Best Origins OSU Podcasts (2025)

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Ten Iconic World Series 14:40

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25m ago14:40

14:40

The World Series has been played annually since 1903 (with two exceptions in 1904 and 1994). Here, Origins offers ten 20th Century World Series contests that are landmark moments in baseball’s evolution as a commercial enterprise and its adaptation to the significant social and cultural changes of modern America.Written by Russell Field. Narration …

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Gwangju Then and Now 7:07

7d ago7:07

7:07

Gwangju, a major city in southwestern South Korea, has been widely recognized as a center of civil resistance since May 1980, when a brutal military crackdown targeted citizens protesting against dictatorship. Written by Hieyoon Kim. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video production by Hannah Keller, Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle, and Laura Seeg…

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Project Blue Book: America's Obsession with UFOs 9:21

21d ago9:21

9:21

Headquartered at Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, OH, Project Blue Book, the U.S. Air Force’s investigation into UFOs, ran for 12 years beginning in March of 1952.Written by Paul McAllister. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video production by Laura Seeger, Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle, and Hannah Keller. A transcript is available a…

1
1066: The Normans Conquer England 5:59

1M ago5:59

5:59

The Battle of Hastings, which took place on October 14, 1066 was a pivotal moment in the invasion from across the English Channel that resulted in the conquest of Anglo-Saxon England by William, the French Duke of Normandy. Written by Wenxi Liu. In honor of Wenxi Liu, April 21, 1949 - October 30, 2023.Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video p…

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War of the Pacific, 1879-1884: Chile vs. Peru & Bolivia 9:12

2M ago9:12

9:12

The War of the Pacific, which pitted Chile against the allied forces of Peru and Bolivia, had a profound, long-lasting impact on the geopolitical balance of South America.Written by Candela Marini. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video production by Laura Seeger, Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle, and Hannah Keller. A textual version is available a…

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American Gothic Reimagined, an Interview with Barbara DuMetz 22:09

2M ago22:09

22:09

Barbara DuMetz reflects on her powerful photograph, titledAmerican Gothic. She shares how the image—capturing defiance and determination—became a revolutionary statement: "We’re here, we’re not going anywhere, doing stuff on our terms now."Discover more about her story and the book that explores these iconic moments in history:Order the book:⁠amzn.…

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Michael Santiago, a Picturing Black History Interview 18:04

2M ago18:04

18:04

Michael Santiago, an award-winning photojournalist, shares his experience capturing history in real time. From documenting the final crossing of Civil Rights icon John Lewis to reflecting on the power of photography in shaping our understanding of the past, Santiago’s work is a testament to the impact of visual storytelling. In this exclusive inter…

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The Bhopal Chemical Gas Disaster 8:40

3M ago8:40

8:40

On the night of 2-3 December 1984, a Union Carbide chemical facility at Bhopal leaked over 27 tons of the highly toxic gas methyl isocyanate, poisoning tens of thousands of people in the middle of the night, most of whom were sleeping in their homes nearby. Written by Madhumita Dutta. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video production by Hann…

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The Legacy of the Magna Carta 5:00

3M ago5:00

5:00

June 15, 1215, witnessed the signing of the landmark Magna Carta, the medieval English historic legal document that is seen as the origin of many modern-day legal rights and constitutional principles. At that time, England was in civil war as disaffected barons took up arms against King John, who reigned 1199-1216.Written by Rebecca Favorito. Narra…

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The Birth of Peronism 8:56

3M ago8:56

8:56

On October 17, 1945, hundreds of thousands of Juan Perón's supporters clogged the streets of Buenos Aires marking a consequential moment in Argentina’s history and the birth of Peronism.Written by Steven Hyland. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video production by Laura Seeger and Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. A textual version of this video is…

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Top 10 Popes Before 1500 12:02

4M ago12:02

12:02

Professor Kristina Sessa, an historian of Late Antiquity, presents her top 10 popes based on overall historical significance, appetite for intrigue, and messy electoral politics.Written and narrated by Dr. Kristina Sessa. Video production by Laura Seeger and Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. A textual version of this video is available at https://origins.…

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The Trump Administration’s Domestic Policies: Insights from History 1:07:09

