Good podcast

Top 100 most popular podcasts

Wondery Kids

Wondery Kids

Hey Wondery parents! Looking for unique ways to keep your kids entertained and learning while reducing screen time? Take a well-deserved break with Wondery Kids, a new podcast curation for the whole family to enjoy.

Take them on the incredible journey of the most groundbreaking public figures with Imagined Life. Every episode explores unique stories and fascinating facts, like how the author of a set of wizardry novels created a worldwide phenomenon.

Or bring your kids on an adventure into the extraordinary technologies used to bring our favorite droids and Jedis to life. American Innovations details the backstory on how this futuristic world was created.

From the epic stories of some of our most famous public figures to explorations into the greatest American Innovations, the Wondery Kids podcast features endless entertainment while keeping your kids learning.

Subscribe

iTunes / Overcast / RSS

Website

art19.com/shows/wondery-kids

Episodes

American Innovations | Airplane: Rewriting Aviation History | E3

In 1913, the young aviation industry was in trouble. The Wright brothers? broad proprietary claim on airplane technology?and their willingness to sue competitors?created a legal bottleneck that was stifling the airplane?s development.

Their legal power over aviation stemmed from the idea that they were the first to build a plane capable of flying. But what if they weren?t the first? In early 1914, Glenn Curtiss was presented with the opportunity to test that idea. Ironically, the experiment would end up costing him his place in history.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

American Innovations | Airplane: Wrights and Wrongs | E2

Glenn Curtiss may have mastered the technical aspects of the airplane, but in September of 1909, Curtiss found himself painfully ill-equipped to handle the latest challenge before him: the Wright brothers were suing him for patent infringement., demanding he stop building, selling, and even flying his planes. 

While Curtiss was the main target of the lawsuit, the outcome of the case would affect the industry as a whole. That?s because the question at hand focused on the interpretation and application of patent law. Specifically, could any one man--or in this case, two brothers--legally own the air.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

American Innovations | Airplane: The Flight of the June Bug | E1

Think for a moment about some of the pioneering developments from the earliest days of American aviation: The first pilot?s licence; the first flight from one city to another; the first airplane sold commercially. More than a century later, most people attribute these milestones to the Wright brothers. But the Wright brothers were responsible for none of these firsts. In fact, all of these achievements belong to just one man: Glenn Hammond Curtiss, the father of modern aviation. So why is it that most Americans have never heard his name?

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Sports Wars | Federer vs. Nadal: Suffering and Perfection | E5

After four straight head-to-head wins, the era-defining rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is trending strongly toward Nadal. But Federer is already looking to reverse his fortunes at the next major -- the 2009 Australian Open -- a hard court tournament that could possibly yield his record-tying 14th Grand Slam title. As for Rafa, he?s still looking to prove he can beat Federer anywhere, anytime, and on any surface. 

For more than decade, these tennis titans have battled each other for the number 1 seat -- but which is the greatest men?s tennis player of all time?

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Sports Wars | Federer vs. Nadal: The Greatest Match Ever Played | E4

Roger Federer enters the 2008 Wimbledon Grand Slam as a five-time defending champion. The tabloids mark him as finished -- mostly because of his poor performance in the year?s first two grand slams. Rafael Nadal is coming off a dominant French Open title and the bad taste of last year?s loss at Wimbledon. It is the perfect storm to create what is widely considered the greatest tennis match in history.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Sports Wars | Federer vs. Nadal: Grass and Clay | E3

Rafael Nadal continues to add French Open titles, but winning on the grass courts of Wimbledon proves elusive because of one person: Roger Federer. The Swiss Champion holds as much dominance on grass as Nadal has on clay. So when the 2007 Wimbledon Final goes to Federer in a closely-won match over Nadal, the Spaniard believes he?s lost his best opportunity to beat his nemesis.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Sports Wars | Federer vs. Nadal: The Raging Bull | E2

At age 19 Nadal dominates on clay and shoots up the world rankings. Now he?s looking to prove his win in Miami over Federer was no fluke. Meanwhile, Federer tries to capture the career grand slam, but to get it, he?ll need to beat Nadal on his best surface at the French Open.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Sports Wars|Federer vs. Nadal: The Hothead | E1

In this series we explore the unique tennis rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal-- two very different players, both exceptional, in pursuit of perfection. Swiss-born Roger Federer was seemingly born with a racquet in his hand and at a young age he quickly masters the game, but what he needs to reach the top is to learn how to master his emotions. Meanwhile, Spaniard Rafael Nadal learns the game under the tutelage of his uncle Toni on the clay courts of Mallorca, where the decision to make him a left-handed player separates him early from his competition. 

