History of Knick-Knacks
History of Knick-Knacks
4.8from 4 ratings
- 18
- Episodes
- 4
- Ratings
- 2021
- First episode
About History of Knick-Knacks
Purposeful Inventions, Beautiful Mishaps, Serendipity in Motion, Knick-Knacks and everything in-between. Join Rob and Jairen as they explore the wonderful (and not-so-wonderful) things that make life go. Two dudes, doing what dudes do in 2021. Making podcasts for the void. Have an idea for the show or story you want to hear? email historyofknickknacks@gmail.com
- Publisher
- History of Knick-Knacks
- Category
- history
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 24 May 2021
- Latest episode
- 17 Feb 2022
Latest episodes
18 episodes in the feed.
17 Feb 2022
Popcorn.... POPPED CORN
It is that time again folks. Rob and Jairen have made another podcast! After a couple of weeks of dedicated procrastination the episode is finally ready to fill your ear holes. So sit down, or keep working or whatever it is you do while listening to this nonsense and enjoy the show. The show about the miracle/tragedy of popcorn. Popped corn if you are feeling fancy. Rob and Jairen unearth the secrets of Orville Redenbacher aka one of the most influential popped corn makers in the recorded history of popcorn. What would life be without it? Love it or hate it, popcorn has shaped your world more than you know. So buckle in and join Rob and Jairen in their search for kernels of truth in a world of revisionist history. Questions, comments, suggestions, etc. historyofknickknacks@gmail.com Sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orville_Redenbacher (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orville_Redenbacher) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popcorn (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popcorn)
24 Dec 2021
Wrapping Paper and the Mysteries of Hallmark
Heyyyooo it's been a hot minute or few weeks. In a world where consistency is key the History of Knick-Knacks has gone quiet. Some wondered if Rob and Jairen would ride off into the audio sunset.... some even doubted that there was enough historical nonsense to keep this show going. Wonder and doubt no longer. In what has become this month's special holiday episode Rob and Jairen find out who invented modern day wrapping paper. Consumerism at it's finest, because when you care to send the very best.... use Hallmark. (We are yet to be sponsored by Hallmark so it doesn't matter to us if you use them) Wind down with this tale through the midwest of the roaring 20's and let yourself learn some historical nonsense from yours truly. Happy Holidays! email: historyofknickknacks@gmail.com Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallmark_Cards (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallmark_Cards) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._C._Hall_(businessman) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._C._Hall_(businessman))
31 Oct 2021
Spooky Times with Luke aka the Halloween Episode
Hooo boy. Rob and Jairen are joined by special guest Luke from Notes From The Silver Screen. On this spooky day they dive into the history of horror films. Turns out they dive real deep in the longest episode of the History of Knick-Knacks. Join them if you dare as they cover the early days of film and horror films, to Pyscho, to Halloween, to The Blair Witch Project, and The Sixth Sense. All of the spooky kids are listening, are you going to be cool and be spooky? Email any concerns or ideas to historyofknickknacks@gmail.com Notes From The Silver Screen: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jTEoSgQzxZDk8vQT4pqep?si=kuk4FUPDTuGzOSvnkmflqA https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-the-silver-screen/id1497531597 Sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horror_film (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horror_film) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Expressionism_(cinema) (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Expressionism_(cinema)) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psycho_(1960_film) (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psycho_(1960_film)) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blair_Witch_Project (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blair_Witch_Project) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sixth_Sense (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sixth_Sense)
28 Oct 2021
Monopoly. aka The Landlord's Game
Whoa hey another episode for your ears! This one is full of hot takes, or maybe just room-temperature takes, but takes nonetheless! In this episode Rob and Jairen really dive into the history of the loved/hated board game: Monopoly. Does Jairen really hate board games, or is he just bad at them? Did a man pull an Edison and steal the idea for Monopoly? This episode gets real wild folks. Do not pass go, unless you're pressing play on this episode. Take a chance, buy ocean avenue! Roll the dice! Which figurine are you today? Which one is Rob? Which one is Jairen? Is Jairen even playing? All this and more in this episode of The History of Knick Knacks! email concerns/ideas/questions to historyofknickknacks@gmail.com Sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lizzie_Magie (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lizzie_Magie)
13 Oct 2021
Candy Corn (ft. Aybree)
It's been a hot few moments, but Rob and Jairen are back! Maybe even for good, who knows. In this special Halloween-themed episode your hosts are joined by special guest and listener Aybree. Together they open up the mysterious bag of candy that contains the secrets of candy corn. Or at least some of the secrets of the holiday treat. Things get dicey in the first explicit episode of the show, (but not really dicey because this is just an attempt at hyperbole to get you to listen) you've been warned. There are mentions of wars, Harry Styles, and childhood traumas. This episode has it all. Strap in and get comfortable because it's bound to be a long, spooky ride. email any thoughts or concerns or comments to historyofknickknacks@gmail.com Sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy_corn https://www.history.com/.amp/news/candy-corn-invented https://newsfeed.time.com/2013/10/30/an-oral-history-of-candy-corn-the-most-polarizing-confection-of-them-all/
14 Sept 2021
Ice Cream. Iced Cream. Queen of the Ices.
