This episode of the podcast explores the creation of the teddy bear and the failed promotion of the Billy Possum, discusses integrating nature into modern life through various means, investigates the migration of Diamondback Terrapins and the changing perception of polar bears, explores the concept of baseline shifting and how to resist it, and includes ads for java super blend, savory nutcrunch bars, and pet-friendly shelters.

This podcast explores the power and history of hashtags on Twitter, tracing their evolution and significance in various contexts. It also discusses the design and evolution of the touch tone telephone keypad, highlighting the role of symbols recognized by computers. The speakers promote the podcast show and discuss Mayomi wines and AutoTrader. They also introduce Front Door, a new home repair app, and ZipRecruiter, an online hiring platform.

Explore the fascinating story of the world's longest continually burning light bulb at Livermore Fire Station in California. Dig into its history and significance, including a cartel aimed at reducing bulb lifespan. Uncover the efforts made to preserve this iconic bulb and the panic it caused when it briefly went out.

Explore the origins and global impact of inflatable men as advertising tools. Learn about the inventors behind these iconic inflatables and their joyful ambassadorship. Discover the sponsors of the episode and how they offer valuable services to users and businesses.

Learn about a trophy shop that recycles old trophies and gives them a new purpose. Discover the sentimental value people attach to trophies. Hear ads for Nature Valley and Article, and learn about online therapy with BetterHelp. Explore a home repair maintenance app and a hiring platform.

This podcast explores the roots of singer Nick Drake's legend, including his recognition through cassette tapes, collaboration with a 19-year-old, disappointment with negative reviews, and his timeless appeal to multiple generations of listeners.

Vexillologists—those who study flags—tend to fall into one of two schools of thought. The first is one that focuses on history, category, and usage, and maintains that vexillologists should be scholars and historians of all flags, regardless of their designs. … Continue reading → Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to ad-free new episodes and get exclusive access to bonus content.

“A Chair is a difficult object. A skyscraper is almost easier.” — Mies van der Rohe. The chair presents an interesting design challenge, because it is an object that disappears when in use. The person replaces the chair. So chairs need to … Continue reading → Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to ad-free new episodes and get exclusive access to bonus content.

The Ouija board is so simple and iconic that it looks like it comes from another time, or maybe another realm. The game is not as ancient as it was designed to look, but those two arched rows of letters have … Continue reading → Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to ad-free new episodes and get exclusive access to bonus content.

The first print advertisement for Wonder Bread came out before the bread itself. It stated only that “a wonder” was coming. In a lot of ways, the statement was true. Wonder Bread was the perfect loaf.  “Slow food” advocates have pronounced industrial … Continue reading → Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to ad-free new episodes and get exclusive access to bonus content.