Detours

GBH

What happens to all that stuff on America’s favorite antiques show once the cameras leave town? DETOURS reveals the stories, secrets, and surprises of TV treasures which go beyond the screen. Join host Adam Monahan, a longtime producer with GBH’s Antiques Roadshow on a journey of discovery from behind the scenes of the hit PBS series. Each episode tells the deeper story of one object, amazing and amusing listeners along the way. From GBH and PRX.

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Our Editor's Take

The Detours podcast provides context and updates on fascinating finds from Antiques Roadshow. Listeners learn where the collectibles are now and whether their value has changed. Host Adam Monahan also details the most contested antiques from unaired episodes. Monahan is the creator and producer of this series and one of the producers of Antiques Roadshow. He reminisces about popular items and shares updates every other Sunday.

In the second episode of the Detours podcast, Monahan describes the antique that was the hardest to verify. It was so complicated that they didn't air the Antiques Roadshow episode it was in that season. A guest brought a flag presumed to be from patrol torpedo boat PT-109. John F. Kennedy was a commander of that boat before his presidency. Japan bombed PT-109, and Kennedy helped rescue the crew. Proving the flag flew on PT-109 was challenging. Appraisals ranged from $400,000 to national treasure level. After a laborious process, Monahan had an ingenious idea. He asked a chemistry professor if the flag might contain lead. Fuel at that time included lead that wasn't water soluble. If the flag landed in the ocean after the explosion, it might have absorbed lead. Listeners learn not one but two surprising outcomes of the lead test.

Another podcast episode features an appraisal error that became a national news story. A handmade jug with six faces received a $30,000 to $50,000 valuation on Antiques Roadshow. It appeared to be more than 100 years old and similar to Pablo Picasso's art. But a viewer emailed the show to announce that she made it in her high school art class in the 1970s. Listeners discover how the value changed after the publicity.

Detours podcast listeners learn whether a Barbie doll appraised in a 2016 episode changed value after the 2023 Barbie movie. They also hear about the strangest appraisal requests. One pastor asked the appraisers to analyze his ghost. That letter hangs on the show's refrigerator. Another incentive to listen to this podcast: Some of the appraised items are for sale. New episodes of the show debut every few weeks.

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Encore: Very Truly Yours, Frank Sinatra

Encore: Very Truly Yours, Frank Sinatra

Celebrity letters provide a glimpse into what was happening in that person’s life in a particular moment in time, beyond what the newspapers were printing. When a fiery letter written by legendary star Frank Sinatra was appraised on GBH’s Antiques Roadshow in Tulsa, OK in 2018 that glimpse revealed a raw response to a letter from a prison chaplain, asking forgiveness for the two men who abducted Sinatra’s son in 1963. What was the one point around the kidnapping deemed unforgivable by the entertainer? Join host Adam Monahan as he digs into the kidnapping and its tragic and lasting aftermath.

Episodes

Encore: Very Truly Yours, Frank Sinatra

Encore: Very Truly Yours, Frank Sinatra

Celebrity letters provide a glimpse into what was happening in that person’s life in a particular moment in time, beyond what the newspapers were printing. When a fiery letter written by legendary star Frank Sinatra was appraised on GBH’s Antiques Roadshow in Tulsa, OK in 2018 that glimpse revealed a raw response to a letter from a prison chaplain, asking forgiveness for the two men who abducted Sinatra’s son in 1963. What was the one point around the kidnapping deemed unforgivable by the entertainer? Join host Adam Monahan as he digs into the kidnapping and its tragic and lasting aftermath.

Encore: Is This a Letdown?

Encore: Is This a Letdown?

News that a famous Galileo manuscript at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor was revealed to be a fake raises questions about a similar letter that appeared on GBH’s Antiques Roadshow in 2014. Did the show get it wrong? And how can a fake be so convincing it fools multiple experts? Host Adam Monahan, joined by forgery-sniffing historian Nick Wilding, dig into a world of deception to uncover if the producers are in for a letdown.

