The Story Behind

The Story Behind

Emily Prokop

Update on the show + Audiobook link

Thank you to everyone who came by over the past few months while I recorded the audiobook of The Story Behind. The audiobook is available on Audible and you can get that at this link: https://amzn.to/2G1Y8WF In addition, for those who saw the Live recordings in The Story Behind Discussion Group, you know I realized there were a number of errors in the printed book as I was reading through it. I am so grateful to my publishers who will be updating future printed copies with the corrections, as well as the eBook versions. While I wish the actual podcast could continue as it once was, I have not had the time to put into it what I wished I could. To those who have found the show in the meantime and those who continue to listen to the back catalog, thank you so much and I hope it can continue to be found and enjoyed. Even though the show isn't actively being produced at the moment, I am still reading your emails and messages on social media and am so grateful to all of you who have continued to support me (Emily) and The Story Behind It was around this time FOUR years ago (!) that The Story Behind began. My daughter was younger and my son wasn't born yet. I was still at my 9-5 job with a nice long commute to listen to podcasts and a guaranteed lunch break where I did a lot of research for The Story Behind during. The fact that I worked with trivia and puzzles all day was actually one of the main reasons I started the podcast — I needed an outlet for all the knowledge I picked up daily. And it worked, I realized later. When I was no longer required to read and verify bits of trivia all day for a job, my need to share all that knowledge I picked up wasn't as strong. The day I was told I was being fired from that job was the same week I had written Episode 100 — The Story Behind: The Musical. I was about to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the podcast. That commute home, the only thing that kept me from completely losing it was practicing that song over and over again. I needed to nail it. I needed to nail that episode. My ego had taken a huge hit at work and I sunk everything I had into that episode. And it paid off. It's still my absolute favorite episode of the podcast, and I'm even more proud (is that the right word?) that I beat-boxed it for the audiobook! Link to the episode, if you've never heard it: https://thestorybehindpodcast.com/.../the-story-behind... A month later, I got an email from Mango Publishing about writing the book and I was floored. Not only that but when I knew I would be losing my job, I had already started doing some side jobs editing podcasts for others. So, while writing my first book, I was also growing my first business. By the time I was knee-deep in everything and thinking, for the first time, about stopping the podcast, I got an email from The Webby Awards with a scholarship opportunity to grant me the ability to enter for consideration. The nomination floored me, and I am eternally grateful to everyone who voted and supported me from listeners to fellow podcasters and friends and family (some of whom still don't quite know how to listen, but we're working on it). Fast-forward to now, after months of a pandemic and an intense year, to say the least. The Story Behind has been on indefinite hiatus and will continue to be for the time being. For right now, I don't actually have an active podcast. My other podcast, Hate to Weight, is on an indefinite hiatus, as well. After 113 episodes, I'm proud to report my cohost and I together have lost well over 130 pounds and are both in maintenance mode! As for me, I'm currently working more on podcasts behind the scenes as a podcast consultant and editor, as well as a speaker and course creator for other podcasters. Turns out, more and more people are finding out what I knew years ago, which is: Podcasting is awesome. It can open up opportunities you never imagined, introduce you to some of the most amazing people you'll ever meet, and perhaps for some lucky podcasters, help them find the voice they always knew was inside of them. Yeah, that might sound corny, but the only reason I was able to get on this mic and talk was because of listeners like you. My co-host on Hate to Weight has said that getting on the mic is like therapy for him, and I agree. Building an audience of any kind, whether it's on a podcast or on social media is a validation that there are other people in the world interested in what you have to say. And I want to thank you for sharing your time for my overflow of trivia and love of origin stories. As I say at the end of every episode, Thanks for listening.

27 October 2020, 2:30 am
8 minutes 18 seconds

Cotton Swabs
Every time I use the subject of today’s episode, my husband is quick to point out how I shouldn’t. He loves to tell me about all the injuries this common household item causes, and as much as a lot of what I do depends on my hearing, I can’t help but continue to use it now and again. And I’m sure you do too.

