The Past and The Curious: A History Podcast for Kids and Families
Mick Sullivan
A History Podcast for Kids! Parents love us, Teachers love us, and most importantly, kids do too!
History can be amazing, inspiring and relevant to anyone. We love to share the stories of Spies, funny foods, George Washington's foibles, early advancements in cartooning and ballooning and much more! A professional music score and important songs accompany nearly every themed episode. Proud Kids Listen Member @pastandcurious
History can be amazing, inspiring and relevant to anyone. We love to share the stories of Spies, funny foods, George Washington's foibles, early advancements in cartooning and ballooning and much more! A professional music score and important songs accompany nearly every themed episode. Proud Kids Listen Member @pastandcurious
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
May 16, 2019 • 33min
Episode 32: Strange Things
Explore strange and unusual historical events like the Boston Molasses Disaster and the Kentucky Meat Shower of 1876. Hear captivating stories narrated by special guest Eric from What If World and learn about safety regulations, unexpected consequences, and future collaborations. Dive into the intriguing mysteries of meat falling from the sky and the aftermath of these bizarre incidents.
Apr 9, 2019 • 32min
Ep. 31 April Fooling!
It's Kids Listen Sweeps Month and we're joining the April Fool's fun (though pretty late). This episode features Heather Gotlib's original story of the real-life, classic prank called the Berner's Street Hoax, in which an unsuspecting family's home becomes the most popular destination in London. Also featured is Mick Sullivan's telling of Count Fortsas Book Hoax, which began with rare book collectors receiving notice of an incredible auction. Spoiler Alert: not what they think. Also "Deed I Do," Quiztime, and "You Have 30 Seconds!" Want more April Fool's fun? Check out our Kids Listen pals Composer Dad and What If World!
Mar 19, 2019 • 36min
Ep. 30 Underwater!
Celebrate the big 3-0 with us as we head underwater. Brian West tells the story of Garrett Morgan, an inventor and brave man who created some really important things which are still around today. Mick Sullivan tells the story of Ezra Lee and the the long lost 18th Century submarine known as the Turtle. Also features a visit from Dr. Awkward, the Palindrome professor, quiz time and more info about our new book, The Meatshower.
Feb 14, 2019 • 32min
Ep. 29 Happy Birthday, Athena!
Patty Hill (with the help of her sister Margaret) did much more than just write Happy Birthday, but that'd be achievement enough. Story by Heather Gotlib Their Friend Enid Yandell happened to be a world-class Sculptor. and in our telling of the tales, we'll weave in the Mars Rover, Athena's birth, and the coolest Bon Voyage Party ever! Incredible song courtesy of Dan Saks, from one of our favorite podcasts, Noodleloaf!
Jan 14, 2019 • 29min
Ep. 28: Trains And Movies!
In this episode, Mr. Eric of What If World joins us to share the story of early moving pictures, including an often told (but probably untrue) story of the first train on film. The Lumiere Brothers revolutionized our world, find out why!
Also, funny man Buster Keaton did some amazing things in his life, but nothing quite like a spectacular train crash that was the most expensive scene of the Silent Film Era.
We debut our new "You Have 30 Seconds" segment with the help of our young friend Lucy, and Mick sings "Bringing in The Georgia Mail."
And Quiz Time!
Dec 5, 2018 • 27min
Ep. 27: Toys And Games
We're digging through the inductees of the Toy Hall of Fame to find great stories that span Abraham Lincoln to Frank Lloyd Wright and beyond.
Learn the stories of Milton Bradley's Game of Life (with a bit of Lincoln's beard, the Wright family of architects' creation, Lincoln Logs and so much more.
Featuring the many talents of Brigid Kaelin! www.brigidkaelin.com
Nov 7, 2018 • 27min
Ep. 26: Lily May, Clara, and Leon
The people of the late 1930's saw some fun music made by some remarkable women.
Lily May Ledford and her band from Pinchem Tight Holler, KY (YEOW!!) play for President Roosevelt, First Lady Eleanor and the King and Queen of England. She almost hugs the queen.
Clara Rockmore almost gives up music entirely until she meets Leon Theremin and literally writes the book on a new instrument.
Featuring the voices of Julia Purcell, Mick Sullivan and sounds by Todd Hildreth.
Oct 8, 2018 • 31min
Ep. 25: Fakes And Frauds!
Some people just can't be honest, and some try to pass off something phony as something real. This episode is about a would-be Shakespeare named William Henry Ireland, and a gang of body snatchers who try to pilfer a president's dead body - gross!
Featuring Rhea Pechter, Jonathan Messinger, and more. Written and produced by Mick Sullivan.
Sep 6, 2018 • 29min
Ep. 24: Shipwrecks! Ida Lewis, Marquis de Lafayette, Sail Away Ladies
Join host Mick Sullivan and friend Hanna Zimmerman of Locust Grove as we share the stories of Marquis de Lafayette's steamboat shipwreck, and Rhode Island lifesaver Ida Lewis. Also features a performance of the song "Sail Away Ladies," Quiztime and more!
Jul 17, 2018 • 27min
Ep. 23: Hot Dog! A Tale of Kings, Queens, Dead Whales, and Johnny Verbek's Machine
From the electric bathers of Coney Island to the King of England, no food has been as satisfying as a hot dog. You won't believe it as we weave a tale of dead whales, muckrakers, publicity stunts, and President Roosevelt. Who knew the hot dog was so interesting?
With music by Big Momma Thorazine and featuring the voices of Mr. Eric from What If World, along with AJ Cornell.


