logo
episode-header-image
May 2023
51m 8s

Selects: How Slinky Works

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

It has been called a "glorified spring", but Slinky is one of the best selling toys of all time. From accidental origins to an unlikely resurrection, Slinky has a pretty great back story. Learn all about it in this classic episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
The Cancer Episode
Cancer is a terrible word in any language for at least two reasons: It’s incredibly difficult to get rid of once it grows in the body, and there’s a very good chance that you or someone close to you will be diagnosed with it. But hope is growing.See omnystudio.com/listener for pr ... Show More
51m 10s
Sep 16
Short Stuff: Leisure Suits
You know the leisure suit, perhaps the tackiest suit to ever be invented. It was so huge in the 70s and spread as wide the lapels of the shirts worn with them. Then, as fast as they hit the scene they disappeared in shame.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
11m 10s
Sep 15
How Boredom Works
Are there benefits to boredom? Or is it all negative? Why do we get bored? What can we do to break free from boredom? The answers to those questions and more are coming your way today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
44m 28s
Recommended Episodes
May 2025
Shock Collar Question of the Day (5/26/25)
Can you figure out which Barbie was the best selling variety of all time?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
8m 23s
Apr 2023
The Amazing History of Japanese Toys, Part One: A Serious Business
When most of us think of toys, we fondly recall moments from childhood, or think of toys we gifted to loved ones over the years. Yet toys are a serious, big business -- and, more than once, they played a vital role in Japan's postwar economy. In part one of this week's special tw ... Show More
32m 3s
Mar 2024
Back to the Choo-ture: the Enduring Nostalgia of Model Trains
What is it about model trains that so captivates people, young and old alike? How did they start as an icon of innovation, and then become such a treasured piece of nostalgia over time? In today's episode, the gang explores the history of model trains from centuries past to the m ... Show More
54m 9s
Jul 2025
Play-Doh
Play-Doh has long been beloved by children for being soft, colorful, and full of imagination. But it wasn't originally intended to be a toy. Tonight, explore the surprising and joyful history of Play-Doh, as you drift into a peaceful sleep. Narrated by: Heather Foster Written by: ... Show More
32m 40s
Jan 2024
Rat Packs
Looking back on things that were made in the past can always be enlightening--and more than a little curious.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes!: https://www.patreon.com/grimandmildSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
9m 32s
Jan 2022
S1E128 - Kapow's Power of Invention: Silly Putty
Silly putty, one of the most popular toys of the 20th century, began as a science experiment during World War 2. Tune in to find out how it happened! 
10m 41s
Jan 2022
SYMHC Classics: History of Carousels
This 2015 episode delves into carousels. They're part of childhood, but they were originally billed as an entertainment for adults and children alike. And even further back than that, it's believed that they were used to train horsemen. Learn more about your ad-choices at https:/ ... Show More
27m 59s
Oct 2021
Dual Roles
<p>One of the most curious types of stories is when lost things turn up again. Today's tour will give you a couple of good examples, for sure.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a><p ... Show More
10m 45s
Jul 2022
When Pigs Fly
Some curiosities are serious business, while others are worth a good chuckle. Here's a matching set!Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes!: https://www.patreon.com/grimandmildSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
10m 54s