Please be advised that new episodes will not be released during the government shutdown. For up-to-date information on the status of the Smithsonian, please visit our website at si.edu. 

Why are capuchin monkeys kidnapping howler monkey babies in Panama? We investigate this bizarre case of primate abduction with researchers working with the Smithsonian to get to the bottom of this bizarre behavior. We'll talk about their discoveries, the social dynamics between capuchins and howler monkeys, and the bizarre island conditions that might be driving this behavior. Is it boredom? Is it social learning? Or is something else entirely at play? Travel with us to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama to uncover this monkey mystery! Guests:  Zoë Goldsborough, visiting researcher at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama and a behavioral ecologist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior  Brendan Barrett, visiting researcher at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama and an evolutionary behavioral ecologist and evolutionary anthropologist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior 

It’s the most recognizable TV theme in America. But Jeopardy’s “Think Music” wasn’t originally written for a game show… It was written for a toddler. In this episode, we trace the unlikely journey of the Jeopardy theme, from Merv Griffin’s living room to over 10,000 episodes across six decades. Along the way, we explore the show’s sonic evolution, including honking buzzers, 80s synths, and orchestral remixes. Featuring Lisa Broffman, Jeopardy’s Consulting Co-Executive Producer. This episode was written & produced by Casey Emmerling. Visit the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to see some of the Jeopardy objects we have in the collection.  MUSIC FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE Harry Endivo - Don’t Bore Me Alberto! Medité - This Round's On Me Flickering - The Squad Andreas Dahlbäck - 808 or 909 Trevor Kowalski - Watercolor Motion I Gavin Luke - The Power of One   Art by Michael Zhang. This episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz is part of our summer playlist to keep you entertained while Sidedoor is on summer break. We’ll be back in the fall with brand new episodes of Sidedoor.

Ana María Bedoya's work takes her to some unlikely places: steep cliffs, river rapids, and tumbling waterfalls— all in search of vulnerable aquatic plants.  Through lively stories and conversations with scientists, gardeners, artists, and experts, join the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) for deep dives into everything from food systems and horticulture to botanical breakthroughs in the lab and the field, and the many ways our daily lives are sustained by plants. This episode of Plant People is part of our summer playlist to keep you entertained while Sidedoor is on summer break. We’ll be back in the fall with brand new episodes of Sidedoor.

Children say it every day in school, but have you ever wondered why we recite the pledge of allegiance? We journey back to the late 1800s to understand how a massive wave of immigration and sagging magazine subscriptions gave rise to this vow of patriotism. From the Civil War to anti-immigrant nativism and Cold War politics, this one pledge tells many stories.  Guests:  Debbie Schaefer-Jacobs, curator for the history of education collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History Marc Leepson, author of Flag: An American Biography

When a black bear in Minnesota woke up from hibernation in the middle of winter and attacked three people and a dog, researchers were left with one question: Why? *** This episode of the Points North podcast is part of our summer playlist to keep you entertained while Sidedoor is on summer break. We’ll be back in the fall with brand new episodes of Sidedoor.  Credits: Producer: Ellie Katz Editor: Morgan Springer Additional Editing: Michael Livingston, Dan Wanschura Additional Production: Matthew Mikkelsen of Hayloft Audio Music: Blue Dot Sessions

Turtles are built like tiny tanks—ancient, armored, and famously tough. But in the modern world, that toughness may be their greatest vulnerability. In part two of our turtle two-parter, we dive into the shadowy world of turtle trafficking, where backyard collectors, international smugglers, and unsuspecting pet owners all play a role. From sting operations to turtle triage, we meet the unlikely defenders working to stop the trade—and care for the reptiles caught in the middle. Because once a turtle is taken from the wild, getting it home again is a lot harder than you’d think. Guests Thomas Akre, head of the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute  John (JD) Kleopfer, State Herpetologist for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources First Sergeant Tim Dooley, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Special Operations for the Virginia Conservation Police, Department of Wildlife Resources  Connor Gillespie, Director of Outreach at the Wildlife Center of Virginia   Dr. Karra Pierce, Director of Veterinary Services at the Wildlife Center of Virginia

