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PODCAST

Forever Ago

Brains On Universe

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. Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/

history education for kids

All Episodes

9:07

Sneak peek: The history of pineapple pizza

Forever Ago ·

2026/10/05

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.

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33:44

More slang words: Aura, OK and glitch

Forever Ago ·

2026/09/30

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!

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32:59

Wizard of Oz mystery: Who stole the ruby slippers?

Forever Ago ·

2026/09/23

We’re not done with Wizard of Oz history yet! Today it’s the tale of Dorothy’s famous ruby red slippers. A pair of these famous movie props went missing years back, and it took the FBI and local authorities working together to get them back. Join Joy and co-host Sky as they investigate this case, and play a game of First Things First.Clickhereto read a transcript of this episode.Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!

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30:33

What's the history of the Wizard of Oz?

Forever Ago ·

2026/09/16

The Wizard of Oz is one of the most influential stories around. What started as a children’s book went on to inspire countless other books, movies and musicals. Join Joy and co-host Sky as they wiggle down the Jell-O brick road and meet a sassy witch who knows the 411 on all things Oz. Together, they’ll learn more about how this iconic story got its start over 100 years ago, plus hear more about Judy Garland and of course, how the Wicked movies came to be. All that and a dazzling new First Things

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30:06

The rise and fall of fancy men

Forever Ago ·

2026/09/09

We can learn a lot about what a culture thinks is important through its fashion. These days, most men don't wear makeup to work, or lace collars, or powdered wigs, but that wasn't always the case! Joy and co-host Max go on a journey to the history spa, where they get a 1770s makeover from Frank, the macaroni maven. (What's a macaroni? Not just a noodle!) Listen as they learn about the ancient history of makeup (we're talking Egypt here) and why being a fancy man eventually fell out of style. Plus,

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29:04

How pizza took over the world

Forever Ago ·

2026/09/02

Pizza is a food loved around the world. It started as a local dish served by street vendors in Naples, Italy. Not everyone loved it right away. But over time, pizza changed, and the world fell in love. Join Joy and co-host Zsa Zsa as they learn the fascinating history of this fantastic food. Plus we hear your slogans for pizza and play First Things First.Clickhereto read a transcript of this episode.Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!

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30:06

How did air travel first take off?

Forever Ago ·

2026/08/26

Hundreds of thousands of flights take off each and every day. Airplanes make it possible for us to connect with people around the world and see all different parts of our beautiful planet. But how did we figure out how to get humans up in the air in the first place? This week Joy and Trip learn about the different flying machines that led to the first airplane and how two brothers worked together to take a historic first flight. Plus, how airlines throughout history went from having no windshields,

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30:35

Toy Time! What’s the history behind yo-yos, hula...

Forever Ago ·

2026/08/19

For as long as there have been humans, there have been toys! But do you know the history behind some of your favorites? Join Joy and Evette as they tackle the history of three top toys: the yo-yo, the hula-hoop and slime. They’ll answer questions like “where did the name yo-yo come from?” and “Is the hula hoop from Hawaii?” and “What is the green Nickelodeon slime made from?” All that plus a new First Things First featuring three other classic toys.Clickhereto read a transcript of this

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6:59

Sneak peek: Hoax Hunters explain the Pokemon Shock

Forever Ago ·

2026/08/14

This is a sneak peek of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass subscribers. It’s a follow up to the Forever Ago episode about the history of Pokemon. This time, Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters to investigate a phenomenon known as the Pokemon Shock. It was an event where a TV show apparently made thousands of people feel sick. To hear the full episode, sign up for Smarty Pass and support the Brains On Universe.

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35:37

Day in the Life: Ancient Rome

Forever Ago ·

2026/08/12

The Ancient Roman empire thrived over 2,000 years ago. You may have heard about gladiators, the Coliseum or leaders like Alexander the Great. But what was everyday life like for most people? Join Joy and co-host Charlie as they take a look back at life in Ancient Rome, from public bathhouses, to ordering take out. They’ll also talk to archaeologist Dr. Robyn Le Blanc about how historians know what life looked like thousands of years ago. Plus, a new First Things First about very ancient

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32:27

Who invented Pokémon?

