Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

From This Collection

One of Barber's favorite finds was a flute (pictured above) made out of an animal's femur about 2,000 years ago. She found it buried with the remains of a 16-year-old from the same time period in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Courtesy of Sarah Barber

More than a spoon

May 10, 2016
A painter takes comfort in his tools.
Abstract painter Jeffrey Keith says he's been using the spoon pictured above in his studio for the last 25 years.
Courtesy of Jeffrey Keith

In the X-ray lab, gear is key

Mar 24, 2016
A cardiologist talks about controlling the risks of his workplace.
Dr. Prospero Gogo donning his protective gear.
Courtesy of Prospero Gogo

When coffee is all in the grind

Mar 4, 2016
A barista talks about his coffee grinder.
Harbinger Coffee shop in Fort Collins, Colorado. 
Courtesy of Jonathan Jarrow/Harbinger Coffee

Pick a card, not just any card

Feb 5, 2016
A magician talks about his favorite deck of cards.
Pictured from left to right: Southwest Airlines playing cards, Aristocrat playing cards, Bee Stingers playing cards, Jerry's Nugget playing cards, Sleepy Hollow playing cards, Bicycle playing cards.
Katie Long/Marketplace

A machine with a soul

Feb 1, 2016
A cobbler talks about his outsole stitcher.
A 1940s Landis Model 12 K Outsole Stitcher. 
Caroline Losneck/Marketplace
Ben Harper, bike messenger in New York City, with his Franklin bicycle. 
Justin Ho/Marketplace

For public good, not for profit.

Dying is easy. Comedy is hard. Dropping the mic is harder.

Sep 29, 2015
A comedian explains why some mics are better than others.

The shoes that make the dancer

Jul 7, 2015
A ballet dancer talks about her pointe shoes.