Every Little Thing
164 episodes — Page 3 of 4
Behind the Pompoms: Cheerleading’s Checkered Past (Part 1)
How did one style of cheerleading come to dominate in so many American schools? In part one of a two-part episode, ELT flips through the history of cheerleading and meets the man who held cheerleading in the pompom of his hand. Guests: Cheerleading researcher and professor at the University of Alabama Natalie Adams; Barbara Hazlewood; Thanks to caller Jessica for the question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
When Did Pants Become a Thing?
While there’s some evidence clothes go back 170,000 years, pants are a relatively recent addition to our wardrobes. Why were pants developed and who wore them first? ELT unravels the surprising story of pants. Guests: Artist and clothing researcher Ulrike “Rike” Beck; folklorist and historian Adrienne Mayor; artist and writer Emily Spivack. Thanks to caller “Elle” for the question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duct Tape MacGyver: The Sticky Secrets
Can duct tape really fix every little thing? ELT tests the limits — and gets to the bottom of a duct tape story that’ll blow your socks off. Plus, your most ingenious MacGyver stories. Guests: Daniel Munson, Senior Product Development Specialist at 3M; Gary LaRose, lodge owner and hunting guide on the Alaska Peninsula; Luke Miller, Anchorage-based pilot and guide. Thanks to callers Ian, Hunter, David, Whitney, Leanne, Stacie, Elena, Diana, Ashley, Lauren, Lucy — and to all the listeners who shared their MacGyver stories. Got a burning question of your own? Call 833-RING-ELT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Forks: One Utensil’s Battle for Respect
While spoons, knives, and chopsticks have been commonplace for centuries, forks didn’t make it to most silverware drawers until the mid-1800s. What took so long? ELT investigates. Guest: Darra Goldstein, food historian, cookbook writer, and founding editor of Gastronomica, Thanks to caller Nicole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Baseball and Organ Music: How’d That Happen?
When did organ music and baseball become a thing? ELT talks to some pro organ players to find out how organs and ballparks got together. Plus, meet Nancy Faust — the legendary organist who brought trolling to modern baseball music. Guests: Steven Ball, organist and Director of Sacred Music at The Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in St. Louis, Missouri; Josh Kantor, organist for the Boston Red Sox; Nancy Faust, retired organist for the Chicago White Sox Thanks to caller Robert. Thanks also to Judy Scott. You can see a photo of Nancy's donkeys on our twitter feed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thrift Store Smell: What Is It? Plus, Your Cleanspiracies
ELT gets to the bottom of a familiar aroma -- thrift store smell. Why do thrift shops all smell the same? Plus, is washing your clothes better than freezing them? ELT investigates listener cleanspiracies with expert cleaner Jolie Kerr. Guest: Jolie Kerr, writer and host of Ask a Clean Person. Thanks to callers Theresa, Rachel, Jeremiah, Nikki, Vicki, Mark, Juliana, Ben and all the listeners who called in with cleanspiracies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Waterphone: The Sound That Haunts Hollywood
One eerie sound has been haunting Hollywood movies — from Poltergeist to Jurassic Park to Let the Right One In — and 14 seasons of Unsolved Mysteries. ELT tracks down the source of the scary sound. Guests: Rayme Waters, daughter of the spookiest sound in Hollywood’s inventor; percussionist Emil Richards; composer Gary Malkin. Thanks to caller Marianna. Thanks also to Brooks Hubbert, who runs the waterphone business, and musician Lee Charlton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Stamps: Tiny Squares Full Of Secrets
How do U.S. postage stamps come to be? ELT explores the secret world of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, the group that decides what gets stuck on America’s envelopes. Plus, Bigfoot gets his due. Guests: Bill Gicker, manager of stamp development at USPS; Jessica, ex-CSAC member; Kam Mak, artist and stamp illustrator. Thanks to caller Elizabeth. “Mr. Stampman” performed by Bobby Lord, Matthew Boll, MR Daniel, and Julia Kaplan. Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line at 833-RING-ELT. See Kam's stamp here: https://twitter.com/eltshow/status/1089959537434681344 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Auctioneers: Why Do They Talk Like That?
