Best Martyn James Podcasts (2024)

1
Behind the Scenes Minis: Medical Scans and Nobel Prizes 19:07

14m ago19:07

19:07

Holly and Tracy share experiences with MRIs and hospital stays, and also talk about the various disagreements and biases in play in the medical community when giving attribution for the invention of the MRI. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Part 2 33:57

2d ago33:57

33:57

Once Dr. Ray Damadian had the idea to create a machine that used nuclear magnetic resonance to capture diagnostic data by scanning a human body, he still had to build it. And though he did, other scientists got credit for inventing the MRI. Research: Bashir U, Rock P, Murphy A, et al. T2 relaxation. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. https://doi.o…

1
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Part 1 39:41

4d ago39:41

39:41

Who invented the MRI? Well, that's actually tricky to say, and it is a topic that still opens debate. In this first part, we'll talk about the various developments in physics that led to the idea of an MRI machine even existing. Research: Bashir U, Rock P, Murphy A, et al. T2 relaxation. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. https://doi.org/10.53347/…

1
SYMHC Classics: Radioiodine Therapy 24:42

18m ago24:42

24:42

This 2019 episode examines thyroid disease through history, and the physics lecture heard by Saul Hertz in the 1930s that changed the treatment of hyperthyroidism forever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Behind the Scenes Minis: Salty Popcorn 18:46

5h ago18:46

18:46

Holly and Tracy discuss ways that they like to make popcorn, and historical recipes that used popcorn. They also talk about the incorrect assumption that iodized salt is the cause of an overall rise in blood pressure statistics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Iodized Salt 37:05

2d ago37:05

37:05

People started adding iodine to salt because in some parts of the world serious, chronic iodine deficiency was incredibly widespread, which was causing a range of health issues. But how was that solution arrived at? Research: "Iodine." World of Chemistry, Gale, 2000. Gale In Context: Science, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CV2432500388/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&…

1
Popcorn 41:14

4d ago41:14

41:14

A lot of the stories that are told about popcorn in history – particularly in North America – are incorrect. Popcorn has been around for a very long time, though its rise to popularity as a snack has accelerated in recent years. Research: “Ancient Popcorn Discovered in Peru.” Smithsonian. Jan, 20, 2012. https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/ancient-…

1
SYMHC Classics: Jules Cotard and Cotard Syndrome 23:28

6d ago23:28

23:28

This 2017 episode covers the work of Jules Cotard, the first psychiatrist to write about the cluster of symptoms that would come to be called Walking Corpse Syndrome. But his unfinished work was hotly debated among his colleagues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Behind the Scenes Minis: Strikes, Immigration and Weeds 30:55

7d ago30:55

30:55

Tracy and Holly talk about the Disney animators' strike of 1941, Angel Island, and Tyrus Wong's Christmas cards. They also discuss the merits of dandelions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Gertrude Jekyll's Artistic Gardens 42:19

16d ago42:19

42:19

Gertrude Jekyll was born into a 19th-century English family of means, but her life took an unconventional path for a woman in her circumstances, and she became an iconic and legendary horticulturist. Research: Tooley, Michael. "Jekyll, Gertrude (1843–1932), artist and garden designer." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. June 08, 2023. Oxford …

1
The Art of Tyrus Wong 37:49

18d ago37:49

37:49

Over the course of an extraordinarily long career, Tyrus Wong worked across a range of media in a whole collection of industries – animation, live-action film, commercial art, public art, greeting cards, and in his last years, kitemaking in his personal workshop. Research: Tom, Pamela, writer and director. “Tyrus.” PBS American Masters. 9/8/2017. h…

1
27. Michele Kaufman - My Movie DNA 1:08:20

12d ago1:08:20

1:08:20

In episode 27, Johnny talks to Michele Kaufman, one half of the team behind Enjoy The Ride Records. Michele works alongside label founder Ross Shotland at Enjoy The Ride in Long Island, New York. The label specialises in releases in a variety of genres and formats - movie soundtracks, TV soundtracks, video game soundtracks, and stand-up comedy, all…

