Rope has been foundational to so much of human civilization. It's made sailing, hunting, building, and so much more, possible. This hour, we look at the history and utility and future of rope.

GUESTS:

Tim Queeney: Author of Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization, among other books
Manuel Medrano: A PhD candidate in Harvard’s History Department, who studies quipus
Tahira Reid Smith: Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Design and the Director of the REID Lab at Penn State. She is also the patented inventor of the Automatic Double Dutch Machine, and the founder of Jump Dreams, Inc.

MUSIC FEATURED (in order):

Flamingo – Kero Kero Bonito
The Last Shanty – Derina Harvey Band
Rope – Foo Fighters
Tightrope – Janelle Monae
Rope A Dope – Victor Oladipo, 2 Chainz
Double Dutch – Charity

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Colin McEnroe and Dylan Reyes contributed to this show, which originally aired on October 15, 2025.

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Rope has been knotting humanity together for centuries