About this episode
Fireworks dazzle us on special holidays, at flashy concerts and during some big public events (National Mr. Potatohead Day anyone?). But did you know people have been using fireworks to celebrate for centuries? This week Joy and cohost Elliott learn about how firecrackers started with exploding bamboo in ancient China and how a couple of monks accidentally invented gunpowder. All this, plus an explosive new round of First Things First. Featured Experts: Dr. Haiwang Yuan is a writer, translator, and retired professor of Western Kentucky University who specializes in Chinese history, culture and language. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.