5 Minute Expert

We look at a couple of things the Romans knew that still baffle scientists and engineers today. Our sponsor this week is WeBeSandals.com. Authentic Giraffe leather sandals just like the Roman legionnaire that trampled all over Gaul back in the day... --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

Swimming in the River Seine in Paris has been illegal for 100 years! We discuss the pollution of the world's largest rivers and the ocean. Our sponsor this week is Save The Seine (Not a religious organization...). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

We discuss the Science, nay, the superpower that is selective hearing; that ability to ignore and tune out sounds, noises and conversations we want to ignore... --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

We talk about several prominent and well-known conspiracy theories and what the real evidence says... --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

We look at the psychology of child prodigies. They amaze us with their talents and performance. But, is it sustainable? Our sponsor this week is Crayons to Calculators, a nonprofit daycare catering to child prodigies. Crayons to Calculators is raising the next generation of geniuses... today. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

Get ready to rumble as we look at the pros and cons of both. And, I'll reveal my preference at the end of this show. Our sponsor this week is The Pizza-Taco House Restaurant in Frog Lick, GA. Stop by and grab a taco or a slice of pizza. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

We talk about story of the original atomic bomb including the Manhattan Project and MAD (mutually assured destruction). This week's sponsor is Flamethrowers, your happy-home-owners grade supplier of exceptional fireworks. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

Why try something a little different today and look at History in a Nutshell: Bite-Sized Insights into the Past. Today's topic is the French Revolution. We guarantee you'll learn more about the French Revolution in 5 minutes than you've learned your entire life (That is unless your a French scholar...) Anyway, today's sponsor is Le History Chan-nel, (No, not that History Channel...) your go to source for all things french history. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

We talk about the history of Animation - from stick figures to CGI. Our sponsor this week is AnnaMae. You're probably thinking I'm talking about animae, the hand-drawn and computer-generated animation originating from Japan. This ain't that Animae; this is a lady that lives down the street who does a great job of cleaning my office... --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

We talk about the link between social media and mental health. Our sponsor this week is Phone Zombies. Phone Zombies can help you fight the ‘Like' button blues. Find it in the App store. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

We discuss the history and cultural significance of tea and the rise of herbal teas. Our sponsor this week is Kettle-Up, makers of scum free tea pots. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

We discuss the history of time management and productivity. The concept that people who don't manage their time well should be looked down on is a relatively new idea. Our sponsor this week is Time Blockers. Focus on what matters and be happier and healthier today! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

We discuss Unlearning - the process of forgetting, putting aside, or losing knowledge. Futurist Alvin Toffler said, "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn." This week's sponsor is The Unlearning Institute of America. Got a habit that others find annoying? Most people do. The UIA, formerly known as PAD or People with Associative Disorders, is here to help. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

Mothers of small children around the world are mindlessly singing along to seemingly innocent nursery rhymes that, if you dig a little deeper, reveal shockingly sinister backstories. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/5-minute-expert/support

Welcome to Season 7! This week we look at how dogs and cats communicate and how we interpret that communication. Our sponsor this week is Hola Kitty (Not to be confused with Hello Kitty). Hola Kitty helps you go heart-to-heart with your cat... --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

We talk about typography and how letters, serifs, fonts, etc., are intentionally chosen to reflect the message of what's printed. Our sponsor this week is Font of Knowledge, creator of invitations for awkward and inappropriate events. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

We talk about how everyone from parents to governments weaponize food. Consider the similarities in response to food shortages by the U.S. and Nazi Germany during WWII. Our sponsor this week is Empty Plates, a non-profit that helps your kid clean their plate when they sit down to eat. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

Instead of recounting all the celebrities that have died in 2022, we look at our top ten list of people that many wonder why they're still hanging around... --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

We make you an expert in these two Christmas traditions - holiday wreaths and the story of how Rudolph came to be. Our sponsor this week is Dead Fish and House Guests. We help you get life back to normal. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

We talk about the basis for being left or right handed and even mention a few famous lefties... Our sponsor this week is The Society for Adroit Left Handed Persons of Native American Origin. We're a left-handed Indian's best friend… --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

We look at the history on infomercials and how pitchmen got on TV. Our sponsor this week is The Infomercial Channel. Whether it's Get-Rich-Quick, Motivation or Self-Development or Televangelists, watch your favorites 24/7! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

We talk about the ancient problem of bad breath and all the attempts down through the ages to cure or cover it up. Our sponsor this week is Liquid Skunk, the hiker's friend. It repels more than mosquitos! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

We talk about Shrinkflation and all of the products where companies are trying to sneak a reduction in product size by us while charging the same price. Our sponsor this week is Hoodwinked. Hoodwinked specializes in helping brands reduce their product size while maintaining or increasing their prices. You know you've been had when its Hoodwinked. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

