Wait, What! Why?: Recent Episodes
The Gallagher's
Husband and wife duo, Nicole and Dennis Gallagher, dig into the origins of the things that we do on a daily basis.
**Hello everyone and welcome back to Wait, What! Why? The podcast that ponders the origins behind the things we do. Thank you for taking the time to join us today as we discuss the origins of America's favorite summer treat, S’mores!
Today we look at the origins behind the three ingredients of S'mores, marshmallow, chocolate, and Graham crackers. Did you know there is actually a Mallow Plant? Did you know that Milton Hershey almost didn't live long enough to make the famous chocolate bar that we all love? Find out the shocking history behind the delicious graham cracker and more on this week's episode, "Turning Frowns Upside Down."**WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at waitwhatwhypod. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. Let us know what you would like us to talk about on future episodes!
BECOME A PATRON OF WAIT, WHAT! WHY?
Support the show
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 21, the Gallagher's discuss the origins behind the white wedding dress and some wedding superstitions.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at waitwhatwhypod. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. Let us know what you would like us to talk about on future episodes!
BECOME A PATRON OF WAIT, WHAT! WHY**?
Sources for this episode:**Wedding Dress
A Brief History of the White Wedding Dress
13 Wedding Superstitions Explained
Support the show
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 20, the Gallagher's discuss the origins behind wedding traditions.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at waitwhatwhypod. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. Let us know what you would like us to talk about on future episodes!
BECOME A PATRON OF WAIT, WHAT! WHY**?
Sources for this episode:**The Origin of Wedding Rings: Ancient Traditions or Marketing Invention
The Origins of Wedding Rings and why They’re Worn on the Left Hand
A Brief History of the White Wedding Dress
The History of Wedding Cake: It's Origins and Symbolism
7 Wedding Cake Traditions and Their Meanings
12 Weird Wedding Cake Facts
Origins of Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue for Brides
21 Surprising Historical Duties of the Wedding
The History of Wedding Parties
Support the show
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 19, the Gallagher's discuss the origins behind birthday traditions.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on Instagram at waitwhatwhypod. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. Let us know what you would like us to talk about on future episodes!
BECOME A PATRON OF WAIT, WHAT! WHY? Sources for this episode:This day in history for May 23 1974
The Strange Origins of Birthday Celebrations
How Did the Traditions of Birthdays Begin?
Birthdays
This is Why You Get to Celebrate Your Birthday Every Year
Here’s Why You Celebrate Your Birthday with Cake and Candles
Why Do We Blow Out Birthday Candles on Cakes?
Birthday Cake
The Science and History Behind Your Happy Birthday
Support the show
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 18, the Gallagher's discuss the origins behind Cinco de Mayo.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on any social media at waitwhatwhypod. This includes Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. Let us know what you would like us to talk about on future episodes!
BECOME A PATRON OF WAIT, WHAT! WHY? Sources for this episode:Do You Know the Real Origins of Cinco De Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo
The Facts and History of Cinco de Mayo
5 Facts About Cinco de Mayo's History and Meaning
How Cinco de Mayo Helped Prevent a Confederate Victory in the Civil War
A brief history of Cinco de Mayo, from the Battle of Puebla to growing celebrations in California
Support the show
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 17, the Gallagher's discuss the origins behind beer in America.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on any social media at waitwhatwhypod. This includes Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. Let us know what you would like us to talk about on future episodes!
BECOME A PATRON OF WAIT, WHAT! WHY? Sources:
A Brief History of Beer in AmericaA Concise History of America’s Brewing Industry
Beer and American History
Beer played an important part in Pilgrim life
Here's to Beer: the Numbers and the Origins Behind the Suds
History of Beer in America
How The Story Of Beer Is The Story Of AmericaThe History of Beer in America – The First Brewery & More!Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Disclaimer: We apologize for the recording quality. We didn't realize it at the time of recording. After the fact, Den and I decided not to re-record given that our conversations were authentic and we didn't think we could replicate that.
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 16, the Gallagher's discuss the origins behind beer.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on any social media at waitwhatwhypod. This includes Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. Let us know what you would like us to talk about on future episodes!
BECOME A PATRON OF WAIT, WHAT! WHY? Sources for this episode:Who invented beer?Pharaoh Ale
Beer from Ancient Egypt to modern GermanyThe Ancient History of Beer
How the First Beer Was Actually a Gift from an Ancient Sumerian Goddess and Her Brewers
Beer in the Ancient World
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 15, the Gallagher's discuss the origins behind April Fools Day.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on any social media at waitwhatwhypod. This includes Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. Let us know what you would like us to talk about on future episodes!
