Invention

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

Soap

We’re all probably using a lot more soap these days, but… what is it exactly? How does it work? Who invented it and how has it changed the world? Join Robert and Joe as t

Apr 20 2020
1 h 08 min

Invention Classic: Chewing Gum

Chewing gum is everywhere today, but where does it come from? What did we chew before Bubblicious? How does gum affect us? Robert and Joe explore in this episode of Inven

Apr 13 2020
1 h 03 min

Invention Classic: The Museum

We all love a good museum, but how long have we had them? In this episode of Invention, Robert and Joe discuss just what a museum actually is and when the concept seems t

Apr 6 2020
1 h 07 min

Invention Classic: Sun Glasses

It’s hard to imagine how anyone looked cool before the invention of sunglasses, but just when did humans pop their first pair of shades? In this episode of Invention, Rob

Mar 30 2020
44 min

Invention Classic: Penicillin

A fungal accident in the early 20th century opened the door for the medical wonders of the antibiotic age. In this episode of Invention, Robert and Joe explore what came

Mar 23 2020
48 min

Invented Words, Part 2

Where do new words come from? Robert and Joe explore in the latest episode of Invention. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee

Mar 16 2020
52 min

Invented Words, Part 1

Where do new words come from? Robert and Joe explore in the latest episode of Invention. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee

Mar 9 2020
51 min

Invention: Barbed Wire

You may very well encounter barbed wire everyday -- and, in all likelihood, you see THROUGH this flesh-ripping barrier. Where did this invention come from? How did it cha

Mar 2 2020
50 min

The Fire Extinguisher, Part 2

Fire technology depends on the ability to not only create and foster fire, but also the ability to snuff it out as needed. Today, the fire extinguisher is an important ac

Feb 24 2020
48 min

The Fire Extinguisher, Part 1

Fire technology depends on the ability to not only create and foster fire, but also the ability to snuff it out as needed. Today, the fire extinguisher is an important ac

Feb 17 2020
45 min

Strike the Match, Part 3

Mastery of fire was one of humanity’s greatest technological leaps forward, but even the ability to create fire only gets you so far if the flame is not easily generated

Feb 10 2020
35 min

Strike the Match, Part 2

Mastery of fire was one of humanity’s greatest technological leaps forward, but even the ability to create fire only gets you so far if the flame is not easily generated

Feb 3 2020
42 min

Strike the Match, Part 1

Mastery of fire was one of humanity’s greatest technological leaps forward, but even the ability to create fire only gets you so far if the flame is not easily generated

Jan 27 2020
53 min

The Pencil

It’s easy to take the pencil for granted, but that eraser-capped wooden cylinder with a core of graphite has a story and a history -- and Robert and Joe explore it in thi

Jan 20 2020
45 min

Beachbum Berry on the Invention of the Mai Tai

The Mai Tai isn’t only the most famous Tiki cocktail, it’s one of the most well known cocktails on the planet. But where does it come from? Who invented it? In this episo

Jan 13 2020
1 h 06 min

Invention Classic: Chopsticks

Chopsticks are such an intuitive and precise eating utensil, it’s easy to assume they’ve been with us. But as Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore, this neolithic invent

Jan 6 2020
57 min

Listener Mail: Year End Wrap-Up, Part 2

Join your Invention hosts Robert and Joe for another round of listenener mail on recent episodes devoted to the Microwave Oven and all sorts of toys. Learn more abou

Dec 30 2019
39 min

Listener Mail: Year End Wrap-Up, Part 1

As the first year of Invention comes to a close, Robert and Joe catch up on listener mail for everything from air conditioning and ketchup to toys and bubble wrap. L

Dec 23 2019
42 min

Toys, Part 3

As the holiday season sets in, Robert and Joe open up Santa’s toy bag to consider the invention of various toys -- toys intended to teach, toys intended to puzzle and toy

Dec 16 2019
1 h 14 min

Toys, Part 2

As the holiday season sets in, Robert and Joe open up Santa’s toy bag to consider the invention of various toys -- toys intended to teach, toys intended to puzzle and toy

Dec 9 2019
50 min

Chart positions

Where Invention ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 16, 2026).

#139 ▲ 20 History US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

This show provides loads of interesting information about the history of so many of the things we use each day. The style is laid back and fun with many welcome tangents providing much more infotainment than one might expect from a given episode’s title. It’s a pleasure to listen to. I’m especially a fan of the multi-episode deep dives into some of the inventions with longer histories and more iterations over time. It is a delightful exploration of human ingenuity and the creative thought process!

Hossenstein · May 2020

Interesting and entertaining. It sounds like they do their homework, and it’s nice to turn on a podcast that isn’t constantly full of f-bombs(sorry to other shows to are wayyy too limited with inside jokes and a swear fest). A really good getaway from the average.

Runner$&$ · Dec 2019

These guys are super entertaining and educational. As an engineer I am very interested in how things work and were created. Joe and Robert do a great job keeping tough subjects light and fun. Would recommend (and have recommended) 10/10 I have listened to every episode of invention and stuff to to blow your mind, no regrets.

franny mendoza · Dec 2019

Just as good as their last podcast, Invention has the same wonderful chemistry and insight formed over the years between Robert and Joe that it is a blast to listen to.

Kay Vea Oh · Sep 2019

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.