58 episodes

DNA science. Artificial intelligence. Smartphones and 3D printers. Science and technology have transformed the world we live in. But how did we get here? It wasn’t by accident. Well, sometimes it was. It was also the result of hard work, teamwork, and competition. And incredibly surprising moments.
Hosted by bestselling author Steven Johnson (“How We Got To Now”), American Innovations uses immersive scenes to tell the stories of the scientists, engineers, and ordinary people behind the greatest discoveries of the past century. From Wondery, the network behind Business Wars, American History Tellers, and Dirty John.

American Innovations Wondery

- Technology
- 4.6, 2.6K Ratings

4.6 out of 5

2.6K Ratings

Awe Inspiring!

I love the topics they choose to cover: from huge land mark innovations like sequencing the human genome to the invention of rubber! This series has really opened my eyes to how innovation evolves from tiny little breakthroughs with hard work and perseverance to make revolutionary ideas into actual products. It has also opened my eyes to how some inventions which are totally taken for granted now; are key pillars to the foundation of humanities current technological advanced society.

Entertaining and Informative

This has become a favorite podcast. I find the narrative style to be entertaining while also giving me a lesson on history or science (or both).
I started listening based on a recommendation from TechMeme's Brian McCullough. But, I started from the beginning so I'm still about 20 episodes behind, but I'm quickly catching up.
FWIW, I would probably pay a monthly fee to get a commercial free version of it. I do find the ads in the middle a bit jarring, but I understand producing this kind of quality content costs money.

Well written and delivered

Absolutely fascinating! The story telling is excellent! Even topics that don't seem interesting at first glance keep me at the edge of my seat. The people in the stories come alive. It makes me proud to be an American!