Why do we change our clocks for Daylight Saving Time?

Summary

Podcast Summary: Who Smarted? - Episode: "Why Do We Change Our Clocks for Daylight Saving Time?"

Introduction and Historical Reenactment

In the March 12, 2025 episode of "Who Smarted?", hosts Jerry Colbert and his friend Chet Nickerson engage listeners with an entertaining historical reenactment to explore the origins and implications of Daylight Saving Time (DST). The episode kicks off with Jerry portraying Thomas Jefferson and Chet embodying Benjamin Franklin, setting the stage for a humorous yet informative discussion.

Reenacting the Birth of Daylight Saving Time

The episode begins with a playful interaction between Jefferson and Franklin. At [00:55], Jerry states, "I'm Thomas Jefferson and Chet is Ben Franklin. We begin," leading into a dialogue where Franklin proposes the idea of shifting clocks forward by an hour. Chet humorously suggests, "We'll call it Daylight Saving Time. Or should it be savings? Hmm" ([02:58]). This initial conversation introduces listeners to the concept of DST through a lighthearted lens, questioning its practicality and origins.

Debunking Myths: Franklin and DST

As the reenactment progresses, Jerry clarifies that Benjamin Franklin did not actually propose DST. At [07:08], Chet admits, "I never proposed Daylight Saving Time," debunking the common myth that Franklin was the mastermind behind the practice. Jerry elaborates, "Ben Franklin is often credited with creating Daylight Saving Time, but it's just a myth," explaining that Franklin's original intent was to encourage people to appreciate daylight, not to change the clocks.

The True Origins: George Vernon Hudson's Contribution

The episode shifts to the real origins of DST, highlighting the role of George Vernon Hudson, an entomologist from New Zealand. Jerry explains, "In the late 1800s, an entomologist in New Zealand named George Vernon Hudson wanted more daylight time in the evening to collect bugs and thought others might enjoy it too" ([07:31]). Hudson's proposal involved moving clocks forward by two hours in the summer, a concept initially ridiculed but later gaining traction.

Adoption During World Wars for Energy Conservation

DST's adoption during global conflicts is a critical point in the episode. Jerry recounts how DST was first implemented by Germany and Austria during World War I to conserve coal, a vital resource ([09:23]). He explains that the United States followed suit in 1918 but discontinued the practice after the war ended due to its unpopularity. However, DST was reinstated during World War II under the name "wartime smarty pets" to continue conserving energy ([11:24]).

Modern Implementations and Energy Savings

The discussion moves to the modern implementation of DST, particularly in the United States. Jerry outlines the legislative changes over the decades, including the 1974 energy crisis and the 2007 Energy Policy Act, which extended DST by months for continued energy conservation ([11:24]). However, he candidly addresses the minimal actual energy savings, posing a quiz question: "How much energy is truly saved?" with the answer being "less than 1%" ([11:24]).

Who Benefits and Who Doesn't?

The episode delves into the varying perspectives on DST, exploring which groups support or oppose the practice:

• Farmers: Contrary to popular belief, farmers often dislike DST as it disrupts their schedules ([16:53]).
• Stores and Retailers: Enjoy more evening daylight, leading to increased shopping ([17:13]).
• Police and Crime Rates: Studies show a drop in crime during DST ([17:13]).
• Parents of School Children: Oppose DST because children must attend school in darker mornings ([17:13]).
• Sports Organizations: Support DST as it allows for more evening games and activities without the need for stadium lighting ([17:13]).
• Doctors: Highlight health risks associated with losing an hour of sleep, including increased chances of injury and heart disease ([17:13]).
• Candy Makers: Favor DST for the extended daylight during Halloween, boosting candy sales ([17:13]).

These insights illustrate the complex and often conflicting interests surrounding DST.

Current Status and Global Perspective

Jerry provides a global perspective, noting that approximately 70 countries observe some form of DST, although this number is decreasing ([16:53]). He mentions ongoing debates and movements in regions like the United States and Europe to abolish clock changes altogether, reflecting a shift in public sentiment.

Interactive Segment: "Who's Smarted?"

To engage listeners, Jerry introduces a game segment where he names different groups, and Chet and the audience guess whether they support DST. This interactive approach reinforces the educational content while maintaining the podcast's entertaining tone.

