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The Stuff of Genius

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Podcast Description

Have you ever had an idea that seems crazy, like pocket-sized clocks, the flexible straw or dishwashers? Every invention starts out as an idea, and it only takes a bit of genius to make it a reality. Tune in and learn more in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

Name Description Released Price

1 VideoNo Ordinary Diode: The Nick Holonyak Story The light emitting diode, or LED, emits less heat than a traditional incandescent light bulb, and it also lasts much longer. But where did these brilliant diodes come from? Tune in to learn more. 25 5 12 Free View In iTunes

2 VideoLiving the High Life: The Evolution of High Heels Unlike many modern inventions, high heels can't be traced to a single inventor. In fact, this unique form of footware dates back into antiquity. Listen in and learn more about the evolution of high heels. 18 5 12 Free View In iTunes

3 VideoThe Story of the Stethoscope Nowadays it seems that every doctor has a stethoscope. But who invented this nifty device, and how? Tune in to learn more. 11 5 12 Free View In iTunes

4 VideoThe Modern Seatbelt Before Nils Bohlin created the modern seatbelt, he designed ejection seats for Saab aircraft. Learn how Nils' Stuff of Genius changed the world -- and saved millions of lives -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 4 5 12 Free View In iTunes

5 VideoCyril Callister: The Man Who Made Australia Vegemighty Today, Vegemite is an iconic Australian condiment and a piece of the country's national identity. Yet this wasn't always the case. Tune in and meet Cyril Callister, the genius behind Vegemite. 27 4 12 Free View In iTunes

6 VideoDaniel Fahrenheit and the Mercury Thermometer Daniel Fahrenheit built several types of thermometers, but his Stuff of Genius wasn't restricted to a few temperature measuring devices. Tune in and learn how Daniel Fahrenheit invented the system that bears his name today. 20 4 12 Free View In iTunes

7 VideoMr. Warren and the Black Box Nowadays flight recorders are a mandatory piece of equipment for all commercial planes -- but why? Tune in and learn more about black box recorders, as well as the genius behind them, in this podcast. 13 4 12 Free View In iTunes

8 VideoHow William Burroughs Made It All Add Up Although numerous inventors had devised adding machines of some sort, William Seward Burroughs invented the first practical calculator. Tune in to learn more about his Stuff of Genius in this podcast. 6 4 12 Free View In iTunes

9 VideoJames Russell and the Compact Disc As an audiophile, James Russell loved his record collection despite the scratching and warping of vinyl. As an inventor, he knew there had to be a better way to play music. Learn more about his Stuff of Genius in this episode. 30 3 12 Free View In iTunes

10 VideoRubik's Cube As a professor in Budapest, Erno Rubik had a pretty swell day job -- but his hobby was even more fascinating. Tune in and learn how Erno Rubik's hobby became the brain-teasing Stuff of Genius that baffles millions in this episode. 23 3 12 Free View In iTunes

11 VideoBunsen Burners Nowadays Bunsen burners are an everyday laboratory device, but this wasn't always the case. Tune in and learn more about the fascinating life of Robert Bunsen and his Stuff of Genius in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 16 3 12 Free View In iTunes

12 VideoNeon Lights Have you ever been curious about the story behind those bright city lights? Then tune in and learn how Georges Claude's Stuff of Genius illuminated the world of advertising in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 9 3 12 Free View In iTunes

13 VideoHugh Bradner and the Wetsuit Today wetsuits are considered essential equipment for most divers -- but this wasn't always the case. Tune in to learn how a brilliant physicist created the Stuff of (underwater) Genius. 2 3 12 Free View In iTunes

14 VideoBiro and the Ballpoint Pen In one form or another, pens have been around for centuries. Unfortunately, they've also been messy, inconvenient and unreliable. Learn how Laszlo Biro's Stuff of Genius brought pens into the modern age in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 24 2 12 Free View In iTunes

15 VideoHow Bakelite Changed the World After making millions from a new photo paper, many people would retire. Leo Baekeland, on the other hand, was just getting started. Learn more about how he invented Bakelite -- and how it changed the world -- in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 17 2 12 Free View In iTunes

16 VideoNorman Borlaug's Super Wheat Norman Borlaug spent most of his life fighting world hunger and led the effort to grow more productive, disease-resistant wheat strains. Learn more about The Stuff of Genius in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 10 2 12 Free View In iTunes

17 VideoTV Remotes Modern TV viewers use remote controls to channel surf from the comfort of their seat -- but it wasn't always this easy. Learn more about the convenience -- and consequence -- of Robert Adler's Stuff of Genius in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 3 2 12 Free View In iTunes

18 VideoMr. Alexanderson and the Long-Range Radio Before Ernst Alexanderson designed the high-frequency alternators that transmitted radio broadcasts in a continuous wave, radio was not usable over long distances. Tune in and learn more Stuff of Genius in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 27 1 12 Free View In iTunes

19 VideoPeter Henlein and the Wristwatch Nowadays, wristwatches aren't anything to write home about... but this wasn't always the case. Learn how locksmiths like Peter Henlein miniaturized the dubious clocks of the day to create portable timepieces in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 20 1 12 Free View In iTunes

20 VideoJoshua Silver and the Self-Adjustable Glasses Professor Joshua Silver isn't an optometrist, but his self-adjustable eyeglasses have improved the vision of people across the developing world. Tune in and learn how this Oxford physicist plans to improve the vision of a billion people by 2020. 30 12 11 Free View In iTunes