Forever Ago ·

2026/08/05

Pokémon is a mega-smash hit around the world. There are TV shows, movies, card games, toys, and of course, video games. It all started with a boy who loved collecting bugs and playing video games. Join Joy and co-host Romil as they explore the history behind the series. Learn how it almost flopped, and how one special Pokémon (not Pikachu) helped save the franchise early on. Plus, a Japan-themed First Things First.Clickhereto read a transcript of this episode.Want to support the show? Join

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2:43

Forever Ago Season 9 starts August 5th!

Forever Ago ·

2026/07/31

Get ready to start historymaxxing because Forever Ago's latest season is back Wednesday, August 5th! We've got terrific new topics from Pizza, to Wizard of Oz-- even Pokémon. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Can't wait to explore the before with you!Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate!

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27:07

How did soccer start?

Forever Ago ·

2026/05/13

Soccer is the most popular sport on the planet. But how did it get its start? And why do some people call it “soccer”, while others call it “football?” Hear the answers to these questions as Joy and co-host Brooke learn about the history of the sport, plus the story of the first ever World Cup. All that and a kickin’ First Things First. Goaaaal!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!

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26:52

Bird poop facials and toilet masks: Skin care of the...

Forever Ago ·

2026/05/06

There are so many trends in skin care, from fun-shaped pimple patches to Korean sheet masks. They might seem like the latest fad, but did you know some of these beauty treatments have been around for hundreds of years? Join Joy and co-host Roop as they look back through skin care history, from the fashionable beauty marks of the French aristocracy to bird poop facials in Japan. Plus, something called a toilet mask. All that and a new First Things First!If you want to learn more about puberty,

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30:38

Why did it take so long for the U.S. to pick its...

Forever Ago ·

2026/04/29

It’s super common for a country to have a national anthem. That’s an official song that is sung at special events and is supposed to bring people together. The United States of America’s anthem is called The Star Spangled Banner. But it took a long time, and a lot of contests, to choose that song. Join Joy and co-host TK as they learn the history of this famously hard to sing song. Plus they tackle an all new First Things First. Guest: Billy Coleman, Associate Director of the Kinder Institute, and

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32:00

From Skibidi to Slay: The stories behind slang

Forever Ago ·

2026/04/22

Skibidi, rizz and slay are examples of slang. Slang words are fun, zippy terms that usually spread from one small group of people, to the entire world. This week Joy and co-host Dax explore the unexpected history of a few different slang words, from a recluse poet, to the lively ballroom scene in New York City. Plus a First Things First to win mad aura. Libbidity gibbletz, you won’t wanna miss this!Click here to read a transcript of this episode.Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to

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29:44

The Titanic was called unsinkable, so why did it sink?

Forever Ago ·

2026/04/15

The Titanic sank only four days into its voyage. Even though the ship was lost to the ocean, the history and stories survived. Join Joy and her co-host Juniper as they find out how this mega ship was built, hear some theories on why it sank, and learn how the history of this voyage was preserved by dedicated historians. Featured Expert: Ross Mumford is a Titanic researcher, historian and educator. He currently manages Titanic: the Exhibit. Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want

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25:35

Day Light Saving: The surprising story behind why we...

Forever Ago ·

2026/04/08

Twice a year, many countries move their clocks by an hour. But why? It turns out humans have been messing with minutes and hours for centuries. Join Joy and co-host Rehema as they explore the history of Day Light Saving, from a bug hunter who wanted more daylight for collecting insects to a World War where every hour of light was precious.Find our Brains On episode about the science behind Daylight Saving Timehereor wherever you get your podcasts!Clickhere to read a transcript of this episode

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22:42

From sickness to sweetness: the story of Candy Land

Forever Ago ·

2026/04/01

Candy Land is iconic. The cute characters, the simple rules, it’s the perfect game for kids of all ages. But it all started as a way to cheer up children stuck in the hospital. Learn how this game was invented when a teacher needed a way to help kids recovering from Polio. Plus, Joy and co-host Ava take a Candy Land quiz with Gumpy, the gum sculpture that came to life.Clickhereto read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or

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22:57

How diamonds became the symbol of love

Forever Ago ·

2026/03/25

Today, it’s almost cliche to give someone a diamond ring to prove your love. But 100 years ago, that wasn’t the case. Back then, diamonds were seen as luxury items for the rich and famous. But thanks to some creative advertisers (and a whole lot of extra diamonds), these sparkly jewels became the symbol of love in much of the world. Join Joy and co-host Diya as they explore the enchanting history of diamonds. Clickhereto read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join

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