Story Pirates Podcast: Special Episode from Who Smarted?
Release Date: April 9, 2025

Introduction

In this special crossover episode of the award-winning Story Pirates podcast, the creative team collaborates with the educational science and history podcast Who Smarted? to explore the fascinating world of accidental inventions. Hosted by Trusty, a charismatic narrator from Who Smarted?, and Mrs. Fox, a spirited sixth-grade science teacher, the episode delves into how some of our favorite everyday items were discovered by happy accidents.

Setting the Stage: The Science Fair

The episode kicks off with Trusty being invited to judge a local elementary school’s science fair, which has the intriguing theme of "Accidental Inventions" (02:42). Trusty expresses his initial uncertainty about what constitutes an accidental invention, prompting Mrs. Fox to explain the concept further.

Trusty:
"But what exactly is an accidental invention? And what are some of the most famous accidental inventions? And are there any accidental inventions that are part of your everyday life?" (02:42)

Exploring Accidental Inventions

Throughout the episode, Trusty and Mrs. Fox guide listeners through a series of engaging segments, each highlighting a different accidental invention. They incorporate interactive elements, such as quizzes and hints, to keep the audience engaged.

1. Chocolate Chip Cookies

The first accidental invention discussed is the beloved chocolate chip cookie. Mrs. Fox narrates the story of Ruth Wakefield, who, in 1930, unintentionally created the treat when she added broken semi-sweet chocolate pieces to cookie dough, expecting them to melt but instead leaving delightful chunks (05:32).

Mrs. Fox:
"Ruth Wakefield was baking chocolate cookies when she realized she was out of Baker's chocolate. So she broke semi sweetened chocolate into small pieces and added them to the dough. And just like that, the chocolate chip cookie was born." (05:47)

Trusty:
"I can't believe so many food favorites were invented by accident." (10:04)

2. Ice Cream Cones

Next, the duo explores how ice cream cones came to be. They recount Ernest A. Hanewie's ingenious solution at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, where he rolled a zalabia (a type of waffle) into a cone shape to serve ice cream when bowls ran out (07:05).

Trusty:
"What do you think an accidental invention is? [...] The answer is A, an invention that came about unintentionally." (04:33)

Mrs. Fox:
"Ernest A. Hanewie came to the rescue by rolling his zalabia, or waffle, into a cone shape and topping it with a scoop of ice cream. And just like that, the ice cream cone was born." (07:05)

3. Popsicles

The conversation then shifts to popsicles, invented by an 11-year-old, Frank Epperson, in 1905. By leaving a mixture of soda water powder and water outside overnight with a stirring stick, Epperson inadvertently created the first popsicle when the mixture froze (09:01).

Mrs. Fox:
"In 1905, one year after the accidental invention of the ice cream cone, 11-year-old Frank Epperson mixed soda water powder and water. He left the mixture on his back porch overnight, and what he found in the morning became the first popsicle." (09:15)

Trusty:
"Were popsicles invented by A, a chef, B, an ice cream truck driver, or C, a kid? If you said they were invented by a chef, you're wrong. Sorry." (09:01)

4. Potato Chips

Potato chips were created when George Crum, a chef in Saratoga Springs, New York, frustrated with a customer's preference for thin and crispy fried potatoes, sliced them exceptionally thin and fried them until crispy, inadvertently pleasing the customer and revolutionizing snack foods (10:43).

Mrs. Fox:
"A frustrated chef named George Crum sliced the potatoes super thin, added salt and fried them until crispy. To his surprise, the customer loved them, and the rest is chip history." (10:37)

5. Frisbees

The Frisbee originated from pie tins used by students at Yale University’s Frisbee bakery. When the pies were tossed back and forth after being eaten, the owners recognized the potential for a flying disc toy (12:19).

