Shows
The Story BehindCotton SwabsEvery 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...
2019-08-1108 min
The Story BehindSunglassesFrom 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...
2019-05-2311 min
The Story BehindGlitterEver 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...
2019-04-1806 min
The Story BehindMouthwashOne 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...
2019-04-0909 min
The Story BehindSon of a Gun - Operation SwitcharooHappy April Fool's Day. This year, I was part of a number of other podcasts that wanted to do some cross-promotion, so if you're looking for The Story Behind April Fool's Day, I invite you to check out the Forgotten News Podcast. I should put a disclaimer on this episode that it may not be suitable for younger or sensitive audiences since procreation and the anatomical names for body parts are mentioned. And remember, take everything you read and hear today with a grain of salt. Enjoy this episode of the Forgotten News...
2019-04-0224 min
The Story BehindMusesThis special episode is a preview to a new series I am premiering over on Patreon.com/TheStoryBehind for Executive Producers at the $5 per month level called MUSE. The series follows Pattie Boyd. And, if you don’t know her name now, you’ve probably heard a few songs she is said to have inspired, like "Something" by The Beatles, "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton, and most famously, "Layla" by Eric Clapton when he was part of Derek & the Dominos. Oh, and did I mention that "Layla" was written as a love song for her whil...
2019-03-2100 min
The Story BehindConversation HeartsOne of my favorite holidays just passed. February 15th. Yup, you heard me right. February 15th, not the 14th. Oh, I love Valentine's Day, but I'm more in love with the discounted candy the day after, including a candy that apparently I'm in the minority when it comes to liking. But this year, they were harder to come by, despite being the most popular Valentine's Day candy. The history of any modern-day candy, actually, can be attributed to these, as well. You're listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I'm your host, Emily...
2019-02-1408 min
The Story BehindThe TrampolineOne of my favorite things to learn about when researching episodes is how people marketed inventions that had never been on the market before. In The Story Behind Post-its, we talked about how 3M's style of marketing was to show what the product could do, rather than just showing the product. In The Story Behind Dr Pepper, John W. Davis made it a point to tell six people every day his version of the beverage's origin story. And, probably in the running for most audacious marketing of an invention covered by The Story Behind is today's topic...
2019-02-0708 min
The Story BehindGroundhog DayOkay, campers, rise and shine and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cold out there today! No, you're not stuck in a loop, unless you've already listened to this episode before. But today's episode is all about a seemingly silly holiday that has a fascinating history behind it and a 1993 movie that probably helped it become most likely permanently attached to Bill Murray. 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 Groundhog Day. Find out more about The Story...
2019-02-0208 min
The Story BehindPantyhoseEven though the topic of today's episode isn't necessarily exercise-related, it would be safe to say it gave me a bit of a workout this past week. Imagine paying $12 for something, then you find yourself struggling to put it on, only to have it rip. Now, because I didn't have time to go to the store for another pair, I put some clear nail polish on the rip and hoped they would hold out for the next few hours until I could take them off and throw them away. Women, you probably know what I'm referring to...
2019-01-1708 min
The Story BehindBottled WaterRemember the Left Shark from the Super Bowl a few years ago? He was supposed to be just a guy in a shark costume dancing next to Katy Perry during the halftime show. But because he decided to do his own thing, he became the center of attention. Every so often, another Left Shark will come along in the background of an event only to steal the show. The most recent of these was the Fiji Water girl during the Golden Globes red carpet, who has been given the title 2019's first meme after appearing to have...
2019-01-1015 min
The Story BehindToilet PaperOne of my favorite compliments I get about The Story Behind book is that people love reading it in the bathroom. At first, people seem embarrassed to tell me this, but in the introductory chapter of the book, I put a PS at the end that says, "I won't be offended if you read it in the bathroom.. So, in case you want to bring the book into the bathroom or you just want something to think about for those awkward moments you find yourself in a stall without any reading material, this episode is for you. ...
2019-01-0307 min
The Story BehindChristmas Traditions (Part 2)As I'm recording this, I have my holiday candle burning, my kids hopped up on Christmas cookie sugar, and I'm struggling to find a way to hide Christmas presents from my husband before being able to wrap them. If you're listening to this way later, and you haven't already looked at the title of this episode, get ready for a throwback to what kids and retailers call The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. When I first started this podcast back in 2016, I did an episode like this and I liked it a lot, and it's a...
2018-12-1311 min
The Story BehindTippingI love my job as a podcast editor. I get to listen to podcasts every day and get paid for it, and my clients are absolutely wonderful, as many podcasters often are. One of my clients, Catherine, is the producer for Solo Travel Talk with Astrid Clements of AstridTravel.com. Every episode I listen to, I find out about travel destinations that all end up going on my bucket list. But when I edited a particular episode, answering questions about today's topic as it pertains to different parts of the world, I was fascinated to...
2018-12-0609 min
The Story BehindBalloonsWhen I was in Washington, DC, a few weeks ago, I stopped at the International Spy Museum before leaving. I could have stayed in there for hours, and it was incredible to see these gadgets and spy equipment that we normally only see in movies. But a set of pictures intrigued me. They were of both Union and Confederate soldiers using the topic of today's episode to spy on one another. Not only would they use this to observe the enemy, but they were also able to learn the terrain of the battlefield, take inventory, and even...
