The Story Behind

Latest Episodes:

Surfing | History of the Sport, Gidget, California Sound (TSB072) Jun 26, 2017

Show notes

It's officially summer, if you're listening to this episode around the time it comes out in June of 2017. Let's get away from the deep subjects like we had last week with The Story Behind Hypnotism and The Story Behind Subliminal Messages and do a lighter topic. Maybe something you can listen to while laying in the sand on the beach somewhere soaking up the summer sun. Or, if you've just found the Story Behind and listening to past episodes in the cold winter months, transport yourself mentally to the beach as you listen. Even if you're not one of the 23 million people worldwide who participate in the pastime I'm focusing on in this week's episodes, you can feel like you're riding the waves with two episodes focusing on the sport and some of the language surrounding it. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Surfing.

The role of Duke Kahanamoku was played by Dan Brenic from the Netflix N' Swill podcast. The music provided during the episode was performed by the band And Robots. Find more of their music at and-robots.com.

Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook!

Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

Looking for more female-hosted podcasts? Find them by searching #LadyPodSquad on Twitter.

Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

Media:

And Robots

Music for Makers

Jeff Spicoli - YouTube

Sources:

Book - Legends of Surfing: The Greatest Surfriders from Duke Kahanamoku to Kelly Slater by Duke Boyd

History of the Surf Board - Club of the Waves

The Origins of Surfing - The Sport of Kings

Surfing Statistics -Statistic Brain

A Beginner's Guide To The Sweet, Stinging Nostalgia Of The Beach Boys - A.V. Club

History Of Surfing: Gidget, The All-powerful - Surfer.com

Video - David Davis: "Waterman: The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku" | Talks at Google

The Origin of the Word Surfing

Glossary of Surfing Terms - Surfer Today

What The Hell Does "Cowabunga" Mean, Anyhow? - BuzzFeed

Video - Writer Eddie Kean on the origin of "Cowabunga" on The Howdy Doody Show

The History of the Dude - Good

The History of the Famous Surfing Shaka Sign - Surfer Today

Hypnosis | Everybody Trance Now! (TSB071) Jun 22, 2017

Show notes

Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook!

If you are driving, did you notice the last exit you passed? Or do you remember where you were on the road five minutes ago? If you answered no to those questions, you're already familiar with this episode's topic.

(Also, what are you doing reading show notes while you're driving? Watch the road!)

There may not have been any spinning spirals or dangling pocket watches, but you may have just entered into another state. And not geographically. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Hypnosis.

Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

Media:

Music for Makers

Franz Anton Mesmer - Encyclopeda Britannica

How Hypnosis Works - How Stuff Works

History Of Hypnosis - HistoryofHypnosis.org

Self-Hypnosis for Everyday Life - Psychology Today

How Does Hypnosis Work? - Live Science

I've Heard That Hypnosis Can Be Used to Ease Pain During Childbirth. How Does Hypnobirthing Work? - Mayo Clinic

Can Hypnosis Kill You? - Popular Science

10 Deadly Cases of Hypnosis - Listverse

The First Recorded Death in Hypnosis - Journal of the American Medical Association, Volume 23

VIDEO - The History of Hypnosis

VIDEO - The Science of Hypnosis

Subliminal Messages | Conspiracy Theories, Advertising, Paul is Dead (TSB070) Jun 19, 2017

Show notes

There's a lot we may never get the full Story Behind. In fact, this topic is probably far from being explored to its full potential, especially within a short podcast episode. But that didn't stop me -- and my ADD -- from becoming intrigued by its origins, how it works and how it's used every day without us being aware of it. But then again, there are those who are aware of it or who think they're aware of it, and those who are hyper-aware of it. Everyday occurrences like product placement in movies and television, underlying messages in music and maybe even the ability for our brains to hear something one way, but our subconscious can pick up on its reverse, therefore having the potential to brainwash us. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Subliminal Messages.

WHAT I SAID AT THE END OF THE EPISODE: But as part of the media, I'm supposed to say that.

Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

Looking for more female-hosted podcasts? Find them by searching #LadyPodSquad on Twitter.

Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

Media:

Music for Makers

The Simpsons: "Join the Navy"

Paul McCartney is Dead

Sources:

Documentary - Programming the Nation?

