Smithsonian Channel Pick of the Week

Latest Episodes:

These Are the Final Moments of Amelia Earhart on the Ground Oct 02, 2017

Show notes

In 1937, Amelia Earhart was about to embark on a record-setting flight around the world. In her final moments, she took her last photograph and set off from a Burbank, California airstrip, captured in recently recovered home movie footage.

Hammerheads Can Hear Injured Fish From a Mile Away Sep 25, 2017

Show notes

Hammerhead sharks are so attuned to low-frequency sounds, they can hear them from over a mile away. Not only can they tell the distance and direction of their prey, they can even estimate its size.

Prohibition Inspired a New Generation of Rebellious Women Sep 25, 2017

Show notes

One of the social side effects of Prohibition was it inspired many women to break out and challenge the conservative norms of society. These women were dubbed 'Flappers.'

Why These Vegetarian Monkeys Have Sharp Predator Teeth Sep 18, 2017

Show notes

In the Ethiopian highlands, native Geladas have impressive canines despite being grass eaters. The reason is simple: The males need to defend themselves and their group against potential challengers.

These WWI Ambulance Trains Could Care for 500 Men at Once Sep 18, 2017

Show notes

During World War I, the British converted a large number of commuter train cars into ambulance cars. These mobile hospitals had the facilities to cater up to 500 men.

This Terrifying Spider Hunts Fish Underwater Sep 11, 2017

Show notes

If the prospect of a spider that catches fish wasn't scary enough, the fishing spider is disturbingly well-adapted to its task. This includes walking on water, as well as breathing underneath it as it stalks its prey.

U.S. Marines' First Test Against Japanese Defenses on Okinawa Sep 11, 2017

Show notes

As U.S. marines advanced northward in Okinawa, they approached a craggy mass known as Mount Yae-Take. The battle to capture this remote mountain resulted in numerous casualties on both sides.

Why Pocahontas May Not Have Rescued John Smith After All Sep 04, 2017

Show notes

According to legend, Pocahontas threw herself between the leader of the Jamestown colony, John Smith, and a warrior's club to save him. But experts have some doubts about whether she was even present.

Why Do These Monkeys Have Such Outrageous Noses? Sep 04, 2017

Show notes

Proboscis monkeys may look ridiculous to us, but they are in fact perfectly adapted to their swamp surroundings. Their pot-bellied stomachs are able to digest toxic leaves, while their huge noses play a role in attracting mates.

A Checklist That Might Tell If You're a Psychopath Aug 28, 2017

Show notes

While studying prisoners in 1980, psychologist Dr. Robert Hare developed the Psychopathy Checklist - a list that evaluates people based on twenty basic traits, including lying and lack of remorse.