2018-11-2909 min
The Story BehindCranberry SauceThis past year has been one of the busiest I've ever had. I could never have imagined two years ago that starting this podcast would have brought me the most amazing listeners in the world or that they would go from listeners to the best book launch team I could have imagined. Since we're celebrating Thanksgiving in the United States this week, I wanted to take a moment to tell you how thankful I am for everything you've done for me and this podcast. From sharing the show with your friends and family, to writing...
2018-11-2210 min
The Story BehindSick SayingsSorry for the delayed episode this week! If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you may have seen that I went to DC Podfest. And the first day I was there, I woke up with the beginnings of a cold. Luckily, I was able to get a hold of a bottle of Zicam fairly quickly and stave off the cold for a few days … until I got home. And then, it hit. This week has been a bit of a fever dream for me, but it made me start to wonder about some of the things we say wh...
2018-11-1507 min
The Story BehindBoston Baked BeansIf you follow @StoryBehindPod on Instagram, you may have seen that I went to Boston last weekend for the Sound Education conference at Harvard University to be on a panel with other history podcasters that included Liz Covart from Ben Franklin's World, Patrick Wyman from Tides of History, and David Stenhouse from BackStory. I respect these podcasters greatly and it was such an honor to be in the same room as them. Because my travel schedule is pretty hectic this month, I only stayed in Boston for one day so I didn't get to experience anything outside of Harvard...
2018-11-0808 min
The Story BehindAfrica by TotoThis is a very special episode of The Story Behind. Believe it or not, two years ago I pressed Publish on the first three episodes of this podcast, The Story Behind the Theremin, The Story Behind Dry Ice, and The Story Behind Sugar Skulls. This podcast was supposed to be a side-project for me. It was supposed to just take up a little of my time, so I could continue my hobby of podcasting while holding a full-time job and when I was pregnant with my son. That's what it was supposed to be. But in the...
2018-11-0111 min
The Story BehindPlay-DohIf you're a parent who has even been on Pinterest and looked for activities for your child, you've probably seen at least a dozen different recipes for modeling clay or sensory dough, as it's sometimes called. Most of the recipes are different variations on the mixture of flour, water and salt dough I remember using to make Christmas ornaments. So, one morning this week, I was searching for a recipe for my son. I spent a good 20 minutes making it, mixing in different colors, getting just the right proportions of flour to water to coconut oil so it wouldn't...
2018-10-2508 min
The Story BehindThe Printing PressIf you're listening to this episode when it comes out, you may know that The Story Behind book will be released on Monday, October 15th. In the spirit of that, I'll be doing a few episodes revolving around books. This topic seemed almost too easy to cover, since the invention was something I think we all remember learning about in grammar school. But, as per usual with this podcast and the book, whenever I dig a little deeper, I always find out new information that wasn't in my history books. While those books were most likely printed...
2018-10-1111 min
The Story BehindBanned BooksOnly a few more weeks until The Story Behind book is out! And one of my podcasting mentors and buddies Dave Jackson gave me the idea to do a bunch of episodes relating to books around this time to hopefully set the mood for its release. While I was looking into different topics, I found out that the week this comes out, the week from September 23-29, 2018, is Banned Books Week, so what better time to have that as a topic. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Banned Books....
2018-09-2712 min
The Story BehindHairspraySchool picture time is here and every time I get my daughter ready for her picture, I try not to follow current trends too much. I have this fear she'll have the same experience I had in 1990 when my mom decided to go all out with my school picture and not only give me a big enough pinafore on my dress that it could double as a wind sail on a small boat, but she also teased my bangs and hair so much that I remember the photographer moving his camera back to get the full look. ...
2018-09-2011 min
The Story BehindMatchesI honestly didn't think I would be as interested in the history of today's topic when I first started reading about it. There was a lot of chemistry involved and anyone who knew me in high school knows that was the worst subject for me. When you listen to the episode, you'll notice I kept the chemistry aspect to a minimum. But as I kept researching, what intrigued me the most was when the chemistry switched to biology and women's studies toward the end, when working conditions for those making today's subject resulted in a serious epidemic and women...
2018-09-1310 min
The Story BehindThe Teddy BearI love when I find out an origin story I think I knew turns out to be either a widely believed false rumor or when I find out other people learned different origin stories. That's what this episode is about, so if you think you already know the story behind today's subject, you may be surprised to learn there are actually multiple versions. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind the Teddy Bear. Check out Varmints! Episode 73 — Black Bears Find out more about The Story Behind Book! Ch...
2018-09-0609 min
The Story BehindRoller CoastersFor us in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer is pretty much reaching the end. And, as a parent, I'm pretty happy about that because it means my daughter is back in school. But before we start talking about Pumpkin Spice-everything and the holiday season, here's one last hurrah. And, for many like me, no summer is complete without having ridden the topic of today's episode at least once. Although, you might be surprised to learn its origins actually began as a winter recreational activity. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind...
