Our Parents Did What?!

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Join cohosts Diane Aragona and Jen Tierney as they explore the sometimes unbelievable history of parenting.

Our Parents Did What?!


    • Sep 26, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 94 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Our Parents Did What?!

    Episode 55: Photography

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2022 60:03


    It's our final episode of season 2!! And we're going out in a flash - flash photography, that is. In this extra long final episode, we're discussing the history of photography from the Victorian Era all the way up to the fabled mall photography of the 90s. Thank you for joining us for these past 55 episodes. We'll see you again in 2023!

    Photography

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2022 60:03


    It's our final episode of season 2!! And we're going out in a flash - flash photography, that is. In this extra long final episode, we're discussing the history of photography from the Victorian Era all the way up to the fabled mall photography of the 90s. Thank you for joining us for these past 55 episodes. We'll see you again in 2023!

    Mini Episode – Bill Nye the Science Guy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 10:09


    No one makes science as cool and relatable as the one and only Bill Nye. He brought scientific concepts to the children of the 90s in a way that has stuck with that generation. Jen gives some background into how Bill Nye got into children's edutainment and some of his other very impressive accolades. 

    Mini Episode - Bill Nye the Science Guy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 10:08


    No one makes science as cool and relatable as the one and only Bill Nye. He brought scientific concepts to the children of the 90s in a way that has stuck with that generation. Jen gives some background into how Bill Nye got into children's edutainment and some of his other very impressive accolades. 

    Episode 54: Body Image

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2022 34:03


    Rounding out our series of puberty episodes, Diane gives us some facts about body image, the effects of social media on how teenage girls see themselves, and why teenagers are so darn stinky. We'll also do our best to give you some resources to help you navigate these conversations if you are getting ready to have the puberty talk with one of your kids. We hope these last few episodes have helped you get a bit more comfortable with the topic of puberty so that we can all do better than previous generations when it comes to preparing our kids to navigate these years.

    Body Image

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2022 34:02


    Rounding out our series of puberty episodes, Diane gives us some facts about body image, the effects of social media on how teenage girls see themselves, and why teenagers are so darn stinky. We'll also do our best to give you some resources to help you navigate these conversations if you are getting ready to have the puberty talk with one of your kids. We hope these last few episodes have helped you get a bit more comfortable with the topic of puberty so that we can all do better than previous generations when it comes to preparing our kids to navigate these years.

    Mini Episode - Boy Meets World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2022 9:11


    This week, Diane tells us all about one of her most favorite shows from her childhood, Boy Meets World. We talk about the themes the show dared to explore, and those that it was too timid to embrace. It is a real piece of 90s history, capturing what Friday night programming was for our generation. Until next time, in the words of Mr. Feeny, "Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good."

    Mini Episode – Boy Meets World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2022 9:11


    This week, Diane tells us all about one of her most favorite shows from her childhood, Boy Meets World. We talk about the themes the show dared to explore, and those that it was too timid to embrace. It is a real piece of 90s history, capturing what Friday night programming was for our generation. Until next time, in the words of Mr. Feeny, "Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good."

    Rites of Passage

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 33:11


    In the second installment of our series of puberty episodes, Jen provides some details into how first periods are celebrated throughout the world. We also take some time to look at the history of how boys become men from all different cultures. One thing's for certain, we are a species obsessed with pain.

    Episode 53: Rites of Passage

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 33:12


    In the second installment of our series of puberty episodes, Jen provides some details into how first periods are celebrated throughout the world. We also take some time to look at the history of how boys become men from all different cultures. One thing's for certain, we are a species obsessed with pain.

    Mini Episode – Wishbone

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2022 6:48


    Talking animals were all the rage in the 90s, and this left the door wide open for the edutainment masterpiece that was Wishbone. This PBS show featured Soccer, the Jack Russell Terrier, as the titular Wishbone who would "imagine" himself into pieces of classic literature - period costumes and all. We dare you to find an older Millennial who is obsessed with BBC's Pride and Prejudice who wasn't also raised on this debonaire pup. 

    Mini Episode - Wishbone

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2022 6:48


    Talking animals were all the rage in the 90s, and this left the door wide open for the edutainment masterpiece that was Wishbone. This PBS show featured Soccer, the Jack Russell Terrier, as the titular Wishbone who would "imagine" himself into pieces of classic literature - period costumes and all. We dare you to find an older Millennial who is obsessed with BBC's Pride and Prejudice who wasn't also raised on this debonaire pup. 

