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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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. 

Have you heard of Paul Revere and his famous midnight ride? It's a legendary story in American history. But there are a few facts this legend gets wrong. Join Anna, Leo and Percy the mouse as they uncover the real story behind Paul Revere’s daring journey to deliver a secret message. Put on your blue coats 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...

How could a thief walk up to the Mona Lisa and escape with the famous painting? In 1911, that's exactly what Vincenzo Peruggia did as he stole the painting from the Louvre. With this act, the painting became one of the most well-known paintings in the world. How did he do it? Join Anna, Leo and Percy as they take a trip back in time to France and let's find out.  About Honest History Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the...

In 1518, hundreds of people began to dance. And the strangest part—they couldn’t stop! Were they sick? Or was it a curse? Anna, Leo and Percy take a trip back in time to France and unravel the mystery of the Dancing Plague. Grab your dancing shoes 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...

What happens when a bunch of molasses floods the streets of a bustling city like Boston? Join Anna, Leo, and Percy the mouse as they travel back 100 years ago to visit the site of this messy story. Don't forget to bring earplugs and hold your nose! 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...

Everyone's heard of the Titanic, right? But how much do you really know about this tragedy? Join Anna, Leo, and Percy the mouse as they journey into the past aboard the Titanic. The ship was filled with third class passengers, many of them immigrants starting a new life in America. It's time to learn more about their lives and a tragedy that defined an era. Hard-a-starboard! About Honest History Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians...

It's time to head back to the open seas and learn about a legendary ship unlike any other. Join Anna, Leo, and Percy the mouse as they sail into the past to uncover the story of Korean turtle ships. Covered in spikes, these fearsome boats helped Korea win many battles against the Japanese. We’re traveling to the 16th century to learn all about one determined admiral and his famous turtle ships.  About Honest History Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for...

It all started in a carpenter's workshop with wooden toys and grew into one of the most iconic and loved children's toys of all time. It's a story of perseverance, fires burning down workshops, and a bit of luck. Join Anna, Leo & Percy as they travel back in time to Denmark and discover the fascinating history of Lego. 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...

Let's head back over two thousand years ago and discover the amazing story of a daring general who led an attack that nobody expected. Using elephants, Hannibal made history by crossing the alps to attack Rome from the last place they expected. Join Anna, Leo & Percy as they travel back in time to learn about her fascinating story.  About Honest History Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire...

Do you know about Susan La Flesche Picotte, the incredible indigenous woman who broke barriers to become a medical doctor? Join Anna, Leo & Percy as they travel back in time to learn about her fascinating story. Bring a coat because we'll be crossing some frozen plains during the 19th century! 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...

Have you ever wondered how all the dinosaur bones in the museum get there? Join Anna, Leo & Percy as they travel back in time to learn about a few famous paleontologists during one of the greatest scientific feuds in history. Put on your work clothes because we're about to go digging.  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...

It's time for our most musical adventure yet. Join Anna, Leo & Percy as they travel to the streets of Tudor England to uncover the story of a mysterious trumpeter. Originally from Africa, John Blanke moved to England to play music for the king. Let's go discover his incredible story. 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...

What do a zookeeper, a world war, and a baby elephant named Sheila have in common? Join Anna, Leo & Percy as they travel to Belfast in 1941 during World War II to meet the Elephant Angel, Denise Weston Austin. Put on your zookeeper outfits and let's go learn about this amazing story.  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...

Did you know a person could be declared a national treasure? It's time to learn about Brazil's national treasure, Pelé the soccer star. Or, as he's known in most of the world, one of the best footballers to ever live. Join Anna, Leo & Percy as they discover the story behind this incredible athlete and travel back in time to watch one of the most famous goals ever scored. Put on your jerseys and let's head back to the 1950s.  About Honest History Honest History creates award-winning...

Discover the fascinating story of Queen Tomyris and join a new adventure with your hosts Anna, Leo & Percy as they travel back in time to Central Asia. In this story, you'll learn about how this warrior queen defeated King Cyrus the Great as he tried to attack her homeland—and the rest is history. It's time to pack your bags and head back to the sixth century BCE.  About Honest History Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the...

Join us on a new adventure with Anna, Leo & Percy and travel back in time to one of the smelliest places in history. Plug your noses young historians! We’re going back to the 1800s to uncover the mystery behind London’s Great Stink. 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...

Join us on a new adventure with Anna, Leo & Percy and travel back in time to one of the strangest battles in history—the emu war in Australia. We'll learn about the Australian government's wild scheme to protect farmer's crops from these huge birds. There was just one problem: emus were much tougher and smarter than anyone thought. Let's go learn about this stranger-than-fiction story! About Honest History Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young...

Join us on a new adventure with Anna, Leo & Percy and travel back in time to a ship sailing the ocean with the fearsome pirate, John Ward. We’ll learn about pirate life, the Ottoman Empire, privateers, and more during the “golden age” of piracy. This swashbuckling story is presented in a new format for kids of all ages (and their parents, too). Let’s go! About Honest History Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our...