Tracing The Path

Latest Episodes:

Before and After the Scopes Monkey Trial Feb 21, 2021

Let's unravel the mysteries of the Trial of the Century where Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan put evolution on trial. What was the long term significance? How did it end? And who got the final justice?

Our Star Spangled Banner: Believe it or Not Jan 19, 2021

In today's story we explore the interconnected stories of Anacreon the Greek Poet, Francis Scott Key, Robert Ripley, John Philip Sousa and 7 US Presidents. The Star Spangled Banner isn't just about a flag or the Battle of Fort McHenry. It involves slaves, Charles Schulz, Jack London, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and even Barry Goldwater.

Pt. 5 The Complete Canon of Santa Claus Dec 05, 2020

A lot happens in Santa's story since the 1950s. Not only does the NORAD Santa Tracker take hold, but a human baby makes it to Santa's Village and Santa finally puts the pieces together as to what role he plays in the world.

Pt. 4 The Complete Canon of Santa Claus Dec 04, 2020

Kris Kringle was Santa Claus for most of the 20th Century. He's the one most of us grew up under. During his time as Santa, he lived through the Spanish Flu, WWI, the Great Depression, WWII, the Beatles and more. In today's episode we discuss the role of Santa over the last 120 years.

Pt. 3 The Complete Canon of Santa Claus Dec 03, 2020

Today's we explore the time that Christmas was banned in parts of the world and what Santa was doing to raise spirit, the invention of the candy cane and Santa's new idea - a train to bring kids to the North Pole.

Pt. 2 The Complete Canon of Santa Claus Dec 02, 2020

The middle centuries of Santa Claus's life are where derive most of our traditions and overall Christmas culture. It's also the time that St. Nicholas Day and the birth of Jesus Christ begin to converge.

Pt 1. The Complete Canon of Santa Claus Dec 01, 2020

This is the official "Canon" of Santa Claus. The story of St. Nicholas begins in 343 a.d. but it includes all the stories, songs, movies and books that have been produced since then. We decided to put them in their historical order and made sure we explained all our Christmas traditions along the way.

How the Transistor and Pirate Radio Created Rock n Roll Oct 22, 2020

Rock N Roll wouldn't exist like it does without these three guys. Because while Chuck Berry and Elvis were ushering in a new age of music. They had a little help from a major invention. We go "Back to the Future" to find out how rock n roll came to be.

ABCs of the Most Famous Song in the World Aug 25, 2020

The most famous tune in the world has been around for 700 years as part of classical, folk, children's and pop music. It's been played by Mozart, Louis Armstrong, the Simpsons, and Lewis Carroll. In the 1800 it changed the American lexicon, and in the 1960s it became a pop song that was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Rand McNally's Route 66 Started With Camels Jul 20, 2020

Did you know Route 66 started in 1857, with camels? Learn how the history of Route 66 intersects with the Indy 500, Charles Lindbergh, The Lincoln Highway, Rand McNally, L. Frank Baum, Dwight Eisenhower, Edward Fitzgerald Beale and more.

The Complete True Story of the Wizard of Oz Jun 18, 2020

How did Frank Lloyd Wright, Susan B. Anthony, the Great Chicago Fire, L. Frank Baum and Judy Garland help create the 39 year Wizard of Oz Tradition?

How John Williams is Connected to Every Piece of Music May 19, 2020

Did you know that the Williams family has its hands on Orson Wells, Gilligan's Island, Back to the Future, the Looney Tunes, the Simpsons, Saved By the Bell, the Olympics, Jaws, Star Wars and Tears for Fears? No other family has reached so far.

Curious George Escapes the Nazis Apr 17, 2020

Connecting the dots between Hans and Margret Rey, Chris Van Allsburg, H.G. Wells, Harry the Dirty Dog and Will Ferrel. Today we talk about the history of Curious George

The Paul Harvey Story Mar 19, 2020

What path did Paul Harvey take to become the most influential man of the 20th century? Let me just say that it involves Charles Lindbergh, Pearl Harbor, Joseph Kennedy . . . and you'll have to listen to get the rest of the story.

The Hostess Twinkie Shelf Life Miracle Feb 19, 2020

There's a Twinkie in Maine that's 30 years old. But the story of Twinkie has far outlasted that. How did a brand outlast it's owners and defy all odds to become a success?

How The Oregon Trail Game Made Apple Computers Famous Aug 06, 2019

Minneapolis's tech community was far ahead of everyone else. And their state government's progressive attitude paved the way for great changes. 1,500 miles away Steve Jobs was building a computer company, but he knew something was missing, and the answer fell in his lap.

Learn how Apple went from selling 300 computers, to millions because of a game.

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