The Shocking Drink And Incredible Coke History Of Subliminal Advertising - Business Insider

Popcorn Subliminal Advertising

Classical Rhetoric 101: A Brief History - Art of Manliness

Sex in the Ice Cubes - Slate

UCL Study: Subliminal Messaging 'More Effective When Negative' - University College London

Subliminal Advertising Leaves Its Mark On The Brain - Science Daily

Power of the Hidden Message Revealed - The Independent

Classical conditioning: Are All Your Thoughts Yours? - Blasting News

"The Simpsons" Producer Responds To Insane Conspiracy Theory That is Show Helped Start the Arab Spring - Mother Jones

Does Subliminal Messaging Work? A New Film Investigates - The Atlantic

The Devil Wears Headphones: A Brief History of Backmasking - Mental Floss

Backmasking of Songs: Psychology & Examples - Study.com

10 Famous Cases of Backmasking - Listverse

The 10 Wildest Led Zeppelin Legends, Fact-Checked - Rolling Stone

Tattoos | Body Art That's Ink-redible (TSB069) Jun 15, 2017

Show notes

Psychologists have studied the importance of symbols and found people, whether conscious of it or not, are drawn to symbols of immortality like the Egyptian ankh, or hearts, crosses and flags. History has uncovered jewelry and decorations with these symbols on it dating hundreds of years back and, in this episode, we'll talk about how these art, designs and symbols not only adorned the belongings of people in the past, but were also used to decorate the body. Nowadays, 3 out of 10 Americans get inked and not necessarily as a symbol for prolonging life, but it may remind them of milestones in their lives or important people they've lost or even that our lower backs wouldn't be complete without a strategically placed butterfly. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Tattoos. But first, a quick message.

Visit Patch of Sky Farm for skin and body care products, upcycled crafts and nutrition coaching and meal planning.

Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

Looking for more female-hosted podcasts? Find them by searching #LadyPodSquad on Twitter.

Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

Media:

Music for Makers

Sources:

16 Interesting Facts About Tattoos - MSN

If Tattoos Could Talk - Psychology Today

Tattoo Takeover - The Harris Poll

Why do people go back for more and more tattoos? - BBC

How Tattoos Went From Subculture to Pop Culture - Huffington Post

Tattoos - Smithsonian Magazine

Samoa: Samoan Tattoos - Polynesia.com

Can Tattoos Be Medicinal? - Smithsonian Magazine

Did Thomas Edison Invent the Tattoo Machine? - Inked Magazine

A Visual Guide to Sailor Tattoos - The Atlantic

A Sailor's Life: The Legend of Tattooer Sailor Jerry Collins - Inked Magazine

The Sailor Jerry Festival - SailorJerryFestival.com

Ear Piercing | A Hole Lot of History (TSB068) Jun 12, 2017

Show notes

I love picking topics for this podcast that are normally not questioned on an everyday basis. In fact, many topics I pick stem from me being able to slow down for a few seconds and question, "Hey, where does this come from?" or "Why do we do this?" Most topics are pretty easy to research, but I was surprised this particular topic of why we do something was a little harder, most likely because humans have been doing it for so long, no one really questions why or the origin stories behind it. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Ear Piercing.

Visit Patch of Sky Farm for skin and body care products, upcycled crafts and nutrition coaching and meal planning.

Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

Looking for more female-hosted podcasts? Find them by searching #LadyPodSquad on Twitter.

Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

Media:

Music for Makers

Sources:

History of Ear Piercing - Painful Pleasures

Why Did Pirates Wear Earrings - Live Science

Evil Ear - Santharia

History of Ear Piercing - All That is Interesting

History of Body Piercing - Painful Pleasures

Body Piercing Statistics - Statistic Brain

Ear Piercing to Relieve Migraines - Penn State University

Bubble Gum | Pop-Notch Chewing Satisfaction (TSB067) Jun 08, 2017

Show notes

Many people can probably relate to eating too much of something at one time, and then never wanting it again, right? Well, for me, that thing is bubble gum. I was in a show years ago in which the director wanted my character to chew bubble gum and be able to blow a bubble on demand. So, for the two months of rehearsal, I constantly chewed bubble gum to the point where my jaw hurt at the end of the day. After the show, I hadn't had another piece since, which was more than 10 years ago. That was until my 6-year-old asked me to teach her to blow a bubble and I had to taste that iconic super-sweet taste all over again. Luckily, it's one of those skills that's hard to forget, and it also made me wonder why such a pointless product like bubble gum existed in the first place. This research rabbit hole ended up captivating me so much this week, I didn't want to leave anything out, which is why this topic was stretched out over two episodes. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Bubble Gum.