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Business Wars | Ford vs. Chevrolet: Technology in the Fast Lane | E4

It's been a hard fought battle for decades, and in the 1970s there's no signs of Ford or Chevrolet slowing down. But this time they're fighting on new grounds, ones dominated by Japanese cars. Honda, Toyota and Datsun dominate the market, and Ford and Chevy seem like they're just... running out of gas.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Business Wars | Ford vs. Chevrolet: Fast and Sexy | E3

In the 1960s, the biggest generation of Americans of all time are reaching driving age. They want cars, and they want them to be fast and powerful, and they want them now. The best showcase for these cars is by winning races, and in the 1960s, Ford and Chevy are gunning for each other at every turn.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Business Wars | Ford vs. Chevrolet: Detroit Joins the War | E2

FDR believed that WWII was a contest of mass production. Whoever could build the most trucks, tanks, guns and airplanes would come out on top. What power could defeat the United States of America and its massive automobile industry? But for Roosevelt?s arsenal to work automakers will have to put aside their rivalries and retool.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Business Wars | Ford vs. Chevrolet: Tin Lizzie Becomes Roadkill | E1

In 1896, Henry Ford puttered around Detroit streets testing his ?Quadricycle.? This was the whimsical beginning to a revolution that redesigned the landscape of America.

Cars changed the way America lived, worked, ate, shopped, and listened to music. And more than 100 years ago, the entire industry was a group of men, whose names are now emblazoned on every bumper, just hanging out at their local bar.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

American History Tellers | The Space Race: Photo Finish | E4

JFK said that nothing in the 1960s was "...more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space..." than getting a man to the moon and back safely. As the Apollo 11 flight neared, the entire nation waited, enraptured. But back in the USSR, the Soviets were also making strides. Though the contest with the Soviets for technological superiority had always been a race, it was now a literal one - a U.S. manned spacecraft was about to chase down a Soviet robotic vessel.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

American History Tellers | The Space Race: Taking the Lead | E3

In times of crisis, Americans had always put their confidence in their country?s superiority in power, technology and leadership. America had never failed them. And in 1961, hope and faith in their country burned brighter than ever as NASA prepared to launch the first man into space. A month out from launch, that light was effectively snuffed. The Soviets beat them to it. On April 12, 1961, cosmonaut Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin became the first person in space and the first person to orbit Earth. The world was in awe. And America was in shock.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

American History Tellers | The Space Race: Playing Catch Up | E2

Information sharing was normal in the global scientific community, but when it came to rockets, normal rules didn?t apply. If the details got passed along to civilian scientists, there was no telling where that intel might end up?

But for many Americans, the Eisenhower just wasn?t moving fast enough. Sputnik was still orbiting! The Soviets were winning! Eisenhower downplayed Sputnik,calling it ?one small ball in the air,? but privately he was worried.

The U.S. had the ability to beat the Soviets to space. But they didn?t. And Eisenhower wanted to know why.

Warning: this episode is packed with as much explosive power as is packed in the warhead of a ballistic missile.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

American History Tellers | The Space Race: Starting Gun | E1

Remember Werner von Braun? We talked a little bit about him in our Cold War series. He was in charge of the German rocket program in World War II. First used to lob missiles and bombs all over Europe, von Braun always dreamed of something better for his rockets. As the Soviet and American forces were closing in on Germany to end the war, von Braun saw only one way out: surrender to the American forces and get to the States.

Amid the wreckage of the Third Reich, the first leg of the Space Race would be a sprint to locate von Braun.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

American Innovations | Star Wars' Cinema Technology: The Audience is Listening | E3

By 1975, George Lucas knew exactly what he wanted Star Wars to look like, but what it would sound like was another story altogether. Lucas was tired of Sci-Fi?s typical synthetic and electronic cliches; he wanted a sonic world that felt organic and personal. So he hired a young sound designer named Ben Burtt, and sent him out into the world with a recorder and microphone.

Burtt would need to blend and manipulate his recordings in order to achieve original sound designs, customized in every way to help bring the Skywalker saga to life. Like a detective, Burtt would have to hunt for the perfect buzz, bark, or hum to make Star Wars come alive. And in the process, he and Lucas would help to change the way audiences experience sound in films.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

American Innovations |Star Wars' Cinema Technology: The Saga Continues | E2

With the success of STAR WARS, George Lucas finally had the independence and power to make movies exactly the way he wanted to make them?which was critical, because the sequels he planned were going to be even bigger and more challenging than the original. The artists of Industrial Light and Magic had barely finished the first film, but now they?d have to top themselves--designing a snow planet, imperial walkers, tauntauns, asteroid fields, a Cloud City, and a 12-mile long Star Destroyer.

From 1978 to 1983, ILM surged forward with the mandate to not only complete the original STAR WARS trilogy, but also expand the company itself. The ultimate mission: to push the edge of what visual effects could be, and ultimately lead cinema from its analogue origins, to its digital present.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

American Innovations | Star Wars' Cinema Technology: 6842 Valjean Ave | E1

When STAR WARS debuted in May 1977, it gave rise to a pop-cultural phenomenon unlike any the world had ever seen. The movie was so singular and iconic, and so technically ambitious -- that it almost never came to be.

