Who Came Up With That?

From ancient obsidian tools to the modern float glass that makes up our windows, glass has shaped human history in ways we often overlook. In this episode, we trace the story of glass—its invention, breakthroughs in craftsmanship, industrial innovations, and how it became one of the most important materials in the world today. Glass. Who Came Up With That? Subscribe to our YouTube! https://www.you...

From its early beginnings with experimental audio files to becoming a global industry, podcasting has transformed how we share stories, news, and ideas. In this episode, we explore the key milestones that shaped podcasting’s rise and reflect on how it became one of today’s most powerful forms of media. Podcasts. Who Came Up With That? Subscribe to our YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@WhoCameUpWit...

Plumbing is everywhere — it brings fresh water to our homes, flushes away waste, and keeps cities running smoothly. But have you ever wondered where it all started? In this episode, we explore the incredible journey of plumbing, from ancient underground wells and clay pipes to the sprawling sewer systems of Rome and Victorian London. Discover how early civilizations like the Indus Valley, the Mino...

Ever wonder who invented TV? In this episode, we explore the surprising history of television—from early experiments with moving images to the first broadcasts, color TV, and the rise of streaming. Meet the inventors who made it all possible, like Philo Farnsworth and John Logie Baird, and find out how world events, rivalries, and big ideas shaped the TV we know today. Let's learn how television w...

From ancient emeralds to modern designer frames, eyeglasses have a long and surprising history. In this episode, we trace the evolution of vision correction—from Roman emperors and medieval monks to Renaissance inventors and modern fashion icons. Learn how science, art, and a whole lot of trial and error shaped the glasses we wear today. Subscribe to our YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@WhoCameUp...

Beer might seem like a simple, everyday drink—but its story is anything but ordinary. In this episode of Who Came Up With That?, we dive deep (and drink deeply) into the surprising, complex, and occasionally wild history of beer. From ancient Mesopotamian brews made by priestesses to open-air lambics in Belgium and the industrial beer booms of America, we follow the long journey of humanity’s favo...

What started as a thinly sliced kitchen experiment in the 1800s has become one of the most beloved (and salty) snacks on Earth. In this episode of Who Came Up With That?, we crunch through the full story of the potato chip — from its first recorded recipe in 1817 to the flavor wars of the 20th century, the invention of Pringles, global naming confusion (chips vs. crisps vs. chippies), and even the...

It holds the universe together (or at least your broken stuff), but where did duct tape actually come from? In this episode of Who Came Up With That?, we peel back the layers on one of the most useful — and misunderstood — inventions of the 20th century. From WWII battlefield hacks to NASA space missions, and from waterproof ammunition boxes to fixing Apollo 13, duct tape has been through it all....

From ARPANET to TikTok, this episode dives deep into the surprisingly weird, revolutionary, and accidental history of the internet. We explore how military engineers, grad students, meme culture, and dial-up tones all came together to create the most powerful communication system in human history. Discover the early communication networks, the invention of email, the rise of the World Wide Web, an...

Did you know the microwave was invented by accident when a guy melted a chocolate bar in his pocket? Or that potato chips started as a spiteful response to a picky customer? Or that the guy who invented the shopping cart had to hire actors to pretend it was cool? Yeah—this podcast is all about that. Who Came Up With That? is the show where we dive into the weird, surprising, and often hilarious or...