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.
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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 week Joy and co-host Dax explore the unexpected history of a few different slang words, from a recluse poet, to the lively ballroom scene in New York City. Plus a First Things First to win mad aura. Libbidity gibbletz, you won’t wanna miss this!Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
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The Titanic was called unsinkable, so why did it sink?
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • Duration 29:44
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 as they find out how this mega ship was built, hear some theories on why it sank, and learn how the history of this voyage was preserved by dedicated historians.
Featured Expert: Ross Mumford is a Titanic researcher, historian and educator. He currently manages Titanic: the Exhibit.
Click here to read a transcript of this episode.
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A big update about Forever Ago and the Brains On Universe
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 • Duration 03:41
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 home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit.
In the meantime, we still have some live shows planned this fall. Brains On Live will be in Dallas, TX on September 13. And Smash Boom Best will bring the debate heat to Princeton, NJ on October 26. Head over to brainson.org/events to get tickets. We can't wait to high five you all in person!
And, if you want to be the first to hear about our shiny, new home, sign up for our newsletter. There will be six more bathrooms, 10 more water slides and, we're finally going to fix the doorbell! Also, if you have any questions or want to reach out to us, you can still head to brainson.org/contact to get in touch.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emojis: The :-) That Changed Everything
Thursday, December 13, 2018 • Duration 29:56
From simple smiley faces to sparkly unicorns, we have a lot of emoji options. But it wasn’t always this way. Joy Dolo and co-host Melissa search for the very first emoji with reporter Elyssa Dudley. They’ll meet the man behind the first emojis designed for cell phones, and visit the early computer lab where smiley faces went viral. Plus, we’ll meet the teenager who created her very own emoji. You can support Brains On and Forever Ago at brainson.org/donate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clocks: A Brief History of Telling Time
Thursday, December 6, 2018 • Duration 33:12
Long before clocks, humans found creative ways to track time. From falling sand to burning incense, we tried it all. But it took a daydreaming astronomer and a whole lot of inventors to get us to the precise clocks we use today. Joy Dolo and co-host Kira set off on a tour of ancient timekeeping devices with reporter Carla Javier. Plus, we’ll learn about a clock buried deep in a mountain side that’s designed to keep ticking for 10,000 years. This episode is sponsored by StoryWorth (storyworth.com/forever). You can support Brains On and Forever Ago at brainson.org/donate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sandwiches: A Hillel By Any Other Name
Thursday, November 29, 2018 • Duration 38:50
It’s a simple recipe: bread, filling, bread. But sandwiches had to get their scrumptious start somewhere. Joy Dolo and co-host Ben travel back to a time when putting food between two slices of bread was a culinary revolution. Reporter Tracy Mumford introduces us to two innovators duking it out for the credit, and Brains On host Molly Bloom treats us to some strange historical sandwiches, including a sandwich loaf. This episode is sponsored by Hint (drinkhint.com/forever) and Molekule (molekule.com). You can support Brains On and Forever Ago at brainson.org/donate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Skateboards: When Roller Skates Met Surfboards
Thursday, November 22, 2018 • Duration 32:04
The first skateboards didn’t come from a store. Kids had to make them from scratch! And they made for a bumpy ride… Joy Dolo and twelve-year-old pro skater Minna kickflip their way through history with reporter Chris Greenspon. We’ll get the scoop on low-tech early skateboards and the skaters who innovated their way to a smoother ride. Plus, we’ll talk with a skater who wants to change the world with four wheels and a deck. You can support Brains On and Forever Ago at brainson.org/donate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cameras: From Pinholes to Perfect Selfies
Thursday, November 15, 2018 • Duration 33:40
Did you know that the ancestor of our smartphone cameras was just a box with a tiny hole in it? This week, Joy Dolo and kid co-host Elena explore the wide world of cameras with the help of reporter Paulina Velasco. Ancient philosophers, French inventors, and one frustrated businessman team up across space and time to bring us the modern camera. And we’ll meet a scientist who wants to use cameras to help the blind see. You can support Brains On and Forever Ago at brainson.org/donate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Video Games: A Tale of Two Pongs
Thursday, November 8, 2018 • Duration 34:23
Video games are a lot older than you probably realize, but it took a long time for them to catch on. Join host Joy Dolo and kid co-host Kai on an epic quest through history to figure out how video games began. With help from intrepid reporter Cari Spivack, they’ll visit the age of dinosaur computers, early arcades and befriend some talking cows.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Care/of (takecareof.com). You can support Forever Ago at brainson.org/donate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Season One: The Trailer
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 • Duration 01:40
Forever Ago is a history show for the whole family. Every episode explores the origin of one thing – like sandwiches, video games and clocks – while teaching listeners to think critically about the past. Hosted by Joy Dolo and produced by the team behind Brains On and Smash Boom Best.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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