Conclusion: The Future of Daylight Saving Time

Wrapping up the episode, Jerry poses the lingering question: "If it doesn't conserve energy, why are we still changing our clocks?" He hints at deeper societal influences, such as consumerism and cultural traditions, that perpetuate the practice despite its questionable benefits.

Final Thoughts and Production Credits

The episode concludes with a shout-out to listeners and credits the creative team behind "Who Smarted?", emphasizing the blend of humor, storytelling, and factual information that makes the podcast a favorite among kids, parents, and educators alike.

Notable Quotes:

• "[07:08] Chet Nickerson: I never proposed Daylight Saving Time."
• "[07:31] Jerry Colbert: In the late 1800s, an entomologist in New Zealand named George Vernon Hudson wanted more daylight time in the evening to collect bugs..."
• "[11:24] The U.S. energy Department noted a half percent decrease in energy usage, which ain't much."

Conclusion

This episode of "Who Smarted?" effectively combines historical reenactment, factual explanations, and interactive elements to demystify Daylight Saving Time. By addressing common myths, exploring genuine historical motivations, and examining the current debates, the podcast provides a comprehensive and engaging examination of why we change our clocks—a perfect blend of education and entertainment for young minds.

Transcript

[Jerry Colbert]

If you want to enjoy Whosmarted without all the ads, plus, get an extra new episode every week. Subscribe to WhoSmarted plus today. It's less than $5 a month and you get every episode ad free and a brand new extra episode every single week. Subscribe now on apple [e-mail] Classroom educators get a free subscription for classroom use. Just Click [e-mail] and now it's time for who Smarted? Psst. Hey, smartypants. We're gonna do something a little different. To start today's episode, we're going to do a historical reenactment. I, trusty, will be playing Thomas Jefferson, while my good friend, ace reporter Chet Nickerson, will be playing Benjamin Franklin.

[Chet Nickerson]

A penny saved is a penny earned.

[Jerry Colbert]

Not yet, Chet. We haven't started.

[Chet Nickerson]

I was just warming up. Me, me, me, me, me, me, me.

[Jerry Colbert]

Okay, so remember, I'm Thomas Jefferson and Chet is Ben Franklin. We begin.

[Chet Nickerson]

Excuse me, Mr. Jefferson.

[Jerry Colbert]

Ah, Ben Franklin. For what do I owe the pleasure?

[Chet Nickerson]

I have an idea. One I think will change the world and impact the lives of people for centuries.

[Jerry Colbert]

How exciting. Does it have anything to do with the Declaration of Independence?

[Chet Nickerson]

The what?

[Jerry Colbert]

The Declaration I'm working on, you know, against the British. Didn't you say you help me with it, or do I have to write it all by myself?

[Chet Nickerson]

Oh, yeah, sure. We can get to that at some point. But first I want to tell you my big idea.

[Jerry Colbert]

Okay, what do you got?

[Chet Nickerson]

Well, yesterday, while I was electrocuting a turkey.

[Jerry Colbert]

Hold on. Let me stop you there. Did you say you were electrocuting a turkey? Ben, have you gone mad?

[Chet Nickerson]

No, no, no. It wasn't alive. Turkey. It was my dinner. I was cooking it using electricity because I love electricity. Which you should know, is both fascinating and terribly dangerous. In fact, as I was electrocuting the turkey, I also seemed to have electrocuted myself. I got quite a jolt. It knocked me right on my bum. And when I got up, oh, I was a bit dizzy and disoriented. And then it hit me. A brilliant idea. Are you ready?

[Jerry Colbert]

Yes, I've been ready.

[Chet Nickerson]

Good. Here it is. Let's set our clocks forward an hour.

[Jerry Colbert]

You want to set the clocks forward an hour precisely.

[Chet Nickerson]

And let's do it under the COVID of darkness. That way, the next day, nobody will know it hit them. Suddenly, what was once lunchtime is now after lunch.

[Jerry Colbert]

Uh, come again?

[Chet Nickerson]

We'll call it Daylight Saving Time. Or should it be savings? Hmm.

