Origin of Everything

Every aspect of our daily reality, whether its the words we use, the pop culture we love, the technology that get us through the day, or even the identities we give ourselves, emerge from thousands of intersecting histories. And on this show, we're going to explore them ALL! . . . Okay, maybe not ALL, but you get the idea.

Become a GBH sponsor

Episode 26, Season 3
Farewell

Farewell

1:59
Episode 25, Season 3
Did Europeans Enslave Native Americans?

The complicated history surrounding the European enslavement of Indigenous peoples.

12:41
Episode 24, Season 3
The History of Reparations

One of the most controversial topics moving through American politics for over 150 years.

14:12
Episode 23, Season 3
Evolution of Law Enforcement

Some argue for reforms, others for defunding, and others still for the complete abolition.

13:39
Episode 19, Season 3
Why Do We Say "African American"?

We look at the etymology and reclamation surrounding Black history and identity.

8:26
Episode 22, Season 3
Health Disparities in the Black Community: Past & Present

The United States healthcare system is letting down many Black Americans.

11:57
Episode 21, Season 3
Why Do We Have Political Parties?

John Adams warned us. George Washington begged us not to.

11:11
Episode 20, Season 3
HIV/AIDS: What Can We Learn From America's Last Epidemic?

America's last major epidemic was the HIV/AIDS crisis of 1980s and 1990s.

11:52
Episode 18, Season 3
History of Socialism in America

"Socialism" is one of THE most divisive words in America and it has been for a long time.

9:20
Episode 17, Season 3
The Homophobic Origins of U.S. Law

Danielle analyzes the homophobic history of US law.

10:53
Episode 16, Season 3
Why Do We Shake Hands?

Trace the history of the handshake from Babylonia and the early Greeks to the present.

8:37
Episode 15, Season 3
The Racist Origins of U.S. Law

Danielle analyzes the discriminatory history of US law.

12:58
Episode 14, Season 3
Why Do We Say "Latino"?

Danielle traces the origin of the term Latino, Hispanic, and Latinx.

6:39
Episode 12, Season 3
Concentration Camps Are Older Than World War II

Danielle looks at the grim origin of concentration and internment camps.

10:07
Episode 13, Season 3
How Did Pride Become a Parade?

How did the New York City Stonewall Riots turn into a month-long celebration?

7:24
Episode 11, Season 3
How We Discovered Germs

Danielle traces humanity's winding road to the Germ Theory of Disease.

9:07
Episode 10, Season 3
6 Surprising Facts About the 19th Amendment

2020 marks 100 years of National Suffrage for women in the United States!

12:09
Episode 9, Season 3
Economic Lessons from Past Pandemics

Danielle explores the human and economic tolls of past pandemics.

10:11
Episode 8, Season 3
Where did Advice Columns Come From?

Danielle examines the strange history of advice columns.

8:05
Episode 7, Season 3
What Does It Mean to Be a "Good" Student?

Danielle breaks down the stereotype of the perfect student.

6:36
Episode 6, Season 3
Why Are There 12 People on a Jury?

Did you know there is no hard and fast rule about how many members are required on a jury?

11:08
Episode 4, Season 3
Why Does "Straight" Mean Heterosexual?

When did we start defining sexual orientation?

8:07
Episode 5, Season 3
The Rise of E-Cigarettes: Why is Everyone Vaping?

Today, Danielle looks at how and why vaping took off.

10:43
Episode 2, Season 3
The Rise of Beer

People across the globe love beer. A LOT.

12:21
Episode 1, Season 3
The Problem with Museums

Are museum collections ethical?

12:14
Episode 3, Season 3
The Science Behind Why We Love Boy Bands

Everybody, rock your body and get ready to scream!

12:11

Origin of Everything

Episodes