5 Minute Expert

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.