You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Cotton Swabs.
Let's get social!
- The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group
- The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page
- The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram
- The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter
Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer
- $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind.
- $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds.
- Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon
The Story Behind is also a Book!
- Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5
- Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj
Sources
10 August 2019, 11:43 pm
11 minutes 41 seconds

Sunglasses
From starting out as eye protection against snow blindness to helping pilots navigate the skies without being blinded by the sun, the subject of today’s episode not only protects your eyes but has also been a staple of fashion for centuries, as it turns out.

You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Sunglasses. Let's get social!
- The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group
- The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page
- The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram
- The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter
Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer
- $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind.
- $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds.
- Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon
The Story Behind is also a Book!
- Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5
- Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj
Sources
23 May 2019, 4:00 am
6 minutes 50 seconds

Glitter
Ever hear of Shiny Object Syndrome? Usually, it’s said to refer to those who see something new and have to have it, only to get bored with it once they finally attain it.

But in this episode, I wanted to know just what it is about literal shiny objects that make them so appealing to humans. And this particular shiny object is no different unless you have to clean up the mess it makes.

You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Glitter.
Vote for The Story Behind for the Webby Awards!
CLICK HERE to vote!
Let's get social!
- The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group
- The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page
- The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram
- The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter
Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer
- $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind.
- $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds.
- Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon
The Story Behind is also a Book!
- Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5
- Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj
Sources
18 April 2019, 4:00 am
9 minutes 49 seconds

Mouthwash
One of the most fascinating things about today’s episode is not just the creation of this everyday object, but the marketing tactic of presenting a problem that many people weren’t concerned with until the solution was advertised.

You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Mouthwash.
Vote for The Story Behind for the Webby Awards!
CLICK HERE to vote!
Let's get social!
- The Story Behind Discussion Group: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Group
- The Story Behind Facebook Page: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Facebook-Page
- The Story Behind on Instagram: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Instagram
- The Story Behind on Twitter: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Twitter
Support the Show — Become an Executive Producer
- $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind.
- $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds.
- Click to Support: TheStoryBehindPodcast.com/Patreon
The Story Behind is also a Book!
- Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FkbVU5
- Kindle Version: https://amzn.to/2CAn9Dj
Sources
9 April 2019, 4:00 pm
24 minutes 19 seconds

Son of a Gun - Operation Switcharoo
Happy April Fool’s Day.

This year, I was part of a number of other podcasts that wanted to do some cross-promotion, so if you’re looking for The Story Behind April Fool’s Day, I invite you to check out the Forgotten News Podcast.

I should put a disclaimer on this episode that it may not be suitable for younger or sensitive audiences since procreation and the anatomical names for body parts are mentioned. And remember, take everything you read and hear today with a grain of salt.

Enjoy this episode of the Forgotten News Podcast, and if you like it, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode.

And if you’re listening to this as a Forgotten News Podcast listener, thanks for coming over and checking out The Story Behind! Jim and Kit did a great job talking about The Story Behind this particular piece of Forgotten News Podcast and I invite you to subscribe while you’re over here.

Without further ado, I’m your host Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Son of a Gun.

Visit the Forgotten News Podcast website or listen over on PlayerFM or Podbay.
- Forgotten News Podcast on Twitter
- Forgotten News Podcast on Facebook
- Also check out Kit's other podcast, Whispered True Stories
Guest Voice
- Jeremy Collins - Podcasts We Listen To and the Podcasts We Listen to Facebook Group
- Also, check out Jeremy as a guest voice on The Story Behind the Lead Pipe!
Books Mentioned
- Sex and the Civil War by Judith Giesberg
- The Story the Soldiers Wouldn’t Tell - Thomas P. Lowry, MD
Music
- MusicForMakers.com
- Music by Kevin MacLeod of Incompetech.com – Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses / by 3.0
2 April 2019, 12:01 am
8 minutes 27 seconds

Conversation Hearts
One of my favorite holidays just passed. February 15th. Yup, you heard me right. February 15th, not the 14th. Oh, I love Valentine’s Day, but I’m more in love with the discounted candy the day after, including a candy that apparently I’m in the minority when it comes to liking. But this year, they were harder to come by, despite being the most popular Valentine’s Day candy. The history of any modern-day candy, actually, can be attributed to these, as well.