21 VideoRevolution: Theophilus Kannel and the Revolving Door Today, revolving doors are a common sight in large buildings across the world -- but how did they get here? This episode ... wait for it ... revolves around Theo Kannel and his astonishing Stuff of Genius. 22 12 11 Free View In iTunes

22 VideoSylvan Goldman Presents: The Shopping Cart As a grocer in Oklahoma, Sylvan Goldman had a hunch that he was losing business because customers only bought as much as they could carry. Check out this episode to learn how his Stuff of Genius saved his store and spread throughout the world. 16 12 11 Free View In iTunes

23 VideoNapoleon and Canned Food: The Story of Nicolas Appert Nowadays, canned food is everywhere -- but how did this industry begin? Tune in to learn how Nicholas Appert discovered the principles used in canning food -- and why we have Napoleon to thank for this Stuff of Genius. 9 12 11 Free View In iTunes

24 VideoHow Rudolf Diesel Changed the World Born in 1858, Rudolf Diesel was fascinated by engines from a young age. However, the engines of the time were incredibly inefficient -- at least, that is, until Rudolf's Stuff of Genius struck. Tune in to learn more. 2 12 11 Free View In iTunes

25 VideoOtto's Awesome Auto Engine Nikolaus Otto wasn't the first to design an internal combustion engine, but his improved design made the engine practical and popular. Learn more about Otto's auto-related Stuff of Genius in this episode. 25 11 11 Free View In iTunes

26 VideoFrom Irritation to Innovation: The Band-Aid Story Earle Dickson was exhausted. He spent nearly every night making bandages for his accident-prone wife, and he knew there had to be a better, faster way. Learn how his Stuff of Genius healed cuts around the world in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 18 11 11 Free View In iTunes

27 VideoThe Father of Video Games Ralph Baer was working for a U.S. defense company when he invented the world's first video game system. Luckily, this Stuff of Genius was too fun to remain locked away from the public. Learn more about video games in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 11 11 11 Free View In iTunes

28 VideoCan we change the world one dollar at a time? For most of the modern age, conventional bank loans have been beyond the reach of the poor, forcing families across the globe to do business with loan sharks. At least, that is, until Muhammad Yunus invented microloans. Learn more in this podcast. 4 11 11 Free View In iTunes

29 VideoEdmund McIlhenny and the Secret of Tabasco Sauce You might be surprised to learn that the creator of modern-day Tabasco sauce was once a banker. Yet when the Civil War wiped his fortunes away, Edmund didn't give up. He hunkered down in his garden and made the Stuff of Genius. Tune in to learn more. 28 10 11 Free View In iTunes

30 VideoSarah Goode and the Folding Bed During a time when women were treated like second-class citizens and African-Americans were relentlessly persecuted, Sarah Goode built her own business from the ground up. Tune in to learn more about Sarah Goode and the folding cabinet bed. 21 10 11 Free View In iTunes

31 VideoFrom War to iPods: The Story of Headphones Nathaniel Baldwin was always an exceptional inventor. Regardless of his day jobs, Baldwin continued tinkering until he hit upon the Stuff of Genius that would literally change the way modern civilization approaches music. Tune in and learn more. 14 10 11 Free View In iTunes

32 VideoLarry, Sergey and the Stuff of Searching Genius Today, Google is one of the world's most well-known, influential companies. But how did it get its start? Tune in and learn how two Stanford graduate students took their Stuff of Genius from a garage to people across the globe. 7 10 11 Free View In iTunes

33 VideoBartolomeo Cristofori: The Real-life Piano Man Before Bartolomeo Cristofori began tinkering with musical instruments for Ferdinando de Medici, no one had heard of a piano. Tune in to learn how Cristofori's Stuff of Genius changed music -- and history -- in this podcast. 30 9 11 Free View In iTunes

34 VideoAdolf Fick: Envisioning the Contact Lens Today, contact lenses are used by people across the world. But how did this billion-dollar industry get started? Tune in to learn how a German ophthalmologist created the Stuff of (Optical) Genius. 23 9 11 Free View In iTunes

35 VideoGeorge Crum and The Amazing Potato Chip Frustrated by a picky customer, cook George Crum cut his formerly thick fries into paper-thin potato slices. Find out how George's revenge scheme went awry -- and led to the Stuff of Genius -- in this podcast. 16 9 11 Free View In iTunes

36 VideoCharles Fritts and the Solar Cell As an electrician, Charles Fritts was intimately acquainted with the drawbacks of coal-powered electricity distribution grids. Tune in and learn how he used selenium, gold and glass to make his own solar-powered Stuff of Genius in this episode. 9 9 11 Free View In iTunes

37 VideoCarlson and the Copier Before the invention of the modern copier, companies across the world depended on time-consuming -- and, often, incorrect -- duplication methods. Learn how Carlson's Stuff of Genius made Xerox a household name in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 2 9 11 Free View In iTunes

38 VideoWho invented the nicotine patch? The nicotine patch has helped thousands of smokers kick the habit, but where did it come from? Tune in to learn more about the man behind the nicotine patch (and how he figured it out) in this episode. 26 8 11 Free View In iTunes

39 VideoMikkel Frandsen: Saving the World One Straw at a Time In a world where millions of people don't have access to clean water, entrepreneur Mikkel Frandsen saw a simple solution: the Lifestraw. Listen in to one of our editors' favorite Stuff of Genius episodes. 19 8 11 Free View In iTunes

40 VideoWhy is that thing called a Zamboni? If you've ever been to a hockey game or an ice=-skating rink, then odds are you're already familiar with the quirky, unique machine known as the Zamboni. But where did come from? Tune in to find out. 12 8 11 Free View In iTunes

