Shows / Forever Ago
Forever Ago
Brains On Universe presents Forever Ago®, a history show for the whole family! Every episode looks into the surprising and fascinating history of things we think are ordinary, but they’re not -- like ice cream flavors, video games, baths and more. We make learning about the past fun while teaching listeners to think critically about history.
Episodes
- Forever Ago
The emperor who tried to live forever
Today we learn about Qin Shi Huang, a man who did a lot of big things. He was the first emperor of China, he started the Great Wall and he had thousands of…
- Forever Ago
Who invented Trick or Treating?
Trick or treating is a fun time. You go around ringing door bells, dressed in a costume, and you get candy! But how did this sweet tradition get started? Turns…
- Forever Ago
Sneak Peek: Molly debates Sanden in Sloths vs Cheetahs!
Molly Bloom as a debater? It’s true! This is a sneak peek at a bonus episode we just shared in our Smarty Pass feed. Molly debates Sanden in a Smash Boom Best…
- Forever Ago
Mystery History Sounds: Put your listening to the test
This week Joy and co-host Gabi are having a history sound extravaganza! Join them as they listen to mystery sounds from the past and learn a little about the…
- Forever Ago
Joy Dolo debates: Watermelon vs Cotton Candy
Today we're sharing an episode of our sister show Smash Boom Best! In today’s debate, we’ve got two sweet treats that are delights to eat. We have Forever Ago…
- Forever Ago
What's the history of chocolate?
Chocolate. You know it. You love it. You can’t get enough of it. Today, we think of chocolate as a sweet treat, but for most of human history, it was actually…
- Forever Ago
Sneak peek: The history of pineapple pizza
This is a sneak peak of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass members. It’s a follow up to our Forever Ago episode on the history of pizza. In this one, we…
- Forever Ago
More slang words: Aura, OK and glitch
This week Joy and co-host Xenia are back with another slang episode that’s the pig’s elbow (trust us, it’s a good thing). Learn about how “aura” went from…
- Forever Ago
Wizard of Oz mystery: Who stole the ruby slippers?
We’re not done with Wizard of Oz history yet! Today it’s the tale of Dorothy’s famous ruby red slippers. A pair of these famous movie props went missing years…
- Forever Ago
What's the history of the Wizard of Oz?
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most influential stories around. What started as a children’s book went on to inspire countless other books, movies and…
- Forever Ago
The rise and fall of fancy men
We can learn a lot about what a culture thinks is important through its fashion. These days, most men don't wear makeup to work, or lace collars, or powdered…
- Forever Ago
How pizza took over the world
Pizza is a food loved around the world. It started as a local dish served by street vendors in Naples, Italy. Not everyone loved it right away. But over time…
- Forever Ago
How did air travel first take off?
Hundreds of thousands of flights take off each and every day. Airplanes make it possible for us to connect with people around the world and see all different…
- Forever Ago
Toy Time! What’s the history behind yo-yos, hula hoops and slime?
For as long as there have been humans, there have been toys! But do you know the history behind some of your favorites? Join Joy and Evette as they tackle the…
- Forever Ago
Sneak peek: Hoax Hunters explain the Pokemon Shock
This is a sneak peek of a bonus episode available to Smarty Pass subscribers. It’s a follow up to the Forever Ago episode about the history of Pokemon. This…
- Forever Ago
Day in the Life: Ancient Rome
The Ancient Roman empire thrived over 2,000 years ago. You may have heard about gladiators, the Coliseum or leaders like Alexander the Great. But what was…
- Forever Ago
Who invented Pokémon?
Pokémon is a mega-smash hit around the world. There are TV shows, movies, card games, toys, and of course, video games. It all started with a boy who loved…
- Forever Ago
Forever Ago Season 9 starts August 5th!
Get ready to start historymaxxing because Forever Ago's latest season is back Wednesday, August 5th! We've got terrific new topics from Pizza, to Wizard of…
- Forever Ago
How did soccer start?
