Can you imagine what the dinosaurs smelled like? What about Roman toilets? Were Egyptian mummies nice to sniff? We’re about to find out, and more importantly, we’re going to discover why on earth museums are pumping these stinky smells into their exhibits. Believe it or not, it’s all down to the Vikings. This is the story of Viking smells, and how they transformed the way we understand history. About Honest History Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for...

During World War II, we often hear about great battles, heroic victories, and famous generals. But what was the experience of everyday people? In this episode, learn about a tragic moment of World War II’s history called the Siege of Leningrad. The siege affected everyday people living in the city by cutting them off from supplies like food, medicine, and water. It's a difficult story, and it is important to understand how war can hurt many people. This is the story about the brave people of...

Eighty years ago, everyone knew his name. He was a Hollywood filmmaker, an airplane engineer, a wealthy businessman, and a daring pilot. Newspapers and film screens were filled with tales of his next exciting project. He funded expensive movies with dangerous stunts and built machines only he would dare to build. With each new project, he pushed the boundaries of what was possible. This is the story of Howard Hughes and the giant flying boat. About Honest History Honest History creates...

Have you heard of the legendary warrior, Mulan? As the story goes, she disguised herself as a man to go to war in place of her father. You might know her from the movie about her life. It’s the one with a talking dragon named Mushu and a lucky cricket. But did you know Mulan’s story has a very old history? As a matter of fact, her story is over 1,000 years old! In this episode, we're going to uncover the real history behind this famous tale. This is the story of Mulan, the woman who would...

What do you think of when you hear the word “Balloonomania”? You probably think it has something to do with balloons, and you’d be right. But not the type of balloons you see at birthday parties. In this episode, we’re going to be talking about the kind of balloons that take people up into the sky—hot-air balloons. One aeronaut made history as the first woman to take to the skies all by herself. She was so famous that she became a favorite of Napoleon of France. This is the story of Sophie...

Get ready to sink your teeth into one of the world's most delicious sandwiches—the bánh mì. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, the bánh mì has quickly become a popular street food all around the world. But do you know the history of this fascinating and tasty creation? Originating in Vietnam, this delectable sandwich is a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the history and flavors of the bánh mì. Let’s dig in! About Honest...

It’s time to learn about one of the most brilliant scientists to ever live, Nikola Tesla. Through his powerful imagination and skill, Tesla developed alternating current and helped usher in a new era of electricity. From his laboratory in Colorado, he worked on wireless electricity and wowed the public with his fantastic displays of electrical energy using giant coils. Yet, despite his prowess for engineering and inventing, he never managed to profit much from his creations. Why? You’ll have...

Let's journey back in time to the captivating world of Hatshepsut, the Queen of Egypt who ruled over three thousand years ago. Known for her remarkable reign and unprecedented rise to power, Hatshepsut's legacy has fascinated historians for centuries. In recent years, archaeologists made an extraordinary find when they uncovered a well-preserved temple dedicated to Hatshepsut. Inside, they found a treasure trove of artifacts, including statues, inscriptions, and even remnants of the offerings...

Do you love to eat? Who doesn’t? Let’s head back to the intriguing world of Pompeii's thermopolium, a type of fast food restaurant that existed over two thousand years ago. These bustling eateries were the social hub of Pompeii and served up piping hot food to the city's residents and travelers. In 2019, a team of archaeologists made an incredible discovery when they uncovered a well-preserved thermopolium in the city's ruins. Inside, they found a wealth of artifacts, including pots, jars,...

Do you love digging for buried treasure? It’s time to explore the incredible story of a real-life treasure hunter. Her name was Mary Anning and she is best known for discovering an Ichthyosaur fossil—an animal that many people today would call a sea monster! The most amazing part? She was just a kid when she found this amazing treasure. As Mary grew up, she challenged the conventional understanding of prehistoric life and inspired generations of scientists and women. Join us as we uncover the...

It’s difficult to imagine being born to an enslaved African mother in 18th century France and then growing up to be one of the most celebrated composers and swordsmen in the whole country. Any one of these circumstances would be difficult on their own, but Joseph Bologne fought against the challenges to play violin at private parties for the queen and live with the famous composer, Mozart. He even led troops into battle during the French Revolution. All of this was accomplished as a Black man...

For thirty years of her life, Elizabeth Keckley dreamed of freedom. Born into slavery in 1818, she used her tenacity, perseverance, and inventiveness to become a free woman—and the dressmaker and friend to the First Lady of the United States. Elizabeth created the most elegant dresses in Washington D.C., but her path to the White House was incredibly difficult. This is the story of her journey, with experiences shared by many other enslaved people, during a pivotal time in U.S. history.  ...

Years before the Nazi party’s rise to power, a man named Franz Werfel tried to tell the world about a similar tragedy. He wrote a book about the story of brave Armenians struggling under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. He knew that if people didn’t hear about this story, then history could repeat itself. Unfortunately, his prediction came true during the Jewish Holocaust. Yet, his book inspired countless Jewish people as they faced enormous tragedy and fought to survive. It’s time to learn...

