Today In History with The Retrospectors

Rebecca’s favourite episode of 2024 recalls the day ‘These Are My Children’ premiered on NBC; the world’s first televised soap opera, transmitted on 31st January, 1949. It lasted only four weeks on air, was broadcast live, and had a tiny budget, but influenced the production of the genre for decades. As dramas primarily created by and for women, soap operas typically attracted sniffy reviews from male critics, yet proved enormously popular with their initial audience of 1950s housewives. Creator Irna Phillips’ own backstory mirrored the dramatic storylines she wrote, and many of the situations she introduced into her productions – illegitimate children, amnesiac medical patients – were TV firsts. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly consider the genre’s clunky transition from radio to TV; explain the difficulties in obtaining quality soap actors; and reveal how Phillips not only pioneered soaps, but also pre-empted the Marvel Cinematic Universe… Further Reading:• ‘The Queen of Soaps Speaks…for Herself’ (Library of Congress, 2022): https://blogs.loc.gov/now-see-hear/2022/03/the-queen-of-soaps-speaks-for-herself/• ‘Women Pioneers in Television – Biographies of Fifteen Industry Leaders, By Cary O’Dell’ (McFarland, 1997): https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Women_Pioneers_in_Television/74fnsRmeeZcC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=these+are+my+children+first+soap+opera&pg=PA191&printsec=frontcover• ‘Eileen Fulton on Irna Phillips’ (Television Academy, 2018):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGyhpn01e9ILove the show? Support us! Join  🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY… … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content. Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unwrap the audacious world of Yves Klein, a pioneer who playfully challenged the essence of art and value. Discover how his unforgettable performance—throwing cash into the Seine—foreshadowed today's NFT culture. Dive into the emotional ritual of art ownership versus participation, sparking deep reflections on capitalism. Experience the vibrant 1960s Paris avant-garde scene as Klein redefined the artist-audience dynamic, all while balancing absurdity and critique of consumer culture.

Join in for the fourth annual quiz, where contestants tackle trivia about historical quirks and share hilarious holiday anecdotes. Discover what ‘Opus Dei’ means, the significance of the first Automat, and the novelty song from the Jamaican bobsled team. The hosts reflect on past podcast highlights, their winning moments, and engaging listener feedback. With festive cheer and friendly competition, this episode celebrates another year of unforgettable retrospection!

Delve into the fascinating backstory of 'A Christmas Carol', written by Charles Dickens in a mere six weeks. Discover how financial struggles inspired this classic tale, intertwining personal plights with political commentary. Explore Dickens' revitalization of Christmas traditions during the Victorian era, aiming to promote compassion and charity. Learn how the struggles of the working poor influenced his themes of social justice and how this beloved story has shaped modern festive practices.

Explore the quirky origins of a Christmas classic, 'Save Your Love,' born from a satirical jab at 70s ballads. Discover how Terry Wogan's radio show catapulted this unlikely hit to Christmas Number One in 1982. Uncover the astonishing contributions of session musician Hilary Lester and how she became 'Renée' in this unforgettable duet. The podcast dives into the duo's unique blend of humor and heartfelt vocals, and celebrates the song's groundbreaking success on the UK charts.

Discover the intriguing origins of the first mass-produced Christmas card from 1843, commissioned by Henry Cole. Explore why robins became holiday favorites, and learn about the artistic struggles against nude depictions in Victorian art. Delve into the commercialization of Christmas cards and their gradual rise in popularity among the middle classes. Reflect on the charming illustrations of pets and the evolution of design that kicked off with the Hall brothers, leaving behind an era of whimsical themes now absent from modern greetings.

Dive into the fascinating first meeting between Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev in 1984, set against a lavish Chequers banquet. Discover how their contrasting ideologies sparked a unique rapport that reshaped global politics. Uncover the dynamics of their relationship, blending personal interactions and strategic discussions on pivotal reforms like glasnost and perestroika. The meeting wasn't just about serious diplomacy; it mixed heartfelt conversations with lighter moments, illustrating the complexity of international relations.

Dive into the quirky world of competitive eating, where Michelle Lesco made headlines by downing over 2.4 kg of mayonnaise in just three minutes. Explore the unsettling nature of watching such bizarre feats, and how they contrast with more traditional contests. Discover the origins of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest and its evolution into a widely recognized sport. The conversation reveals the less glamorous side, discussing the health risks and the extreme lengths competitors go to for fame. It's a fascinating blend of fun and discomfort!

The podcast delves into the infamous shoplifting incident involving Winona Ryder, exploring her unusual behavior caught on CCTV. It discusses the societal implications of celebrity culture and mental health. The speakers analyze the legal proceedings and compare this scandal to others in Hollywood. They also highlight the jury’s decision and the media portrayal that followed, questioning Hollywood's double standards. The episode reflects on Ryder’s playful 'Free Winona' response, blending humor with serious commentary.

The podcast dives into the launch of Angry Birds, detailing its rise from an obscure app to a cultural phenomenon after Apple's endorsement. It emphasizes the game's universal appeal across ages and its intuitive design that aligned perfectly with touchscreen technology. The discussion touches on how Angry Birds transformed mobile gaming, setting the stage for ongoing player engagement and downloadable content. Listeners will also explore Rovio's journey, the multimedia expansion, and the lasting impact of the franchise, including its surprising success in film.