Why do some auctioneers talk so fast? And what are they actually saying? ELT gets the low-down on auction talk from a professional auctioneer. Plus, pro-tips for developing your auctioneer chant. Guest: Junior Staggs, professional auctioneer. Thanks to caller Katie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
🛩TSA Treasure Chest : What Happens To Your Confiscated Stuff? 💸
Every year the TSA confiscates millions of pounds of pocketknives, sunscreen and snow globes from airport travelers. Where does it all go? ELT investigates. Plus, tips for sneaking your weed onboard, from a former TSA agent. Guests: Ex-TSO “Taylor”; TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein; surplus agents for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Patrick Knight and Mike Starr; press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of General Services Troy Thompson. Thanks to caller Kimberly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Is Egg the Only Nog? Plus, Discovering the 8th Continent
How did cold uncooked eggs become a festive beverage? Plus, coquito for the nogged out. And one of the first scientists to hoist herself into the treetops describes life in the canopy. Guests: Chef and food writer J. Kenji López-Alt; Chef and Noshery.com founder Meseidy Rivera. You can find Kenji’s eggnog recipe here and Meseidy’s coquito recipe here. Biologist Meg Lowman, Director of Global Initiatives, Lindsay Chair of Botany & Senior Scientist in Plant Conservation at the California Academy of Sciences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Pumpkin Spice: The Science Behind the Invasion. Plus, What’s the Next Big Flavor Fad?
Why is pumpkin spice a thing? Flavor scientists explain why this particular combination is so appealing -- or not. Plus, how to make a new flavor, and ELT listeners pitch their ideas for the next flavor fad. Guests: Food scientist Kantha Shelke; flavor chemist Bill Aslanides. Thanks to caller Ally, and to flavor forecasters Hunter, Travis, Amelia, Kassy, Rachel, Brooke, Wyatt, Thomas, and to all the listeners who submitted ice cream ideas. Special thanks and congrats to Just Ani. Additional thanks to Michelle Gillespie of SPINS Research and to Genevieve Aronson of Nielsen Research. If you want to hear more about pumpkin spice, and flavor science, check out this episode of Science Friday. Thanks to our sponsor, Cole Haan. You can hear more of Flora and other Gimlet hosts in conversation at ExtraordinariesOnTheMic.com, produced in partnership with Cole Haan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Garbage: What Did We Do Before the Bag? Plus, A Trash Bag Moonshot
A Bulletin Board of Glory™ nomination from comedian Josh Gondelman takes ELT down a trashy rabbit hole, to a time before sanitation workers, when pigs roamed the streets. Plus, we meet the man who defied all odds to bring us the bag that cinches. Warning: Explicit. Guests: comedian and Last Week Tonight writer Josh Gondelman; trash historian Carl Zimring; engineers Steve Tallman and Dana Boyd. Thanks to our sponsor, Cole Haan. You can hear more of Flora and other Gimlet hosts in conversation at ExtraordinariesOnTheMic.com, produced in partnership with Cole Haan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bubblegum: What’s That Flavor? Plus, What’s the Deal With Turkey Eggs?
