David and Ben Crystal explain what goes into original pronunciation (OP) productions of Shakespeare and what they reveal about the history of the English language.

Over the course of human history, thousands of languages have developed from what was once a much smaller number. How did we end up with so many? And how do we keep track of them all? Alex Gendler explains how linguists group languages into language families, demonstrating how these linguistic trees give us crucial insights into the past.

"You're a fishmonger!" By taking a closer look at Shakespeare's words, and particularly his insults, we can see why he is known as a master playwright whose works appeal to audiences all over the world.

David and Ben Crystal explain why Shakespeare verses read with Original Pronunciation convey very different emotions and open up another level of understanding.

Richard Williams, better known by his stage name Prince Ea, is an American spoken word artist, poet, rapper, and filmmaker. He formed the "Make 'SMART' Cool" movement in 2009, which is dedicated to promoting the ideals of education, intelligence, unity, and creativity through hip hop.

Mayda del Valle, a poet whose work has helped to raise the bar in poetry circles all over the world, performs her piece "a faith like yours" at the White House Evening of Poetry, Music, and the Spoken Word.

Though most might be unaware, the US state of California was named after a place that doesn't exist outside of literature, similar to Narnia. "California" comes from a novel written in the Spanish Golden Age.

Theater director Simon Stone deconstructs some of the common visual and audio tricks of modern theater, utilizing a cast of first-time volunteer actors recruited in the days prior to TEDxSydney 2011 and rehearsed just once.

Sigrid explains what a limerick is, and how to write one. If you are so inclined, you can submit your limericks in the "comments" section of the video tab.

Writer Ayelet Waldman and her Pulitzer Prize-winning husband Michael Chabon share their White House Talk at the White House Evening of Poetry, Music, and the Spoken Word.

Doreen Cruz from Little Shop of Crafts in New York explains to us how her workplace functions as a creative outlet for both children and adults.

Brave New Voices slam champion Joshua Bennett performs “Tamaraʼs Opus” at the White House Evening of Poetry, Music, and the Spoken Word.

A live performance, by The Navvies, of a traditional Irish song about North men and South men being on the same road, and carrying the same burdens.

Sigrid talks about some of the important aspects of the Christmas season: light, scents, food, and good company.

Writer and star of the Broadway musical In the Heights, Lin-Manuel Miranda performs "The Hamilton Mixtape" at the White House Evening of Poetry, Music, and the Spoken Word. Accompanied by Alex Lacamoire.