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Artwork for Don't Drink the Milk – The curious history of things

Don't Drink the Milk – The curious history of things

DW
India Pale Ale
Homeopathy
Christmas
Hidden Histories
Germany
Nikolai Vavilov
Desi Pubs
North Macedonia
Witch Hunts
Opioid Crisis
Tramadol
Conventional Medicine
East India Company
Genetics
Placebo Effect
Pavlova
Eggnog
Leningrad Siege
Biodiversity
IPA

We trace the unexpected backstories of everyday things – things that have traveled the world, by force, by chance, or by choice. How did this item or idea change as it moved through different cultures and eras on its way to you? And what surprising truths does its story reveal about our world today?

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes25Founded2 years ago
Categories
Places & TravelHistorySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Don't Drink the Milk – The curious history of things

Latest Episodes

Lock 'em up and throw away the key. Turns out that concept has been controversial from the beginning. There have always been cracks in the concept of incarceration, but have we let the system grow beyond our control? Journeying from prisons’ beginnin... more

Women around the world and across generations are connected by this familiar thing that you can't actually see: invisible labor. The mountain of tasks that go unseen and undervalued, and which fall mainly on the shoulders of women. From Icelandic gra... more

The gladiator's heart is beating hard as he dons his armor. The gates open and the crowd goes wild. He steps forward and finds himself in... the Bachelor Mansion?! Get ready for a trip from Ancient Rome to Laguna Beach as we track down the roots of r... more

Weird name for a sex position, right? Well, the story behind it is just as strange - involving the Church, the full moon (or was it campfires?), and some mixed messages. But what can unravelling the mysterious backstory of this most rudimentary of se... more

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Recent Guests

Ashley Rubin
Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the Department of Sociology, specializing in prison history.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Episode: Prisons: Why can’t we break free?
Erica Miners
Writer, organizer, and professor of educational policy and gender studies, and a prison abolitionist.
Northeastern Illinois University
Episode: Prisons: Why can’t we break free?
Eve Ronsky
Author and lawyer focused on household labor issues
Episode: Invisible Work: Women strike back
Øyður Hildur Ákundar Dottir
Activist involved in the women's rights movement in Iceland
Episode: Invisible Work: Women strike back
Gudrun Augustóttir
Activist who participated in the Women's Day Off in 1975
Episode: Invisible Work: Women strike back
Raquel Adolfsdóttir
Curator at the Women's History Archives in Iceland
Episode: Invisible Work: Women strike back
Haine Shim
Women's rights activist and university student from South Korea
Episode: Invisible Work: Women strike back
Clayton Eckhart
Reality TV contestant who appeared on The Bachelorette and The Bachelor
The Bachelor
Episode: Reality TV: Our ancient thirst for drama
Alexander Mariotti
Historian with knowledge of ancient Rome and gladiatorial combat
N/A
Episode: Reality TV: Our ancient thirst for drama

Host

Rachel Stewart
Host and producer known for sharing curious stories and exploring the unexpected histories of everyday items.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 307 ratings
  • Great stuff.

    Always worth a listen! More please :-)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nil again
    Germany7 months ago
  • New love

    Have been listening to the beginning and just working my way through over the past few days. I am loving it, it reminds me of Every Little Thing but more documentary style and a longer format. It’s perfect for me. I love learning about stuff like this and have already recommended it to two friends!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    scarytitos
    United States8 months ago
  • Impactful

    I’ve learned so much in such a small amount of time! It’s clever, witty, and impactful. Well done ladies !!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Inspireadventures_yoga
    United States9 months ago
  • New here, but so far,

    The secret life of Canada pulled me in. 12 hours later I’m returning for my 2nd episode, (the opioid crisis). I love hearing different viewpoints on issues going on in the states.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kushpop93
    United States9 months ago
  • Fun and historical

    I just discovered this podcast. I listened to the lawn and missionary position episodes and loved them!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JenD-VT
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some feedback points out a desire for more balanced discussions on contentious topics.
Listeners appreciate the podcast's blend of humor and deep insights into everyday topics.
While the majority praise the diverse subjects tackled, a few critiques suggest certain episodes may lack depth on complex issues.
Many reviews mention the excellent production quality and engaging storytelling that keeps them hooked.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#67
Chile/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Milk: From mutations to mustaches
Q: Can you explain the importance of milk in terms of evolution?
Our ability to drink milk relates back to genetic mutations that arose in various populations allowing them to tolerate lactose.
Milk: From mutations to mustaches
Q: Why are we standing here with all of these goats?
We are here because we're doing an episode about milk.
Homeopathy: Can sugar pills fill the holes in modern medicine?
Q: Why do you think homeopathy remains so popular despite the controversies surrounding it?
Homeopathy's popularity may stem from the time, empathy, and natural remedies it offers, which people often feel are lacking in conventional medical practices.
India Pale Ale: Hipster hype or colonial hangover?
Q: How do today's IPAs compare in flavor to what would have been shipped off back then?
They wouldn't have tasted anything like an IPA that we have today; they would be more mellow and less hoppy when they arrived in India.
India Pale Ale: Hipster hype or colonial hangover?
Q: Can you tell us where we are, and why that's got anything to do with what we're talking about today?
This is St. Pancras Station, designed to store barrels of India Pale Ale, highlighting its significance in London's history.

Audience Metrics

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

Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

Exploring the intriguing histories behind everyday items and concepts, the content focuses on how these elements evolve as they transition through different cultures and times. Episodes tackle a wide range of topics, from social issues like the opioid crisis and the prison system, to the historical significance of something as commonplace as lawns. By weaving in personal narratives, expert opinions, and cultural reflections, engaging discussions illuminate unexpected connections between the past and present. Listeners are likely to appreciate the blend of humor, education, and thoughtful insight, making complex subjects accessible and relatable.

Particularly noteworthy is the podcast's focus on hidden histories and social implications atta... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. This American Life
2. Hidden Brain
3. The Moth
4. Throughline
5. Radiolab

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 25 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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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Ashley Rubin
2. Erica Miners
3. Eve Ronsky
4. Øyður Hildur Ákundar Dottir
5. Gudrun Augustóttir
6. Raquel Adolfsdóttir
7. Haine Shim
8. Clayton Eckhart

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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