1
SYMHC Classics: San Francisco 1906 - The Great Quake and Fires 32:54

13d ago32:54

32:54

This 2019 episode covers the earthquake of April 18, 1906 that changed San Francisco forever. The earthquake and a series of fires devastated much of the city and had long-term ramifications. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Behind the Scenes Minis: Ships and Fences 25:39

14d ago25:39

25:39

Tracy and Holly talk about the eerie similarities of the stories of the Andrea Doria and the Empress of Ireland. They also talk about Jacob Haish's poetry about barbed wire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Joseph F. Glidden and the Contentious Invention of Barbed Wire 35:48

24d ago35:48

35:48

Joseph Glidden is known as the father of barbed wire, but who actually invented it was a matter of disagreement. As a consequence, Glidden's invention was embroiled in legal battles for years. Research: “Barb Fence: Its Utility, Efficiency and Economy : a Book for the Farmer, the Gardener and the Country Gentleman.” Washburn & Moen Manufacturing Co…

1
The SS Andrea Doria Rescue 38:16

18d ago38:16

38:16

The SS Andrea Doria was a luxury cruise liner that sank after colliding with another ship in 1956. Most of the people who were on the Andrea Doria lived thanks to one of the biggest civilian maritime rescues in history. Research: Cooke, Anthony, editor. “Andrea Doria.” Italian Liners. https://www.italianliners.com/andrea-doria-en Carrothers, John C…

1
SYMHC Classics: The Vanishing of Sister Aimee 32:50

20d ago32:50

32:50

This 2014 episode covers Aimee Semple McPherson, an extraordinary figure in the early 20th-century religious landscape. As an evangelist, she rose to incredible popularity in the 1920s, and then vanished. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Behind the Scenes Minis: Sophia Stories 18:01

21d ago18:01

18:01

Holly and Tracy talk about how to pronounce Sophia, and speculate about why Jex-Blake didn't pursue an education at New England Female Medical College. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Sophia Jex-Blake and the Edinburgh Seven (Part 2) 37:07

1M ago37:07

37:07

After studying with Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell in New York, Sophia Jex-Blake moved back to England when her father died. But her determination to get a medical education in the U.K. turned her into an education activist. Research: Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Sophia Louisa Jex-Blake". Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Mar. 2024, https://www.br…

1
Sophia Jex-Blake’s Early Education (Part One) 35:51

1M ago35:51

35:51

Sophia Jex-Blake was a young English woman who initially pursued a career in teaching before she fell in love with medicine while visiting the U.S. Part one covers the early part of her life and education. Research: Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Sophia Louisa Jex-Blake." Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Mar. 2024, https://www.britannica.com…

1
SYMHC Classics: A Culinary History of Spam 28:10

27d ago28:10

28:10

This 2014 episode covers the invention of the canned meat known as Spam. The Hormel Foods product was invented in the 1930s to make use of a surplus of shoulder meat from pigs, and was an instant hit in the U.S. and abroad. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Behind the Scenes Minis: Mixed Bag of Bananas 31:16

1M ago31:16

31:16

Holly and Tracy discuss George Heye using his senior thesis to drink beer and how his collection was almost purchased by Ross Perot. They also discuss Maria Orosa and the types of bananas used to make banana ketchup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Maria Y. Orosa & the Food of the Philippines 45:47

1M ago45:47

45:47

Maria Ylagan Orosa was born in the Philippines, and she spent her life working to eliminate food insecurity there. She revived the use of locally available ingredients, and wrote recipes that are found in Filipino cuisine today. Research: "Maria Orosa." Encyclopedia of World Biography Online, Gale, 2023. Gale In Context: U.S. History, link.gale.com…

1
George Gustav Heye 43:43

1M ago43:43

43:43

George Gustav Heye’s work in curating a collection of Native American artifacts has enabled many people to learn about indigenous cultures. But his colleting practices and relationship to those cultures are complicated. Research: “Blaming It on the Women.” The Cincinnati Post. June 7, 1913. https://www.newspapers.com/image/761237680/?match=1&terms=…

1
26. Mo Shafeek - My Movie DNA 1:43:01

1M ago1:43:01

1:43:01

In episode 26, Johnny talks to Mutant Records co-founder Mo Shafeek. Mo started Mutant Records earlier this year with fellow founding members of Mondo’s poster and vinyl divisions. They really are the hot new label in town, and it’s been great to see them hit the ground running with some big name releases already. Johnny's talk with Mo covers the W…

