Behind The Future

After a year like no other, Meabh and Sarah bid 'farewell' as they discuss the history of Behind the Future! Join them as they discuss their favourite moments working together on the podcast, listen to some bloopers, and enjoy some wine! For one last time, are you ready to go Behind The Future?

Has your PC been running a lil' slow lately? Has your floppy drive been acting funny? What a coincidence! This week, Meabh takes us on a journey back to the very first PC virus, also known as the 'Brain' Virus. Sarah discusses the HIV Epidemic, how research has helped millions that have been affected by the virus, and how far we've come since the first cases were recorded. Let's get Behind The Future!

I pledge allegiance, to the podcast... Welcome back to another patriotic episode of Behind The Future! This week, Sarah discusses the surprising history of tampons and how their technology has come so far in so little time. Meabh tells us of the controversial Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag... Is it a direct result of a capitalist society...? … Yes.

“Divorced, beheaded, died; Divorced, beheaded, survived.” We all know the rhyme about the women that married King Henry VIII, but who was the man behind the marriages? Join Meabh and Sarah this week as they discuss the surprising story of Jane Roe of the monumental Roe V Wade case, and the King of England who proposed to more women than Ross from Friends.

Get your yoga mats out! In this week's episode Sarah tells us about the origins and meaning behind the yin and yang symbol. Meabh discusses the life and legacy of Dr. Seuss and how his work has been perceived in contemporary history.

Another week, another history! On this episode of Behind The Future, your friendly neighbourhood podcast hosts Sarah and Meabh delve into the highly interesting tale of ballpoint pens (no, really, we promise) and the incredible historical document that was Anne Frank's diary. Grab your favourite pen and take notes!

Ciao, listeners! In the final part of this 3-episode Leaving Certificate series, Sarah and Meabh delve into the history of Mussolini, the policies he enforced throughout his time in government, and how significant the Catholic Church was to his success and ultimate downfall. What's that I hear? Is that the bell? Let's get to class!

Hey, can I copy your homework before we head to class? This week, your new history teachers Meabh and Sarah are taking you back in time to experience The Cold War and The Space Race! How did the two superpowers of the world interact with each other? Who made it to the moon first? Find out by tuning in – don't even think about being late!

Get ready for class! This week, Sarah and Meabh dive into Part 1 of our 3-Part series, covering topics appearing on the Leaving Certificate history exam curriculum. Not an exam student? Don't worry, these historical stories are just as enjoyable as our other episodes. We begin with Ireland: The 1916 Rising and The War of Independence. What better way to learn, huh…?

There lived a certain man, in Russia long ago... Has that song been stuck in your head for weeks? Same, here! Join us this week as Sarah takes us to New Zealand to learn about the traditional Haka, while Meabh delves into the rich history of Grigori Rasputin, who was big and strong (and his eyes were flaming gold).

Four and two? Forty-two! Welcome back to another episode of Behind The Future, where this week, Meabh discusses the history of your Granny's favourite game, bingo! Sarah brings us back to the ruins of Pompeii to tell us how the famous volcanic eruption of 79 AD played out.

Would you believe us if we told you that treadmills were invented as torture devices? Of course you would! Join this week's episode to hear Sarah divulge the history of the dreaded treadmill, while Meabh discusses the origins of how we started celebrating our birthdays.

On this week's very special episode of Behind the Future, we've teamed up with Nicole from Underground Groundbreakers to bring you the stories of Florence Price and Pauli Murray! Both inspirational women have changed the world in their lives and we are honoured to bring you their stories. Join us this week to give credit for changing the world where credit is long overdue!

“Nobody ever won a chess game by resigning.” – Savielly Tartakower. In this week's episode, Sarah brings us on a journey back to the origins of chess, while Meabh talks about the phenomenal woman that was Dr. Maria Montessori.

What a... weird episode we have in store for you this week. On today's episode, we join Meabh as she introduces us to Pick Up Artistry, how it came to be, and how far back cheesy pickup lines really go. Sarah goes behind the psychological manipulation techniques of Nazi Propaganda during the Second World War, comparing what the German public were told about, and what truly happened.

Nostalgic for a sweeter time in life, Meabh and Sarah embark on the surprising histories of pick ‘n' mix sweets and Betty Crocker. What's your favourite sweet? Where do you stand on the notorious Fresh Eggs Debate? Indulge your sweet tooth and join us for this week's podcast episode.

Life's a roller coaster – but we knew that already. Prepare yourself this week for the thrill of your life as Meabh and Sarah discuss the histories of Roller Coasters and William Wallace! Are you ready for the loop-the-loops, the unexpected turns, or the utter drama of it all?

