Joy is so excited to be going on her first big camping trip, but she needs help – STAT! How do you put up a tent, anyway? And how do you make perfect, ooey gooey s’mores?! Luckily, her Girl Scout buddy and cohost Flora is here to help!Join Joy and Flora on their camping trip, while they explore the history of the Girl Scouts! This super popular group teaches girls all kinds of skills, from managing money to how to be a good friend. Over a million girls across the U.S. are members – but how did the group get started anyway? (Spoiler: it all began with one courageous woman who had a big idea!) Plus, the story of another courageous woman who fought to ensure Black girls could join the Girl Scouts, too! And as always, a tasty new First Things First for you to sink your teeth into!This episode was sponsored by:Disney - Experience Disney's Elio, only in theaters June 20. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.
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31:12
Where does maple syrup come from?
Today’s episode is all about the best breakfast topping, the sap that slaps…maple syrup! If you’ve ever had maple syrup on your pancakes or waffles, you have the Native people of what’s now called North America to thank for that. Native people have been making maple syrup for hundreds, if not thousands of years.Tag along with Joy and cohost Marvin as they explain how syrup is made. Minnesota Public Radio reporter Chandra Colvin also drops by to share how Native communities continue this centuries-old syrup tradition. Plus, you won't want to miss a new First Things First, so stick around!Featured Experts:Chandra Colvin is a reporter for Native News at Minnesota Public Radio. She’s also a member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. You can find more of her work here.Forest Hunt is a plant scientist with the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute. They are a direct descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota.Shirley Boyd and Bette Sam are elders in the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
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25:18
Forever Ago is on Spring Break this week! Enjoy this saucy showdown from our friends at Smash Boom Best!
Forever Ago is on Spring Break this week! We’ll be back next week with a brand new episode all about the magic of maple syrup. In the meantime, enjoy this saucy showdown from our friends at Smash Boom Best!Today’s debate is a captivating clash of two condiments. It’s Ketchup vs. Ranch! We’ve got comedian and writer Devohn Bland here to defend team Ranch and voice actor Merk Nguyen ready to fight for Ketchup! Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Vote below for the team YOU think won!
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32:18
OOO, AHHHH! The history of fireworks
Fireworks dazzle us on special holidays, at flashy concerts and during some big public events (National Mr. Potatohead Day anyone?). But did you know people have been using fireworks to celebrate for centuries?This week Joy and cohost Elliott learn about how firecrackers started with exploding bamboo in ancient China and how a couple of monks accidentally invented gunpowder. All this, plus an explosive new round of First Things First.Featured Experts:Dr. Haiwang Yuan is a writer, translator, and retired professor of Western Kentucky University who specializes in Chinese history, culture and language.
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25:35
How teens invented the Native Youth Olympics
Forever ago is back with a brand new episode all about the Native Youth Olympics! Join Joy and cohost Ali to learn all about how a group of students in Alaska started a sporting event that today has hundreds of participants! Plus, a brand new game of First Things First!Featured Experts:Nicole Johnson is the Head Official at the Native Youth Olympics in Anchorage, Alaska. She is also an instructor and former athlete of the games.Resources:Want to learn more about the Native Youth Olympics?You can find links to info on the 2025 Native Youth Olympics on their website here– including a livestream of the games running April 24-26, 2025!
Brains On presents Forever Ago®, a history show for the whole family! Every episode looks into the surprising and fascinating history of things we think are ordinary, but they’re not -- like ice cream flavors, video games, baths and more. We make learning about the past fun while teaching listeners to think critically about history.
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