41 VideoGeorge Ballas and the Weed Eater What do carwashes and lawn care have in common? The answer might surprise you. Listen in to learn how George Ballas went from cleaning his car to inventing the weed eater. 5 8 11 Free View In iTunes

42 VideoAn Explosive Idea: Alfred Nobel and Dynamite Although Alfred Nobel's name is most often associated with the prestigious Nobel prizes, this enterprising chemist originally made his fortune by creating dynamite. Take a look at this episode to learn more. 29 7 11 Free View In iTunes

43 VideoThe Surprising Origins of Sudoku Math-based puzzles have been around for centuries, but how did modern Sudoku get its start? Tune in to learn more about Sudoku in this episode. 22 7 11 Free View In iTunes

44 VideoThe Braille Story Learn how Louis Braille invented the system that sparked Helen Keller to say, “we the blind are as indebted to Louis Braille as mankind is to Gutenberg.” 15 7 11 Free View In iTunes

45 VideoMr. Booth and the Vacuum Cleaner Today vacuum cleaners are a commonplace sight in homes and businesses across the planet -- but where do they come from, exactly? Tune in to learn more. 8 7 11 Free View In iTunes

46 VideoNo Ordinary Diode: The Nick Holonyak Story The light emitting diode, or LED, emits less heat than a traditional incandescent lightbulb, and it also lasts much longer. But where did these brilliant diodes come from? Tune in to learn more. 1 7 11 Free View In iTunes

47 VideoThe Man Behind Mercator Projections Mercator projections are a common sight in classrooms across the planet, but who invented them? Tune in to find out. 24 6 11 Free View In iTunes

48 VideoHugh Bradner and the Wetsuit Today wetsuits are considered essential equipment for most divers -- but this wasn't always the case. Tune in to learn how a brilliant physicist created the Stuff of Genius. 17 6 11 Free View In iTunes

49 VideoThe Man Behind The Metronome Today metronomes are a fairly common sight in music halls and studios around the world. But who invented them? Tune in to learn more about the metronome. 10 6 11 Free View In iTunes

50 VideoCommunity Antenna Television: The John Walson Story John Walson couldn't sell many television sets in Mahanoy City -- the reception was terrible, and no one wanted a television that couldn't pick up any channels. Tune in to learn how John fixed the problem -- and invented cable TV in the process. 3 6 11 Free View In iTunes

51 VideoThe Story of the Stethoscope Nowadays it seems that every doctor has a stethoscope. But who invented this nifty device, and how? Tune in to learn more. 27 5 11 Free View In iTunes

52 VideoOle Evinrude and the Outboard Motor Ole Evinrude grew up loving machines, but he may never have stumbled across the Stuff of Genius if he hadn't had a grueling quest for ice cream. Tune in to learn more about outboard motors. 20 5 11 Free View In iTunes

53 VideoWillem Einthoven and the ECG Today, doctors across the planet use the ECG -- also known as the EKG -- to detect and diagnose heart conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. But who gets the credit for making the first reliable ECG? Tune in to find out. 13 5 11 Free View In iTunes

54 VideoArthur Wynne and the Crossword Crosswords are one of the world's most popular word games, but how did they get invented? Tune in to learn how hard-working newspaper employee Arthur Wynne struck upon the Stuff of (Crossword) Genius. 6 5 11 Free View In iTunes

55 VideoFrom Radars to Reheated Food: Percy and the Microwave Today, microwave ovens are a common sight in kitchens across the world -- but who invented them? Tune in to learn how Percy Spencer accidentally struck upon the Stuff of Microwaving Genius. 29 4 11 Free View In iTunes

56 VideoChristopher Cockerell and the Hovercraft Christopher came from a smart family, and he was no exception to the rule. Tune in to learn how the purchase of a marina inspired this engineer to build something that's not quite a boat, and not quite a plane -- but certainly the Stuff of Genius. 22 4 11 Free View In iTunes

57 VideoThe Rise and Fall of Zeppelin's Airship When the German aristocrat Ferdinand Zeppelin traveled to the U.S. during the Civil War, an unexpected encounter with Thaddeus S.C. Lowe's aviation experiments changed his life. Tune in to learn more about the rise and fall of the Zeppelin airship. 15 4 11 Free View In iTunes

58 VideoHans Geiger and the Stuff of Radioactive Genius Today, the Geiger counter used across the planet -- but who invented it, and how? Tune in to find out. 8 4 11 Free View In iTunes

59 VideoControl Your Cruising: The Ralph Teetor Story Although he was blinded at the age of six, Ralph Teetor rose through the ranks of industry to become the president of his own manufacturing company -- and he didn't stop there. Tune in to learn how an uncomfortable auto ride inspired the Stuff of Genius. 1 4 11 Free View In iTunes

60 VideoPhilip Diehl and the Ceiling Fan Originally born in Germany, Philip Diehl immigrated to the US in 1868. Although he has several fascinating inventions to his name, the ceiling fan remains his most well-known innovation. Tune in to learn more. 25 3 11 Free View In iTunes

61 VideoEdward Budding, the Father of the Lawnmower Before 1830, trimming a lawn was time-consuming and difficult. At least, that is, until a fabric-shaving machine inspired Edward Budding to invent the lawnmower -- and save future landscapers from countless hours of hacking at the ground with scythes. 18 3 11 Free View In iTunes