Turtles have been around for 200 million years—outliving dinosaurs, surviving ice ages, and basically minding their own business the whole time. Tough on the outside, chill on the inside, they seem built to last. So why are they suddenly disappearing? In part one of this two-part series, we hit the trail in search of one surprisingly elusive reptile: the eastern box turtle. These ancient creatures may seem slow, but their decline is happening fast. And the scariest part? We barely understand what it could mean. Guests: Thomas Akre, head of the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute  Maxwell Earle, outreach and engagement coordinator for the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute  Chris Polinski, lab manager for the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Leeches don’t get a lot of love. They’re slimy, wriggly, and, well, they suck—blood that is. But there’s a lot to learn about the lowly leech. Led by a troupe of Smithsonian experts, we’ll discover how these toothy hangers-on wormed their way into medical practices, performance art, and EVERY human cavity. Yes, even that one. It's a journey of discovery from the swamp to the stage and deep into the vaults of the Smithsonian. And it just may leave you with a little more appreciation (dare we say, love?) for the bloodsuckers. Guests:  Anna J. Phillips, research zoologist and curator of Clitellata and parasitic worms at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History Rachel Anderson, project specialist at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History Josh T. Franco, national collector at the Smithsonian Archives of American Art, former Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship selection committee member Roberto Sifuentes, performance artist and arts instructor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, former fellow with the Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship Aram Han Sifuentes, leech wrangler, social practice fiber artist, writer, curator, and adjunct professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago  

The Gilded Age was a time of unparalleled wealth and prosperity in America — but it was also a time of staggering inequality, corruption, and unchecked power. Among its richest figures was Andrew Carnegie, the steel magnate who built his fortune on the backs of low-paid workers, only to give it away — earning him the nickname the Godfather of American Philanthropy. He didn’t just fund libraries and universities — he championed a philosophy: that it was the duty of the ultra-wealthy to serve the public good. But, as it turns out, even philanthropy is a form of power. So, what exactly have wealthy philanthropists done with their power? We explore that question at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, inside Carnegie’s former mansion. There, a board game called Philanthropy invites players to reimagine the connection between money and power — not by amassing wealth, but by giving it away. Guests:  Christina de León, Associate Curator of Latino Design at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum  Tommy Mishima, artist and co-creator (with Liam Lee) of the installation “Game Room” in Cooper Hewitt's triennial Making Home  David Nasaw, author of the biography Andrew Carnegie 

If you were curating a mixtape that might be heard by aliens billions of years from now - but definitely would be seen by your fellow Earthlings - what would you put on it? In 1977, two Voyager spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral on a journey that would take them beyond our solar system. Affixed to the side of these two planetary explorers was the Voyager Golden Record — the ultimate mixtape of humanity — containing 27 pieces of music as well as pictures and sounds of Earth. But how did these selections get made? Nearly 50 years later, we're teaming up with our friends at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s podcast, AirSpace, to explore what's on the record, how it got made, and its legacy. Learn more about AirSpace!  Airspace Hosts:  Matthew Shindell, curator of space history at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Emily Martin, planetary geologist at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Guests: Ann Druyan, Voyager Golden Record Creative Director Lawrence Azerrad, Co-founder of Macroscopic

The Curious Case of the Dizzy Kudu. Rhinos with an unexplained skin disease. A lion that could barely chew. Who do you call when there's a mystery at the zoo? The Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's anatomical pathologists. These highly-skilled vets search for clues to investigate animal disease and death — sometimes encountering bizarre phenomena.  So, grab your microscope and get ready to head through a very special side door of the National Zoo — the necropsy lab. And you're in luck, because pathologist Kali Holder is our guide!  Guests: Kali Holder, anatomic pathologist at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

From the time we’re old enough to hold a crayon, it feels instinctive to draw on the wall. But for MISS CHELOVE – also known as Cita Sadeli – this instinct became a calling. Through bold color and layered symbolism, she transforms everyday public spaces into deeply personal statements, inspiring some passers-by to wonder: what is the role of the public artist? And how can public art both reflect and shape a community's identity? Guests: MISS CHELOVE (also known as Cita Sadeli), independent Washington D.C. - based art director, muralist, designer, and illustrator Sojin Kim, curator for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center’s exhibition: Sightlines, Chinatown and Beyond

Cellphones put the power of the world at our fingertips. With the touch of a finger, you can instantly connect with your doctor, have food delivered to your office or simply obliterate your niece at Words with Friends. And it's all made possible by rocks formed millions of years ago, deep underground. Join us as we bust open our devices to figure out how these stones power our phones. Guests: Joshua A. Bell, curator of globalization at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History Michael Wise, geologist in the department of mineral sciences at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History Josh Lepawsky, professor of geography at Memorial University of Newfoundland

The United States has more martial arts schools than any other country – by far. Chances are you or someone you know practiced karate or another martial art growing up. While martial arts gained popularity in the U.S. for many reasons, one name stands out: Jhoon Rhee. Known as the Father of American Taekwondo, Rhee famously taught Bruce Lee how to kick and Muhammed Ali how to punch. His bare-knuckled American dream made an impact on generations of Americans. Guests:  Terence Nicholson, a D.C.-based artist. Creator of Safety Jacket: A Mourning in Chinatown Sojin Kim, curator for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center’s exhibition: Sightlines, Chinatown and Beyond M. Aziz, an Assistant Professor of African American Studies in the Department of American Ethnic Studies at the University of Washington Chun Rhee, son of Jhoon Rhee Jimmy Rhee, son of Jhoon Rhee 

