The History of the Shipping Container

The History of the Shipping Container

Transcript Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest impact. There is no better example of this in the modern world than the Intermodal Container, aka the shipping container.  You’ve probably seen them on ships, trains, and trucks, and believe it or not, these rectangular metal boxes are responsible for the entire modern economy. Learn …

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The Legend of Pope Joan

The Legend of Pope Joan

Podcast Transcript According to the records of the Catholic Church, there have been 266 men who have been pope.  However, for centuries it was thought that there was another pope not on the list that was different from all of the others. What made this pope different is that the pope was a woman. Learn …

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Fusion Power

Fusion Power

Podcast Transcript Ever since humans have understood the workings of the atom, the potential has existed for humanity to exploit the energy source which powers the stars: fusion power. Yet, for decades fusion power has been just out of our grasp. Some have said fusion is the power source of the future, and always will …

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The History of The International Red Cross and Red Crescent

The History of The International Red Cross and Red Crescent

Transcript Historically, in the aftermath of a battle, there was nothing formal in place to take care of injured or captured combatants. There was nothing formally or informally that dictated how such people should be treated.  One man in the 19th century, having seen the horror of war, decided to do something about it. It …

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Károly Takács: Ambidextrous Gold Medalist

Károly Takács: Ambidextrous Gold Medalist

Transcript If you are from Hungary, you have probably heard the story of Károly Takács. If you aren’t from Hungary, you probably haven’t, but probably should.  His story is remarkable not only for what he had to overcome but how he managed to overcome it.  Learn more about this remarkable Olympic Medalist on this episode …

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All About Uranium

All About Uranium

Podcast Transcript Every element on the periodic table has a completely different story. They behave differently, they exist in different abundances, and humans have totally different uses for them. One of the most controversial elements, if that is in fact a thing, is uranium.  Uranium can provide power, it can cause destruction, and most people …

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The Rise and Dramatic Fall of Sejanus

The Rise and Dramatic Fall of Sejanus

Transcript The second Roman emperor was Tiberius. His right-hand man was the leader of his Praetorian Guard, Lucius Aelius Seianus, known to us as Sejanus.  Over the years, Sejanus slowly gained power and influence as well as a host of enemies throughout Rome. Eventually, however, all of his social-climbing and power acquisition eventually came to …

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Plutonium

Plutonium

Podcast Transcript In 1939, the last naturally occurring element on Earth, Francium, was discovered. However, the periodic table of elements still wasn’t full.  The next year, a non-natural element was discovered: Plutonium.  This new element had fascinating properties which made it incredibly useful and incredibly dangerous.  Learn more about plutonium, how it is made, and …

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Everything You Wanted to Know About Seawater

Everything You Wanted to Know About Seawater

Podcast Transcript It covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, is one of the most common substances on Earth, and it makes up 97% of all our water. Despite being so common, it is also one of the most complex substances you’ll ever encounter.  You can swim and surf in it, but you can’t drink it.  …

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