[Jerry Colbert]

Hang on, Ben. What are you saying? You're just shifting the clocks an hour Nothing changes with the actual daylight.

[Chet Nickerson]

I know it's confusing, but also brilliant. Mornings will be darker, nights will be brighter, and people all around the world will be groggy because they've lost an hour of sleep every year. They'll complain about it and ask, why are we doing this? And nobody will know. I tell you, it's brilliant.

[Jerry Colbert]

And what does this have to do with the British?

[Chet Nickerson]

Ah, yes. Check this out, tj. We could trick the British. We could tell them to meet us at three, but they'll show up at four by mistake. They'll be so embarrassed, their faces will turn as red as their coats. And you know what'll be the best part? After several months, when people are finally used to the time change, we'll set the clocks back again.

[Jerry Colbert]

I think you may have zapped yourself a few too many times with electricity. Do I need to call a doctor?

[Chet Nickerson]

I'm telling you, it's brilliant. Daylight saving time. Oh, I'm so excited. I could. I could fly a kite. Think about it. Ta ta.

[Jerry Colbert]

And scene. Okay, I'm back to being the narrator again. Thank goodness. So smarty pants, why do we move our clocks forward an hour every spring? Why would Ben Franklin propose such an idea? Does it make any sense? And what does it have to do with bugs and candy? It's time for another big whiff of history and science on the smart egg.

[Chet Nickerson]

Who's smart? Who's smart? Is it you? Is it me? Is it science? Or history? Listen up everyone. We make smarting lots of fun. But who's smarted?

[Jerry Colbert]

Hey there smarty pants. Parents you love who smarted because it makes learning fun for your kids. But what about your brain? I'm Jerry Colber, the co creator of Whosmarted and yes, your very own trusty narrator. And I've got something just for you. It's called the Daily brain, a quick 10 minute podcast designed to help you think, sharper, stress less and boost your brain power with simple science backed exercises. From problem solving hacks to memory tricks and focus boosters, the Daily Brain is like a mini workout for your mind. No heavy lifting required. So after Whosmarted, treat yourself to some brain boosting fun. Listen to the Daily Brain wherever you get your podcasts. Okay, smartypants, most of you know the routine. Sometime in the spring, your clocks move forward an hour. Some countries call this summertime, while other countries call it daylight saving time. Oh, and that's saving, not savings. So why do we do this? Sure, you get more time to play outside during the summer, but if you Smarty pants guessed that's not the reason for Daylight Saving Time. You'd be right. You're probably also guessing correctly that Ben Franklin didn't invent it after zapping his turkey dinner. So answer this. True or false? Ben Franklin proposed Daylight Saving Time to trick the British. The answer is false. How about this? True or false? Ben Franklin proposed Daylight Saving Time because he wanted more daylight for bug collecting. That is also false, but maybe not for the reason you think. Chet, can you be Ben Franklin again?

[Chet Nickerson]

Of course, my friends, the truth is, I never proposed Daylight Saving Time.

[Jerry Colbert]

That's right. Ben Franklin is often credited with creating Daylight Saving Time, but it's just a myth. The belief comes from a letter Franklin once wrote in which he joked that the French should fire cannons to get people up earlier.

[Chet Nickerson]

You see, in my day, a lot of lazy folks slept until noon, and I just wanted them to appreciate the early daylight.

[Jerry Colbert]

This call to appreciate daylight wasn't a call to switch the clocks, though. That came much later from an entomologist. Smartypants. Do you know what an entomologist studies? Is it A, clocks, B, trains, or C, insects? The answer is C, insects. In the late 1800s, an entomologist in New Zealand named George Vernon Hudson wanted more daylight time in the evening to collect bugs and thought others might enjoy it too. Hudson proposed moving clocks forward by two hours in the summer and then switching them back in the winter. It was the first serious case for Daylight Saving Time, and it was ridiculed. Scientists called the idea too complicated and unnecessary. About 12 years later, a British businessman called for an 80 minute time change, and he too was rejected. So, smarty pants, what changed people's minds? Was it A, evening sports, B, war, or C, a crime wave? The answer is B. Changing clocks suddenly became popular during World War I. Ooh, it sounds like it's time for another recreation. I'll be a World War I pilot. Chet, you be the gunner on my plane.

