This podcast explores the office of the chief medical examiner in Baltimore, Maryland, and their use of nutshell studies - miniature dioramas depicting scenes involving dead people. It discusses the work of Frances Glesner-Lee, who created the Nutshell Studies and their impact on training homicide detectives. The podcast also highlights the solutions presented by attendees of a seminar on the nutshells, emphasizing their importance as teaching tools. Finally, it mentions the 70th anniversary of the podcast and a challenge coin created to celebrate it.

Exploring the fading popularity of billiards, decline of pool halls in Chicago, challenges in producing billiard balls, transition from ivory to Bakelite, issue with celluloid ping pong balls

Discover the fascinating story of Victor Gruen, the mastermind behind the Gruen Effect, and how he revolutionized retail design. Explore the vision and impact of architect Victor Gruen, who sought to create communal third places through the design of shopping malls. Learn about the rise of lifestyle centers and the repurposing of shopping malls into community-centric spaces. Explore the design and atmosphere of shopping malls, their abandonment, and a website dedicated to documenting their demise.

Explore the tragic life of Sarah Winchester and her construction project to appease the spirits of Winchester rifle victims, as well as the myths and realities surrounding the infamous Winchester Mystery House. Unravel the mystery of Sarah Winchester's house by examining theories and perspectives, and discover the motivations and innovations behind the enigmatic Winchester Mystery House.

Learn about the Ghost Army, a top secret unit in World War II that used deception tactics to trick the enemy. Discover how they impersonated a larger armored division using inflatable vehicles and sound recordings. Uncover the remarkable achievements of the artists from the Ghost Army and the government's decision to keep them a secret until the 1980s.

The pursuit of lock picking is as old as the lock, which is itself as old as civilization. But in the entire history of the world, there was only one brief moment, lasting about 70 years, where you could put … Continue reading → Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to ad-free new episodes and get exclusive access to bonus content.

Explore the historical origins of the Gregorian calendar and its irregularities. Learn about the discovery of the true length of the year and the invention of leap year. Discover the history of calendar reform, including a radical 13-month calendar design. Understand the challenges faced in implementing a 13-month calendar and the significance of the calendar in different cultures.

Explore the critical work of New York City's Sandhogs Local 147, constructing tunnels and bridge foundations. Learn about the challenges of building the Lincoln Tunnel, the risks faced by sandhogs, and the decline of Local 147. Hear personal accounts and memories of fallen Sandhogs. Discover the worries about worker safety and the intense physical labor of being a Sandhog. Learn about the impact of sandhogs in revolutionizing transportation and connecting New Jersey and New York.

Exploring the design flaws of US paper currency and proposing improvements in color and size. Analyzing practicality, composition, and symbolism of currency design. Discussing the significance of currency as a representation of national identity and trust. Delving into the design of paper and polymer banknotes and the importance of user interface design in mobile apps for transactions.

This podcast explores the history and impact of barbed wire in the American West, including its role in dividing land, the tensions it caused between cattlemen and farmers, its devastating effect on Native American communities, and its representation in art and culture.