We trace the unexpected backstories of everyday things – things that have traveled the world, by force, by chance, or by choice. How did this item or idea change as it moved through different cultures and eras on its way to you? And what surprising truths does its story reveal about our world today?
Latest episodes
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4 min
New DW Podcast: Call Sign Condor
Why would someone risk their life for a country that's not their own? From LA Times Studios, DW, and Futuro Studios, this is a show about the thousands of Latin American soldiers w…
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2 min
Introducing: Delayland – Germany and the Missing Magic
Once dubbed an "economic miracle”, things don't run like they used to in Germany. This new DW original podcast endeavors to find out how Germany lost its magic and who’s got it now…
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44 min
Prisons: Why can’t we break free?
Lock 'em up and throw away the key. Turns out that concept has been controversial from the beginning. There have always been cracks in the concept of incarceration, but have we let…
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46 min
Invisible Work: Women strike back
Women around the world and across generations are connected by this familiar thing that you can't actually see: invisible labor. The mountain of tasks that go unseen and undervalue…
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36 min
Reality TV: Our ancient thirst for drama
The gladiator's heart is beating hard as he dons his armor. The gates open and the crowd goes wild. He steps forward and finds himself in... the Bachelor Mansion?! Get ready for a…
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37 min
The Missionary Position: Preaching, power and getting pregnant
Weird name for a sex position, right? Well, the story behind it is just as strange - involving the Church, the full moon (or was it campfires?), and some mixed messages. But what c…
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27 min
Introducing: The Secret Life of Canada | Was the plot to assassinate Lincoln hatched in Canada?
The Secret Life of Canada from CBC Podcasts is a podcast about the country you know and the stories you don't. Join hosts Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson as they reveal the bea…
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34 min
Lawns: Is yours giving sun king or pink flamingo?
"Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are," said an English poet. What can a well-manicured lawn reveal about social status, our relationship to the Earth and the Amer…
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34 min
ZIP codes: Delivering more than you bargained for
Psst, your ZIP code is telling all your secrets. In fact, so much is hidden in that short string of digits at the end of your address – we're talking pride, discrimination and mark…
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36 min
Opioids: Old high, new low
The opioid crisis is unfolding around us in real time. But it isn’t just a problem in the US. Following the trail of a new outbreak in addiction leads us across continents and even…
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43 min
Witch hunts: The medieval conspiracy that just won't die
When did you last hear the phrase "witch hunt"? Thanks to powerful figures like Donald Trump, chances are you see it in the headlines pretty often. Whispers of witchcraft go way ba…
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1 min
Don't Drink the Milk Season 2 is coming soon!
Join us as we hit the road again to uncover the weird and wonderful backstories of familiar things and how they made their way around the world. This season we're delving into sex…
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13 min
Travel Bite: Bulgarian boza for your bosom
What's the key to success on most trips? Hanging out with a local. Luckily for us, we had one with us for our adventures in Bulgaria last season! We invite Rayna back on the podcas…
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15 min
Travel Bite: Small country, big personality - North Macedonia
Why did North Macedonia splurge on statues? And what do the locals do with strong alcohol, apart from drink it? We revisit our journey to the Balkan nation to dig up some of the od…
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16 min
Travel Bite: German home remedies
When might a German grandma turn to a tiny sack of chopped onion? Rachel welcomes back Shabnam Surita to play doctor and dig into a few German health quirks. So, pour yourself a cu…
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42 min
Introducing: Doomsday bunkers & the Finnish sense of humor from Passport
We're on a season break but we didn't want to leave you hanging. So this week we're bringing you more adventure, revelation and history – this time from the Passport podcast. In th…
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14 min
Travel Bite: Spicing up the British pub
Who's hungry? We've got tasty travel morsels to tide you over until Season 2. These are the tidbits, tangents and tales that didn't make it into Season 1, but might come in handy o…
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33 min
Bagels: Coming full circle
The bagel is in its rainbow era, but this beloved bread's journey goes way back. We're rounding off season one with a dense, doughy episode that's both scrumptious and surprising.…
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48 min
India Pale Ale: Hipster hype or colonial hangover?
IPA – the trailblazer of craft beers – holds within it stories of empire, exploitation and evolution. We head to the pub (it's hard work, but someone's gotta do it) and explore Bri…
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22 min
Introducing: The Disappearing Spoon
We're on a short break, but of course, you still need a dose of quirky history – so here's another podcast we think you'll love. The Disappearing Spoon is a topsy-turvy, science-y…