2018-08-3012 min
The Story BehindS'moresThis episode will be told in layers. The tasty summer treat I'm talking about has three ingredients, and while they're all delicious on their own, together they are incredible. And this episode will be set up similarly, with different stories smushed together into one show. This episode has just a little mature subject matter in the first section that refers to the birds and the bees, just a heads up. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind S'mores. Find out more about The Story Behind Book at TheStoryBehindBook.com!
2018-08-0910 min
The Story BehindRoadside AttractionsToday I'm doing a collaborative show with Josh Hallmark from the podcast Our Americana, which explores unique small towns across America through the stories that impact, cultivate, and challenge community. America can feel oppressive. Every day it feels more and more like pieces of it are disappearing. That it's losing its value. But … there are monuments and mementos of the past if we just take a moment from our busy lives to take a look. Strange reminders of small victories, new life, love stories, and the strength of community. These stories are all around us, relics of st...
2018-08-0212 min
The Story BehindHeadphonesIf you're listening to this when it comes out, you may know that next week I'm going to a huge conference for podcasters known as Podcast Movement. And I thought it only appropriate to do an episode related to this. You may be using the topic of today's episode right now and listening to this episode with it. You may have even been appalled two years ago when Apple announced it was getting rid of the jack to plug today's episode topic into on their iPhones. Nevertheless, almost everybody has a pair or two nowadays. And many...
2018-07-1908 min
The Story BehindThe NecktieOne of my favorite things about doing this podcast is looking at things in everyday life and wondering if they still have the same purpose they did when they were invented. This week's subject is a bit ambiguous. It's most notably known for bringing a pop of color and whimsy to an otherwise drab suit, but aside from that, it's more seen as form over function. Yet it's so ubiquitous and has been around for hundreds of years, showing no signs of going out of fashion, despite many men counting down the minutes until they can loosen theirs every...
2018-07-1208 min
The Story BehindThe StethoscopeIf you've ever read Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart," you may hear a heartbeat as something a little creepy. Although it's funny to note that on many sound machines for babies, a heartbeat is offered as a way to help them remember one of the sounds they heard in the womb. However, for doctors, the sound of a heartbeat can tell an awful lot about a person. It's one of the first things they listen to during a physical exam. It's also one of the first things an OB-GYN looks for and, later in the pregnancy, listens to...
2018-07-0508 min
The Story BehindHamburgersEarlier this week, one of the funniest exchanges on social media came about after the company known as IHOP changed out their P, which stood for Pancakes, to a B. Initially, no one knew what the B stood for. International House of Breakfast? International House of Bacon? International House of Brunch, complete with mimosas? Nope. The B stood for Burgers, something IHOP has offered on its menu in the past, but when they finally revealed what the mystery was, they also decided to change their marketing to reflect that. And people were bittersweet about the change, including...
2018-06-1408 min
The Story BehindBingo Knock at the door One fat lady Rugby team Sweet sixteen A duck and a flea The famous street in Manhattan No, those weren't bloopers, although I'm sure this episode will have plenty. Those were actually number nicknames used in a particular game that's been around for 500 years we'll be talking about today. This isn't your granny's church basement version, either. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Bingo. The role of Edwin S. Lowe was played by Stargate Pioneer from the GonnaGeek Network, and it was watching Better...
2018-06-0709 min
The Story BehindPongIf you're one of the die-hard listeners of The Story Behind who eagerly await the episode to be released at midnight Eastern time on Thursdays -- yes, Adam, I'm talking to you — you may be wondering why it's a few hours late. Usually, when an episode is late, it's because I'm either dealing with family things or taking too long editing. But not tonight. The reason is that I'm hopelessly addicted to a game on my phone called Toon Blast. And I was on a winning streak tonight so, yeah, not a very good excuse. Bu...
2018-05-3107 min
The Story BehindThe Traffic LightAs many of you know, The Story Behind is being turned into a book, which means I'm in the process right now of doing probably one of my favorite parts of making the podcast, which is doing a ton of research in preparation. This week's episode will be one of the chapters in the book, but the information and the inventor was one I found hard to keep to myself until the book came out. Even though we may curse at this week's topic sometimes, it's saved numerous lives and made driving much safer since its invention.
2018-05-1710 min
The Story BehindBohemian Rhapsody by QueenI've only done one other episode of The Story Behind about a song, and that was The Story Behind Imagine by John Lennon. And if you've been in the Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook, you probably would think I would be doing The Story Behind Arica by Toto. Well, not yet. Usually, I get ideas for topics from stumbling into a piece of trivia I find fascinating during the week. However, this week, my son has been not only working on walking, but working on his first words, and his favorite one lately kept getting a...
2018-05-1008 min
The Story BehindLivestream for the CureThis will be a different episode from normal, since I normally don't do interview shows, but I wanted to bring on Nick from the Epic Film Guys to talk a little bit about the fundraiser he and other podcasters are doing called Livestream for the Cure. Nick is one of my oldest friends in podcasting and we met each other when we were in the beginning stages of podcasting, so I know you've heard me talk about him before. He was even on the episode The Story Behind Forrest Gump (The Movie) and he's also provided me...
