Emily Peck Prokop received her B.S. in Journalism from Southern Connecticut State University, and is currently a podcast producer and editor. When she discovered podcasting as a hobby, she finally found an outlet for the random information she collected that she loved to randomly bring up in conversations. While she never considered herself a history buff, she found it was easier to remember when put into the context of fascinating stories related to things that came about in today’s world. She’s been featured in numerous podcasts and enjoys getting behind the mic whenever she can. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two kids, and two cats -- all of whom get tired of hearing her start sentences with “I learned on a podcast …”

• SAMPLE ENTRIES (plus much more!)1. Peanut Butter​ - Used as a source of protein during World War II, and soldiers popularized it when they came back from the war. 2. The Treadmill​ - Originally used for prisoners to generate energy and as a form of punishment, and now we pay money to use them. 3. The Lollipop​ - Started with ancient Egyptians eating honey on sticks. 4. The Lead Pipe​ (from The Clue Series in which every episode in the series was based on one of the six original weapons of the game Clue) - Even in ancient times, people were aware of the dangers of lead. 5. Podcasts ​- The controversy surrounding who actually invented them and/or the technology needed for them. 6. Comic Sans​ - Originally designed to be used in a learning computer game, now used on school fliers, to the chagrin of graphic designers everywhere. 7. The Theremin​ - The creepy instrument popularized in sci-fi movies was actually brought over to America from Russia as part of a spy mission. 8. Lullabies ​- How lullabies are used in different civilizations and how certain beat patterns are used in lullabies to mimic rocking. 9. Mad Hatters​ - Even though they aren’t around anymore because we now know the dangers of mercury, find out why we say the phrase “mad as a hatter,” and who Lewis Carroll’s character was supposedly based on. 10.Gunpowder ​- Originally invented by alchemists looking to create gold, used as fireworks, then as a powerful weapon, and part of a plot in England by Guy Fawkes to blow up Parliament in 1605.