Sidedoor

1,685

More than 154 million treasures fill the Smithsonian’s vaults, but where public view ends, Sidedoor begins. With the help of biologists, artists, historians, archaeologists, zookeepers and astrophysicists, host Lizzie Peabody sneaks listeners through Smithsonian’s side door to search for stories that can’t be found anywhere else. Check out si.edu/sidedoor and follow @SidedoorPod for more info.

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Recent Reviews
  • Specific_islander
    Intriguing and thought provoking
    Always such interesting content and stories from the far flung reaches of our planet which are attributed to items which may be found in the collections of the Smithsonian. A must for those fascinated in the ephemera of the human experience and students of the human condition alike.
  • ncogbno
    Calm and interesting
    I feel like the world is interesting and mormal when I listen
  • Ratingron
    Best podcast ever!
    This podcast has taught my daughter so much I definitely recommend this podcast
  • CJEagleheart
    Captivating + Educational
    This podcast brings bits of history to life.
  • SadieWit
    Go behind the scenes of the Smithsonian museum collections
    Title says it all. I need this podcast to be offered as a self-guided audio tour for the museums next time I visit.
  • Volunteer Listener
    Wrinkled Radicals
    This did my 71 year old heart a world of good! Many thanks for airing it.
  • jtkuhlman
    Great Podcast!
    Really enjoying this podcast. Lizzie Peabody has a great voice and delivery for podcast. I’d listen to anything she made.
  • Teddallo
    Informative, interesting, made with care
    An excellent podcast, not to mention an excellent advertisement for the Smithsonian! Excellently hosted and produced, with a diverse array of stories delivered in a signature, approachable way. Keep up the good work, guys!
  • Slashdog
    Lost its Way - No longer focused on Smithsonian insights.
    This used to be an interesting podcast about Smithsonian insights and oddities. Now it is focused almost exclusively on social justice stories. Their are better social justice podcasts and, sadly, there are now better podcasts about museum-based insights
  • John VerValen
    Tired of the wokeness
    The last episode on lawns tried to equate having nice lawns with racism and how white people are bad. Just tired of their virtue signaling. I am unsubscribing.
  • Emberfell
    Love this podcast!
    I've been listening to this for years, through host changes, and I've enjoyed almost every episode: The light but informative tone and interesting topics, as well as the short length of each episode, makes it perfect for listening to in short bits of free time or while doing chores. Access to the Smithsonian's artifacts and staff really adds extra context and sets it apart from other podcasts with similar set-ups! It's a little unfortunate that my first review is because of an episode I hated: The Phantom Violins, not the episode itself but the would-be donator's obviously greedy and fraudulent kin. The fact that they won and were able to deny a philanthropist's dying wish under the pretense of music and art before selling the whole collection off immediately and leeching off the proceeds is terrible, and the "both sides could be right" view put forth in the episode ruined said episode for me. Ugh. That said, it hasn't tarnished my overall opinion of this excellent podcast; if this and other historical anecdotes have taught me anything, it's that history, unlike fiction, rarely leads to a satisfying conclusion.
  • Deer Eating Your Tomatoes
    Great find!
    I heard about this podcast on the Tony Kornheiser show yesterday and decided to check it out. What a jewel! Lots of interesting topics to listen to.
  • WolfGirl117
    Interesting Stories Told Well
    It’s a happy day when a new episode of Side Door drops. The stories are so interesting and well-told. I’ve also gained ideas here for my historical fantasy novels.
  • lagringacabronalameramera
    pueblo
    I live surrounded by three Puebloan communities - all 3 represented at the smithsonian - & you just sent back a collection of pottery to one - gracias & grace
  • mondomando🍺
    Great choices for topics.
    I’ve got new respect for all the Smithsonian does. Amazing resource for the world.
  • Woco moto
    Drifted too woke for entertainment
    Subscribed for the last 3 years. Really enjoyed the historical information that is in the Smithsonian. In the last year, have cut half of the episodes short. So eyerollingly bad wokeness, with no entertainment. Podcast loves signaling how good of people they are from single perspective reporting. Not for me anymore, unsubscribed.
  • la hermanas
    Woke
    Love the info and the presentation but why is there always that twist of the knife by the liberal agenda 🥲
  • bduakuxj
    Amazing
    This is a great podcast. It is the third podcast series that I have listened to. First I listened to “ going wild “ and then “ eons “ So far this has been a wonderful podcast.🥰 ( ps: ignore my name because it is completely random) 🤷‍♀️
  • KItty_J18
    So well done!
    I don’t think I have enjoyed a podcast this much since I started listening to 99% invisible. And that’s saying something. This podcast is fun and interesting and all the topics are well covered. Really enjoy it.
  • unicrn amy
    I like it
    It is good
  • ArbutusBizzle
    I love these stories!
    The stories are varied, interesting, and I learn something from every one! Keep up the good work!!
  • mizeducatedsheep
    Excellent