1
SYMHC Classics: Horace Wells and the Gas War 29:38

1M ago29:38

29:38

This 2012 episode from prior hosts Sarah and Deblina covers dentist Horace Wells. At an exhibition in 1844 he became certain that nitrous oxide could revolutionize medicine. He tried to demonstrate his findings, but things didn't go as planned. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Behind the Scenes Minis: Bad Poetry 16:21

1M ago16:21

16:21

Tracy and Holly discuss Sir Humphry Davy's less than spectacular poems, Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," and the end of Davy's career and life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Sir Humphry Davy and the Miner’s Lamp (Part 2) 34:50

1M ago34:50

34:50

Davy's career after his work in nitrous oxide included the invention of a miner's lamp designed to make mining safer. This invention came with a bit of controversy. Research: "Britons take laughing gas merrily. Tories take it more seriously." The Economist, 27 Sept. 2023, p. NA. Gale OneFile: Business, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A766770794/GPS?u=mlin_n…

1
Sir Humphry Davy and Nitrous Oxide (Part 1) 37:58

2M ago37:58

37:58

Chemist Sir Humphry Davy is known for his work with nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. That early part of his career is the focus of part one of this two-parter. Research: "Britons take laughing gas merrily. Tories take it more seriously." The Economist, 27 Sept. 2023, p. NA. Gale OneFile: Business, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A766770794/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpu…

1
SYMHC Classics: S.S. Sultana 21:47

1M ago21:47

21:47

This 2014 episode covers the Sultana, which sank the day after John Wilkes Booth was captured and killed for the murder of Abraham Lincoln So the maritime tragedy didn't make headline news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Behind the Scenes Minis: Extreme Wealth and Wild Research 29:19

1M ago29:19

29:19

Holly and Tracy discuss Ward McAllister as the ultimate historical mean girl. They also talk about how people were reacting to the Blitz when it was happening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Dr. Rachel Lance and 'Chamber Divers' 1:00:06

2M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Holly talks with previous podcast guest Dr. Rachel Lance about her new book "Chamber Divers," which details the WWII research that advanced underwater science. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Bradley Martin Ball 35:33

2M ago35:33

35:33

The Bradley Martin Ball is sometimes referred to as the last big moment of the Gilded Age. It was a very ostentatious event that sparked a lot of debate, and in some ways helped usher in the crumbling of New York’s Victorian-era society culture. Research: “Bradley Martin Ball.” New York Times. Feb. 7, 1897. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmac…

1
25. Martyn James - My Movie DNA 2:23:22

2M ago2:23:22

2:23:22

In episode 25, Johnny talks to music A&R man Martyn James. Martyn works for Universal Music in London and is one of the lucky few who gets to dig into the vaults of bands and solo artists to find things to put out on reissues and box sets. He was also part of the team that put together the Oasis documentary Supersonic back in 2016, directed by Mat …

1
SYMHC Classics: Croesus 28:48

2M ago28:48

28:48

This 2020 episode shares the story of the ridiculously wealthy Croesus, which was likely fictionalized in a number of ways. It has become sort of a cautionary tale about pride and hubris, and what really has value in life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Behind the Scenes Minis: Piggy Banks and Ruby Slippers 19:32

2M ago19:32

19:32

Tracy shares frustration over a historical find being described as a piggy bank. She and Holly then discuss the Van Gogh Pokémon and whether they would chase similar items. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Unearthed! in Spring 2024, Part 2 43:54

2M ago43:54

43:54

The spring 2024 edition of Unearthed! concludes with books and letters, fashion and cosmetics, medicine, shipwrecks, and the assorted finds that are categorized as potpourri. Research: Abdallah, Hannah. “The first Neolithic boats in the Mediterranean.” EurekAlert. 3/20/2024. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1037843 Adam Rohrlach, Cases of t…

