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 - Why do People Shake Hands?

On this upcoming episode, we're exploring the custom of shaking hands. Spoiler alert: it's
more than just a way to spread cold germs! Also, do bad things really happen in
threes? Is it coincidence...or a cruel cosmic prank? Plus, where did the phrase
"get your ducks in a row" come from? We'll try to waddle our way to the truth.
So join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've Always
Wondered about.

00:08:49
Sep 26, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean

More Episodes

Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 26 Preview

On this upcoming episode, we're exploring the custom of shaking hands. Spoiler alert: it's
more than just a way to spread cold germs! Also, do bad things really happen in
threes? Is it coincidence...or a cruel cosmic prank? Plus, where did the phrase
"get your ducks in a row" come from? We'll try to waddle our way to the truth.
So join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've Always
Wondered about.

00:00:34
Sep 24, 2025 5:52 PM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Why Are There 7 Days A Week?

On this episode, we're counting the days - literally!  We explore why there are seven days in a week - and how those days got their names.  Also, why did mankind ever start rhyming?  Turns out, it wasn't just for fun - it served a purpose.  Plus, what was the worst TV Show ever?  Hear the story of a network prime time show so bad that they pulled the plug midway through its first episode!  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about. 

00:10:17
Sep 19, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 25 Preview

On this upcoming episode, we're counting the days - literally!  We explore why there are seven days in a week - and how those days got their names.  Also, why did mankind ever start rhyming?  Turns out, it wasn't just for fun - it served a purpose.  Plus, what was the worst TV Show ever?  Hear the story of a network prime time show so bad that they pulled the plug midway through its first episode!  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about. 

 

00:00:42
Sep 17, 2025 4:53 PM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Where Did Beer Originate From?

On this episode, we're cracking open a cold one and exploring the origin of beer.  It started as an accident, and humanity kept repeating it for the next 7,000 years!  Also, we look at the surprisingly predictable world of random numbers.  Turns out, they're not so random after all.  Plus, where did the term "Charley Horse" come from?  Who is this Charley, and why does he enjoy inflicting so much pain?  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about.

00:08:59
Sep 12, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 24 Preview

On this episode, we're cracking open a cold one and exploring the origin of beer.  It started as an accident, and humanity kept repeating it for the next 7,000 years!  Also, we look at the surprisingly predictable world of random numbers.  Turns out, they're not so random after all.  Plus, where did the term "Charley Horse" come from?  Who is this Charley, and why does he enjoy inflicting so much pain?  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about.

00:00:38
Sep 10, 2025 5:11 PM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Is A Hotdog A Sandwich?

In this episode, we look at why we rub our eyes when we're tired.  Is it a soothing mechanism, or just our face trying to turn itself off?  We'll have the details.  Also, we tackle one of the spiciest debates in the history of lunch - is the hot dog a sandwich?  Plus, we'll cut to the chase - literally!  We explore the origins of the phrase that was coined nearly 100 years ago.  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the curious questions you've Always Wondered about. 

00:09:08
Aug 29, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 22 Preview

On this upcoming episode, we look at why we rub our eyes when we're tired.  Is it a soothing mechanism, or just our face trying to turn itself off?  We'll have the details.  Also, we tackle one of the spiciest debates in the history of lunch - is the hot dog a sandwich?  Plus, we'll cut to the chase - literally!  We explore the origins of the phrase that was coined nearly 100 years ago.  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the curious questions you've Always Wondered about. 

 

00:00:48
Aug 28, 2025 9:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Who Decided How Long a Foot Should Be?

On this episode, we dive into the weird world of measurements.  Who decided how long a foot should be?  And what exactly is an acre?  We'll size up the answers.  Also, we'll unwrap the sweet history of M&Ms - the candy that melts in your mouth - and sometimes on your keyboard.  Plus, we investigate the phrase that's taking over the internet - "If You Know You Know".  Is it a sly wink to those in the know, or just a way to make the rest of us feel like we missed a meeting?  So join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the curious questions you've Always Wondered about.

00:09:26
Aug 15, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 20 Preview

On this upcoming episode, we dive into the weird world of measurements.  Like, who decided how long a foot should be?  And what exactly is an acre?  We'll size up the answers.  Also, we'll unwrap the sweet history of M&Ms - the candy that melts in your mouth - and sometimes on your keyboard.  Plus, we investigate the phrase that's taking over the internet - "If You Know You Know".  Is it a sly wink to those in the know, or just a way to make the rest of us feel like we missed a meeting?  So join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the curious questions you've Always Wondered about.

 

00:00:48
Aug 13, 2025 5:17 PM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - What's The Origin of the Phrase "Skeletons in the Closet"?

On this episode, we ask the questions that make you think -- and maybe make you wince!  First up - why does the crossbar on men's bikes go straight across into the "danger zone"?  Then, we'll reveal the loudest sound ever made on earth! And here's a hint:  it wasn't your upstairs neighbor vacuuming at 2 am.  Plus, we creep into the dark, musty past to discover the origin of the phrase "Skeletons in the Closet".  So join host Rick Peterson on a curious and weird journey as he answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about.    