    I discovered this podcast during the pandemic when I was really missing museum trips. Lizzie is an engaging and calming-to-listen-to host and the episode topics are fascinating and written with compelling narratives to make the information memorable. Thanks for putting together such a thought-provoking podcast!
  • manashark
    THE BEST
    This podcast is so amazing I just love it!!! Everyone needs to listen to it
  • Aram Vartian
    Strolling Through the Smithsonian
    I miss some things about DC. How retro-70s futuristic the Metro felt. The cherry blossoms around the tidal basin. The crosssection of causes and cultures. I really miss the Smithsonian museums. Listening to Side Door is like living in DC and strolling through those exhibits. Having a wealth of free, world-class museums at your doorstep is something nearly every Washingtonian takes for granted. I certainly did. This podcast brings all those missed opportunities right back to me. You never know where the journey will take you from week to week, but the production is always lovely and the storytelling top-notch.
  • FreeFlowin
    Modern woke NPR
    They are the modern NPR that finds race and racism in everything. Couldn’t even talk to a robot without wondering why it doesn’t understand its race. Taxing, had to move on from this podcast.
  • GMNusa
    So great!
    One of my favorites!!
  • Ben Ledford
    Absolutely enamored!!
    I love this podcast so much! I listen to it as much as possible while at work and it never fails to keep me entertained during a boring day. Solid!!! Btw Liz I love you!!!
  • alitlc
    I look forward to each episode
    When I see each new episode in my feed, I feel very excited to jump in and listen because every show is absolutely fascinating. I highly recommend, if you are someone who enjoys discovery tune in!
  • Hey224456
    Awesome
    Love the show. Thank you
  • cbzoozoom7
    Fantastic
    I love the variety of topics. All of which are interesting.
  • Motel boater
    One of the best!
    This is a well produced show that covers a wide range of topics. It’s super fun and informative! So many great episodes.
  • Dolfan77
    Love!
    The Smithsonian is one of my favorite places on earth so I was thrilled to find this podcast. So interesting and informative!
  • Nmountaintrails
    My favorite podcast
    Hot Bird Summer is the best episode I’ve heard so far. You all are the best
  • Sam123456212
    One of the best science and nature podcasts
    Well researched- super interesting- always entertaining- side door is the best!
  • nonickmamesavailableforme
    Great Podcast!
    It’s always a great podcast and I learn a lot. Really loved today’s episode Hot Bird Summer—fascinating!!!
  • October76
    So good
    If you like American history you’ll love this podcast!
  • NotNatsumi
    Totally Addicted
    SO GOOD
  • jmachy
    Wonder Woman & Dinosaurs
    Lizzie you did it again! This podcast is educational, humorous and riveting. Lizzie is hilarious and finds incredible ways to flow through a story while making a meaningful connection at the end that sometimes gives me chills! I'm shouting out my two favorite episodes so far in the title. Thank you for everything. Your reproductive scientist listener
  • WRX550
    Field trip
    I loved the Field Trip format you used in the Sep 2019 podcast; also enjoyed the July 2020 podcast on Apollo 12!
  • 505Alli
    Hidden Treasures from the Smithsonian!
    I love this pod cast so much! Truly wonderful eclectic stories! I look forward to each episode and recommend it to everyone! ❤️
  • p-an-c-baby-co
    Hidden History
    This podcast is a true gem. I think I have shared more of its episode than any other podcast. I love the knowledge it imparts.
  • History Buff 7637
    Just listened to the Edison demon dolls ep
    They did it perfectly. I went to the Edison museum about last year. Not only does it sound creepy, but looks. Creepy as well
  • Esterdotter
    Better notes please
    Great shows, but I wish they would put the referenced links and web sites, etc., in the notes so I don’t have to repeat until I can write down the ones that I want to follow up.
  • Smart Allick
    Top 3 Podcast of All Time!
    Sidedoor is one of three podcasts I listen to on the daily! I literally can't get enough and often times find myself embarking down a research rabbit trail upon the conclusion of the episode because my interest has been piqued. I highly recommend!
  • CBH today
    So Much Great Stuff
    Sidedoor is one of my family’s favorite podcasts. Always entertaining.
  • Annbass
    Fascinating, wide-ranging topics
    I love Sidedoor podcasts! Just like the myriad branches of the Smithsonian, Sidedoor covers a wide swath of topics, often unusual (recently: gorilla epidemic, Adam Rippon’s costume, an extinct smell, and the Apollo 12 mission ... wow!) The host, Lizzie Peabody, is articulate, perky, curious, and humorous. Because it’s the Smithsonian, she can tap into the best experts. Fascinating. (And saving my sanity from political podcasts.) Thanks so much for your hard work!
  • workerant02
    Always Interesting
    I love visiting museums and this show is that enjoyable.
  • stewy52
    The Best!
    Can’t wait for the next season. Every episode I’ve listened to has been fascinating and unexpected. Just great.
  • meganschaef
    One of my favorites.
    Well produced, super interesting stories about the world. Side Door is my safe space!
  • Heffsauce
    A lovely program
    Lizzie Peabody is a delight. I love the varied trivia this program covers.
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