The Bazooka Joe jokesters were John, Deuce and Joe from the Brand X Podcast.

Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

Looking for more female-hosted podcasts? Find them by searching #LadyPodSquad on Twitter.

Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

Media:

Music for Makers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp_K8prLfso

Sources:

http://www.history.com/news/hungry-history/chew-on-this-the-history-of-gum

http://www.chewinggumfacts.com/chewing-gum-history/bubble-gum-history/

http://www.wrigley.com/global/about-us/ourfounder.aspx

http://www.livescience.com/17520-chewing-gum-test-performance.html

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130308093933.htm

http://gumballmachinefactory.com/gumballhistory.html

http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/chewgum.asp

http://www.beckett.com/news/topps-puts-bubble-gum-back-into-packs-sort-of/

https://www.oldtimecandy.com/discontinued/bazooka-bubble-gum/

http://www.cartoonbrew.com/advertising/michael-eisner-is-giving-bazooka-joe-a-face-lift-111251.html

http://www.bazookajoecomics.com/jokes/jokes.htm

https://newrepublic.com/article/110868/bazooka-joe-comics-pulled-bubble-gum-after-58-years

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/11/30/business/media/bazooka-gum-overhauls-brand-and-loses-comic-strips.html?_r=1&&referer=

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/30/business/media/bazooka-gum-overhauls-brand-and-loses-comic-strips.html?_r=1&

Chewing Gum | Tree Sap Made Tasty (TSB066) Jun 05, 2017

Show notes

Gumpa Lumpa Dum-pa-dee-do I have another podcast for you Gumpa Lumpa Dum-pa-da-dind This episode of The Story Behind Gum's been around for quite a long while Freshening your breath and whitening your smile It is a favorite for astronaut crews But a pain when stuck on your shoes The way toilet paper does Gumpa Lumpa Dump-pa-dee-da I hope you like random trivia You will learn all about this goo Like the Gumpa Lumpa Dump-pa-dee-do

I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Chewing Gum.

The role of Leon Trotsky was played by Chris Nesi from the House of #EdTech Podcast.

The Gumpa Lumpa song was sung by Craig from The Ultra Podcast.

Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

Looking for more female-hosted podcasts? Find them by searching #LadyPodSquad on Twitter.

Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

Media:

Music for Makers

Sources:

http://www.history.com/news/hungry-history/chew-on-this-the-history-of-gum

http://www.chewinggumfacts.com/chewing-gum-history/bubble-gum-history/

http://www.wrigley.com/global/about-us/ourfounder.aspx

http://www.livescience.com/17520-chewing-gum-test-performance.html

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130308093933.htm

http://gumballmachinefactory.com/gumballhistory.html

http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/chewgum.asp

http://www.beckett.com/news/topps-puts-bubble-gum-back-into-packs-sort-of/

https://www.oldtimecandy.com/discontinued/bazooka-bubble-gum/

http://www.cartoonbrew.com/advertising/michael-eisner-is-giving-bazooka-joe-a-face-lift-111251.html

http://www.bazookajoecomics.com/jokes/jokes.htm

https://newrepublic.com/article/110868/bazooka-joe-comics-pulled-bubble-gum-after-58-years

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/11/30/business/media/bazooka-gum-overhauls-brand-and-loses-comic-strips.html?_r=1&&referer=

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/30/business/media/bazooka-gum-overhauls-brand-and-loses-comic-strips.html?_r=1&

Sporks | KFC Cutlery of Choice (TSB065) Jun 01, 2017

Show notes

Whoever came up with the idea to attach an eraser to a pencil was a genius, when you think about it. Before that, they were two separate objects, but you usually didn't want to have one without the other. Sometimes combinations like this work out perfectly, like when makeup companies began adding sunscreen to foundations. But other times, combinations might not work out as well, like the year my mom sent me to summer camp with a new product that combined sunscreen and bug spray, which caused an allergic reaction and really wasn't good at protecting me from bugs or the sun. Today's episode focuses on one of these hybrids that sometimes works great for foods like mashed potatoes, chili, and casseroles, but sometimes doesn't work as well for foods like broth or spaghetti. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Sporks.

