Best Origins OSU Podcasts (2025)

1
Top 10 Popes Before 1500 12:02

4d 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.…

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

20d ago1:07:09

1:07:09

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

1
Trump's Foreign Policy in Historical Perspective 57:22

21d 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

1M 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…

1
Justice for the Rwandan Genocide 6:54

2M 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

1
The Great Fire of Rome 9:04

2M 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…

1
The Tunguska Mystery Explosion 8:57

2M 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…

1
Early Encounters with Penguins 1:02:34

2M 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…

1
10 Great World War II Films 16:42

3M 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…

1
Principles of Pesticide Safety 28:41

3M 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

1
Energy and forethought needed to keep warm 27:04

3M 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

1
Haile Selassie I and an Independent Ethiopia 6:46

4M 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

4M 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…

1
A Salty Situation 28:34

4M 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

1
The Berlin Airlift 6:35

4M 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

5M 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

1
Feral Swine: Unseen Threats and How to Combat Them 27:48

5M 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

1
Sifting through the bubbles surrounding Insecticidal Soaps 28:24

6M 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…

1
The Founding of the People's Republic of China 8:11

6M 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…

1
The Story of Poinsettia Day and U.S.-Mexico Relations 6:46

6M 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…

1
Remembering Bhopal: The World's Worst Industrial Disaster 59:55

6M 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

6M 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…

1
Our Top 10 Historical Musicals 20:59

7M 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…

1
Battling the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid 27:10

7M 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

1
Postwar Decolonization and its Discontents 59:07

7M 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

7M 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…

1
Zombies are REAL 27:37

7M 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

1
The Very Modern Alice In Wonderland 4:21

8M 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…

1
Cow - Calf Health and Stressors 30:37

8M 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…

1
Solar Eclipses in American History 9:22

8M 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…

1
Apples are a Great Fall Flavor 27:50

8M 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

1
The 1956 Hungarian Revolution 9:23

8M 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.…

1
Garlic 28:04

8M 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…

1
Spotted Lanternfly is Flying 28:14

8M 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…

1
Managing Livestock and Forage in Difficult Times 27:58

9M 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.…

1
Drought Assistance Programs 28:56

9M 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 …

1
What drought Does to Trees 27:38

9M 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

1
The Battle For Manila 11:06

9M 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…

1
Planting hardy bulbs 27:36

9M 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

1
Managing drought in crops, gardens, and orchards 28:01

10M 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

1
Pasture Repair and Recovery 32:16

10M ago32:16

32:16

It has been a harsh summer. Many pastures and hayfields are dry and crispy. Luckily, we snagged this amazing interview from Ed Rayburn before he retired on what you need to do to bring them back!By Karen Cox and Ed Rayburn

1
The Historical Dominance of the Electric Car 6:42

10M ago6:42

6:42

On December 18, 1898, the Jeantaud electric vehicle set the world’s first automotive land speed record of 63.13 km/hr (39.2 mph) over the course of a single kilometer. Although the only electric vehicle at the competition, the Jeantaud handily beat its gasoline-powered competition at the Parc Agricole d’Achères outside Paris. The Jeantaud electric …

1
How is your Hay? 24:57

10M ago24:57

24:57

If you raise livestock, you are a grass farmer. Hay and forage are key to meeting your management goals and making a profit. But, do you know where you can cut corners and where you can't?By Dan Lima

1
Composting 28:03

10M ago28:03

28:03

Food waste and Yard waste make a nearly 10 million ton per year problem. But there is one simple thing we can do to make a big impact, compost. You can compost nearly anywhere and on any scale as long as you follow a few simple rules. Give it a try and make a difference in your landfill (and get free fertilizer while you're at it)!…

1
SpaghettiOs and the Age of Processed Foods 7:47

10M ago7:47

7:47

After World War II, canned foods became more and more common, along with a smorgasbord of other pre-prepared, processed foods: Jellos, TV dinners, frozen peas, dehydrated juices, and eventually Tangs. On May 12th, 1965, Donald Goerke invented SpaghettiOs, the round, canned cousins of spaghetti. By 2010, over 150 million cans of SpaghettiOs were sol…

1
Operation Barbarossa 8:21

11M ago8:21

8:21

The Soviet-German front that opened with Operation Barbarossa proved to be the decisive theater of the Second World War. Written by Ian Johnson. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video and textual versions of this podcast are available at ⁠https://origins.osu.edu/milestones/operation-barbarossa⁠. Production by Katherine Weiss, Dr. Nicholas B.…

1
Weather Extremes = Hard Decisions on the farm 26:29

11M ago26:29

26:29

The lack of rain and heat has impacted our cool season grasses. If you're looking at a lost second cut of hay or stalled growth in the pasture, it's time to look at how the rest of the year is going to play out. Avoid overgrazing pastures to eek out the summer. Feeding hay is a better way to put weight on right now. Then, look at how that extra hay…

1
Mariner 9: Our 1st Steps to Mars 5:43

11M ago5:43

5:43

When we think about Martian explorers today, we mostly hear about two rovers that trawl small zones of the planet: the Opportunity rover that exceeded a marathon's distance in 2015, and the Curiosity rover that is trying to track down habitability in the planet's ancient past. Neither of these rovers would have been possible, however, without the M…

1
The 1st Modern Olympic Games, Athens 1896 8:51

11M ago8:51

8:51

On April 6, 1896, the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games filled a refurbished Panathenaic stadium to its 50,000 capacity, with similar numbers of spectators thronging the adjacent streets and surrounding hillsides.Written by John R. and Margaret M. Gold. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Video and textual versions of this podcast are avail…

1
Beef Quality Assurance, better for you and the cows! 28:28

11M ago28:28

28:28

Improving the quality of the beef on the consumers plate is more than just making sure you have the correct amount of marbling, and the right species mix of cattle. It's making sure you are doing all you can to care for the animal as it's being raised and brought to market. Caring for the animal includes handling, managing medications, keeping it c…

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