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Anytime Now

Honest History

Anytime Now

Explore the tales you won't find in your school textbook. From daring escapes to ingenious inventions, Anytime Now transports kids back in time with the incredible sounds and stories of the past. Created by Honest History for kids ages 8+ (and their grownups, too).

Parent info: Anytime Now is recommended for ages 11 plus. It's an Episodic show that can be listened to in any order. Made in the USA, it's about History and Kids for kids. Launched in 2021.

There are 77 episodes
© Honest History Episodes: 77

Episodes
The most recent appears first.

  • The Tunguska Fireball

    17 min Episode 76 20 June 2026

    In 1908 in the heart of Siberia, an explosion, roughly 1,000 times more powerful than an atomic bomb, hit a remote part of the Evenki homeland. And for decades, no one knew what caused it. Was it a rock from outer space, a secret weapon, or an alien spaceship?…

  • Inez Lung and the Power of Learning

    16 min Episode 75 20 May 2026

    This is a story about learning. It's also about courage, kindness, and persevering against unfairness. In the 1920s, a brave, young teacher named Inez Lung charted her own path. She would be the first Chinese woman to attend the University of Texas. And, durin…

  • The 7-Eleven Story

    17 min Episode 74 20 April 2026

    Chances are you've seen a 7-Eleven. You can find them on street corners across the country selling all sorts of items, from hot pizzas to blue raspberry Slurpees. It's the perfect place to go for a late-night snack—because that's the thing about 7-Eleven, it's…

  • The Botanist: Ynés Mexía

    18 min Episode 73 20 March 2026

    What if every plant around you held a hidden story? Explore the remarkable life of Ynés Mexía, who found her true calling in botany at age 51 and went on to become one of history's most accomplished plant explorers. Her journey from uncertainty to adventure is…

  • The Patriot: James Forten

    17 min Episode 72 20 February 2026

    Dive into the remarkable story of James Forten—Revolutionary War patriot, successful sailmaker, and fearless abolitionist who used his voice, influence, and fortune to battle injustice in early America. Discover how one man's courage helped shape the fight for…

  • The Hindenburg Disaster

    15 min Episode 71 20 January 2026

    For many people, when they hear the word "Hindenburg," they think of fiery disaster. The Hindenburg was a huge flying ship that burst into flames while landing in 1937, killing 36 people and injuring many more. The disaster was so big, people sometimes call it…

  • Napoleon and the Russian Winter

    17 min Episode 70 20 December 2025

    In 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte led the largest army Europe had ever seen on a daring invasion into Russia. A decision that would prove to be a costly mistake and one historians have been talking about for over a century. Join us on this new adventure!…

  • Lyda Conley's Last Stand

    17 min Episode 69 20 November 2025

    How long would you fight for  something you believed in? For Lyda Conley, the answer was her whole life. Born in the late 1800s, Lyda saw a period of great change in America, especially in her home state of Kansas. As new buildings sprang up around her, she wo…

  • Becoming Dracula: Bela Lugosi

    17 min Episode 68 20 October 2025

    Get ready, because we're about to sink our teeth into the life and legacy of Bela Lugosi, the man who became Count Dracula. Born in Hungary, Bela starred on the Budapest stage, fought in a war, fled his homeland, crossed an ocean, and became one of Hollywood's…

  • The Unexpected Explorer

    17 min Episode 67 20 September 2025

    In 1873, a courageous woman crossed the steep, snow-peaked Rocky Mountains. Standing 4 feet 11 inches and battling ill health, she was not the explorer most people expected. Her name was Isabella Bird, and she would become one of history's most inspiring femal…

  • The Real James Bond

    16 min Episode 66 20 August 2025

    Picture this: a mysterious figure dressed in a black tuxedo. He orders his drink "shaken, not stirred," and within moments, he's chasing villains through the city streets, dodging danger at every turn. He goes by the codename 007. But maybe you've heard his fu…

  • Al-Jazari's Incredible Machines

    17 min Episode 65 20 July 2025

    Let's travel back in time to the Golden Age of Islam and uncover one of history's early robot inventors. He lived in an ancient land that is part of modern-day Turkey. Working at the royal palace, he crafted beautiful devices that dazzled the king. The invento…

