Behind the Scenes Minis: Robert-Houdin's...

Edwin Howard Armstrong isn’t exactly a well-known inventor, but his work in radio literally changed communications around the globe. But his most famous invention – FM radio – became a source of constant frustration after he developed it. Research: Armstrong, Edwin H. “Frequency ... Show More

Before the ballpoint pen, people used their hands, reeds, bamboo, brushes, quills, and eventually nibs to write or draw. But how did things evolve from there to get to things like the fountain pen, and eventually, a ballpoint? Research: "pen." Britannica Library, Encyclopædia Bri ... Show More

This 2022 episode starts with the story of John Bibb, credited with cultivating Bibb lettuce. But his family’s legacy, good and bad, is all tied to having enslaved people build their familial wealth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Here is part 2 from one of the greatest Questlove Supreme conversations ever. Robert Townsend speaks about the passion and purpose that went into making The Five Heartbeats. He details directing Eddie Murphy Raw and nearly getting an X-rating. Robert also discusses why the world ... Show More

Robert weaves a hideous story for Margaret, about how post-war Germans started out trying to make Nazism impossible and wound up harming generations of poor children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Robert and Jamie Loftus talk about Helena Blavatsky's time in the United States, inventing the "new age" movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Robert sits down with Caitlin Durante to discuss one of the greatest disasters in film history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Robert sits down with Kat Abu to talk about Rafael Trujillo, the genocidal dictator and most prolific godfather in world history. (2 Part Series)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Margaret reads Sophie a story of love gone wrong between a magician and an alchemist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Robert and Kat conclude the story, and the life, of Rafael Trujillo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Robert and Prop talk about Jefferson's wild years as a slavery debate bro in Paris, and also the fact that he was for sure a pedophile.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Harry Houdini was an American escape artist, magic man, and stunt performer, noted for his escape acts. His pseudonym is a reference to his spiritual master, French magician Robert-Houdin. Truly though his story is wild and with many twists and turns. Travel to Japan With Me here ... Show More

Margaret reads Robert Evans a novella about the near future of tech, surveillance, and teenage rebellion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.