What's the difference between an impressionist, lookalike, tribute act and impersonator? You'll find out on today's episode. Our sponsor today is wannabes.com. We help you become the person you'd rather be... --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

We look at the world of Bad Barbies. How did this doll go so bad? Our sponsor this week is dollsgonewrong.com. Each child is unique and their dolls should be too. Check out ADHD Barbie... --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

We talk about the benefits of foraging for free fun. Our sponsor this week is Good Gut Greens. Why get out and forage for food when Good Gut Greens can do it for you? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

We talk about the history of LASIK eye surgery including the pros and cons. Our sponsor this week is Eye Can. EYE CAN was developed by a Swiss eye doctor after hearing his patients whine and complain about eye pain due to the strain of watching videos on their cellphones. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

We talk about the history of tattoos and their arrival in mainstream culture. Our sponsor this week is Ooze, a topical gel made for all sorts of pustular abscesses, eczematous patches and 99.9% of other skin reactions and complications related to tattoos. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/5-minute-expert/support

We look at the origin of the word Boss, talk about qualities of a good and bad boss and review some fictional bosses from popular culture. Our sponsor this week is the online video game, I'm the Boss where you call all the shots and hold all the cards.

We investigate the use of pointing as a communication gesture and the taboos of pointing around the world. Learn why Disney World tells its employees to point using two fingers. Our sponsor this week is What's The Point?

We talk about how bottle shape influences the perceived premiumness of some products and the history of some iconic bottle shapes.

We talk about the history of blood donation. Our sponsor this week is Vampire's Delight, makers of synthetic blood for those suffering with Renfield's Syndrome.

We talk about the history of snack foods. Our sponsor this week is the Crummy Rancid And Putrid Snacks company or CRAP for short.

We talk about the 2,000 year old history of vending machines. Our sponsor this week is The Gumball and Bulk Candy Company, purveyors of fine gumball machines that can make you a millionaire...

We talk about the history of the light bulb. Our sponsor this week is You Bulb. Why not stop living in a cave and come into the light?

We look at the history of experiments with lab rats and some of the weirder research performed on them. Our sponsor this week is, Trapped Like A Rat, suppliers of fine rodents to the top universities in the U.S.

We talk about all the different practices of Communion - Bread or wafers? Wine or grape juice? Pre-filled cups or live pour?

We talk about the history and variety of national symbols including foods, cars, clothes, fruit and monuments. Thanks to this week's sponsor, We Be Coats. Be the important person you've always wanted to be with your very own coat-of-arms. And, check out our new podcast, The Life and Times of Tiny and Bubba!

We talk about etymology or the origin of some very familiar words. Our sponsor is Power Words. Need just the right word to tell off your boss or to write that suicide note to family and friends? Try Power Words today!

We discuss the hardships faced by pioneers crossing the Oregon and California trails... they are not what you'd think they'd be! Our sponsor this week is STUMPED.com.

We talk about the latest trends in VD cards and touch on some of the history and humor behind the holiday.

We look at the origin of hot air balloons and the accompanying rioting that often took place. Our sponsor this week is We Be Balloons. Our staff of scary clowns can twist a balloon into anything you can think of from weapons to roadkill.

We talk about the origins of the humble tin can and how it went from the purview of the wealthy aristocrat to the poor hobo and back again.

This week we rant about snow and all the people who think the messy, muddy, dirty, dingy, sludge melt is pretty. No sponsor this week - who wants to sponsor a show about snow?

We discuss the history of the crossword puzzle. Our sponsor this week is Crazy for Crosswords. We have the clues you need to solve Life's big puzzle.

We talk about the origins of psychological pricing and how it impacts our buying decisions everyday. Our sponsor this week is cheapskate.com where everything is cheap, cheap, cheap!

We talk about the history of toilet paper and the various toilet etiquette of culture past and present around the world.

We look at the surprising positive aspects of finishing second or being the challenger instead of the leader.

We discuss how and why camels came to be used by the US military and the possible sinister motivations for bringing these animals to America. Our sponsor this week is Camel Cud, a tobacco chaw so smooth and sweet, you're think you're the Sheik of Araby while chewing it!

We describe the origins of the humble Allen wrench, birthed in part by a political reform movement and industrial safety campaign. Our sponsor this week is Cotton Ducks. We pull the pulleys that pull America!

We wrap up our discussion about the different types of tires available and answer the scintillating question - Which type of tire might be best for my vehicle?Our sponsor this week is JATMAC. The next time you buy new tires make sure they have the JATMAC designation and approval symbol, a small samurai sword. When you see the sword, say JATMAC.