Forever Ago

American Public Media

Brains On presents Forever Ago®, a history show for the whole family! Every episode looks into the surprising and fascinating history of things we think are ordinary, but they’re not -- like ice cream flavors, video games, baths and more. We make learning about the past fun while teaching listeners to think critically about history. read less

Our Editor's Take

Forever Ago is a family podcast that uncovers the surprising origins of everyday things. Joy Dolo, a Minnesota-based performer, teacher, and writer, hosts the show. Each week, Joy has a different guest cohost-a kid who assists her in exploring that episode's topic. The podcast is a production of American Public Media. This means listeners can be sure they're getting well-researched and accurate information.

The podcast aims to foster a love of history in children. The show does this in several ways. It uses a playful tone with lots of silly banter. The show ties in historical events and discoveries with present-day reality. It also focuses on events that children might not have heard about elsewhere. Using storytelling to make history more engaging is an old and effective trick. Forever Ago elevates it and adds its distinctive flair.

Joy and her cohost are careful to choose topics that reflect the perspectives of all Americans. They devote one episode to cornrows. They explore why the lawn is symbolic of the American dream and how that affects the environment. They learn about Cheng I Sao, a female Chinese pirate from the early 1800s who was in charge of the South China Sea. They explore the historical reasons why many African Americans dislike swimming. A guest historian often comes on to talk about a topic in more detail.

Lovers of trivia will enjoy playing along with "First Things First!" It's a segment where Joy and her cohost guess which of three items came first. What came first-neon clothes, baseball caps, or bell-bottom pants? What about cheese, juggling, or written language? Listeners will get to find out the answers.

Forever Ago is an excellent choice for kids who like to know where things come from. Parents and big kids will also appreciate learning about little-known people and events. Episodes come out once a week and each one lasts about half an hour. Fans of podcasts like Smash Boom Best may appreciate this show.

