Forever Ago

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.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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you have a favorite stuffed animal? Maybe it’s a unicorn, or an axolotl, or a classic stuffed bear. Whatever it is, you can thank a former U.S. President for helping make stuffies a thing. Join Joy and co-host Luke as they learn about the origins of the Teddy Bear and find out about a stuffed possum that should’ve been the next big toy craze, but never caught on. Plus another round of 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re so thrilled to be back that we’re celebrating with a very special episode. It’s a First Things First Spectacular! We’ll be playing three different rounds of the game where we put things in the order they came in history. We’ve brought in three history experts and three kid co-hosts to help. So strap on your history hats and get ready for a fact-tastic time!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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready to explore the before... some more! That's right, a brand new season of Forever Ago is around the corner. Tell your friends! Let your enemies know by sending them a cryptic message 🎧🕰️ ⒻⒶ🔙🔜 🕰️🎧 Leak it to the press! The first episode drops March 11, and it's a doozy - an all First Things First episode. Make sure you're subscribed, so you won't miss a thing. Want to listen to Forever Ago without the ads? Sign up for Smarty Pass, and you'll get ad-free versions of Forever Ago, Brains On, Smash Boom Best and more! As an independent podcast, we count on subscriptions to keep our shows going. Thank you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Woooohooooo and historical HUZZAH! We are coming back next spring and can't wait for you to hear all that we have planned. Now that Forever Ago and the entire Brains On Universe are independent, we need your support more than ever. We make the show for you, and we can't make it without you. Help us make this the best season yet, and subscribe to Smarty Pass. You get ad-free versions of Forever Ago, Brains On, Smash Boom Best and Moment of Um. There are also discounts on live events and merch, plus hangouts with the show creators. Do you want a personalized message from a mayonaise-hating, elephant-loving, historical host with chuztpah (aka Joy Dolo)?!? Well, friend, you are in luck. Not only is that part of our Galactic Explorers club tier, but it's currently on sale - don't delay! Sign up for your Smarty Pass today. We can't wait to explore the before with you again next spring!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop us a line, head to brainson.org. The best way to keep us going is to join Smarty Pass or donate here: https://brainson.supercast.com. Thank you!See Smash Boom Best LIVE in Princeton, NJ!Join us at the McCarter Theatre for a live, in-person version of Smash Boom Best, an award winning podcast for kids and families! Each live show takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets the audience decide which is best. Host Molly Bloom moderates a debate between two performers who make their case using facts fueled by jokes, physical comedy, and the occasional song and dance. At the end, the audience votes for the winner and crowns the Smash Boom Best – all while learning how to defend their own opinions and make the strongest arguments for their case. While we are in town, we are throwing a Smash Boom Spectacular Party right after the live show and YOU are invited! This won't be just any party. You will get to meet host Molly Bloom and our debaters. They'll be playing games with you, singing songs, answering your questions, and posing for photos. Plus, you'll get to take home an awesome, one-of-a kind Smash Boom Best goodie bag. You can gain access to this SBSP (Smash Boom Spectacular Party) by purchasing a VIP ticket* when you make your purchase. See you there!DETAILS & TICKETSMcCarter Theatre CenterOctober 26, 2025 at 3:00pm ET91 University PlacePrinceton, NJ 08540Buy Tickets HereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're moving the Brains On Universe Headquarters, and that means we have to stop putting out new episodes until we get settled. We know: not cool. But, our new home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit.In the meantime, we still have some live shows planned this fall. Brains On Live will be in Dallas, TX on September 13. And Smash Boom Best will bring the debate heat to Princeton, NJ on October 26. Head over to brainson.org/events to get tickets. We can't wait to high five you all in person!And, if you want to be the first to hear about our shiny, new home, sign up for our newsletter. There will be six more bathrooms, 10 more water slides and, we're finally going to fix the doorbell! Also, if you have any questions or want to reach out to us, you can still head to brainson.org/contact to get in touch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our world is filled with uniforms. From mail carriers, to sports teams to students! This week, Joy, cohost Hannah and Articles of Interest’s Avery Trufelman trace the history of school