An interview with Ammon Shea about the confusing history of apostrophes. Hanged Versus Hung. The story of the Victorian Great Exhibition, where Adolphe Sax displayed his invention: the saxophone.
Nov 25
The sinful fork (and other dinner-table surprises)
<p>1136. This week, we go full Thanksgiving, talking about the origin of butter knives, forks, and more. You'll love all the tidbits you can share with your family or friends during dinner.</p><p>🔗 <strong>Share your familect recording via </strong><a href="https://www.speakpipe ... Show More
14m 49s
Nov 20
Why print dictionaries still matter, with Peter Sokolowski
<p>1135. This week, we talk with Peter Sokolowski, editor at large at Merriam-Webster, about the new print 12th Collegiate Dictionary. We look at why print still matters, how the dictionary used lookup data to decide which words to drop (least looked-up compounds), and the import ... Show More
35m 31s
Aug 2023
The Inventor of the Saxophone Had Some of the World's Worst Luck
Today the saxophone is a well-known musical instrument, popular across the planet. But, when you learn the story of its inventor Adolphe Sax, you quickly learn it's amazing he survived long enough to invent the saxophone in the first place. In today's episode, Ben, Max and return ... Show More
54m 12s
Jan 2023
110 Xenophon and "The Ten Thousand"
In this episode, we discuss the life, influences, drawbacks, and positives of the Athenian military leader, philosopher, and historian--Xenophon (ca. 430-354 BC)--who was one of Sokrates' more famous pupils; and the post-Peloponnesian war Panhellenic campaign into the heart of th ... Show More
2h 40m
Mar 2024
132. Journey to Nalanda and the Library of Jewels
In late autumn, 629 AD, Xuanzang set out for the great university of Nalanda from Chang’an. Across the desert, over the Pamirs, and through multiple robberies, it was an epic journey. As he neared the Buddhist heartlands, he saw Buddhism in decline with its monasteries increasing ... Show More
46m 38s
Jun 2021
BECOME EXCEPTIONAL - Best Motivational Speech ever
<p>This episode is spoken by <a href='https://steveharvey.com/'>Steve Harvey</a>, <a href='https://lesbrown.com/'>Les Brown</a>, <a href='https://www.drwaynedyer.com'>Wayne Dyer</a>, <a href='https://davidgoggins.com'>David Goggins</a>, <a href='https://andyfrisella.com'>Andy Fri ... Show More
3m 9s