4M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

The Trump Administration’s Domestic Policies: Insights from History by Origins OSUBy Origins OSU

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Trump's Foreign Policy in Historical Perspective 57:22

4M ago57:22

57:22

Ohio State University faculty experts hold a conversation that puts American foreign policy changes during the first 100 days of the second Trump administration into historical perspective. Panel members: Peter L. Hahn, Distinguished University Professor of History, The Ohio State University; Mitchell Lerner, Professor of History and Director of th…

1
Albert Hofmann and the Discovery of LSD 6:46

5M ago6:46

6:46

In November 1938, Albert Hofmann November 1938, first created a derivative of ergot that would later be dubbed lysergic acid diethalyamide: LSD.Written by Dr. Benjamin Breen. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video production by Laura Seeger and Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. A textual version of this video is available at https://origins.osu.edu…

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Justice for the Rwandan Genocide 6:54

5M ago6:54

6:54

On September 2, 1998, the first conviction for the crime of genocide was entered by an international tribunal. The date is an essential milestone in the development of criminal responsibility imposed by the international community for the commission of mass atrocities.By Origins OSU

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The Great Fire of Rome 9:04

6M ago9:04

9:04

Mid-July, 64 CE, in the heart of Rome, tragedy struck as fire erupted into a massive inferno. Did Emperor Nero, regent at the time, purposely set the city ablaze or merely preside over the disaster?Written by Matthew Reich. Narration by Dr. Nicholas Breyfogle. Video production by Laura Seeger and Dr. Nicholas Breyfogle. A textual version of this vi…

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The Tunguska Mystery Explosion 8:57

6M ago8:57

8:57

On June 30, 1908, a massive mysterious explosion of a cosmic body shook the skies of Tunguska (in Siberia), on a date that would come to be known as International Asteroid Day. But was it an asteroid? Andy Bruno discusses the history surrounding the event.Written by Andy Bruno. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video production by Laura Seege…

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Early Encounters with Penguins 1:02:34

6M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Who doesn’t love penguins? Join Ellen Arnold to learn about the many different roles that penguins took on as Europeans first began to encounter them in the mid-1500s, from quirky oddity to salvation for the starving. Over the course of the following centuries, Europeans had many different interactions with penguins, and these shaped how they under…

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10 Great World War II Films 16:42

7M ago16:42

16:42

Narrator Nicholas Breyfogle gives voice to author Stephen M. Norris' top ten World War II films. Video production by Laura Seeger and Nicholas Breyfogle. A textual version of this video is available at https://origins.osu.edu/connecting-history/top-ten-origins-world-war-ii-films.This is a production of Origins: Current Events in Historical Perspect…

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Principles of Pesticide Safety 28:41

7M ago28:41

28:41

As the season of outdoors comes closer, it's important to review some basics of pesticide safety. Whether they are organic or synthetic, all pesticides can be dangerous. So wear your PPE and keep them out of reach of children!By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Energy and forethought needed to keep warm 27:04

7M ago27:04

27:04

Being out in cold temperatures is often necessary. But, there are a few things you can do to improve your comfort and safety. We cover how to layer your clothes, travel safely, and how to help livestock stay warm and healthy in low temperatures.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Haile Selassie I and an Independent Ethiopia 6:46

8M ago6:46

6:46

Haile Selassie’s triumphant return to Ethiopia on May 5, 1941, signaled the re‐establishment of the Solomonic Dynasty and a sovereign Ethiopia. Written by Andrew Carlson. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Production by Laura Seeger and Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video and written versions of this podcase are available at https://origins.osu.e…

1
Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon 7:47

8M ago7:47

7:47

According to the traditional narrative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith was visited on September 21, 1823 by an angel who told him of an ancient record buried nearby his farm in western New York.Written by Benjamin E. Park. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. A textual version of this podcast is available at http…

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A Salty Situation 28:34

8M ago28:34

28:34

Learn about the differences in sidewalk salt and their effects on the ice, environment, and the sidewalk itself. We also remind our poultry owners about biosecurity tacticts to protect their birds from avian influenzaBy Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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The Berlin Airlift 6:35

