Shows
Birth. Stamps. Death.Revisiting the Fourth Bureau Issues In this episode we look at an iconic series of U.S. stamps, the so-called "Fourth Bureau Issues"—a quintessential example of early twentieth-century American definitives produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) starting in 1922. This series ushered in major changes in both the speed and scale of stamp production—moving from flat plate to rotary presses—as well as the kinds of images that found their way onto these gorgeous issues. We're also joined by a special guest to learn a little more about the production details.As always, we'd love to receive some mail f...
2026-02-0757 min
Birth. Stamps. Death.Mr. Zip! with Haley Maloney The Birth. Stamps. Death. team is joined by Haley Maloney to discuss the USPS's iconic zip code mascot Mr. Zip! Mr. Zip dragged the mailing public reluctantly into the zip code era, improving the efficiency of mail delivery and endearing millions to his cheerful orange visage. We also talk about what Haley collects, what got her into collecting, and the joys of the regional stamp club.We would LOVE to receive some mail from our dear listeners, write us at:Birth. Stamps. Death.P.O. Box 26Grand Central Station...
2026-01-1950 minBirth. Stamps. Death.Grand Central Station (the Post Office!) We're back, dear listeners, with sincere apologies for our prolonged absence. Today we talk about Grand Central Station, the post office near Grand Central Terminal, where we have recently opened a P.O. Box for all of your fan mail. We also have a brief guest appearance by the pod's Irish correspondent Katie Swabb, who offers us a tantalizing postal riddle. She'll join us again on a future episode to answer the riddle and tell us about her research in the Irish National Folklore Collection. To respond to the riddle, or to just say hello, write to:...
2025-12-2354 minBirth. Stamps. Death.Digital Philately Today and Tomorrow: A conversation with Graham BeckSam and Chris are joined by Graham Beck, pioneer of digital philately, host of the excellent Exploring Stamps Youtube channel, and member of the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee. Topics include making digital content about stamps, topical collecting, the cricket world cup, and the process of getting a stamp from idea to postage.NotesExploring StampsPixPost (find Chris @chrispy_stamps and Sam @sam_stamps)PostcrossingCitizens' Stamp Advisory CommitteeAmerican Topical Association (ATA)Our WebsiteOur InstagramWe're very grateful to...
2025-10-1054 minBirth. Stamps. Death.Voice of America Pt. 1: The 1967 VOA Stamp and the Genius of Georg Olden This week we’re talking about a curious 5c stamp released in 1967 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Voice of America (VOA) radio program, a first of its kind global broadcast born in the crucible of WWII and transformed over the course of the Cold War and modern eras. Sam and Christopher chat about the VOA’s 83-year history and the stamp’s designer, legendary artist Georg Olden—the first African-American to design a U.S. postage stamp. Part 2 of this series will get into a far more obscure piece of VOA history: the VOA Stamp Club.Notes
2025-09-2837 minBirth. Stamps. Death.One Small Step for Man, One Giant Stamp for Mankind: Astrophilately w/ David BallSam and Chris welcome their first guest, David Ball, to talk astrophilately (stamps in space!) and the remarkable story of C-76—the stamp released to commemorate the July 1969 moon landing. We touch on why David collects, the crazy story of NASA and the Postal Service joining forces to covertly produce stamps marking extraterrestrial achievements, and as always, the general joy of modern stamp collecting.LinksC76 - 10 Cent Moon landing StampProject Gemini se-tenant StampDavid's websiteDavid's article in the American PhilatelistOur WebsiteOu...
2025-09-1257 min
Birth. Stamps. Death.In a Common Determination: the 1933 NRA StampJoin Chris and Sam as they dive into the 1933 NRA issue. Topics include the National Industrial Recovery Act, the National Recovery Administration, the politics of stamp design, the minor Red Scare the stamp caused, postmaster general James Farley, and philatelist-in-chief Franklin Delano Roosevelt.LinksOur WebsiteOur InstagramThe NRA IssueTo see the art that inspired the stamp, head over to The Swedish Tiger's page on the issue and scroll down to "Design Inspiration."Barry Eidlin - "Why is There no Labor Party in the United...
2025-09-0653 min
Birth. Stamps. Death.Introductions Sam and Chris preview the podcast and briefly discuss their interest in stamps and stamp collecting.Mentioned:Show WebsiteNRA StampGreat Americans Issue
2025-08-2906 min