2018-05-0313 min
The Story BehindYour Host, Trivia Nerd Emily ProkopIf this is your first episode, this is a warning it'll be a little different than past episodes, but it will also be a good way to hear what this show is about. Does that make sense? Don't worry. It will. On the day I'm recording it, it is currently my birthday. It's the ninth time I am turning 27, or 35 if you want to rub it in. And one of the great things about social media is getting birthday wishes from all over the world, so, really, I've been celebrating for 36 hours. One message came...
2018-04-2613 min
The Story BehindThe PaperclipThis episode is actually one of the first topics I ever thought to talk about when I created the show. And I weirdly kept putting it off. Whenever I tell someone what my podcast is about, I say something along the lines of it being a short history podcast about everyday things. And this particular topic has been the first thing that has popped into their minds as something I would do an episode on. Well, after more than 100 episodes, I'm finally doing it. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The...
2018-04-1909 min
The Story BehindMercury RetrogradeWhile not scientifically proven as a reason why communication and technology fails, there was plenty of evidence in this episode to prove otherwise, including having to record three times. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Mercury Retrograde. Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook! Learn about Podcast Share at PodcastShare.net or by following @PodcastShare on Twitter. Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers who support the show through...
2018-04-1208 min
The Story BehindThe ParalympicsI am pleased to have worked with Win from the podcast Ask Win for this episode and I'm going to let her introduce it. When Win first talked to me about doing an episode in conjunction with Cerebral Palsy Awareness month, which was in March, many of the articles and stories I read were about people with Cerebral Palsy who were amazing athletes competing in the Paralympics. Through that rabbit hole, I discovered Dr. Guttmann and the BBC movie "The Best of Men," which is an incredible feel-good movie, if you get a chance to watch it.
2018-04-0507 min
The Story BehindPEZIf you follow The Story Behind on Instagram, you may have seen our weekend adventure with the family to the factory where today's sugary-sweet topic is made. We looked at the old uniforms ladies used to wear to dispense the candy, which is funny because the candy already comes in a plastic dispenser to begin with. Find out the history of this almost 100-year-old treat, including the outlaw in the '90s who sold made a Black market for the dispensers. And by the way, there will be details at the end of the show for how...
2018-03-2209 min
The Story BehindPi(e)If you're listening to this on the day it comes out, beware the Ides of March! That is if you're Julius Caesar. But in all honesty, I tried looking up the ides of March and, really, when I found out how Romans calculated dates and that they actually counted backward from certain points within the month instead of, you know, sequentially, I gave up and got a slice of today's topic to celebrate March 14th instead. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Pi(e). Want to be a part of The...
2018-03-1508 min
The Story BehindThe Band-AidFor those who don't know, I am incredibly accident-prone. I've never had any sort of grace. In fact, it's a miracle I've never broken any bones. But one thing I do end up with are a lot of cuts and scrapes, and we end up keeping quite a large supply of the topic of today's episode in the house at all times From the ubiquitous First-Aid kit staple, to an 80s supergroup, to Penny Lane and her friends in the movie "Almost Famous," the episode is a little all over the place, but don't worry, I'll try...
2018-03-0107 min
The Story BehindPost-itsOne of my favorite movies I feel doesn't get enough love is Romy & Michele's High School reunion, starring Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow as two 20-somethings who realize their 10-year high school reunion is coming up and begin to transform their lives so they can go back and impress their former classmates. They come up with a story of inventing something they think no one will question them on -- this movie came out in 1997, before we all had tiny computers in our pockets to fact check these things. The product they choose is the subject of...
2018-02-2208 min
The Story BehindSliced BreadToday's topic came about in 1928, and in the span of time since then, many things have been said to be the greatest thing since its invention. The more I read about it, and how easy it made people's lives, the more I realize the idiom about how great it is isn't too far off the mark. Because of this topic, sandwiches were made faster, toasters increased in sales and became a common wedding present, and breakfasts became easier to make on the fly. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Sliced...
2018-02-0506 min
The Story BehindThe Pink SlipHey there! Remember me? Yup, The Story Behind is finally back after a hiatus I did not expect would be as long as it has. Here's the short version of what happened and why it was so long, and I promise this has everything to do with today's topic. I started editing and writing show notes for other podcasts on the side before I found out in October that I was going to be let go from my full-time job. When I found that out, it was the week I was gearing up for episode 100...
2018-01-2908 min
The Story BehindThe Musical!Warning: If you usually listen to this podcast at a faster speed, singing will be used and this might be a good time to slow your podcast player down. If you've been with me from the very beginning, you know every so often I like to thrown in a little singing now and then. I try to deny being a theater person, but I secretly am. The theater bug bites me every so often and I want to be in a show again. And not just any show. I was brought up listening to Rodgers & Hammerstein, singing...
2017-11-0207 min
The Story BehindReese's Peanut Butter CupsI made the mistake of researching and writing this episode with my 6-year-old daughter next to me. And at 8:30 in the morning, the pictures of the familiar orange and yellow wrappers on screen proved to be the catalyst for a 20-minute session of her begging to have the subject of today's episode for breakfast. And, really, as someone who has made her share of bad breakfast decisions, it seemed hypocritical of me to deny her. Besides, it has 5 grams of protein, so it's basically healthy, right? I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The...
