard to forget, and it also made me wonder why such a pointless product like bubble gum existed in the first place. This research rabbit hole ended up captivating me so much this week, I didn't want to leave anything out, which is why this topic was stretched out over two episodes. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Bubble Gum.

    The Bazooka Joe jokesters were John, Deuce and Joe from the Brand X Podcast.

    Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

    Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

    If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

    Looking for more female-hosted podcasts? Find them by searching #LadyPodSquad on Twitter.

    Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

    Media:

    Music for Makers

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp_K8prLfso

    Sources:

    http://www.history.com/news/hungry-history/chew-on-this-the-history-of-gum

    http://www.chewinggumfacts.com/chewing-gum-history/bubble-gum-history/

    http://www.wrigley.com/global/about-us/ourfounder.aspx

    http://www.livescience.com/17520-chewing-gum-test-performance.html

    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130308093933.htm

    http://gumballmachinefactory.com/gumballhistory.html

    http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/chewgum.asp

    http://www.beckett.com/news/topps-puts-bubble-gum-back-into-packs-sort-of/

    https://www.oldtimecandy.com/discontinued/bazooka-bubble-gum/

    http://www.cartoonbrew.com/advertising/michael-eisner-is-giving-bazooka-joe-a-face-lift-111251.html

    http://www.bazookajoecomics.com/jokes/jokes.htm

    https://newrepublic.com/article/110868/bazooka-joe-comics-pulled-bubble-gum-after-58-years

    https://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/11/30/business/media/bazooka-gum-overhauls-brand-and-loses-comic-strips.html?_r=1&&referer=

    http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/30/business/media/bazooka-gum-overhauls-brand-and-loses-comic-strips.html?_r=1&

    9 min
  • Chewing Gum | Tree Sap Made Tasty (TSB066)

    Gumpa Lumpa Dum-pa-dee-do I have another podcast for you Gumpa Lumpa Dum-pa-da-dind This episode of The Story Behind Gum's been around for quite a long while Freshening your breath and whitening your smile It is a favorite for astronaut crews But a pain when stuck on your shoes The way toilet paper does Gumpa Lumpa Dump-pa-dee-da I hope you like random trivia You will learn all about this goo Like the Gumpa Lumpa Dump-pa-dee-do

    I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Chewing Gum.

    The role of Leon Trotsky was played by Chris Nesi from the House of #EdTech Podcast.

    The Gumpa Lumpa song was sung by Craig from The Ultra Podcast.

    Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

    Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

    If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

    Looking for more female-hosted podcasts? Find them by searching #LadyPodSquad on Twitter.

    Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

    Media:

    Music for Makers

    Sources:

    http://www.history.com/news/hungry-history/chew-on-this-the-history-of-gum

    http://www.chewinggumfacts.com/chewing-gum-history/bubble-gum-history/

    http://www.wrigley.com/global/about-us/ourfounder.aspx

    http://www.livescience.com/17520-chewing-gum-test-performance.html

    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130308093933.htm

    http://gumballmachinefactory.com/gumballhistory.html

    http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/chewgum.asp

    http://www.beckett.com/news/topps-puts-bubble-gum-back-into-packs-sort-of/

    https://www.oldtimecandy.com/discontinued/bazooka-bubble-gum/

    http://www.cartoonbrew.com/advertising/michael-eisner-is-giving-bazooka-joe-a-face-lift-111251.html

    http://www.bazookajoecomics.com/jokes/jokes.htm

    https://newrepublic.com/article/110868/bazooka-joe-comics-pulled-bubble-gum-after-58-years

    https://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/11/30/business/media/bazooka-gum-overhauls-brand-and-loses-comic-strips.html?_r=1&&referer=

    http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/30/business/media/bazooka-gum-overhauls-brand-and-loses-comic-strips.html?_r=1&

    9 min
  • Sporks | KFC Cutlery of Choice (TSB065)

    Whoever came up with the idea to attach an eraser to a pencil was a genius, when you think about it. Before that, they were two separate objects, but you usually didn't want to have one without the other. Sometimes combinations like this work out perfectly, like when makeup companies began adding sunscreen to foundations. But other times, combinations might not work out as well, like the year my mom sent me to summer camp with a new product that combined sunscreen and bug spray, which caused an allergic reaction and really wasn't good at protecting me from bugs or the sun. Today's episode focuses on one of these hybrids that sometimes works great for foods like mashed potatoes, chili, and casseroles, but sometimes doesn't work as well for foods like broth or spaghetti. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Sporks.

    The role of Bill Clinton was played by Wes from The Via VHS Podcast.

    Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

    Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

    If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

    Looking for more female-hosted podcasts? Find them by searching #LadyPodSquad on Twitter.

    Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

    Media:

    Music for Makers

    Sources:

    http://www.salon.com/2012/10/06/consider_the_spork/

    http://mentalfloss.com/article/65500/man-who-invented-spork

    https://www.vox.com/2015/6/23/8826591/spork-inventor

    https://www.wired.com/2015/08/tritensil-spork/

    http://io9.gizmodo.com/this-hybrid-knork-utensil-was-also-an-important-medic-1700498082

    http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=51104

    http://careysuevega.com/manner-monday-sporks-saltcellars-and-knife-rests-oh-my/

    "Consider the Fork: A History of How We Cook and Eat" by Bee Wilson

    8 min
  • The T-Shirt | How Marlon Brando Made Underwear Outerwear (TSB064)

    There are a lot of ways your personality is showcased to the world. The food you eat, the shows you watch, the places you go. But did you ever think of how you wear your personality on your sleeve, or, rather in the case of this episode, your torso? In fact, 95 percent of Americans own this piece of clothing that can act as a walking billboard for whatever message they support. This clothing piece's history has been through the ringer, so-to-speak, as far as being an undergarment, then popularized by Marlon Brando as everyday wear, and is now considered a favorite among souvenirs and mementos. In fact, nine out of 10 Americans have at least one they refuse to throw away. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind the T-Shirt.

