
Always Wondered
Podcast Playground
Always Wondered. A podcast that takes a lighthearted look at everyday life's little mysteries.
Have you always wondered who came up with the idea for mouthwash? Who invented the Slinky? Why do we bless someone whenever they sneeze? How come there are dimples on a golf ball? Or what is the origin of the phrase "heard it through the grapevine"? These are the sort of questions that stir our curiosity, and the answers may just surprise you. Join host Rick Peterson every week for a fun and breezy look at some of the things you have always wondered about!
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Always Wondered Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Always Wondered episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Always Wondered for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Always Wondered episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Always Wondered - EP 7 Preview
Always Wondered
05/14/25 • 1 min
Part of the world drives on the right, while the other drives on the left. It's probably just the Universe's way of telling us to stay home! But on this episode, we'll try to make sense of that confusing right/left driving divide. Plus, how did a simple metallic spring coil become one of the biggest-selling toys of all time? Hear the unusual origin story of the Slinky. Join host Rick Peterson for these topics and more as he answers some of the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

Always Wondered - SLINKY
Always Wondered
05/16/25 • 11 min
Part of the world drives on the right, while the other drives on the left. It's probably just the Universe's way of telling us to stay home! But on this episode, we'll try to make sense of that confusing right/left driving divide. Plus, how did a simple metallic spring coil become one of the biggest-selling toys of all time? Hear the unusual origin story of the Slinky. Join host Rick Peterson for these topics and more as he answers some of the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.
SLINKY is a trademark of POOF-SLINKY, LLC

Always Wondered - EP 8 Preview
Always Wondered
05/21/25 • 1 min
If you think the best part of online shopping isn't the merchandise, but the Bubble Wrap, then this is the episode for you! Hear the strange story of how this plastic icon came to be. Also, we'll discuss why we clink our glasses whenever we toast. The tradition seems classy and sophisticated, but the back story is much more sinister! Plus, learn the origin of the simple phrase that's powerful enough to stop all debate dead in its tracks - It Is What It Is. Join host Rick Peterson as he answers more of the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

Always Wondered - Peanut Butter and Jelly
Always Wondered
04/25/25 • 13 min
Once upon a time, Peanut Butter and Jelly decided to join forces and become a lunchbox icon. So on this episode, we'll explore the sweet and nutty origin of the PB&J - the sandwich that helped make the world safe for democracy. Plus, we'll dazzle you with an array of colors - specifically Red, Yellow, and Green - and tell you how that trio of hues made their way onto every traffic signal in the land. Join host Rick Peterson for these topics and more, as he answers the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

Always Wondered - EP 5 Preview
Always Wondered
04/30/25 • 1 min
It's the wobbly jewel of the dinner table. JELL-O. But just how did this iconic neon colored concoction come to be? On this episode, we'll explore the origin of the shimmering dessert that's been wiggling its way into our hearts for well over a century. Plus, we've all heard the phrase "a frog in your throat". But what do small amphibians have to do with a scratchy voice? The answer will probably surprise you. Join host Rick Peterson for these topics and more - including a listener suggestion - as he answers the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

Always Wondered - Knock Knock!
Always Wondered
04/18/25 • 12 min
On this week's episode, we pop the top on soft drinks. Where exactly did the
name of your favorite soda pop come from? We'll give you all the sweet, fizzy,
carbonated details. And we all know that presidential elections have
consequences. But wait, you'll hear about the one election that actually gave us
the Knock Knock joke! Join us to explore these topics and more as host Rick
Peterson answers some of the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

Always Wondered - JELL-O ®
Always Wondered
05/02/25 • 12 min
It's the wobbly jewel of the dinner table. JELL-O. But just how did this iconic neon colored concoction come to be? On this episode, we'll explore the origin of the shimmering dessert that's been wiggling its way into our hearts for well over a century. Plus, we've all heard the phrase "a frog in your throat". But what do small amphibians have to do with a scratchy voice? The answer will probably surprise you. Join host Rick Peterson for these topics and more - including a listener suggestion - as he answers the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.
"Jell-O" is a registered trademark of Kraft Heinz.

Always Wondered - EP 4 Preview
Always Wondered
04/23/25 • 1 min
Once upon a time, Peanut Butter and Jelly decided to join forces and become a lunchbox icon. So on this episode, we'll explore the sweet and nutty origin of the PB&J - the sandwich that helped make the world safe for democracy. Plus, we'll dazzle you with an array of colors - specifically Red, Yellow, and Green - and tell you how that trio of hues made their way onto every traffic signal in the land. Join host Rick Peterson for these topics and more, as he answers the questions you've "Always Wondered" about.

Always Wondered - Gesundheit!
Always Wondered
04/11/25 • 11 min
On this week's episode, we explore one of our longest held customs. Whenever
someone sneezes, we automatically say, "Bless you." But why? How did that
curious practice ever get started? We'll tell you all about it. And if you thought
the phrase the "whole nine yards" had a strange origin, just wait till you hear the
story behind "the whole ball of wax". We'll tackle those topics and more as host
Rick Peterson answers some of the questions you've Always Wondered about.

Always Wondered - EP 2 Preview
Always Wondered
04/09/25 • 1 min
On this week's episode, we explore one of our longest held customs. Whenever
someone sneezes, we automatically say, "Bless you." But why? How did that
curious practice ever get started? We'll tell you all about it. And if you thought
the phrase the "whole nine yards" had a strange origin, just wait till you hear the
story behind "the whole ball of wax". We'll tackle those topics and more as host
Rick Peterson answers some of the questions you've Always Wondered about.
Show more best episodes

Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Always Wondered have?
Always Wondered currently has 19 episodes available.
What topics does Always Wondered cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Podcasts and Education.
What is the most popular episode on Always Wondered?
The episode title 'Always Wondered - JELL-O ®' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Always Wondered?
The average episode length on Always Wondered is 6 minutes.
How often are episodes of Always Wondered released?
Episodes of Always Wondered are typically released every 5 days.
When was the first episode of Always Wondered?
The first episode of Always Wondered was released on Mar 21, 2025.
Show more FAQ

Show more FAQ