In the early days of the internet, millions flocked to chat rooms to connect with like minds – and bodies -- the world over. But the group chat was soon replaced by Facebook and Twitter…or was it? On today’s show, the group chat makes a comeback.
Then, western history is dominated by stories of great men and women, but we rarely hear about those who helped them along the way. We’ll unearth history’s secret sidekicks: from the man who encouraged Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. to embrace pacifism, to Julia Warhol, who set her son Andy on a path to the art world.
Listen to the full show and click Read more for individual segments.
The Internet's Last Refuge
- Tech and culture writer Kyle Chayka, wrote an article for Gizmodo defending chat and joined us to discuss his own experience with chat and why he thinks it's "The Only Truly Intimate Online Experience Left."
What if Age is Only a Mindset?
- Bruce Grierson is a social science writer whose work has appeared in Popular Science, Psychology Today, and The Guardian. We found his article: “What If Age Is Nothing but A Mindset?” In the New York Times Magazine.
- Bruce is also the author of: What Makes Olga Run? The Mystery of the 90-Something Track Star and What She Can Teach Us About Living Longer Happier Lives
A Time Capsule of Early American Medicine
- The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum in Old Town Alexandria is a fully preserved 19th century pharmacy with all the weird drugs and implements you'd expect to be used back then. Producer Lauren Ober spoke to the museum curator Callie Stapp, and brings us this story.
- You can listen to this story again at PRX.org.
History's Secret Sidekicks
- Graphic artist Jenny Volvoski, is part of the team that has given uncelebrated wingmen their own stories and delightful illustrations in a new book: The Who, The What, And The When: 65 Artists Illustrate The Secret Sidekicks Of History.
Frugal Science: How One Lab Is Using Toys to Make Chemistry Accessible to the World
- An educator and scientist wants to give all underprivileged and under-curious kids an opportunity to do great things by introducing them to a new kind of cheap, educational toy. Producer Angela Johnston of KALW reports.
- You can listen to this story again at PRX.org.