62 VideoFrank Epperson and the Popsicle Frank Epperson wasn't the typical inventor -- in fact, he wasn't even old enough to drive when he invented the popsicle. Tune in and learn the story behind this Stuff of (Frozen) Genius. 11 3 11 Free View In iTunes

63 VideoSarah Goode and the Folding Bed During a time when women were treated like second-class citizens and African-Americans were relentlessly persecuted, Sarah Goode built her own business from the ground up. Tune in to learn more about Sarah Goode and the folding cabinet bed. 4 3 11 Free View In iTunes

64 VideoLarry, Sergey and the Stuff of Searching Genius Today, Google is one of the world's most well-known, influential companies. But how did it get its start? Tune in and learn how two Stanford graduate students took their Stuff of Genius from a garage to people across the globe. 25 2 11 Free View In iTunes

65 VideoNapoleon and Canned Food: The Story of Nicolas Appert Nowadays, canned food is everywhere -- but how did this industry begin? Tune in to learn how Nicholas Appert discovered the principles used in canning food -- and why we have Napoleon to thank for this Stuff of Genius. 18 2 11 Free View In iTunes

66 VideoSweet Success: Daniel Peter and Milk Chocolate Nowadays milk chocolate is everywhere, but this wasn't always the case. Tune in to learn more about Daniel Peter, who took bitter cocoa tablets and -- with loads of hard work and a neighbor named Nestle -- created the Stuff of (chocolate) Genius. 11 2 11 Free View In iTunes

67 VideoAdolf Fick: Envisioning the Contact Lens Today, contact lenses are used by people across the world. But how did this billion-dollar industry get started? Tune in to learn how a German ophthalmologist created the Stuff of (Optical) Genius. 4 2 11 Free View In iTunes

68 VideoBeneath the Surface of History: The Submarine With loads of experiments and inventions under his belt, Cornelius Drebbel was a true Renaissance man. But one of his inventions was more useful than any other, even if England didn't think so at the time. Tune in and learn more about submarines. 28 1 11 Free View In iTunes

69 VideoEsperanto: The L.L. Zamenhof Story L.L. Zamenhof was fascinated by language from a young age. He also believed the majority of human conflict arose from miscommunication. Tune in to learn how Zamenhof used his Stuff of Genius to build a universal language. 21 1 11 Free View In iTunes

70 VideoNo Ordinary Wire: The Joseph Glidden Story Joseph Glidden was working as a sheriff when an interesting demonstration at a county fair piqued his interest. Tune in to learn how Joseph went from enforcing the law to building barbed wire in this podcast. 14 1 11 Free View In iTunes

71 VideoJohn Shepherd-Barron and the ATM John Shepherd-Barron usually stopped by his local bank on Saturdays to cash checks. But when he arrived one minute after they closed, he was out of luck. Tune in and learn how John's irritating experience led to the Stuff of Genius in this episode. 7 1 11 Free View In iTunes

72 VideoBest of 2010: Saving the World, One Invention at a Time Over the past year, The Stuff of Genius has covered dozens of amazing inventors. In this special year-end wrap-up, we're taking a look back at three inventors who used their genius to make the world a better place. Tune in to learn more. 31 12 10 Free View In iTunes

73 VideoThe Best Thing Since... We've all heard the expression 'the best thing since sliced bread,' but did someone actually invent slicing bread? Tune in to learn how Otto Rohwedder made the world's first bread-slicing machine in this podcast. 23 12 10 Free View In iTunes

74 VideoBioplastics: The Stuff of (Sustainable) Genius Plastic is a ubiquitous and incredibly useful invention, but it has some serious downsides. But what if plastics were biodegradable? Tune in to learn more about the evolution and advantages of bioplastics. 17 12 10 Free View In iTunes

75 VideoBartolomeo Cristofori: The Real-life Piano Man Before Bartolomeo Cristofori began tinkering with musical instruments for Ferdinando de Medici, no one had heard of a piano. Tune in to learn how Cristofori's Stuff of Genius changed music -- and history -- in this podcast. 10 12 10 Free View In iTunes

76 VideoRaymond Damadian and the MRI Today the MRI is a crucial piece of technology, and its ability to scan the human body in a noninvasive way makes it an invaluable diagnostic tool. But who built it, and how does it work? Tune in to find out. 3 12 10 Free View In iTunes

77 VideoStuff of Genius: A Thanksgiving Special Whether they're building blood banks or conveniences like air conditioning and the world wide web, inventors have given us a lot to be thankful for. Tune in and watch as we thank three inventors in particular in this special Thanksgiving episode. 25 11 10 Free View In iTunes

78 VideoLiving the High Life: The Evolution of High Heels Unlike many modern inventions, high heels can't be traced to a single inventor. In fact, this unique form of footware dates back into antiquity. Listen in and learn more about the evolution of high heels. 19 11 10 Free View In iTunes

79 VideoJacob, Levi and the Most American of Pants Today, blue jeans are one of the world's most iconic forms of clothing. But who came up with the idea? (Hint: It wasn't just Levi Strauss.) Tune in to learn more about blue jeans in this special episode featuring two inventors. 12 11 10 Free View In iTunes

80 VideoEdmund McIlhenny and the Secret of Tabasco Sauce You might be surprised to learn that the creator of modern-day Tabasco sauce was once a banker. Yet when the Civil War wiped his fortunes away, Edmund didn't give up. He hunkered down in his garden and made the Stuff of Genius. Tune in to learn more. 5 11 10 Free View In iTunes

