Best The Past and The Curious History Podcast for Kids Podcasts (2025)

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Art Spies and Underwater Toilets 31:50

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10d ago31:50

31:50

Two fascinating stories from World War II. One is about Rose Valland, a French woman who worked as a spy in Nazi-occupied Paris. Her bravery saved thousands of works of art, many of which were returned to the families who originally owned them. Secondly, the story of German U-boat U-1206 is a doozy. The new toilet onboard was confounding, and it go…

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Krampus [ENCORE] 8:18

1d ago8:18

8:18

For those of us who have been good all year the holidays are a time for celebration and gifts... but, for for those of us who have been naughty, we may have a half goat, half demon visitor waiting to steal us away. What's that, cheery soul? Not familiar? Well then, let's tell you a little more about Krampus... Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellen…

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Episode 79: Slime 22:03

3d ago22:03

22:03

Have you ever made slime? Do you remember how you made it? What it felt like oozing between your fingers? Why do you think so many of us are obsessed with slime? And why do slimy things creep so many people out? We'll be talking about all of that and more on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ana Olson Produced, Edited by…

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Episode 43: Five Nights at Freddy's [ENCORE] 20:15

21d ago20:15

20:15

Have you ever thought about getting your first job? Where would you work? What would you have to do? Well, what if your first job was working the overnight shift at a pizzeria making sure the animatronic puppets don't come into contact with humans? That is exactly what happens in Five Nights at Freddy's, the runaway hit horror game, that has become…

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Episode 78: The Lost Colony of Roanoke 23:03

1M ago23:03

23:03

If you’re listening to Unspookable, chances are you like a good mystery. A mystery like, say, over 100 people vanishing without a trace? We’re going to cover a mystery that’s centuries old and ask whether a mystery so long past is even solveable as we discuss the Lost Colony of Roanoke on today’s episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise Parisian Written…

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Moving Water 33:42

1M ago33:42

33:42

The Erie Canal and The Chicago River were two of the most impressive engineering feats in history. For the 200th Anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal we look at the opening celebration, along with a fun musical diversion or two. And how can you talk about moving water without talking about the efforts to change sanitation in Chicago? This i…

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Episode 77: Stonehenge 26:18

1M ago26:18

26:18

We're sure you've heard of Stonehenge, an ancient stone monument that has mystified people for centuries, but what is it? Was it a temple, a portal, or maybe an alien landing pad? Who built it and why? And even more importantly: why can’t we stop asking questions about it? We’ll be talking about all that and more on this episode of Unspookable. Hos…

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Kids Listen Big Emotions 22:26

1M ago22:26

22:26

We're a part of Big Emotions this week! We’re feeling all squishy this week, as we dive into two of the strongest emotions of all. Love is powerful, joyful, and comforting - and when it changes or we feel its absence, sadness often follows. Sadness can feel heavy, but it helps us slow down, notice what matters, and deepen our connections. In this e…

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Kooky Spooky Countdown: Elise Parisian (Unspookable) interviews Adam Gidwitz (Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest) 33:43

2M ago33:43

33:43

If you've been following the Kooky Spooky Countdown, it has all been leading up to this: Elise Parisian, the host of Unspookable, sits down with Adam Gidwitz, the creator and host of Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest and New York Times best-selling author, to talk about scary stories themselves. Why do we tell them? What purpose do they serve? And what has …

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Episode 76: The Brown Mountain Lights 22:44

1M ago22:44

22:44

Sometimes strange glowing orbs appear around Brown Mountain in North Carolina. Locals call them the Brown Mountain Lights, and no one really knows what they are. Some say they’re spirits or ghosts, some aliens, and others think they’re a quirk of nature. We'll share our ideas and those of the experts on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise Pari…

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Introducing: Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings 22:21

2M ago22:21

22:21

We are excited to share a recent episode of the Kids Listen podcast Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings featuring Unspookable and our friends at At Your Level and Koala Shine and hosted by the amazing Molly Bloom (Brains On! & Smash Boom Best)! Give it a listen and if you want to hear more, there are loads more episodes here. --- Embar…

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The Past and The Curious Halloween Special: Twain's Ouija Novel (w Nate DuFort from Unspookable) 21:47

2M ago21:47

21:47

When a podcast asks Unspookable to collaborate, especially if it is one of our all time favorite podcasts with one of the coolest hosts in the business, we will jump at the opportunity. We are thrilled to present this special Halloween Edition of The Past and The Curious featuring Unspookable creator Nate DuFort. Give it a listen and if you want mo…

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Halloween Special: Twain's Ouija Novel 22:32

2M ago22:32

22:32

Did a no-longer-living Mark Twain send a novel from the great beyond with a Ouija Board? Find out about the real story with help from our pal Nate DuFort of the podcast, Unspookable.By Mick Sullivan

