Smartest Year Ever

1/14/25 - A Boy, Bugs, and Pokémon Before Pikachu or Charmander, Pokémon’s creator Satoshi Tajiri was just a boy obsessed with catching bugs. 🐞 In today’s episode of Smartest Year Ever , Gordy shares the story of how Tajiri’s childhood curiosity and love for discovery inspired one of the world’s most beloved franchises. Learn about his early days as “Dr. Bug,” the challenges of creating Pokémon,...

What’s the lowest distance an object can orbit Earth without falling back to the surface? Gordy explores the fascinating physics of Low Earth Orbits (LEO) and the razor-thin balance between gravity, drag, and propulsion. From the record-breaking ESA GOCE satellite to Japan’s TSUBAME, this episode dives into the engineering marvels pushing the boundaries of space exploration. Order of Contents : In...

In this episode of Smartest Year Ever , Gordy dives into the fascinating origins of the phrase “The Real McCoy” —a saying synonymous with authenticity and originality. Was it inspired by Elijah McCoy, the ingenious Black inventor whose patents revolutionized industry? Or was it Prohibition-era rum-runner Bill McCoy, famous for smuggling pure liquor? Maybe it even traces back to 19th-century Scotla...

Of all the New Year’s traditions around the world, few are as curious as eating grapes under a table for good luck. Gordy dives into the history of las doce uvas de la suerte , the Spanish tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight, and how a 1909 grape surplus sparked this quirky custom. Discover how the practice spread to Latin America, and why hiding under a table adds a deeper meaning to th...

Why do wine bottles have that mysterious dimple at the bottom ? Gordy dives into the fascinating history of the punt , tracing its origins to glassblowing days, its practical uses for stability and carbonation pressure, and its evolution into a symbol of craftsmanship and tradition . Here’s what’s inside today’s episode: The practical and historical origins of the punt. How punts work for sparklin...

Fresh-cut grass isn’t just a smell—it’s a cry for help . Gordy uncovers the science behind this iconic scent, showing how plants release green leaf volatiles (GLVs) to warn their neighbors, call in insect reinforcements, and even heal themselves. Plus, learn why humans associate this distress signal with happiness. Contents : The surprising truth behind the smell of freshly cut grass How GLVs help...

Tomatoes and Italian food feel inseparable, but their partnership is surprisingly modern ! Gordy unpacks the history of this now-ubiquitous ingredient, tracing its journey from South America to the heart of Italian cuisine . Learn how tomatoes went from being feared as dangerous nightshades to becoming the foundation of cucina povera , and how Italian immigrants helped make tomato-rich dishes icon...

Why does every movie phone number start with 555 ? Gordy dives into the fascinating history of Hollywood's fake numbers, starting with the 1973 decision to reserve the 555 prefix for fiction after real-life harassment complaints became a major issue. But it’s not just movies— TV shows, songs, and even cartoons have sparked real-world chaos with fictional numbers. From the “867-5309/Jenny” phenomen...

1/6/25 - The Mona Lisa Heist Season 1, Episode 6 In 1911 , the Mona Lisa vanished from the Louvre, stolen by an Italian handyman named Vincenzo Peruggia. Gordy breaks down how a bold, low-tech plan made history and turned da Vinci’s masterpiece into a cultural icon . Order of Contents: Intro and background How Peruggia stole the Mona Lisa The aftermath and international uproar How the heist cement...

1/5/25 - The Woman Behind the Smile Season 1, Episode 5 Few paintings are as iconic as the Mona Lisa , but who is the woman behind that mysterious smile ? In today’s episode, Gordy uncovers the fascinating history of Lisa del Giocondo , a Florentine woman believed to be the model for Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece. Discover how a 1503 margin note solved one of art history’s greatest puzzles, expl...

1/4/25 - In the Limelight Step back to the early 19th century to discover how lime revolutionized the stage. In today’s episode, Gordy dives into the origins of the phrase “in the limelight,” revealing how a block of quicklime (calcium oxide) and an open flame created the first stage spotlight. Learn about Thomas Drummond’s invention, its dramatic rise in theaters, and its surprising use during th...

Time zones: a human invention to keep us synced—or confused. Ever wonder why the new year hits some places hours (or even a day) before others? From the chaos of 19th-century “local mean time” to the international drama of Greenwich Mean Time, this episode explores the fascinating history of time zones. We’ll uncover the quirks of New Year’s Eve celebrations across the globe, including the Line Is...

Can your dog catch your yawns? Science says yes! In this episode, Gordy explores a fascinating 2008 study revealing that yawning is contagious between humans and their canine companions. Could this be a sign of empathy, a way to sync arousal levels, or just another way our pets vibe with us? Learn how yawns might strengthen your bond with your furry friends in today’s Smartest Year Ever . Follow u...

What Year Is It Again? The Curious Case of Year 1 AD If you hopped in a time machine and asked a Roman what year it was in "Year 1 AD," they’d have no idea what you’re talking about. The concept of counting years from Christ's birth didn’t exist for centuries! In today’s episode of Smartest Year Ever, we uncover the quirky history of how Year 1 AD became a thing, why it took over 500 years to catc...