Shows / Always Wondered
Always Wondered
Always Wondered. A podcast that takes a lighthearted look at everyday life's little mysteries.
Have you always wondered who came up with the idea for mouthwash? Who invented the Slinky? Why do we bless someone whenever they sneeze? How come there are dimples on a golf ball? Or what is the origin of the phrase "heard it through the grapevine"? These are the sort of questions that stir our curiosity, and the answers may just surprise you. Join host Rick Peterson every week for a fun and breezy…
Episodes
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - How Road Signs Got Their Shapes
In this episode of Always Wondered, buckle up as we decode the different shapes of traffic signs. Learn why your daily commute feels like an eighth-grade…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 54 Preview
In this upcoming episode of Always Wondered, buckle up as we decode the different shapes of traffic signs. Learn why your daily commute feels like an…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why Are Most People Right-Handed?
In this upcoming episode, we explore why most people are right-handed. Is it evolution? The brain? Or is the left hand secretly plotting something? Also, now…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 53 Preview
In this upcoming episode, we explore why most people are right-handed. Is it evolution? The brain? Or is the left hand secretly plotting something? Also, now…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - The Chocolate Chip Cookie Origin Story
In this episode of Always Wondered, we explore the accidental origin of the Chocolate Chip Cookie - proof that sometimes mistakes can be delicious! Also -…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 52 Preview
In our next episode of Always Wondered, we explore the accidental origin of the Chocolate Chip Cookie - proof that sometimes mistakes can be delicious! Also -…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why Do We Have Phobias?
This week on Always Wondered, we explore your brain’s favorite pastime - Phobias! Why does something that seems totally harmless suddenly have our knees…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 51 Preview
This week on Always Wondered, we explore your brain’s favorite pastime - Phobias! Why does something that seems totally harmless suddenly have our knees…
- Always Wondered
Always Wondered - The Truth Behind St. Patrick’s Day Myths
On this episode, St. Patrick’s Day is filled with tradition. But it turns out that many of those myths were invented by someone who probably had one too…
- Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Episode 50 Preview
On this episode, St. Patrick’s Day is filled with tradition. But it turns out that many of those myths were invented by someone who probably had one too…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why We Throw Salt Over Our Shoulders?
On this episode, we dive into the surprisingly spooky reason we throw salt over our shoulders. Are we trying to season evil spirits or simply wasting perfectly…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 49 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we dive into the surprisingly spooky reason we throw salt over our shoulders. Are we trying to season evil spirits or simply wasting…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - What is Karma?
In this episode, we explore the concept of Karma. Is it really an ancient cosmic justice system, or just the universe’s most aggressive rumor? Also, the…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 48 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we explore Karma. Is it really an ancient cosmic justice system, or just the universe’s most aggressive rumor? Also, the…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why Do We Get Goosebumps?
On this episode, we tackle the prickly mystery of goosebumps. Why is it whenever we get scared, our skin decides to do tiny hair push-ups? We’ve got the…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 47 Preview
On this episode, we tackle the prickly mystery of goosebumps. Why is it whenever we get scared, our skin decides to do tiny hair push-ups? We’ve got the…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Olympic-Sized Questions
The Winter Olympics are in full swing, so on this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the weird side of the greatest games in the world. We’ll…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 46 Preview
The Winter Olympics are in full swing, so on this upcoming episode, we’re diving headfirst into the weird side of the greatest games in the world…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - The Dark Origins of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is almost here, and we are diving deep into the wild and often weird customs that make up the holiday. But don’t expect roses and…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 45 Preview
Valentine’s Day is almost here, and we are diving deep into the wild and often weird customs that make up the holiday. But don’t expect roses and…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - What Does the “Q” Stand For in Q-Tip?
On this episode, we pay tribute to the month of February - exploring the weird history of how February drew the short straw when it came to days. Also, you may…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 44 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we pay tribute to the month of February - exploring the weird history of how February drew the short straw when it came to days…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why Do We Say “O’Clock” Whenever We Give The Time?
In this episode, we explore why we always close our eyes when we sneeze. It’s as if our bodies are telling us: “Look away, nothing to see…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 43 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we explore why we always close our eyes when we sneeze. It’s as if our bodies are telling us: “Look away, nothing to see…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why Do We Yell "Great Scott"!? Who's Scott? Why Was He Great?
On this episode, we're heading straight for the dessert table. When did dessert become a thing? And, more importantly, who do we thank for all that sweet…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 42 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we're heading straight for the dessert table. When did dessert become a thing? And, more importantly, who do we thank for all that…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Who Invented The Hot Dog?
On this episode, we ask why your grocery store line always seems to move more slowly than the rest! Is it bad luck? Or is the Universe secretly out to get you?…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 41 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we ask why your grocery store line always seems to move more slowly than the rest! Is it bad luck? Or is the Universe secretly out to…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why Do We Get The Hiccups?