BECOME A PATRON OF WAIT, WHAT! WHY? Sources:Hunt the Gowk
History.com/April fools Day
Preen Tail Day
Top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes of All TimeApril Fools Day
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 14, the Gallagher's discuss the origins behind St. Patrick's Day.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on any social media at waitwhatwhypod. This includes Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. Let us know what you would like us to talk about on future episodes!
BECOME A PATRON OF WAIT, WHAT! WHY? Sources:History.Com/St. Patrick's Day
Learn. Kegerator.com
St. Patrick Dies
St. Patrick's Day: Why Do We wear Green?
All the pubs in Ireland used to be closed on St. Patrick’s Day
Why Corned Beef and Cabbage?
10 Things You Didn't Know About St. Patrick's Day
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 13, the Gallagher's discuss the origins behind Mardi Gras.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on any social media at waitwhatwhypod. This includes Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. Let us know what you would like us to talk about on future episodes!
BECOME A PATRON OF WAIT, WHAT! WHY? You can save 15% on your first order when you go to REDBUDSUDS.com and enter promo code WAITWHATWHY! Check them out and let us know what you think!
https://www.redbudsuds.com/discount/WAITWHATWHY Sources for this episode:Time Magazine
Mardi Gras New Orleans History
Britannica.Com
Almanac.Com
Parade.com- Fun Facts
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 12, the Gallagher's discuss the origins behind downhill skiing.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on any social media at waitwhatwhypod. This includes Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. Let us know what you would like us to talk about on future episodes!
BECOME A PATRON OF WAIT, WHAT! WHY?
Sources for this episode:
History.com: History of Valentine's Day
History.com Surprising Facts of Valentine's Day.
Lupericalia
NPR: The Dark Origins of Valentine's Day
Smithsonian Magazine: Origins of Valentine's Day
World History.org History of Valentine's Day
Women's Day Magazine: Valentine's Day Facts
Women's Day Article Valentine's Facts
Valentine's Day Facts
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 11, Nicole and her daughter Hannah, discuss the origins behind downhill skiing.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on any social media at waitwhatwhypod. This includes Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. Let us know what you would like us to talk about on future episodes!
BECOME A PATRON OF WAIT, WHAT! WHY?
Sources for this episode:
Where did skiing come from?
The Invention of the Ski Chairlift
ALPINE SKIING
A Brief History Of Skiing- How Did We Get Where We Are Today?.
TIMELINE OF IMPORTANT SKI HISTORY DATES
A Brief Ski through History
The Top 10 Fun Facts About Skiing
FIVE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ALPINE SKIING
13 Bizarre Facts About Skiing Do you love skiing? Think you know everything there is to know about skiing? Well think again!
Article: How a Sneak Attack By Norway’s Skiing Soldiers Deprived the Nazis of the Atomic Bomb
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 10 husband and wife duo, Nicole and Dennis, discuss the origins behind the New Years Resolutions.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on any social media at waitwhatwhypod. This includes Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. we want to hear your Resolutions or Goals for 2022! If you would like for us to share your story please include that in your email.
BECOME A PATRON OF WAIT, WHAT! WHY?
Sources for this episode:
The History of New Year's Resolutions
Top 10 Most Common New Year's Resolutions
The average American abandons their New Year’s resolution by this date.
A Study of 800 Million Activities Predicts Most New Year's Resolutions Will Be Abandoned on January 19: How to Create New Habits That Actually StickEven so, a resolution isn't the problem. Most people fail because of the way they try to achieve their goals.
The History of New Year's Resolutions
Roman Rituals and Sacrifices
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 9 husband and wife duo, Nicole and Dennis, discuss the origins behind the New Years Eve Ball Drop.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on any social media at waitwhatwhypod. This includes Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. we want to hear your quirky family traditions around the holidays. If you would like for us to share your story please include that in your email.
Sources for this episode:
The Pioneer Woman
Wikipedia: New Years Eve
Almanac: Traditions around the world
Today in NYC History- untappedcities.com
timessquarenyc.org
www.6sqft.com
www.theactivetimes.com
timessquareball.net
blog.mcny.org
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For Ep. 8 husband and wife duo, Nicole and Dennis, discuss the origins behind Santa Claus.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out to us on any social media at waitwhatwhypod. This includes Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also always email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. we want to hear your quirky family traditions around the holidays. If you would like for us to share your story please include that in your email.