00:09:09
Aug 8, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 19 Preview

On this upcoming episode, we ask the questions that make you think -- and maybe make you wince!  First up - why does the crossbar on men's bikes go straight across into the "danger zone"?  Then, we'll reveal the loudest sound ever made on earth! And here's a hint:  it wasn't your upstairs neighbor vacuuming at 2 am.  Plus, we creep into the dark, musty past to discover the origin of the phrase "Skeletons in the Closet".  So join host Rick Peterson on a curious and weird journey as he answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about.    

 

00:00:46
Aug 6, 2025 4:0 PM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Why We Blow Out Birthday Cake Candles

On this episode, we dive deep into that flaming frosting ritual of blowing out birthday candles.  How did this tradition ever start?  And is it secretly germ warfare wrapped in delicious cake?  Also, we investigate the great mystery of gravity and breakfast.  Learn why toast always seems to land buttered-side down!  Plus, we discuss Paper Cuts.  They're small, sneaky, and devastatingly painful - and we'll tell you why.  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the curious questions you've Always Wondered about. 

 

00:08:36
Aug 1, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 18 Preview

On this upcoming episode, we dive deep into that flaming frosting ritual of blowing out birthday candles.  How did this tradition ever start?  And is it secretly germ warfare wrapped in delicious cake?  Also, we investigate the great mystery of gravity and breakfast.  Learn why toast always seems to land buttered-side down!  Plus, we discuss Paper Cuts.  They're small, sneaky and devastatingly painful - and we'll tell you why.  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the curious questions you've Always Wondered about. 

 

00:00:42
Jul 30, 2025 5:0 PM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Why Socks Disappear in the Laundry.

On this episode, it's a mystery that has baffled mankind for eons - or at least since the invention of the washer and dryer.  We'll explore why socks keep disappearing in the laundry.  Also - have you always wondered why we have wisdom teeth?  Do they serve a purpose - or are they just Mother Nature's prank on adult mouths?  Plus, we'll attempt to unravel the weird and delightfully unhinged rules of the English language.  Spoiler alert:  you'll probably be more confused by the time we're done!  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers the questions you've Always Wondered about. 

00:08:56
Jul 25, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 17 Preview

On this upcoming episode, it's a mystery that has baffled mankind for eons - or at least since the invention of the washer and dryer.  We'll explore why socks keep disappearing in the laundry.  Also - have you always wondered why we have wisdom teeth?  Do they serve a purpose - or are they just Mother Nature's prank on adult mouths?  Plus, we'll attempt to unravel the weird and delightfully unhinged rules of the English language.  Spoiler alert:  you'll probably be more confused by the time we're done!  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers the questions you've Always Wondered about. 

 

00:00:48
Jul 23, 2025 4:0 PM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - The Most Misleading Lie That Society Tells Itself.

On this episode, we dig into the weird, wild, and mildly confusing world of nicknames.  If you've ever wondered why your Uncle Greg is called "Spud" or how we got the name "Peg" from "Margaret," we'll name names.  Also, we unravel the mystery of Airline Chimes.  You've heard them, but what do they really mean?  Plus, we'll discuss one of the most misleading lies that society tells itself - "I Slept Like a Baby".  As any bleary-eyed parent will tell you, it's one phrase that makes absolutely no sense!  So join host Rick Peterson as he tackles more of the questions you've Always Wondered about. 

00:09:03
Jul 18, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 16 Preview

On this upcoming episode, we dig into the weird, wild, and mildly confusing world of nicknames.  If you've ever wondered why your Uncle Greg is called "Spud" or how we got the name "Peg" from "Margaret," we'll name names.  Also, we unravel the mystery of Airline Chimes.  You've heard them, but what do they really mean?  Plus, we'll discuss one of the most misleading lies that society tells itself - "I Slept Like a Baby".  As any bleary-eyed parent will tell you, it's one phrase that makes absolutely no sense!  So join host Rick Peterson as he tackles more of the questions you've Always Wondered about. 

 

00:00:41
Jul 16, 2025 5:0 PM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Why Are There 24 Hours in a Day?

On this episode, we explore why there are 24 hours in a day.  It could have been any number, but somehow we wound up with 24, and we'll tell you why.  Also, where did the phrase "let the cat out the bag" come from?  Was there really a cat and, if so, what does a feline have to do with spilling secrets?  Plus, it's the Great Citrus Debate.  Which came first - the color orange or the fruit orange?  The answer may just make you question your entire crayon box!  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about.

 

00:08:32
Jul 11, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 15 Preview

On this upcoming episode, we explore why there are 24 hours in a day.  It could have been any number, but somehow we wound up with 24, and we'll tell you why.  Also, where did the phrase "let the cat out the bag" come from?  Was there really a cat and, if so, what does a feline have to do with spilling secrets?  Plus, it's the Great Citrus Debate.  Which came first - the color orange or the fruit orange?  The answer may just make you question your entire crayon box!  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about.

 

00:00:44
Jul 9, 2025 4:0 PM
Clean