2017-10-3007 min
The Story BehindKit KatI should probably apologize in advance for today's topic, since last week's episode The Story Behind Lollipops got Shirley Temple and The Chordettes stuck in the heads of a few listeners. I promise I won't play the theme song to the candy bar I'll be talk about in this episode, but if it gets stuck in your head anyway, you're not alone. A poll from the University of Cincinnati proved that the Gimme a Break jingle was one of the most common earworm. And probably just by saying that catchphrase, you already know what this episode is about.
2017-10-2610 min
The Story BehindBaby RuthI thought I knew the story behind this candy bar before researching it, but it turns out, there was more layers to this story than I originally thought. You know how in Shrek, there's the line "Ogres are like onions," equating their personalities with that of the layers in an onion? Well, the story behind this episode's topic is broken down into layers, as well, which is convenient since the candy bar, itself, is layered with nougat, peanuts, caramel and finally chocolate. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Baby Ruth. ...
2017-10-2309 min
The Story BehindLollipopsFrom Egyptians eating honey on sticks to today's modern-day confections, this subject of this episode is kicking off a series that will hopefully lead us into Halloween with a sweet twist. Just to warn you, there are some ear worms in this episode, so take my advice and if you happen to get a song stuck in your head, as I have since researching it, sing a Queen song. That always helps me. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Lollipops. Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook!
2017-10-1908 min
The Story BehindTissuesEvery fall and spring, my husband and I buy the topic of today's episode by the case for our allergies. And with a new baby in the house, we've been buying even more. We have a box in almost every room in the house. We most likely take them for granted, until we run out that is. In this episode, we'll look at the original, non-disposable version used for centuries through the more recent invention most of us know and use today. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Tissues.
2017-10-1607 min
The Story BehindHandcuffsFrom crime dramas to magic acts to "50 Shades of Grey," today's topic is known around the world, although there are restrictions in place depending on the country about how a person is displayed with them. France, for example, prohibits the media from showing pictures of people with them until they've been convicted. Those being restrained with the device in Hong Kong are offered head coverings for anonymity. And in Japan, a person's hands may be blurred in photographs if they're wearing them. Normally when I have to make a disclaimer for episodes, they involve content that may...
2017-10-1210 min
The Story BehindThe ToothbrushUsually I grab inspiration for my episodes from random instances during my week when I take a moment and wonder the history behind things we may take for granted. Well, this week, I went to the dentist and while I was in the chair, getting my teeth cleaned, I began wondering about this week's topic. And, I'm getting a crown put in on Thursday, so there's a possibility I'll come up with even more dental-themed topics for the near future, just to warn you. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind...
2017-10-0907 min
The Story BehindLas VegasIf you're listening to this the week it comes out, I'm going to break away from the usual format of the show to editorialize that this was a tough week, no? Sunday night, 59 people were killed and more than 520 people were injured when a gunman shot at a group of 22,000 concert-goers from 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is now the deadliest mass shooting in recent history. Monday morning was not only a day of somber mourning, head shaking, anger, and grief. But breaking through all the bleakness, were...
2017-10-0509 min
The Story BehindMonster TrucksAnyone who grew up in the '80s and '90s in America probably remember the commercials during Saturday morning cartoons showing the subject of today's episode. These giant beast machines were jumping over buses, crushing cars, and coming to a coliseum near you. Even if you've never been to a show, the iconic voice behind day of the week many events took place is sure to dig up some memories. "SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY!" Well, actually, this episode is set to release on a Monday "Oh, OK ... MONDAY, MONDAY, MONDAY!" I'm...
2017-10-0206 min
The Story BehindPodcastsTHE FOLLOWING AUDIO HAS BEEN CORRECTED: Christopher Lydon, not Dave Lydon, is known as the first voice to be released as a downloadable MP3 on an RSS feed in 2003. *** Everyone has a story about how they discovered podcasts and on Saturday, Sept. 30, you can celebrate your love of podcasts on International Podcast Day. How can you celebrate? Send an email or a Tweet to your favorite podcast to let them know you enjoy their work. Find new podcasts to listen to. Tell your friends and family about podcasts they might enjoy and, more...
2017-09-2807 min
The Story BehindProcrastinationAs I'm recording this episode, it's a few hours before I usually publish. In fact, I wrote this episode only hours ago from scratch. Did you ever have one of those weekends when you knew you had to do something -- in my case, write Monday's episode -- and for some reason, other things came along and distracted you? That was me. Things like wanting to relax after work on Friday instead of writing, or deciding to finally put away a load of laundry, to writing Thursday's episode instead, to helping a friend with his podcast. Basically...
2017-09-2507 min
The Story BehindPocketsIf you haven't looked at the title of this episode yet, let me give you a little quiz of your musical knowledge to help introduce today's topic. What does these things have in common? The Pretenders' brass, Perry Como's falling star, Natasha Bedingfield's sunshine, Alanis Morissette's hand, and P-Money's cash? They're all kept in the subject of this episode. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Pockets. The role of Harry Houdini was played by Brian Earl from the podcast, Illusion. Join The Story Behind Discussion Group...