Where does bubblegum flavor come from? A bubblegum bush? A beaver’s butt? We track down the original bubblegum flavor formula, and find out what’s in there. Plus, why turkey eggs aren’t a thing. Guests: Philadelphia events expert Scott Bruce, confectioners Bob Boutin and Mauricio Bobadilla, turkey biologist James Dickson and birder Laura Erickson. Thanks to callers Arrie and Chiara, and also to Phillip Clauer and Christine Alvarado for their egg-spertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Goldfish Swam Into Our Living Rooms. Plus, Best Pet Vocalist
How did goldfish come to dominate our fish bowls and pet stores? We dive into the history of America’s favorite finned pet. Plus, the fanciest goldfish money can buy, and the best pet in a vocal performance. Guests: Katherine "Kasey" Grier, the pet historian; Dave Mandley, goldfish freak. Thanks to caller Liana, pet owners Kerry Ann, Stephanie and Diane, and all the listeners who shared their pet’s special talent. Additional thanks to Katrina Gulliver, Mary Mannix, Liz Thomas, James Rada, Prosanta Chakrabarty, Konrad Dabrowski, Zachary Sperstad, Andrew Simons, Loren Miller, Barbara Mable, Peter Hundt, Norman Stacey, Larry Cleveland, Margaret Thomas Koogle, Charles B. Thomas, Jim Bland, Stephen Eaton, and Mike Rice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Old Graves: What Would You Find In There? Plus, the Scariest Creature Under the Sea
If you dug up the graves of our founding fathers, what would you find? Tri-corner hats and puffy shirts? A grave expert fills us in on what remains. Plus, a terrifying sea creature that lurks in the waters off northern Australia. Guests: Nicholas Bellantoni, former Connecticut State Archaeologist and author; jellyfish expert Lisa-ann Gershwin. Thanks to callers Brenda and Keira and all the listeners who shared their final wishes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Who Made ‘The Wave’ a Thing? Plus, a Mammal Mix-Up Made Right
When did “the wave” become a staple of stadium crowds? ELT talks to the professional cheerleader who first got fans out of their seats. Plus, the egg-laying mammal that is not a marsupial. We give monotremes their due. Guests: professional cheerleader “Krazy” George Henderson; weird-Australian-mammal expert Robin Beck. Thanks also to callers Leslie, Natalie, and Manuel. Got a burning question that needs answering? Call now: 833-RING-ELT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Do You Need to Warm Up Your Car? Plus, a Teeny, Glorious Car Hack
Tucked into your car’s dashboard is a tiny arrow that points to the side of the car with the gas tank cap. Who came up with it? ELT tracks down the inventor of this tiny, brilliant car hack. Plus, do you really need to warm up your car? Guests: Automobile aficionado Jason Torchinsky of Jalopnik; gas tank-indicator arrow inventor Jim Moylan. Thanks to caller Jonathan, the listeners who shared their car-spiracies, and the car experts who answered our questions. Have a tiny but important invention you want to know more about? Tell us who belongs on ELT’s Bulletin Board of Glory™. Email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
T. Rex Roar: How Is It Made? Plus, Would Dinosaurs Taste Like Chicken?
How did they make the dinosaur roars in the Jurassic Park movies? Flora talks with the sound engineers behind the bellows. Plus, ELT goes deep into the Mesozoic to find out what what dinosaurs looked (and tasted) like. Guests: Al Nelson and Pete Horner of Skywalker Sound; dinosaur expert Thomas R. Holtz Jr.; paleontologista Jingmai O’Connor Thanks to callers Gwen and Lilah and all the listeners who sent us dinosaur questions. Send audio of your animal star to [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Cheese: Why Do We Worship Rotten Milk? A NSFW History
When did someone first see a cheese curd and think, “Yeah, I’m going to eat that"? ELT traces the delicious and X-rated history of cheese. Plus, a professional processed cheese maker on how to make the most of the dairy aisle. Guests: cheese biochemist and historian Paul Kindstedt; processed cheese expert Lloyd Metzger; and cicada killer wasp biologist Chuck Holliday. Thanks to callers Kurt and Judi. Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why One Horrible Sound Haunts Reality TV. Plus, Is That Bug Threatening Me?
