The shrill, piercing sound of the whistle has been involved in countless unforgettable (for better and for worse) sports moments, but the story of its rise to prominence as the weapon of choice for referees across sports and continents isn’t well known.

Listen now to hear how a toymaker turned into a tycoon by using a pea to revolutionize the whistle, the former ref who ushered in a new era of whistle design, and why it all matters.

Still here? Follow Sports.MP3 on Instagram, TikTok, and X at @Sports_MP3
and subscribe on YouTube at @SportsMP3  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.