Encore: If it’s Brown it’s Down

Encore: If it’s Brown it’s Down

An early-American desk and bookcase set was appraised in 2006 at GBH’s Antiques Roadshow for a whopping $250,000. But was this coveted circa 1775 two-piece secretary a match made in heaven? Join host Adam Monahan as he discovers how a shocking secret revealed after the show making the piece even more rare, along with a powerful new market trend combine to dramatically change the value.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame - How the Boston Red Sox, Babe Ruth and the long-forgotten Bunker Hill Brewery combined to make one homerun of a calendar!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame - How the Boston Red Sox, Babe Ruth and the long-forgotten Bunker Hill Brewery combined to make one homerun of a calendar!

Boston Red Sox fans are a committed bunch – to the game, the team, the players, and the belief that a curse from 1918 kept the team away from a World Series win until broken in 2004. So, when a guest brought a Red Sox calendar, discovered behind a barn door after almost 100 years, to GBH’s Antiques Roadshow in 2021, that fan commitment clearly shone through in the $20K-$30K appraisal value. Join host (and Red Sox fanatic) Adam Monahan as he takes a swing at tracing the events leading to the curse, how this particular long-ago brewery-sponsored calendar stopped time at the moment it began, and how fans rallied when the calendar went to the auction block!

The Poster Boy Takes a Dive – How an 1890s waterpark, the power of Victorian-era advertising and one man’s unlimited dreams culminated in drama at the auction block in 2023

The Poster Boy Takes a Dive – How an 1890s waterpark, the power of Victorian-era advertising and one man’s unlimited dreams culminated in drama at the auction block in 2023

Ask fans of GBH’s Antiques Roadshow if they have a favorite appraiser and you’ll hear many names, including one known for his big character, creative mustache styles and bold plaid suits. Nicholas Lowry is a poster expert and master auctioneer – two qualities that were integral to the story of a larger-than-life aquatic poster bathed in muted watery green depicting splashing swimmers and onlookers lining the balcony above, that made its way to the show during a 2004 stop in Portland. Join host Adam Monahan as he dives into the incredible story of Sutro Baths, San Francisco’s 1890 engineering marvel, playground, and entertainment spot, and the poster that more than a century after its printing was offered at auction and saw a dramatic result!

Skippy the Hero Dog – How the story of a kidnapped baby, a spunky hero dog and today’s TikTok fans came together to determine the true value of a tattered Dog of the Year award.

Skippy the Hero Dog – How the story of a kidnapped baby, a spunky hero dog and today’s TikTok fans came together to determine the true value of a tattered Dog of the Year award.

Calling all dog lovers and true-crime aficionados! In 2022 Linda brought a chipped, cracked, and stained ceramic plate featuring the portrait of a long-ago dog to GBH’s Antiques Roadshow in Santa Fe, NM. But why would the story around this unassuming item soon ignite controversy among appraisers as to the plate’s true worth? Join host Adam Monahan as he chases the fantastic story of Skippy, a Belgian Shepherd who in 1952 saved Linda from the arms of a kidnapper and was subsequently honored as Dog of the Year.

The First Japanese American -- How a story involving sailors lost at sea, 1850s San Francisco, and a Japanese teenager’s quest to build a new life connected two strangers more than a century later.

The First Japanese American -- How a story involving sailors lost at sea, 1850s San Francisco, and a Japanese teenager’s quest to build a new life connected two strangers more than a century later.

When GBH’s Antiques Roadshow visited Sacramento, CA in 2019 a red-covered two-volume book set was brought to the show by a guest eager to learn about a selection from her grandfather’s book collection. “The Narrative of a Japanese” by Joseph Heco was recognized immediately by appraiser Martin Gammon for its historical importance, but how would this 1895 publication make a modern-day connection 150 years later? Join host Adam Monahan as he examines how an email received by the series after the episode aired led to an incredible connection between the book’s owner and a TV viewer who recognized something in the appraisal missed by both the guest and the expert!

The Unsinkable Titanic Biscuit – An epic shipwreck continues to fascinate a century later creating a collector’s market for Titanic memorabilia that thrives today.

The Unsinkable Titanic Biscuit – An epic shipwreck continues to fascinate a century later creating a collector’s market for Titanic memorabilia that thrives today.

