5 Minute Expert

We've all become culinary experts because of the numerous food shows we stream. Food has become big business but actually it's always been a competition...

Hello and Welcome to The 5-Minute Expert, where we deliver deep dives on big topics in just five minutes! I’m your host, Art Fuller, PhD and today, we're exploring the fascinating history of newspapers and the contemporary challenges facing news reporting. Let’s jump in!

Today we’re diving into the world of cryptocurrencies—what they are, how they work, and why they’ve become such a buzzword in finance and technology. You’ve likely heard about Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital currencies, but maybe you’re still unsure about the details. Well, by the end of this episode, you’ll understand the fundamentals of crypto, and I’ll help demystify this exciting and fast-evolving space.

A whirlwind tour of the wacky and wonderful quirks of the English compared to Americans. From their love of tea and queues to driving on the left and wrapping food in faux newspaper, these cultural differences remind us just how fascinating our shared history is!

Voting. Specifically, those razor-thin votes that changed history—or could have. We’re looking into some close calls where just a handful of votes—or even just one—made all the difference. From presidential elections to monumental legislation, these moments reveal how every vote matters.

If you carve a pumpkin this Halloween, you’re participating in an age-old tradition with roots in ancient Ireland and the Celtic festival of Samhain. By carving those spooky faces and setting candles inside, you’re echoing the beliefs of people from centuries ago, who saw Halloween as a time to honor ancestors and stay safe from wandering spirits.

The McDonald’s Happy Meal and cereal box toys are about more than just clever marketing; they reflect the powerful connection between food, fun, and childhood. Whether you grew up collecting Happy Meal toys or digging through a box of cereal for a hidden prize, these experiences have left a lasting impact on pop culture and marketing practices.

Today we’re diving into a topic that's a staple in our daily lives—deodorant. Yup, that humble stick, spray, or roll-on we all use without giving it much thought has a long and surprising history! How did humans go from au natural odor to modern deodorants? Let’s find out.

From the ancient Middle East to the bustling coffee shops of today, the coffee cup has evolved along with our love for the beverage it holds.

In this episode of 5 Minute Expert, Dr. Art Fuller explores the fascinating world of frets—metal strips embedded in stringed instruments like guitars that aid in pitch control and finger placement. Discover the history of frets, from their ancient origins in lutes to their evolution into the modern guitars we know today, and learn how musicians have pushed the boundaries with fretless instruments. 

We look at a couple of things the Romans knew that still baffle scientists and engineers today. Our sponsor this week is WeBeSandals.com. Authentic Giraffe leather sandals just like the Roman legionnaire that trampled all over Gaul back in the day...

Swimming in the River Seine in Paris has been illegal for 100 years! We discuss the pollution of the world's largest rivers and the ocean. Our sponsor this week is Save The Seine (Not a religious organization...).

We discuss the Science, nay, the superpower that is selective hearing; that ability to ignore and tune out sounds, noises and conversations we want to ignore...

We talk about several prominent and well-known conspiracy theories and what the real evidence says...

We look at the psychology of child prodigies. They amaze us with their talents and performance. But, is it sustainable? Our sponsor this week is Crayons to Calculators, a nonprofit daycare catering to child prodigies. Crayons to Calculators is raising the next generation of geniuses... today.

Get ready to rumble as we look at the pros and cons of both. And, I’ll reveal my preference at the end of this show. Our sponsor this week is The Pizza-Taco House Restaurant in Frog Lick, GA. Stop by and grab a taco or a slice of pizza.

We talk about story of the original atomic bomb including the Manhattan Project and MAD (mutually assured destruction). This week's sponsor is Flamethrowers, your happy-home-owners grade supplier of exceptional fireworks.

Why try something a little different today and look at History in a Nutshell: Bite-Sized Insights into the Past. Today's topic is the French Revolution. We guarantee you'll learn more about the French Revolution in 5 minutes than you've learned your entire life (That is unless your a French scholar...) Anyway, today's sponsor is Le History Chan-nel, (No, not that History Channel...) your go to source for all things french history.

We talk about the history of Animation - from stick figures to CGI. Our sponsor this week is AnnaMae. You’re probably thinking I’m talking about animae, the hand-drawn and computer-generated animation originating from Japan. This ain’t that Animae; this is a lady that lives down the street who does a great job of cleaning my office...

We talk about the link between social media and mental health. Our sponsor this week is Phone Zombies. Phone Zombies can help you fight the ‘Like’ button blues. Find it in the App store.

We discuss the history and cultural significance of tea and the rise of herbal teas. Our sponsor this week is Kettle-Up, makers of scum free tea pots.

We discuss the history of time management and productivity. The concept that people who don't manage their time well should be looked down on is a relatively new idea. Our sponsor this week is Time Blockers. Focus on what matters and be happier and healthier today!

We discuss Unlearning - the process of forgetting, putting aside, or losing knowledge. Futurist Alvin Toffler said, "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn." This week’s sponsor is The Unlearning Institute of America. Got a habit that others find annoying? Most people do. The UIA, formerly known as PAD or People with Associative Disorders, is here to help.