uniforms, from their start 800 years ago in England, to their popularization in America by immigrants. We’ll also dive into the pros and cons of uniforms and hear from listeners about their thoughts. Plus, a fashionable First Things First!Avery Trufelman hosts Articles of Interest, a podcast about what we wear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy and co-host Obasi are so obsessed with historical spycraft that they become top secret spies! Their mission, should they choose to accept it: investigate the life of superstar Josephine Baker.Josephine danced and sang on the biggest stages of Europe in 1920s and 30s — and fell in love with France. In fact, she loved the people of France so much that she was willing to risk her life as a spy during World War II. Her story has everything: coded messages written in invisible ink, dangerous missions and even a pet cheetah! All that, plus a new First Things First!Featured experts: Hanna Diamond is a historian and author of Josephine Baker’s Secret War. This episode was sponsored by:Disney - Experience Disney's Elio, only in theaters June 20. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, sports are popular all over the world! But have you ever wondered what the first team sport was? This week, Joy and cohost Xenia learn all about the Mesoamerican Ball Game, which is more than 3,000 years old! And they meet someone who is still playing today! Plus, a game of first things first that you won’t ball-lieve!This episode was sponsored by:Disney - Experience Disney's Elio, only in theaters June 20. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy is a real cool customer. How cool? Well, let’s just say she regularly sleeps in feline PJs, aka the cat’s pajamas. Cat’s pajamas are slang for something being really cool. To prove how much slang she knows, Joy plays a game of First Things First featuring some of her favorite slang terms. Only the coolest kids can win the game, daddy-o.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy is so excited to be going on her first big camping trip, but she needs help – STAT! How do you put up a tent, anyway? And how do you make perfect, ooey gooey s’mores?! Luckily, her Girl Scout buddy and cohost Flora is here to help!Join Joy and Flora on their camping trip, while they explore the history of the Girl Scouts! This super popular group teaches girls all kinds of skills, from managing money to how to be a good friend. Over a million girls across the U.S. are members – but how did the group get started anyway? (Spoiler: it all began with one courageous woman who had a big idea!) Plus, the story of another courageous woman who fought to ensure Black girls could join the Girl Scouts, too! And as always, a tasty new First Things First for you to sink your teeth into!This episode was sponsored by:Disney - Experience Disney's Elio, only in theaters June 20. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s episode is all about the best breakfast topping, the sap that slaps…maple syrup! If you’ve ever had maple syrup on your pancakes or waffles, you have the Native people of what’s now called North America to thank for that. Native people have been making maple syrup for hundreds, if not thousands of years.Tag along with Joy and cohost Marvin as they explain how syrup is made. Minnesota Public Radio reporter Chandra Colvin also drops by to share how Native communities continue this centuries-old syrup tradition. Plus, you won't want to miss a new First Things First, so stick around!Featured Experts:Chandra Colvin is a reporter for Native News at Minnesota Public Radio. She’s also a member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. You can find more of her work here.Forest Hunt is a plant scientist with the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute. They are a direct descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota.Shirley Boyd and Bette Sam are elders in the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forever Ago is on Spring Break this week! We’ll be back next week with a brand new episode all about the magic of maple syrup. In the meantime, enjoy this saucy showdown from our friends at Smash Boom Best!Today’s debate is a captivating clash of two condiments. It’s Ketchup vs. Ranch! We’ve got comedian and writer Devohn Bland here to defend team Ranch and voice actor Merk Nguyen ready to fight for Ketchup! Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Vote below for the team YOU think won! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fireworks dazzle us on special holidays, at flashy concerts and during some big public events (National Mr. Potatohead Day anyone?). But did you know people have been using fireworks to celebrate for centuries?This week Joy and cohost Elliott learn about how firecrackers started with exploding bamboo in ancient China and how a couple of monks accidentally invented gunpowder. All this, plus an explosive new round of First Things First.Featured Experts:Dr. Haiwang Yuan is a writer, translator, and retired professor of Western Kentucky University who specializes in Chinese history, culture and language.