Podcast Summary: The Ridiculous History of Vending Machines

Podcast Information:

• Title: Ridiculous History
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Description: History is beautiful, brutal, and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.
• Episode: The Ridiculous History of Vending Machines
• Release Date: April 1, 2025

1. Introduction

The episode begins with host Ben Bowlin and co-host Noel Brown introducing the topic of vending machines, setting the stage for an exploration into their quirky and varied history. They humorously engage with their super producer, Max Williams, highlighting the show's lighthearted and conversational tone.

2. Early Beginnings: Hero of Alexandria’s Holy Water Vending Machine

The discussion kicks off with one of the earliest known vending machines, invented by Hero (also known as Heron) of Alexandria around 1st-century Egypt. This ingenious device dispensed holy water in temples, operating mechanically without human intervention.

• Ben Bowlin [08:05]: "Our story begins with a guy named Hero or Heron or Heron of Alexandria. In ancient Egypt, this guy purportedly invented the first vending machine... it was selling holy water, of course."

• Noel Brown [10:14]: "Hero comes from a Greek word that means protector or defender... he was very much responsible for the kind of proto vending machine."

Hero’s machine utilized a clever mechanism where a coin’s weight triggered the release of a preset amount of holy water, ensuring controlled usage and deterring fraud.

3. Vending Machines in the Victorian Era: Tobacco and Snuff

Transitioning to the 18th century, the hosts delve into the advent of vending machines in England, particularly focusing on "honor boxes" used to sell tobacco and snuff. These machines represented a significant step in the commercialization and ubiquity of vending machines.

• Ben Bowlin [15:11]: "These things were early vending machines that were operated via coin, and they were used to sell tobacco and snuff."

• Noel Brown [18:30]: "One of the classic styles of vending machines that you see less and less of these days is the cigarette machine with the big old clunky... pull things."

The hosts discuss how these machines not only provided convenience but also posed social and health challenges, such as the ease of access to tobacco products, even for minors.

4. The Rise of Newspaper and Stamp Machines

By the mid-19th century, vending machines expanded their inventory to include newspapers and stamps, addressing the needs of a growing literate population and the burgeoning postal system.

• Ben Bowlin [19:02]: "In the 19th century, we see the introduction of stamp and newspaper vending machines."

• Noel Brown [20:15]: "Simon Denham was another innovator responsible for creating a stamp dispensing machine in 1867."

These machines were strategically placed in train stations and post offices, optimizing their placement where consumers naturally needed these items.

5. Early Innovations: Postcard Vending Machines

In 1883, Percy Everett revolutionized vending machines by introducing systems that dispensed postcards, marking a departure from selling only consumables. This innovation highlighted the adaptability of vending machines to cater to diverse consumer needs.

• Ben Bowlin [22:11]: "In 1883, Percival Everett was the first to truly innovate some of these previous iterations into a form much more resembling modern vending machines."

• Noel Brown [23:10]: "These vending machines are able to sell all kinds of stationery, right?"

The placement of postcard machines in locations like train stations capitalized on travelers' needs, enhancing the machines' practicality and profitability.

6. The Golden Age of American Vending Machines

The early to mid-20th century marked the golden age of vending machines in the United States, with a surge in popularity driven by industrialization and increasing factory populations.

• Ben Bowlin [43:03]: "Vending machine manufacturers realized that they can up their profits by selling more sophisticated products."

• Noel Brown [44:38]: "The coffee vending machines... only in hospitals and courthouses."

The hosts emphasize the role of vending machines in factory settings, offering employees quick access to refreshments without the need for extensive break facilities.

7. Technological Advances: Coin Validation and Cashless Payments

A significant focus is placed on the technological advancements that enabled vending machines to evolve beyond simple coin-operated devices. Early machines employed mechanisms to detect counterfeit coins based on weight and metal composition.

• Ben Bowlin [53:55]: "The reason that coins in the United States have ridges on them... is because they wanted to prevent fraud in vending machines."

• Noel Brown [55:19]: "They were using... a magnetic tape head mechanism... to verify that it was an authentic dollar."

As vending machines modernized, they incorporated digital scanning technology and cashless payment systems, reflecting broader societal shifts towards digital transactions.

8. Vending Machines Around the World: Japan’s Unique Offerings

The conversation shifts to Japan, renowned for its innovative and eclectic range of vending machines. These machines go beyond beverages and snacks, offering everything from fresh ramen to quirky items like used panties.

• Noel Brown [63:25]: "Japan is known for having really interesting and weird stuff in its vending machines, which are absolutely everywhere."

• Ben Bowlin [64:13]: "There are vending machines for bugs... and other strange items."

The hosts highlight Japan’s cultural openness and technological prowess, which have fostered a vending machine landscape rich with variety and novelty, catering to diverse consumer desires and societal norms.

9. The Future of Vending Machines

Looking ahead, Ben and Noel speculate on the future trajectory of vending machines, anticipating further integration of advanced technologies such as cryptocurrency payments and enhanced security features.

• Noel Brown [59:13]: "You'll start seeing machines like the way that cars stopped having CD players or the way laptops stopped having disk drives."

• Ben Bowlin [60:31]: "We are going to see vending machines continue because they satisfy some basic human needs."

They also discuss the potential for vending machines to adapt to a cashless society, integrating mobile payment systems like Apple Pay and other digital authentication methods.

10. Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reflect on the enduring relevance and adaptability of vending machines throughout history. From dispensing holy water in ancient temples to serving as hubs for modern automatons, vending machines have continuously evolved to meet human needs and technological advancements.

• Noel Brown [72:28]: "I'm excited. So he actually also composed and beep booped this very theme that you hear in your very ears."

• Ben Bowlin [73:10]: "Thanks to Jeff... and thanks to everybody who has run into a weird vending machine. Please post pictures."

The episode concludes with a humorous nod to the show's ongoing adventures in uncovering the bizarre and fascinating stories behind everyday objects, encouraging listeners to engage and share their own encounters with peculiar vending machines.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Bowlin [08:05]: "Hero of Alexandria... invented the first vending machine."
• Noel Brown [10:14]: "He was very much responsible for the kind of proto vending machine."
• Ben Bowlin [15:11]: "Early vending machines were used to sell tobacco and snuff."
• Noel Brown [22:36]: "Percival Everett’s invention transformed vending machines into modern forms."
• Ben Bowlin [53:55]: "Coins have ridges to prevent fraud in vending machines."
• Noel Brown [63:25]: "Japan's vending machines sell everything from ramen to used panties."

This episode of Ridiculous History offers a comprehensive and entertaining journey through the evolution of vending machines, highlighting their cultural significance, technological milestones, and the often humorous roles they play in society.