PBS
Draugr: The Undead Nordic Zombie
What do the Sagas of the Icelanders and Game of Thrones have in common? Dr. Zarka answers this question and explores how the draugr, Nordic undead monsters, bear a striking resemblance to the White Walkers—and more importantly, how these...
PBS
Why Do We Have Hobbies?
Where did the concept of a hobby come from? And how did humans turn the things they do purely for fun into side hustles and competitions that actually pay the bills?
PBS
Why Do We Shake Hands?
Will we ever shake hands again?! With the current state of the world, no one can really say. But that got us wondering... why do we shake hands in the first place? Today, Danielle traces the history of the handshake from Babylonia and...
PBS
What is Racial Passing?
What motivates someone to disguise their race, gender, religion, etc.? Today Danielle explores the complicated history of passing in the United States.
PBS
The Wilhelm Scream and Iconic Sounds of Horror Cinema (feat. Monstrum's Emily Zarka)
You may not know their names, but the theremin and the wilhelm scream are ubiquitous in horror films. Today, Danielle and special guest Dr. Emily Zarka tell the spooky tales of how these iconic sounds ended up in your favorite movies!
PBS
Why Do We Go to Prom?
Prom has become the defining moment of many American students' high school experiences. But why has a single night of partying come to represent a crucial coming of age moment? Today, Danielle examines the history of prom and how...
PBS
Why Does "Straight" Mean Heterosexual?
When did we start defining sexual orientation and how did that result in "straight" becoming a synonym for "heterosexual"? Today Danielle follows the winding history of the word through medical terms, lavender linguistics, and community...
PBS
Economic Lessons from Past Pandemics
It's a weird time to be alive. A pandemic is sweeping the world and life as we know it has gone through a seismic shift in a matter of weeks. But this isn't the first time humans have encountered an epidemic. Today, Danielle (from the...
PBS
Why Are There 12 People on a Jury?
When picturing a jury, you probably imagine 12 people - no more, no less. But did you know there is no hard and fast rule about how many members are required on a jury? Today, Danielle looks at the differences between petit and grand...
PBS
When did the News Start?
We all have news cycle fatigue. If it’s not struggling to find reliable sources online, then it’s figuring out how to sift through the myriad of competing (and sometimes conflicting) headlines that roll across our TV screens, cell phones...
PBS
Why Do We Have Housing Projects?
What's the history behind public housing? Why do governments all over the world subsidize housing for the public. Today, Dannielle look at the evolution of housing projects and how the government got into the landlord game.
PBS
Why Doesn't the US Have Paid Parental Leave?
The day is finally here! Your baby has arrived and you're officially a new parent! But how long until that new baby smell wears off and you're forced to return to work and find reliable childcare? Today Danielle looks at the history...
PBS
Why Are There SO Many Confederate Monuments?
Origin of Everything takes a field trip to Washington, D.C. and explores the painful history and legacy of America's Civil War. Danielle looks at Confederate and Union Civil War monuments and what spurred their construction after the war.
PBS
Do We Still Need Libraries?
In the internet age what's the point of libraries? Do we even still need these brick and mortar buildings when a lot of knowledge can be found online? Today, Danielle examines the history of libraries around the world and what role they...
PBS
Why are Patriotic Songs All the Same? (W/ 12tone & TheLingSpace!)
Why do so many anthems and patriotic songs from across the globe sound the same? Today Danielle joins forces with Cory from 12tone and Moti from The Ling Space to find out what makes a tune suitable for patriotic songs and how those...
PBS
Why Do We Have Private Prisons?
The US imprisons more people than any other country in the world. Today, Danielle explores why so many Americans are incarcerated and why we've turned to private prisons to hold that population.
PBS
Evolution of Law Enforcement
With ongoing protests across the United States and the globe against law enforcement violence and extrajudicial killings of people in Black, brown, and impoverished communities, the world is contemplating the place of police in our...
PBS
History of Socialism in America
"Socialism" is one of THE most divisive words in America and it has been for a long time. With Democratic Socialism gaining more and more popularity, Danielle takes a look back at the long history of Socialism in America. From the...
PBS
Why Do We Have Political Parties?
John Adams warned us. George Washington begged us not to. Despite numerous warnings, here we are on the cusp of the 2020 election with two major parties locked in a perpetual struggle for power. Today Danielle looks at the emergence of...
PBS
Why Does the Government Pay for Art?
Is art a public good? Why is the government even paying for art in the first place? Today, Danielle explores the US government's history of commissioning art and how that lead to the NEA.
PBS
Why Are Prescription Drugs SO Expensive?
Why are prescription drugs so expensive in the United States? Why does the same medication cost significantly less in other countries around the world? Today Danielle examines the history of pharmaceutical regulation in America and how...
PBS
Backstreet Boys to BTS: The Science Behind Why We Love Boy Bands
Everybody, rock your body and get ready to scream! Today Origin is looking at all things boy band! Danielle traces the history of boy ensembles from early Beatlemania to today, examines the markers of a classic boy band, and explains the...
PBS
HIV/AIDS: What Can We Learn From America's Last Epidemic?
America's last major epidemic was the HIV/AIDS crisis of 1980s and 1990s. In order to better understand our current circumstances, Danielle is looking back at the legacies of action and inaction surrounding HIV/AIDS and how the...
PBS
The Homophobic Origins of U.S. Law
Laws are intended to maintain order and promote justice, but what happens when those laws promote and spread discrimination and bigotry? Today Danielle analyzes the homophobic history of US law, tracing its origins in colonialism all the...