If you’ve never listened to the show Radiolab, now is a good time to start. Most of their shows focus on emerging topics in science, which may sound dry, but they present their topics with very engaging storytelling. The most recent episode is a great example of this.
Robert Johnson is a legendary, nearly mythical figure in the history of the blues. You’ve probably heard the story about how he went to a crossroads in Mississippi and made a bargain with the devil: trading his soul to be the guitar hero of his day. The folks at Radiolab decided to dive into this story and their research goes in some surprising directions. It’s a very entertaining and informative half-hour dissection of the man and how myths can begin. You can stream the episode here.
