Stuff You Missed in History Class: Episode Summary – "Behind the Scenes Minis: Pens and Dog Radios"

Release Date: July 11, 2025

Hosts: Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson | Produced by iHeartRadio

Introduction

In the episode titled "Pens and Dog Radios," hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the fascinating histories and personal anecdotes surrounding everyday objects: pens and radio toys. Their conversation not only uncovers the intricate developments behind these items but also highlights the sentimental value they hold in personal lives.

The Allure of Pens

Retractable Pens and Their Evolution

Tracy kicks off the discussion by reminiscing about the design and functionality of retractable pens:

Tracy V. Wilson [02:50]: "I was reading the back of the cat's flea and tick prevention medicine that said if you ingested it, to call poison control. And I was like, huh, how did we get a system in which there's poison control to the point that it's printed on the box?"

This observation leads her to ponder the ingenuity behind retractable pens, questioning when and how the retractable mechanism was first conceived.

Personal Pen Preferences and Experiences

Both hosts share their personal preferences and experiences with various types of pens:

Holly Fry [04:21]: "I have a mix like Tina. I have different kinds that I like."

Tracy V. Wilson [05:16]: "I've only written with a fountain pen one time. It is possible that there are fountain pens that I would like, but that one fountain pen, I was like, nope, feels too scratchy on the page."

Tracy recounts her encounter with a glass dip pen, highlighting the tactile experience that turned her admiration into mere decoration due to its impracticality for writing.

Memorable Pens and Brand Loyalty

Holly expresses her fondness for specific pen brands and models, emphasizing reliability and personal attachment:

Holly Fry [07:34]: "I have passed through, as I'm sure you have, many pens over the years, where I'm like, this is my current favorite. For a long time, I liked the Pilot thick ink rollerball. Great. But right now, it's so silly. And it's been this for a little over, like, a year and a half now."

She highlights her current favorite, a Lego lightsaber gel pen, praising its smoothness while expressing frustration over its structural vulnerabilities.

The Quest for the Perfect Pen

Tracy shares a nostalgic story about a favorite promotional pen she couldn't replace after its ink ran out:

Tracy V. Wilson [08:13]: "The pen that they gave us for free with our little packet of materials, I loved it, wrote really beautifully. When it ran out of ink, I sat there studying it, trying to figure out... I did not figure it out."

This story underscores the personal connections and challenges in sourcing beloved writing instruments.

Nostalgia and Memories of Radio

AM vs. FM Radio: Personal Reflections

Transitioning from pens, the hosts explore their memories associated with radio technologies:

Holly Fry [16:02]: "I remember sitting in that '67 Pontiac Le Mans futzing with the radio nonstop. It's like ingrained in my soul."

Tracy adds her childhood memory of a toy radio dog that played AM radio, blending affection for the device with the sensory experience it provided.

The Significance of AM Radio in Emergencies

Tracy discusses the practical importance of AM radio:

Tracy V. Wilson [16:10]: "AM radio was one of the ways that you can get, here in the United States, broadcasts from the emergency broadcast system when there is some kind of emergency."

This highlights AM radio's enduring role beyond entertainment, serving as a critical communication tool during crises.

Cultural References and Modern Implications

Holly references popular culture to illustrate the romanticized view of radio:

Holly Fry [12:28]: "It is also like a mythology that is perpetuated by a lot of period film and television where someone's like, I must sign my name and they whip out a quill pen that's got gigantic pill feather plumage like as far as the eye can see."

This segue connects historical developments in radio and writing instruments to their portrayal in media, enhancing the audience's appreciation of these technologies' societal impact.

Anecdotes and Shared Experiences

Childhood Adventures and Radio Dogs

Tracy shares an endearing childhood memory:

Tracy V. Wilson [20:03]: "I acquired at what was effectively a yard sale, a toy plush dog that had a radio in its belly... I would go up there and sit with my radio dog and listen to the AM radio and brush its fur with the brush."

This story illustrates how simple toys like a radio dog can create lasting memories and spark curiosity about technology.

Generational Lessons and CB Radios

Holly reflects on her family's history with CB radios:

Holly Fry [20:28]: "My dad's car had a CB radio in there, and my grandfather's car, his dad's car, also a CB radio. I never really learned to use the CB radio."

She contrasts this with Tracy's experience of using CB radios to communicate during road trips, highlighting generational differences in technology usage.

Insights and Conclusions

Appreciating Everyday Objects

Through their discussions, Holly and Tracy emphasize how everyday objects like pens and radios are intertwined with personal history and technological progress. They showcase how curiosity about these items can lead to deeper historical understanding and appreciation.

Tracy V. Wilson [10:25]: "It's one of my favorite things to happen on this show."

Their appreciation for the small inspirations that lead to expansive conversations underscores the podcast's mission to uncover the hidden stories behind seemingly mundane objects.

The Intersection of Functionality and Sentiment

The hosts highlight the balance between functionality and emotional attachment:

Holly Fry [12:00]: "It's also like a mythology that is perpetuated by a lot of period film and television."

This reflection suggests that while technological advancements improve functionality, the sentimental value remains a key aspect of human interaction with these devices.

Closing Thoughts

Holly and Tracy wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to find joy and wonder in the everyday objects around them. They advocate for a mindful appreciation of the tools that facilitate our daily lives, urging an exploration of their historical contexts and personal significances.

Notable Quotes:

• Tracy V. Wilson [02:50]: "How did we get a system in which there's poison control to the point that it's printed on the box?"
• Holly Fry [07:34]: "I love the way a Bic ballpoint rolls. They're pretty consistent. Those are my scribblers."
• Tracy V. Wilson [20:10]: "Radio now I just keep thinking about Elvis Costello songs... It’s ingrained in my soul."

Listen to the full episode on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform to explore more intriguing histories behind everyday items!