Ridiculous History: The History of Morning Routines, Part One: Thank Goodness People Learned to Wash Themselves

Release Date: June 3, 2025 | Host: Ben Bollen & Noel Brown | Produced by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the premiere episode of "The History of Morning Routines," hosts Ben Bollen and Noel Brown delve into the evolution of one of our most fundamental daily practices: morning hygiene. This episode, titled "Thank Goodness People Learned to Wash Themselves," explores the origins and development of bathing rituals, the invention of soap, and the societal shifts that have made morning routines an integral part of modern life.

The Origins of Soap

Ben Bollen kicks off the discussion by highlighting how morning routines, though often taken for granted today, have deep historical roots. He remarks, “The history of soap, its origin story is gross,” emphasizing the crude beginnings of this essential hygiene product ([01:55]).

Max Williams adds humorously, “The origin of soap is apocryphal's right word. It's as mysterious as the origin of cheese,” underscoring the unclear and often unverified stories surrounding soap’s invention ([07:08]).

The hosts explore various legends, including one where soap-like substances may have been discovered accidentally through animal fat and ashes. They discuss saponification, the chemical reaction that produces soap, noting its accidental discovery akin to other significant inventions.

Development of the Morning Shower

Transitioning from soap, Ben Bollen introduces the concept of the morning shower, tracing its origins back to ancient civilizations. “Back in the day, your beloved ancestors were waking up in ancient mornings, fellow ridiculous historians, they also liked a good morning shower,” he states ([10:49]).

Max Williams elaborates on the methods used before modern plumbing, such as bathing under waterfalls or in natural bodies of water. They discuss the Greeks' advancements in drainage systems, which allowed water to be transported in and out of rooms via pipes—albeit initially made of lead, which had its own health repercussions ([14:34]).

Impact of Plumbing Advances by the Greeks

Ben Bollen discusses how the Greeks built upon prior Egyptian and Mesopotamian concepts to create more sophisticated plumbing systems. “The Greeks are history's first plumbers,” he declares, highlighting their role in advancing personal hygiene ([30:36]).

Max Williams humorously adds, “The humble vessel,” referencing the jug's role in transporting water, a simple yet revolutionary invention that made regular bathing more accessible ([12:07]).

They also touch upon the unintended consequences of these innovations, such as the use of lead pipes contributing to the decline of the Roman Empire due to lead poisoning, affecting public health and societal stability ([15:31]).

Decline of Bathing Practices Post-Roman Empire

The conversation shifts to the fall of the Roman Empire and its impact on bathing practices. Ben Bollen notes, “After Rome fell around 467 CE, Europe got dirty. Bathing habits declined so much that it became a public health crisis,” referencing cleaninginstitute.org ([21:21]).

Max Williams reflects on the reality of declining hygiene standards, linking it to broader public health issues like the Black Death. They discuss how remnants of Roman and Greek plumbing were lost, leading to centuries where regular bathing became a rarity in Western Europe ([21:18]).

Resurgence of Cleanliness in the 17th and 18th Centuries

By the 17th century, attitudes towards cleanliness began to shift again. Ben Bollen asserts, “Cleanliness is next to godliness,” highlighting the renewed emphasis on personal hygiene as a sign of good citizenship and moral standing ([25:16]).

Max Williams discusses the invention of the modern shower in 1767 by William Feetham, who introduced a mechanism to dump water over one's head. While innovative, the early showers had significant drawbacks, such as lack of water purification and inefficient water use ([25:58]).

They explore how the reintroduction and improvement of plumbing systems in the 19th century, particularly post the rediscovery of Roman and Greek techniques, revolutionized personal hygiene by making clean water more accessible and baths more sanitary ([27:04]).

Modern Shower and Bath Practices

The hosts examine how the 20th century solidified the shower's place in daily life, especially in the United States. Ben Bollen notes, “By the 1920s, the US begins pushing the shower as an idea in a wide social move,” illustrating how marketing transformed showers into a symbol of modernity and good citizenship ([36:08]).

Max Williams reflects on personal experiences, sharing how showers became a staple over baths, emphasizing efficiency and the fast-paced nature of contemporary life ([37:10]).

They highlight statistics like Katherine Aschenberg’s finding that nearly one in four American homes built in 2005 had three or more bathrooms, showcasing the shower's essential role in modern American households ([37:50]).

Overuse of Cleanliness and Antibiotic Resistance

The episode takes a critical turn as the hosts discuss the downsides of excessive cleanliness. Ben Bollen references a report from the National Museum of American History, warning that over-bathing can lead to antibiotic resistance and the destruction of beneficial skin bacteria ([39:11]).

Max Williams adds, “Antibiotic resistance, the idea of superbugs as well,” stressing the importance of balanced hygiene practices to prevent the evolution of resistant pathogens ([39:11]).

They caution against the indiscriminate use of antibacterial soaps, citing potential health issues and drawing parallels to previous discussions on the dangers of such products ([39:57]).

Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

As the episode draws to a close, Ben Bollen and Max Williams acknowledge that their exploration of morning routines is just beginning. They tease future discussions on other aspects of morning hygiene, such as hair care products and oral hygiene.

Ben Bollen concludes, “We are going to get back into more of this stuff,” promising listeners that Part Two will continue unraveling the intricate and often ridiculous history of our daily morning practices ([43:19]).

Notable Quotes

• Ben Bollen: “The history of soap, its origin story is gross.” ([01:55])

• Max Williams: “The origin of soap is apocryphal's right word. It's as mysterious as the origin of cheese.” ([07:08])

• Ben Bollen: “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” ([25:16])

• Ben Bollen: “After Rome fell around 467 CE, Europe got dirty. Bathing habits declined so much that it became a public health crisis.” ([21:21])

• Ben Bollen: “This idea of miasma theory was debunked is what I'm getting at.” ([22:33])

• Ben Bollen: “Americans now bathe so frequently that they can cause themselves,” referring to overuse leading to antibiotic resistance ([39:51])

Acknowledgments

The hosts extend their gratitude to their super producer, Max Williams, and research associate, Jeff Factor G. Bartlett, for their contributions to the episode. They also mention upcoming segments and collaborations, ensuring listeners remain engaged for future installments.

Final Thoughts

Ben Bollen and Noel Brown successfully shed light on the often overlooked yet fascinating history of morning routines. From the accidental discovery of soap to the societal transformations surrounding bathing practices, this episode provides a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of how we came to prioritize morning hygiene. Stay tuned for Part Two, where they promise to delve deeper into other facets of our daily cleansing rituals.