Wow, I Never Knew That!

From pasteurization to poppy seeds, discover how the #2 pencil got its name and why trailers play after movies. Learn the truth behind rainbows, sliced bread, scapegoats, phonographs, aluminum cans, almond milk, and why we say "pony up."

Discover how miniature golf, duct tape, dynamite, and Morse code came to be. Ever wonder why we knock on wood or say "cup of joe"? Plus: hamburgers, jerky, yo-yos, compasses, light sticks, and the secret behind the Swiss Army knife.

Why do stars twinkle? What makes pepper trigger a sneeze? This episode explores aerosol cans, braille, jaywalking, the Zamboni, and Ex-Lax. Plus: Alaska's odd history, "Happy Birthday" rights, pistachios, baker's dozens, and the phrase "gift horse."

Where did Monopoly come from? Why do we say "getting fired" or "In Like Flynn"? This episode uncovers the surprising roots of matches, area codes, wedding rings, tuxedos, potluck dinners, political parties, and even Xs and Os.

How did Band-Aids come to be? Why were bridesmaids invented? Discover the origins of cotton candy, gadgets, traffic lights, and fortune cookies. Plus: barbed wire, sunglasses, Domino's Pizza, Avenue of the Americas, and the battle of GSM vs. CDMA!

Why do cats always land on their feet? What's behind Bluetooth, dry cleaning, and the rule about waiting an hour after eating? From corkscrews to cold feet, nachos to Grand Central, this episode unpacks the wild origins of things we barely think about.

What do PEZ, zippers, touch lamps, and "OK" have in common? Their surprising stories are all here! From lawn mowers to roulette wheels, stewardesses to cell phone buzzers, plus Thermoses, ducks, and why Mark Twain wasn't his real name.

Ever wonder why barns are red or why we yell "fore" in golf? Discover the surprising roots of candy canes, trampolines, umbrellas, and MRI machines. Plus: shotgun seats, Sweet'N Low, women's buttons, and why we say "God bless you" after a sneeze!

From the Eiffel Tower to Super Glue, uncover the surprising stories behind everyday objects and odd phrases like "cold shoulder" and "your name is mud." Plus: the first pizza, lipstick, Ponzi schemes, rabbit's feet, and the truth behind Häagen-Dazs!

From bulletproof vests to wishbones, and scuba gear to gray hair, uncover the quirky origins of everyday things. Why do we walk curbside? What's up with notches on coins? Plus: internet slang, neon lights, daylight saving time, and kitty litter!

From aspirin to GPS, barcodes to barber poles, find out the curious backstories behind everyday essentials. Why do geese fly in a V? What causes brain freeze? And yes, there was a real Mr. Crapper. Plus: Popsicles, pound keys, and belly buttons!

From bikinis to baseball caps, credit cards to the credit you give diamonds, this episode uncovers the wild origins behind the stuff you use (and wear!) every day. Plus: ice cream cones, hot dogs, Etch A Sketch, and what sneezing at the sun really means.

Discover how the teddy bear, manhole cover, piggy bank, sandwich, and even Times Square got their start! From Coca-Cola to the Slinky and the spicy truth about food, this episode is packed with eye-opening surprises and unexpected origins.