A billion-dollar spacecraft, a daring deep-space mission, and one of humanity’s biggest questions: Where did we come from? NASA’s OSIRIS-REx set out to collect a pristine sample from asteroid Bennu, a cosmic time capsule that may hold clues to the origins of life in our solar system. But the journey was anything but easy. Guests: Erica Jawin, postdoctoral research geologist in the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and member of the OSIRIS-REx mission Tim McCoy, curator of meteorites at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and deputy mission sample scientist for the OSIRIS-REx mission Mike Moreau, deputy project manager in the Space Science Mission Operations Project at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center 

When we think of serial killers, we tend to think of men—Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Jack the Ripper. But in the 1800s, the deadliest killers often wore corsets. In fact, so many women were arrested for serial poisoning that the era became known as the “Golden Age of Arsenic.” Journey back in time to trace the crimes of Lydia Sherman, a Victorian Era femme fatale who left a trail of bodies in her wake. How did she — and women like her — evade capture for so long? And how did their murders help give rise to modern criminal forensics? Guests:  Kristen Frederick-Frost, curator of science at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History  Lisa Perrin, author and illustrator of The League of Lady Poisoners  Deborah Blum, author of The Poisoner's Handbook. Director of the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT. 

There was a time, before Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, when some researchers believed women were better suited for space than men. In 1961, a group of female pilots—today known as the Mercury 13—quietly aced NASA’s toughest astronaut tests, even outperforming the Mercury men in some areas. But with the space race heating up, their mission was grounded— but not by science. But what became of America’s first female astronaut candidates? Guests:  Margaret Weitekamp, chair of the space history department at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, and author of Right Stuff, Wrong Sex: America’s First Women in Space Program andSpace Craze: America’s Enduring Fascination with Real and Imagined Spaceflight  Emily Calandrelli, engineer, author, and TV show host of Emily’s Wonderlab and Xploration Outer Space

Beyoncé is one of the most well-known and appreciated Black women in music today, but to understand her work, we need to look at who came before her and what those women contributed to the story of Black women on stage. In this special guest episode, curator Krystal Klingenberg introduces a new season of Collected, a podcast from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, all about Black women in music.  Guests: Daphne A. Brooks, PhD., is professor of African American Studies and Music at Yale University. Dr. Brooks most recent books is Liner Notes for the Revolution: The Intellectual Life of Black Feminist Sound (Harvard University, February 2021). https://afamstudies.yale.edu/people/daphne-brooks   Margo Jefferson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic, and a 2022 recipient of the Windham-Campbell Prize for Nonfiction. Her most recent book is Constructing a Nervous System: a memoir (2022). She is a professor of Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia University. https://arts.columbia.edu/profiles/margo-jefferson   Crystal M.  Moten, Ph.D., is a historian who specializes in twentieth century African American Women’s History. In 2023 she published Continually Working: Black Women, Community Intellectualism, and Economic Justice in Postwar Milwaukee. Dr. Moten is the Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago, Illinois and was previously curator at Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History https://www.crystalmoten.com Dwandalyn R. Reece, Ph.D. is curator of Music and Performing Arts at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Dr. Reece curated the museum’s permanent exhibition, Musical Crossroads, for which she received the Secretary’s Research Prize in 2017. https://music.si.edu/dr-dwandalyn-reece Fath Davis Ruffins was a Curator of African American History at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History (NMAH). She began working at the museum in 1981, and between 1988 and 2005, she was the head of the Collection of Advertising History at the NMAH Archives Center. Ruffins was the original project director of Many Voices, One Nation, an exhibition that opened at NMAH in June 2017.  She was leading a museum project on the history and culture of the Low Country region of the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. https://profiles.si.edu/display/nruffinsf1102006   Craig Seymour is a writer, photographer, and critic who has written about music, particularly Black music for over two decades.  His most recent book is Luther: The Life and Longing of Luther Vandross (HarperCollins, 2004).   https://randbeing.com/

Whether it's live on the Smithsonian National Zoo's panda cam or in front of a crowd, possibly no other animal's sex life is as closely watched as the giant pandas' is. And there's a reason. These cuddly-looking black and white bears just can't figure out how to mate. But, with a little help from science, the once-endangered giant panda is making a comeback. To honor the arrival of the National Zoo's newest giant pandas, we peep into the (not so secret) sex lives of pandas.  Guests: Pierre Comizzoli, panda sex expert and staff scientist at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Lisa Stevens, AKA “Panda Lady”; former senior curator of mammals at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Stephen Powers, panda fan