エピソード

  • How pizza took over the world

    How pizza took over the world
    2026/09/02
    Pizza is a food loved around the world. It started as a local dish served by street vendors in Naples, Italy. Not everyone loved it right away. But over time, pizza changed, and the world fell in love. Join Joy and co-host Zsa Zsa as they learn the fascinating history of this fantastic food. Plus we hear your slogans for pizza and play First Things First.Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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    29 分
  • How did air travel first take off?

    How did air travel first take off?
    2026/08/26
    Hundreds of thousands of flights take off each and every day. Airplanes make it possible for us to connect with people around the world and see all different parts of our beautiful planet. But how did we figure out how to get humans up in the air in the first place? This week Joy and Trip learn about the different flying machines that led to the first airplane and how two brothers worked together to take a historic first flight. Plus, how airlines throughout history went from having no windshields, to serving lobster dinner. Plus, a travel-friendly new First Things First!Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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    30 分
  • Toy Time! What’s the history behind yo-yos, hula hoops and slime?

    Toy Time! What’s the history behind yo-yos, hula hoops and slime?
    2026/08/19
    For as long as there have been humans, there have been toys! But do you know the history behind some of your favorites? Join Joy and Evette as they tackle the history of three top toys: the yo-yo, the hula-hoop and slime. They’ll answer questions like “where did the name yo-yo come from?” and “Is the hula hoop from Hawaii?” and “What is the green Nickelodeon slime made from?” All that plus a new First Things First featuring three other classic toys. Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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    31 分
  • Sneak peek: Hoax Hunters explain the Pokemon Shock

    Sneak peek: Hoax Hunters explain the Pokemon Shock
    2026/08/14
    This is a sneak peek of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass subscribers. It’s a follow up to the Forever Ago episode about the history of Pokemon. This time, Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters to investigate a phenomenon known as the Pokemon Shock. It was an event where a TV show apparently made thousands of people feel sick. To hear the full episode, sign up for Smarty Pass and support the Brains On Universe.
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    7 分
  • Day in the Life: Ancient Rome

    Day in the Life: Ancient Rome
    2026/08/12
    The Ancient Roman empire thrived over 2,000 years ago. You may have heard about gladiators, the Coliseum or leaders like Alexander the Great. But what was everyday life like for most people? Join Joy and co-host Charlie as they take a look back at life in Ancient Rome, from public bathhouses, to ordering take out. They’ll also talk to archaeologist Dr. Robyn Le Blanc about how historians know what life looked like thousands of years ago. Plus, a new First Things First about very ancient leaders. Featured Expert: Dr. Robyn Le Blanc is an archeologist and professor at University of North Carolina Greensboro. She studies Roman archaeology and coinage. Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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    36 分
  • Who invented Pokémon?

    Who invented Pokémon?
    2026/08/05
    Pokémon is a mega-smash hit around the world. There are TV shows, movies, card games, toys, and of course, video games. It all started with a boy who loved collecting bugs and playing video games. Join Joy and co-host Romil as they explore the history behind the series. Learn how it almost flopped, and how one special Pokémon (not Pikachu) helped save the franchise early on. Plus, a Japan-themed First Things First.Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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    32 分
  • Forever Ago Season 9 starts August 5th!

    Forever Ago Season 9 starts August 5th!
    2026/07/31
    Get ready to start historymaxxing because Forever Ago's latest season is back Wednesday, August 5th! We've got terrific new topics from Pizza, to Wizard of Oz-- even Pokémon. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Can't wait to explore the before with you! Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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    3 分
  • How did soccer start?

    How did soccer start?
    2026/05/13
    Soccer is the most popular sport on the planet. But how did it get its start? And why do some people call it “soccer”, while others call it “football?” Hear the answers to these questions as Joy and co-host Brooke learn about the history of the sport, plus the story of the first ever World Cup. All that and a kickin’ First Things First. Goaaaal!Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
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    27 分