Episode notes
Woooohooooo and historical HUZZAH! We are coming back next spring and can't wait for you to hear all that we have planned. Now that Forever Ago and the entire Brains On Universe are independent, we need your support more than ever. We make the show for you, and we can't make it without you. Help us make this the best season yet, and subscribe to Smarty Pass. You get ad-free versions of Forever Ago, Brains On, Smash Boom Best and Moment of Um. There are also discounts on live events and merch, plus hangouts with the show creators. Do you want a personalized message from a mayonaise-hating,…
Podcast
Forever Ago
Brains On Universe · Kids & Family · English
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 l
More from Forever Ago All episodes →
-
S8 · E4 · 1 Apr 2026 · 25 min
From sickness to sweetness: the story of Candy Land
Candy Land is iconic. The cute characters, the simple rules, it’s the perfect game for kids of all ages. But it all started as a way to cheer up children stuck in the hospital. Learn how this game was invented when a teacher needed a way to help kids recovering from Polio. Plus, Joy and co-host Ava take a Candy Land quiz with Gumpy, the gum sculpture that came to life.Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
S8 · E3 · 25 Mar 2026 · 26 min
How diamonds became the symbol of love
Today, it’s almost cliche to give someone a diamond ring to prove your love. But 100 years ago, that wasn’t the case. Back then, diamonds were seen as luxury items for the rich and famous. But thanks to some creative advertisers (and a whole lot of extra diamonds), these sparkly jewels became the symbol of love in much of the world. Join Joy and co-host Diya as they explore the enchanting history of diamonds. Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
S8 · E2 · 18 Mar 2026 · 25 min
Why are they called Teddy Bears?
Do you have a favorite stuffed animal? Maybe it’s a unicorn, or an axolotl, or a classic stuffed bear. Whatever it is, you can thank a former U.S. President for helping make stuffies a thing. Join Joy and co-host Luke as they learn about the origins of the Teddy Bear and find out about a stuffed possum that should’ve been the next big toy craze, but never caught on. Plus another round of First Things First.Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
S8 · E1 · 11 Mar 2026 · 38 min
First Things First Spectacular
We’re so thrilled to be back that we’re celebrating with a very special episode. It’s a First Things First Spectacular! We’ll be playing three different rounds of the game where we put things in the order they came in history. We’ve brought in three history experts and three kid co-hosts to help. So strap on your history hats and get ready for a fact-tastic time!Click here to read a transcript of this episode. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
S8 · 4 Mar 2026 · 1 min
Forever Ago Season 8 is coming!!!
Get ready to explore the before... some more! That's right, a brand new season of Forever Ago is around the corner. Tell your friends! Let your enemies know by sending them a cryptic message 🎧🕰️ ⒻⒶ🔙🔜 🕰️🎧 Leak it to the press! The first episode drops March 11, and it's a doozy - an all First Things First episode. Make sure you're subscribed, so you won't miss a thing. Want to listen to Forever Ago without the ads? Sign up for Smarty Pass, and you'll get ad-free versions of Forever Ago, Brains On, Smash Boom Best and more! As an independent podcast, we count on subscriptions to keep our shows…
-
8 Oct 2025 · 8 min
We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters
We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop us a line, head to brainson.org. The best way to keep us going is to join Smarty Pass or donate here: https://brainson.supercast.com. Thank you! See Smash Boom Best LIVE in Princeton, NJ! Join us at the McCarter Theatre for a live, in-person version of Smash Boom Best, an award winning podcast for kids and families!…
-
11 Jun 2025 · 4 min
A big update about Forever Ago and the Brains On Universe
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…
-
10 Jun 2025 · 35 min
Where did school uniforms come from?
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-
4 Jun 2025 · 34 min
Josephine Baker: Diva and WWII spy!
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…
-
28 May 2025 · 31 min
Play ball! The first team sport
Today, sports are popular all over the world! But have you ever wondered what the first team sport was? This week, Joy and cohost Xenia learn all about the Mesoamerican Ball Game, which is more than 3,000 years old! And they meet someone who is still playing today! Plus, a game of first things first that you won’t ball-lieve!This episode was sponsored by:Disney - Experience Disney's Elio, only in theaters June 20. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Take it with you
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
