Dad and Me Love History

Dad and Me Love History

By Paul Letters - WW2 novelist, broadcaster, history teacher; James Letters -HistoryKids & Family
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Dad and Me Love History episodes

  • 58: A History of Women's Football

    The history of the women's game – from China to Britain, the US, Australia and Europe.

    Released with our recordings from the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, we bring you not only the history but the vibes too – all sprinkled with plenty of dad jokes from James! At the end of today's episode (after our outro theme song), you'll hear some World Cup extras, a bonus dad joke from James, and an outtake or two. For a broader angle on football today – from powerchair to amputee – and how we try to make a positive difference, take a look at my webpage and socials for https://www.notyouraverageenglandfan.com/

    Our website, where you'll find photos, info about each episode and links to our social media, is https://www.dadandmelovehistory.com/

    For mature history lovers: read industry reviews of Dad's World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, as well as in paperback. Dad's first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, is a love-story/thriller based on real events in Poland, Paris, London and Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

    Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

    Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

    All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

    Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2023 © BBC

    24 min
  • 57. Why is the capital of the USA in Washington? And who was America's greatest President?

    Today's episode comes from Washington DC, where we investigate why the capital was positioned there. And then, for our big question, we debate who wins the title of greatest US President ever!

    We are delighted to be joined by special guest Patrick Lau, who works for the US government in Washington, has a Masters' degree in political science and is a history buff! He is also a former high school student whom Dad taught a long, long time ago!

    At the end of today's episode (after our outro theme song), you'll hear the questions (see below) and then bags of outtakes!

    Here are some questions to test your skills:

    1. Why was the USA's new capital city called Washington?

    2. Why was the city of Washington built where it was built?

    3. How many of America's first 18 presidents owned slaves?

    4. What was significant about the letter Jefferson sent to an African-American?

    5. What did Patrick say makes a great President?

    6. Why did James choose Abraham Lincoln as the greatest ever president?

    Our website, where you'll find links to our social media, is https://www.dadandmelovehistory.com/

    For mature history lovers: read industry reviews of Dad's World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, as well as in paperback. Dad's first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, is a love-story/thriller based on real events in Poland, Paris, London and Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

    Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

    Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

    All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

    Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2023 © BBC

    30 min
  • 56: Extraordinary people in World War II: how did they cope with the challenges they faced?

    Today's episode comes from the Imperial War Museum, London, where we investigate: Odette, the spy; Roy and Bob's great escape at sea; Daisy's story of imprisonment in Hong Kong.

    We are delighted to be joined by co-host Benji – and we are amazed by how he happens to find his own family history in the museum.

    At the end of today's episode (after our outro theme song), you'll hear the questions (see below) and then the outtakes.

    Here are some questions to test your listening skills:

    1. Which museum were we in?

    2. Who was the relative whose name Kim and Benji found embroidered (sewn) on a bedsheet from a World War II prisoner camp in Hong Kong?

    3. What's the difference between an "internee" and a "prisoner of war"?

    4. What happened to Roy and Robert?

    5. What role/job did Odette perform when she was parachuted into France?

    6. What happened to Odette after she was arrested by Nazi forces?

    For mature history lovers: read industry reviews of Dad's World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, as well as in paperback. Dad's first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, is a love-story/thriller based on real events in Poland, Paris, London and Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

    Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

    Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

    All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

    15 min
  • 55: The little town that welcomed the world: A 'COME FROM AWAY' SPECIAL!

    We are joined by two wonderful guests from the town of Gander in remote Newfoundland, Canada, where locals showed amazing kindness to people from all over the world, following the terrible events of 9/11. We only briefly mention the planes that crashed into the twin towers: we focus on the heart-warming humanity that followed.

    This true story is sweeping the world through the award-winning musical Come From Away, and we make good use of having attained the rights to the music! Even better, we spend time with local journalist Janice Goudie and animal shelter manager Bonnie Harris, who found themselves at the centre of events – and at the centre of Come From Away. Janice was reporting on events on 11 September, 2001, as 38 planes, carrying nearly 7,000 passengers, landed at the remote Canadian town of Gander. Bonnie was determined to discover if there were any animals on board – and she received quite a surprise.

    The population of the town almost doubled in just a couple of hours. How would the town cope? Well, the answer to that is: remarkably!

    Janice now works for the Canadian Broadcasting Company, and we recommend this CBC cartoon strip resource, featuring Janice, as a way to educate suitably-aged children about 9/11.

    At the end of today's episode (after our outro theme song), there are bags of extras – including lots of outtakes, additional interview material and bonus music from Come From Away!

    Here are some questions to test your listening skills:

    1. What was Janice's job?
    2. Why were 38 planes - and nearly 7,000 passengers - forced to land in Gander?
    3. What was Bonnie's job?
    4. What examples of kindness can you remember that the islanders showed the passengers?
    5. What types of animals were found on those planes?
    6. Can you think of a time when someone has shown great kindness to you or when you have shown kindness to others?

    For mature history lovers: read industry reviews of Dad's World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, as well as in paperback. Dad's first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, is a love-story/thriller based on real events in Poland, Paris, London and Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

    Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

    Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

    All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

    Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2022 © BBC

    33 min
  • 54. Why was Elizabeth II never supposed to be Queen

    Our special guest tells us all about why King George VI was called 'Bertie' and why his daughter should never have become Queen!

    THIS EPISODE IS PARTICULARLY RECOMMENDED AS SUITABLE FOR OUR YOUNGER LISTENERS!

    In this royally mad episode – which features a record number of majestic jokes – we are joined by a very special guest. Children's author Susan Webb, who wrote 'Bertie: The Best Stuttering King', reveals what you should know about Princess Elizabeth (the current British queen) and why she expected to never be queen. You can find out more about Susan and her writing at https://susanmwebb.com/

    This episode has been released shortly ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022 - look out for the special events on TV!