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forever ago is back with a brand new episode all about the Native Youth Olympics! Join Joy and cohost Ali to learn all about how a group of students in Alaska started a sporting event that today has hundreds of participants! Plus, a brand new game of First Things First!Featured Experts:Nicole Johnson is the Head Official at the Native Youth Olympics in Anchorage, Alaska. She is also an instructor and former athlete of the games.Resources:Want to learn more about the Native Youth Olympics?You can find links to info on the 2025 Native Youth Olympics on their website here– including a livestream of the games running April 24-26, 2025! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of people around the world love to watch the magical, musical, dance-filled films from India. The industry is nicknamed Bollywood. And its roots go back over 100 years, to a silent, black and white movie made by a man named Dadasaheb Phalke. Join Joy and co-host Senna as they explore the life of this pioneering filmmaker, while excavating an ancient video rental store. Plus a binge-worthy First Things First!This episode is brought to you by Greenlight! Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Joy Dolo loves the listeners of Forever Ago – but does she love them enough to do an episode about her nemesis MAYONNAISE??? Yes, yes she does. Joy faces down her least favorite food to learn about the origins of this very popular condiment, and co-host Maya calls in Splendid Table’s Francis Lam to help Joy open her mind to mayo. Plus, a gloopy game of First Things First!This episode is brought to you by Greenlight! Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Forever Ago friends! Happy April Fools Day! We’re so excited to be back in your ears with brand new episodes next week, on April 9th! No fooling, we promise!! But we are celebrating by re-releasing our episode all about the history of April Fools Day. Happy Pranking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a real whale of a story for you this week! It’s a FIN-tastic classic. Joy and cohost Mina meet up with Hugh the humpback whale to hear the story of Marie Fish, a real-life biologist who used underwater microphones to show the world that life under the sea is full of sounds. Then, they’ll hear how scientist Roger Payne changed the course of history for whales by releasing a record of their songs. Don’t forget a splashy new First Things First!A huge thank you to Science Friday’s podcast “Undiscovered” for sharing a recording of their interview with Roger Payne. This episode also includes recordings from Whale.org, Ocean Alliance and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Library.Want to learn more about how and why whales make songs and clicks?Check out Brains On episode about whale communication here.This episode was sponsored by:Wondery - Follow 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast and unlock weekly Christmas mystery bonus content and listen to every episode ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rap music is one of the most popular genres of music in the world today. But where did it all begin? Join hosts Joy and Savion as they go back to the 1970s to hear two stories about how rap music started. Learn how one teenager's back-to-school party brought together beats and rhyming to form a new style of music. And find out how a female record producer introduced rap music to the radio for the first time. All that plus a fresh First Things First. Hip hop and you don’t stop!This episode is brought to you by Wondery. Follow 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast and unlock weekly Christmas mystery bonus content and listen to every episode ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As times change, so do jobs, and careers that once were common can go extinct! Join Joy and co-host Amirah as they head to the world famous “This Used to be a Career Fair.” There, you’ll hear about knocker uppers, switchboard operators, ornamental hermits and other unique jobs that have gone away as technology and culture have changed. Plus, listeners share their ideas for new jobs that will exist in the future, and we play a brand new game of First Things First!This episode was sponsored by:Wondery - Follow 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast and unlock weekly Christmas mystery bonus content and listen to every episode ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You probably know Sesame Street as a fun, fast-paced show full of talking puppets, like Elmo and Big Bird. But it actually started as a huge experiment to see if TV could change kids’ lives for the better! Join Joy and co-host Truman as tell the tale of how Sesame Street came to be. It’s a wild story full of big gambles, creative ideas, haters and doubters! Along the way, they’ll help a very eager actor get ready for a big audition. Plus, a new First Things First featuring three iconic Sesame Street characters! This episode brought to you by Wondery. Follow 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast and unlock weekly Christmas mystery bonus content and listen to every episode ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the