1
Unearthed! in Spring 2024, Part 1 39:31

2M ago39:31

39:31

Time for all the things literally or figuratively unearthed in the first quarter of 2024. Part one includes updates, burial sites, walls, edibles and potables, and art and architecture. Research: Abdallah, Hannah. “The first Neolithic boats in the Mediterranean.” EurekAlert. 3/20/2024. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1037843 Adam Rohrlach,…

1
SYMHC Classics: Croquet History 27:46

2M ago27:46

27:46

This 2020 episode looks at croquet's murky origins. Because of its relative ease of play and low barrier of entry, it went through a surge in popularity almost as soon as it was documented. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Behind the Scenes Minis: Eclipse Games 25:10

2M ago25:10

25:10

Tracy and Holly talk about how much Tracy loves eclipses. They also discuss their favorite TV jingles for the game of Life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Milton Bradley and the Game That Started It All 39:06

2M ago39:06

39:06

Milton Bradley shaped not only the way people in the U.S. and around the globe play, but also how many kids in the U.S. were educated in their youngest years. Research: Adams, David Wallace, and Victor Edmonds. “Making Your Move: The Educational Significance of the American Board Game, 1832 to 1904.” History of Education Quarterly, vol. 17, no. 4, …

1
Thales and the Battle of the Eclipse 38:40

2M ago38:40

38:40

On May 28, in the year 585 BCE, there was a total solar eclipse during a battle between the kingdoms of Media and Lydia. This eclipse had been predicted by Thales of Miletus, and it led to the ends of both the battle and the war. Maybe. Research: "Thales of Miletus." Math & Mathematicians: The History of Math Discoveries Around the World, edited by…

1
SYMHC Classics: Sylvia of Hollywood 37:17

2M ago37:17

37:17

This 2019 episode covers Sylvia of Hollywood, famous in the 1920s and 1930s for shaping up starlets, cementing the idea that Hollywood's beauties were aspirational figures for the average woman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Behind the Scenes Minis: Vinnie's Wild Life 19:51

2M ago19:51

19:51

Holly reads Vinnie Ream's account of when she met Franz Liszt. Then discussion turns to Ream's friendships, her shopping habits, and why she lived in Rome instead of closer to Carrara. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Vinnie Ream, Part 2 33:47

2M ago33:47

33:47

Part two of our episode on Vinnie Ream covers the completion of her first major work, and the rest of her life, which was just as controversial as her early adulthood. Research: “Andrew Johnson and Reconstruction.” National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/anjo/andrew-johnson-and-reconstruction.htm Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Vinni…

1
Vinnie Ream, Part 1 40:48

2M ago40:48

40:48

Vinnie Ream became the first woman to be given an art commission by the U.S. Government when she was still a teenager. Part one covers the controversy that arose as she lobbied for that job. Research: “Andrew Johnson and Reconstruction.” National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/anjo/andrew-johnson-and-reconstruction.htm Britannica, The Editors o…

1
SYMHC Classics: Pig War 24:38

2M ago24:38

24:38

This 2014 episode covers the story of how in 1859, the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over an American settler shooting a Canadian pig that was rooting around his garden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Behind the Scenes Minis: Wrong Photo and the Rules 25:26

2M ago25:26

25:26

Holly and Tracy ponder why the wrong photo has become used so frequently in mentions of Margaret E. Knight. Tracy shares the reasons she almost didn't cover Henry Martyn Robert on the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Henry Martyn Robert’s Rules of Order 42:01

3M ago42:01

42:01

Henry Martyn Robert was connected to multiple historical events, but his most lasting legacy is the set of guidelines he created that offered a standardized way to run meetings. Research: "Henry Martyn Robert." Encyclopedia of World Biography Online, vol. 21, Gale, 2001. Gale In Context: U.S. History, link.gale.com/apps/doc/K1631007677/GPS?u=mlin_n…

1
The Inventive Mind of Margaret E. Knight 33:47

3M ago33:47

33:47

Margaret E. Knight was an ingenious woman. She started tinkering with things when she was still just a tiny child, and the first invention that really improved the lives of those around her came about at the age of 12. Research: “A Lady in a Machine Shop.” Woman’s Journal, December 21, 1872. Accessed online: https://iiif.lib.harvard.edu/manifests/v…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Martyn James Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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