Origin of Everything

Season 2019

Every aspect of our daily reality, whether its the words we use, the pop culture we love, the technology that get us through the day, or even the identities we give ourselves, emerge from thousands of intersecting histories. And on this show, we're going to explore them ALL. . . . Okay, maybe not ALL, but you get the idea.

Where to Watch Season 2019

27 Episodes

  • Why Do We Drink Milk in School?
    E1
    Why Do We Drink Milk in School?Did you drink milk in school? Congrats, you drank the results of a government subsidy program! Today, Danielle takes a closer look at the milk given to school kids and what it can tell us about federal entitlement programs as well as government subsidies.
  • What is Cultural Appropriation?
    E2
    What is Cultural Appropriation?What is culture? Can it even be appropriated? Is there a difference between appreciation and appropriation? Join Danielle in the theoretical minefield!
  • Did Modern Warfare Cause Alien Conspiracy Theories?
    E3
    Did Modern Warfare Cause Alien Conspiracy Theories?What really crashed down to Earth in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947? Can we trust the government when they say it was just a weather balloon? Today Danielle looks at the history of alien conspiracies and what they teach us about the legacy of modern warfare, globalization, distrust of the government, and paranoia about foreign invaders.
  • Why Do We Have Middle Names?
    E4
    Why Do We Have Middle Names?We understand why we have first names and how our surnames tie us to our family heritage, but what's the deal with middle names? What's the purpose of a middle name and when did different cultures start using them?
  • Why Do TV Shows Use Laugh Tracks?
    E5
    Why Do TV Shows Use Laugh Tracks?The laugh track, otherwise known as the cringiest sound in modern television. Where did it come from and why do so many of our favorite sitcoms still use it?
  • What is Ethnicity?
    E6
    What is Ethnicity?What's the difference between race and ethnicity? Can a person have more than one ethnic identity? Today Danielle explores the history and evolution of different ethnicities that make up America.
  • What is Racial Passing?
    E7
    What is Racial Passing?What motivates someone to disguise their race, gender, religion, etc.? Today Danielle explores the complicated history of passing in the United States.
  • Why are Patriotic Songs All the Same?
    E8
    Why are Patriotic Songs All the Same?Why do so many anthems and patriotic songs from across the globe sound the same? Today Danielle joins forces with Cory from 12tone and Moti from The Ling Space to find out what makes a tune suitable for patriotic songs and how those songs are translated into other languages.
  • Why Do We Have Hobbies?
    E9
    Why Do We Have Hobbies?Where did the concept of a hobby come from? And how did humans turn the things they do purely for fun into side hustles and competitions that actually pay the bills?
  • Why Do Schools Teach Sex Education?
    E10
    Why Do Schools Teach Sex Education?Why are school teachers tasked with teaching students about sexual education? Today, Danielle explores how sex ed ended up in America's schools!
  • Why Are We Obsessed with Cults?
    E11
    Why Are We Obsessed with Cults?What is it about cults that captures the public imagination? Why are we so interested in the stories of Jonestown, Charles Manson, and Patty Hearst? Today Danielle explores how these groups entered the public consciousness and why we find it so hard to look away.
  • Why Do We Have Private Prisons?
    E12
    Why Do We Have Private Prisons?The US imprisons more people than any other country in the world. Today, Danielle explores why so many Americans are incarcerated and why we've turned to private prisons to hold that population.
  • Why Does the Government Pay for Art?
    E13
    Why Does the Government Pay for Art?Is art a public good? Why is the government even paying for art in the first place? Today, Danielle explores the US government's history of commissioning art and how that lead to the NEA.
  • Why Do Students Have So Much Debt?
    E14
    Why Do Students Have So Much Debt?Going to college in America ain't cheap with each semester costing thousands upon thousands of dollars. How do American students pay for this and how did the price tag get so high? Today, Danielle takes a dive into the student debt crisis and examines the good intentions that led to it.
  • Why Do We Have Housing Projects?
    E15
    Why Do We Have Housing Projects?What's the history behind public housing? Why do governments all over the world subsidize housing for the public. Today, Dannielle look at the evolution of housing projects and how the government got into the landlord game.
  • Do We Still Need Libraries?