  • Flying Mountains: Roller Coasters

    16 min Episode 64 20 June 2025

    For centuries now, roller coasters have sent people flying through the air. And just like the ride itself, the history of these coasters is filled with twists and turns. Even though early rides looked very different from the rides you see today, they still del…

  • The Bird Watcher

    15 min Episode 63 20 May 2025

    Meet Florence Merriam Bailey, the original bird-watching rebel. Forget stuffed birds and cages—Florence believed the true beauty of birds could only be seen in the wild. Follow her journey from a curious girl to a passionate conservationist who defied fashion …

  • Making Mount Rushmore

    18 min Episode 62 20 April 2025

    This is the story of Mount Rushmore. Carved high in the cliffs of South Dakota, you can spot the faces of four U.S. Presidents. Every year, over 2 million tourists travel to see this famous site. But few visitors know the whole story behind the giant sculpture…

  • Hollywood's Scientist: Hedy Lamarr

    16 min Episode 61 20 March 2025

    Hedy Lamarr was a Hollywood star and people called her "the most beautiful woman in the world." Snow White and Catwoman, with their big eyes and dark, shining hair, were both based on Hedy. But she was also an inventor. In fact, her invention would pave the wa…

  • The Motorcycle Queen

    16 min Episode 60 20 February 2025

    This is the story of Bessie Stringfield, the woman who would become the motorcycle queen. From performing daring stunts to delivering top-secret messages, Bessie could do almost anything on a motorcycle. She was a legend in her own time. While tales of her ear…

  • Drawing Bambi

    17 min Episode 59 20 January 2025

    Have you ever watched the movie Bambi? This timeless classic was in many ways made possible by one extraordinary artist. This is the story of Tyrus Wong and his incredible journey from his home village to Walt Disney Studios. Born in China, Tyrus embarked on a…

  • Going Nuclear: The Goldsboro Crash

    15 min Episode 58 20 December 2024

    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 nuclea…

  • The Poet Astronomer

    16 min Episode 57 20 November 2024

    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 yo…

  • A Raven Named Grip

    14 min Episode 56 20 October 2024

    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 t…

  • Under the Big Top

    16 min Episode 55 20 September 2024

    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…

  • Wave Sliding

    16 min Episode 54 20 August 2024

    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 Austr…

  • Merlin's Roller Skates

    14 min Episode 53 20 July 2024

    Most of you have probably worn roller skates before, right? Have you ever wondered where those…

  • The Lawman of the Wild West

    15 min Episode 52 20 June 2024

    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, …

  • The Sherpa & the Beekeeper: Conquering Mt. Everest

    18 min Episode 51 20 May 2024

    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 te…

  • The Paper Brigade

    19 min Episode 50 20 April 2024

    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 hist…

  • Announcement from Honest History

    1 min 5 April 2024

    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.

