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Forever Ago
Forever Ago
American Public Media

Brains On presents Forever Ago®, a history show for the whole family! Every episode looks into the surprising and fascinating history of... more

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Episodes

Who were the gladiators?

Gladiators were professional fighters who lived thousands of years ago in ancient Rome. But they weren't just fighters, they were... more

13 Nov 2024 · 25 minutes
The Ten News: Election Day Kid Takeover

Tune in for a super special election day episode from our friends at The Ten News!🗳️ It’s Election Day and Pamela... more

05 Nov 2024 · 11 minutes
Gotcha! The history of April Fool’s Day

Happy April Fool’s Day! Just kidding, we know it’s October. But that doesn’t stop Joy from celebrating April Fool’s Day... more

30 Oct 2024 · 26 minutes
Smarty Pass Presents: Truth or Truth

Usually, bonus episodes like this are exclusively for Smarty Pass subscribers but this month we’re sharing them with all our... more

28 Oct 2024 · 8 minutes
Who was the first Black woman to run for president?

2024 is an election year, where Americans will vote for a new president. Join Joy and co-host to Em as... more

23 Oct 2024 · 27 minutes
Why do we carve pumpkins on Halloween?

Joy’s ready for some Halloweeny fun, but her jack-o’-lantern pal Lionel wants to skip the whole thing. He doesn’t understand... more

16 Oct 2024 · 25 minutes
How did we send messages before cell phones?

Joy has a top secret message to deliver. There’s just one problem– she’s locked outside without her computer or phone!... more

09 Oct 2024 · 27 minutes
Join us for the first-ever Forever Ago live show!

Hi friends! We’ve been busy at Forever Ago headquarters. Joy’s organizing her chaos closet, we’re making a bunch of new... more

20 Sep 2024 · 1 minute
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Ragin’ road trip

Joy and Anna are amped to go on a fun road trip! And with a garage full of transportation options... more

19 Aug 2024 · 1 minute
Banjos Pt. 2: Bluegrass, Beyoncé and Beyond

We’re back with part two of our string-tastic story of the banjo! In the last episode, musician Rhiannon Giddens helped... more

24 Jul 2024 · 24 minutes
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Olympic History

This summer it’s the 2024 Olympic games! In honor of this sporty season, Forever Ago host Joy Dolo quizzes producers... more

22 Jul 2024 · 1 minute
Banjos Pt. 1: From Gourds to Grammys

Today’s episode has a lot of pluck! It’s all about the banjo. For over 100 years, the banjo has been... more

17 Jul 2024 · 24 minutes
The flower hunters: how tropical orchids fueled a craze

Uh oh! Joy picked up a free plant from a Buy Nothing group that can speak sign language and perform... more

10 Jul 2024 · 26 minutes
Don't steal my thunder! The history of idioms

The cat's out of the bag!  We’re back with a brand new episode, and we didn’t cut any corners!  This... more

02 Jul 2024 · 24 minutes
Who invented wheelchair basketball?

Less than a hundred years ago, wheelchairs were big clunky wooden chairs that couldn’t even fit through most doorways.  But... more

26 Jun 2024 · 27 minutes
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Movie Forever Ago

Joy is building a movie theater in the basement of Brains On! Headquarters. She’s got the popcorn, air conditioning, and... more

24 Jun 2024 · 1 minute
Smash Boom Best: Bubble Gum Vs. Gummy Bears

This week, we’ve got a very special episode from our besties at Smash Boom Best!This debate is a tasty tussle... more

19 Jun 2024 · 35 minutes
Why do we eat popcorn at the movies?

Popcorn is a buttery, tasty treat. You can find it everywhere, from circuses to sports games. But it’s probably best... more

12 Jun 2024 · 30 minutes
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... more

05 Jun 2024 · 31 minutes
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... more

29 May 2024 · 28 minutes
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... more

22 May 2024 · 28 minutes
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... more

20 May 2024 · 2 minutes
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.... more

15 May 2024 · 24 minutes
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... more

07 May 2024 · 1 minute
Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Instrumental Enigma

Forever Ago host Joy Dolo has a brand-new game she’s calling Instrumental Enigma. It sounds like a lot of fun! Emphasis... more

22 Apr 2024 · 1 minute
Whatchamicallit: A Smarty Pass Sneak Peek

Do you know what Blibber-Blubber was? How about Wiff-Waff? If only there were an incredible game hosted by Joy Dolo... more