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Start Here
Come out to the Big Dig!
Sep 8 2023
Come out to the Big Dig!
Wow, wow wow have we got some big news! Brains On!, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago are coming together for the Big Dig - an archeological, paleontological extravaganza that you can participate in through YouTube. The show has it all: Megaladons vs Giant Sloths, dinosaurs covered in cake AND lemonade being slurped through a straw! Go to brainson.org/fieldtrips to secure your space and check out the other events we have planned this fall. Plus, Smarty Pass members can take 20% off!
Come out to the Big Dig!
Sep 8 2023
Come out to the Big Dig!
Wow, wow wow have we got some big news! Brains On!, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago are coming together for the Big Dig - an archeological, paleontological extravaganza that you can participate in through YouTube. The show has it all: Megaladons vs Giant Sloths, dinosaurs covered in cake AND lemonade being slurped through a straw! Go to brainson.org/fieldtrips to secure your space and check out the other events we have planned this fall. Plus, Smarty Pass members can take 20% off!
Happy Birthday to You: The story of the world's most popular song
Jul 5 2023
Happy Birthday to You: The story of the world's most popular song
Do you know the birthday song? We bet you do! People all over the world sing a version of “Happy Birthday to You.” It’s even been played in OUTER SPACE! Way less well-known, though, is the story behind the song, and the sisters who wrote it! Listen in to hear Elysse tell Joy the story, so she can get inspiration for her own quest to write a solar-system famous song.  Plus, an all new birthday themed First Things First featuring birthday cakes, wrapping paper and piñatas! (edited)
It’s Electric! The history of electric cars
Jun 28 2023
It’s Electric! The history of electric cars
Electric cars may seem like the latest technology, but they were actually first invented in the late 1880s! So what happened to the electric car? And why aren’t all cars electric today? Buckle your seatbelts and get ready for the ride of a lifetime as Joy and cohost Lilike learn about how the electric car came to be and what the future might hold. Plus, an all new First Things First featuring seatbelts, traffic signals, and windshield wipers. Toot toot! Beep beep!
TGIF: Where did the weekend come from?
Jun 21 2023
TGIF: Where did the weekend come from?
Uh oh, Joy has a big problem: too many fun things to do every weekend and not enough time to do them all. In this episode, she and cohost Asa are on a mission to make the weekend longer!But where did the weekend come from? And why is it two days, instead of one or five? Turns out, it all started when factories began opening up in the 1800s. Tag along with Joy and Asa as they learn how workers pushed for more time off – and eventually helped create the two-day weekend! Plus, see if you can crack an all-new First Things First, featuring comic strips, waffles and orange juice concentrate!Kiwico.com - Use promo code forever to get 50% off your first month and free shipping
Yee-Haw! The hidden history of Black cowboys
Jun 14 2023
Yee-Haw! The hidden history of Black cowboys
Head down to the ranch with Joy and co-host Aaliyah as they share the stories of three incredible Black cowboys. These cowboys tamed wild horses, arrested bandits and became legends in their own time! The stories of Black people in the Wild West have often been erased from history books, but some people are trying to change that. Plus, a new game of First Things First featuring mechanical bulls, cowboy hats, and ranch dressing!Kiwico.com - Use promo code forever to get 50% off your first month and free shipping
Flying colors: The story of the rainbow Pride flag
Jun 7 2023
Flying colors: The story of the rainbow Pride flag
This week, Joy and co-host Lilike are at a Pride celebration! These celebrations have taken place since 1969, but the rainbow flag is a more recent invention! Tag along to check out all the amazing parade floats, learn about the queer community’s fight for civil rights, and discover how the Pride flag was first created! Plus, a new game of First Things First featuring some of our favorite emojis!Kiwico.com - Use promo code forever to get 50% off your first month and free shipping
See Joy Dolo at Smash Boom Best LIVE!
Jun 6 2023
See Joy Dolo at Smash Boom Best LIVE!
You know Joy Dolo as your favorite ever host of Forever Ago, but she's also a debater on our sister podcast Smash Boom Best. And we're really excited to let you know that on Sunday, July 23rd she'll be performing in Smash Boom Best LIVE at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis.She'll be duking it out with actor and comedian Brant Miller in not one, but TWO smash boom smackdowns of epic proportions – topics top secret! Plus! If you subscribe to our Smarty Pass you can get a discount on tickets.We hope to see you there! Get your tickets here! https://tinyurl.com/sbblive
Forever Ago History Sound Extravaganza!
Jun 5 2023
Forever Ago History Sound Extravaganza!