    E16
    Do We Still Need Libraries?In the internet age what's the point of libraries? Do we even still need these brick and mortar buildings when a lot of knowledge can be found online? Today, Danielle examines the history of libraries around the world and what role they still play in society.
  • Why Do We Go to Prom?
    E17
    Why Do We Go to Prom?Prom has become the defining moment of many American students' high school experiences. But why has a single night of partying come to represent a crucial coming of age moment? Today, Danielle examines the history of prom and how Hollywood uses prom movies to critique or reenforce mainstream American Culture.
  • Why Did We Plant a Flag on the Moon?
    E18
    Why Did We Plant a Flag on the Moon?Why did Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin plant a flag on the moon? Moreover, why do astronauts and space agencies from across the world continually send their nations' flags to space? Today, Danielle traces the history and symbolism of flags around the world and examines their use in colonial expansion - both on Earth and in the stars.
  • When did the News Start?
    E19
    When did the News Start?We all have news cycle fatigue. If it’s not struggling to find reliable sources online, then it’s figuring out how to sift through the myriad of competing (and sometimes conflicting) headlines that roll across our TV screens, cell phones and social media accounts. But when did the news become integral to our lives? Today Danielle explores the history of news and how we ended up in today's never ending news cycle.
  • Why Are There SO Many Confederate Monuments?
    E20
    Why Are There SO Many Confederate Monuments?Origin of Everything takes a field trip to Washington, D.C. and explores the painful history and legacy of America's Civil War. Danielle looks at Confederate and Union Civil War monuments and what spurred their construction after the war.
  • A Brief History of Men's Underwear
    E21
    A Brief History of Men's UnderwearFrom loincloths to long johns and codpieces to jock straps, Danielle takes a "brief" look at the history of male undergarments!
  • Why Are Prescription Drugs SO Expensive?
    E22
    Why Are Prescription Drugs SO Expensive?Why are prescription drugs so expensive in the United States? Why does the same medication cost significantly less in other countries around the world? Today Danielle examines the history of pharmaceutical regulation in America and how it lead to such disproportionately high costs.
  • How a Spy Changed Horror Movies
    E23
    How a Spy Changed Horror MoviesYou may not know their names, but the theremin and the wilhelm scream are ubiquitous in horror films. Today, Danielle and special guest Dr. Emily Zarka tell the spooky tales of how these iconic sounds ended up in your favorite movies!
  • Why Doesn't the US Have Paid Parental Leave?
    E24
    Why Doesn't the US Have Paid Parental Leave?The day is finally here! Your baby has arrived and you're officially a new parent! But how long until that new baby smell wears off and you're forced to return to work and find reliable childcare? Today Danielle looks at the history maternity leave around the world and why the United States is one of eight nations in the world without any guaranteed, government regulated PAID parental leave.
  • The Problem with Museums
    E25
    The Problem with MuseumsAre museum collections ethical? How did these institutions end up with their vast array of artifacts and remains from every corner of the globe? Well, chances are there was some definite shadiness involved. Today, Danielle examines this complicated debate and looks closely at the cases of Saartjie Baartman and Chang and Eng Bunker. What do you think? Should objects be repatriated, left on display, or something in between?
  • The Rise of Beer
    E26
    The Rise of BeerPeople across the globe love beer. A LOT. Danielle traces the history of beer and how we got from fermented corn to the craft beers so many enjoy today. She looks not just at the science of brewing, but also the various fermented beverages that cropped up around the world over the centuries. Grab a cold one (if you're of age) and let's get started!
  • Backstreet Boys to BTS: The Science Behind Why We Love Boy Bands
    E27
    Backstreet Boys to BTS: The Science Behind Why We Love Boy BandsEverybody, rock your body and get ready to scream! Today Origin is looking at all things boy band! Danielle traces the history of boy ensembles from early Beatlemania to today, examines the markers of a classic boy band, and explains the science behind this particular type of fandom. Oh my my my!

 

  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   

Take Plex everywhere

Watch free anytime, anywhere, on almost any device.
See the full list of supported devices