18 Mar 2024 · 1 minute
Heartwords: A Smarty Pass Sneak Peek

It’s a time-honored Valentine’s Day tradition to hand out conversation hearts - those candies with phrases like “be mine” and... more

19 Feb 2024 · 1 minute
Want more Forever Ago fun? Join Smarty Pass today!

Forever Ago won’t be back for a few months, but never fear! You can catch up on tons of Forever... more

13 Feb 2024 · 1 minute
SnowZone Bowl: A Smarty Pass sneak peek

Joy hosts the timeless classic Snow Zone Bowl– the game where you guess the rules to odd Winter Olympic sports... more

22 Jan 2024 · 1 minute
Chew on this! The surprising history of gum

Who doesn’t love gum? It’s fun, sticky, and sweet! But did you know people have been chewing on stuff for... more

27 Dec 2023 · 24 minutes
How the synthesizer changed music forever

Synthesizers are revolutionary instruments. These electronic devices use knobs, buttons and sliders to make different sounds — and you can hear... more

20 Dec 2023 · 27 minutes
Check it Out! The History of Children's Libraries

Libraries are popular with everyone, but they're especially beloved by kids and their families. They’re places where you can listen... more

13 Dec 2023 · 28 minutes
Operation ozone: how the world patched up the hole in the sky

Climate change can feel like an overwhelming problem, so it’s important to shine a light on environmental success stories. One... more

06 Dec 2023 · 27 minutes
Babies on the Boardwalk: History of the NICU

Babies who are born too early often get extra care in the hospital at the NICU, or Neonatal Intensive Care... more

29 Nov 2023 · 33 minutes
Who was the first woman to win an olympic medal?

Today, athletes like Simone Biles and  Katie Ledecky are Olympic rockstars. But did you know that when the Olympics started,... more

22 Nov 2023 · 26 minutes
Gobble Gobble! What’s the real history of Thanksgiving?

In this episode, we examine the real history behind one of the most celebrated holidays: Thanksgiving. It’s a pretty big... more

15 Nov 2023 · 26 minutes
Superman: An immigrant's story

Superman isn’t just any old superhero -- he was the very first costumed superhero! He paved the way for Spiderman,... more

08 Nov 2023 · 33 minutes
Forever Ago is back November 8th!

Are you ready to explore the before?  Forever Ago is a history podcast for the whole family, and it's coming... more

25 Oct 2023 · 1 minute
Happy Birthday to You: The story of the world's most popular song

Do you know the birthday song? We bet you do! People all over the world sing a version of “Happy... more

05 Jul 2023 · 28 minutes
It’s Electric! The history of electric cars

Electric cars may seem like the latest technology, but they were actually first invented in the late 1880s! So what... more

28 Jun 2023 · 32 minutes
TGIF: Where did the weekend come from?

Uh oh, Joy has a big problem: too many fun things to do every weekend and not enough time to... more

21 Jun 2023 · 36 minutes
Yee-Haw! The hidden history of Black cowboys

Head down to the ranch with Joy and co-host Aaliyah as they share the stories of three incredible Black cowboys.... more

14 Jun 2023 · 32 minutes
Flying colors: The story of the rainbow Pride flag

This week, Joy and co-host Lilike are at a Pride celebration! These celebrations have taken place since 1969, but the rainbow flag is... more

07 Jun 2023 · 29 minutes
See Joy Dolo at Smash Boom Best LIVE!

You know Joy Dolo as your favorite ever host of Forever Ago, but she's also a debater on our sister... more

06 Jun 2023 · 1 minute
Forever Ago History Sound Extravaganza!

Hey, Smarty Pal, want more Forever Ago? Check out this sneak peek of Joy playing a brand new game she... more

05 Jun 2023 · 1 minute
How a freezing summer gave us Frankenstein, bicycles and more

Joy and co-host Asa learn about the year without a summer, and how it led to some amazing inventions! 1816... more

31 May 2023 · 32 minutes
ZAP! The history of the microwave

Beep boop ZAP! Did you know that the microwave oven was invented by accident? From space-age luxury item to everyday... more

24 May 2023 · 29 minutes
Way to Play: How Playgrounds Grew Up

We’re so excited to be back for season THREE of Forever Ago! Join Joy, Elysse, and some talking playground equipment... more