Sources for this episode:
History.com: Santa Claus
www.britannica.com: Biography of Saint Nicholas
theweek.com: Article-7-interesting-facts
www.goodhousekeeping.com: Holidays
explorethearchive.com: where did Santa Claus originate
www.stnicholascenter.org
Timeline of Saint Nicholas
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For episode 7 husband and wife duo, Nicole and Dennis, discuss the origins behind Christmas Trees. Do you have a real or artificial Christmas tree? And who came up with the idea of hanging the tree upside from the ceiling?
Sources:
https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas-trees
https://egyptianmuseum.org/deities-ra#:~:text=Ra%20was%20the%20king%20of,as%20well%20as%20the%20day.
https://www.imagininghistory.co.uk/post/ancient-origins-of-the-christmas-tree#:~:text=Like%20many%20ancient%20cultures%2C%20the,days%20starting%20on%20December%2021st.&text=On%20the%2025th%20December%2C%20the,of%20God%20%E2%80%93%20sound%20familiar%3F).
https://time.com/5736523/history-of-christmas-trees/
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martin-Luther
https://www.britannica.com/story/how-did-the-tradition-of-christmas-trees-start
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Godeys-Ladys-Book
https://allthatsinteresting.com/yule-viking-christmas
https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/trees.shtml
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to our first Minisode of Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For this episode, husband and wife duo, Nicole and Dennis, discuss the origins behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. If you would like for us to share your story please include that in your email.
Sources
https://www.history.com/news/the-first-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade
https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade1.htm
https://www.6sqft.com/a-nyc-tradition-the-history-of-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade/
https://www.nypl.org/blog/2018/11/18/thanksgiving-traditions-new-york-city-parade-balloons
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For this episode Nicole Gallagher and her daughter, Megan will be diving into the origins of Thanksgiving. I bet you think you already know the story but there are some twists and turns along the way to becoming the holiday we celebrate today.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
What are some kooky traditions you have for Thanksgiving? We would love to have an episode where we can share your stories too! Please email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. If you would like for us to share your story please include that in your email.
Sources for this episode:
A general history https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.history.com/.amp/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving
About the myths and Native American struggle https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/thanksgiving-myth-and-what-we-should-be-teaching-kids-180973655/
Nat Geo explains it for grown-ups https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/151121-first-thanksgiving-pilgrims-native-americans-wampanoag-saints-and-strangers?cmpid=int_org=ngp::int_mc=website::int_src=ngp::int_cmp=amp::int_add=amp_readtherest
The actual first Thanksgiving https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/first-thanksgiving-berkeley-virginia-pilgrim-archaeology
Breaking it down for kids https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/first-thanksgiving
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For episode 5 husband and wife duo, Nicole and Dennis, discuss the origins behind tailgating.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please share your favorite tailgating stories. Where you were, the food you ate and the crazy sh*t you've seen. We would love to have an episode where we can share your stories too! Please email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. If you would like for us to share your story please include that in your email.
Sources for this episode:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/history-of-tailgating
https://huckberry.com/journal/posts/a-brief-history-of-the-tailgate
https://www.americanheritage.com/tailgating-history
https://www.cnn.com/2015/11/25/living/tailgating-by-the-numbers/index.html
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/tailgating-started-during-a-civil-war-battle-video
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Do you love the excitement of jump scares in movies? Do you seek out the spookiest of haunted houses or cornfields? How about the craziest roller coasters? Or do you steer clear from all of these thrill seeking behaviors? Find out why in this bonus episode of Wait, What! Why?
Nicole Gallagher and special guest, Camryn, discuss their favorite scary movies, horror video games, podcasts and more and why we are drawn to these types of experiences.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Send us your favorite scary stories! Have you ever experienced the paranormal? What are your favorite horror movies? What are your all time favorite scary things to do during the Halloween season? Email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com and let us know.
Sources for this episode:
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/emotional-health/5-things-you-never-knew-about-fearhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/thoughts-thinking/201810/5-reasons-we-enjoy-being-scared
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323492#What-happens-in-the-body?
https://bigthink.com/mind-brain/science-explains-why-we-love-being-scared?rebelltitem=2#rebelltitem2
Website: https://waitwhatwhy.buzzsprout.com/
PLEASE SUPPORT US!
The best way to support us is by leaving a review and spreading the news. you can also support us via PayPal. Link is below!
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to Wait, What? Why! The podcast that ponders why we do the things that we do! For episode 4 husband and wife duo, Nicole and Dennis, discuss the origins behind trick or treating. Join us in our discussions about the history of it, what kind of candy you should give and your states favorite candy!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please share your traditions and spooky stories. We would love to have an episode where we can share your stories too! Please email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com. If you would like for us to share you story please include that in your email.