On this episode, we explore the Universe's cruelest practical joke -- Hiccups. Why do we get them? And more importantly, why do they arrive at the worst…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 40 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we explore the Universe's cruelest practical joke -- hiccups. Why do we get them? And more importantly, why do they arrive at the…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why We Sing Auld Lang Syne on New Years Eve?
On this episode, we're giving New Year's Day its time in the spotlight - diving into the colorful and often weird traditions that make up the holiday. From…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 39 Preview
On this episode, we're giving New Year's Day its time in the spotlight - diving into the colorful and often weird traditions that make up the holiday. From…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - How We Got Some of our Favorite Holiday Customs
On this episode, we dive headfirst into the wild, wonderful, and sometimes weird traditions that make up Christmas. From dragging trees into the house, kissing…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 38 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we dive headfirst into the wild, wonderful, and sometimes weird traditions that make up Christmas. From dragging trees into the…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - When Did Clowns Become Creepy?
On this episode, we ask the question: when did clowns become creepy? How did we go from "fun with balloon animals" to "I'm sleeping with the lights on?" We'll…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 37 Preview
In this upcoming episode, we ask: when did clowns become creepy? How did we go from "fun with balloon animals" to "I'm sleeping with the lights on?" We'll look…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why Movie Trailers Play Before The Movie?
On this episode, we explore why movie trailers go before the movie, even though their name literally screams "I go last!" We'll dive head first into the…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 36 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we explore why movie trailers go before the movie, even though their name literally screams "I go last!" We'll dive head first into…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why Do We Say "P.U." When Something Stinks?
On this episode, we look at the weirdest thing that the Post Office ever allowed people to mail. And when you hear the answer, you're going to say "wait…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 35 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we look at the weirdest thing that the Post Office ever allowed people to mail. And when you hear the answer, you're going to say…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Where The Phrase "Take 40 Winks" Came From?
On this episode, hear about the time that extra-terrestrials may have actually given us a shout-out! Was it a cosmic prank, or maybe just an intergalactic butt…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 34 Preview
On this upcoming episode, hear about the time that extra-terrestrials may have actually given us a shout-out! Was it a cosmic prank, or maybe just an…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Is it "Ketchup" or "Catsup"?
On this episode, we tackle the condiment confusion over our favorite tomato sauce. Is it "Ketchup" or "Catsup"? We've got all the saucy details. Also, why does…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 33 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we tackle the condiment confusion over our favorite tomato sauce. Is it "Ketchup" or "Catsup"? We've got all the saucy details. Also…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Deja Vu - Why Does That Happen?
In this episode, we explore Deja Vu, the creepy feeling of "been there, done that." We'll explain why it happens. Also, hear the story of the song you can't…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 32 Preview
In this upcoming episode, we explore Deja Vu, the creepy feeling of "been there, done that." We'll explain why it happens. Also, hear the story of the song you…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Where The Custom of Clapping Came From?
On this episode, we explore the cold hard facts about Brain Freeze. One minute you're enjoying your favorite ice cream, and the next feels like a railroad…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 31 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we explore the cold hard facts about Brain Freeze. One minute you're enjoying your favorite ice cream, and the next feels like a…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why Do We Bob For Apples?
On this episode, we celebrate our most spine-tingling holiday - Halloween! Hear all about the costumes, the candy, the creepy houses, and why you're dunking…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Episode 30 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we celebrate our most spine-tingling holiday - Halloween! Hear all about the costumes, the candy, the creepy houses, and why you're…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - The Origin of the Potato Chip
On this episode, it's the origin of the Potato Chip. If it hadn't been for one angry chef, this snack may never have been created! Also - sharpen your Number 2…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - EP 29 Preview
On this episode, it's the origin of the Potato Chip. If it hadn't been for one angry chef, this snack may never have been created! Also - sharpen your Number 2…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why We Dream?
On this episode, we explore why we dream. What exactly do those nightly movies in our brain mean? Also - what were the first words ever uttered when man…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - EP 28 Preview
On this episode, we explore why we dream. What exactly do those nightly movies in our brain mean? Also - what were the first words ever uttered when man…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Where The Traditional "Seventh-Inning Stretch" Came From?
The baseball postseason is here, so in this episode, we explore the origin of the Seventh Inning Stretch. How did standing, stretching, and singing about…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - EP 27 Preview
The baseball postseason is here, so on this upcoming episode, we explore the origin of the Seventh Inning Stretch. How did standing, stretching, and singing…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why do People Shake Hands?
On this upcoming episode, we're exploring the custom of shaking hands. Spoiler alert: it's more than just a way to spread cold germs! Also, do bad things…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - EP 26 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we're exploring the custom of shaking hands. Spoiler alert: it's more than just a way to spread cold germs! Also, do bad things…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - Why Are There 7 Days A Week?
On this episode, we're counting the days - literally! We explore why there are seven days in a week - and how those days got their names. Also, why did mankind…
Always WonderedAlways Wondered - EP 25 Preview
On this upcoming episode, we're counting the days - literally! We explore why there are seven days in a week - and how those days got their names. Also, why…