    Like this episode? Check out The Story Behind Hoodies And The Story Behind the Smiley Face!

    Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

    Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

    If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

    Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

    Media:

    Music for Makers

    Sources:

    http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2014/10/surprisingly-recent-invention-t-shirt/

    http://gizmodo.com/how-the-t-shirt-was-invented-1646047645

    http://www.melmarc.com/history-of-the-graphic-t-shirt/

    https://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/09/22/magazine/who-made-that-t-shirt.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNZ5MnKDLnE

    https://web.archive.org/web/20080314172148/http://www.katharinehamnett.com/Campaigns/Choose-Life-T-Shirt/

    https://darecatalog.com/Product.asp?prodID=589&subcatid=1&catid=1

    http://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/32208/1/how-the-che-guevara-t-shirt-became-a-global-phenomenon

    http://www.complex.com/style/2014/08/apc-kanye-white-t-shirt-review/

    http://mentalfloss.com/article/29884/what-happens-losing-teams-championship-shirts

    http://abcnews.go.com/WN/truth-donated-clothes-end/story?id=2743456

    http://www.instituteartist.com/feature-Pepe-Paolo-Woods

    10 min
  • Lullabies | The Art of Sleeping Like a Baby (TSB063)

    The Story Behind Lullabies Spotify Playlist

    As you can imagine, much of my baby break was spent getting used to having a newborn in the house again and learning what he likes and dislikes. Turns out, my son is a fan of music, which should come to no surprise to those who know me and my semi-secret love of musicals or my husband and his collection of musical instruments and his band. One day when nothing else was working to put him to sleep, I began humming to him and it was like I flipped a switch and he instantly closed his eyes and settled down. While I kept humming to him, I began looking up how and why the singing worked, which brings us to today's topic. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Lullabies.

    Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

    Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

    If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

    Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

    Media:

    Music for Makers

    https://youtu.be/QsvfS0lnCYU

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8zYEBMFS-U

    Sources:

    https://rockabyebabymusic.com/

    http://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/baby-health/infant-health/why-do-lullabies-work.htm

    http://mobile.edweek.org/c.jsp?cid=25920011&item=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.edweek.org%2Fv1%2Fblogs%2F85%2F%3Fuuid%3D56163

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/157461-how-music-affects-the-human-brain/

    https://www.kindermusik.com/mindsonmusic/benefits-of-music/do-lullabies-really-work/

    http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-21035103

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p010z9yc

    https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-babies-ex/

    https://www.kindermusik.com/mindsonmusic/benefits-of-music/singing-to-young-children-supports-early-language-development/

    https://curiosity.com/topics/theres-a-reason-babies-respond-to-high-pitched-baby-talk-curiosity/

    http://mentalfloss.com/article/55035/dark-origins-11-classic-nursery-rhymes

    http://www.smosh.com/smosh-pit/articles/actual-true-meanings-classic-nursery-rhymes

    https://www.thoughtco.com/mozart-origin-twinkle-twinkle-little-star-723916

    http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=22849

    http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=4848

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mockingbird_(Inez_%26_Charlie_Foxx_song)

    10 min
  • Fidget Spinners | The Stress-Relief Toy Fad Teachers Hate (TSB062)

    Did you ever wonder about that teacher's magical drawer that contained all the awesome toys confiscated throughout the year? Like that scene in "A Christmas Story" when the teacher opens her desk drawer to put in the kids' wax teeth, and when the camera pans to the inside, there seems to be a bottomless treasure trove.

    Back when I was in school, I imagine my teachers' drawers were full of slap bracelets and pogs, followed by yo-yos when they made a quick resurgence in the '90s.

    In this episode, I'll be talking about the current fad of confiscated classroom toys, the contested origin of them, the supposed benefits of them and a little bit of physics.

    I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Fidget Spinners.

    Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

    Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

    If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

    Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

    Media:

    Music for Makers

    Sources:

    http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2017/05/the-fidget-spinner-craze-is-already-over.html

    http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/kids/woman-who-invented-the-fidget-spinner-isnt-getting-anything/news-story/05eb69bbd4c8598582d68ffd202e356a

    https://www.fatherly.com/play/activities/theres-real-science-behind-fidget-spinners/?utm_source=curiosity&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=syndication

    https://nypost.com/2017/05/05/woman-who-invented-fidget-spinners-isnt-getting-squat/amp/

    https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2017-05-11/how-the-fidget-spinner-origin-story-spun-out-of-control

    https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/05/06/style/fidget-spinners.html?

    http://time.com/money/4762207/fidget-spinner-inventor-catherine-hettinger/

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2017/05/19/heres-the-science-behind-the-fidget-spinner-craze/amp/

    http://www.livescience.com/58916-fidget-spinner-faq.html

    http://www.livescience.com/58963-how-fidget-spinners-work-physics.html

    http://io9.gizmodo.com/5946797/watch-how-jim-henson-made-david-bowie-spin-crystal-balls-on-the-set-of-labyrinth

    https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/638415231/classic-fidget-spinner-spinning-de-stressor-finger

    8 min

About The Story Behind

From the publisher's feed

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.

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