Your Honor, I would like to call my first witness to the stand. She might look a bit pale, but that's just because she's... A ghost?! Who was the first ghost to ever give testimony at a murder trial? And where oh were did cigarettes come from? Join amateur historians Sarah and Meabh for a lively discussion on the history of Cigarettes & The Greenbrier Ghost!

The Hollywood Sign – how did it get there? Did it grow amongst the tress? Was it aliens that left it there? Was it a marketing ploy aimed at wealthy East Coast homeowners? The answer may surprise you. On this week's episode, Meabh tells the tale of The Hollywood Sign, and Sarah talks about the highly controversial Genghis Khan and the effects he had on the entire world. Seriously – the entire world. Honestly.

Snuggle up and get cosy, as this week, Sarah tucks us into some of the very first beds! Meabh then takes us on a journey to Guyana to tell us the story of Jim Jones, leader of The People's Temple, and the tragedy that struck Jonestown in 1978.

STEP RIGHT UP, STEP RIGHT UP, GET YOUR TICKETS PEOPLE – we know the circus has come to town, but... where did it start? In today's podcast episode, Meabh goes into how lawns came about, and how their environmental impact is a problem we're still dealing with today. Sarah then brings us to the big-top to tell us where the circus came from and how it rose to popularity.

Was a Behind The Future Holiday Special on your list to Santa? In this holly-jolly episode, Sarah tells us about the real man behind the red suit and snowy beard, St Nicholas, while Meabh recounts the momentous story of the origins of Hanukkah.

Coincidence?! I think so! Our podcast hosts have seemingly had Queen Vic on the brain. Meabh discusses the various and ever-so-odd customs that her subjects practiced, while Sarah introduces us to the lady herself, along with a host of other highly suspicious characters...

Pucker up! Sarah delves into the history of smooching on this week's episode of Behind The Future, while Meabh takes on a journey back in time to get to know the renowned author Edgar Allen Poe and his highly suspicious end.

Ketchup – it's older than you think. Way, way older. And it used to be made of anchovies. Join Meabh and Sarah for another week of history discussion, as they tell us of the journey ketchup has undertaken to get to our dinner plates today, as well as what really happened in Aberfan in the months leading up to the tragedy that wiped out an entire generation in the town.

What does an Irish soldier who's found himself in the middle of a war in The Congo with limited ammunition and support request on his first call back to his boss? Wouldn't you like to know! Sarah brings us on an epic journey all the way to the Congo, while Meabh discusses the legend of the Devil's Bible.

The US Election is over, but is our confusion surrounding the American Electoral College also over? No. Meabh dissects it for us, and explains how this system has chosen the President of the United States since the formation of their State. Sarah tells us of how the world of cosmetics has shaped – literally – our view on beauty.

This week, Sarah answers many of our crumbliest, sweetest questions – where do biscuits come from? Why are digestives called ‘digestives'? Meabh takes us on a journey through the history of Hinduism, the Caste system and how these beliefs affect aspects of modern life.

We get a lil' spooky during the Halloween Special of Behind the Future! We find out just how much the Irish really influenced the holiday. Meabh talks about the folklore behind the Banshee and Sarah dives into the origins of Halloween, uncovering how trick-or-treating began, why we dress up and much more!

This week, we have a special celebrity guest! Eamonn Quinn kindly assists Sarah in telling the story of how supermarkets came to be and their various beta versions – while Meabh ramps up to get ~ spOoOoky ~ with her ghostly presentation of the Warrens, ghosthunters around whom many horror movies have been based.

What made Ivan so terrible? And what made McDonald's so successful? This week, Meabh and Sarah delve into two entirely different pockets of history. While Meabh sums up the colossal history of the cultural icon, Sarah goes into one of Russia's most tyrannical leaders.

Tights, Hose, Stockings... Where did they come from? Whose toes were first toasty? Look no further, for we are your sock experts – join us as Sarah tells us whose toes were covered by the first hose, and then Meabh takes over to inspire us with the story of Juana Inés De La Cruz, also known as both the first feminist in the Americas and The World's Worst Nun.

Energy drinks have been around longer than you might think, and have had quite their share of controversies. Meabh tells us of the lifestyle that comes with a simple beverage, while Sarah takes on the fascinating – and gruesome – story of how Josef Mengele came to be the most horrific man we've discussed on this podcast...

Let Sarah & Meabh take you back to a time of high-society and unorthodox poetry! This week, Sarah delves into the world of glamorous debutante balls, and Meabh lifts the veil on Emily Dickinson's secluded – yet surprising – life.

