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Artwork for Sidedoor
Smithsonian
Turtle Trafficking
World War II
Woolly Dog
Black Holes
Virginia Hall
New Year
Coast Salish
Carbon
Abraham Lincoln
Leap Year
Pledge Of Allegiance
Colonialism
World War I
NASA
United States
Equal Credit Opportunity Act
Cultural Heritage
Tropical Forests
Climate Change

More than 154 million treasures fill the Smithsonian’s vaults. But where the public’s view ends, Sidedoor begins. With the help of biologists, artists, historians, archaeologists, zookeepers and astrophysicists, host Lizzie Peabody sneaks listeners through the Smithsonian’s side door, telling stories that can’t be heard anywhere else. Check out si.edu/sidedoor and follow @SidedoorPod for more info... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes248Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Society & Culture

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Artwork for Sidedoor

Latest Episodes

Everyone thought ghosts lived in the basement of Stockton, California's old Daguhoy Lodge. So, nobody went down there. But when one man refused to be spooked, he made a discovery that would bring the ghosts back to life. 

In this episode, we explore... more

How did a car with chopped suspension and hydraulics become a symbol of pride and self-expression for an entire community? We'll cruise back in time to see how lowriders emerged from the post-WWII car craze and became a powerful symbol of Mexican Ame... more

At the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, archivists are working with Native communities to correct the historical record … one photo at a time.

In this episode, we go inside the archives, where century-old photographs once labele... more

A long time ago, in movie theaters not far away, Star Wars: A New Hope revolutionized American entertainment. In honor of May the 4th, we explore how a scrappy space fantasy reinvented a tale as old as time — and gave Americans hope in a time of diff... more

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Recent Guests

Steve Velazquez
Curator at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Smithsonian Institution
Episode: High Art, Low Ride
Denise Sandoval
Professor of Chicana and Chicano studies
California State University, Northridge
Episode: High Art, Low Ride
Albert de Alba Sr.
Owner and builder of El Rey, a notable lowrider
El Rey
Episode: High Art, Low Ride
Leonard Harmon
Nana Coke and Lenape from Indian River; community member
Harmon family / Nanticoke community
Episode: The People in the Pictures
Pam Pierce Harmon Johnston
Nanticoke community member
Harmon family
Episode: The People in the Pictures
Mike Harmon
Grandchild of Sarah; community member
Harmon family
Episode: The People in the Pictures
Matthew Harmon
Community member, relative identified in photos
Harmon family
Episode: The People in the Pictures
Emily Moazami
Head archivist
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Episode: The People in the Pictures
Nathan Sowry
Referencing archivist
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Episode: The People in the Pictures

Host

Lizzie Peabody
Host of Sidedoor; leads narrative storytelling and research-driven explorations

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 3.1k ratings
  • I didn’t know that

    Amazing tidbits of America History told by Smithsonian Institute history buffs.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Its4Candi
    United Statesa month ago
  • AWESOME

    AWESOME

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kaishton
    United Statesa month ago
  • May the 4th be with You

    Hit it out of the Park. I am biased but I find this was one of the best episodes. Season 12 episode 12. The show tied a movie memory with the efforts of the museum and why you do what you do. Just a great episode

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NYTSKY 1
    United Statesa month ago
  • AWESOME

    AWESOME

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Strigaformes Pizzaria
    United States2 months ago
  • Unique, Informative, and Fun

    I love this show. It always teaches me a new perspective on history through the uniquely specific lens of whatever artifact, person, or story it explores each episode. And the host is super entertaining and funny! Well worth the listen and a delightful surprise each time.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JEB Blue
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise the host's engaging delivery and the show's ability to make Smithsonian stories feel accessible and entertaining.
Guests are described as knowledgeable and credible, bringing authentic expertise to complex topics.
Episodes are noted for being informative, with a balance of history, culture, and science that keeps content fresh.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Extreme Botany
Q: What are the consequences for us when some aquatic plant species become endangered?
The extinction of these species can affect food production and the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Extreme Botany
Q: How do aquatic plants breathe when submerged?
Aquatic plants have mechanisms that allow them to breathe, including leaves above the water surface and specialized tissues.
Extreme Botany
Q: What is extreme botany and why is it important?
Extreme botany involves studying plants in extreme ecosystems, which is essential for understanding their adaptations.
Extreme Botany
Q: How did you become a plant person?
I was born a plant person; I had a natural love for plants and chose to study biology.
Bloodsuckers!
Q: What can you tell me about having leeches as pets?
Roberto shares that leeches are part of their household and they interact with them as living beings, which brings comfort despite their unsettling reputation.

Audience Metrics

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Sidedoor

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

A narrative-focused history and culture show that foregrounds archival research, provenance, and the human stories behind objects and images. Across episodes, listeners encounter archivists, curators, historians, scientists, and community members who illuminate how museums reconstruct the past, challenge established narratives, and connect artifacts to living communities. Notable strengths include a transparent, research-driven approach to provenance, a willingness to feature diverse voices from the Smithsonian and partner institutions, and a sense of storytelling that blends ethics, discovery, and personal memory. The show often ties tangible items to broader cultural conversations—from national myths to science and technology—making it a ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Sidedoor?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Sidedoor:

1. Antiques Roadshow Detours
2. 99% Invisible
3. The Atlas Obscura Podcast
4. the memory palace
5. Decoder Ring

How many episodes of Sidedoor are there?

Sidedoor launched 10 years ago and published 248 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Sidedoor?

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What guests have appeared on Sidedoor?

Recent guests on Sidedoor include:

1. Steve Velazquez
2. Denise Sandoval
3. Albert de Alba Sr.
4. Leonard Harmon
5. Pam Pierce Harmon Johnston
6. Mike Harmon
7. Matthew Harmon
8. Emily Moazami

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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