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Episode 75: La Llorona 22:03

2M ago22:03

22:03

Have you ever heard of the Weeping Woman? Maybe you'd know her by her other name - La Llorona - a young mother so haunted by her own grief that she’s taken to haunting everyone in her path. Who was she, and what does she represent to the people who tell her story? We’ll be talking about all that and more on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise …

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Episode 74: Wendigo 23:21

2M ago23:21

23:21

One of our most requested topics ever, the Wendigo is a mythological beast from the folklore of the Algonquian-speaking First Nations of Canada and the Great Lakes region of the United States. Said to embody greed, hunger, and the loss of humanity, the Wendigo is a chilling reminder of what happens when our darkest impulses take control - that and …

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Very Hairy 36:24

2M ago36:24

36:24

Episode 110! Peter the Great, The Hairy Eagle and more! Did I decide on an episode about Peter the Great just so I could say 6-7 a few times to be cringe and make kids laugh? Yes, yes I did. But it's a really fun story about when the Tsar of All Russia travelled "incognito" through Europe. And as a bonus, we're talking hair sales, hair wreaths, and…

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Episode 73: Medusa 26:53

2M ago26:53

26:53

Many of us may think we know everything there is to know about Medusa, but what if what we thought about her origins and intentions were all wrong? We're looking at the the complex and contradicting stories that may prove Medusa less a villain and more a protector on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Miden Wood Produced,…

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Traveling Back to Meet Grace Hopper: Bugs, Big Computers, and Curious Discoveries 5:37

3M ago5:37

5:37

Jules arrives just as Grace Hopper is peering into the giant Mark II computer at Harvard University. It's September 9, 1947, and the lab is buzzing with activity as scientists try to solve a mysterious problem. Suddenly, Grace finds something unexpected—a moth caught in the machine! Jules watches in awe as she carefully removes it, forever changing…

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Episode 72: Godzilla 26:54

3M ago26:54

26:54

You have no doubt heard the name Godzilla, the 200 foot tall kaiju bent on destroying everything in it's path, but do you know why this monster was created and what it might symbolize? We'll be talking about all that and more on this GIANT SIZED episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Miden Wood Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Mus…

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Handwritten 33:22

3M ago33:22

33:22

Episode 109 tells the story of Lincoln's the speech Lincoln lost before his inauguration in 1861. Also included is the story of Ely S. Parker, an indigenous Seneca man who made an impact in the Civil War - and who had really nice handwriting.By Mick Sullivan

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Traveling Back to Meet Aristotle: Plants, Ponderings, and the Thinking Heart 6:24

3M ago6:24

6:24

Jules lands right in the middle of a lively morning at The Lyceum in Athens, 335 BC. Surrounded by curious students, Aristotle strolls through the gardens, pointing out fascinating features of plants and animals. As the students scribble notes on their scrolls, Jules listens in, eager to hear Aristotle's thoughts on learning and discovery. Join Jul…

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Traveling Back to Meet Harry Houdini: Daring Escapes, Metal Clinks, and Underwater Wonders 7:23

4M ago7:23

7:23

Jules lands right in the middle of a bustling New York City afternoon on April 30, 1912, just as Harry Houdini is preparing backstage for his famous 'Chinese Water Torture Cell' escape. The air is thick with anticipation as Houdini checks the chains and locks that will soon bind him. Jules is curious and starts asking Houdini about his incredible e…

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A Special Announcement from Unspookable 0:55

3M ago0:55

0:55

Spooky season is almost here and with it comes an all new season of Unspookable beginning on Tuesday, September 9th. We’ve been following your amazing requests and our team has been working on episodes you're going to love including: Godzilla, Medusa, La Llorona, Wendigo, and many, many more. Not hearing your favorite listed? There’s still time - j…

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Traveling Back to Meet Queen Victoria: Jubilees, Inventions, and Diaries 7:22

4M ago7:22

7:22

Jules lands right in the middle of the bustling excitement at Buckingham Palace on June 20, 1897. It's Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, and everyone is eager to celebrate her incredible 60 years on the throne. As Jules chats with the queen, they explore what it's like to reign during such transformational times with new inventions popping up every…

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Traveling Back to Meet Plato: Ideas, Questions, and Olive Trees 6:33

4M ago6:33

6:33

Jules lands right in the middle of a bustling morning at The Academy in Athens, where the air is filled with the chatter of eager students. It's May 5, 387 BC, and Plato is preparing to unravel the mysteries of reality under the gentle shade of olive trees. Join Jules as Plato shares insights about his teaching and the big questions that inspire hi…

