5 Minute Expert

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!