Forever Ago

Brains On Universe

4.5 (7K)
History

Brains On Universe 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.

4d ago

The emperor who tried to live forever

Today we learn about Qin Shi Huang, a man who did a lot of big things. He was the first emperor of China, he started the Great Wall and he had thousands of life sized statues built. But his dream was to do something even bigger: to live forever! Join Joy and co-host Claudia as they chat with History Snacks and Greeking Out host Kenny Curtis to hear the tale of Qin Shi Huang. Featured Guest: Kenny Curtis hosts the podcasts History Snacks and Greeking Out. You can listen to History Snacks’ episode “Qin Shi Huang Wants to Live Forever” wherever you listen to podcasts. Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Oct 28

Who invented Trick or Treating?

Trick or treating is a fun time. You go around ringing door bells, dressed in a costume, and you get candy! But how did this sweet tradition get started? Turns out it has roots that go back hundreds of years! Join Joy and co-host Veronica as they trace the history of Halloween from ancient ceremonies to mischief and mayhem. Plus, a trick or treating themed First Things First.Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Oct 26 · Bonus

Sneak Peek: Molly debates Sanden in Sloths vs Cheetahs!

Molly Bloom as a debater? It’s true! This is a sneak peek at a bonus episode we just shared in our Smarty Pass feed. Molly debates Sanden in a Smash Boom Best showdown between Cheetahs and Sloths. To hear the full, ad-free episode, ⁠join Smarty Pass⁠. You also get access to all the other Brains On Universe shows, online hangs with the crew, discounts on merch and fun surprises. Thanks for the support!
Oct 21

Mystery History Sounds: Put your listening to the test

This week Joy and co-host Gabi are having a history sound extravaganza! Join them as they listen to mystery sounds from the past and learn a little about the history behind them. Plus, a special musical First Things First to transport you back in time.Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Oct 14

Joy Dolo debates: Watermelon vs Cotton Candy

Today we're sharing an episode of our sister show Smash Boom Best! In today’s debate, we’ve got two sweet treats that are delights to eat. We have Forever Ago host Joy Dolo arguing for watermelon, the colorful fruit that’s hydrating to boot. And Brant Miller is repping cotton candy, magical confection that’s like an edible cloud! Which side will our judge crown the Smash Boom Best? After you listen, head to smashboom.org and vote for whichever side you think won!Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Oct 7

What's the history of chocolate?

Chocolate. You know it. You love it. You can’t get enough of it. Today, we think of chocolate as a sweet treat, but for most of human history, it was actually a bitter drink. This week Joy and co-host Camila go coo-coo for cocoa history and learn how indigenous people in Mesoamerica were the first to create the chocolate craze. All that and an extra chocolatey First Things First. Break me off a piece of that sweet sweet history!Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!
Oct 5 · Bonus

Sneak peek: The history of pineapple pizza

This is a sneak peak of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass members. It’s a follow up to our Forever Ago episode on the history of pizza. In this one, we look at the man who made pineapple on pizza a thing. Plus, we tell the story of how pineapple pizza created drama between two nations. To hear the whole, ad-free episode, sign up for Smarty Pass at smartypass.org.
Sep 30

More slang words: Aura, OK and glitch

This week Joy and co-host Xenia are back with another slang episode that’s the pig’s elbow (trust us, it’s a good thing). Learn about how “aura” went from meaning a cool breeze, to getting cool points– and how one of our most common slang words started as a typo joke in a newspaper. And don’t forget, a swaggy new First Things First!Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!

See All (128)

Joy Dolo

Host
Kenny Curtis

Guest
Sanden Totten

Guest
Brent Miller

Guest
Robyn Le Blanc

Guest

4.5

out of 5

7,021 Ratings

War explanation

1d ago

Palmer w c

The war seems to be over people who didn’t like gay people or thought the podcast was supporting being gay you are all wrong so let me get this straight the real reason for the war/argument The main reason is not about someone being mean to someone gay it was about people thinking that the podcast was attacking gay people or just being raciest the main point was that many of the haters when it talked about slavery they felt attacked and weaken like the podcast hosts were insulting them for being white and treating black people wrong a long time ago it was never started by a comment it was started by the hosts and people’s interpretations of the hosts words and what they mean Also just so you know currently I think maverick is Arther Morgan
This is the best also Amazing 🤩

2d ago

Cat banana 🍌🐱

This is a very good podcast I love the new episodes I ♥️ this show 🍌🐱:)!(:
Love it

2d ago

Doggy love32

I love this podcast I listen to it almost every day before and after school. Can You please do an episode on Ruby Bridges because I had to do a presentation in thord grade (im in fifth grade now) and I chose Ruby Bridges and an episode about her would’ve really helped me. Thank you for this pod I love it
Episodes for older kids

2d ago

OttotnelsonOtto

I agree with JustAGirlWhoLovesAnimals, I think you should make episodes good for older ages too.

Brains On Universe 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.