When STAR WARS debuted in May 1977, it gave rise to a pop-cultural phenomenon unlike any the world had ever seen. The movie was so singular and iconic, and so technically ambitious -- that it almost never came to be.To bring Star Wars to the screen, new technology had to be invented and existing technology had to be utilized in ways never before imagined. No ... Show More
Jun 2019
The Birth Control Pill | But Can It Be Done? | S13-E1
When Margaret Sanger opened her birth control clinic in 1916, she knew she was breaking the law. Distributing contraceptives, or even literature about birth control, was a jailable offense. But she didn’t care. As a nurse, Sanger had sworn to devote herself to the welfare of thos ... Show More
40m 56s
Jul 2019
Innovation Fails: DeLorean | Driven to Succeed | S14-E1
Normally on American Innovations, we look at the history of the science and technology that transformed the world we live in. These stories teach us about the vision, grit, competition, and teamwork required to conquer new frontiers and forge new pathways to the future. But equal ... Show More
40m 24s
Aug 2019
The Heimlich Maneuver | S15-E1
In the 1960s, choking was a national epidemic. In the United States alone, close to 4,000 people were dying from choking every year. Lobster, ham, and hamburger were common culprits. But steak was by far the greatest offender. Coroners called for a solution to these “Cafe Coronar ... Show More
43m 45s
Dec 2021
George Lucas: Creating a Hollywood Empire | A New Hope | 1
Filmmaker George Lucas created the most successful movie franchise of all time. Star Wars revolutionized cinema, taught Hollywood the true value of merchandise and turned a niche film genre into a billion dollar industry. To build his own empire, George will defy the odds, risk i ... Show More
39m 13s
Dec 2014
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
May the force be with you, always. Many, many thanks to Andrew Mount for commissioning this podcast using our Subbable site, and effectively PAYING us to WATCH STAR WARS! Oh my god, 11 year old me would lose his MIND if he found out. Jim and I are OG Star Wars fans, and have been ... Show More
1h 20m
Jul 2023
The Internet's First Main Character? | The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks
It's 1999, and sixteen years after its original release, a new Star Wars is finally coming. Fans have been camping out in front of theaters across the country just to be the first to see it. The beloved intergalactic saga is set to debut a slew of brand new characters, one of who ... Show More
32m 11s
Dec 2021
Selects: Star Wars Holiday Spectacular
<p>Long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, George Lucas allowed the Star Wars Holiday Special to be made. What happened on the night of November 17, 1978 can never be fully explained, but we make our best effort in our annual special edition of SYSK. May the force be with us all.< ... Show More
54m 20s