81 VideoThomas Adams, Santa Anna and Chewing Gum Before his Stuff of Genius struck, Thomas Adams had already lived a very interesting life -- in fact, he even spent time with the infamous Santa Anna. Tune in to learn how Thomas failed at making synthetic rubber and ended up with chewing gum. 29 10 10 Free View In iTunes

82 VideoEd Acheson and the Carborundum Condundrum Although silicon carbide occurs in the natural world, it's extremely rare. Tune in to learn how Edward Acheson got struck by inspiration and learned how to manufacture this substance, which he called carborundum. 22 10 10 Free View In iTunes

83 VideoAl Gross and the Walkie-Talkie When Al Gross was nine years old, he wandered into a steamboat's radio room while vacationing with his family. For the rest of his life he was fascinated by wireless communication. Tune in and learn more about Al's Stuff of Genius. 15 10 10 Free View In iTunes

84 VideoDaniel Fahrenheit and the Mercury Thermometer Daniel Fahrenheit built several types of thermometers, but his Stuff of Genius wasn't restricted to a few temperature measuring devices. Tune in and learn how Daniel Fahrenheit invented the system that bears his name today. 8 10 10 Free View In iTunes

85 VideoCabin Fever and Softball: The George Hancock Story As a reporter in Chicago, George Hancock was resigned to the bitter, snowy winter weather that trapped people indoors and stopped them from playing outdoor sports like baseball. At least, that is, until his Stuff of Genius struck. Tune in and learn more. 1 10 10 Free View In iTunes

86 VideoPeter Safar and CPR In emergency situations, CPR training can make the difference between life and death. This episode explores the work of Peter Safar, who combined preexisting medical techniques and worked with his colleagues to produce the Stuff of Genius we call CPR. 24 9 10 Free View In iTunes

87 VideoCharles Drew and the Modern Blood Bank Before the advent of the modern blood bank, blood could only be stored for about two days. Luckily, when Charles Drew began researching ways to prolong the usefulness of stored blood, his Stuff of Genius struck. Tune in and learn more in this episode. 17 9 10 Free View In iTunes

88 VideoJohn A. Roebling and the Brooklyn Bridge When New York's leaders contacted John Roebling for help on the Brooklyn Bridge, he was already a well-known engineer -- but was he up to the task? Tune in and learn how Roebling used his cable designs to spin the Stuff of Genius in this episode. 10 9 10 Free View In iTunes

89 VideoJoshua Silver and the Self-Adjustable Glasses Professor Joshua Silver isn't an optometrist, but his self-adjustable eyeglasses have improved the vision of people across the developing world. Tune in and learn how this Oxford physicist plans to improve the vision of a billion people by 2020. 3 9 10 Free View In iTunes

90 VideoHow William Burroughs Made It All Add Up Although numerous inventors had devised adding machines of some sort, William Seward Burroughs invented the first practical calculator. Tune in to learn more about his Stuff of Genius in this podcast. 27 8 10 Free View In iTunes

91 VideoMr. Warren and the Black Box Nowadays flight recorders are a mandatory piece of equipment for all commercial planes -- but why? Tune in and learn more about black box recorders, as well as the genius behind them, in this podcast. 20 8 10 Free View In iTunes

92 VideoCyril Callister: The Man Who Made Australia Vegemighty Today, Vegemite is an iconic Australian condiment and a piece of the country's national identity. Yet this wasn't always the case. Tune in and meet Cyril Callister, the genius behind Vegemite. 13 8 10 Free View In iTunes

93 VideoHow Arthur Arnot Electrified the Drill When Arthur Arnot moved to Australia, drills had already been around for quite a while. Yet they were still hand-operated, slow and unwieldy. Listen in to learn how Arthur stumbled on his Stuff of Genius in this podcast. 6 8 10 Free View In iTunes

94 VideoRevolution: Theophilus Kannel and the Revolving Door Today, revolving doors are a common sight in large buildings across the world -- but how did they get here? This episode ... wait for it ... revolves around Theo Kannel and his astonishing Stuff of Genius. 30 7 10 Free View In iTunes

95 VideoWhitcomb Judson and the Amazing Zipper Nowadays zippers are everywhere -- they're faster than buttons, convenient and reliable. But where did they come from? Tune in and learn more about Whitcomb Judson's stuff of genius in this episode. 23 7 10 Free View In iTunes

96 VideoSylvan Goldman Presents: The Shopping Cart As a grocer in Oklahoma, Sylvan Goldman had a hunch that he was losing business because customers only bought as much as they could carry. Check out this episode to learn how his Stuff of Genius saved his store and spread throughout the world. 16 7 10 Free View In iTunes

97 VideoMary Phelps Jacob and the Modern Bra Frustrated by the cumbersome and uncomfortable whalebone corsets common in her time, Mary Phelps Jacob decided that something had to be done. Tune in and learn how her Stuff of Genius became one of the world's most popular undergarments in this podcast. 9 7 10 Free View In iTunes

98 VideoZhang Heng and the Seismometer Centuries before the European Renaissance, Zhang Heng had all the makings of a Renaissance man. Learn how this statesman, scholar and inventor invented the first seismometer in this podcast. 2 7 10 Free View In iTunes

99 VideoGeorge Ferris and His Amazing Wheel When Chicago began planning for the World's Columbian Exhibition of 1893, the city's planners asked George Ferris to build something "original, daring, and unique." Tune in to learn more about his invention -- and why it's considered the Stuff of Genius. 25 6 10 Free View In iTunes

