Curious Objects

Latest Episodes:

The Glass Gaze - Learn about the history of the prosthetic eye! Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

Host Ben Miller is joined by Dan Roche, author of Eyes by Hand: Prosthetics of Art and Healing to discuss a curious object that quite literally catches the eye.

The Road to Destruction - How one man stole the divine Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Join podcast host Ben Miller in a highly engaging episode with investigative journalist Matthew Campbell discussing an Indiana Jones-esque heist that will have you on the edge of your seat all the way through.

Oops I Did It Again - Editing Errors in a Pre-Digital Print World Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

We are joined by writer and Art History instructor, Rachel Churner to talk about the intriguing realm of reprints in a pre-online world. Host Ben Miller and Churner discuss the Yale University Library's “Beauties of My Style” exhibition in one of our most fascinating episodes yet!

Curious Objects at Brunk Auctions Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

Join host Benjamin Miller in conversation with Andrew Brunk, Bert Parsons and George Manger at a special discussion about ceramics at Brunk Auctions.

Camera Ready Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

In this Curious Objects episode, host Benjamin Miller is joined by New York Times photo editor and writer, Anika Burgess to discuss a very significant daguerreotype and the history of photography.

An Earthly Paradise Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Curious Objects, host Benjamin Miller is joined by Art Historian and author extraordinaire, Verity Babbs to talk about the wondrous world of William Morris’s wallpaper.

Verity Babbs received a degree in Art History from Oxford University and also works as a stand up comedian. With this unique career blend, she aims to demystify the study of art and talk about the elitism that has surrounded the field in the past.

Verity also has an Instagram series where she visits antique shops and thrift stores to find significant objects with interesting stories.

Have Hope Will Sparkle Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

This is an episode worthy of going into the "rock" star hall of fame - get ready for an exciting hour about the Hope Diamond!

Host Ben Miller is joined by Melise Ozkardesler to discuss this curious object, its history and the world of collecting ancient gemstones.

Something Blue - Delftware ceramics and the women who made them Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

Join Curious Objects host, Benjamin Miller in a conversation with Genevieve Wheeler Brown, the author of Beyond Blue and White to talk about the history of Delftware ceramics through the female lens. We learn about the fantastic women who made these coveted ceramics and understand the humor behind these fascinating pieces of decorative arts.

Painting with Glass in Limoges Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Host Benjamin Miller is joined by Laura Kugel of the Galerie Kugel in Paris to discuss the fascinating art of enameling from Limoges, France. Described by the poet Théophile Gautier in 1866 as “the immarcescible (indestructible) enamel”, these objects from the Renaissance still look as fresh today as they did when they emerged from the kiln all those years ago.

Coveted by the likes of Givenchy, J.P. Morgan and Yves Saint Laurent, these objects remain popular even today. Listen in to learn more about these delightful creations..

135,500 Pieces (Of Wood) Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the fine line between obsession and madness, illustrated in a piece of furniture. Toledo Museum of Art curator Erin Corrales-Diaz joins Ben to discuss a unique secretary desk which might hold the world record for inlay: thousands upon thousands of pieces of wood, which in its maker’s own words, “will do more in ten minutes to inspire young people with the possibilities of life than ten years of haphazard and scattered endeavor.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Curious Objects

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6