The Past and The Curious: A History Podcast for Kids and Families

Amelia Bloomer helped change the world with a pair of underpants (which she didn't even invent). Among other things, it helped women ride bikes, and this led to a new independence in the late 1800's. Many women (even Susan B. Anthony) said the bike had more to to with women's independence than nearly anything else. So Melinda Beck is going to tell you her original telling of Tillie Anderson, a true life, turn-of-the-century bicycle racer ("scorchers" in the day) who might have been the fastest woman in America! Be sure to check out our Kids Listen Friends, including Timestorm and Girl Tales, for their Women's History episodes this month!

The Harlem Globetrotters were more than a show. They were an incredible barnstorming team who helped integrate the NBA. Told by Mick Sullivan with help from Dustin Baron Robert Smalls was responsible for one of the most daring escapes during the Civil War, helped convince Lincoln that African Americans should be allowed to serve as Union soldiers, and ultimately was an important politician. Told by Jermaine Fowler of the Humanity Archive (www.thehumanityarchive.com) All this and more!

Eadweard Muybridge made history with his photos, including one of a running horse. It's more interesting than it sounds. Tycho Brahe lost his nose, but made some wild discoveries about our solar system - before he could even get a telescope. Mick performs his version of Tico Tico, which he calls "Tycho Tycho." All this and more in this funny episode of The Past and The Curious!

L. Frank Baum, an author of a classic book (which became a classic movie) was also partially responsible for our love of fancy holiday shop windows. Also, Meriwether Lewis gives his pal William Clark a re-gift he probably could've done without.

John Wesley Powell is the first American of European descent to conquer the Grand Canyon, and he did it with one arm! Also, Paris was a pretty stinky place until they upgraded the sewers. Learn about poop, nightmen, and a couple of clever civil engineers who eventually got people to dress their best as they toured the stinky sewers in boats. All this and more!

Mary Shelley didn't just create one of the most memorable characters and important books in history, she also pretty-much invented science fiction. Heather Gotlib tells her original story on the author of Frankenstein. Have you ever heard about the chess playing robot that beat Napoleon in chess? The automaton shocked the world in many ways! written and told by Mick Sullivan All this and more!

A polymath is a person of wide ranging knowledge or ability, and in this episode we're telling the stories of two unsung polymaths. Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de St. Georges, was a world class fencer, composer, conductor and musician who spent time in the royal courts of France and tutored Marie Antoinette. He was also the son of an enslaved woman. Ziryab is a mysterious man from medieval Spain, when Muslim culture dominated the area. He was a musician, scholar, and pioneer of food and fashion. Pretty much a rock star before rock stars were a thing. You'll hear Ms. Lynn from The Good Words Podcast and music from Mick Sullivan and Todd Armstrong. Episode written and produced by Mick Sullivan. Somebody give us a book deal already.

We’re sharing this special episode with our friends from Tumble, A Science Podcast for Kids. First you’ll hear Mick’s telling of the discovery and disagreement about Otzi the Iceman. Then we turn it over to Lindsay and Marshall from Tumble for a story they produced called Underground Astronauts. Enjoy!

Isabella Stewart Gardner was a very unusual lady who created an incredible museum in Boston. Unfortunately some of her paintings have gone missing. Charles Wilson Peale painted people, but he also created America's first museum - right upstairs from where they signed the Declaration of Independence. Also features Quiztime, You Have 30 Seconds, "All of Me" and more. Written and produced by Mick Sullivan. Isabella's story read by Jason Lawrence.

Mick Sullivan tells a story of the Prairie Dog who wound up on the Lewis and Clark Journey and had one of the most eventful lives imaginable. Heather Funk tells her story about the popular cartoon "Bremenskie Muzykanty" which infuriated the government of the Soviet Union, but captured the imagination of its people and introduced many of them to Rock and Roll. Also features the gang from our podcast pals "Cool Facts about Animals," and music from Da Da Da and the Dinos!