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Artwork for The Disappearing Spoon: a science history podcast

The Disappearing Spoon: a science history podcast with Sam Kean

Sam Kean
Justus Von Liebig
Dyatlov Pass
Artificial Milk
Charles Darwin
Astronomy
Igor Dyatlov
Infant Malnutrition
Nutrition Science
Eugenics
Nobel Prize
World War II
Siberia
Conspiracy Theories
Nutritional Value
Halley's Comet
John James Audubon
Richard Meinertzhagen
Ornithology
Mummification
MSG Controversy

A topsy-turvy science-y history podcast by Sam Kean. I examine overlooked stories from our past: the dental superiority of hunter-gatherers, the crooked Nazis who saved thousands of American lives, the American immigrants who developed the most successful cancer screening tool in history, the sex lives of dinosaurs, and much, much more. These are charming little tales that never made the history b... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes138Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryArtsBooks

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Artwork for The Disappearing Spoon: a science history podcast

Latest Episodes

An audio excerpt from my new book, The Museum of Long Things. Available now!

Our Sponsors:

* Check out ElevenReader and use my code "Spoon" for a great deal: elevenreader.io

Advertising Inquiries: redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt... more

In the 1960s, NASA needed a better spacesuit. So they turned to the one firm on earth capable of meeting their strict standards—the Playtex underwear company. Episode below!

Our Sponsors:

* Check out ElevenReader and use my code "Spoon" for a great ... more

His book on evolution rocked 1800s England. Not Charles Darwin. Robert Chambers, whose infamous tome both horrified Darwin, yet paved the way for him.

Our Sponsors:

* Check out ElevenReader and use my code "Spoon" for a great deal: elevenrea... more

Nurse Laura Cobb saved more lives than Clara Barton or Florence Nightingale, and under far worse conditions—in a brutal World War II concentration camp. So why did the world forget her?

Our Sponsors:

* Check out ElevenReader and use my code "Spoon" ... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Host

Sam Kean
Host of The Disappearing Spoon

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars from 1.8k ratings
  • Great stories

    This is my favourite podcast out there, such interesting stories you can’t believe you have never heard of, and a passionate presenter. Highly recommend.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NYC Parisian
    Australia2 months ago
  • Disgusting Ads

    I love the content of this podcast but I can barely listen to it. ICE and CIA ads? How can someone so devoted to science and science history promote that garbage?

    I will not be buying Keans books in the future due to this BS

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    GA8989
    United States3 months ago
  • Entertaining and enlightening bite-sized episodes that I always look forward to enjoying.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Lynda315
    4 months ago
  • Just another sufferer of TDS

    The host like most leftist allows Trump Derangement Syndrome to warp his brain

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    This Ken
    United States5 months ago
  • Great

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Oleg
    9 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

A number of reviews note misophonia concerns or other reactions to sound effects.
Listeners praise engaging storytelling and deep research across episodes.
Overall praise for the show's curiosity-driven approach to science history.
Ads are frequently mentioned by listeners as disruptive to the experience, though some appreciate the ability to skip.
Production quality and host presentation are often highlighted as strong points.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#168
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#220
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#205
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#123
Indonesia/History
Apple Podcasts
#163
Philippines/History
Apple Podcasts
#175
Argentina/History

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per EpisodeGender SkewLocation
InterestsProfessionsAge Range
Household IncomeSocial Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show presents engaging, story-driven histories at the intersection of science and culture, exploring overlooked moments and footnotes that illuminate bigger narratives. Episodes weave archival research with vivid storytelling to illuminate how scientific ideas, discoveries, and personalities shaped public understanding, from ancient artifacts and space-age engineering to contentious theories and pivotal experiments. Production tends to blend solid historical analysis with brisk pacing and accessible narration, occasionally punctuated by sponsor reads and audio embellishments that amplify the listener experience. A standout trait is the host's knack for turning niche footnotes into compelling sagas, often linking science history to broad... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The Atlas Obscura Podcast
2. 99% Invisible
3. Sidedoor
4. Gastropod
5. Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 7 years ago and published 138 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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