Would you believe the United States nearly dropped a nuclear bomb on itself? It’s true. In 1961, all that stood between North Carolina and a nuclear disaster was a simple flip of a switch. This crazy story involves a war, a plane crash, and two powerful nuclear bombs. Get ready young historians, we’re about to uncover a near-miss that could have caused a catastrophe. 

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about the stars? That’s exactly what a woman in China named Wang Zhenyi did nearly two centuries ago during the Qing Dynasty. Today, she is remembered as one of China’s greatest scientists and poets. Get your telescopes ready and let's go! 

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

You probably have, or know someone with a pet, right? Perhaps your pet is even sitting with you now, as you listen. This is the story of a long line of pet ravens named Grip, beginning with someone you may already know—Charles Dickens. It's time to head back to Victorian England!

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written and narrated by Josh Sippie, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

Have you ever wondered how the circus was invented? Well, you're about to get your answer and learn some incredible history along the way. So step right up, boys and girls, and hear a dazzling tale from London and beyond! It’s showtime, folks. Get your tickets ready, and let’s travel to Anytime Now.

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

Have you ever wondered how surfing was invented? This ancient sport has a long history, dating back to at least the time of ancient Polynesians. Today, it’s easy to spot surfers out on the waves, especially if you're somewhere like Hawaii, California, or Australia. But you might be surprised to hear that surfing almost disappeared once upon a time. Surf’s up, young historians—it's time to plunge into this fascinating history involving ancient laws, great kings, and a courageous Olympian who shared his Hawaiian tradition with the world.

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

Most of you have probably worn roller skates before, right? Have you ever wondered where those roller skates came from? Join us for a new adventure and discover the story of John Joseph Merlin—a peculiar man who gave us one of history's most fun inventions. 

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written and narrated by Josh Sippie, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

Outlaws beware! In this episode, we’re going to the Wild West. This is the story of the fearless lawman, Bass Reeves—one of the first Black deputy U.S. Marshals west of the Mississippi. During his long career, he escaped death, chased the deadliest criminals, and arrested as many as 3,000 lawbreakers. When bandits and horse-thieves heard the name “Bass Reeves,” they knew they were in trouble. Grab your cowboy boots and let's go!

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was narrated by Randall Lawrence, written by Heidi Coburn, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

Discover the heart-pounding adventure of the incredible expedition that conquered the world's highest peak—Mt. Everest. In this episode, we unravel the legendary journey of an unlikely duo—a beekeeper from New Zealand and a Sherpa—as they braved treacherous terrain and daunting challenges to become the first people to ever summit Mount Everest. It's time to learn about Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in a tale of human perseverance and triumph against the odds.

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was narrated by Randall Lawrence, written by Heidi Coburn, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

More

Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

How many people would risk their life for a book? In 1942, a group of Jewish scholars did exactly that. During World War II, they placed their lives in danger by secretly hiding thousands of important papers and art. Germany’s Nazi Party had decided these historical documents were not worth keeping and planned to destroy them. But, to the Paper Brigade, these books and papers were treasures that needed to be saved. And they were willing to risk it all.

This is the story of the Paper Brigade and its daring plan to rescue history. 

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was narrated by Randall Lawrence, written by Heidi Coburn, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

More

Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

Anna and Leo have a new home—check out new episodes at Unlock This! everywhere podcasts are streamed, and stay tuned for more episodes of Anytime Now later this month.