Origins: A History Podcast

With both the NFL and College Football season's kicking off in a few days, we decided to explore the origins of American football. What ancient and modern sports inspired it, how did it develop and when did it become so popular in the United States. We answer all these questions and more!

Join us this week as we meet the innovators and technology that made electronic music possible.

This week, we delve into the origins of cosmetics/makeup. This is a topic that has been highly requested, so we are happy to finally bring you this episode. From the earliest use of cosmetics in ancient Egypt, through its rejection by Rome and Christianity, to its explosion in popularity during the Renaissance, enjoy the origins of cosmetics/makeup.  

Wine, one of the oldest and most popular drinks in human history. This week we explore the exciting history of wine,  from its ancient origins in Armenia and Georgia, to its subsequent spread across Europe. 

With the Opening Ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympics beginning today, we decided to take a look at the ancient games to see how they differed from the modern Olympic games. We discuss the location, event schedule, competitions and awards of the ancient games, as well as the origins of some of the more modern traditions of today's games.  

With the 52nd Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing coming up on July 20th, we wanted to look into the story of the lead up to the moon landing.  From the original idea of sending a man to the moon to Neil Armstrong's famous line as he becomes the first human to set foot on the lunar surface. 

With the immense popularity of Comic Cons not only in the U.S. but around the world, we decided to delve into the earliest origins of conventions. From niche science fiction conventions, to the advent of comic conventions, to the large pop culture events we have today, join us in exploring this exciting topic!

In honor of the Fourth of July, we explore some little known facts about the origins of the holiday. 

In today's society, there aren't many things that are more important than the calendar. We would essentially be lost without it. Join us this week as we delve into the ancient and complicated history of time keeping and how our modern calendar came to be.

Join us this week as we explore the origins of Father's Day!

Although a fairly recent innovation, the origins of the internet are no less fascinating. Join us this week as we discuss the advent of the computer and how the internet was created to realize the devices full potential. 

Higher education has been an integral part of society for thousands of years. On this weeks episode we explore the different iterations of universities, from the Platonic Academy to Harvard.  

Restaurants, a staple of modern society. Be it fast food joints or fine dining establishments, we are surrounded by restaurants. In fact they are so much a part of our lives, we often don't give second thought to their history. So join us this week as we explore the fascinating origins of restaurants. 

Coffee, one of the worlds most popular drinks, with billions of cups being consumed around the world every day. Join us this week as we dive into the origins and subsequent spread of this delicious beverage. 

This week we discuss the origins of the Parthenon marbles controversy. Both the British Museum and the government of Greece claim sole ownership of these ancient Greek artworks. Find out each sides position and how this conflict has played out over time.   

Throughout human history, we have looked for ways to celebrate our mothers. This week we explore how Mother's Day was celebrated in the past, how it became an official holiday in the United States and how countries around the world celebrate. 

According to a Nielsen study, only 22% of American's know what Cinco de Mayo really celebrates.  So go ahead and take a listen to this weeks episode and find out what historical event is associated with the holiday. 

The man, the myth, the legend...... This week we delve into the life of one of the most famous men in history, Gaius Julius Caesar.

In honor of the 4/20 holiday, we decided to trace the origins of marijuana. From its early domestication in Asia  to its move across the west. See how this humble plant has grown alongside civilization for thousands of years.