In 1999 a box of artifacts from the sinking of the Titanic made its way to GBH’s Antiques Roadshow, including blurry photos of the eerie ice-filled wreck site, a handwritten diary, and -- a biscuit. But how could something so simple and fragile have survived the ship’s sinking? And could the biscuit and other items from the famed shipwreck find a place in today’s collector’s market? Join host Adam Monahan as he dives deep into the story of one tragic night, a honeymooning couple’s tale of survival, and the ship that continues to capture the attention of people more than a century later.

The Bob Ross Appreciation Society – How the US Air Force, fluffy clouds and the power of PBS combined to create a pop culture icon and paintings worth mountains of money.

The Bob Ross Appreciation Society – How the US Air Force, fluffy clouds and the power of PBS combined to create a pop culture icon and paintings worth mountains of money.

Until 2023, zero paintings created by the beloved PBS artist Bob Ross had ever been brought to GBH’s Antiques Roadshow. That all changed at the show’s recent stop in Anchorage, Alaska when a whopping six made their way in front of the lights and cameras. Paintings by Ross almost never show up in the open market – so how did so many appear that day and why? Join host Adam Monahan as he learns the colorful backstory of how Ross’ happy little trees and puffy clouds became art therapy for many, the artist’s surprising tie to Alaska, and if the market for his work is the stuff dreams are made of.

Encore: Let's Get Naked

Encore: Let's Get Naked

In 2014 a gorgeous painting was brought to GBH’s Antiques Roadshow in Bismarck, ND. The appraisal was selected by producers but ultimately cut from the episode before it aired. What made this piece of art so controversial? The late 1800s oil featured a nude woman. Join host Adam Monahan as he uncovers the tricky question of which parts of the body can be shown on broadcast TV and how issues of culture, politics, religion, viewer complaints and FCC regulations all play a role. But does this painting get a second chance on the airwaves?

Encore: A Bronze in the Haystack

Encore: A Bronze in the Haystack

It’s a little-known fact that appraisers on GBH’s Antiques Roadshow are not paid to appear on the show. What keeps them on-set for 10+ hour days season after season? The special excitement from coming face-to-face with a once-in-a-lifetime object. So when a guest brought what they thought to be Rodin’s sculpture “Eternal Spring” to the show in Fort Worth, TX, would the piece of art turn out to be an extraordinary find or a fake? Join host Adam Monahan as he uncovers the surprising story of the sculpture and the lasting mark left on two appraisers.

Encore: The Most Valuable Reindeer of All

Encore: The Most Valuable Reindeer of All

Can you put a price on Christmas? Years after a visit to GBH’s Antiques Roadshow, Santa and Rudolph original puppets from the beloved 1964 stop-motion-animation holiday special Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer made their way to the auction block. Join host Adam Monahan as he uncovers the story of the puppet’s discovery and restoration, the bidding surprise at auction no one expected, and whether efforts to keep these cultural touchstones on public display succeeded!

Encore: A Soldier for Sale

Encore: A Soldier for Sale

The legendary comedic duo Laurel & Hardy have a very dedicated fanbase. But will a relic toy soldier from their 1934 film, Babes in Toyland, have the owner laughing all the way to the bank? We follow one soldier’s march from appraisal to the auction block, to find out what it’s really worth. Along the way Adam crashes a meeting of the international Laurel and Hardy fan club - yes you read that correctly -- and tracks down the one other soldier known to survive from the film.

[BONUS] The Big Dig - Part 1: We Were Wrong

[BONUS] The Big Dig - Part 1: We Were Wrong

There is a cynicism that hangs over the topic of American infrastructure — whether it’s high-speed rail or off-shore wind — it feels like this country can’t build big things anymore. No one project embodies that cynicism quite like Boston’s Big Dig. Infamous for its ever-increasing price tag, this massive highway tunneling effort became a symbol of waste and corruption. Yet the project delivered on its promise to transform the city. So how did the narrative go so horribly wrong? And what lessons can the Big Dig offer for the ambitious projects of today? “The Big Dig,” is a nine-episode series produced by GBH News and hosted by Ian Coss. The entire series is available now wherever you get your podcasts.

To Bean or Not to Bean—How an unexplored mention of personal turmoil spurs a look into the short but impactful life of Keith Haring: famous pop artist, trailblazing activist, friend to Andy Warhol and Madonna, and beloved brother.