Hey, Smarty Pal, want more Forever Ago? Check out this sneak peek of Joy playing a brand new game she just invented that bears no resemblance to any other game. Listen as Joy pulls intriguing, silly, stupendous, sounds from her pocket and see if you can guess when the sounds came from and what made them!
How a freezing summer gave us Frankenstein, bicycles and more
May 31 2023
How a freezing summer gave us Frankenstein, bicycles and more
Joy and co-host Asa learn about the year without a summer, and how it led to some amazing inventions! 1816 was a very strange year. In many parts of the world warm summer weather never came, and crops froze.  Scientists now know these were the effects of a volcanic eruption, but back then, people had no idea what was happening. Still, this tragedy kicked off a lot of innovation, from new works of art to new ways of growing food. Come learn all about it while Joy and Asa wait out a rainstorm at Camp Chronology. Plus, as always, a new First Things First featuring coolers, canoes and compasses!Kiwico.com - Use promo code forever to get 50% off your first month and free shipping
ZAP! The history of the microwave
May 24 2023
ZAP! The history of the microwave
Beep boop ZAP! Did you know that the microwave oven was invented by accident? From space-age luxury item to everyday appliance, microwaves have come a long way in the 76 years they’ve been around. Join Joy and cohost Aaliyah for the history of the gadget that made it possible for us to heat our breakfast burritos or mac and cheese bowls in mere seconds. Plus, your hosts bust some microwave myths and tackle a brand new round of First Things First! *****Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
Way to Play: How Playgrounds Grew Up
May 17 2023
Way to Play: How Playgrounds Grew Up
We’re so excited to be back for season THREE of Forever Ago! Join Joy, Elysse, and some talking playground equipment as they spring through time to explore playgrounds of the past, present and future. You’ll hear how playgrounds started popping up thanks to the industrial revolution. You’ll visit 1960’s London to hang out with the godmother of Adventure Play, and meet a group of students working to transform their inaccessible playground into a recess retreat for everybody! And of course, a new First Things First!
Forever Ago is Back May 17!
May 4 2023
Forever Ago is Back May 17!
Season 3 of Forever Ago is starting soon! Forever Ago is a history podcast for the whole family, where we explore the before! This season, we’ve got all kinds of surprising stories for you. Tune in to learn some awesome facts, and play games like First Things First, and hear from listeners like you! New episodes drop Wednesday starting May 17th. But if you just can’t wait, you can check out a bonus episode with Joy by signing up for our Smarty Pass!
Million Bazillion: Why do some people get paid more than others?
Apr 24 2023
Million Bazillion: Why do some people get paid more than others?
Hey Forever Friends! A quick note: our new season starts on May 17th, and we can’t wait to share it with you! Until then, we’re excited to share this episode of Million Bazillion. It’s a show our pals ask and answer all kinds of questions around money. Check it out and enjoy! In this episode, listeners Henry and Nathanial wanted to know why workers don’t get paid the same. Million Bazillion co-hosts Ryan and Bridget help break down what’s known as the “wage gap” with the help of the Vindicators superhero squad, who are on a mission to make pay more fair. Plus, they brainstorm ways to fix the problem.
Do scientists have superpowers?
Feb 13 2023
Do scientists have superpowers?
Hi! It’s Joy Dolo here. Forever Ago will be back in your feed with new episodes in May! But to tide you over until then, I wanted to share this episode with you that I made with my friends at Brains On. You’ll get to meet some incredible scientists, play the mystery sound game and listen to me contemplate whether tacos are sandwiches! It’s so much fun. Thanks, Friends! Enjoy the show!It's just a normal day at Brains On headquarters, until Molly and co-host Aaliyah find Forever Ago host Joy Dolo in the midst of a full-blown stress attack. She has a lot on her agenda: it's her birthday month and Black History Month, she's producing a one-woman show, she's got episodes to host, parades to plan and a self-portrait made entirely out of found objects due for her art class! Joy isn't sure which way is up, if tacos are sandwiches and if she should re-think her entire life. Luckily, there are all sorts of amazing scientists who just happen to be hanging out at Brains On HQ happy to help. Chemist Joya Cooley, urban ecologist Jasmin Green, roboticist Randi Williams, entomologist Jessica Ware and space suit technician Sharon McDougle are on the case, ready to share their wisdom and superpowers with Joy.This episode is sponsored by Disney Channel and Disney+. Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur premieres Friday, February 10 at 8p on Disney Channel and available on Disney+ Wednesday, February 15. Visit disneyplusoriginals.disney.com for more info.
Love is in the hair! A history of cornrow braids
Nov 23 2022
Love is in the hair! A history of cornrow braids
