Forever Ago®: Smarty Pass Sneak Peek - "Worst Things Worst" Hosted by American Public Media
Release Date: March 24, 2025

Overview

In the "Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Worst Things Worst" episode of Forever Ago®, the hosts delve into the intriguing world of games and educational content, offering listeners a blend of entertainment and insightful discussions. This episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming games, explores innovative approaches to education, and features snippets from related podcasts, all while maintaining the show's hallmark of making history fun and engaging for the whole family.

1. Introduction to Smarty Pass and Game Offerings

The episode opens with Molly Bloom introducing listeners to Brainzonn's array of games designed to challenge and entertain. She highlights the Smarty Pass subscription service, which grants access to ad-free versions of popular games and bonus content.

Notable Quote:

• Molly Bloom [00:00]: "We love playing games at Brainzonn. We like tricky trivia, grueling guessing games, and challenging challenges."

This segment emphasizes the variety and educational value of the games available, setting the stage for deeper discussions about game development and educational strategies.

2. Aron’s New Game Concept: Chronological Invention Order

Aron introduces his latest game concept titled "Chronological Invention Order." The objective of the game is to arrange three inventions in the order they were created, aiming to test players' knowledge of historical timelines.

Notable Exchange:

• Aron [00:35]: "It's a working title. All right. It's where you take three inventions and put them in chronological order."
• Joy [00:46]: "Chronological order, Aron. That's my game. See, it's time for first things first."
• Aron [00:46]: "No, Joy, this game is totally different. See, it's time for Chronological Invention Order."
• Joy [01:10]: "Oh. Oh, this is the worst."
• Aron [01:13]: "It's at least the second worst."

This playful banter between Aron and Joy not only adds humor but also highlights the collaborative and creative environment among the hosts. It underscores the challenge of developing unique game concepts that stand out in the educational gaming landscape.

3. Promoting Smarty Pass Subscription

Molly returns to promote the Smarty Pass subscription, emphasizing its affordability and the value it offers to subscribers. She compares the monthly cost to that of an ice cream cone, making the subscription seem both accessible and appealing.

Notable Quote:

• Molly Bloom [01:18]: "A monthly pass costs about the same as an ice cream cone and gets you fun bonus content like this, plus ad free versions of all of our shows."

This segment serves as a gentle reminder of the added benefits subscribers receive, encouraging listeners to support the show while enjoying uninterrupted content.

4. Highlighting Success in Education: The Soul to Story Podcast

The episode transitions to a segment from The Soul to Story podcast, where the discussion centers on innovative methods in teaching children to read. The hosts share a success story from a school district where reading proficiency rates are exceptionally high.

Notable Exchange:

• Unnamed Host [01:40]: "The Soul to Story podcast is about how teaching kids to read went wrong. But now we have a story about a school district where things are going very right."
• Molly Bloom [01:51]: "Let me make sure my friends are sitting crisscross applesauce, hands in their lap. I've never had a child that couldn't read."
• Unnamed Host [01:57]: "How did they do it?"
• Unnamed Colleague [01:58]: "When I tell some of my other colleagues that may be at other schools that this is what I do, and they would say, you kidding me?"
• Unnamed Host [02:05]: "New episodes of Sold a Story are available now in your podcast. Apparently."

This discussion highlights successful educational strategies and serves as an inspirational example of how innovative teaching methods can lead to remarkable outcomes. It also cross-promotes related content, enriching the listener's experience with interconnected educational narratives.

5. Engaging the Audience with Interactive Content

Throughout the episode, the hosts encourage audience participation through game sign-ups and subscriptions, fostering a community of engaged and active listeners. By blending promotional content with informative discussions, Forever Ago® ensures that listeners are both entertained and educated.

Conclusion

"Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Worst Things Worst" encapsulates Forever Ago®'s mission to make history and education entertaining and accessible. Through engaging discussions about game development, promotional segments, and uplifting educational stories, the episode offers a multifaceted experience that appeals to families and history enthusiasts alike. By featuring notable quotes and interactive elements, the hosts create a dynamic and inviting atmosphere that encourages continued learning and curiosity.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Molly Bloom [00:00]: "We love playing games at Brainzonn. We like tricky trivia, grueling guessing games, and challenging challenges."
• Joy [00:40]: "Chronological order, Aron. That's my game. See, it's time for first things first."
• Aron [01:13]: "It's at least the second worst."
• Molly Bloom [01:18]: "A monthly pass costs about the same as an ice cream cone and gets you fun bonus content like this, plus ad free versions of all of our shows."
• Molly Bloom [01:51]: "I've never had a child that couldn't read."

Stay Connected

For more engaging content and to support Forever Ago®, listeners are encouraged to visit smartypass.org to subscribe to the Smarty Pass, unlocking a world of educational games and ad-free episodes.