Episodes

  • From Skibidi to Slay: The stories behind slang

    From Skibidi to Slay: The stories behind slang
    Apr 22 2026
    Skibidi, rizz and slay are examples of slang. Slang words are fun, zippy terms that usually spread from one small group of people, to the entire world. This week Joy and co-host Dax explore the unexpected history of a few different slang words, from a recluse poet, to the lively ballroom scene in New York City. Plus a First Things First to win mad aura. Libbidity gibbletz, you won’t wanna miss this!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 mins
  • The Titanic was called unsinkable, so why did it sink?

    The Titanic was called unsinkable, so why did it sink?
    Apr 15 2026
    The Titanic sank only four days into its voyage. Even though the ship was lost to the ocean, the history and stories survived. Join Joy and her co-host Juniper as they find out how this mega ship was built, hear some theories on why it sank, and learn how the history of this voyage was preserved by dedicated historians.Featured Expert: Ross Mumford is a Titanic researcher, historian and educator. He currently manages Titanic: the Exhibit.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 mins
  • Daylight Saving: The surprising story behind why we change our clocks

    Daylight Saving: The surprising story behind why we change our clocks
    Apr 8 2026
    Twice a year, many countries move their clocks by an hour. But why? It turns out humans have been messing with minutes and hours for centuries. Join Joy and co-host Rehema as they explore the history of Daylight Saving, from a bug hunter who wanted more daylight for collecting insects to a World War where every hour of light was precious.Find our Brains On episode about the science behind Daylight Saving Time here or wherever you get your podcasts!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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    28 mins
  • From sickness to sweetness: the story of Candy Land

    From sickness to sweetness: the story of Candy Land
    Apr 1 2026
    Candy Land is iconic. The cute characters, the simple rules, it’s the perfect game for kids of all ages. But it all started as a way to cheer up children stuck in the hospital. Learn how this game was invented when a teacher needed a way to help kids recovering from Polio. Plus, Joy and co-host Ava take a Candy Land quiz with Gumpy, the gum sculpture that came to life.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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    25 mins
  • How diamonds became the symbol of love

    How diamonds became the symbol of love
    Mar 25 2026
    Today, it’s almost cliche to give someone a diamond ring to prove your love. But 100 years ago, that wasn’t the case. Back then, diamonds were seen as luxury items for the rich and famous. But thanks to some creative advertisers (and a whole lot of extra diamonds), these sparkly jewels became the symbol of love in much of the world. Join Joy and co-host Diya as they explore the enchanting history of diamonds. 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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    26 mins
  • Why are they called Teddy Bears?

    Why are they called Teddy Bears?
    Mar 18 2026
    Do you have a favorite stuffed animal? Maybe it’s a unicorn, or an axolotl, or a classic stuffed bear. Whatever it is, you can thank a former U.S. President for helping make stuffies a thing. Join Joy and co-host Luke as they learn about the origins of the Teddy Bear and find out about a stuffed possum that should’ve been the next big toy craze, but never caught on. Plus another round of 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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    25 mins
  • First Things First Spectacular

    First Things First Spectacular
    Mar 11 2026

    We’re so thrilled to be back that we’re celebrating with a very special episode. It’s a First Things First Spectacular! We’ll be playing three different rounds of the game where we put things in the order they came in history. We’ve brought in three history experts and three kid co-hosts to help. So strap on your history hats and get ready for a fact-tastic time!

    Click here to read a transcript of this episode.

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    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    38 mins
  • Forever Ago Season 8 is coming!!!

    Forever Ago Season 8 is coming!!!
    Mar 4 2026
    Get ready to explore the before... some more! That's right, a brand new season of Forever Ago is around the corner. Tell your friends! Let your enemies know by sending them a cryptic message 🎧🕰️ ⒻⒶ🔙🔜 🕰️🎧 Leak it to the press! The first episode drops March 11, and it's a doozy - an all First Things First episode. Make sure you're subscribed, so you won't miss a thing. Want to listen to Forever Ago without the ads? Sign up for Smarty Pass, and you'll get ad-free versions of Forever Ago, Brains On, Smash Boom Best and more! As an independent podcast, we count on subscriptions to keep our shows going. Thank you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 min