8M ago6:35

6:35

The Berlin Airlift began on June 26, 1948, only two days after the Soviet Union's blockade of West Berlin. Written by Ian Gammon. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. A textual version is available at https://origins.osu.edu/read/berlin-airlift. Production by Laura Seeger and Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Additional resources:To Save a City: The Be…

1
Winter Garden Activities for IPM 29:02

9M ago29:02

29:02

What to do in the garden or on the farm during winter to reduce disease and make life easier next year.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Feral Swine: Unseen Threats and How to Combat Them 27:48

9M ago27:48

27:48

Explore the history and dangers of feral swine, their diseases, hunting regulations, and safe cooking tips to protect yourself and our food system.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Sifting through the bubbles surrounding Insecticidal Soaps 28:24

9M ago28:24

28:24

Using soap to kill insects isn't as simple as it seems. Today we go through the ins and outs of what makes soap an appropriate insecticide and what to avoid. References: Fundamentals of Using Soaps as Insecticides by Dr. Raymond Cloyd https://blogs.k-state.edu/kansasbugs/2020/06/12/fundamentals-of-using-soaps-as-insecticides/ Insecticidal Soap Writ…

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The Founding of the People's Republic of China 8:11

10M ago8:11

8:11

On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong (1893-1976) stood on the rostrum of Tian’anmen (The Gate of Heavenly Peace) and announced the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in his strong Hunanese accent. This momentous announcement marked the end of China’s chaotic era of foreign domination since the mid-18th century and of frequent governmen…

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The Story of Poinsettia Day and U.S.-Mexico Relations 6:46

10M ago6:46

6:46

Since 2002, December 12 has been known as Poinsettia Day, created by Congress to honor the passing of Paul Ecke, Jr., who helped commercialize the plant in the United States in the middle of the twentieth century.Written by Lindsay Schakenbach Regele. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video and audio production by Laura Seeger and Dr. Nichola…

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Remembering Bhopal: The World's Worst Industrial Disaster 59:55

10M ago59:55

59:55

This presentation commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Disaster (2-3 December, 1984 in Bhopal, India), the world’s worst industrial disaster. Dr. Madhumita Dutta, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at The Ohio State University discusses the disaster, the immediate and ongoing health repercussions for the people of Bho…

1
What was Wrong with the Judges at the Salem Witch Trials? 59:35

10M ago59:35

59:35

While most of the books written about the Salem witch trials concern those who were accused of witchcraft and their accusers, Matt Goldish's new book, "Science and Specters" at Salem, turns the spotlight on the judges. They were, after all, the men who decided to accept these accusations and move the trials forward. Historians have long wondered wh…

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Our Top 10 Historical Musicals 20:59

10M ago20:59

20:59

Musicals have sought to bring history to life onstage, with varying degrees of creative license. These are our top ten musicals based on real-life people and events that have shaped the theatre.Written by Lauren Henry. Narrated by Nicholas Breyfogle. Video production by Laura Seeger and Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. A textual version of this podcast i…

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Battling the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid 27:10

10M ago27:10

27:10

Join us as we explore the impact of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on our forests, uncovering its origins, spread, and the ecological consequences of its control. Learn about hope for management and what you can do to protect your prize hemlock tree from this invasive pest.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Postwar Decolonization and its Discontents 59:07

10M ago59:07

59:07

Presented by Lydia Walker, Provost Scholar Assistant Professor, Seth Andre Myers Chair in Global Military History, in the Department of History at The Ohio State University.After the Second World War, national self-determination became a recognized international norm, yet it only extended to former colonies. Groups within postcolonial states that m…

1
Congolese Rumba: Soundtrack to African Political Struggle 11:05

11M ago11:05

11:05

In the Year of Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo negotiated independence from Belgium to the rhythm of the country’s greatest export: Congolese rumba. The wildly popular and meaningful genre became a soundtrack to global change.Written by Emily Hardick. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Production by Laura Seeger and Dr. Nicholas B…

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Zombies are REAL 27:37

11M ago27:37

27:37

Belive it or not, zombies really do exist. There are many examples in nature and cordiceps do play a role. However, for the most part, zombieism is restricted to insects.By Karen Cox, Dan Lima, Erika Lyon