Who put the tension in reality TV? ELT tracks down the source of the nail biting-sound you can’t unhear. Plus, cicada killer wasps — a backyard horror story, turned intervention. Guests: sonic puppetmaster Rick Livingstone; cicada killer wasp expert Chuck Holliday. Thanks to callers Caitlin and Stephanie. Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Cha Cha Slide: How One Uncle Changed Weddings Forever
DJ Casper tells us the origin story of the Cha Cha Slide. Plus, The Nod’s Brittany Luse is astonished by the unreleased Cha Cha Slide Pt. 1. Guests: The Nod’s host, Brittany Luse; Willie Perry Jr. (aka DJ Casper aka Mr. C the Slide Man); former gym rat David Wilson; radio personality and actress La Donna “Tittle in The Middle” Tittle; and BBC Radio 1 host Scott Mills. Thanks to caller Rachael and line dance guru Kenny J. Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Who Invented the Bloomin’ Onion? Plus, Biology’s Best Butt
ELT goes down under, to expose one of the most impressive butts in the animal kingdom. Plus, the multi-layered origin story of the Bloomin' Onion. Guests: Science Vs. host, Wendy Zukerman; Wombat specialists, Alyce Swinbourne and Julie Old; ELT producer and fried appetizer fanatic, Phoebe Flanigan; Outback Steakhouse co-founder Tim Gannon; chef George Barnes Thanks to fact buddy Ivy. Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What Do Dogs Say When They Bark?
Is it possible to interpret what dogs are saying when they bark? We have the tools to help you do some ruff decoding. Plus, listeners share their real-life, unconventional Lassie stories. Guests: Dog bark researchers Péter Pongrácz and Kathryn Lord; behavioral scientist Susan Friedman. Thanks to dog callers Jacob, Alan, Katie R., Katie K., and Oren — and to everyone who sent in their pet stories. Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
WTF Do the ⏹ 🔼 ⏺ on My 👕 Tag Mean?
Plus, koala fingerprints, lobster pee and other hot facts. There are mysterious symbols inside your tee-shirt -- do you know what they mean? ELT reveals the secrets of The DaLaundry Code. Plus, lobsters pee from their faces, and other cocktail party fodder from our fact buddy exchange. Guests: Symbol whisperer John Langdon; Pascale Florant of GINETEX; Patrick A. Ayers of Vartest Labs. Thanks to laundry caller Ellen, Fran Kozen of Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology, and to our fact buddies Josh, Angela, Greg, Olivia, Chad, Kathryn, Rachel, Amber, Ivy and Lia. Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How to Spot a Spy
Does that person sitting next to you on the airplane REALLY work in IT? Plus, a tribute to the bedazzled sausage of the desert southwest, and more fun with pirates. Guests: ex-CIA operative Robert Baer, gila meister Dan Beck, and lady pirate expert Laura Sook Duncombe. Special thanks to callers “anonymous” and Eric — and to all of the listeners who sent us pirate questions. Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line: #(833) RING ELT. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Genius of Birds: Live From the Aspen Ideas Festival
Some birds can fashion tools and create tiny works of art, so why do we always underestimate their bird brains? In this panel discussion, recorded at the 2018 Aspen Ideas Festival, Flora talks with writer Jennifer Ackerman and crow expert Alex Taylor about the genius of birds. Guests: writer Jennifer Ackerman and New Caledonian crow expert Alex Taylor. Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Clowns and Crows: Weirder and Scarier Than You Think
ELT goes into the mind of a crow to find out if scarecrows work. Plus, a look at how clowns protect their clown IP with fact buddy Prashanth Venkat Guests: Julie "Lovely Buttons" Varholdt; crow expert Kevin McGowan. Thanks to Bruce Johnson (aka "Charlie the Juggling Clown") and Alan Zerobnick (aka “Zerbo the Clown” and “The Shoemaker to the Clowns"). Thanks also to callers Brian and Jordan. Find a link to the clown egg photos on our show page, and on Twitter and Facebook. Have a question that needs answering? Call the ELT Help Line #(833) RING ELT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
ARRRRR Pirate Peg Legs Really A Thing?
Pirate historian Laura Sook Duncombe tells us about the golden age of pirates. Plus, a tunnel follow up with Dr. Mole: where do the emergency exits in underwater tunnels go? Thanks to lady pirate expert Laura Sook Duncombe and tunnel afficionado Gary Brierley, aka Dr. Mole. Thank also to callers Captain Yarb and Kirsten. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Are Babies Born With Tails?