Dear Sir/Madam, I hope this email finds you well. In this week's episode, Meabh will discuss the origins of emails, and how they pre-date the internet. Furthermore, Sarah will share how marijuana was beneficial to societies before we Just Said No. Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. Kind Regards, Behind The Future.

Here comes the bride! All dressed in... white? When did that happen? No really, when did that happen? While Sarah takes us all on a walk down the aisle, Meabh goes into the fascinating history of how mental health and depression have been diagnosed, treated, and viewed by society in years past.

Are you a skater? Or are you an astronaut? Join Meabh and Sarah – who are, undoubtedly, neither – for a discussion on the history of Vans (those cool skater shoes those darn kids who skate in your neighbourhood wear while they are up-to-no-good) and the intense, heart-wrenching story of Apollo 13 and its sole mission (yes, exactly. Tom Hanks. That one.).

One, a sweet, luxurious treat. The other, a highly-debated phenomenon. How did chocolate become the dessert that it is today, from its origins as a beverage of the Gods? And what really happened in that bank in Stockholm to cause innocent captive people to grow so fond of their captors? We have the answers!

Theft, deceit, capitalism and violence – this may be our most dramatic episode yet. Is it really all fun and games? Who REALLY invented Monopoly? How did video games become what they are today? Are they a THREAT TO OUR SOCIETY? The answers may surprise you ...

How has leather played a part in identifying distinct communities throughout history? How has L. Ron Hubbard's legacy turned into one of the largest religions to date? If you want to know, grab a cup of tea and join the conversation! Disclaimer: Tea is not included by Sarah & Meabh. All rights reserved.

Excuse my French! Or is it French at all? Where did the F-Word come from? Wonder no further, as Meabh tells us all about the nation's favourite profanity. Also, did you know that Vincent Van Gogh loved to swim? His favourite swimming technique was the brush stroke – *ba dum tss*. Sarah talks to us about the tumultuous life of the legendary artist, Vincent Van Gogh, and how his work in the 20th century changed the face of art itself.

If you were a child once, you may have stepped on one of these! If you've ever enjoyed Slipknot music, you may have been accused of being one of these! Join Sarah and Meabh this week to find out the humble beginnings of the man behind beloved childhood toy, Lego and the history behind the Satanic Panic.

We are wholeheartedly behind the Black Lives Matter Movement, as well as being Behind The Future. Racism is not solely a part of our history – it's followed us all the way here and is a massive problem for us today. Meabh and Sarah dedicate this episode to focusing on the history of the black community, on how black barber shops have shaped communities and influenced generations of families, and how Harriet Tubman freed both herself and countless others from slavery.

Why do we wear high heeled shoes? No seriously, why? Do you find them comfortable? I don't. And I feel like you're lying when you say that you do. Were high heels invented for women's aesthetic, or did they ever serve a practical purpose? Sarah tells us about the origins of these fashion statements, while Meabh shares her strangely extensive knowledge of ‘Satanism' as a modern religious (or anti-religious) belief. Are Satanists more reasonable than high-heel shoes? The answer may shock you.

Join us this week as Meabh tells us the history of toilets! That's it! That's the story. Sarah discusses the history of Hawaii, its native people, and how it became 50th United State of America.

Are we human? Or are we murderers? What about completely devoid of our privacy when it comes to our personal data? You decide! Today, Sarah talks about the first murder recorded in human history, while Meabh talks about the history of Facebook and its impact on us today.

In this week's discussion, Meabh draws our attention to the mystery of Area 51 and the potential for extra-terrestrial presence on earth today. Sarah tells us how your very own doggo came to be your loving canine-companion, and how dogs and humans each aided each other in their development as species.

Ever wondered how an innocent ole' hairpin could save your life? Ever seen Nicholas Cage in a movie he wasn't actually in? Join us for this week's episode, where Sarah takes us on a journey of hair accessories and their surprising significance to society, and Meabh talks about how video manipulation could potentially present to the world a whole lot more trouble... and a lot more Nicholas Cage.

This week, Meabh brings us on the train journey that broke down societal taboos throughout households in Ireland, and Sarah brings us back to the old Irish folklore we know and love, reintroducing us to the man, myth and legend: Fionn Mac Chumhaill.

Pride Month gives us an opportunity to look back on how the world has changed to make steps to appreciate the LGBTQ+ community. This week, Sarah looks at the history of Drag Queens and their emergence into mainstream media today. Meabh discusses the life of LGBTQ+ activist Marsha P. Johnson and her incredibly brave story.

In this week's episode, Sarah delves deeper into the issues surrounding the ongoing Syrian War, discussing its social and political background and how it has affected the people of Syria and their future. Oh. Yeah. And Meabh talks about the history of bras.