The role of Bill Clinton was played by Wes from The Via VHS Podcast.

Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

Looking for more female-hosted podcasts? Find them by searching #LadyPodSquad on Twitter.

Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

Media:

Music for Makers

Sources:

http://www.salon.com/2012/10/06/consider_the_spork/

http://mentalfloss.com/article/65500/man-who-invented-spork

https://www.vox.com/2015/6/23/8826591/spork-inventor

https://www.wired.com/2015/08/tritensil-spork/

http://io9.gizmodo.com/this-hybrid-knork-utensil-was-also-an-important-medic-1700498082

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=51104

http://careysuevega.com/manner-monday-sporks-saltcellars-and-knife-rests-oh-my/

"Consider the Fork: A History of How We Cook and Eat" by Bee Wilson

The T-Shirt | How Marlon Brando Made Underwear Outerwear (TSB064) May 29, 2017

Show notes

There are a lot of ways your personality is showcased to the world. The food you eat, the shows you watch, the places you go. But did you ever think of how you wear your personality on your sleeve, or, rather in the case of this episode, your torso? In fact, 95 percent of Americans own this piece of clothing that can act as a walking billboard for whatever message they support. This clothing piece's history has been through the ringer, so-to-speak, as far as being an undergarment, then popularized by Marlon Brando as everyday wear, and is now considered a favorite among souvenirs and mementos. In fact, nine out of 10 Americans have at least one they refuse to throw away. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind the T-Shirt.

Like this episode? Check out The Story Behind Hoodies And The Story Behind the Smiley Face!

Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

Media:

Music for Makers

Sources:

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2014/10/surprisingly-recent-invention-t-shirt/

http://gizmodo.com/how-the-t-shirt-was-invented-1646047645

http://www.melmarc.com/history-of-the-graphic-t-shirt/

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/09/22/magazine/who-made-that-t-shirt.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNZ5MnKDLnE

https://web.archive.org/web/20080314172148/http://www.katharinehamnett.com/Campaigns/Choose-Life-T-Shirt/

https://darecatalog.com/Product.asp?prodID=589&subcatid=1&catid=1

http://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/32208/1/how-the-che-guevara-t-shirt-became-a-global-phenomenon

http://www.complex.com/style/2014/08/apc-kanye-white-t-shirt-review/

http://mentalfloss.com/article/29884/what-happens-losing-teams-championship-shirts

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/truth-donated-clothes-end/story?id=2743456

http://www.instituteartist.com/feature-Pepe-Paolo-Woods

Lullabies | The Art of Sleeping Like a Baby (TSB063) May 25, 2017

Show notes

The Story Behind Lullabies Spotify Playlist

As you can imagine, much of my baby break was spent getting used to having a newborn in the house again and learning what he likes and dislikes. Turns out, my son is a fan of music, which should come to no surprise to those who know me and my semi-secret love of musicals or my husband and his collection of musical instruments and his band. One day when nothing else was working to put him to sleep, I began humming to him and it was like I flipped a switch and he instantly closed his eyes and settled down. While I kept humming to him, I began looking up how and why the singing worked, which brings us to today's topic. I'm your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Lullabies.

Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Check out #PodernFamily on Twitter to find other great indie podcasts like this one.

If you enjoy podcasts about history, literature, archeology, and the arts, check out the hashtag #HumanitiesPodcasts on Twitter to find more podcasts like this one.

Click here to support this podcast on Patreon.

Media:

Music for Makers

https://youtu.be/QsvfS0lnCYU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8zYEBMFS-U

Sources:

https://rockabyebabymusic.com/

http://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/baby-health/infant-health/why-do-lullabies-work.htm

http://mobile.edweek.org/c.jsp?cid=25920011&item=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.edweek.org%2Fv1%2Fblogs%2F85%2F%3Fuuid%3D56163

http://www.livestrong.com/article/157461-how-music-affects-the-human-brain/

https://www.kindermusik.com/mindsonmusic/benefits-of-music/do-lullabies-really-work/

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-21035103