You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Conversation Hearts.
- Like the podcast? You’ll LOVE The Story Behind Book!
- Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight!
- Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook!
- Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website
- This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers
- Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon.
Media:
- Music for Makers
Sources:
14 February 2019, 5:00 am
8 minutes 19 seconds

The Trampoline
One of my favorite things to learn about when researching episodes is how people marketed inventions that had never been on the market before. In The Story Behind Post-its, we talked about how 3M’s style of marketing was to show what the product could do, rather than just showing the product. In The Story Behind Dr Pepper, John W. Davis made it a point to tell six people every day his version of the beverage’s origin story.

And, probably in the running for most audacious marketing of an invention covered by The Story Behind is today’s topic, when its inventors rented a kangaroo to help demonstrate the fun jumping capabilities of the product.

You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind the Trampoline.
- Like the podcast? You’ll LOVE The Story Behind Book!
- Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight!
- Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook!
- Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website
- This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers
- Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon.
Media:
- Music for Makers
Sources:
Referenced:
7 February 2019, 5:00 am
8 minutes 56 seconds

Groundhog Day
Okay, campers, rise and shine and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cold out there today!

No, you’re not stuck in a loop, unless you’ve already listened to this episode before. But today’s episode is all about a seemingly silly holiday that has a fascinating history behind it and a 1993 movie that probably helped it become most likely permanently attached to Bill Murray.

You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Groundhog Day.
- Find out more about The Story Behind Book!
- Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight!
- Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook!
- Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website
- This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers
- Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon.
Media:
- Music for Makers
Sources:
Referenced:
- Varmints! Groundhogs episode
2 February 2019, 11:00 am
8 minutes 31 seconds

Pantyhose
Even though the topic of today’s episode isn’t necessarily exercise-related, it would be safe to say it gave me a bit of a workout this past week. Imagine paying $12 for something, then you find yourself struggling to put it on, only to have it rip.

Now, because I didn’t have time to go to the store for another pair, I put some clear nail polish on the rip and hoped they would hold out for the next few hours until I could take them off and throw them away. Women, you probably know what I’m referring to. Men, don’t worry, there’s a version for you that’s available that, after a Google image search, is now painfully seared into my mind.

You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Pantyhose.

(By the way, the men’s version is lovingly referred to as “mantyhose.”)
- Get your very own copy of The Story Behind Book!
- Check out Emily’s other podcast about her weight-loss journey, Hate to Weight!
- Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook to talk more about the show and submit your own trivia!
- Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website
- This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers
- Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon.
Media:
- Music for Makers
Sources:
Referenced:
- The Story Behind the Toothbrush
17 January 2019, 5:00 am
15 minutes 18 seconds

Bottled Water
Remember the Left Shark from the Super Bowl a few years ago? He was supposed to be just a guy in a shark costume dancing next to Katy Perry during the halftime show. But because he decided to do his own thing, he became the center of attention. Every so often, another Left Shark will come along in the background of an event only to steal the show.

The most recent of these was the Fiji Water girl during the Golden Globes red carpet, who has been given the title 2019’s first meme after appearing to have photobombed many shots of the celebrities on the red carpet. Her real name is Kelleth Cuthbert, a Canadian model and influencer.

That brings us to today’s topic. As you’ll find out, this everyday object is less about necessity but more about clever marketing, even before Cuthbert generated $12 million worth of brand exposure the past week.

You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Bottled Water.

*Note: A previous version of this podcast episode mentioned "Sarasota Springs," instead of Saratoga Springs. Thank you to John for calling this to my attention.
- Find out more about The Story Behind Book!
- Check out Emily’s other podcast, Hate to Weight!
- Join The Story Behind Discussion Group on Facebook!
- Follow The Story Behind: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Website
- This episode was brought to you by The Story Behind Executive Producers
- Click here to become an Executive Producer and support this podcast on Patreon.
Media:
- Music for Makers
- Perrier Orson Welles 1979 - YouTube
Sources:
10 January 2019, 5:00 am
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