2017-09-2107 min
The Story BehindClownsThe following contains subject matter that may not be appropriate for younger listeners or anyone with any sort of fear of clowns. Listener discretion is advised. I was wrong when I thought my days of referencing Tim Curry were over when I finished up The Story behind Clue Series. But with the release of IT in September of 2017 came shattered box office records and a majority of my favorite podcasts talking about the new version with Bill Skarsgard in the title role. But as a kid, I knew the 1990 version after my dad bet me $10 I couldn't sit through...
2017-09-1812 min
The Story BehindThe Pumpkin Spice LatteHere in New England where I live, the fall is probably the most loved season. The leaves change, it gets a bit cooler, and nothing sounds better than being cozy warm in a cable knit sweater. It all sounds very calm and serene, doesn't it? But there's an underlying current to the first few hints at fall. We know it's coming, we just don't know when. That beverage that's supposed to be reminiscent of comfort food to be enjoyed by a warmth hearth. But then, the craziness takes over. All of a sudden, people start...
2017-09-1408 min
The Story BehindClue: The GameWelcome to The Story Behind: Clue Series. In every episode of this series, we talk about the history of one of the original weapons used in the game, "Clue." This series may not be appropriate for all ages and listener discretion is advised. This is the final episode of The Story Behind Clue Series. I hope you've all enjoyed talking about the weapons in the classic game, as well as talking about the 1985 movie. In this episode, we're going back to the very beginning to talk about the game, itself. I'm your host, Emily Prokop...
2017-09-1108 min
The Story BehindClue: The MovieWelcome to The Story Behind: Clue Series. In every episode of this series, we talk about the history of one of the original weapons used in the game, "Clue." This series may not be appropriate for all ages and listener discretion is advised. This is the second-to-last episode of The Story Behind Clue Series. Since we're out of weapons to talk about, let's shift our attention to the movie I've gotten tons of clips from. And I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has sent in clips for the series -- I had a...
2017-09-0706 min
The Story BehindThe KnifeWelcome to The Story Behind: Clue Series. In every episode of this series, we talk about the history of one of the original weapons used in the game, "Clue." This series may not be appropriate for all ages and listener discretion is advised. I had to save the knife for last in this series because there's just so much information about them, and I'm only able to barely touch the surface of the full story behind this particular weapon. I can say, however, that the other weapons in this series like the revolver and the rope are...
2017-09-0407 min
The Story BehindThe RevolverIn 1966, the Beatles played their friend Klaus Voorman their song "Tomorrow Never Knows" while Voorman went to work sketching what would become the cover to the band's next album, which I referenced in The Story Behind Imagine (by John Lennon). This album contained the songs "Taxman," "Eleanor Rigby," and "Good Day, Sunshine," and was almost called After Geography. This suggestion was Ringo Starr's idea of a pun based on the Rolling Stones releasing Aftermath. Get it? After-geography? After-math? Like a high school schedule. Luckily, the band went with a very to-the-point title that referenced what the record...
2017-08-3108 min
The Story BehindThe RopeWelcome to The Story Behind: Clue Series. In every episode of this series, we talk about the history of one of the original weapons used in the game, "Clue." This series may not be appropriate for all ages and listener discretion is advised. And now, I present your host. The weapon we're talking about in this episode is probably the most ubiquitous of the Clue weapons. While its original intent may have been for utility purposes, the number of ways it could be used for MURDER range from strangling to hanging to the medieval method of being...
2017-08-2807 min
The Story BehindThe WrenchWelcome to The Story Behind: Clue Series. In every episode of this series, we talk about the history of one of the original weapons used in the game, "Clue." This series may not be appropriate for all ages and listener discretion is advised. What can you say about this weapon? While not as useful as the rope or as destructive as the knife, it's definitely a staple in any tool box … and also the perfect tool for MURDER. To quote Laugh-In's Judy Carne, Socket to me! I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The St...
2017-08-2408 min
The Story BehindThe CandlestickWelcome to The Story Behind: Clue Series. In every episode of this series, we talk about the history of one of the original weapons used in the game, "Clue." This series may not be appropriate for all ages and listener discretion is advised. Did you ever wonder why it's tradition to blow out candles on your birthday? It actually goes back to the Ancient Greeks and burning candles in religious ceremonies, including to pay tribute to the goddess Artemis who is associated with the moon. They baked cakes to symbolize the shape of the moon and added c...
2017-08-2106 min
The Story BehindThe Lead PipeWelcome to The Story Behind: Clue Series. In every episode of this series, we talk about the history of one of the original weapons used in the game, "Clue." This series may not be appropriate for all ages and listener discretion is advised. This episode's Clue weapon is depicted in the game by a bent metal tube, probably bent because of the force one would need to actually kill someone with that weapon. And, even if it's not being used for MURDER, the material it's made out of certainly has caused its share of health problems.
2017-08-1708 min
The Story BehindThe MustacheAs of 2017, it's been 16 years since Alex Trebek shocked the world by appearing clean-shaven in the 18th season of "Jeopardy!" Aside from one season back two years ago, when he grew a thinner version back again, prompting fan pages and even a Twitter account just for his mustache. But thanks to audience feedback, as well as his wife's, by the next season, the 'stache was gone. And I don't know about you, but to me, that mustache has and will always represent him. And I'm not the only one to associate the two: Will Ferrell, who has...
