Always Wondered

Always Wondered

Always Wondered. A podcast that takes a lighthearted look at everyday life's little mysteries.

     Have you always wondered who came up with the idea for mouthwash? Who invented the Slinky? Why do we bless someone whenever they sneeze? How come there are dimples on a golf ball? Or what is the origin of the phrase "heard it through the grapevine"? These are the sort of questions that stir our curiosity, and the answers may just surprise you. Join host Rick Peterson every week for a fun and breezy look at some of the things you have always wondered about!

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Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Bubble Wrap

If you think the best part of online shopping isn't the merchandise, but the Bubble Wrap, then this is the episode for you!  Hear the strange story of how this plastic icon came to be.  Also, we'll discuss why we clink our glasses whenever we toast.  The tradition seems classy and sophisticated, but the back story is much more sinister!  Plus, learn the origin of the simple phrase that's powerful enough to stop all debate dead in its tracks - It Is What It Is.  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

00:08:05
May 23, 2025 7:0 AM
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Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 8 Preview

If you think the best part of online shopping isn't the merchandise, but the Bubble Wrap, then this is the episode for you!  Hear the strange story of how this plastic icon came to be.  Also, we'll discuss why we clink our glasses whenever we toast.  The tradition seems classy and sophisticated, but the back story is much more sinister!  Plus, learn the origin of the simple phrase that's powerful enough to stop all debate dead in its tracks - It Is What It Is.  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

 

00:00:41
May 21, 2025 7:0 PM
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Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 7 Preview

Part of the world drives on the right, while the other drives on the left.  It's probably just the Universe's way of telling us to stay home!  But on this episode, we'll try to make sense of that confusing right/left driving divide.  Plus, how did a simple metallic spring coil become one of the biggest-selling toys of all time?  Hear the unusual origin story of the Slinky.  Join host Rick Peterson for these topics and more as he answers some of the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

 

00:00:46
May 14, 2025 7:44 PM
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Always Wondered
Always Wondered - La-Z-Boy ®

Mankind has long stood up for our right to sit down -- comfortably! On this episode, we look at the origin of the Recliner - the chair that says, "put your feet up, lean back, and maybe fall asleep with a remote in your hand". Plus, we've all heard the phrase "butter someone up" - but just what do dairy products have to do with flattery? The answer may surprise you! Join host Rick Peterson for these topics and more - including the weird story behind the Happy Birthday Song - as he answers the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

00:08:42
May 9, 2025 7:0 AM
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Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 6 Preview

Mankind has long stood up for our right to sit down -- comfortably! On this
episode, we look at the origin of the Recliner - the chair that says, "put your feet
up, lean back, and maybe fall asleep with a remote in your hand". Plus, we've all
heard the phrase "butter someone up" - but just what do dairy products have to
do with flattery? The answer may surprise you! Join host Rick Peterson for these
topics and more - including the weird story behind the Happy Birthday Song - as
he answers the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

00:00:37
May 7, 2025 5:0 PM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 5 Preview

It's the wobbly jewel of the dinner table.  JELL-O.  But just how did this iconic neon colored concoction come to be?  On this episode, we'll explore the origin of the shimmering dessert that's been wiggling its way into our hearts for well over a century.  Plus, we've all heard the phrase "a frog in your throat".  But what do small amphibians have to do with a scratchy voice?  The answer will probably surprise you.  Join host Rick Peterson for these topics and more - including a listener suggestion - as he answers the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

 

00:00:36
Apr 30, 2025 3:0 PM
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Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Peanut Butter and Jelly

Once upon a time, Peanut Butter and Jelly decided to join forces and become a lunchbox icon.  So on this episode, we'll explore the sweet and nutty origin of the PB&J - the sandwich that helped make the world safe for democracy.   Plus, we'll dazzle you with an array of colors - specifically Red, Yellow, and Green - and tell you how that trio of hues made their way onto every traffic signal in the land.   Join host Rick Peterson for these topics and more, as he answers the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

00:10:03
Apr 25, 2025 7:0 AM
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Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 4 Preview

Once upon a time, Peanut Butter and Jelly decided to join forces and become a lunchbox icon.  So on this episode, we'll explore the sweet and nutty origin of the PB&J - the sandwich that helped make the world safe for democracy.   Plus, we'll dazzle you with an array of colors - specifically Red, Yellow, and Green - and tell you how that trio of hues made their way onto every traffic signal in the land.   Join host Rick Peterson for these topics and more, as he answers the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

00:00:42
Apr 23, 2025 7:0 AM
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Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Knock Knock!

On this week's episode, we pop the top on soft drinks. Where exactly did the
name of your favorite soda pop come from? We'll give you all the sweet, fizzy,
carbonated details. And we all know that presidential elections have
consequences. But wait, you'll hear about the one election that actually gave us
the Knock Knock joke! Join us to explore these topics and more as host Rick
Peterson answers some of the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

00:09:41
Apr 18, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 3 Preview

On this week's episode, we pop the top on soft drinks. Where exactly did the
name of your favorite soda pop come from? We'll give you all the sweet, fizzy,
carbonated details. And we all know that presidential elections have
consequences. But wait, you'll hear about the one election that actually gave us
the Knock Knock joke! Join us to explore these topics and more as host Rick
Peterson answers some of the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

00:00:35
Apr 17, 2025 6:49 PM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Gesundheit!

On this week's episode, we explore one of our longest held customs. Whenever
someone sneezes, we automatically say, "Bless you." But why? How did that
curious practice ever get started? We'll tell you all about it. And if you thought
the phrase the "whole nine yards" had a strange origin, just wait till you hear the
story behind "the whole ball of wax". We'll tackle those topics and more as host
Rick Peterson answers some of the questions you've Always Wondered about.

00:08:02
Apr 11, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 2 Preview

On this week's episode, we explore one of our longest held customs. Whenever
someone sneezes, we automatically say, "Bless you." But why? How did that
curious practice ever get started? We'll tell you all about it. And if you thought
the phrase the "whole nine yards" had a strange origin, just wait till you hear the
story behind "the whole ball of wax". We'll tackle those topics and more as host
Rick Peterson answers some of the questions you've Always Wondered about.

00:00:39
Apr 9, 2025 11:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Official Trailer

Always Wondered. A podcast that takes a lighthearted look at everyday life’s little mysteries. Have you always wondered who came up with the idea for mouthwash? Who invented the Slinky? Why do we bless someone whenever they sneeze? How come there are dimples on a golf ball? Or what is the origin of the phrase “heard it through the grapevine”? These are the sort of questions that stir our curiosity, and the answers may just surprise you. Join host Rick Peterson every week for a fun and breezy look at some of the things you have always wondered about!

00:01:58
Mar 21, 2025 11:23 AM
Clean