Origin of Everything

What really crashed down to Earth in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947? Can we trust the government when they say it was just a weather balloon? Today Danielle looks at the history of alien conspiracies and what they teach us about the legacy of modern warfare, globalization, distrust of the government, and paranoia about foreign invaders.

Did you drink milk in school? Congrats, you drank the results of a government subsidy program! Today, Danielle takes a closer look at the milk given to school kids and what it can tell us about federal entitlement programs as well as government subsidies.

What is culture? Can it even be appropriated? Is there a difference between appreciation and appropriation? Join Danielle in the theoretical minefield!

We understand why we have first names and how our surnames tie us to our family heritage, but what's the deal with middle names? What's the purpose of a middle name and when did different cultures start using them?

The laugh track, otherwise known as the cringiest sound in modern television. Where did it come from and why do so many of our favorite sitcoms still use it?

What's the difference between race and ethnicity? Can a person have more than one ethnic identity? Today Danielle explores the history and evolution of different ethnicities that make up America.

What motivates someone to disguise their race, gender, religion, etc.? Today Danielle explores the complicated history of passing in the United States.

Why do so many anthems and patriotic songs from across the globe sound the same? Today Danielle joins forces with Cory from 12tone and Moti from The Ling Space to find out what makes a tune suitable for patriotic songs and how those songs are translated into other languages.

Where did the concept of a hobby come from? And how did humans turn the things they do purely for fun into side hustles and competitions that actually pay the bills?

Why are school teachers tasked with teaching students about sexual education? Today, Danielle explores how sex ed ended up in America's schools!

What is it about cults that captures the public imagination? Why are we so interested in the stories of Jonestown, Charles Manson, and Patty Hearst? Today Danielle explores how these groups entered the public consciousness and why we find it so hard to look away.

The US imprisons more people than any other country in the world. Today, Danielle explores why so many Americans are incarcerated and why we've turned to private prisons to hold that population.

Is art a public good? Why is the government even paying for art in the first place? Today, Danielle explores the US government's history of commissioning art and how that lead to the NEA.

Going to college in America ain't cheap with each semester costing thousands upon thousands of dollars. How do American students pay for this and how did the price tag get so high? Today, Danielle takes a dive into the student debt crisis and examines the good intentions that led to it.

What's the history behind public housing? Why do governments all over the world subsidize housing for the public. Today, Dannielle look at the evolution of housing projects and how the government got into the landlord game.

In the internet age what's the point of libraries? Do we even still need these brick and mortar buildings when a lot of knowledge can be found online? Today, Danielle examines the history of libraries around the world and what role they still play in society.

Prom has become the defining moment of many American students' high school experiences. But why has a single night of partying come to represent a crucial coming of age moment? Today, Danielle examines the history of prom and how Hollywood uses prom movies to critique or reenforce mainstream American Culture.

Why did Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin plant a flag on the moon? Moreover, why do astronauts and space agencies from across the world continually send their nations' flags to space? Today, Danielle traces the history and symbolism of flags around the world and examines their use in colonial expansion - both on Earth and in the stars.

We all have news cycle fatigue. If it’s not struggling to find reliable sources online, then it’s figuring out how to sift through the myriad of competing (and sometimes conflicting) headlines that roll across our TV screens, cell phones and social media accounts. But when did the news become integral to our lives? Today Danielle explores the history of news and how we ended up in today's never ending news cycle.

Origin of Everything takes a field trip to Washington, D.C. and explores the painful history and legacy of America's Civil War. Danielle looks at Confederate and Union Civil War monuments and what spurred their construction after the war.

From loincloths to long johns and codpieces to jock straps, Danielle takes a "brief" look at the history of male undergarments!

Why are prescription drugs so expensive in the United States? Why does the same medication cost significantly less in other countries around the world? Today Danielle examines the history of pharmaceutical regulation in America and how it lead to such disproportionately high costs.

You may not know their names, but the theremin and the wilhelm scream are ubiquitous in horror films. Today, Danielle and special guest Dr. Emily Zarka tell the spooky tales of how these iconic sounds ended up in your favorite movies!

The day is finally here! Your baby has arrived and you're officially a new parent! But how long until that new baby smell wears off and you're forced to return to work and find reliable childcare? Today Danielle looks at the history maternity leave around the world and why the United States is one of eight nations in the world without any guaranteed, government regulated PAID parental leave.

Are museum collections ethical? How did these institutions end up with their vast array of artifacts and remains from every corner of the globe? Well, chances are there was some definite shadiness involved. Today, Danielle examines this complicated debate and looks closely at the cases of Saartjie Baartman and Chang and Eng Bunker. What do you think? Should objects be repatriated, left on display, or something in between?

People across the globe love beer. A LOT. Danielle traces the history of beer and how we got from fermented corn to the craft beers so many enjoy today. She looks not just at the science of brewing, but also the various fermented beverages that cropped up around the world over the centuries. Grab a cold one (if you're of age) and let's get started!

Everybody, rock your body and get ready to scream! Today Origin is looking at all things boy band! Danielle traces the history of boy ensembles from early Beatlemania to today, examines the markers of a classic boy band, and explains the science behind this particular type of fandom. Oh my my my!