100 VideoHow Willis Carrier Made the World a Little Cooler When Willis Carrier set out to solve inking problems for a local printing press, he didn't set out to change the world. Luckily for us, he did. Tune in and learn the story behind the modern air conditioning unit in this podcast. 18 6 10 Free View In iTunes

101 VideoMikkel Frandsen: Saving the World One Straw at a Time In a world where millions of people don't have access to clean water, entrepeneur Mikkel Frandsen saw a simple solution: the Lifestraw. Listen in and learn how this Stuff of Genius is changing lives across the developing world. 4 6 10 Free View In iTunes

102 VideoCan we change the world one dollar at a time? For most of the modern age, conventional bank loans have been beyond the reach of the poor, forcing families across the globe to do business with loan sharks. At least, that is, until Muhammad Yunus invented microloans. Learn more in this podcast. 28 5 10 Free View In iTunes

103 VideoHow Rudolf Diesel Changed the World Born in 1858, Rudolf Diesel was fascinated by engines from a young age. However, the engines of the time were incredibly inefficient -- at least, that is, until Rudolf's Stuff of Genius struck. Tune in and learn more in this podcast. 21 5 10 Free View In iTunes

104 VideoOtto's Awesome Auto Engine Nikolaus Otto wasn't the first to design an internal combustion engine, but his improved design made the engine practical and popular. Learn more about Otto's auto-related Stuff of Genius in this episode. 14 5 10 Free View In iTunes

105 VideoHow Zhou Youguang Invented Pinyin The Chinese language uses non-phonetic characters, which means that a reader can't tell how a word is pronounced by looking at its written form. For readers facing unfamiliar Chinese words, life was rough -- at least, that is, until Zhou Youguang. 7 5 10 Free View In iTunes

106 VideoRobert Jarvik and the Artificial Heart Robert Jarvik wasn't the first person to patent an artificial heart, but his design was the first heart successfully implanted in a human patient. Tune in and learn how Jarvik's Stuff of Genius gave new hope to heart patients in this podcast. 30 4 10 Free View In iTunes

107 VideoChaz Holder and the (Modern) Prosthetic Limb Prosthetic limbs have been around for thousands of years, but they've usually been clumsy and expensive. Tune in and learn how Chaz Holder's Stuff of Genius made prosthetic limbs more affordable -- and more comfortable -- for people across the world. 23 4 10 Free View In iTunes

108 VideoMomofuku Ando: The Father of Instant Noodles Momofuku Ando didn't set out to create noodle bowls, but the former textile company owner had an epiphany while watching a line of hungry people waiting for food. Tune in to learn what led him from garments to instant noodles in this podcast. 16 4 10 Free View In iTunes

109 VideoWho invented the modern calendar? Nowadays it's easy to take the calendar for granted -- nations across the world have agreed that (for business purposes) each year is twelve months long. But how did we get this calendar in the first place? Tune in and find out. 9 4 10 Free View In iTunes

110 VideoEdward Jenner vs. Smallpox Although forms of vaccination had been discovered thousands of years ago in Asia and Africa, Western Europeans didn't pick up on it until Edward Jenner turned an old wives' tale into the Stuff of Genius. Tune in and learn more in this podcast. 2 4 10 Free View In iTunes

111 VideoHow a Japanese Drummer Changed the World Daisuke Inoue was a drummer for several Japanese bands, and spent hours memorizing popular songs. At least, that is, until he realized how much easier life would be if he could automate the band. Learn more in this podcast. 26 3 10 Free View In iTunes

112 VideoWhy are blueprints blue? Before the days of copiers and electronic documents, duplicating documents was a time-consuming, arduous task. Learn how John Herschel's blueprints changed the face of the modern world -- and why they're blue -- in this podcast. 19 3 10 Free View In iTunes

113 VideoCrum's Crispy Potato Chips Frustrated by a picky customer, cook George Crum fried up some paper-thin potato slices. Find out how George's revenge scheme went awry -- and how his potato chips became the Stuff of Genius -- in this episode. 12 3 10 Free View In iTunes

114 VideoRobert Cade and the Amazing Sports Drink When a local football coach asked Robert Cade to help hydrate his players, he set off on a journey to find the perfect sports drink. Tune in and learn more about Cade's Stuff of Genius in this episode. 5 3 10 Free View In iTunes

115 VideoPeter Robertson and the World's Best Screwdriver After he was injured using a conventional flathead screwdriver, frustrated tool salesman Paul Robertson took matters in his own hands. Learn more about his Stuff of Genius in this episode. 26 2 10 Free View In iTunes

116 VideoThe Taser As a leading physicist at NASA, Jack Cover already had a few achievements under his belt. Yet his Stuff of Genius was something completely unrelated. Tune in and learn how a fateful encounter with an electric fence led to the taser in this episode. 19 2 10 Free View In iTunes

117 VideoThe World Wide Web Nowadays the internet is nearly ubiquitous -- but how did it all begin? Tune in for a closer look at the man who changed the world -- and invented the world wide web -- in this episode. 12 2 10 Free View In iTunes

118 VideoThe Safety Pin With patents on everything from fountain pens to rifles, Walter Hunt has sometimes been called "America's forgotten inventor." However, his most successful invention is incredibly commonplace -- tune in and learn more about the safety pin. 5 2 10 Free View In iTunes

119 VideoTape It's easy to take tape for granted -- it's usually around when you need it, and you can buy it in numerous places. However, this wasn't always the case. Tune in and learn how Richard Drew's Stuff of Genius changed the world of adhesives in this podcast. 29 1 10 Free View In iTunes