[Chet Nickerson]

Got it. Enemy, 10 o'clock. What happens at 10 o'clock?

[Jerry Colbert]

No, if he were on a clock face and flying towards the 12, then the enemy would be up and to.

[Chet Nickerson]

The left where the 10 would be. Gotcha. I see him. Unfortunately, we've run out of bullets.

[Jerry Colbert]

Out of bullets? How did we run out of bullets?

[Chet Nickerson]

Cause there's a shortage of coal at home.

[Jerry Colbert]

Coal? What does coal have to do with bullets?

[Chet Nickerson]

Well, the factories that make bullets burn coal to operate, and the trains that deliver supplies to troops also run on coal. But since so much coal gets used by people to heat and light their homes at night. There isn't enough left for us to use. If only there was a way for people to have more bright and warm daylight later in the day, maybe they'd use less coal.

[Jerry Colbert]

Enemy, 11 o'clock.

[Chet Nickerson]

Ah, I thought you said 10 o'clock.

[Jerry Colbert]

I did. He must have sprung forward.

[Chet Nickerson]

Say, that gives me an idea. What if we moved our clocks forward an hour? It's brilliant. Ha ha.

[Jerry Colbert]

Have you gone crazy? Whoops. We're also out of gas. End scene. But the idea was not crazy. Germany and Austria were the first countries to try Daylight Saving Time, and other European nations quickly followed. The effort to conserve coal was rather successful, and two years later, in 1918, the United States adopted Daylight Saving Time for the same reason. But it wasn't very popular, so the practice stopped when the war ended. It came back about 30 years later for energy conservation during World War II. Back then they called it wartime smarty pets. True or false? After World War II, most countries made Daylight Saving Time permanent. The answer is false. But some communities did continue the practice, and that led to a bit of confusion. Hi, y'all. I'd like two tickets to the Yankees game, please.

[Chet Nickerson]

But it's too late. You missed too much of the game.

[Jerry Colbert]

But it's only one o'clock. I reckon the game should be starting now.

[Chet Nickerson]

You ain't from the city, are you? Here in New York, it's 2pm by golly.

[Jerry Colbert]

By the 1970s, people had enough of this confusion and governments put Daylight Saving Time or summertime into law, creating the system we have today. Daylight Saving Time was made year round in the US because of a global energy crisis in 1974, but returned to half a year shortly after. It increased by a month during the 1980s and then by another month in 2007, thanks to the US Energy Policy Act. So, once again, energy conservation was the reason for Daylight Saving Time. But, smarty pants, how much energy is truly saved? Is it A, less than 1%, B, 18%, or C 67%? The answer, unfortunately, is A. The U.S. energy Department noted a half percent decrease in energy usage, which ain't much. So if it doesn't conserve energy, why are we still changing our clocks? It might have something to do with candy. We'll explain after this quick break. And a word from our sponsors. This episode is brought to you by ixl. As someone who's constantly balancing work and life, I know how tough it can be to make sure kids get the academic support they need, whether they're homeschooled or in a traditional classroom. That's why IXL has been a lifesaver. It's an online learning program that covers math, language arts, science and social studies with interactive practice problems, games and video tutorials. Plus, it makes learning fun, just like WhoSmarted. For homeschool parents, IXL is the perfect supplement to your curriculum, giving kids personalized learning at their own pace. And for parents of traditional school kids, it is a great way to reinforce what they're learning in class, whether they need extra help or or are just looking for a challenge. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL today. Podcast listeners get an exclusive 20% off when you sign up at ixl.com smartid Visit ixl.com smartid now to give your child the best learning support available. IXL where learning Clicks this episode is brought to you by Squarespace. Smarty Pants it's quiz time. If you wanted to start a business, share your ideas with the world, or finally launch your site about history's weirdest inventions, what is the smartest way to do it? Is it A Shouting your message from the top of a volcano? B training an army of synchronized skywriting parrots? Or c Building a sleek professional website with Squarespace. If you said C, congratulations. You win the Internet. With Squarespace's design intelligence, you can build a beautiful website in minutes. No coding, wizardry or secret handshake required. Want to sell stuff? Squarespace Payments lets you accept Apple Pay, Klarna, and even credit cards. And because social media runs the universe, Squarespace seamlessly connects your site to Instagram, YouTube, and more, so your fans or future customers can easily find you. Start your free trial [e-mail] smartid and when you're ready to launch, use code smarted to save 10% on your first website or domain. Now who's ready to make history? Hey smarty parents. I love Green Chef because of how absolutely easy the meals are to make and how every night it feels like we're eating at a restaurant right at home. The variety is excellent and includes meals for special diets like keto gluten free and calorie smart with pre portioned ingredients, there's less prep, less mess and more time to enjoy delicious meals. Green Chef's easy to follow directions means my kitchen phobic family members actually cook when we get our Green Chef kit, and it's a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen too. Plus, Green Chef is owned by HelloFresh, which lets me switch between the brands for even more variety. And now my listeners can enjoy both at a discount with me. Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green chef. Go to greenchef.com smartedfree and use code smartedfree to get free salads for two months plus 50% off your first box. That's greenchef.com smartedFree and use code smartedfree to get free salads for two months plus 50 percent off your first box. Green Chef the number one meal kit for eating well. Now back to who Smarted Smartypants We've talked a lot about Daylight Saving Time or summertime. But do you change clocks where you live? If you don't, you're not alone. Can you guess how many countries use some form of Daylight Saving Time? Is it A, most countries? B, about 70? Or C, fewer than 10? The answer is B, about 70 countries. That's less than half of all the countries in the world, and the number has been shrinking. There's even a push to stop changing clocks in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere.

