The Past and The Curious: A History Podcast for Kids and Families – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode 97 is all about ice cream. Eat it anytime of year - it's a treat that we might take for granted today. It used to be expensive, impossible, or potentially dangerous. From George Washington to Edmund Albius to Nancy Johnson to the Hokey Pokey Man, the stories around ice cream are richer than double chocolate chunk. Written, edited, and produced by Mick Sullivan. Original music by Mick Sullivan

Episode 96 is all about Ice - in preparation for our following episode about Ice Cream. Boston's Frederic Tudor became the "Ice King" by taking ice to places in the world where it had never been before. But it wasn't easy Dr. John Gorrie was looking for ways to care for the sick and became one of the first humans to make ice himself. It sparked a cool revolution.

Episode 87: Potatoes and Rocks It’s our annual end-of-year episode dedicated to toys and we have some fun with Mr. Potato Head and Pet Rocks. From the first toy on a commercial to the earthiest fad, you might soon find yourself out digging in the dirt in search of one natural new friend or another!

There are a lot of really great names in the past - like, just really cool sounding names. So we're picking a few of our favorites and telling a story or two about them. This episode features American Revolution figure Button Gwinnet and Harlem Renaissance artist Zora Neale Hurston.But there's a lot more ground we cover than just those two!

Everyone loves cartoons! So we’re taking an unusual look at two big moments in cartoon history – when a vaudeville performer and comic-strip writer made animation history on a cold Chicago night, and also the time a cheeky political cartoonist brought down one of the most crooked politicians in history. Gertie the Dinosaur and Winsor McCay read by Amber Estes-Thieneman Thomas Nast and Boss Tweed read by Jason Lawrence On the Sunny Side of the Street performed by Mick Sullivan The Past and the Curious is a history podcast for kids, families and adults created by a professional museum educator with the help of brilliant friends. We are a proud Kids Listen member and dedicated to nurturing curiosity of the past in everyone. Written and produced by Mick Sullivan. Don’t steal things you didn’t create.

Have you heard of the Mary Celeste? If you've heard of a ghost ship, this is probably the one.  In 1872 it was found under sail in the Atlantic Ocean but with absolutely no one on board.  What gives? And was this completely unique?  It wasn't, but it is certainly the most famous case and we wanted to know more! Also featuring and original performance of one of our favorite songs "Devil and the Deep Blue Sea," written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1932.  Mick Sullivan plays mandolin, guitar, banjo, washboard, bass harmonica and probably some other stuff too.

Women of Science! Join us for some 19th Century STEM stories. Heather Funk tells you about Mary Anning and the origins of "She Sells Sea Shells." Mick Sullivan shares the story of Mary Somerville and the origin of the the word "scientist." Both ladies did remarkable things in the science world at a time when it was pretty uncommon. In addition, Squeeze-bot plays "She Blinded Me with Science," quiz time and more. From Kids Listen member, a History and Music Podcast for young and old alike!

Your favorite history show for the whole family is back and we're bringing the cheese! First, Graham Shelby reads "Andrew Jackson's Big Cheese," while Mick Sullivan shares some fun stories of hardtack, followed by the Civil War parody song "Hard Tack Come Again No More." There's Quiztime, Music and more!

When Washington first became president, no one knew what to call him, and he certainly didn't want to shake EVERYONE'S hand. There were some growing pains in Presidential cordiality. Later, Lincoln wishes Jefferson never started the whole "handshake thing." Also, Quiztime and the old song "Lulu's Back in Town" Stories written and music performed by Mick Sullivan. Also featuring the voices of Chaska and Mirabel Power (from Book Power for Kids Podcast)

It's time for the July Kids Listen Sweep! This episode features the story of Annie Edson Taylor, who was the first person to successfully survive Niagara Falls in a barrel. Also, how'd they even start building the first suspension bridge over Niagara? You might be surprised. And if Cole Porter's song "Don't Fence Me In" doesn't make you feel like "Hittin' The Road," what will? Voices: Victoria Reibel and Mick Sullivan. All Music and Instruments: Mick Sullivan. Bad Ideas: Mick Sullivan Good Ideas: also, Mick Sullivan