20 Minutes You'll Never Get Back
145 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago -A series of general interest topic podcasts lasting no more than 20 minutes long. Each podcast is a different topic that popped into my head. In theory they mix historical information, facts and hopefully some humor. I'll leave that up to you. And if there's time left over, you get it back.
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Not Gonna Happen
April 12, 2024 12:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBThere are a lot of things I'll do, and a whole lot more that I won't. The things I won't do almost always include the potential for serious injury or even worse. But there are millions of people who will do these same things. I've picked out five activities that a lot of people love... and that I think are insane. And I include a bit of history for each, all in just twenty minutes. Okay, this week in 22 minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to ema...
Artifacts on Display
March 29, 2024 12:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBMuseums go way back to 530 BC, or perhaps earlier. Ancient Greeks built them for the Muses. 2020 AD museums went online. Take a brief stroll through some significant museums. And the learn about some of the more... let's just say uncommon museum. All in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support...
Churros and Bubbles
March 15, 2024 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBI'm know. It sounds like a duo band from the 70's. But it's not. They are two things that struck me while walking around an amusement park. As a bonus, the show's Executive Producer is away this week so it's anything goes here in the 20 Minutes studio. All that in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYN...
Leaplings Unite!
March 02, 2024 16:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBDo you know a Leapling? I do. For all of you born on February 29th, you probably know all about the day and the year. But for those of us who have regular birthdays every year... how boring... I did some research so you can impress your Leapling... all in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support...
The Snack Table
February 16, 2024 23:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBFootball season is officially over now, but there are still a lot of sports to have a sport watching party. And besides bottles of beer or those red cups, there's the obligatory snack table... nachos, wings or maybe even pigs in a blanket. But who came up with those goodies? The details are yours in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches...
My mind is a junk drawer
February 02, 2024 13:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBAs I go about my day, questions pop in my head. I see different things. People say things to me. And it all gets dumped into my mind. Hence the junk drawer. It's like the junk drawer in my kitchen except for the screwdrivers. I know something is in there but I just can't find it. Well, during my month-long break, I decided to go through it. And now you get to hear it. All in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at doug...
50 Questions
December 29, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBThere are so many questions in the world, and I have so little podcast time. So I picked 50 of them. That's all I could squeeze in. I'm not sure they're the most important questions in the world, but I have the answers. Sit back and listen because you are about to be educated... all in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me ...
Doug's 42nd Annual Christmas Gift Guide
December 15, 2023 12:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBHaving trouble finding the right gift for someone? Then fear not as I have assembled the definitive list of Christmas gifts that will leave your friend or family member speechless. And I mean speechless. Unless they're asking "What's wrong with you?" A whole bunch of gifts for your consideration... all in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode la...
'Tis the Baking Season
December 01, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBIt's the time of the year where ovens get hot and rolling pins roll. Christmas cookies. But how did it all start? What are the top Christmas cookies and why do we leave a plate out for Santa. All those questions and more answered in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show Thanks for l...
It's all a Conspiracy
November 17, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBBig Foot, Flat Earth, Moon Landings... conspiracy theories are everywhere. In a no-judgement episode, we'll look at how conspiracies start, how they grow and why people subscribe to them. We'll also take a look at some of the more unusual theories AND some conspiracy theories that turned out to be true... all in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new epis...
Laughing and Groaning
November 03, 2023 09:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBWars, hurricanes, religious conflict, people hurting people, and rising costs. Sometimes you just need a break from all the news. Maybe, oh, like a twenty minute break. Well then you've come to the right place because it's time once again for Doug's Dad Joke Time. You'll laugh, you'll groan, and if you don't laugh at at least one of these comedic gems, then there's something wrong with you. Listen to it all in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, plea...
Boo!
October 20, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBHaunted Houses are everywhere, but but where did they get their start? From people's garages to major theme parks, patrons flock to these events and attractions just to get scared. But what about real haunted houses? All that and more in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show Thanks ...
Happy Birthday
October 06, 2023 08:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBCake, balloons, candles, pinatas and even getting a dusting of flour from head to toe. These are just some of the birthday traditions from around the world. But just how and why did we start celebrating birthdays? And what about that birthday song? Those questions and more answered in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on...
The competition is afoot
September 22, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBThe NFL or Premier League or Formula One aren't the only competitions around. How about Chessboxing, Conker smashing, or Cherry Pit Spitting. Some of the lesser known contests may be just up your alley. And don't forget about the worms. Every competition (almost) you've always wanted to enter... in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launche...
Blibber Blubber
September 08, 2023 08:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBFrom Birch bark Tar to Chicle to a synthetic petroleum-derived base. There you have it, the history of chewing gum. Find out how the whole chewing gum thing got started and are there any world's record for gum? Of course there. And, some flavors you may want to try if you're brave. All that in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, fo...
It's all a Con (vention)
August 25, 2023 08:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBWhat do paper dolls, mermaids, and snails all have in common? They all have conventions. Whether they're called conventions or fanfests or gatherings, it's a group of like minded enthusiasts getting together. Forget ComicCon... I have a list of some other options for you... all in just 20 minutes. Okay, actually 22 minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode lau...
