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 - The Origin of the Potato Chip

On this episode, it's the origin of the Potato Chip.  If it hadn't been for one angry chef, this snack may never have been created!  Also - sharpen your Number 2 Pencils to hear the surprisingly snobby story of why most pencils are colored yellow.  Plus - learn how the slackers of the barnyard led to the phrase "till the cows come home".  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about.  

00:08:49
Oct 17, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean

More Episodes

Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 29 Preview

On this episode, it's the origin of the Potato Chip.  If it hadn't been for one angry chef, this snack may never have been created!  Also - sharpen your Number 2 Pencils to hear the surprisingly snobby story of why most pencils are colored yellow.  Plus - learn how the slackers of the barnyard led to the phrase "till the cows come home".  Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about.  

00:00:32
Oct 15, 2025 6:0 PM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Why We Dream?

On this episode, we explore why we dream.  What exactly do those nightly movies in our brain mean?  Also - what were the first words ever uttered when man invented brand new ways to communicate?  From print to broadcasting to the internet, you'd think they'd be profound, right?  Well, think again!  Plus - what's the origin of the phrase "waiting for the other shoe to drop"?  How did falling footwear come to mean bad news?  Hear all about it as host Rick Peterson answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about.

00:09:00
Oct 10, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 28 Preview

On this episode, we explore why we dream.  What exactly do those nightly movies in our brain mean?  Also - what were the first words ever uttered when man invented brand new ways to communicate?  From print to broadcasting to the internet, you'd think they'd be profound, right?  Well, think again!  Plus - what's the origin of the phrase "waiting for the other shoe to drop"?  How did falling footwear come to mean bad news?  Hear all about it as host Rick Peterson answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about.

00:00:39
Oct 8, 2025 5:16 PM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - Where The Traditional "Seventh-Inning Stretch" Came From?

The baseball postseason is here, so in this episode, we explore the origin of the Seventh Inning Stretch.  How did standing, stretching, and singing about peanuts and Cracker Jack ever become a thing?  Also, what makes horseshoes, four-leaf clovers, and rabbits' feet so lucky?  We're talkin' good luck charms.  Plus - if you're on social media, you've probably suffered from FOMO.  But where did this Fear Of Missing Out come from?  We have the details.  So join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about. 

00:09:51
Oct 3, 2025 7:0 AM
Clean
Always Wondered
Always Wondered - EP 27 Preview

The baseball postseason is here, so on this upcoming episode, we explore the origin of the Seventh Inning Stretch.  How did standing, stretching, and singing about peanuts and Cracker Jack ever become a thing?  Also, what makes horseshoes, four-leaf clovers, and rabbits' feet so lucky?  We're talkin' good luck charms.  Plus - if you're on social media, you've probably suffered from FOMO.  But where did this Fear Of Missing Out come from?  We have the details.  So join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've Always Wondered about. 

 

00:00:38
Oct 1, 2025 11:40 AM
Clean
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
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