Just One Good Idea Podcast

Editor’s Note: I’m continuing with what I did last week for the podcast edition of Just One Good Idea. I tell you the story behind the story … how I stumbled up it and the juicy bits of details that made the story fun to research and read.

Scientists say it’s hard to estimate the actual number that exists because of limited global surveys and the fact that many remain underground, undiscovered or undocumented, particularly in remote or offshore regions.

What is it scientist struggle to find?

The answer is salt...

Editor’s Note: Today I did something a little different for the podcast version of the story. This time I tell you the story behind the story. In other words, I share with you how I uncovered the story and why I choose to write about it. I think you’ll find it interesting. And the full version of the story is below.

The mixture had a strong, noxious petroleum odor, dominated by the volatile, sharp notes of gasoline.

The overall smell would be intense and downright unpleasant, potentially causing irritation to your nose and thro...

Editor’s Note: As usual, if you’d like to read the full story, with all the rich details then just click on the link down at the bottom of this episode recap.

📝 Episode Summary:

Before there was a pink bunny with sunglasses, there was a brilliant inventor with a burnout problem… and a wire salesman with perfect timing.

In this episode, we take you from the backstreets of Brooklyn to the labs of innovation, into the trenches of WWII, and all the way to the moon — with detours into advertising history, tr...

Editor’s Note: If you’d like to read the full issue of the newsletter, just click on the link at the end of this post.

📄 Episode Show Notes:

In this episode, we explore the gripping and unexpectedly almost comical like backstory of one of the most underrated inventions of the 20th century: WD-40. From Cold War rocket labs to flooded pickup trucks, and from jungle war zones to guitar shops, this little blue-and-yellow can has had quite the journey.

And that journey began in a little lab in California … with just thre...

Editor’s Note: If you’d prefer to read the newsletter version of this story, complete with rich details and history, just click on the link at the bottom. And let me know your feedback on whether you prefer podcast of the regular version of the newsletter.

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Emily Weiss, the visionary who turned her curiosity and blog—Into the Gloss—into Glossier, one of the most iconic beauty brands of the 21st century. From a solo passion project to a unicorn startup valued at $1.2 billion, this is...

Ever wondered how a tiny 10x10 foot restaurant stand blossomed into a beloved nationwide chain with hundreds of locations? Dive into the incredible story of Harry and Esther Snyder, the couple behind the iconic In-N-Out Burger.

From Harry's time in the Navy to their humble beginnings, discover the drive, dedication, and unique approach that built a $4 billion family empire.

The Origin Story:

* Introduction to the fascinating tale of In-N-Out Burger's founding.

* Initial scale: A small 10-by-10 foot restaurant stand.

* The remarkable growth into a nationwide chain with 416 locations across...

In this episode, we dive into the unbelievable journey of James Dyson — from a penniless young inventor in England to the mastermind behind a $9 billion vacuum empire.

You'll hear how early mistakes, relentless curiosity, and 5,127 prototypes shaped one of the most disruptive innovations in home technology. Plus: dragons, Vikings, bellows, and the forgotten janitor who gave us Hoover.

Whether you're an inventor, entrepreneur, or just someone who’s ever wrestled with a dusty vacuum bag — this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

* The surprising origin of air-powere...