Soccer is the most popular sport on the planet. But how did it get its start? And why do some people call it “soccer”, while others call it “football?” Hear…
- Forever Ago
Bird poop facials and toilet masks: Skin care of the past
There are so many trends in skin care, from fun-shaped pimple patches to Korean sheet masks. They might seem like the latest fad, but did you know some of…
- Forever Ago
Why did it take so long for the U.S. to pick its national anthem?
It’s super common for a country to have a national anthem. That’s an official song that is sung at special events and is supposed to bring people together. The…
- Forever Ago
From Skibidi to Slay: The stories behind slang
Skibidi, rizz and slay are examples of slang. Slang words are fun, zippy terms that usually spread from one small group of people, to the entire world. This…
- Forever Ago
The Titanic was called unsinkable, so why did it sink?
The Titanic sank only four days into its voyage. Even though the ship was lost to the ocean, the history and stories survived. Join Joy and her co-host Juniper…
Forever AgoDaylight Saving: The surprising story behind why we change our clocks
Twice a year, many countries move their clocks by an hour. But why? It turns out humans have been messing with minutes and hours for centuries. Join Joy and…
Forever AgoFrom sickness to sweetness: the story of Candy Land
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…
Forever AgoHow diamonds became the symbol of love
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…
Forever AgoWhy are they called Teddy Bears?
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…
Forever AgoFirst Things First Spectacular
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…
Forever AgoForever Ago Season 8 is coming!!!
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…
Forever AgoForever Ago is coming back and we want your help
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…
Forever AgoWe’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters
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…
Forever AgoA big update about Forever Ago and the Brains On Universe
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…
Forever AgoWhere did school uniforms come from?
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…
Forever AgoJosephine Baker: Diva and WWII spy!
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…
Forever AgoPlay ball! The first team sport
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…
Forever AgoSmarty Pass Bonus: First Things For Shizzle
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…
Forever AgoHow did the Girl Scouts get started?
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…
Forever AgoWhere does maple syrup come from?
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…
Forever AgoForever Ago is on Spring Break this week! Enjoy this saucy showdown from our friends at Smash Boom Best!
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…
Forever AgoOOO, AHHHH! The history of fireworks
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…
Forever AgoHow teens invented the Native Youth Olympics
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…
Forever AgoThe birth of Bollywood movies
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…
Forever AgoThe history and mystery of mayonnaise
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…
Forever AgoNo Fooling! Forever Ago is back April 9th!
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…
Forever AgoSongs of the Humpback Whale: How one record helped save the whales
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…
Forever AgoHip-Hop History: How teenagers invented rap music
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…
Forever AgoJobs that don’t exist anymore
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…
Forever AgoHow Sesame Street tried to change the world
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…
Forever AgoSmarty Pass Sneak Peek: Black Friday Special
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…
Forever AgoWhat’s the history of Black Friday?
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…
Forever AgoWho were the gladiators?
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…
Forever AgoThe Ten News: Election Day Kid Takeover
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…
Forever AgoGotcha! The history of April Fool’s Day
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…
Forever AgoSmarty Pass Presents: Truth or Truth
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…
Forever AgoWho was the first Black woman to run for president?
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…
Forever AgoWhy do we carve pumpkins on Halloween?
Joy’s ready for some Halloweeny fun, but her jack-o’-lantern pal Lionel wants to skip the whole thing. He doesn’t understand why carving pumpkins is such an…
Forever AgoHow did we send messages before cell phones?
Joy has a top secret message to deliver. There’s just one problem– she’s locked outside without her computer or phone! How will she send her VERY important…
Forever AgoSmarty Pass Sneak Peek: Ragin’ road trip
Joy and Anna are amped to go on a fun road trip! And with a garage full of transportation options nothing is gonna stop them from hitting the road. Grab your…
Forever AgoBanjos Pt. 2: Bluegrass, Beyoncé and Beyond
We’re back with part two of our string-tastic story of the banjo! In the last episode, musician Rhiannon Giddens helped tell the origin story of the banjo, an…
Forever AgoSmarty Pass Sneak Peek: Olympic History
This summer it’s the 2024 Olympic games! In honor of this sporty season, Forever Ago host Joy Dolo quizzes producers Rosie duPont and Anna Weggel all about…