Invention

Latest Episodes:

Strike the Match, Part 3 Feb 10, 2020

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Mastery of fire was one of humanity’s greatest technological leaps forward, but even the ability to create fire only gets you so far if the flame is not easily generated and/or transferred. Thus, the millennia-spanning quest to create the subtle technology we so easily take for granted: the modern matchstick. Join Robert and Joe for a multi-episode Invention exploration on fire-generation technology.

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Strike the Match, Part 2 Feb 03, 2020

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Strike the Match, Part 1 Jan 27, 2020

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The Pencil Jan 20, 2020

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It’s easy to take the pencil for granted, but that eraser-capped wooden cylinder with a core of graphite has a story and a history -- and Robert and Joe explore it in this episode of Invention.

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Beachbum Berry on the Invention of the Mai Tai Jan 13, 2020

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The Mai Tai isn’t only the most famous Tiki cocktail, it’s one of the most well known cocktails on the planet. But where does it come from? Who invented it? In this episode of Invention, Robert and Joe turn to noted Tiki historian and mixologist Jeff “Beachbum” Berry for answers.

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Invention Classic: Chopsticks Jan 06, 2020

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Chopsticks are such an intuitive and precise eating utensil, it’s easy to assume they’ve been with us. But as Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore, this neolithic invention didn’t really leave the kitchen for the dinner table in a major way till the fifth century CE. Prepare to explore the invention of chopsticks. (Originally published 12/17/18)

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Listener Mail: Year End Wrap-Up, Part 2 Dec 30, 2019

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Join your Invention hosts Robert and Joe for another round of listenener mail on recent episodes devoted to the Microwave Oven and all sorts of toys.

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Listener Mail: Year End Wrap-Up, Part 1 Dec 23, 2019

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As the first year of Invention comes to a close, Robert and Joe catch up on listener mail for everything from air conditioning and ketchup to toys and bubble wrap.

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Toys, Part 3 Dec 16, 2019

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As the holiday season sets in, Robert and Joe open up Santa’s toy bag to consider the invention of various toys -- toys intended to teach, toys intended to puzzle and toys that leverage technology for good old fashioned childhood fun.

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Toys, Part 2 Dec 09, 2019

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