Forever Ago Podcast By American Public Media cover art

Forever Ago

Forever Ago

By: American Public Media
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About this listen

Brains On 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.Copyright 2025 Minnesota Public Radio World
Episodes
  • A big update about Forever Ago and the Brains On Universe
    Jun 11 2025

    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.

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    3 mins
  • Where did school uniforms come from?
    Jun 10 2025

    Our world is filled with uniforms. From mail carriers, to sports teams to students! This week, Joy, cohost Hannah and Articles of Interest’s Avery Trufelman trace the history of school uniforms, from their start 800 years ago in England, to their popularization in America by immigrants. We’ll also dive into the pros and cons of uniforms and hear from listeners about their thoughts. Plus, a fashionable First Things First!

    Avery Trufelman hosts Articles of Interest, a podcast about what we wear.

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    32 mins
  • Josephine Baker: Diva and WWII spy!
    Jun 4 2025

    Joy and co-host Obasi are so obsessed with historical spycraft that they become top secret spies! Their mission, should they choose to accept it: investigate the life of superstar Josephine Baker.

    Josephine danced and sang on the biggest stages of Europe in 1920s and 30s — and fell in love with France. In fact, she loved the people of France so much that she was willing to risk her life as a spy during World War II. Her story has everything: coded messages written in invisible ink, dangerous missions and even a pet cheetah! All that, plus a new First Things First!


    Featured experts:

    Hanna Diamond is the author of the book Josephine Baker’s Secret War.

    This episode was sponsored by:
    Disney - Experience Disney's Elio, only in theaters June 20. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.


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    32 mins
All stars
Most relevant  
I agree with Melisa that the episode with gummy is funny, I also like the episode about the pride flage, I like the “pride pride”

That there are kid hosts

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this pod cast is great. my favorite episode is the Rubik's cube episode because I know how to solve one.

it was great. 👍👍👌👌

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So funny that they spent the episode in a "black hole"! Ha ha 😂

Such an important story and so cool!

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honestly i absolutely love this pod. its really interesting and i love how a kids comes on the show. i also love how they make history and learning fun! like adding silly jokes or weird characters. i actually used to absolutely HATE history. but now its my favorite subject! li listen to it ever night while I'm trying to sleep. im disabled so i find it really hard to sleep. BUT his pod has totally helped me. personally i think that making the pride flag episode was a little inappropriate for kids with religious beliefs such as myself but i can understand why some kids find that interesting! ( also not trying to hate so sorry if its coming off as that im so sorry 😭😭but other then that i love the pod! i also love how they leave hint or references to there pods. like hermy gumpy and "joy hates mayo" Thanks Joy!! ( pls do a podcast about the game slugbug)

luvvvv

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Best podcast ever my favorite episode is the gum one with Gumpy ha ha so funny😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

OMG I love this

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This is the best podcast ever. I like Gumpy he is so cool. Joy is cool

I love this podcast

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Joy is hilarious. Its such a great history podcast. Highly recommend.
It has taught me so much. Great for the family. Me and my mom love it🥰

I loveee it❤️

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I learned so much! Please could you do a Forever Ago episode on the history of Pokémon?

Actual Factual Facts!

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It’s a great podcast. Great performance, great story, and overall, a very great podcast. I wish that you could do an episode on how life began.

Amazing show!

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I love your podcast and was so happy when “Way to Play” came out and just would be so sad if you stopped making episodes. This is me if you stop making episodes: 😭😭😭😭😭 So do not stop making episodes please? 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 Thanks!

Joy you bring me joy

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