holiday season, which for Forever Ago host Joy Dolo means one thing: DEALS! Help her check off her holiday shopping list with a game of First Things First, where she and co-host Petra guess the order three classic toys were invented in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Friday is a huge shopping holiday in the U.S. that happens the day after Thanksgiving. There are tons of sales and sometimes people even wait for hours outside of stores to get the best deals! But where did this mega shopping day even come from? And what’s in it for the stores?Forever Ago and Million Bazillion have teamed up to investigate! Join Joy Dolo and co-host Petra as they travel back in time to find out how Black Friday started. Then, join Million Bazillion’s hosts Bridget Bodnar and Ryan Perez at the mall to learn how stores come up with deals and what to watch out for when you’re shopping for holiday gifts. It’s an epic crossover episode you won’t want to miss!This episode was sponsored by:Greenlight - Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gladiators were professional fighters who lived thousands of years ago in ancient Rome. But they weren't just fighters, they were also influencers who helped sell products and were hugely popular with fans.Join Joy and co-host Juliette as they explore the history of these athletes – and learn how some of them tried to escape their lives of constant battle. They’ll hear the story of one of the most famous gladiators of all time, Spartacus, and the revolution he led. Plus, a sporty new First Things First!Featured Expert:Dr. Fiona Radford is a historian who specializes in ancient Rome. She also co-hosts The Partial Historians podcast. This episode was sponsored by:Greenlight - Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.Goodie Witch Books - Combine the spirit of Halloween with the magic of giving with Goodie Witch!: Spreading the Magic of Kindness, available at Amazon.Wild Interest: Let your kids' imaginations run wild and check out the new podcast Wild Interest wherever you get your podcasts. wildinterest.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in for a super special election day episode from our friends at The Ten News!🗳️ It’s Election Day and Pamela is driving Ryan to the polls🎙️Ten’ers Tupelo and Everrett have taken over the studio!🤯 Get caught up on the key things to remember about today.⁉️ Ten’er Alonso has an important question🌐 And let’s not forget about the rest of the world. Ten News Correspondent Jamie looks at elections around the world.About The Ten News:The Ten News releases weekly 10 Things You Need to Know episodes on Thursdays and monthly Deep Dives. The episodes are packed full of news, stories, and fun for kids and their families. Follow The Ten News wherever you listen to podcasts, and visit us online at http://www.thetennews.com/Click to follow link.">www.thetennews.com to check out past episodes, sign up for news updates, and dive deeper into the world around you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy April Fool’s Day! Just kidding, we know it’s October. But that doesn’t stop Joy from celebrating April Fool’s Day all year round — especially with lots of banana peels and whoopee cushions! Join Joy and co-host Michalea as they explore how the prankiest day of the year might’ve started. They’ll hear about some of the most epic pranks throughout history, from hot dog-flavored fizzy drinks to spaghetti-growing trees. Plus, Brains On! host Molly Bloom drops by to talk about how posting fake information online is bad news. And last but not least, another mischievous game of First Things First!This episode was sponsored by:Greenlight-Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Usually, bonus episodes like this are exclusively for Smarty Pass subscribers but this month we’re sharing them with all our listeners. If you like this bonus episode and want to hear fun games every month, plus ad-free episodes, sign up for Smarty Pass!Forever Ago host Joy Dolo is producing the greatest film ever made: her life story! The only problem is her friend and script editor Molly Bloom has a few questions about Joy’s story. When did Joy graduate from college? When did she get glasses? When did she start performing improv? There’s only one real way to get to the answers Molly needs and that’s with a game of First Things First!To get more bonus episodes like this every month, sign up for Smarty Pass at SmartyPass.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 is an election year, where Americans will vote for a new president. Join Joy and co-host to Em as they learn all about what it takes to be President, and hear about Shirley Chisholm, a trailblazer who was the first Black woman ever to run for the office. Plus, a brand new game of First Things First!This episode was sponsored by:Greenlight - Help your kids learn to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for teens. Visit Greenlight.com/inclined.Goodie Witch Books - Combine the spirit of Halloween with the magic of giving with Goodie Witch!: Spreading the Magic of Kindness, available at Amazon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.