17 May 2023 · 36 minutes
Forever Ago is Back May 17!

Season 3 of Forever Ago is starting soon! Forever Ago is a history podcast for the whole family, where we... more

04 May 2023 · 1 minute
Million Bazillion: Why do some people get paid more than others?

Hey Forever Friends! A quick note: our new season starts on May 17th, and we can’t wait to share it... more

24 Apr 2023 · 29 minutes
Do scientists have superpowers?

Hi! It’s Joy Dolo here. Forever Ago will be back in your feed with new episodes in May! But to... more

13 Feb 2023 · 35 minutes
Love is in the hair! A history of cornrow braids

Tag along with Joy, Amira and a magical bobblehead with the gift of gab on a road-trip while they explore... more

23 Nov 2022 · 35 minutes
Rocket women: How a secret program paved the way for female astronauts

Get ready for an out-of-this-world episode! Joy and co-host Elsa are trapped in a black hole with a baby elephant... more

16 Nov 2022 · 35 minutes
How pens rewrote history

They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but how did it get that way? Join Joy and co-host... more

09 Nov 2022 · 30 minutes
Tomb raiders: How Egypt’s treasures ended up all over the world

There’s stuff from ancient Egypt in museums all over the world, from jewelry and statues to mummified bodies. But it... more

02 Nov 2022 · 34 minutes
Introducing Smarty Pass: Your ticket to the Brains On! Universe

Become a Smarty Pass subscriber today to access bonus episodes and ad-free episodes of Brains On!, Smash Boom Best, Moment... more

31 Oct 2022 · 4 minutes
The lawn con: A history of grass

Grab your hedge clippers and don’t forget to feed your plastic flamingos! Joy and cohost Max are exploring the surprising... more

26 Oct 2022 · 34 minutes
Guitar stars: Strumming through the ages

Get ready to shred! Joy and cohost Buddy are building the most epic guitarchestra (aka guitar orchestra) in this week’s... more

19 Oct 2022 · 27 minutes
The Bone Wars: A dino discovery duel!

Looking for a story full of spies, sabotage, and feuding scientists? Get ready to dig into today’s episode all about... more

12 Oct 2022 · 32 minutes
Keeping it chill with air conditioning

We’re back with a hot new episode on staying cool! We’re talking about the history of air conditioning, our favorite... more

05 Oct 2022 · 31 minutes
What do grown ups-do with all their money?

Hey there Forever Friends! We’re coming back with new weekly episodes, starting next week. Until then, check out this cash-riffic... more

28 Sep 2022 · 25 minutes
Pirates: More than peg legs and parrots

Ahoy, matey! When you think of a pirate, you’re probably thinking of a white man with a beard and an... more

20 Jul 2022 · 31 minutes
Who was the first lifeguard?

Whenever you go to a big pool or a public beach, you’ll always see lifeguards around: a person whose job... more

13 Jul 2022 · 33 minutes
The Joy of Swimming

Everybody loves a nice dip in the pool when it’s hot outside… but if you never learned to swim, that... more

06 Jul 2022 · 30 minutes
When baths met soap

Scrub-a-dub-dub, it’s time for the tub! Or is it? You probably wash up with soap plenty of times throughout the... more

29 Jun 2022 · 24 minutes
Mac and Cheese: From 'What's in these?' to 'Yes, please!'

You might think macaroni and cheese is just a quick and easy meal, or a special dish that comes to... more

22 Jun 2022 · 32 minutes
The rise and fall of fancy men

We can learn a lot about what a culture thinks is important through its fashion. These days, most men don’t... more

15 Jun 2022 · 28 minutes
Rubik’s Cube: The twists and turns of fads

The Rubik’s Cube is a twisty toy that has 43 quintillion possible configurations — and it can also teach us... more

08 Jun 2022 · 28 minutes
Ice cream flavors: From whale poo to vanilla

Forever Ago kicks off the new season with everybody’s summer favorite: ice cream! In this episode Joy and co-host Maeve... more

01 Jun 2022 · 28 minutes
Forever Ago is back June 1!

Forever Ago fans! The moment is finally here! Host Joy Dolo and team are back with new episodes June 1!... more

18 May 2022 · 1 minute
Forever Ago
Rubik’s Cube: The twists and turns of fads
Forever Ago
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Description

The Rubik’s Cube is a twisty toy that has 43 quintillion possible configurations — and it can also teach us something about... more