Mothers of small children around the world are mindlessly singing along to seemingly innocent nursery rhymes that, if you dig a little deeper, reveal shockingly sinister backstories.

Welcome to Season 7! This week we look at how dogs and cats communicate and how we interpret that communication. Our sponsor this week is Hola Kitty (Not to be confused with Hello Kitty). Hola Kitty helps you go heart-to-heart with your cat...

We talk about typography and how letters, serifs, fonts, etc., are intentionally chosen to reflect the message of what's printed. Our sponsor this week is Font of Knowledge, creator of invitations for awkward and inappropriate events.

We talk about how everyone from parents to governments weaponize food. Consider the similarities in response to food shortages by the U.S. and Nazi Germany during WWII.  Our sponsor this week is Empty Plates, a non-profit that helps your kid clean their plate when they sit down to eat.

Instead of recounting all the celebrities that have died in 2022, we look at our top ten list of people that many wonder why they're still hanging around...

We make you an expert in these two Christmas traditions - holiday wreaths and the story of how Rudolph came to be. Our sponsor this week is Dead Fish and House Guests. We help you get life back to normal.

We talk about the basis for being left or right handed and even mention a few famous lefties... Our sponsor this week is The Society for Adroit Left Handed Persons of Native American Origin.  We’re a left-handed Indian’s best friend…

We look at the history on infomercials and how pitchmen got on TV. Our sponsor this week is The Infomercial Channel. Whether it's Get-Rich-Quick, Motivation or Self-Development or Televangelists, watch your favorites 24/7!

We talk about the ancient problem of bad breath and all the attempts down through the ages to cure or cover it up. Our sponsor this week is Liquid Skunk, the hiker's friend. It repels more than mosquitos!

We talk about Shrinkflation and all of the products where companies are trying to sneak a reduction in product size by us while charging the same price. Our sponsor this week is Hoodwinked. Hoodwinked specializes in helping brands reduce their product size while maintaining or increasing their prices. You know you've been had when its Hoodwinked.

What's the difference between an impressionist, lookalike, tribute act and impersonator? You'll find out on today's episode. Our sponsor today is wannabes.com. We help you become the person you'd rather be...

We look at the world of Bad Barbies. How did this doll go so bad? Our sponsor this week is dollsgonewrong.com. Each child is unique and their dolls should be too. Check out ADHD Barbie...

We talk about the benefits of foraging for free fun. Our sponsor this week is Good Gut Greens. Why get out and forage for food when Good Gut Greens can do it for you?

We talk about the history of LASIK eye surgery including the pros and cons. Our sponsor this week is Eye Can. EYE CAN was developed by a Swiss eye doctor after hearing his patients whine and complain about eye pain due to the strain of watching videos on their cellphones.

We talk about the history of tattoos and their arrival in mainstream culture. Our sponsor this week is Ooze, a topical gel made for all sorts of pustular abscesses, eczematous patches and 99.9% of other skin reactions and complications related to tattoos.

We look at the origin of the word Boss, talk about qualities of a good and bad boss and review some fictional bosses from popular culture. Our sponsor this week is the online video game, I'm the Boss where you call all the shots and hold all the cards.

We investigate the use of pointing as a communication gesture and the taboos of pointing around the world. Learn why Disney World tells its employees to point using two fingers. Our sponsor this week is What's The Point?

We talk about how bottle shape influences the perceived premiumness of some products and the history of some iconic bottle shapes.

We talk about the history of blood donation. Our sponsor this week is Vampire's Delight, makers of synthetic blood for those suffering with Renfield's Syndrome.

We talk about the history of snack foods. Our sponsor this week is the Crummy Rancid And Putrid Snacks company or CRAP for short.

We talk about the 2,000 year old history of vending machines. Our sponsor this week is The Gumball and Bulk Candy Company, purveyors of fine gumball machines that can make you a millionaire...

We talk about the history of the light bulb. Our sponsor this week is You Bulb. Why not stop living in a cave and come into the light?

We look at the history of experiments with lab rats and some of the weirder research performed on them. Our sponsor this week is, Trapped Like A Rat, suppliers of fine rodents to the top universities in the U.S.

We talk about all the different practices of Communion - Bread or wafers? Wine or grape juice? Pre-filled cups or live pour?

We talk about the history and variety of national symbols including foods, cars, clothes, fruit and monuments. Thanks to this week's sponsor, We Be Coats. Be the important person you've always wanted to be with your very own coat-of-arms. And, check out our new podcast, The Life and Times of Tiny and Bubba!

We talk about etymology or the origin of some very familiar words. Our sponsor is Power Words. Need just the right word to tell off your boss or to write that suicide note to family and friends? Try Power Words today!

We discuss the hardships faced by pioneers crossing the Oregon and California trails... they are not what you'd think they'd be! Our sponsor this week is STUMPED.com.