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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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) 🤷♀️
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!!!
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!
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
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.
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!
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!