  • Viking Poop: Smelling the Past

    16 min Episode 49 12 July 2023

    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. Bel…

  • The Siege of Leningrad

    15 min Episode 48 28 June 2023

    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 affec…

  • Howard Hughes and the Flying Boat

    17 min Episode 47 14 June 2023

    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 …

  • The Ballad of Mulan

    15 min Episode 46 31 May 2023

    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…

  • Balloonomania

    17 min Episode 45 17 May 2023

    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 bal…

  • Vietnam's Tasty Sandwich

    18 min Episode 44 3 May 2023

    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 fascinatin…

  • Lighting Up the World: Nikola Tesla

    17 min Episode 43 19 April 2023

    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 o…

  • Queen of Egypt

    19 min Episode 42 5 April 2023

    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 recen…

  • Fast Food in Pompeii

    16 min Episode 41 22 March 2023

    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…

  • Mary Anning and the Sea Monster

    17 min Episode 40 8 March 2023

    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! T…

  • Composer, Swordsman, & Soldier: Joseph Bologne

    18 min Episode 39 22 February 2023

    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 Jos…

  • The Seamstress

    18 min Episode 38 8 February 2023

    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…

  • Franz Werfel's Banned Book

    17 min Episode 37 25 January 2023

    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 …

  • Truth Teller: Gareth Jones

    16 min Episode 36 11 January 2023

    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…

  • A Supreme Duel

    17 min Episode 35 29 December 2022

    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 strange…

  • Roxelana

    18 min Episode 34 14 December 2022

    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 o…

  • Balto & the Nome Serum Run

    18 min Episode 33 30 November 2022

    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 emba…

  • The Native Champion: Jim Thorpe

    17 min Episode 32 16 November 2022

    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…

  • Fighting with Manners: Sibyl Hathaway

    20 min Episode 31 2 November 2022

    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 … …

  • Frankenstein's Monster

    18 min Episode 30 19 October 2022

    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…

  • Mad Honey

    16 min Episode 29 5 October 2022

    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 plant…

  • The Enchantress: Dolores del Río

    20 min Episode 28 21 September 2022

    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 w…

  • True North

    18 min Episode 27 7 September 2022

    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 hist…

  • A World Away: Dr. Madhumala Chattopadhyay

    18 min Episode 26 24 August 2022

    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 I…

  • Aliens, War, & Fake News

    19 min Episode 25 10 August 2022

    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 …

  • Hydna's Daring Sabotage

    16 min Episode 24 27 July 2022

    Do you love to swim? Or adventure? Or stories of ancient wars? In this episode, we'll get a big dose of all three as we discover the story of Hydna of Scione and her daring act of sabotage in the war between the Greeks and Persians. Join host Randall Lawrence …

  • The Limping Lady: Virginia Hall

    17 min Episode 23 13 July 2022

    Have you ever played hide and seek? What if your life was a huge game of hide and seek? In this episode, we explore the story of Virginia Hall, a notorious spy during World War II who nobody could catch. Join host Arlo Weierhauser for an incredible adventure a…

  • Building the White House

    17 min Episode 22 29 June 2022

    Have you ever tried to build something? Were you able to bring your vision to life? In this episode, learn about the incredible story behind the creation of the White House and the architect who brought it to life. Join host Amy Miller for a story about James …

  • Airmail Adventure: The Story of Jack Knight's Flight

    17 min Episode 21 15 June 2022

    Have you ever flown on an airplane through the night? Remember how dark it looked outside the airplane's window? Now, imagine flying through the night with no lights in the freezing snow searching for a place to land. It's time to discover airmail pilot Jack K…

  • Abraham Lincoln's Daring Escape

    16 min Episode 20 1 June 2022

    Chances are you know a bit about Abraham Lincoln. After all, he was one of America's most famous Presidents. But, did you know that before he even became President, Lincoln's life was threatened and he was forced on a daring journey to escape? Join host Adam R…

  • Drawing Japan: Tezuka Osamu

    17 min Episode 19 18 May 2022

    Have you ever watched The Lion King?  Well, you might be surprised to learn that some people think the movie got its inspiration from Japan—and more specifically, from cartoonist Tezuka Osamu. Join host Cameron Peloso for this incredible story about the "god o…

  • A Story of Ukraine: Taras Shevchenko

    16 min Episode 18 4 May 2022

    When was the last time you wrote a poem that got you thrown in prison? For most people, the answer is . . . never. However, this story is about a man from Ukraine whose poetry upset Russia so much that Tsar Nicholas I threw him in prison. This man was Taras Sh…

  • Ups and Downs: Charles Dow

    15 min Episode 17 20 April 2022

    Have you ever wondered how people invest in stocks? Part of that answer comes from a story more than 130 years old. It's the story of Charles Henry Dow. Join host Kenny Malone and let's dive into the story of Dow and his famous creation, the Dow Jones Industri…

  • Speak Up: Rigoberta Menchú Tum

    18 min Episode 16 6 April 2022

    Have you ever been upset because of something that happened to your friends or family? How did you help them? Join host Julia Corral and learn about a woman who spoke out against the injustices that her people faced. Rigoberta Menchú Tum was born in a small vi…

  • A Love of the Sea: Rachel Carson

    17 min Episode 15 23 March 2022

    Do you love nature and animals? Do you love to write? As a young girl, Rachel Carson was fascinated by the ocean, sea creatures, and writing. Join host Amanda Arnold and discover the amazing story of a woman who changed the world through her love of science an…

  • Standing Bear's Pursuit of Happiness

    17 min Episode 14 9 March 2022

    Have you ever been homesick? What if you weren't allowed to go back home? Join host Cliff Taylor and explore the brave tale of Standing Bear, chief of the Ponca, and the incredible story of his people's journey to freedom. After the U.S. government forced them…

