The Story Behind
The Story Behind

The Story Behind

Emily Prokop

Overview
Episodes

Details

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.

Recent Episodes

Update on the show + Audiobook link
OCT 27, 2020
Update on the show + Audiobook link
Thank you to everyone who came by over the past few months while I recorded the audiobook of The Story Behind. The audiobook is available on Audible and you can get that at this link: https://amzn.to/2G1Y8WF In addition, for those who saw the Live recordings in The Story Behind Discussion Group, you know I realized there were a number of errors in the printed book as I was reading through it. I am so grateful to my publishers who will be updating future printed copies with the corrections, as well as the eBook versions. While I wish the actual podcast could continue as it once was, I have not had the time to put into it what I wished I could. To those who have found the show in the meantime and those who continue to listen to the back catalog, thank you so much and I hope it can continue to be found and enjoyed. Even though the show isn't actively being produced at the moment, I am still reading your emails and messages on social media and am so grateful to all of you who have continued to support me (Emily) and The Story Behind It was around this time FOUR years ago (!) that The Story Behind began. My daughter was younger and my son wasn't born yet. I was still at my 9-5 job with a nice long commute to listen to podcasts and a guaranteed lunch break where I did a lot of research for The Story Behind during. The fact that I worked with trivia and puzzles all day was actually one of the main reasons I started the podcast — I needed an outlet for all the knowledge I picked up daily. And it worked, I realized later. When I was no longer required to read and verify bits of trivia all day for a job, my need to share all that knowledge I picked up wasn't as strong. The day I was told I was being fired from that job was the same week I had written Episode 100 — The Story Behind: The Musical. I was about to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the podcast. That commute home, the only thing that kept me from completely losing it was practicing that song over and over again. I needed to nail it. I needed to nail that episode. My ego had taken a huge hit at work and I sunk everything I had into that episode. And it paid off. It's still my absolute favorite episode of the podcast, and I'm even more proud (is that the right word?) that I beat-boxed it for the audiobook! Link to the episode, if you've never heard it: https://thestorybehindpodcast.com/.../the-story-behind... A month later, I got an email from Mango Publishing about writing the book and I was floored. Not only that but when I knew I would be losing my job, I had already started doing some side jobs editing podcasts for others. So, while writing my first book, I was also growing my first business. By the time I was knee-deep in everything and thinking, for the first time, about stopping the podcast, I got an email from The Webby Awards with a scholarship opportunity to grant me the ability to enter for consideration. The nomination floored me, and I am eternally grateful to everyone who voted and supported me from listeners to fellow podcasters and friends and family (some of whom still don't quite know how to listen, but we're working on it). Fast-forward to now, after months of a pandemic and an intense year, to say the least. The Story Behind has been on indefinite hiatus and will continue to be for the time being. For right now, I don't actually have an active podcast. My other podcast, Hate to Weight, is on an indefinite hiatus, as well. After 113 episodes, I'm proud to report my cohost and I together have lost well over 130 pounds and are both in maintenance mode! As for me, I'm currently working more on podcasts behind the scenes as a podcast consultant and editor, as well as a speaker and course creator for other podcasters. Turns out, more and more people are finding out what I knew years ago, which is: Podcasting is awesome. It can open up opportunities you never imagined, introduce you to some of the most amazing people you'll ever meet, and perhaps for some lucky podcasters, help them find the voice they always knew was inside of them. Yeah, that might sound corny, but the only reason I was able to get on this mic and talk was because of listeners like you. My co-host on Hate to Weight has said that getting on the mic is like therapy for him, and I agree. Building an audience of any kind, whether it's on a podcast or on social media is a validation that there are other people in the world interested in what you have to say. And I want to thank you for sharing your time for my overflow of trivia and love of origin stories. As I say at the end of every episode, Thanks for listening.
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-1 MIN
Cotton Swabs
AUG 10, 2019
Cotton Swabs