    At the end of today's episode (after our outro theme song), there are bags of extras – including the King and Queen of Dad jokes! Also after the main episode, we've got some TRUE or FALSE questions – how many can you get correct?

    1. True or False: King Edward VIII was Elizabeth's uncle
    2. True or False: Bertie was the King George VI's nickname
    3. True or False: King George VI's real first name was Louis
    4. True or False: Princess Elizabeth was in Asia when she became Queen
    5. True or False: Queen Elizabeth II is about to celebrate her Golden Jubilee
    6. True or False: James never gets nervous

    Read industry reviews of Dad's World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, as well as in paperback. Dad's first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, is a love-story/thriller based on real events in Poland, Paris, London and Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

    Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

    Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

    All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

    Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2022 © BBC

    26 min
  • 53: How can you save history?

    Listen and learn from a 16-year-old master historian – and hear some incredible interviews!

    Today we are joined by a very special high school kid: historian Jaxon Hekkenberg. Jaxon is doing remarkable things, teaching us all how we can save history. You'll hear clips from just a few of the incredible interviews Jaxon has carried out. There are no graphic descriptions – just listen out for incredible stories from veterans from BOTH SIDES of World War II.

    At the end of today's episode there are bags of extras (after our outro theme song) – including an insight into the Hekkenberg family's own World War II family history!

    Read industry reviews of Dad's World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, as well as in paperback. Dad's first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, is a love-story/thriller based on real events in Poland, Paris, London and Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

    Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

    Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

    All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

    26 min
  • 52. Why were ordinary families kept prisoner in World War II?

    Dad and Me investigate 'internment' in America, the UK, Australia, Hong Kong and beyond.

    Internment was when ordinary men, women and children were imprisoned because they – or their parents – were born in an enemy country, and the country they lived in thought they might secretly help the other side. Listen out for our best 'prison' jokes! And don't forget after the end theme song, we've got more of the good stuff, including questions and out-takes – and more jokes!

    Read industry reviews of Dad's World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, as well as in paperback. Dad's first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, is a love-story/thriller based on real events in Poland, Paris, London and Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

    Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

    Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

    All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

    Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2022 © BBC

    23 min
  • 51. The Best Dad (and Me) Jokes Ever!

    Dad & Me Love History presents a New Year Special Episode, where we go back through the archives and play you highlights from our original recordings of Dad (& Me) jokes, from Ancient Romans to African Moors to the invention of cars! This includes some previously unpublished material.

    Read industry reviews of Dad's World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, as well as in paperback. Dad's first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, is a love-story/thriller based on real events in Poland, Paris, London and Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

    Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

    Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

    All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

    Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2021 © BBC

    21 min
  • 50. Is the history of sugar all sweet?

    Following the origins of sugar takes us around the world, through 10,000 years of sweet but sticky history. Sugar was like oil or gold for a while - so in-demand that people in power got greedy and the powerless suffered as slavery expanded.

    On the sweeter side, listen out for Dad's best bad Dad jokes yet! Do let us know (via Facebook/Twitter/Instagram) why it is particularly Norwegians who like to put sugar on their pillow – and listen all the way to the outtakes for bonus jokes!

    How are some questions to see how well you understood today's episode:

    1. Which country near Australia is where we think sugar cane first grew?
    2. Which Persian leader discovered sugar in India and then kept how it was made a secret?
    3. Who took sugar to America in the 1590s?
    4. Who invented marzipan?
    5. Explain what impact sugar had on slavery
    6. Why do you think Olaudah Equiano is famous?

    Read industry reviews of Dad's World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available on Kindle, as well as in paperback. Dad's first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, is a love-story/thriller based on real events in Poland, Paris, London and Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

    Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going.

    Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

    All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

    Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2021 © BBC

    20 min
  • Veterans Day Special Re-release

    Why poppies? What's the Last Post? [HINT: it's nothing to do with sending mail before Christmas!] Why keep remembering a battle your side loses? What does ANZAC mean?

    This re-release of a special extended episode is a lot more serious than our usual fun-filled shows, but there's lots to learn for kids and adults! We talk to veterans about Veterans Day/Remembrance Day/ANZAC Day.

    We go to an ANZAC service in Australia, where World War One is particularly remembered. Then we go to Hong Kong, which was invaded during World War Two, so remembrance there focuses on that era. We then return to Australia for our interview with Major Matina Jewell.

    If you know a teacher who could use this episode, please share it with them – and with any other friends.

    We are grateful to Lindisfarne Anglican College for allowing us to visit their ANZAC assembly, and thanks go to their special guest, Major Matina Jewell (retired). Recurring at points throughout this episode is the sound of Lindisfarne's School Marching Band, led by Mr. Dale Norton. And thank you, retired Sergeant Kelvin Fawcett.

    LISTEN HERE

    Questions for after you've listened:

    1. What does A-N-Z-A-C – ANZAC -- stand for?

    2. Why is November 11 an important date for remembering people from wars?

    3. What happened at Gallipoli in WWI?

    4. What is the Last Post?

    5. Which country is the Menin Gate in?

    6. What colour are poppies?

    7. Who wrote the poem 'In Flanders Fields'?

    8. Why is it important to remember people who died in wars?

    LISTEN HERE

    Look on our webpage for images that accompany each episode.

    And join us on: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

    Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going.

    Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

    Additional instrumental music by Kevin MacLeod

    26 min

About Dad and Me Love History

From the publisher's feed

Get your kid away from screens for a fun fifteen-minutes, answering the big questions in history! Fun for parents too!

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