Episodes

  • Overcoming a Fear of Heights to Paint the George Washington Bridge
    Jun 19 2025

    We speak with a bridge painter on the George Washington Bridge. What’s it like to maintain the historic structure, sometimes dangling 600 feet above the Hudson River. Even hearing about the “fear of heights test” he had to take will send shivers down your spine.

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    19 mins
  • Building A Canal for Political “One-Upmanship”
    Jun 12 2025

    The 5-mile Windsor Locks Canal is only 1% the length of the Erie Canal, but its ingenious design set is above all other canals of its era. And, it allowed businessmen in one city to out-maneuver a rival canal operation.

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    20 mins
  • First to Drive Through the Lincoln Tunnel and 500 Similar Records
    Jun 5 2025

    He was the first to drive through the Lincoln Tunnel, across the lower level of George Washington Bridge, and along the New Jersey Turnpike. Those were just 3 out of hundreds of such achievements. He was called “Mr. First” and you won’t believe the legacy he left behind.

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    17 mins
  • You Won't Believe General Israel Putnam's Death-Defying Horseback Ride
    May 29 2025

    One of the more fantastic Revolutionary War stories concerns General Israel Putnam’s daredevil horseback ride down 100 steep stone steps in Greenwich while escaping British soldiers who were firing at him. But, what really happened that day?

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    22 mins
  • Secrets Behind the Building of the George Washington Bridge
    May 22 2025

    The gigantic George Washington Bridge was one of the greatest infrastructure projects ever accomplished 100 years ago. The bridge is the busiest roadway in the U.S. It was supposed to have many things, such as elevators to an observation deck. Today, it needs to be repainted by those without a fear of heights.

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    21 mins
  • The Mystery Behind the Design of NY City's Street Grid
    May 15 2025

    It was a mammoth urban renewal project – replacing NY City’s crooked wagon paths with today’s elaborate street grid. It took nearly a century to install 12 avenues and 155 cross-streets, with all of its secret spots. And yet, nobody knows for sure who actually had the idea for the grid.

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    22 mins
  • The Sheer Exhilaration of Ski Jumping
    May 8 2025

    Ski jumping took hold in the U.S. 100 years ago, when Norwegians introduced the sport here. You go down a steep ramp at 50 miles an hour, jump off into the wind, fly for around 10 seconds, and land 2-3 football fields farther away. It’s not for the meek.

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    13 mins
  • Who Padlocked the Governor's Door, Barring Him from His Own Office?
    May 1 2025

    The election for CT Governor in the late 1800s was too close to call. The divided legislature couldn’t agree on a winner. So, the incumbent stayed on for another term. The Comptroller didn’t like that and took matters into his own hands.

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    19 mins