On this episode of Our American Stories, The iPhone, radar, and TV dinners don't appear to have much in common, but each tells a surprising story about how innovation really happens. The iPhone brought together technologies developed over decades, many of them originating in government and military research. Radar began with British scientists investigating the possibility of a "death ray" before becoming vital to Britain's defense during World War II. And while the washing machine gets credit for freeing women from hours of housework, prepared food may have actually saved them more time.

Economist Tim Harford, author of Fifty Things That Made The Modern Economy, shares the unexpected stories behind three inventions that transformed the way we live.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, The iPhone, radar, and TV dinners don't appear to have much in common, but each tells a surprising story about how innovation really happens. The iPhone brought together technologies developed over decades, many of them originating in government and military research. Radar began with British scientists investigating the possibility of a "death ray" before becoming vital to Britain's defense during World War II. And while the washing machine gets credit for freeing women from hours of housework, prepared food may have actually saved them more time. Economist Tim Harford, author of&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftimharford.com%2Fbooks%2F50things%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CUraelBlackshear%40iheartmedia.com%7C2ddcdb0045fd44a1d0b408df03a56be0%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C639233681192420764%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=mMvlQhIDHdtidEuvpgPF0%2BKL44Q%2FXtUjhN6hp91Tpss%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Fifty Things That Made The Modern Economy</a>, shares the unexpected stories behind three inventions that transformed the way we live.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

How the iPhone, Radar, and TV Dinners Changed the World

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/bd6605ca-26e6-4add-901e-b4b3016a28d9/transcript