The 52 Weeks of Firsts Podcast

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, The 52 Weeks of Firsts Podcast uncovers the “firsts” that helped shape the nation—each one rooted in Philadelphia’s remarkable history. Each week, our host sits down with a special guest to explore one groundbreaking first, from the first professional basketball league and the nation’s first zoo, to the first public showing of a motion picture and beyond. Short, lively, and packed with fascinating stories, every episode connects these historic milestones to the present, showing how Philadelphia’s innovations continue to shape our everyday lives.

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Episodes

4 days ago

First Balloon Flight In America

4 days ago

Marisa Magnatta digs into the wild story of America’s first balloon flight, featuring a French aeronaut, a hydrogen-filled silk balloon, a prison yard launch, and the first-ever airmail delivery. Joined by local weather mogul Nor'easter Nick (Nick Pittman), she explores what made this moment possible, what the weather likely looked like that day, and how ballooning went on to shape both aviation and modern forecasting.