100 Objects #8: Billy Possum
10 July - 36 minsIn 1902, an American classic was born: the teddy bear. Named after President Theodore Roosevelt, the toy became a huge hit, and sparked an idea…maybe every president from then on should have their own viral stuffed animal. Jon Mooallem tells the story of the ill-fated billy possum, and how our fickle feelings about animals have shaped the history—and perhaps the future—of our relationship with the natural world.
A History of the United States in 100 Objects is a production of 99% Invisible and BBC Studios.
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Series Episodes
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100 Objects #12: "Negro Cloth"
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Behind every perfect nature-inspired design is a far more complicated story.
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100 Objects #11: Brannock Device
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The Finnish Baby Box
A simple cardboard box helped transform Finland into one of the best places in the world to raise a child.
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