    Episode 52: Periods

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 29:33


    It's that time! Our podcast has reached puberty (we're over 50 episodes in, so this arbitrarily feels like our teen years) and to celebrate, we're spending the next few episodes exploring the history and cultural significance of puberty. In this first episode, Jen tells us all about the innovative, strange, and often gross practices and beliefs around menstruation. Diane and Jen are on a mission to normalize periods, so this episode is frank and lighthearted about a topic that is often anything but.

    Periods

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 29:33


    It's that time! Our podcast has reached puberty (we're over 50 episodes in, so this arbitrarily feels like our teen years) and to celebrate, we're spending the next few episodes exploring the history and cultural significance of puberty. In this first episode, Jen tells us all about the innovative, strange, and often gross practices and beliefs around menstruation. Diane and Jen are on a mission to normalize periods, so this episode is frank and lighthearted about a topic that is often anything but.

    Mini Episode – TGIF

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2022 12:30


    TGIF was a staple in the American experience throughout the 90s. A true example of lightning in a bottle, this block of shows dominated TV ratings for over a decade and brought us some of the most memorable family sitcoms in television history. Diane goes over the inception of the TGIF format and some of the shows that enjoyed their runs as part of this iconic Friday night family tradition.

    Mini Episode - TGIF

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2022 12:29


    TGIF was a staple in the American experience throughout the 90s. A true example of lightning in a bottle, this block of shows dominated TV ratings for over a decade and brought us some of the most memorable family sitcoms in television history. Diane goes over the inception of the TGIF format and some of the shows that enjoyed their runs as part of this iconic Friday night family tradition.

    Episode 51: Opium

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2022 34:01


    In the second half of our foray into the use of drugs in infants, babies, and children, we bring you the fascinating history of opium! This is a cure-all that's been around for as long as we've known to cultivate the poppy plant. Just when you thought you knew all of the truly horrible things done to kids in the name of childrearing, get ready for some surprises!

    Opium

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2022 34:01


    In the second half of our foray into the use of drugs in infants, babies, and children, we bring you the fascinating history of opium! This is a cure-all that's been around for as long as we've known to cultivate the poppy plant. Just when you thought you knew all of the truly horrible things done to kids in the name of childrearing, get ready for some surprises!

    Mini Episode – Rugrats

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2022 8:44


    This show was gauranteed to make an appearance as a mini episode at some point! Not many shows are as deeply loved as Rugrats. This was Nickelodeon in it's prime - mastering the art of balancing comedy and sincerity. Also one of the first shows that had meaningful messages and lessons for parents. Jen covers the original run and we talk a bit about the 2022 reboot!

    Mini Episode - Rugrats

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2022 8:43


    This show was gauranteed to make an appearance as a mini episode at some point! Not many shows are as deeply loved as Rugrats. This was Nickelodeon in it's prime - mastering the art of balancing comedy and sincerity. Also one of the first shows that had meaningful messages and lessons for parents. Jen covers the original run and we talk a bit about the 2022 reboot!

    Cocaine

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2022 30:39


    We're back after a brief mid-season break and are bringing you two episodes on the use of highly addictive drugs as medicines for children and babies in history. In our first episode, Diane describes the various uses of cocaine. What began as a very specific surgical anesthetic, quickly became an infamous cure-all. 

    Episode 50: Cocaine

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2022 30:39


    We're back after a brief mid-season break and are bringing you two episodes on the use of highly addictive drugs as medicines for children and babies in history. In our first episode, Diane describes the various uses of cocaine. What began as a very specific surgical anesthetic, quickly became an infamous cure-all. 

    Mini Episode – Reading Rainbow

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 8:06


    Today's mini episode is all about one of the most beloved PBS programs of all time, "Reading Rainbow". Lovingly brought to life by the one and only Levar Burton, it's won an embarrassing number of awards and has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity as it's original audience has become parents. But you don't have to take our word for it. We'll see you next time.

    Mini Episode - Reading Rainbow

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 8:06


    Today's mini episode is all about one of the most beloved PBS programs of all time, "Reading Rainbow". Lovingly brought to life by the one and only Levar Burton, it's won an embarrassing number of awards and has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity as it's original audience has become parents. But you don't have to take our word for it. We'll see you next time.