2017-07-1308 min
The Story BehindBeardsWhen god said, let there be light, Chuck Norris said, "Say please." Why is this joke funny? Or, at least it was funny a few years ago when Chuck Norris jokes were an internet favorite? Because in the joke, you are to believe Chuck Norris is more powerful than god. I know, explaining a joke clearly makes it funnier. But in today's episode, we'll explore the feature God and Chuck Norris share that no doubt is seen as a contributing factor to their power -- at least according to jokes on the internet. I'm your...
2017-07-1007 min
The Story BehindAmerica's Bald EagleWhen you sign up for a social media account, once you've established your username and profile, what's one of the first things you do? Choose a profile picture. Well, in 1776, after the Declaration of Independence was signed, what was one of the first things the founding fathers wanted to do? Establish a national seal -- basically the profile picture of the United States. But it's not like they could just grab ye olde selfie stick and pose for one, they wanted something strong, a symbol of America's fortitude and pride. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The...
2017-07-0608 min
The Story BehindUncle SamWe talked about mascots in The Story Behind Sports Superstitions and Curses and about how they're thought to bring a team luck. Well, mascots aren't just for sports. The one we'll be talking about today is basically a mascot for the United States, although you probably won't see him performing cartwheels during halftime of the Olympics or something. This particular mascot went something of a personification of the country in political cartoons to being the representation of the U.S. government, and, although we won't talk about it, was the title character of a 1996 slasher movie with the tagline: "...
2017-07-0306 min
The Story BehindSurfer LingoSometimes I'll be researching an episode and get the idea for another episode from whatever Google rabbit hole I find myself in. That's how this episode came about -- while I was researching The Story Behind Surfing. I got into the topic of words and phrases popularized because of surf culture. And also, because my husband has been begging me to do an episode relating to his favorite movie, "The Big Lebowski," this is probably right up his alley, dude. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Surfer Lingo. ...
2017-06-2907 min
The Story BehindSurfingIt's officially summer, if you're listening to this episode around the time it comes out in June of 2017. Let's get away from the deep subjects like we had last week with The Story Behind Hypnotism and The Story Behind Subliminal Messages and do a lighter topic. Maybe something you can listen to while laying in the sand on the beach somewhere soaking up the summer sun. Or, if you've just found the Story Behind and listening to past episodes in the cold winter months, transport yourself mentally to the beach as you listen. Even if you're not one of...
2017-06-2607 min
The Story BehindHypnosisJoin 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...
2017-06-2207 min
The Story BehindSubliminal MessagesThere'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...
2017-06-1909 min
The Story BehindTattoosPsychologists 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...
2017-06-1508 min
The Story BehindEar PiercingI 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...
2017-06-1207 min
The Story BehindBubble GumMany 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...
2017-06-0808 min
The Story BehindChewing GumGumpa 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...
2017-06-0508 min
The Story BehindSporksWhoever 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...
2017-06-0107 min
The Story BehindThe T-ShirtThere 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...
2017-05-2909 min
The Story BehindLullabies 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...
2017-05-2509 min
The Story BehindFidget SpinnersDid 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...
2017-05-2207 min
The Story BehindThank YouDuring my five week baby break, I received so many wonderful Tweets, Facebook and notifications, Instagram likes and various messages congratulating me on the birth of my son. I wanted to convey how much our family appreciated those messages, not to mention part of my baby break was spent filling out cards to show gratitude to those who showered us with gifts. In this episode, we'll discuss etiquette and etymology of a common phrase, gratitude in other cultures, and other ways to interpret appreciation. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind...
2017-05-1804 min
The Story Behind1964-1989 Part 2: Wheel of Fortune through Rock and Roller Cola Wars (WDSTF Series)If you're hearing this episode around the time it comes out, it means I'm taking some time off after the birth of my son. I've recorded these ahead of time and most likely will not be available on social media for the next few weeks, but you'll still get The Story Behind twice a week if you're subscribed to the podcast. Consider this series to be like a substitute teacher. We won't go as in-depth as in previous episodes, but we'll briefly touch of a number of different topics in each episode. This series focuses on Billy...
2017-05-1505 min
The Story Behind1964-1989 Part 1: Birth Control through Russians in Afghanistan (WDSTF Series)If you're hearing this episode around the time it comes out, it means I'm taking some time off after the birth of my son. I've recorded these ahead of time and most likely will not be available on social media for the next few weeks, but you'll still get The Story Behind twice a week if you're subscribed to the podcast. Consider this series to be like a substitute teacher. We won't go as in-depth as in previous episodes, but we'll briefly touch of a number of different topics in each episode. This series focuses on Billy...
2017-05-1107 min
The Story Behind1961-1963: Hemingway through JFK Blown Away (WDSTF Series)If you're hearing this episode around the time it comes out, it means I'm taking some time off after the birth of my son. I've recorded these ahead of time and most likely will not be available on social media for the next few weeks, but you'll still get The Story Behind twice a week if you're subscribed to the podcast. Consider this series to be like a substitute teacher. We won't go as in-depth as in previous episodes, but we'll briefly touch of a number of different topics in each episode. This series focuses on Billy...
