61 episodes

Brains On presents Forever Ago®, a history show for the whole family! Every episode looks into the surprising and fascinating history of things we think are ordinary, but they’re not -- like ice cream flavors, video games, baths and more. We make learning about the past fun while teaching listeners to think critically about history.

Forever Ago Brains On! Universe

    • Kids & Family
    • 4.8 • 22 Ratings

Brains On presents Forever Ago®, a history show for the whole family! Every episode looks into the surprising and fascinating history of things we think are ordinary, but they’re not -- like ice cream flavors, video games, baths and more. We make learning about the past fun while teaching listeners to think critically about history.

    Hole in One: History of the bagel

    Hole in One: History of the bagel

    Today, bagels are a classic American breakfast food. But less than 100 years ago, most people in the U.S. had never heard of them! Join Joy, co-host Arianna, and special guest Sohla El-Waylly of the Deep Dish podcast to learn how a group of tough, dedicated bakers helped bagels go from nearly unknown to breakfast big shot. Plus, Arianna pays a visit to Asa’s Bakery in Minneapolis and learns how to roll bagels and bialys. And of course, a brand new First Things First!

    Featured Experts:

    Sohla El-Waylly is a chef, cookbook author and podcast host! Check out her books, recipes and cooking tips on her website.

    Asa Diebolt, is a baker and owner of Asa’s Bakery in Minneapolis, MN.This episode was sponsored by:Walt Disney Studios - Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 is coming to theaters, June 14th.PRX - Check out new episodes of PRX's Jamming on the Job wherever you get your podcasts.

    • 31 min
    Terrific Toilets: how humans solved the potty problem

    Terrific Toilets: how humans solved the potty problem

    It’s easy to take toilets for granted, but these porcelain thrones are nothing short of marvelous. In this episode, Joy and co-host Caleb find out how bathrooms and sewers helped civilizations grow. Plus they take a pit stop in ancient Rome where public restrooms were very public. And they learn about a privy fit for a literal queen. Enjoy and remember to wash your hands when you’re done!This episode was sponsored by:Walt Disney Studios - Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 is coming to theaters, June 14th.PRX - Check out new episodes of PRX's Jamming on the Job wherever you get your podcasts.

    • 28 min
    How guide dogs came to lead the way

    How guide dogs came to lead the way

    Dogs have served as human’s loyal companions for thousands of years. They’ve also been trained to do some pretty cool jobs! In today’s episode, Joy and cohost Oliver learn all about the history of guide dogs. These are canine companions that are trained to help guide people who are blind or have vision loss. They’ll also meet 16 year old Ella Shea and her guide dog Pico!  Plus, we’ll hear one of your invention mentions, and play a brand new edition of First Things First!Resources:To learn more about guide dog schools, visit https://www.igdf.org.uk/This episode was sponsored by:Walt Disney Studios- Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 is coming to theaters, June 14th.

    • 28 min
    Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Rock, Paper Scissors

    Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Rock, Paper Scissors

    It’s a Forever Ago face-off! Joy has turned the garage at HQ into a boxing arena and has brought in Molly Bloom and Nico Gonzalez Wisler for a rock, paper, scissors showdown!  Grab your smarty pass to witness the raw power of rock, paper, scissors!

    • 2 min
    Where did the Fortune Cookie come from?

    Where did the Fortune Cookie come from?

    When most of us think of fortune cookies, we think of those little folded cookies that come with Chinese food. But did you know that fortune cookies aren’t from China? So where did they come from? And why do we think of them as Chinese? Join Joy and co-host Harlem as they find answers and trace the cookie’s journey. We’ll also hear from journalist Jennifer 8. Lee who wrote an entire book all about fortune cookies, plus a brand new First Things First!Featured expert: Jennifer 8. Lee is a journalist, film producer, and author. She wrote an entire book about the history of fortune cookies called The Fortune Cookie Chronicles. Lee also produced a documentary about the origins of General Tso’s Chicken. To learn more, check out her website.Resources: To learn more about the internment of Japanese Americans, check out the graphic novel Displacement by Kiku Hughes.This episode was sponsored by:Walt Disney Studios- Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 is coming to theaters, June 14th.

    • 24 min
    Forever Ago is Back May 15!

    Forever Ago is Back May 15!

    Hey Forever Ago Friends!! Ready for more Forever Ago FUN?! Well you’re in luck— Forever Ago is back with a brand new season May 15th! Tune in to learn all about how wheelchair basketball was invented, why we eat popcorn at the movies, and what humans did with their doo before modern toilets!

    • 1 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
22 Ratings

22 Ratings

shawnxxiong ,

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robochoco123 ,

I ACTUALLY LOVEE THIS PODCAST

Ok so I had loved this podcast when it came out and I’m a big fan of brains on and smash boom best to and this really is a great podcast cause the environment and the ppl that make are always happy when their doing it and that just makes it better so this my fav podcast ever and I’m so glad they did more love it.

🥝🥥🍈🍒 ,

Best podcast ever

❤️❤️❤️💖love it🤩😝amazing

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