    Episode 49: The Great Depression (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2022 20:12


    In the second half of our two-part series on The Great Depression, Diane describes some of the details of The New Deal and how government programs impacted the lives of children and families. The Great Depression was objectively awful, but that won't stop our resident ray of sunshine from finding a few silver linings.

    The Great Depression (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2022 20:12


    In the second half of our two-part series on The Great Depression, Diane describes some of the details of The New Deal and how government programs impacted the lives of children and families. The Great Depression was objectively awful, but that won't stop our resident ray of sunshine from finding a few silver linings.

    Mini Episode – Captain Planet

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2022 13:07


    Captain Planet: he's our hero! Gunna bring pollution down to zero! This show is a beloved addition to our collection of mini episodes. Jen and Diane spend this week's episode nerding out over their planeteer status from the 90s. Jen also takes us on a quick detour to learn about the fascinating woman who conceived of and created Captain Planet - the incomparable Barbara Pyle. 

    Captain Planet

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2022 13:07


    Captain Planet: he's our hero! Gunna bring pollution down to zero!This show is a beloved addition to our collection of mini episodes. Jen and Diane spend this week's episode nerding out over their planeteer status from the 90s. Jen also takes us on a quick detour to learn about the fascinating woman who conceived of and created Captain Planet - the incomparable Barbara Pyle. 

    Episode 48: The Great Depression (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 26:28


    In the first of our two part series on The Great Depression, Diane goes over the history of the Great Depression and how it impacted families, children, and women. There are some surprising facts that come from this time (sorry kids, you can't work more than 8 hours a day!) and you'll even get a bit of singing from both Jen and Diane. 

    The Great Depression (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 26:28


    In the first of our two part series on The Great Depression, Diane goes over the history of the Great Depression and how it impacted families, children, and women. There are some surprising facts that come from this time (sorry kids, you can't work more than 8 hours a day!) and you'll even get a bit of singing from both Jen and Diane. 

    Mini Episode – Weinerville

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022 10:19


    Jen is certain that she is living in a parallel universe this week as Diane tells her all about a television show that rings zero bells. After her mini existential crisis, Jen listens intently as Diane tells her all about Weinerville - a truly bizarre slice of 90s American television history. Come for the terrible puns, stay for the mesmerizing "puppets".

    Mini Episode - Weinerville

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022 10:18


    Jen is certain that she is living in a parallel universe this week as Diane tells her all about a television show that rings zero bells. After her mini existential crisis, Jen listens intently as Diane tells her all about Weinerville - a truly bizarre slice of 90s American television history. Come for the terrible puns, stay for the mesmerizing "puppets".

    Episode 47: Hiccups

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2022 29:57


    Our series on playgrounds is over, so we're taking a break this week with a one-off episode about the history and cultural significance of the hiccup! It's a nice, light episode. A bit of a palette cleanser before our next stretch, which will be a bit more grim. You've been warned!

    Hiccups

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2022 29:56


    Our series on playgrounds is over, so we're taking a break this week with a one-off episode about the history and cultural significance of the hiccup! It's a nice, light episode. A bit of a palette cleanser before our next stretch, which will be a bit more grim. You've been warned!

    Mini Episode – Dinosaurs

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2022 9:33


    It's another mini episode! Television in the 90s offered up some truly inspired and lasting material. But few shows were as groundbreaking, beautifully executed, and timeless as Dinosaurs. In one of Jim Henson's final projects before his death, we get a show about an average family that has the bravery and foresight to tackle topics that other shows of the time often shied away from. 

    Mini Episode - Dinosaurs

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2022 9:32


    It's another mini episode! Television in the 90s offered up some truly inspired and lasting material. But few shows were as groundbreaking, beautifully executed, and timeless as Dinosaurs. In one of Jim Henson's final projects before his death, we get a show about an average family that has the bravery and foresight to tackle topics that other shows of the time often shied away from. 

    Episode 46: Playgrounds – Accessibility

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 26:15


    In our final episode in our exploration of Playgrounds, Diane shares what she has found about making modern playgrounds accessible to all children. We also discuss the resurgence of adventure playgrounds and touch upon the dreaded topic of playground politics.

    Playgrounds - Accessibility

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 26:15


    In our final episode in our exploration of Playgrounds, Diane shares what she has found about making modern playgrounds accessible to all children. We also discuss the resurgence of adventure playgrounds and touch upon the dreaded topic of playground politics.