120 VideoWD-40 Norm Larsen started with a simple idea: If water causes rust, then a substance that displaces water can prevent rust. Sure, his first thirty-nine tries didn't work out -- but the last one was pure genius. Tune in and learn more. 22 1 10 Free View In iTunes

121 VideoThe Bikini Louis Reard wasn't the typical automobile engineer, and his Stuff of Genius has nothing to do with cars. Tune in and learn how an otherwise mild-mannered inventor created one of history's most iconic -- and controversial -- pieces of swimwear. 15 1 10 Free View In iTunes

122 VideoThe Phillips Screwdriver Flat-head screwdrivers have been around for centuries, but when Henry Phillips realized he'd need a better screwdriver for power tools, inspiration struck. Learn more about his Stuff of Genius -- the Phillips Screwdriver -- in this episode. 8 1 10 Free View In iTunes

123 VideoThe Best of 2009 Over the past year, Stuff of Genius has covered dozens of inventors and world-changing inventions. Tune in as our narrator, Marshall Brain, takes a look back at some of our favorite inventors from 2009. 1 1 10 Free View In iTunes

124 VideoHeadphones Nathaniel Baldwin was always an exceptional inventor. Regardless of his day jobs, Baldwin continued tinkering until he hit upon the Stuff of Genius that would literally change the way modern civilization approaches music. Tune in and learn more. 25 12 09 Free View In iTunes

125 VideoThe Electric Guitar According to his piano teacher, Les Paul had no musical talent. Yet Les Paul overcame this inauspicious beginning to become a legendary songwriter -- even inventing the modern electric guitar on the way. Tune in and learn more. 18 12 09 Free View In iTunes

126 VideoRubik's Cube As a professor in Budapest, Erno Rubik had a pretty swell day job -- but his hobby was even more fascinating. Tune in and learn how Erno Rubik's hobby became the brain-teasing Stuff of Genius that baffles millions in this episode. 11 12 09 Free View In iTunes

127 VideoSpray Cans Although the idea of an aerosol spray back to the 18th century, Erik Rotheim was the first person to make a working device based on the concept. Tune in and learn how his Stuff of Genius has changed the world -- for better or worse -- in this episode. 4 12 09 Free View In iTunes

128 VideoThe Compact Disc As an audiophile, James Russell loved his record collection despite the scratching and warping of vinyl. As an inventor, he knew there had to be a better way to play music. Learn more about his Stuff of Genius in this episode. 27 11 09 Free View In iTunes

129 VideoThe Polaroid Camera When Edwin Land's daughter asked why she couldn't see a photograph immediately after it was taken, inspiration struck. Learn how this prolific inventor's Stuff Of Genius polarized light and made every camera user an amateur film developer in this episode. 20 11 09 Free View In iTunes

130 VideoKevlar When Stephanie Kwolek couldn't pursue a career in medicine, she took a job as a research chemist. Tune in to learn how this unplanned career led to the Stuff of Genius that changed the world and saved thousands of lives. 13 11 09 Free View In iTunes

131 VideoSolar Cells As an electrician, Charles Fritts was intimately acquainted with the drawbacks of coal-powered electricity distribution grids. Tune in and learn how he used selenium, gold and glass to make his own solar-powered Stuff of Genius in this episode. 6 11 09 Free View In iTunes

132 VideoEarmuffs As a big-eared child in Maine, Chester Greenwood was used to freezing weather. Of course, that doesn't mean he enjoyed it. Learn how his Stuff of Genius kept ears across America toasty (and made Chester famous) in this podcast. 30 10 09 Free View In iTunes

133 VideoThe Copier Before the invention of the modern copier, companies across the world depended on time-consuming -- and, often, incorrect -- duplication methods. Learn how Carlson's Stuff of Genius made Xerox a household name in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 23 10 09 Free View In iTunes

134 VideoStandard Time Although you may not have heard of Sir Sanford Fleming, his Stuff of Genius influences every second of your life. Turn back the clock and take a look at the man who standardized time in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 16 10 09 Free View In iTunes

135 VideoBunsen Burners Nowadays Bunsen burners are an everyday laboratory device, but this wasn't always the case. Tune in and learn more about the fascinating life of Robert Bunsen and his Stuff of Genius in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 9 10 09 Free View In iTunes

136 VideoCellophane It's easy to take cellophane for granted, but without Jaques Brandenberger we may have never discovered this biodegradable packaging. Learn how one man's quest for a stain-proof tablecloth changed in the world in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 2 10 09 Free View In iTunes

137 VideoThe Modern Seatbelt Before Nils Bohlin created the modern seatbelt, he designed ejection seats for Saab aircraft. Learn how Nils' Stuff of Genius changed the world -- and saved millions of lives -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 25 9 09 Free View In iTunes

138 VideoBakelite After making millions from a new photo paper, many people would retire. Leo Baekeland, on the other hand, was just getting started. Learn more about how he invented Bakelite -- and how it changed the world -- in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 18 9 09 Free View In iTunes

139 VideoDishwashers Josephine Cochrane didn't exactly enjoy washing dishes -- then again, who does? Luckily, Mrs. Cochrane happened to enjoy design and a flair for invention. Learn more about her Stuff of Genius in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 11 9 09 Free View In iTunes

140 VideoBand-Aids Earle Dickson was exhausted. He spent nearly every night making bandages for his accident-prone wife, and he knew there had to be a better, faster way. Learn how his Stuff of Genius healed cuts around the world in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 4 9 09 Free View In iTunes

