Build For Tomorrow

In this engaging discussion, Alex Guarnaschelli, an Iron Chef and executive chef at Butter in NYC, dives into the fascinating and contentious history of margarine. She reveals how margarine began as a revolutionary, cost-effective alternative, only to be sabotaged by the dairy industry’s legislative maneuvers. The podcast examines the cultural significance of these spreads through time, the unjust regulations that stifled innovation, and the quirky food battles that have shaped American culinary preferences. Get ready for a flavorful history lesson!

Explore the thrilling rivalry between Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, and George Westinghouse in the electric current wars. Delve into Edison's fear-based tactics to sway public opinion against AC power and the contrasts in societal responses to electrification. Discover how innovations evolved from fascination to practical acceptance, despite initial fears like the unsettling promotion of the electric chair. Witness the transformative journey of electricity, marked by historical resistance and eventual embrace of this groundbreaking technology.

Dive into the tumultuous history of pinball, a game once deemed a menace to society. Discover how it transformed from a family favorite to a symbol of rebellion and crime. Uncover the dramatic actions taken by Mayor LaGuardia, who famously smashed machines in public displays. The discussion delves into the ongoing debate of whether pinball is a game of skill or chance, reflecting broader societal anxieties. Explore the cultural clash between youth enjoyment and adult fears as pinball fought for its place in American culture.

In this lively discussion, Mark Pendergrast, author of 'Uncommon Grounds,' reveals coffee's tumultuous history. He shares outrageous claims made against coffee, from impotence to brain damage, and how these controversies only fueled its popularity. Pendergrast explores the rise of Arabica coffee, John Harvey Kellogg's anti-coffee antics, and coffeehouses as political hubs. The conversation humorously intertwines coffee's cultural significance with a lighthearted look at historical perspectives, making a strong case for why coffee truly is the best part of waking up.

“One might suppose that the popular prejudice against vaccination had died out by this time,” one writer complains. It sounds like a lament from today, but in fact, it’s from 1875. Anti-vaxxers may seem like a product of our fake-news, health-hysteria modern times, but the fear that propels these skeptics is as old as the vaccine itself. How has modern medicine not shaken generations’ worth of suspicion and fear? We go back to look at two pivotal moments -- the birth of the vaccine and a 1905 Supreme Court case -- to understand what still motivates the anti-vaxxers of today.Get in touch!Instagram: @heyfeiferTwitter: @heyfeiferWeb: jasonfeifer.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Schenk, author of 'The Immortal Game', shares intriguing insights into the 1,500-year history of chess and its cultural significance. He discusses why chess has faced bans, touching on moral fears held by leaders throughout history. The conversation highlights the game’s journey from Asia to Europe and its transformation during the Islamic Empire. Schenk reveals unexpected benefits of chess, connecting its mental advantages to productivity in modern society, and argues that leisure activities like chess can enhance focus and creativity.

Discover how the bicycle, once feared for inciting madness and moral decline in women, sparked cultural anxieties in 19th-century England. Explore the transformation of public perception as bicycles evolved from symbols of chaos to agents of mental well-being and independence. Delve into the historical battles against gender norms and see parallels with today’s societal debates on women's rights. Uncover the fascinating journey of this two-wheeled invention and its profound impact on society and culture.

In 18th century London, umbrellas were scorned, seen as symbols of weakness rather than practicality. Jonas Hanway bravely championed their use, facing ridicule and even physical threats. This cultural resistance highlighted class struggles and masculinity norms. Over time, attitudes shifted, and the umbrella found its place, even making headlines with modern figures like President Obama. The podcast humorously ties in health critiques of tea, paving the way for a whimsical look at bicycles next.

Discover the fascinating history of New York's horse manure crisis and how the arrival of cars resolved it unexpectedly. Dive into the early 1900s when automobiles faced fierce skepticism, labeled as 'devil wagons.' Explore the intense cultural clash between car enthusiasts and horse lovers. Reflect on how marketing shaped perceptions of this new technology. Finally, draw intriguing parallels between past resistance to automobiles and today's hesitance towards self-driving cars, pondering how future generations will view human-controlled transport.

Dive into the early 1900s where recorded music faced fierce criticism for ruining art and affecting mental engagement. Discover how fears surrounding the phonograph transformed music consumption, shifting from live to recorded experiences. Explore John Philip Sousa's dire predictions about the future of live performances and how these concerns contrast with today's vibrant music landscape. Hear about trailblazing musicians like Viola Smith, showcasing the unique identities music can inspire amidst technological change.