Is ice-cream really a knick-knack? Rob and Jairen sure seem to think so. How much do you know about ice cream? Do you even like it? Where did it come from? Who "invented" it? What's the difference between a sorbet and regular ice cream? All of these questions and more will be answered by your hosts as they go about setting the record straight on the origins of the sweet treat. So crank up the dial, get comfy, and prepare for an adventure like no other. Welcome to the 13th episode of the History of Knick-Knacks. Have an idea or comment? Email: historyofknickknacks@gmail.com Sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Maria_Donaldson_Johnson https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/598021/ice-cream-queen-of-victorian-england-agnes-b-marshall https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_Marshall
3 Sept 2021
Windshield Wipers: A True Special ft. Amanda
Oh boy oh boy! What an episode this is! It has everything! Inventions! Apartments! A Special Guest! Jokes! Misogyny! What more could you want?? Maybe you do want more. Maybe you do want to learn about the beginnings of the windshield wiper. Well then this episode is for you! Spoiler Alert: It was invented by a woman. Questions, comments, suggestions, requests: historyofknickknacks@gmail.com Sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Anderson_(inventor)
17 Aug 2021
The Lightbulb (Part the Third)
In what some might consider a Star Wars like saga Rob and Jairen reach the end of their story with the lightbulb. Join them as words get hard and tricky, where movie references freely flow, and most importantly where they find out who really invented the lightbulb. Sagas are tough and sometimes disappointing, but they can also be glorious. Do Rob and Jairen go out in a blaze of glory in what has become their 11th episode? Listen to find out! Disappointed? Incredibly satisfied with your experience? Email: historyofknickknacks@gmail.com Sources: https://ethw.org/Edison%27s_Incandescent_Lamp https://worldhistoryproject.org/1841/frederick-de-moleyns-patents-first-incandescent-light-bulb https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incandescent_light_bulb
10 Aug 2021
The Lightbulb (Part the Second)
Oh wow oh hey. Rob and Jairen really get into the lightbulb here everyone. Sort of. This is the second part of the multi-part series on the lightbulb and is it something. Listen in as Rob and Jairen find out what Volta had to do with the lightbulb, or tune in just to hear about an Italian inventor instead of someone named John. All up to you. Want to leave feedback that is not a review or star rating? Here's our email: historyofknickknacks@gmail.com Sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humphry_Davy https://www.uh.edu/engines/epi1330.htm https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luigi_Galvani https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alessandro_Volta
27 Jul 2021
The Lightbulb (Part One)
Is this real? Did Rob and Jairen research the lightbulb and decide they needed to make it a multiple-part episode? Why yes, yes they did. Come join them as they fumble in the dark for the origins of the lightbulb. What do Humphry Davy and George Stephenson have to do with the lightbulb? email: historyofknickknacks@gmail.com Sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humphry_Davy https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davy_lamp https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Stephenson
19 Jul 2021
The Chainsaw
Brrrrmmm BRRRMM BUHBUH Buh *insert your own chainsaw noise* After a short break Rob and Jairen are back with another episode! What a time to be alive. This episode they dive into the history of the chainsaw. The plan was to talk about the saw, but the chainsaw was a little easier to research since it hasn't been around since the dawn of time. Come and listen to get to the bottom of where the chainsaw REALLY came from. *insert another chainsaw noise* Not satisfied with this episode? email us at historyofknickknacks@gmail.com (no refunds, sorry) Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15209147/ https://patents.google.com/patent/US780476A/en https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andreas_Stihl https://www.husqvarna.com/au/forest/product-focus/history-of-the-chainsaw-celebrating-60-years/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chainsaw
5 Jul 2021
Umbrella
