Ear Worthy Episodes: Used Golf Balls, Tuesday Elections; The Rules Of Barbie

The Economics Of Everyday Things -- Used Golf Balls
 The January 14 episode of The Economics Of Everyday Things released an episode on used golf balls. I realize that golf may be the sport that dredges up the most visceral reaction among people. Some people can't get enough of tinkering with their golf swing and others absolutely hate golf because it seems so frivolous, is environmentally wasteful and seems elitist. 

Anyway, whether you're a golf lover or hater, host Zachary Crockett unleashes some wicked insights into something as mundane as used golf balls.

First, the introduction of the Titleist ProV I golf ball revolutionized the golf ball industry with its superior design, aerodynamics, and materials. When that expensive golf ball was introduced, suddenly finding used balls of that model became more financially sustainable for companies selling used golf balls.

Second, it's estimated that used golf balls are a $200 million dollar industry. That's incredible. Third, tragically, six people died in 2023 diving for golf balls in various bodies of water on golf courses. That's not an activity typically associated with on-the-job death. Apparently, used golf-ball divers carry paintball guns to ward off alligators.

 Check out the episode.

 This Day In Esoteric Political History -- Why Tuesday is Election Day

 The January 25th episode of This Day In Esoteric Political History covered why the US Presidential election always takes place on the first Tuesday after November 1st. This has agrarian roots, but as Tuesday is now a working day, there have been numerous calls to make the US election day a holiday or a weekend. 

 

In some countries, these days are holidays or specifically held on a weekend to increase voter turnout. Germany, for example, always holds its elections on a Sunday, while the United Kingdom has a tradition of Thursday elections.

 Check out the episode to learn why Tuesday was chosen as Election Day, and what are the alternatives to Tuesday going forward.

 

American Hysteria --  What are the rules of Barbie that can never be broken?

 On the July 24, 2023 episode of American Hysteria, host Chelsey Weber-Smith talked with Slash Film Editor B.J. Colangelo about Barbie, the iconic doll. In between all the conservative parental outrage over Barbie since the doll's inception, guest and host discuss several inviolate rules created by Barbie creator Ruth Handler.

Check out the episode to find out what Ken and Barbie can never do. Get your mind out of the gutter. It's not that. After all, they're dolls.

You'll also learn why Barbie the doll is shaped in such an unrealistic way. Hint: It has something to do with her wardrobe.