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The Very Modern Alice In Wonderland 4:21

11M ago4:21

4:21

Alice in Wonderland, the little girl created by Oxford mathematician and logician Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, also known as Lewis Carroll, came to life in 1865. While her pinafore and his frockcoat and long wavy hair, which were old fashioned even for their time, catch our eye and distance them from us on the other side of the tumultuous 20th century…

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Cow - Calf Health and Stressors 30:37

12M ago30:37

30:37

We have a special guest this week as part of the WVU Extension Drought Series coordinated by Alex Straight. Dr. Lowell Midla, is a Doctor of Vetrinary Medicine and is joining us from Merk Animal Health. Learn the different stressors that impact animal health and what you can do about them. He also covers good herd management techniques for when fee…

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Solar Eclipses in American History 9:22

12M ago9:22

9:22

Few phenomena are so steeped in wonder as the total solar eclipse. Cultures through history have heralded eclipses as portentous, ominous events. Written by Matthew Smith. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video and text versions of this podcast are available at https://origins.osu.edu/read/solar-eclipses-american-history. Video production by…

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Apples are a Great Fall Flavor 27:50

12M ago27:50

27:50

Nothing against pumpkin spice, but when we think fall we're all on board for apples. We have such a wide variety of apples we encourage you to reach out to a local orchard and try something new. Some varieties of apples will continue to ripen into November!By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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The 1956 Hungarian Revolution 9:23

12M ago9:23

9:23

The date, October 23, 1956, marked the beginning of the ill-fated revolution that ended with the re-imposition of Communist rule and the flight of some 200,000 Hungarians to Western Europe and the United States. It remains a somber anniversary of heroism in defeat that continues to resonate with Hungarians across the globe.Written by Harrison King.…

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Garlic 28:04

12M ago28:04

28:04

With such a long turn around, growing garlic can be incredibly rewarding, or incredibly dissapointing. Moisture can be the enimy for growing, curing, and storing. Start with clean bulblets (cloves) that are certified for planting and maybe not the ones from the grocery store. While those will work, they may bring disease into your soils. Listen for…

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Spotted Lanternfly is Flying 28:14

1y ago28:14

28:14

Adult spotted lanternflies (SLF) are being seen in new areas right now. Check the map to see if they're near you, go to https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/slf scroll down to current status and find your state. If your county isn't marked, be sure to report your sightings! This website will help you find your state's reporting requireme…

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Managing Livestock and Forage in Difficult Times 27:58

1y ago27:58

27:58

As part of WVU Extension's drought management series, Brad Smith and Bruce Loyd discuss things we can and can't control in maintaining healthy forage and animals during a drought. They cover choosing the right supplement and preventing nitrate poisoning as well as how species diversity and soil health can reduce the impact of drought on your farm.…

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Drought Assistance Programs 28:56

1y ago28:56

28:56

This episode is a little different as we are boosting the signal to share information about assistance programs for farms to deal with the impacts of this extended drought period. Please note that the speakers here are from the Potomac Highlands and you will need to contact your local service providers to learn about the NRCS programs open to your …

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What drought Does to Trees 27:38

1y ago27:38

27:38

Drought is hard on all plants, even the mighty oak. Early leaf drop, root loss, and increased danger of predation by insects are but a few of the impacts. Watering orchard, yard, and street trees can help keep them strong for many years to come.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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The Battle For Manila 11:06

1y ago11:06

11:06

Public memory of the battle for Manila includes a mixture of gratitude toward the Americans, nationalistic defiance, and horror. The liberation claimed the lives of a thousand Americans, 16,000 Japanese, and 100,000 Manileños, one tenth of the population.Written by Gregory Kupsky. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video and textual versions o…

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Planting hardy bulbs 27:36

1y ago27:36

27:36

If you are looking to expand your spring flowering, you have to plan ahead. September is a great time to plant new bulbs, corms, and rhizomes. Enjoy greater success with proper vernalization, planting, and placement.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Managing drought in crops, gardens, and orchards 28:01

1y ago28:01

28:01

If you are in an area facing drought, there are a few things you can do to protect your crops beyond irrigation.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima