New episode of INVENTION! Toys, Part 2 megaphone.link/invention As the holiday season sets in, we open up Santa’s toy bag to consider the invention of various toys -- toys intended to teach or puzzle and toys that leverage technology for good old fashioned childhood fun.

New episode of INVENTION! Toys, Part 3 megaphone.link/invention As the holiday season sets in, we open up Santa’s toy bag to consider the invention of various toys -- toys intended to teach or puzzle and toys that leverage technology for good old fashioned childhood fun.

Listener Mail: Year End Wrap-Up, Part 1 megaphone.link/invention As the first year of Invention comes to a close, we catch up on listener mail for everything from air conditioning and ketchup to toys and bubble wrap.

Listener Mail: Year End Wrap-Up, Part 2 megaphone.link/invention Join us for another round of listener mail on recent episodes devoted to the Microwave Oven and all sorts of toys!

Invention Classic: Chopsticks megaphone.link/invention Chopsticks are such an intuitive and precise eating utensil, it’s easy to assume they’ve been with us. But this neolithic invention didn’t really leave the kitchen for the dinner table in a major way till the 5th century CE.

Beachbum Berry on the Invention of the Mai Tai megaphone.link/invention The Mai Tai isn’t only the most famous Tiki cocktail, it’s one of the most well known cocktails on the planet. We turn to noted Tiki historian and mixologist Jeff “Beachbum” Berry for answers.

The Pencil megaphone.link/invention It’s easy to take the pencil for granted, but that eraser-capped wooden cylinder with a core of graphite has a story and a history -- and we explore it in this episode of Invention.

Strike the Match, Part 1 megaphone.link/invention Join us for a multi-episode Invention exploration on fire-generation technology.

Strike the Match, Part 2 megaphone.link/invention Mastery of fire was one of humanity’s greatest technological leaps forward, but even the ability to create fire only gets you so far. Thus, the quest to create the technology we so easily take for granted: the modern matchstick.

Strike the Match, Part 3 megaphone.link/invention Mastery of fire was one of humanity’s greatest technological leaps forward. Join us for part three of an exploration on fire-generation technology.

The Fire Extinguisher, Part 1 megaphone.link/invention Fire technology depends on the ability to not only create and foster fire, but also the ability to snuff it out. Today, the fire extinguisher is an important active fire protection device, but where does this tech emerge?

The Fire Extinguisher, Part 2 megaphone.link/invention Fire technology depends on the ability to not only create and foster fire, but also the ability to snuff it out. Today, the fire extinguisher is an important active fire protection device, but where does this tech emerge?

Barbed Wire megaphone.link/invention You may very well encounter barbed wire every day – and, in all likelihood, you see THROUGH this flesh-ripping barrier. Where did this invention come from? How did it change the world? We discuss “the devil’s rope” in this episode.

Invented Words, Part 1 megaphone.link/invention Where do new words come from? We explore in the latest episode of Invention.

Invented Words, Part 2 megaphone.link/invention Where do new words come from? We explore in the latest episode of Invention.

Invention Classic: Penicillin megaphone.link/invention A fungal accident in the early 20th century opened the door for the medical wonders of the antibiotic age. In this episode, learn what came before and how Alexander Fleming’s discovery changed the world. (Published 7/15/19)

Invention Classic: Sun Glasses megaphone.link/invention It’s hard to imagine how anyone looked cool before the invention of sunglasses, but just when did humans pop their first pair of shades (Originally published 1/7/2019)

Invention Classic: The Museum megaphone.link/invention We all love a good museum, but how long have we had them? In this episode of Invention, we discuss just what a museum actually is and when the concept seems to have entered human civilization. (7/1/2019)

Invention Classic: Chewing Gum megaphone.link/invention Chewing gum is everywhere today, but where does it come from? What did we chew before Bubblicious? How does gum affect us?

Soap megaphone.link/invention We’re all probably using a lot more soap these days, but… what is it exactly? How does it work? Who invented it and how has it changed the world? Join us as we explore the invention of Soap.