The Secret Life of Things cover art

The Secret Life of Things

The Secret Life of Things

By: The Secret Life of Things
Listen for free

About this listen

The Secret Life of Things is the sub-10 minute podcast that dives deep into the forgotten history of the objects you touch every single day. From the humble pencil to the mighty paperclip, discover the surprising origins, bizarre evolutions, and pivotal moments that turned simple objects into indispensable parts of our world. Quick, captivating, and expertly curated, history is in your hands.Copyright The Secret Life of Things World
Episodes
  • The Secret Life of Things: The Tale of the Umbrella
    Dec 19 2025
    From royal parasols in ancient Egypt to everyday rain shields on city streets, the umbrella has carried centuries of symbolism and transformation. In this episode of The Secret Life of Things, we trace its journey from a mark of divine power and social status to the practical companion we snap open today. Discover how this simple canopy reveals a surprisingly rich cultural history.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • The Secret Life of Things: The Refrigerator Magnet
    Dec 5 2025
    The refrigerator magnet: ubiquitous, silent, and essential. Join us as we uncover the surprising history, the science of its stickiness, and how this simple souvenir became the most vital communication hub in the modern home, documenting the beautiful, chaotic life of the family.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • The Secret Life of Things: High Heels
    Nov 30 2025
    High heels weren't always for women. Trace the heel's dramatic journey from 10th-century Persian battlefields to 17th-century European courts. We explore how this simple piece of footwear became a definitive, and sometimes demanding, uniform of modern femininity.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.