2017-05-0808 min
The Story Behind1959-1960: Buddy Holly through Belgians in the Congo (WDSTF Series)If you're hearing this episode around the time it comes out, it means I'm taking some time off after the birth of my son. I've recorded these ahead of time and most likely will not be available on social media for the next few weeks, but you'll still get The Story Behind twice a week if you're subscribed to the podcast. Consider this series to be like a substitute teacher. We won't go as in-depth as in previous episodes, but we'll briefly touch of a number of different topics in each episode. This series focuses on Billy...
2017-05-0408 min
The Story Behind1957-1958: Little Rock through Children of Thalidomide (WDSTF Series)If you're hearing this episode around the time it comes out, it means I'm taking some time off after the birth of my son. I've recorded these ahead of time and most likely will not be available on social media for the next few weeks, but you'll still get The Story Behind twice a week if you're subscribed to the podcast. Consider this series to be like a substitute teacher. We won't go as in-depth as in previous episodes, but we'll briefly touch of a number of different topics in each episode. This series focuses on Billy...
2017-05-0107 min
The Story Behind1955-1956: Einstein through Trouble in the Suez (WDSTF Series)If you're hearing this episode around the time it comes out, it means I'm taking some time off after the birth of my son. I've recorded these ahead of time and most likely will not be available on social media for the next few weeks, but you'll still get The Story Behind twice a week if you're subscribed to the podcast. Consider this series to be like a substitute teacher. We won't go as in-depth as in previous episodes, but we'll briefly touch of a number of different topics in each episode. This series focuses on Billy...
2017-04-2708 min
The Story Behind1953-1954: Joseph Stalin through Rock Around the Clock (WDSTF Series)If you're hearing this episode around the time it comes out, it means I'm taking some time off after the birth of my son. I've recorded these ahead of time and most likely will not be available on social media for the next few weeks, but you'll still get The Story Behind twice a week if you're subscribed to the podcast. Consider this series to be like a substitute teacher. We won't go as in-depth as in previous episodes, but we'll briefly touch of a number of different topics in each episode. This series focuses on Billy...
2017-04-2409 min
The Story Behind1951-1952: Rosenbergs through Santayana Goodbye (WDSTF Series)If you're hearing this episode around the time it comes out, it means I'm taking some time off after the birth of my son. I've recorded these ahead of time and most likely will not be available on social media for the next few weeks, but you'll still get The Story Behind twice a week if you're subscribed to the podcast. Consider this series to be like a substitute teacher. We won't go as in-depth as in previous episodes, but we'll briefly touch of a number of different topics in each episode. This series focuses on Billy...
2017-04-2008 min
The Story Behind1949-1950: Harry Truman through Marilyn Monroe (WDSTF Series)If you're hearing this episode around the time it comes out, it means I'm taking some time off after the birth of my son. I've recorded these ahead of time and most likely will not be available on social media for the next few weeks, but you'll still get The Story Behind twice a week if you're subscribed to the podcast. Consider this series to be like a substitute teacher. We won't go as in-depth as in previous episodes, but we'll briefly touch of a number of different topics in each episode. This series focuses on Billy...
2017-04-1709 min
The Story BehindWe Didn't Start the Fire Series IntroductionIf you're hearing this episode around the time it comes out, it means I've gone into labor and, quite possibly, have already had the baby that's been using me as a human punching bag for the last few months. I've recorded these ahead of time and most likely will not be available on social media for the next few weeks, but you'll still get The Story Behind twice a week if you're subscribed to the podcast. Consider this series to be like a substitute teacher. We won't go as in-depth as in previous episodes, but...
2017-04-1306 min
The Story BehindVoice RecognitionWelcome to Tech Week! This is one of the last weeks of The Story Behind before I officially go on Baby Break, but this week was planned way back in January when Jim Collison from Home Gadget Geeks reached out and wanted to do a collaboration of his show and mine. Here's the link to the episode of Home Gadget Geeks from Thursday, February 9th. In this episode, I'll be talking about … well, actually, let me have Siri tell you what I'll be talking about. Siri: Emily will be talking about my history. Starting with my...
2017-04-0309 min
The Story BehindWedding Luck & SuperstitionsEver wonder why brides wear white or why they wear veils? Or maybe what the point of bridesmaids were and why they're dressed alike? There are tons of wedding traditions you probably dismissed as being just that -- traditions, but in fact, many of them stemmed from superstitions. It was hard to stick to just a few for this episode. So we're going to touch on a bunch. For the month of March, I'll be looking at the stories behind common superstitions and symbols of luck. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this...
2017-03-3008 min
The Story BehindSoap OperasEmily's evil twin, Erica, crashes the podcast for this episode! Luckily, Dr. Drake Ramoray, her long-lost brother, who came out of his coma AND recovered from amnesia, was there to save the day and the show! Only a show on the topic of soap operas could handle such a dramatic introduction. Find out how soap operas came to exist, their rise and fall in popularity, and why they look different from other television shows. I'm your host, Emily Prokop (or is it Erica???), and this is The Story Behind Soap Operas. Follow The...
2017-01-0509 min