[Chet Nickerson]

Whoa.

[Jerry Colbert]

The problem is, do you move the clocks forward and keep them there, or do you stick with standard time? Daylight Saving Time can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on who you ask. Smarty pants. Let's play a little game called who.

[Chet Nickerson]

Likes Daylight Saving Time?

[Jerry Colbert]

Okay, here's how it works. I'll name a group of people, and you guess whether or not they like Daylight Saving Time. Just call out yes or no, and then I'll play a sound to give the answer. A ding for yes and a buzz for no. Ready? Here we go. First up, farmers. While most people think farmers pushed for Daylight Saving Time, many actually ha hate it because it disrupts their finely tuned schedules. Next up, stores. Yep, more evening daylight means more shopping. Next, the police Studies show that crime drops during Daylight Saving Time. Okay, here's one that's close to home. Parents of school children. A lot of moms and dads don't like Daylight Saving Time because kids have to go to school during dark morning hours. Next, sports. Golf ball sales go way up during Daylight Saving Time. Baseball organizers also support it because fields without lights can be used later. Next, doctors. This has more to do with switching clocks. Doctors say losing an hour of sleep can increase risk of injury, illness, heart disease, and depression. Okay, how about movie theaters? Supposedly, fewer people go to see movies when it's still light outside. Okay, last one. Candy makers. Smartypants, can you guess why candy makers would like Daylight Saving Time? Think about when it ends in the United States in November. What holiday happens right before then? That's right, Halloween, when daylight Saving time expanded in 2007, it ensured more daylight for kids on Halloween, which means more trick or treating, which means more candy buying. By some accounts, candy makers strongly pushed to expand Daylight Saving Time for years before it happened. So if Daylight Saving Time sticks around or is expanded to the full year, you might want to thank the candies in your Halloween bag.

[Chet Nickerson]

Or you could thank me.

[Jerry Colbert]

Uh, no, Chet. I mean, Ben Franklin. Did you listen to anything we just said?

[Chet Nickerson]

Well, I did urge you to appreciate the daylight. And like I always say, lost time is never found again. And what we call time enough always proves little enough.

[Jerry Colbert]

Wow. And speaking of we're out of time. A big shout out to Lux, to Luke and Logan in College Station, Texas, who wrote in to say that they've been listening to who Smarted for years. Well, hopefully those years have been filled with laughing and learning. Thanks for smarting with me and all your friends at WhoSmarted this episode. Daylight Saving Time was written by Dave Beaudry and voiced by Adam Clocks Davis, Kim no Daylight Davis and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Fall behind Han. Our associate producer is Max what Time Zone Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Spring Forward 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 Audio production.

[Chet Nickerson]

Who Smarted.