Trusty:
"Is it named after the person who invented it, the town where it was invented, or a bakery?" (12:05)

Mrs. Fox:
"The Frisbee is named after a bakery. After the students finished eating the pie, they tossed the tin back and forth. What started as a pie tin became the plastic Frisbee disc we love to throw around today." (12:19)

6. Silly Putty

Silly Putty was born when James Wright, an engineer at General Electric, accidentally mixed boric acid with silicon oil in 1944, creating a stretchy, bouncy substance. Initially deemed useless, it was later marketed by Peter Hodgson in 1949 as a popular children’s toy (12:35).

Mrs. Fox:
"In 1944, an engineer named James Wright worked with silicon at General Electric. One day, he added boric acid to silicon oil, making a gooey substance that bounces. But then, in 1949, a man named Peter Hodgson had the idea to put it in plastic eggs, call it Silly Putty, and sell it as a toy." (12:28 and 13:05)

Trusty:
"Fun fact: the astronauts on Apollo 8 played with silly Putty when they got bored." (13:21)

7. Slinky

The Slinky was invented accidentally in 1943 by Richard James, an engineer who was developing torsion springs for the Navy. Observing a falling spring's graceful motion, he and his wife Betty created a toy that became an instant hit, selling out 400 units in 90 minutes at Gimbel's store (13:35).

Mrs. Fox:
"In 1943, Richard James was working on developing torsion springs for the Navy. After watching a spring walk down the stairs, he decided to create a fun toy spring. They named it Slinky, and by November 1945, it was ready as a holiday present." (13:41)

Trusty:
"Do you think people wanted to buy the Slinky? [...] They sold out in 90 minutes." (14:51)

Interactive Learning and Engagement

Throughout the episode, Trusty engages the young audience with multiple-choice questions, encouraging them to guess the inventions' origins before revealing the answers. This interactive approach not only makes learning fun but also reinforces the concept of accidental discoveries.

Trusty:
"Smarty pants, guess where I am. Did you say? I have no idea. Yeah, this game might be more fair with a few hints." (00:02)

Mrs. Fox:
"Because we thought if we put casual observer on the invite, you wouldn't come." (03:31)

Conclusion: Celebrating Accidental Genius

As the episode wraps up, Trusty reflects on the incredible impact of accidental inventions, highlighting how unintentional discoveries can lead to beloved products and cultural staples. The hosts express admiration for the inventors who turned mistakes into successes, inspiring young listeners to embrace curiosity and creativity.

Trusty:
"Wow. I am glad I'm not a judge. It would be too hard to pick or eat just one." (15:17)

Credits and Acknowledgments

The episode concludes with heartfelt shout-outs to young fans and detailed credits to the creative team behind the scenes, including writers, voice actors, technical directors, and producers. Special mentions are given to contributors like Eli and Copeland from Bennetsville, South Carolina, who are avid listeners.

Credits:
"This episode, Accidental Inventions was written by Smart Slinky Sarah Sweetick and voiced by Diana Helen Kennedy, Adam Frisbee Davis and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound designed by Josh Hahn. Our associate producer is Max Waffle Cone Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Silly Putty Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Tex Davis. Who Smarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic Entertainment production." (15:11)

Key Takeaways

• Accidental Inventions: Many beloved products originated from unintended discoveries or solutions to unexpected problems.

• Creativity and Persistence: The stories emphasize the importance of creativity, persistence, and openness to unexpected outcomes in the innovation process.

• Educational Engagement: The interactive format of quizzes and hints effectively engages young listeners, making science and history both fun and memorable.

Notable Quotes

• Trusty (02:42):
  "But what exactly is an accidental invention? And what are some of the most famous accidental inventions?"

• Mrs. Fox (05:47):
  "And just like that, the chocolate chip cookie was born."

• Trusty (10:04):
  "I can't believe so many food favorites were invented by accident."

• Mrs. Fox (07:05):
  "And just like that, the ice cream cone was born."

• Trusty (09:01):
  "If you said they were invented by a chef, you're wrong. Sorry."

This special episode of Story Pirates in collaboration with Who Smarted? serves as an inspiring reminder that innovation often thrives on unexpected turns, encouraging young minds to remain curious and open to the wonders of discovery.