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

4.4 (140)
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?

12/03/2024

Prisons: Why can’t we break free?

Lock 'em up and throw away the key. Turns out that concept has been controversial from the beginning. There have always been cracks in the concept of incarceration, but have we let the system grow beyond our control? Journeying from prisons’ beginnings to now, and from the US to a small European country, we ask: who is prison actually serving?

44 min
11/19/2024

Invisible Work: Women strike back

Women around the world and across generations are connected by this familiar thing that you can't actually see: invisible labor. The mountain of tasks that go unseen and undervalued, and which fall mainly on the shoulders of women. From Icelandic grandmothers to Escape the Corset and 4B activists in South Korea, here's what happens when women push back.

46 min
11/05/2024

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
10/23/2024

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
10/08/2024

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
09/24/2024

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
09/10/2024

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
08/27/2024

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

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4.4

out of 5

140 Ratings

New love

Feb 5

scarytitos

Have been listening to the beginning and just working my way through over the past few days. I am loving it, it reminds me of Every Little Thing but more documentary style and a longer format. It’s perfect for me. I love learning about stuff like this and have already recommended it to two friends!
Impactful

Jan 21

Inspireadventures_yoga

I’ve learned so much in such a small amount of time! It’s clever, witty, and impactful. Well done ladies !!
New here, but so far,

Jan 3

Kushpop93

The secret life of Canada pulled me in. 12 hours later I’m returning for my 2nd episode, (the opioid crisis). I love hearing different viewpoints on issues going on in the states.
Fun and historical

12/29/2024

JenD-VT

I just discovered this podcast. I listened to the lawn and missionary position episodes and loved them!

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?