Plus, learn how to lie like a dad. Guests: Fake parenting expert Adam Mansbach; belly whisperer Tamara Duker Freuman; bird-watcher extraordinaire Amar Ayyash. Special thanks to Nicolas, Marisa, and everyone who called in with their Old Dad's Tales. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Is There a Secret Sixth Taste?
Is there more to your taste buds than you thought? ELT tackles a fat question. Plus, a #yesflamingo campaign update. Guests: Richard Mattes, taste czar; Sarah Laskow, reporter for Atlas Obscura. Special thanks to caller Samantha. *Correction: The Vegas Golden Knights mascot is not, in fact, a golden knight. It is Chance the gila monster. Our apologies to Chance and fans for the error. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Are You Living With a Psychopath?
Is your roommate trying to kill you? Learn how to spot the telltale signs of a psychopath. Guests: Jon Ronson, author of The Psychopath Test; cat psychologist Eva Waiblinger. Special thanks to caller Megan. *No animals were harmed in the making of this episode. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Who Invented the Scratch Ticket?
Plus, a look at lottery history, and your strangest raffle winnings. Guests: Jonathan Cohen, lottery historian; John Koza, co-founder of Scientific Games Callers: John Henry, D., Lisa, Megan. Hear your favorite Gimlet shows LIVE at Gimletfest this June 16-17 in Brooklyn. Buy tickets at gimletfest.com. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Does Popcorn Pop?
A kid caller pops the question: How does popcorn pop? Plus, the uncomfortable truth about baby corn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Public Toilets: To Sit Or To Hover?
Plus, how to pee in zero-G. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Are Used Car Ads So INSAAANNNE?
One man is to blame. Plus, vanity plates in the wild: IC A GR8 PL8. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.media/OurAdvertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Underwater Tunnels: HOW?
How they get that tunnel under there. Plus, a centuries-old scientific debate: why ice is slippery. Guests: Dr. Gary Brierley (aka Dr. Mole), tunnel engineer, Dr. Miquel Salmeron, physicist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Special thanks to callers Nikki and Erin. Check out the Terrifying Tunnel Video referenced in today's show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Do Dogs Have Belly Buttons?
Plus, dog clothes: where did they come from? To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.fm/sponsors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How to Get Paid to Clap on TV
Listener Mack asked about the unfamous people who fill empty seats at the Oscars. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.fm/sponsors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Does Music Give Us the Chills?
Why do we get goosebumps from music and other emotional experiences? Plus, the strangest things to give ELT listeners goosebumps. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.fm/sponsors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How Old Is Winnie the Pooh?
No, really - how old is he? To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.fm/sponsors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What Would Happen to Your Body in Space?
Flora finds out what would happen if she stepped into the vacuum of outer space. Then, an (Earth) vacuum paradox to end all paradoxes: which came first, the vacuum or the carpet? To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.fm/sponsors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Are "Speed Enforced by Aircraft" Signs a Lie?
First, Flora uncovers a feud about butterflies. Then, a question from the Help Line about aircraft patrol. To find a list of our sponsors and show-related promo codes, go to gimlet.fm/sponsors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Your Bedtime is Killing You
Flora stages a fact intervention with Prashanth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Voices Hiding in Your Favorite Movies
Invisible actors create worlds of sound in everything you watch - from Jaws to The Wire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How to Not Ruin Thanksgiving
Tips for being the #1 guest in the history of the universe. Plus, prunes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Invasion of the Self-checkout Machines
Self-service began in a Piggly Wiggly 100 years ago. How’d it become a way of life? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Case of the Missing Armadillos
Flora answers questions from the help line about an armadillo paradox and the DaVinci Code of pasta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bonus: Zombie Flamingo
Flora continues to champion the flamingo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Six O'Clock Soundtrack
How TV news got a score. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices