Oct 28

Who invented Trick or Treating?

Trick or treating is a fun time. You go around ringing door bells, dressed in a costume, and you get candy! But how did this sweet tradition get started? Turns out it has roots that go back hundreds of years! Join Joy and co-host Veronica as they trace the history of Halloween fr ... Show More

32m 7s

Oct 26

Sneak Peek: Molly debates Sanden in Sloths vs Cheetahs!

Molly Bloom as a debater? It’s true! This is a sneak peek at a bonus episode we just shared in our Smarty Pass feed. Molly debates Sanden in a Smash Boom Best showdown between Cheetahs and Sloths. To hear the full, ad-free episode, ⁠join Smarty Pass⁠. You also get access to all t ... Show More

22m 31s

Oct 21

Mystery History Sounds: Put your listening to the test

This week Joy and co-host Gabi are having a history sound extravaganza! Join them as they listen to mystery sounds from the past and learn a little about the history behind them. Plus, a special musical First Things First to transport you back in time.Click here to read a transcr ... Show More

35m 31s

Feb 2022

S1E131 - Kapow's Power of Invention: Fireworks

Whether it’s lighting up your town's 4th of July celebration, or announcing the New Year over your city’s skyscrapers, every firework started as an invention. Just how was it invented you ask? Tune in to find out!

10m 58s

Jul 2023

From the Vault: The Invention of Fireworks

Fireworks are a staple of celebrations around the world, but where does this invention come from and what’s the basic chemistry of their combustion? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe light the fuse and find out. (originally published 6/23/2020)See ... Show More

1h 14m

Jul 2023

Curious About Fireworks

<p>In episode 249, we get curious about fireworks for the Buehner family from Carbondale, Illinois, Violet from Oceanside, California, and Aylin and Brandon from Boise, Idaho. We learn why we use fireworks on the 4th of July, why we celebrate American independence on the 4th of ... Show More

13m 52s

Jul 2022

Musical Fireworks

Fireworks have been used in many cultures for hundreds of years as a way to celebrate. Join host Liz Lyon and producer Melanie Renate as we explore pieces of music inspired by fireworks.Episode 92 playlistClaude Debussy: Feux d’Artifice — This piece is the last of Debussy’s 24 pr ... Show More

5 m

Nov 2024

Fireworks: From the Tudors to Guy Fawkes

<p>A pyrotechnic dragon roared flames into the river Thames during the coronation week of Elizabeth of York in 1487. These explosive displays were employed as a sign of might and majesty throughout the reign of Henry VIII, and Elizabeth I was the first English monarch to est ... Show More

29m 27s

Jan 2014

#11 - Special: Gong Xi Fa Cai!

This Episode, we take a time-out from the historical flow to take advantage of the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities. We explore the history, legends, customs, and meaning behind this ancient and storied period of celebration. Happy Year of the Yang Wood Horse! Learn more abo ... Show More

36m 56s

Jan 2025

Intermediate | How Did New Year's Come About?

<p>Experiencing Chinese New Year in China is truly a spectacular event. Houses are covered in bright red decorations. Bright red lanterns are lit up for all to see. Literally millions of firecrackers are set off at the same time, filling the streets with a mighty roar. But how di ... Show More

15m 20s

Mar 2024

S8E2 - Lucy Wow: Fireworks Go Boom!

Bobby Wow and Grabstack are thrilled to get an invitation to design their own fireworks, but when Mighty Mila and Robozuki catch on, the fireworks might not be the only things that go boom!

18m 20s

Jun 2025

Pyrotechnics: The History and Art of Firework Making, Part 3

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51m 18s

OOO, AHHHH! The history of fireworks