    Mini Episode – Anne of Green Gables

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 8:00


    In our third mini episode of Season 2, Diane brings us back to 1985 to remember the much beloved Canadian TV miniseries, "Anne of Green Gables". It was wildly popular then and is enjoying a bit of a nostalgic come back due to the new Netflix series, "Anne with an E".

    Mini Episode - Anne of Green Gables

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 7:59


    In our third mini episode of Season 2, Diane brings us back to 1985 to remember the much beloved Canadian TV miniseries, "Anne of Green Gables". It was wildly popular then and is enjoying a bit of a nostalgic come back due to the new Netflix series, "Anne with an E".

    Episode 45: Playgrounds – Safety

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2022 27:20


    This week Diane shares her research into modern playgrounds and the leaps and bounds we have made in terms of safety. We'll go over some of the playground materials of old and how we've worked to remove as many unnecessary dangers as possible (I'm looking at you, arsenic!). We'll also give you a few pro-tips to make your trip to the playground less fraught. 

    Playgrounds - Safety

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2022 27:19


    This week Diane shares her research into modern playgrounds and the leaps and bounds we have made in terms of safety. We'll go over some of the playground materials of old and how we've worked to remove as many unnecessary dangers as possible (I'm looking at you, arsenic!). We'll also give you a few pro-tips to make your trip to the playground less fraught. 

    Mini Episode – The Secret World of Alex Mac

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2022 8:50


    Jen's first mini episode brings us some 90's tween drama like only Nickelodeon could bring us with "The Secret World of Alex Mac". What was this wacky show about and why can't you buy the box set in England if you are the same age as the main character? 

    Mini Episode - The Secret World of Alex Mac

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2022 8:50


    Jen's first mini episode brings us some 90's tween drama like only Nickelodeon could bring us with "The Secret World of Alex Mac". What was this wacky show about and why can't you buy the box set in England if you are the same age as the main character? 

    Episode 44: Playgrounds – The Slide

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 19:09


    In our second full episode of this season, Jen gives some more information about the history of playgrounds, focusing in this time on the slide. We were shocked to learn about when slides were invented and about how even this very simple device was still a casualty of gendered stereotypes. 

    Playgrounds - The Slide

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 19:09


    In our second full episode of this season, Jen gives some more information about the history of playgrounds, focusing in this time on the slide. We were shocked to learn about when slides were invented and about how even this very simple device was still a casualty of gendered stereotypes. 

    Mini Episode – The Magic School Bus

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2022 10:39


    We're introducing something new this year - Mini Episodes! These bite sized episodes will come out in between our regular episodes and during Season 2 we'll be exploring our favorite TV shows from our childhoods. In our first Mini Episode, Diane tells us all about her love for The Magic School Bus.

    tv magic school bus mini episodes
    Mini Episode - The Magic School Bus

    Play Episode Play 29 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 25, 2022 10:38


    We're introducing something new this year - Mini Episodes! These bite sized episodes will come out in between our regular episodes and during Season 2 we'll be exploring our favorite TV shows from our childhoods. In our first Mini Episode, Diane tells us all about her love for The Magic School Bus.

    tv magic school bus mini episodes
    Episode 43: Playgrounds – The Swing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2022 21:18


    It's Season 2! Diane and Jen are back with a new set of wild episodes all about the history of parenting and child rearing. In this season, we'll be spending a few episodes diving deeper into one topic. So we're starting off with the history of the playground. In this episode, Jen explains the history of the swing from Ancient Greece to 1950s America. 

    Playgrounds - The Swing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2022 21:17


    It's Season 2! Diane and Jen are back with a new set of wild episodes all about the history of parenting and child rearing. In this season, we'll be spending a few episodes diving deeper into one topic. So we're starting off with the history of the playground. In this episode, Jen explains the history of the swing from Ancient Greece to 1950s America. 

    Episode 42: Congratulations!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2021 46:20


    Since beginning this podcast in early 2020, Jen and Diane haven't been able to see each other in person. In this episode, they are reunited and recording for the very first time in the same room! And Jen has a very special surprise for Diane. They take a stroll through a hospital magazine for new mothers circa 1950. In this episode, you'll hear lots of the excellent and not so excellent advice from a bygone era.

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