Tag along with Joy, Amira and a magical bobblehead with the gift of gab on a road-trip while they explore the history of cornrow hair braiding! We’ll hear how cornrow braids made the leap from ancient tradition to the halls of Congress – and get acquainted with Madam C.J. Walker, the first Black female self-made millionaire who made her fortune with hair and flair! Plus, a special appearance from King Benkos Bioho, a trail-blazing historical leader who used braids as a secret map to lead enslaved people to freedom. And of course, a new First Things First!This episode was sponsored by: Storyworth (Storyworth.com/forever - Save $10 on your first purchase.)Flip & Mozi’s Guide to How to be an Earthling by Wondery
Rocket women: How a secret program paved the way for female astronauts
Nov 16 2022
Rocket women: How a secret program paved the way for female astronauts
Get ready for an out-of-this-world episode! Joy and co-host Elsa are trapped in a black hole with a baby elephant and a mountain of old junk! They’ll explore the history of a super secret astronaut testing program for women called the “Fellow Lady Astronaut Trainees.” This group of bold, highly-trained pilots spent years making a case for why women are just as qualified to become astronauts as men! Plus, the dynamic duo digs into the history of the Space Race (spoiler: it’s not an astronaut marathon) and tries to figure out a new First Things First. It’s famous firsts in women’s history: first female millionaire, first woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize and first woman to reach the peak of Mount Everest!This episode was sponsored by:Storyworthy (Storyworth.com/forever - Save $10 on your first purchase.)Flip & Mozi's Guide to How to be an Earthling - a podcast by Wondery
How pens rewrote history
Nov 9 2022
How pens rewrote history
They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but how did it get that way? Join Joy and co-host Buddy as they head to the U-PEN college reunion (a whole university for pens!) and meet pen pals from throughout history, made of everything from feathers to steel. And on First Things First, we’re putting these stupendous school supplies in order: Crayola crayons, whiteboards, and rubber erasers!
Tomb raiders: How Egypt’s treasures ended up all over the world
Nov 2 2022
Tomb raiders: How Egypt’s treasures ended up all over the world
There’s stuff from ancient Egypt in museums all over the world, from jewelry and statues to mummified bodies. But it turns out a lot of that stuff was stolen.Joy and co-host Hania learn how Europeans took control of so many important artifacts from ancient Egypt. Plus, they teach a video game character about the disturbing history of unwrapping parties, where Victorian people in the 1800s would unwrap mummified bodies in front of a crowd of people.On First Things First we try to find out which came earliest in history: traces of cheese, written language or evidence of juggling!This episode was sponsored by:Fabric (Meetfabric.com/forever - Apply today in just 10 minutes. Policies issued by Western-Southern Life Assurance Company. Not available in certain states. Prices subject to underwriting and health questions.)
Introducing Smarty Pass: Your ticket to the Brains On! Universe
Oct 31 2022
Introducing Smarty Pass: Your ticket to the Brains On! Universe
Become a Smarty Pass subscriber today to access bonus episodes and ad-free episodes of Brains On!, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago -- all right here in your favorite podcast player.Visit smartypass.org/foreverago to get your Smarty Pass! It's $4/month or $36/year (a three-month discount!)Don't worry: This feed will stay free and we’ll be posting new episodes just like we always have.Whether you choose to subscribe, or keep listening in our free feeds, we so appreciate you listening to our shows and being a part of the Brains On universe.Thank you so much for your support!
The lawn con: A history of grass
Oct 26 2022
The lawn con: A history of grass
Grab your hedge clippers and don’t forget to feed your plastic flamingos! Joy and cohost Max are exploring the surprising history—and even more surprising legacy—of the American lawn. The clean, green front lawn has been synonymous with the American Dream for decades, but…why do we like lawns so much? A green-year-round carpet of grass takes a lot of water and other resources to maintain, and can pollute local ecosystems. How can we get the pleasant sanctuary of a traditional lawn without harming the environment? Joy and Max climb a massive hill and find some donkeys, and lawnfluencer superstar Ry-Ry the Lawn Guy experiences a revelation. We hear from local wildlife, and environmental conservationist and tall-grass enthusiast Neil Diboll encourages us to let our lawn’s wild side come out to play. Naturally, the biggest question is: Will Joy construct the perfect topiary self-portrait?Once you’ve gotten the grass stains out of your pants, see if you can put this First Things First in the correct order: Plastic lawn flamingoes, the gas-powered lawnmower, and AstroTurf. Also--what summer shoe is one of the oldest styles of footwear in the whole world? Didja Know has the deets!This episode was sponsored by:Fabric Insurance (Meetfabric.com/forever - Apply today in just 10 minutes at meet fabric dot com slash forever. Policies issued by Western-Southern Life Assurance Company. Not available in certain states. Prices subject to underwriting and health questions.)