To Bean or Not to Bean—How an unexplored mention of personal turmoil spurs a look into the short but impactful life of Keith Haring: famous pop artist, trailblazing activist, friend to Andy Warhol and Madonna, and beloved brother.

In 1977, while preparing a move to New York to make it big as an artist, a young Keith Haring gifted a lithograph titled “Bean Salad” as a goodbye present to his friend Mike. Mike couldn’t bear to display the gift, but also couldn’t part with it, and after 45 years he took the lithograph to the Santa Fe recording of GBH’s Antiques Roadshow where it was appraised for $100,000-$200,000. But what was the unspoken history between the former friends? Join host Adam Monahan as he checks in with the guest to fill in the missing pieces and speaks with Haring’s sister to learn more about the life and work of the famous pop artist’s impactful and tragically short life.

Spilling the Secret Sauce – How a chatty event volunteer discovered an uncanny connection involving the U.S military, World War II airborne warfare and an elite military unit so secret that it was kept classified until the 1980s.

Spilling the Secret Sauce – How a chatty event volunteer discovered an uncanny connection involving the U.S military, World War II airborne warfare and an elite military unit so secret that it was kept classified until the 1980s.

At each appraisal event for GBH’s Antiques Roadshow, along with staff and crew, it takes over 100 volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly. Each is trained in the specifics of their role for the day, including the most important training point -- never talk to guests about their items prior to their appraisal! So, what happened during a 2022 visit to Boise when that cardinal rule was broken? Join host Adam Monahan as he recounts how one forgetful volunteer’s query opened the door to a connection of historic proportions, one so profound that executive producer Marsha Bemko called for cameras to immediately be brought over to capture the unimaginable moment!

Yacht What it Looks Like – An unsigned maritime masterpiece of a yacht race, a 19th-century pastime of the idle rich, takes DETOURS to visit appraisers, auction experts and the Peabody Essex Museum as the mystery of the painter’s identity is revealed.

Yacht What it Looks Like – An unsigned maritime masterpiece of a yacht race, a 19th-century pastime of the idle rich, takes DETOURS to visit appraisers, auction experts and the Peabody Essex Museum as the mystery of the painter’s identity is revealed.

An astonishing maritime painting depicting a 19th century yacht race was brought to GBH’s Antiques Roadshow in Tampa, FL in 2005. Although unsigned, the extraordinary depiction of billowing sails and light-reflected sea spray clearly pointed to the work of artist James Buttersworth and was valued at $250,000 to $500,000 – the caveat being that more research would be needed to definitively prove the artist’s identity. Join host Adam Monahan as he speaks with art experts, museum curators and learns what public opinion revealed about the artist’s true identity and whether the mystery has finally been resolved.

The Barbie Boost? – How a pioneering Mattel designer created a superstar sensation and how a recent No. 1 Barbie’s sale defined the doll’s new moment.

The Barbie Boost? – How a pioneering Mattel designer created a superstar sensation and how a recent No. 1 Barbie’s sale defined the doll’s new moment.

A coveted 1959 No. 1 Barbie was appraised for GBH’s Antiques Roadshow in 2016 with a value of $3,500-$4,500. But with today’s Barbie mania following the release of the mega-hit movie, has a nice pink glow washed over the market for the stylishly superstar doll? Join host Adam Monahan as he toys with the question, speaking with Barbie historians, market experts and analyzes recent auction activity to reveal whether Barbie collectors will see a boost or a bust!

Encore: David and the Two Lamps

Encore: David and the Two Lamps

A pair of Tiffany lamps go missing years after appearing on GBH’s Antiques Roadshow. Just how far would someone go to get their hands on these lamps? And just how far would someone else go to get them back? DETOURS host Adam Monahan talks to those close to the story including the private investigator who ultimately cracked the case.

Encore: When Appraisers Get it Wrong

Encore: When Appraisers Get it Wrong

In 2015, a guest brought a strange looking pot to the set of GBH’s Antiques Roadshow in Spokane, WA, where an expert appraised it as a “19th century grotesque face jug” worth $30,000 - $50,000. After the episode aired, a viewer contacted the series to share information which shocked producers and wound up in the national news. Find out what they learned and what happened next when DETOURS host Adam Monahan sets out to find answers.