• Why Do We Play Dreidel? The Complicated Origin of Hanukkah’s Favorite Game
    Dec 26 2024

    Playing dreidel is a staple of Hanukkah, but one origin story has a major plot hole in it. And it’s possible the game wasn’t even invented by the Maccabees. This is the story of how Hanukkah’s favorite game became so popular.

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Why Do We Have Daylight Saving Time? Please Stop Blaming Farmers
    Dec 19 2024

    I know we all think farmers are to blame for why we have Daylight Saving Time but they actually HATE it. And one of America's Founding Fathers who gets credit for with coming up with the idea actively is trying to convince people he isn't to blame. So, why do we have it? This is the story of energy conservation, world wars and a years-long fight.

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • Why Do We Have the Lottery? How One Man Almost Ended It
    Dec 12 2024

    Americans love the lottery, but one man's greed almost ended it forever. This is the story of building empires, corruption and government's being unable to manage their money.

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Why Do We Send Christmas Cards? How a Popular Man Changed Tradition
    Dec 5 2024

    Christmas cards are a staple of the holiday season, but believe it or not, Hallmark didn’t invent the tradition. It all started with a man in England who was so popular, he didn’t have time to write out over 1,000 holiday notes. So, he changed the way we sent season’s greetings.

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • How Did the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Get Started
    Nov 28 2024

    The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an iconic American tradition. But, why did Macy’s decide to start the annual tradition? And how did the balloons get added? This is the story of a business’s gamble, an elaborate prank, and a well thought out marketing plan.

    Jingle Bells by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100187

    Artist: http://incompetech.com/

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Why Do We Drive on the Right Side of the Road? How Napoleon Changed History
    Nov 21 2024

    Have you ever wondered why we drive on the right side of the road when other parts of the world drive on the left? Well, I have. This is a story of changing military strategy, robberies and a car that changed the world.

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Who Started the Red Bottom Shoe? A King Louis Story
    Nov 14 2024

    Everyone knows how Christian Louboutin came up with his iconic red bottom heels. But, before there were Louboutins there were two fashion icons who were doing red bottoms first – King Louis XIV and his brother, Philippe. This is the story of power, prestige and the kind of flair only an absolute monarch could muster.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • How Did the "I Voted" Stickers Get Started? Election Day Special
    Nov 5 2024

    Let's travel back to the 19th century and a very different -- and public -- form of voting for a story of election parties, an unmotivated society and illegal bribes. Learn how the iconic "I Voted" stickers got their start in this Election Day special episode of "I'll Tell You Why."

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins