Don't Drink the Milk – The curious history of things

4.4 (85)
HISTORY
UPDATED WEEKLY

We trace the unexpected backstories of everyday things – things that have traveled the world, by force, by chance, or by choice. How did this item or idea change as it moved through different cultures and eras on its way to you? And what surprising truths does its story reveal about our world today?

NOV 5

Reality TV: Our ancient thirst for drama

The gladiator's heart is beating hard as he dons his armor. The gates open and the crowd goes wild. He steps forward and finds himself in... the Bachelor Mansion?! Get ready for a trip from Ancient Rome to Laguna Beach as we track down the roots of reality TV and ask: Why are we so drawn to drama? Who really holds the power? And are we closer to the action than we realize?

36 min
OCT 23

The Missionary Position: Preaching, power and getting pregnant

Weird name for a sex position, right? Well, the story behind it is just as strange - involving the Church, the full moon (or was it campfires?), and some mixed messages. But what can unravelling the mysterious backstory of this most rudimentary of sex positions tell us about sex, shame and evangelizing around the world - even today?

37 min
OCT 8

Introducing: The Secret Life of Canada | Was the plot to assassinate Lincoln hatched in Canada?

The Secret Life of Canada from CBC Podcasts is a podcast about the country you know and the stories you don't. Join hosts Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson as they reveal the beautiful, terrible and weird histories of this land. More episodes of The Secret Life of Canada are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/E8i4Tn2T?maca=en-podcast_dont_drink_the_milk-35517-xml-mrss

27 min
SEP 24

Lawns: Is yours giving sun king or pink flamingo?

"Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are," said an English poet. What can a well-manicured lawn reveal about social status, our relationship to the Earth and the American Dream? A surprising amount. From fancy French palace gardens to suburban America, come along for the garden party as we mow over the history of the lawn – and ask if its time is up.

34 min
SEP 10

ZIP codes: Delivering more than you bargained for

Psst, your ZIP code is telling all your secrets. In fact, so much is hidden in that short string of digits at the end of your address – we're talking pride, discrimination and marketing gold. Starting with a bulging wartime mail sack and ending with a cup of tea down an Irish country road – this is the winding journey of the postal code.

34 min
AUG 27

Opioids: Old high, new low

The opioid crisis is unfolding around us in real time. But it isn’t just a problem in the US. Following the trail of a new outbreak in addiction leads us across continents and eventually full circle to where one of history’s most addictive drugs was first concocted. Pain relief, dependency and life-destroying consequences – this is how opioids entered the pharmaceutical market and keep us hooked.

36 min
AUG 13

Witch hunts: The medieval conspiracy that just won't die

When did you last hear the phrase "witch hunt"? Thanks to powerful figures like Donald Trump, chances are you see it in the headlines pretty often. Whispers of witchcraft go way back, but the conspiracy really took hold in medieval Europe — with deadly consequences. So how come it's still around, and how has the power shifted? Our adventure reveals why this chapter of history is far from closed.

43 min
JUN 4

Don't Drink the Milk Season 2 is coming soon!

Join us as we hit the road again to uncover the weird and wonderful backstories of familiar things and how they made their way around the world. This season we're delving into sex positions, drug epidemics, reality TV, mowing the lawn and much more. How do these things connect us to disparate cultures and eras and what do their stories reveal about our world today? You're in for an adventure.

1 min

See All (23)

4.4

out of 5

85 Ratings

One of my favorites

Nov 5

Fournier.307

I love this show. Each episode is interesting and fun. The structure and production is wonderful. I appreciate that this show makes me smile!
Love this podcast! New and interesting!

Sep 25

Akmerizon

Great new podcast! Can’t wait to hear more. Intelligent and thoughtful.
Very well-made

Aug 31

Grace@_@

I love this podcast!!! I’m very new to podcast and luckily I found this one for my first playlist. It matches my taste in all kind of area. (Topics, sound quality, BGM, voice sound, ect)
Love this show!

Aug 30

Cherie bella

Just found today and listened fir hours. Its do interesting.

We trace the unexpected backstories of everyday things – things that have traveled the world, by force, by chance, or by choice. How did this item or idea change as it moved through different cultures and eras on its way to you? And what surprising truths does its story reveal about our world today?