Brand names decoded
August 11, 2023 08:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBBrand names come from all kinds of sources. Which company got their name from a book? Have you been pronouncing a shoe brand incorrectly all these years? And the RB in Arby's of course stands for roast beef, right? All these answers and more in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show ...
Tea for Two... er... Everyone.
July 28, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBWhether it's a spot of tea or a 32oz. super cup of iced tea, it all started the same way. Somehow a tea leaf got in a pot of water. Tea has a long storied career and you'll get most of the story along with a couple of tea parties, all in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show Thanks fo...
Memory Lane or History Lesson
July 14, 2023 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBThe more things change, then more they come full circle. A stroll down memory lane for some, and a history lesson for others. The 50s and 60s were a wondrous time with the things we had to do... like get up and change the TV channel... on the TV. There's a whole lot more you may remember or have never heard, all in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new ...
The Summer Solstice
June 23, 2023 12:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBIt's the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. More sunshine than any other day. Given all this light, how do people celebrate? Well there's bonfires, and maypoles, and weird costumes. The how's and why's of the summer solstice, all in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the ...
A Few World's Records
June 11, 2023 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBDo something. Be the fastest or biggest or bizarrest, and you could be the next world's record holder. But who are these Guinness people who determine you're the best? And what does the red-breasted merganser have to do with it? All of that in just twenty one minutes. Yea, i went over. Sorry. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram ...
The Humble Pancake
May 26, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBThe humble pancake. 5,000 or more years old, and still as popular as ever. How did this fluffy disk end up on breakfast tables around the world? And why do people race around the streets of England flipping pancakes? And is Pancake Day legit? All questions answered in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at ...
192 Scoops Per Year
May 12, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBAn A.I. experiment gone bad and the History of Ice Cream. Now that's a combination. Doug tries a new opening of the show and then scoops up the history of ice cream... who came up with the idea and which flavor wins the favorite poll. All in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show Than...
The Percent of Us
April 28, 2023 15:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBPercentages and statistics are everywhere. But how many of them are about us? Okay, probably a lot. But I've managed to bring a few of them together to describe us. Well, maybe not everyone but you get the idea. All in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show Thanks for listening, and...
Welcome Aboard!
April 18, 2023 00:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBI ventured out onto the open sea aboard a cruise ship. There were a few things that amused me, and I thought you should know about them. If you've been on a cruise you may recognize some of them. If you haven't been on a cruise, this may keep you from going. The history of cruising and more all in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches,...
Where's Doug?
April 14, 2023 08:00 - 2 minutes - 1.75 MBWait a minute... you're not there? What the hell? Well, listen to the music. You'll figure it out. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show Thanks for listening, and if you would like to help keep the show going, visit buymeacoffee.com/20minutes. It's up to you. No pressure if you don't. I'll still be here.
Montezuma's Xocolatl
March 31, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBMontezuma II had the right idea with xocolatl. Princess Maria Theresa made it popular. Coenraad Van Houten made it better. J. S. Fry and Sons perfected it. How the little cacao bean found it's way into Lindt and Ghirardelli chocolates. All that and some chocolate facts all packed into just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me...
The History of the Pop
March 18, 2023 01:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MB10,000 years old and still popping. Who and how did early people start popping corn? They didn't even have microwave ovens then. But yes, people have been popping corn for a long time, some even popped it in ashes. WTF? Well, find out the history of this crunchy treat, all in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagr...
Erin go bragh
March 03, 2023 14:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBIreland Forever. St. Patrick's Day has a ton of traditions... the man himself, kidnapping, shamrocks, leprechauns, Guiness, anything green. What's up with that pinching? And shamrock vs four-leaf clover. But how did it all start? Well you know where you can find out, and in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagra...
A word from our sponsor...
February 17, 2023 13:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBWhat do a Bulova watch, Fred Flintstone and Brooke Shields all have in common. They've all been on your TV screen for thirty seconds at a time. TV commercials. We all hate them (although everyone can't wait for them during a Super Bowl). TV advertising... it's beginnings and since... all in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow...
Coupons coupons coupons
February 04, 2023 04:00 - 20 minutes - 14.5 MBHalf off. Twenty percent off. Buy one, get one... BOGO. Two for one. Coupons are probably stuffed into your mail box right now. They're everywhere. But do you know who created the very first coupon? And... the essentials of becoming a Super Couponer. All in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. ...
Man's Best Friends
January 20, 2023 21:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBChances are EXTREMELY high that while you're reading this, you have a pet in your house or yard. But how did our ancestors long ago decide to make wild wolves our friends? And why there was an alligator in the White House? Well, if you have twenty minutes you can find out. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support ...
Buffalo plaid won't you come out tonight
January 06, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBThe red and black checkerboard pattern is everywhere around Christmas time but why? How? Who? And in the second part of the episode we look at some news stories from 2022 you may have missed. All that in just twenty... I mean 23 minutes. The show ran long this week. I'll make it up to you next time. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Ins...