Every time I use the subject of today's episode, my husband is quick to point out how I shouldn't. He loves to tell me about all the injuries this common household item causes, and as much as a lot of what I do depends on my hearing, I can't help but continue to use it now and again. And I'm sure you do too. You're listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Cotton Swabs. Let's get social! The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind. $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds. Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon The Story Behind is also a Book! Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5 Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj Sources About - A Q-Tips Cotton Swab History - Qtips.com The strange life of Q-tips, the most bizarre thing people buy - The Washington Post 1927 Q-Tips ad 15 Swab-Worthy Facts About Q-Tips - Mental Floss The Marketing of Q-Tips—A Brief History - Ear Audites Cotton Swabs Send 34 Kids to the ER Every Day - Live Science What a New Study on Cleaning Your Ears With Q-Tips Should Teach Every Entrepreneur - Inc. ​Why It Feels So Damn Good to Stick a Q-Tip In Your Ear - Men's Health Just How Bad Is My Q-Tip Habit? - Vice.com 17 Genius Uses for Q-Tips You'll Want to Use All the Time - Reader's Digest 14 Ways You Never Thought to Use Q-Tips - BobVila.com
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8 MIN
Sunglasses
MAY 23, 2019
Sunglasses
From starting out as eye protection against snow blindness to helping pilots navigate the skies without being blinded by the sun, the subject of today's episode not only protects your eyes but has also been a staple of fashion for centuries, as it turns out. You're listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Sunglasses. Let's get social! The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind. $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds. Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon The Story Behind is also a Book! Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5 Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj Sources Origins and History of Sunglasses - GlassesHistory.com Who Made Those Aviator Sunglasses? - The New York Times A Brief History of Sunglasses - SunglassMuseum.com The Evolution of Sunglasses - Google Arts & Culture Foster Grant Our Story! - Foster Grant The 15 Most Iconic Sunglasses of all Time - The Idle Man The Fabulous History Of Sunglasses & Their Trends In 25 Pics - The Talko Sunglasses: A History of Protective, Stylish, and Popular Eyewear - Ancient-Origins.org The most famous sunglasses in cinema history - Vogue A Brief History of Eclipse Glasses and the People Who Forgot to Wear Them - Slate How long does it take before your eyes get damaged when looking at the sun? - Scienceline - UCSB Shades at the Table: The Great Debate - Poker News Why You (Now) Look Stupid Wearing Sunglasses at the Poker Table - Poker Junkie 11 Things You Didn't Know About Ray-Ban - Thrillist Solar eclipse and your eyes: How to view an eclipse safely - All About Vision
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11 MIN
Glitter
APR 18, 2019
Glitter
Ever hear of Shiny Object Syndrome? Usually, it's said to refer to those who see something new and have to have it, only to get bored with it once they finally attain it. But in this episode, I wanted to know just what it is about literal shiny objects that make them so appealing to humans. And this particular shiny object is no different unless you have to clean up the mess it makes. You're listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Glitter. Vote for The Story Behind for the Webby Awards! CLICK HERE to vote! Let's get social! The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind. $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds. Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon The Story Behind is also a Book! Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5 Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj Sources 15 Shimmering Questions About Glitter, Answered - Mental Floss What is Glitter? - The New York Times What Makes Glitter Sparkle? - Wonderopolis The History of Glitter - Huffington Post Bio-Glitter An Evolutionary Theory For Why You Love Glossy Things - Fast Company
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6 MIN
Mouthwash
APR 9, 2019
Mouthwash
One of the most fascinating things about today's episode is not just the creation of this everyday object, but the marketing tactic of presenting a problem that many people weren't concerned with until the solution was advertised. You're listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Mouthwash. Vote for The Story Behind for the Webby Awards! CLICK HERE to vote! Let's get social! The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind. $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds. Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon The Story Behind is also a Book! Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5 Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj Sources The Crazy (and Disgusting) History of Mouthwash - NoCavityKids.com Listerine Halitosis Ad 8 Aug 1921 - Newspapers.com Cloves - The Perfect Pantry Classic Ad Review: Listerine And The Halitosis Hallelujah - AdAge.com History of LISTERINE®: From Surgery Antiseptic to Modern Mouthwash - Listerine 6 Practical Ways Romans Used Human Urine and Feces in Daily Life - Mental Floss What's in the turtle's blood? - News24 How Mouthwash Is Made - MixerDirect.com Discovery Of Bacteria - Explorable Bad Breath Wasn't Invented by Listerine - Smile Columbia Dentistry
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9 MIN