Author Archives: Kit Troyer

About Kit Troyer

Kit Troyer lives in Los Angeles. He worked previously as a newspaper reporter and a criminal defense attorney. For the last 15 years, he has been a stay-at-home dad. But that gig is running out. Kids will soon be moving out and moving on.

KILLER INVENTIONS: DYNAMITE

Posted on April 16, 2024 by Kit Troyer

The invention of dynamite in 1867 transformed industry, mining, railroad building, and modern warfare. It also led to the creation of the Nobel Prizes. For the full story of this controversial invention and the Swedish chemist who developed it, check … Continue reading →

Posted in PODCAST | 4 Comments

KILLER INVENTIONS: CHEWING GUM

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Kit Troyer

Humans have been chewing gum for thousands of years. But we didn’t start getting the good stuff till the late 19th century. And then in the 1970s, we got the really good stuff — sugar-laden explosions like Bubble Yum, Bubblicious, … Continue reading →

Posted in MY CHILDHOOD, PODCAST | 3 Comments

SLIDE GUITAR

Posted on February 14, 2024 by Kit Troyer

Who invented the slide guitar? How long ago? Why does it sound so beautiful? To find out, check out the latest episode of the Killer Means Awesome podcast! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/killer-means-awesome/id1665407406

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GRACE HOPPER

Posted on February 12, 2024 by Kit Troyer

We should all know about the mathematician Grace Hopper! She served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, worked on the first atomic weapons, and developed the earliest computer programming language. For the story of her remarkable life, check out the … Continue reading →

Posted in PODCAST | 4 Comments

THIS DAMN DOG

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Kit Troyer

I’ve lived with a number of dogs across the years. Until recently I’d never lived with one who made me feel like I was being outsmarted. Or like I was somehow falling short. I don’t know, maybe Mocha only has … Continue reading →

Posted in ANIMALS, CHILD REARING, DOGS, DUMB SHIT I'VE DONE, SELF HELP, SPIRIT | Tagged | 25 Comments

KILLER INVENTIONS: THE BLACK BOX

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Kit Troyer

From its earliest, primitive versions in the 1940s to the powerful, high-tech devices of today, the fabled “black box” on airplanes has captured both the imagination of the public and the careful attention of engineers and investigators. Perhaps no other … Continue reading →

Posted in PODCAST | 1 Comment

KILLER INVENTIONS: DEEP PURPLE

Posted on December 5, 2023 by Kit Troyer

If you’re wearing a purple shirt or scarf today, it’s thanks to an 18-year-old chemistry student in 19th century London. For the full story, check out the latest episode of Killer Means Awesome! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/killer-means-awesome/id1665407406

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KILLER INVENTIONS: LSD

Posted on November 8, 2023 by Kit Troyer

The Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann was the first person to synthesize LSD. Eighty-five years later, the world is still trying to figure out what to do with Hofmann’s ‘problem child.’ For the full story, listen to the latest episode of … Continue reading →

Posted in PODCAST, SELF HELP, SPIRIT | 1 Comment

LEWIS HOWARD LATIMER

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Kit Troyer

He made key innovations in the earliest telephones, lightbulbs, elevators, and railcar toilets. But most of us don’t know his name. Listen to the final episode of Killer Biographies to learn all about the brilliant African-American inventor Lewis Howard Latimer! … Continue reading →

Posted in HEROES, PODCAST | 3 Comments

UNBOUGHT AND UNBOSSED

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Kit Troyer

In 1968 Shirley Chisholm made history as the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Four years later she made a historic run for President. To learn more about this fearless, powerful woman, tune into Episode 11 … Continue reading →

Posted in COURAGE, HEROES, PODCAST, POLITICS | 7 Comments