141 VideoSuperglue Everyone knows superglue can fix broken mugs and car models -- but it's also strong enough to staunch bleeding wounds. Learn the amazing story behind Harry Coover's Stuff of Genius -- and its original use -- in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 28 8 09 Free View In iTunes

142 VideoNeon Lights Have you ever been curious about the story behind those bright city lights? Then tune in and learn how Georges Claude's Stuff of Genius illuminated the world of advertising in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 21 8 09 Free View In iTunes

143 VideoBallpoint Pens In one form or another, pens have been around for centuries. Unfortunately, they've also been messy, inconvenient and unreliable. Learn how Laszlo Biro's Stuff of Genius brought pens into the modern age in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 14 8 09 Free View In iTunes

144 VideoThe Pop-up Toaster Although toast itself dates back into prehistory, the toaster is a very recent -- and convenient -- invention. Learn how Charles Strite's Stuff of Genius became a fixture of the modern kitchen in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 7 8 09 Free View In iTunes

145 VideoThe Computer Mouse Before Douglas Engelbart invented the mouse, computers received input through typed commands -- but that all changed once this handy pointer hit the scene. Learn more about Engelbart's Stuff of Genius in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 31 7 09 Free View In iTunes

146 VideoLiquid Paper Dallas secretary Bette Nesmith Graham hated typos, because erasing an error left smears and smudges. Luckily, she decided to tackle the problem with paint rather than erasers. Learn about her Stuff of Genius in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 24 7 09 Free View In iTunes

147 VideoTV Remotes Modern TV viewers use remote controls to channel surf from the comfort of their seat -- but it wasn't always this easy. Learn more about the convenience -- and consequence -- of Robert Adler's Stuff of Genius in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 17 7 09 Free View In iTunes

148 VideoWindshield Wipers When Mary Anderson traveled to New York, she noticed that traffic jammed as drivers stopped to wipe their windshields in snowy weather. Learn how her Stuff of Genius made roads safer -- and windshields cleaner -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 10 7 09 Free View In iTunes

149 VideoRefined Sugar Before Norbert Rillieux's sugar evaporator, slaves across the New World risked severe -- and often fatal -- injury while refining sugar. Learn how this Stuff of Genius saved hundreds of lives and modernized sugar in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 3 7 09 Free View In iTunes

150 VideoLong-Range Radio Before Ernst Alexanderson designed the high-frequency alternators that transmitted radio broadcasts in a continuous wave, radio was not usable over long distances. Tune in and learn more Stuff of Genius in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 26 6 09 Free View In iTunes

151 VideoThe QWERTY Keyboard Although the keys on the original typewriter keyboard were alphabetized, consumers quickly realized the swift taps of typists would inevitably jam the machine. Learn how Christopher Sholes saved the keyboard in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 19 6 09 Free View In iTunes

152 VideoThe Flexible Straw Joseph Friedman took beverage technology to a whole new level with the invention of the flexible drinking straw. Find out how Friedman came up with his bendy creation in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 12 6 09 Free View In iTunes

153 VideoWatches Nowadays, wristwatches aren't anything to write home about... but this wasn't always the case. Learn how locksmiths like Peter Henlein miniaturized the dubious clocks of the day to create portable timepieces in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 5 6 09 Free View In iTunes

154 VideoVideo Games Ralph Baer was working for a U.S. defense company when he invented the world's first video game system. Luckily, this Stuff of Genius was too fun to remain locked away from the public. Learn more about video games in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 29 5 09 Free View In iTunes

155 VideoAspirin When chemist Felix Hoffman attempted to lessen his father's chronic stomach pain, he discovered aspirin. Learn more about Hoffman's astonishing career in this podcast by HowStuffWorks.com. 22 5 09 Free View In iTunes

156 VideoJunk Food During World War II, William Mitchell made a discovery that led to the emergence of junk food for the masses. Learn how tapioca led to pop rocks in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com 15 5 09 Free View In iTunes

157 VideoTelevision When Philo Farnsworth was just fourteen years old, he had an epiphany that changed his life -- and ours. Tune in and learn how this former sharecropper created the modern television in The Stuff of Genius, a video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 8 5 09 Free View In iTunes

158 VideoVelcro When George de Mestral and his dog set out on a leisurely mountain stroll, they returned covered in burrs. Learn how an afternoon walk inspired the creation of Velcro in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 24 4 09 Free View In iTunes

159 VideoSuper Wheat Norman Borlaug spent most of his life fighting world hunger and led the effort to grow more productive, disease-resistant wheat strains. Learn more about The Stuff of Genius in this video podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. 24 4 09 Free View In iTunes

Customer Reviews

Trivia

by CRutherford

Each podcast takes an invention (band-aids, neon lights, qwerty keyboard, flexible drinking straw) and discusses who, why and how of the creation. What you need to know: - around one minute long, 1 episode per week - narrated, computer-generated graphics (podcast will standalone without the graphics, but the images do add value) - no explicit language - accessible for all ages. As far as podcasts go, this one is pretty trivial. The information provided in 2 minutes is certainly shallow. However, it is very entertaining. It grabs your attention and informs you. It does what it intends very well. Why not?

short, sharp & funny!

by Anthony May

the Monty Python-esque graphics, entertainingly informative narration, and short (1-2 minutes) sharp delivery earned this a place in my AppleTV podcast favourites - well done, & i hope to see many more :)

Awesome!

by otai17

Cool stuff to know about. Presented in an entertaining yet simplified way. Love it!

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Category: History
Language: English

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9 Ratings