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Traveling Back to Meet Charlie Chaplin: Silent Laughter, Funny Clothes, and a Look-Alike Contest 8:33

4M ago8:33

8:33

Jules lands right in the middle of a bustling movie set on a bright afternoon in Lone Pine, California, in 1925. There, he meets the legendary Charlie Chaplin, dressed as the iconic "Little Tramp." As Jules watches Charlie prepare for a scene in "The Gold Rush," he can't help but wonder how Charlie makes everyone laugh without uttering a single wor…

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Traveling Back to Meet Nelson Mandela: Unity, Courage, and Boxing 6:51

4M ago6:51

6:51

Jules lands right in the middle of a bustling crowd at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on May 10, 1994. The air is filled with anticipation as Nelson Mandela is about to become South Africa's first black president. Jules watches in awe as Mandela steps up to the podium, a living symbol of hope and change. With everyone cheering, Jules can't wait to…

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Traveling Back to Meet Michelangelo: Paint, Ceiling, and Tired Eyes 7:03

4M ago7:03

7:03

Jules lands right in the middle of Vatican City on October 31, 1512, as Michelangelo takes a deep breath after finishing the Sistine Chapel ceiling. The chapel is a sea of colors and stories painted high above, and Jules is full of questions. How did Michelangelo manage such a massive task alone? As they chat, the artist shares how he painted stand…

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Traveling Back to Meet Sacagawea: Guidance, Adventure, and a Baby on Board 6:01

4M ago6:01

6:01

Jules lands right in the middle of the Rocky Mountains at Lemhi Pass on August 12, 1805. Here, Sacagawea is leading the Lewis and Clark expedition with her unique skills and knowledge of the land. With her baby, Pomp, secure on her back, she navigates the Shoshone territory, offering insights and building bridges between cultures. As she talks abou…

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Traveling Back to Meet Joan of Arc: Courage, Faith, and Teenage Leadership 7:13

4M ago7:13

7:13

Jules lands right in the middle of the bustling battlefield of Orléans, France, on May 8, 1429. The clash of swords and the roar of soldiers surround them, but all eyes are on a fearless young leader, Joan of Arc. At just 17 years old, Joan is rallying the French troops with her unwavering faith and determination. Jules is eager to discover where J…

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Traveling Back to Meet Vincent van Gogh: Wheat Fields, Sunflowers, and Colorful Feelings 6:30

4M ago6:30

6:30

Jules lands right in the middle of a golden wheat field in Auvers-sur-Oise, France, on a warm summer afternoon in 1890. There, they find Vincent van Gogh passionately painting as the sun sets, casting magical hues across the landscape. Jules is curious about the vibrant colors and emotions in Vincent's paintings and asks him all about his inspirati…

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Traveling Back to Meet Alexander Graham Bell: Wires, Words, and a Surprising Refusal 5:51

4M ago5:51

5:51

Jules lands right in the middle of a bustling 1876 Boston laboratory, just as Alexander Graham Bell is about to change the world forever. The air is thick with excitement and the hum of innovation as Bell prepares to make the first-ever phone call to his assistant, Mr. Watson. Why is the telephone so important to him, and what inspired this groundb…

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Traveling Back to Meet King Louis XIV: Mirrors, Monarchy, and Ballet 6:29

4M ago6:29

6:29

Jules arrives just as the sun streams through the Hall of Mirrors in the magnificent Palace of Versailles on May 6, 1682. The room is alive with the rustling of silk and whispers of courtiers, all eyes on King Louis XIV, the dazzling Sun King. As Jules takes in the splendor, he wonders what it's like to rule with absolute power and even design such…

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Traveling Back to Meet Harriet Tubman: Night Journeys, Secret Paths, and Brave Escapes 6:17

4M ago6:17

6:17

Jules lands right in the middle of a thrilling escape on October 1, 1855, as Harriet Tubman leads a group of enslaved people through the shadowy woods of the Maryland/Delaware border. The air is filled with anticipation and the soft rustling of leaves underfoot. Jules discovers how Harriet finds courage to keep returning for more people and learns …

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Traveling Back to Meet Leif Erikson: Vikings, Vinland, and Golden Horizons 6:29

4M ago6:29

6:29

Jules lands right in the middle of a Viking adventure as Leif Erikson and his crew approach the mysterious shores of Vinland. It's a thrilling morning with the sea breeze in the air and the rising sun painting a golden path over the waves. Leif shares his hopes of discovering new lands and the excitement buzzing through his crew, even as they navig…

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Lost Bones 32:28

4M ago32:28

32:28

Composer Joseph Haydn is buried with two skulls. You'll never believe why (hint: it has to do with phrenology). Meanwhile Thomas Paine's bones went missing thanks to an overly enthusiastic fan.By Mick Sullivan