  • Harriet Tubman's Secret Mission

    16 min Episode 13 23 February 2022

    You've probably heard about Harriet Tubman's brave journey as the leader of the Underground Railroad leading enslaved people to freedom. But did you know that she was also a spy for the Union army during the American Civil War? Join host Mia Jackson and discov…

  • Ira Aldridge Takes the Stage

    18 min Episode 12 9 February 2022

    Do you enjoy going to the movies or seeing live performances? Join host Shain Brenden and learn about one of the best actors to ever live—someone you've probably never even heard of. Ira Aldridge was a Shakespearean actor born in New York who moved to London i…

  • Uncovering Khufu: A Rare Find

    15 min Episode 11 26 January 2022

    Do you love buried treasure and finding objects from long ago that have a story to tell? Imagine growing up and becoming a professional treasure seeker (well, kind of). Join archaeologist Annelise Baer and adventure through one of history's greatest finds—an e…

  • Ferris Wheel & Lightbulbs: The Chicago World's Fair

    18 min Episode 10 12 January 2022

    Have you ever ridden a Ferris wheel? Or chewed on a piece of Juicy Fruit gum or turned on a lightbulb? Join host JoAnn Schinderle and explore the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, where all of these items and many more debuted. From Nikola Tesla's life-changing AC el…

  • Dining with Aboriginal Australians

    17 min Episode 9 22 December 2021

    Do you know what Australian food is? Kangaroo, bush carrot and quandong are just the beginning. Join host Pete Campbell and discover the fascinating history of the Aboriginal Australians and their delicious cuisine. For more than 50,000 years, the First People…

  • Stealing Shark Fins: Civil Forfeiture

    17 min Episode 8 8 December 2021

    Did you know that sometimes the government can take something from you without ever charging you with a crime? The practice is called "civil forfeiture" and in this episode, join co-hosts (and lawyers) Maclen and Ashleigh Stanley as they discuss a smelly case …

  • Hot Stuff: The Creation of the Microwave

    15 min Episode 7 24 November 2021

    Have you ever stood in front of a microwave and wondered how it can almost instantly heat your food? What if we told you it started with the tragedy of the Titanic? In this episode, join host Chris Duffy to discover the story behind this amazing invention and …

  • Making UN History: Mary McLeod Bethune & Eleanor Roosevelt

    16 min Episode 6 10 November 2021

    Discover the incredible story of an unlikely friendship that changed history in this week's episode. Join Abiola Afolayan, a former United Nations lawyer, as she tells us the story of how Mary McLeod Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt made an impact on the UN and w…

  • The Story of Sugar Hill

    19 min Episode 5 27 October 2021

    Have you ever wondered about the history in your own backyard? Or more specifically, the neighborhood surrounding you? This week, we explore the story of Sugar Hill, a neighborhood in Los Angeles that shares a common story with many places across the United St…

  • A History of . . . History: Leopold von Ranke

    20 min Episode 4 13 October 2021

    What exactly is "history" and how do historians decide between fact and fiction? This week, we dive into the story of Leopold von Ranke—one of the most famous historians you may have never heard of. Join Joshua Zurbrick as he tells us the fascinating history o…

  • Put On Your Thinking Cap: Talking About Fashion

    16 min Episode 3 29 September 2021

    Have you ever wondered why people say, "Put your thinking cap on"? Do you know what a "Yankee Doodle Dandy" is? Tune into this week's episode to find out! Join fashion historian Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell as she tells us the stylish stories behind fashion-insp…

  • Ada Lovelace: Making It Count

    16 min Episode 2 13 September 2021

    Have you ever heard of a computer program? How about the first person to publish one? Join Craig Benzine, aka WheezyWaiter, as he takes us into the amazing imagination of Augusta Ada King, the Countess of Lovelace. Born in 1815, this mathematician was far ahea…

  • The Incredible Crafts

    19 min Episode 1 13 September 2021

    Are you ready for an incredible adventure?  Join Clare Brown in our premiere episode as she tells us about the daring escape of Ellen and William Craft—the couple who travelled 1,000 miles to escape slavery. How did they accomplish this brave journey? Listen a…

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