To bring Star Wars to the screen, new technology had to be invented and existing technology had to be utilized in ways never before imagined. None of the special effects companies in Hollywood could handle the blend of creativity and innovation necessary to bring director George Lucas?s vision to life. So Lucas built his own studio, and forever changed the way movies are made.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Sports Wars | Brady vs. Manning: The Rivalry Comes to a Close | E6

Father Time knocks on the door for Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. But the two legendary QBs refuse to answer. Manning, now 39 years old, fights tooth and nail, as he competes for another Super Bowl ring. But he?s got a big obstacle in his way. It?s a driven quarterback named Tom Brady.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Sports Wars | Brady vs. Manning: The Mannings Strike Again | E5

Multiple neck surgeries. Grueling rehab. An emotional meeting that upends his career. For Peyton Manning, life hasn't been easy. But he won't stop fighting to win?especially as he faces his biggest rival, Tom Brady.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Sports Wars | Brady vs. Manning: Peyton Breaks Through | E4

Peyton Manning faces the biggest moment in his career. It's a chance to finally win a Super Bowl title. And soon, Tom Brady will have a shot at redemption. But, once again, he'll find himself head to head with a formidable Manning. Only this time, the quarterback is named Eli.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Sports Wars | Brady vs. Manning: Hey, I?m Peyton | E3

Tom Brady becomes the NFL's greatest winner. And he's only in his mid-20s. As for Peyton Manning? He continues to lead the Colts to stellar regular seasons?only to struggle when the lights are the brightest.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Sports Wars | Brady vs. Manning: Growing Pains | E2

Peyton Manning achieves a lifelong dream?he?s heading to the NFL. But when he gets there? It?s a rough start, to say the least. Times are tough in Ann Arbor, too. Because Tom Brady has a new rival named Drew Henson, who threatens to unseat Brady as Michigan?s top QB.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Sports Wars | Brady vs Manning: Family First | E1

For years, football fans were divided. You were either a Tom Brady fan or a Peyton Manning fan. The two quarterbacks came to define the modern NFL, as they cemented their status as all-time greats. It was a rivalry between two players with remarkable similarities and differences?one who came from football royalty, and one who?d been long overlooked.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Business Wars | The Cinematic Universe | E6

After more than 50 years of fighting for the hearts and attention spans of millions of readers, television viewers, and movie-goers - who wins this war? Is it DC, the original comic company company behind classic American heroes that defined the dreams of many young men and women? Or is it Marvel, the young upstart who changed the game and fought tooth and nail to catch up with DC and create their own cinematic universe?

For now, there?s one clear winner, but expect this war to rage on. No superhero stays dead forever.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Business Wars | Marvel vs DC: Big Screen Heroes | E5

Appearances on radio programs, television shows and thousands of comic books - all just another day in the life of a superhero. But to get a larger than life hero onto a larger than life screen, there?s one secret ingredient: verisimilitude. As both companies fight for box office domination, a power player from our Netflix/Blockbuster series reveals one company to be just another cold, corporate machine.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Business Wars | Marvel vs DC: Schemes, Scans, and Double Crosses | E4

It?s 1970 and the unthinkable just happened. Jack Kirby, one of the men who made Marvel, has defected to DC. With him he brought an idea that may just end Marvel for good. But as soon as DC seems to be pulling back into the lead, something else goes wrong - there?s a spy in their midst.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Business Wars | Marvel vs DC: Copycat | E3

As Marvel?s richer storylines captivate more readers, DC just can?t keep up, or fully understand Marvel?s success. They even try directly copying Marvel?s style, but go about it in the worst way. Just when it looks like DC?s days at the top are numbered, they throw one final Hail Mary that steals away one of Marvel?s finest artists.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Business Wars | Marvel vs DC: The Fantastic Mr. Lee | E2

We?ve talked about several wars on this series, but here?s a first: DC and Marvel engaging with each other, sniping, making fun, and getting their fans involved in the argument. A series of editor?s letters, guest columns, and fan mail printed in the comics themselves has everyone choosing sides.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Business Wars | Marvel vs DC: Origin Stories | E1

In the early 1960s, the Space Race was on, Chubby Checkers got everyone doin? the twist and Superman was turning 25. DC has it all - a legacy comic, the talented writers and illustrators, and plush offices in Manhattan. Marvel is around but it?s much smaller. They only have one full time employee, actually. Have you heard of Stan Lee? He WAS Marvel for a long time, and in 1961 he wrote a story that would revolutionize comics forever.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Imagined Life | The Daydreamer

You?ve always lived for what others want you to do: your college major, your first job. You have a dream, but before you achieve it, you?ll have to hit rock bottom first. Hosted by Virginia Madsen.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Imagined Life | The Handler

The clock is ticking and you have a lot to do. You want to make a difference in the world. You have a vision, but not everyone sees what you do. You?ll need to do something bold to convince them. Tick tock. 

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Imagined Life | The Ballerina

You?re timid and awkward, a fish out of water. Dance brings you poise and self-assurance, but you can?t live in the ballet studio. You have to go out into the world. 

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Imagined Life | The Wannabe

You're a natural storyteller. A dreamer with a big imagination. And you want to share your stories. If only there weren't bills to pay.

2020-04-01
Link to episode

Imagined Life | The Eccentric

You?re caught between two worlds -- your small hometown where you?ve never fit in, and the big city you escaped to. But home is what you make of it. 

2020-03-25
Link to episode
A tiny webapp by I'm With Friends.
Updated daily with data from the Apple Podcasts.