A Carolling We Go
December 18, 2022 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBYou've been hearing Christmas songs for a month now. But have you asked yourself "is this song a Christmas carol or is it a Christmas song? Is there a difference?" Well my friends, in just twenty minutes you'll know, and we'll have a list of the most loved and hated Christmas songs. Ho ho ho. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at...
Doug's 2022 Christmas Gift Guide
December 04, 2022 14:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBHaven't finished your Christmas shopping yet? Haven't even started it yet. Well hold off on clicking that Amazon checkout button until you've heard these amazing Christmas gift ideas. Any of these will surely bring a smile to family and friends. I think. Okay, maybe not. You can decide after just 22 minutes. (I know, this episode ran long. Too many gift ideas). Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want ...
The Great Malls
November 25, 2022 12:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBThe Agora turned into the world's shopping malls. And Black Friday didn't help. Everything you need to know about how your shopping mall, how Black Friday was once Big Friday, how the malls came to be, plus the biggest malls in the world. All in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show ...
Perissology and Confabulation
November 11, 2022 12:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBSuch big words for just twenty minutes. School is in session as you get a lesson in big words that sound made up, but they're legit. And there's a little bonus in the last five minutes... a little something for the Thanksgiving dinner table conversation. A jam packed twenty minutes you'll never get back. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on I...
All Hallows Eve
October 28, 2022 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBWitches, Superman's, Zombies, and some bizarre costume that you can't figure out what it is... all ding-donging their way through the neighborhoods. But how did this happen. Did Hershey's and dentists get together and create this plot? You can easily find out in just twenty minutes. Just enough time to down a couple of Snicker's bars and a peanut butter cup or two. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want ...
The French of Things
October 15, 2022 14:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBYou had to wonder from time to time. French bread. French dressing. And what about those fries? Wonder no more. All is revealed in just twenty minutes. Okay, maybe not all but just enough to answer maybe five questions. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show Thanks for listening, and if you would...
A Cup of Joesphus
October 01, 2022 14:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBI'm back with another season of 20 minutes of stuff. In particular, episode 101 asks the question "why is it a cup of Joe"? And based on research I did so you didn't have to, no one really know. But you will hear a few suggestions. You choose. All that and more in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYN...
100
August 12, 2022 08:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBIt started 788 days ago and now we're at episode 100. But is it time to call it quits? I've been struggling what to do for a few weeks now and I've finally come to a decision. The podcast recap and the answer to the question... all in 20 minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show Thanks for listenin...
My apologies
August 05, 2022 15:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBGreetings. I'm still dealing with the side effects of Covid so instead of subjecting you to my continuous coughing, we'll just push the pause button for a week. Please come back next week. I'll be better. I promise. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show Thanks for listening, and if you would like to hel...
Does he or doesn't he?
July 29, 2022 17:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBThe primary topic... albeit short... is hour glasses. You know, like the logo for this podcast. But more importantly Doug thinks he may have either... 1) a really bad summer cold, or 2) Covid. He takes a test live while you learn about hour glasses, all in twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support t...
12 in 20
July 16, 2022 14:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBThey're back. Those topics that just aren't worthy of twenty minutes. So I'm providing you with a dozen more topics stuffed into twenty minutes. Twelve times the research in the same amount of time. Amazing. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show Thanks for listening, and if you would like to help keep t...
Wile E. Coyote... so misunderstood
July 01, 2022 15:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB1) Does anyone understand Donald Duck? 2) What is the Road Runner such a jerk? In the next 20 minutes I'm surely going to get a lot of people mad at me and that's okay. You're entitled to your opinions however misguided they are. I stand with you Wile E. And you Yosemite Sam. Even you Marvin... Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instag...
Allen wrenches and Meatballs
June 24, 2022 15:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBIf you hear either one of those words by themselves you would have a pretty good idea what the topic is but when you hear Allen wrenches and Meatballs you know EXACTLY what the topic is... IKEA. Who started IKEA, what's with those product names and what does IKEA mean? All the answers and more in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, f...
Pomp and Circumstance
June 17, 2022 20:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBThe Rite of Passage. The Speeches. The gowns. The mortarboards. And the blazing sun in a hot stadium. That's what we call graduation. Find out why in just twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show Thanks for listening, and if you would like to help keep the show going, visit buymeacoffee.c...
Well this isn't an episode
June 10, 2022 14:00 - 2 minutes - 2.01 MBIt may not be a full episode, but I do have a question for you. Plus, enjoy your extra twenty minutes this week. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB.
The Crown Cap
June 03, 2022 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBThe Crown Cap. It's been around since 1892. You've seen them. You've removed them. You've probably never really thought about them. But we all owe William Painter a hardy thank you for keeping the bubbles in beer and soft drink bottles. Find out what I'm talking about in just twenty ... no... make that in fourteen minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode la...
Round and Round We Go
May 27, 2022 15:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBIt's an amusement park favorite but what does it have to do with 12th century knights? And just how are they connected to Tea Cups? So many questions and so many answers... all in twenty minutes. Thanks for listening and if you have any comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. If you want to stay informed of when a new episode launches, follow me on Instagram at @20MYNGB. Support the show Thanks for listening, and if you would like to help keep the show going,...