This week Rob and Jairen go way back. Maybe not as far back as they've been before, or as far back as they may go later, but still pretty far back. They look at the origins of the thing that keeps you dry in the rain, and shades you from the sun. No, it's not a hat or a jacket. Imagine something greater that cannot be worn. Get ready for the story of the umbrella! Prepare your ear holes because there is a heavy chance of knowledge showers with a westerly breeze of nonsense. Have any concerns or suggestions? Email historyofknickknacks@gmail.com Sources: https://www.onthisday.com/date/1797/october https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Camperdown https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gardner_Wilkinson#Childhood_and_education http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/wilkinson.htm https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbrella
28 Jun 2021
VELCRO
It is scratchy on one side, and smooth on the other. It has loops AND hooks! You might be surprised by how this invention came about. Maybe. Maybe you already know. Join Rob and Jairen as they continue to navigate the world of recording podcasts remotely in order to share origin the story of Velcro. It's not just any hook and loop fastener, it is the Original. Comments/concerns/ideas: historyofknickknacks@gmail.com Sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hook-and-loop_fastener https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_de_Mestral https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velcro https://parade.com/605031/ccopelan/heres-why-velcros-legal-team-made-a-music-video/ https://www.velcro.com/legal-and-privacy/dontsayvelcro/
21 Jun 2021
Glass
Whoa hey Rob and Jairen get way off-topic to start this one out. Hold still long enough and you are bound to learn about glass. Or listen long enough to hear Rob describe something as "dingy" ooooh yeah. Win-win either way. Super fun episode here for sure. Come and see through the looking glass, stare into the windows of time, and enjoy this episode on glass! Not satisfied? Send an email to historyofknickknacks@gmail.com Sources: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/65436/10-world-shaping-events-happened-1920 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1920_in_India https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alastair_Pilkington
14 Jun 2021
The Light Switch
Up, down, on, off. Rob and Jairen take a shot in the dark as they dive into the history of the light switch. Loads of history and historical ad-libbing in here folks. Come and listen to the beautiful nonsense of an everyday device. Learn more about that mystical thing on your wall. Sources https://heatonhistorygroup.org/tag/john-henry-holmes/ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_switch
7 Jun 2021
The Almighty Paperclip
You've seen it at school, you've seen it on tv, you could have seen it lounging around at work, and you may have even seen it in your own home. Now you can see it on this podcast. Yep, that's right. See the story of the paperclip right here. See it with your ears! Join Rob and Jairen as they get behind the history of the paperclip. That useful little paper-binding tool has quite the tale. Such intrigue, such story, so history. Sources: http://thoughtco.com/history-of-the-paper-clip-4072863 (http://thoughtco.com/history-of-the-paper-clip-4072863) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johan_Vaaler (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johan_Vaaler) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_clip (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_clip)
31 May 2021
Magnets
Rob and Jairen get lost in the wild world of magnets in this episode. They get lost in what becomes the longest episode of the podcast's history. Magnets will do that to a person though. Strap in and hold on tight as your hosts dive into so much history of such an attractive topic. How does a magnet work? Why do they work? Are magnets really an invention or just a natural occurring thing? (Don't stick magnets to screens or other important things) Sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnet https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magneto_(Marvel_Comics)
24 May 2021
The Wheel
The debut episode of the History of Knick-Knacks. Rob and Jairen get deep into the history of the wheel. Lots of history in here for sure. Who invented the wheel? Where did it come from? Round and round they go diving further into this great mystery for one of the most surprising inventions ever. Sources: https://interestingengineering.com/the-history-and-evolution-of-the-wheel https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_of_Fortune_(American_game_show) (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_of_Fortune_(American_game_show)) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortuna (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortuna) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel)
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- 4.8 / 5
- 4 ratings
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