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is nothing new—yet in the 1930s, the crimes committed by Russia and Stalin were not as publicized as the conflict today. After all, this was a time before the age of the internet and social media. Yet, because of one man’s heroic actions, the truth about Russia’s crimes under Stalin’s rule eventually became widely known. Join us for an important story about Gareth Jones, a Welshman in Ukraine.  About Honest History Honest History creates...

What comes to mind when you think of the Wild West? It might be stories of bank robbers, stagecoach heists, shootouts, and saloons. And usually, these mental images can be attributed to Hollywood’s love of embellishing the past. Yet, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. David S. Terry was Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court during the nineteenth century and his story is one of the most wild tales you’ll ever hear—complete with duels and one former state Supreme Court justice...

Who do you imagine when you think of people with great power and influence? It’s probably not the wife of Ottoman sultan, Süleyman the Magnificent, who was kidnapped from her home in Eastern Europe and taken to Istanbul as a child. Yet, this woman became one of the most powerful and influential women in Ottoman history. Her name was Roxelana and she left her mark on history during the sixteenth century through her involvement with state affairs and charities. Let’s travel to modern-day Turkey...

Who doesn’t love the story of the dog, Balto? He was celebrated across the United States as a hero for leading a sled team in Alaska and saving lives. But, do you also know about Togo? You’re about to find out. In 1925, a team with 20 drivers and 150 dogs embarked on a dangerous journey. This is the story of Balto, Togo, and the Nome Serum Run. About Honest History Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to...

Do you love watching the Olympics as nations from around the globe come together in the spirit of friendly competition? One Native American enthralled audiences more than 100 years ago, winning gold and returning home a champion. Jim Thorpe grew up as a member of the Sac and Fox Nation in Oklahoma—this is the story of his life and the first indigenous American to ever win Olympic gold for the USA.  About Honest History Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show...

It’s no secret that World War II was an incredibly tragic period with a terrible aggressor, the Nazi army, destroying people’s lives and communities. On one European island however, a woman found a way to fight back using a weapon nobody else would think of … her manners. Join us for an episode about Dame Sibyl Hathaway, a brave woman who helped save her community from the invading German army. Let’s go learn about this incredible story! About Honest History Honest History creates...

Join us for this Halloween thriller as we explore the story of history’s most famous monster. A vacation to the Swiss Alps created a legend as Mary Shelley formed the story of Frankenstein and his monster. But first, Shelley needed inspiration. She found it in her own past and imagination, with a dash of ghost stories told around the fireplace. It’s time to travel to a cottage in the Alps for a truly spooky adventure! About Honest History Honest History creates award-winning books,...

Have you ever had food poisoning? Now, imagine a king from long ago who experimented with mysterious potions to deliberately poison people. This is the story of mad honey and King Mithridates, the king of poison. Growing up, Mithridates was obsessed with plants and animals, and the more dangerous they were, the more Mithridates studied them. It’s time to learn about the mysterious tale of how he discovered a poison that would win battles and mystify his enemy, the Romans. About Honest...

Do you have a favorite movie star? Have you ever heard of Charlie Chaplin or silent films? This story is about a woman who was one of the most famous movie stars during the silent film era. It’s time to explore the story of Dolores del Río, a Mexican actress who became the first major female Latin American crossover star in Hollywood, and learn about her incredible journey from Mexico to the big screen.  About the Host Carmen Morales has a captivating style which incorporates opinionated...

Who was the first person to reach the actual North Pole? Most people have never heard of Matthew Henson, a Black American explorer who dared to go on an adventure north in 1909. Discover his incredible journey from a sailor to a bonafide explorer who made history. From blizzards to his friendship with the Innuit to finally setting foot at the North Pole, join the adventure and learn about a story often untold in history.  About the Host Thomas Lundy is a director, writer and stand-up...

Have you heard of the indigenous Sentinelese people of the Andaman Islands? They are one of the few remaining "uncontacted" tribes living off the coast of India. Join host Sandeep Parikh and learn about the incredible story of Dr. Madhumala Chattopadhyay, an Indian anthropologist who ventured on a friendly visit to the Sentinelese in 1991. What happened? Let's go find out! About the Host Sandeep Parikh is an American writer, director, actor born to Indian immigrants. He is the founder of...

What do you get when you mix a radio broadcast about aliens with fake news? In this case, it’s one of the most well-known and successful hoaxes to ever exist. Join host Patton Oswalt for the incredible story about The War of the Worlds broadcast. It’s time to peek inside the brilliant mind of Orson Welles and join the many Americans who sat glued to their radio sets as they heard a “news” story about aliens attacking Earth in 1938.  About the Host Patton Oswalt is an American stand-up...