Sources for this episode:
https://www.history.com/news/halloween-trick-or-treating-origins
Fun Inforgraphichttps://www.howtobeadad.com/2016/31957/guide-to-how-kids-judge-your-halloween-candy
Favorite candy by statehttps://wausaupilotandreview.com/2019/10/25/influenster-launches-annual-halloween-candy-infographic/
Website: https://waitwhatwhy.buzzsprout.com/
PLEASE SUPPORT US!
The best way to support us is by leaving a review and spreading the news. you can also support us via PayPal. Link is below!
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Hello everyone!! Welcome back to Wait, What! Why? The podcast that ponders the origins behind the things that we do. Today is our very first episode of it’s kind featuring our listeners' stories or experiences. Please join us as we get down and dirty with some paranormal happenings. Tis the season for some ghost stories.
Sources:
Route 44 Hitchhiker-
https://what-when-how.com/haunted-places/the-redheaded-hitchhiker-of-route-44-rehoboth-massachusetts-haunted-place/
http://spookysouthcoast.com/red-headed-hitchhiker-of-route-44/
https://www.thesunchronicle.com/go/local-ghosts-haunt-attleboro-area/article_3b63ce8f-16b4-5b70-8be1-cbc5d5178598.html
https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/ghost-hunting-in/the-red-headed-hitchhiker-of-W5lLMID1irY/
Bridgewater Triangle-
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3315344/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl
http://hauntedhouses.com/tennessee/ernestine-and-hazels/
https://unearthedmemphis.com/2021/03/01/season-two-episode-two-earnestine-hazels/
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to episode 3 of Wait, What? Why? Today Nicole and Dennis talk about the legend of Stingy Jack. Stingy Jack is the story behind the awesome tradition of pumpkin carving and Jack O'lanterns.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Tell us about your favorite pumpkin festivals or the fall traditions you have! Email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com and let us know.
Sources for this episode:
https://www.historicmysteries.com/the-legend-of-stingy-jack/ **http://www.thekeenepumpkinfestival.com/
https://www.pumpkinfestival.org/
http://www.hauntedoverload.com/
One of my favorite pumpkin seed recipes: https://www.jessicagavin.com/how-to-roast-pumpkin-seeds/**Website: https://waitwhatwhy.buzzsprout.com/
PLEASE SUPPORT US!
The best way to support us is by leaving a review and spreading the news. you can also support us via PayPal. Link is below!
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Husband and wife duo, Nicole and Dennis, discuss superstitions in sports rituals, why we knock on wood, and good and bad luck involving mirrors. Listen now to learn some of the quirky behaviors that humans have to avoid being jinxed!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Send us your stories about sports rituals, how many times you knock on wood and your mirror stories! Have you ever played Bloody Mary or seen a soul in a mirror? Email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com and let us know.
Sources for this episode:
How Stuff Works- https://people.howstuffworks.com/why-is-walking-under-ladder-unlucky.htm
Nation Wide Ladder - http://www.nationwideladder.com/why-is-walking-under-ladders-bad-luck/
https://www.businessinsider.com/the-strangest-pre-game-rituals-2011-8#1-lyoto-machida-drinks-his-own-pee-every-single-day-30
https://www.mensjournal.com/sports/10-most-superstitious-athletes/
https://www.twowaymirrors.com/mirror-superstitions/
https://www.illuminated-mirrors.uk.com/blog/7-years-bad-luck-the-truth-behind-the-superstition/
https://jewishfunerals.com/2019/03/06/shiva-customs-jewish-mourners-cover-mirrors-sit-low/
Website: https://waitwhatwhy.buzzsprout.com/
PLEASE SUPPORT US!
The best way to support us is by leaving a review and spreading the news. you can also support us via PayPal. Link is below!
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)
Welcome to episode 2 of Wait, What! Why? In this episode we dive deeper into superstitions. (You may want to listen to episode 1 first) Why is it considered unlucky to walk under a ladder and how can you undo bad luck? Find out in this episode!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
How long do you think bad luck lasts? Email us at waitwhatwhypod@gmail.com and let us know. We would also love to hear your superstitions or favorite fall traditions.
Sources for this episode:
https://people.howstuffworks.com/why-is-walking-under-ladder-unlucky.htm
https://nationwideladder.com/why-is-walking-under-ladders-bad-luck/
Website: https://waitwhatwhy.buzzsprout.com/
PLEASE SUPPORT US!
The best way to support us is by leaving a review and spreading the news. you can also support us via PayPal. Link is below!
Support the show (https://paypal.me/waitwhatwhypod?locale.x=en_US)