Aug
25
Dynamo Dot
How a famous textile designer brought the “Liebes Look” to the bedsides of wounded soldiers. Continue reading Dynamo Dot
Aug
15
Sidedoor: Sumo wrestlers vs. firefighters
Forget Gorgeous George, Hulk Hogan and Roman Reigns—have we got a matchup for you! Continue reading Sidedoor: Sumo wrestlers vs. firefighters
Jul
28
Sidedoor: A Culture in Crisis
“This is a war not only for the territory. This is war against our culture.” Continue reading Sidedoor: A Culture in Crisis
Jul
13
Hubble Trouble
Prepare for liftoff, as we explore how America’s first large space telescope went from a “billion-dollar blunder” to one of history’s most important scientific instruments. Continue reading Hubble Trouble
Jun
30
Get off my lawn!
Americans spend countless hours every year seeding, watering, mowing, and fertilizing patches of grass that don’t make much sense, economically or ecologically. But why? Continue reading Get off my lawn!
Jun
15
Sidedoor: Season 8 opens with a peek into the sex lives of Giant Pandas
Season 8 of Sidedoor, the Smithsonian’s flagship podcast, kicks off with a sex-education lesson on Giant Pandas. The premiere episode explores the unexpected challenge veterinarians at the National Zoo have faced for 50 years—why it is so hard for the Giant Pandas to make baby pandas. Continue reading Sidedoor: Season 8 opens with a peek into the sex lives of Giant Pandas
May
06
Sidedoor: The Hungerford Deed
Every family has its fair share of drama. But few of us can say that our kin’s squabbles led to the creation of a world-renowned institution. Continue reading Sidedoor: The Hungerford Deed
Mar
24
Broad Stripes, Bright Stars and White Lies
Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag. At least, that’s what we were taught in school. But when historians go searching…there’s no proof to be found. In this episode of Sidedoor, we unravel this vexillological tale tall to find out how this myth got started, and who Betsy Ross really was. Continue reading Broad Stripes, Bright Stars and White Lies
Mar
10
Take Who Out to the Ball Game?
Baseball fan or not, you know this song…or at least, you think you do. In this episode of Sidedoor, we explore long-forgotten lyrics that reveal a feminist message buried amid the peanuts and cracker jack. Continue reading Take Who Out to the Ball Game?
Feb
09
Sidedoor: King’s Speech
One of the most famous phrases in the history of speechmaking was improvised on the spot. Continue reading Sidedoor: King’s Speech
