Smithsonian Channel Pick of the Week

Latest Episodes:

People Believe in Witchcraft in this Corner of England Aug 05, 2019

Show notes

Do you believe in witches? For the good people of Long Compton, it’s part of a longstanding tradition – one that, as recently as 1875, cost a woman named Ann Tennant her life.

Incredible African Rock Pythons Hatching Jul 29, 2019

Show notes

After they hatch, young rock pythons have just a few weeks to leave their nest. After that, they must wait to shed their skin before pursuing their first kill.

Are Dogs Really More Intelligent Than Cats? Jul 29, 2019

Show notes

Most canines, including these adorable wolf pups, are social animals with brains that have evolved for that purpose. This is why dogs are, on the whole, smarter than some solitary animals.

5 Kitchen Objects Inspired by NASA Jul 22, 2019

Show notes

Did you know that some of the technologies we take for granted in our kitchens were actually developed by NASA? Here are five of the best, from water filters to freeze-dried food.

This Arabian Dog is Fast Enough to Catch a Gazelle Jul 22, 2019

Show notes

Saluki are a breed of desert dog famed for their speed. In the old days, Bedouins relied on them to hunt for gazelle – today, they are more likely to race for sport.

The Stunning Filming location of "The Horse Whisperer" Jul 15, 2019

Show notes

The Horse Whisperer, shot in Montana and starring Robert Redford, tells the story of a troubled family, a troubled horse, and the horse whisperer who brings them together.

Why Sand is the Secret Sauce for These Ecuadorian Trains Jul 15, 2019

Show notes

Tren Crucero trains rely on sand to go up and down steep inclines: on the way up, sand helps provide the wheels with traction on the steel tracks, while during a descent, it aids the electric braking system.

A Hungry Bird Brutally Separates a Bee From Its Stinger Jul 15, 2019

Show notes

Carmine bee-eaters use their long slender bill to pluck bees out of the air. Then, to neutralize their dangerous sting, they’ll smash the bee against the ground, several times.

How Giraffe Spots Act Like a Natural Air Conditioner Jul 08, 2019

Show notes

The dark patches on a giraffe’s skin have more blood vessels than the light skin. This can help heat dissipate, allowing them to stay cool.

This New Zealand Train Line is a Panoramic Marvel Jul 08, 2019

Show notes

If you’re looking for the ideal vantage point to the stunning viaducts and landscapes of the Tongariro National Park in New Zealand, you have only have one option: the miraculous North Island Main Trunk Line.