PODCAST · kids
Unlock This!
by Honest History
Join Anna, Leo, & Percy on adventures through the past and learn about fun, important stories that will inspire kids to make a positive impact on the future. Each episode explores people, places, and events from around the globe for an unforgettable, kid-friendly educational experience. Created by Honest History for kids ages 3+ (and their grownups, too).
Episodes
-
The Code Talkers
In 1942, 29 Navajo men were recruited to join the Marines during WWII. Their mission: to create an unbreakable code using their native language. It was no small task. With their code, they could keep military plans hidden and help the US win the war. They put their lives on the line with every...
-
Back to School
Let's head back to school. The 19th and early 20th centuries were periods of great change in U.S. history, and you can bet the classroom looked a lot different back then. Join Anna and Leo as they travel back in time to experience a rural one-room schoolhouse and a bustling city school during the...
-
A Trip to the Fair
Have you ever wondered where some of your favorite sweet treats come from? Over a hundred years ago, millions of people traveled to the St. Louis World's Fair to see amazing new inventions and taste some incredible new snacks. From fluffy cotton candy to the very first ice cream cones, it was a...
-
The American Drummer
How would you send a message if phones hadn't been invented yet? During the American Revolution, messages were sent across the battlefield with the beat of a drum. Drummers used music to tell soldiers when to wake up, when to eat, and even when to march into battle. But here's the most amazing...
-
The Turtle: Revolutionary Submarine
How old do you think submarines are? 50 years old? 100 years old? What if we told you they date back all the way to the American Revolution? While George Washington led his army into battle, the inventor David Bushnell was building a secret weapon. It was a tiny, round ship that could dive...
-
The Kung Fu Legend
Have you ever heard of Kung Fu? If so, you probably have Bruce Lee to thank. Born in San Francisco in 1940, he would grow up to become one of history's most influential martial artists. As a boy, Bruce struggled in school and often found himself in trouble. Determined and tenacious, he would...
-
The Pack Horse Library
During the Great Depression, a group of brave librarians set out on a mission. Rain or shine, they loaded up their saddlebags with books and rode horses up steep, dangerous trails. They needed to reach families living in the most remote corners of the Appalachian Mountains. For many children…
more -
A Dodo Mystery
Have you ever heard of the dodo? This flightless bird once lived on an island off the coast of Africa. But less than a century after humans arrived, the dodo was gone. You might have heard that humans ate all the dodos because they were too delicious. But is that the real story? Join Anna and Leo...
-
The Fearless Aviator: Bessie Coleman
Have you ever seen a plane soaring overhead and thought, "I want to do that"? That's exactly what Bessie Coleman thought when she heard tales of daring World War I pilots. But for a Black woman in 1920s America, making that dream come true was nearly impossible. Join Anna and Leo as they follow…
more -
The Real Pooh Bear
If you grew up hearing the stories of Winnie the Pooh, you know the stories of honey-loving bears, bouncing tigers, and gloomy donkeys all living together in an enchanted forest. But did you know that these much-loved friends were all inspired by real stuffed toys? And that Pooh Bear himself was...
-
The Christmas Truce
It was the first year of World War I. The sound of gunshots echoed across the countryside. But then, on Christmas Day in 1914, something extraordinary happened. The gunshots stopped. In the early hours of the morning, the soldiers laid down their weapons. Join Anna and Leo as they journey into…
more -
Video Games
Have you ever wondered where video games come from? Join Anna, Leo, and Percy the mouse as they press start on a journey through history. They'll uncover the origins of the first home video game console and dive into the dazzling world of arcades. But, they'll have to think of their feet because…
more -
Nessie: The Loch Ness Monster
For centuries, tales have been told about a mysterious creature, hiding beneath the dark water of Loch Ness. The question is: are the stories true? Is the giant creature real? Join Anna, Leo, and Percy the mouse as they travel to Scotland to explore one of history's most popular legends. From...
-
A Donut Story
Have you ever wondered where donuts come from? This ring-shaped pastry is a staple of American cuisine, but it wasn't always that way. We're diving into the long history of the popular treat. From Dutch oily cakes to the iconic pink boxes of today, we'll follow Leo and Anna on a fascinating…
more -
Ancient Robot Adventure
Long before computers and factories, people in ancient Greece were dreaming up amazing machines that could move on their own. Join Anna and Leo as they travel back in time to explore the fascinating world of ancient automata. They'll witness the robotic pigeon of Archytas and uncover the clever...
-
Space Dogs: Belka and Strelka
Join Anna and Leo as they uncover the story of two brave astronauts: Belka and Strelka. Together, these fearless pups made history by becoming the first to orbit the Earth and return home. From the 1940s to the 1960s, animals were the true pioneers of space travel. They went where no other living...
-
Six Triple Eight
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was an all-female unit during WWII who answered the call to serve their country. It became their mission to deliver mail and much more. These incredible women faced daunting challenges, yet they worked tirelessly to bring hope to those who needed it...
-
Queen of the Stars
In 632 CE, something extraordinary happened. A woman named Seondeok became the very first queen to rule Korea. And not only was she a trailblazing ruler, but she was also a brilliant astronomer who studied the stars and planets. Join Anna, Leo, and Percy the mouse as they travel back in time to…
more -
Battle of Fishguard
Join Anna and Leo as they travel back in time to the Battle of Fishguard. In 1797, the French landed on the shores of Wales hoping to spread revolution. But a ragtag group of soldiers and a case of mistaken identity spelled disaster for the invasion. It's time to learn about this incredible…
more -
The Great New York Fire
Imagine this: it's a freezing winter's night in New York City. Inside a building, a single gas pipe bursts. Hours later, the city is engulfed in flames. This is exactly what happened over 180 years ago. In 1835, a fire destroyed nearly 700 buildings and burnt down New York's growing financial...
-
Lewis Latimer's Bright Idea
Have you ever heard of the inventor Lewis Latimer? This talented artist and scientist was one of history's brightest minds. From creating drawings for Alexander Bell's telephone to improving the lightbulb, Latimer's work was behind many electrifying discoveries. Join Anna and Leo as they shine a...
-
The White Mouse
Are you ready for a secret mission? Join Anna and Leo as they follow a daring spy on her next assignment. During World War II, a secret agent named Nancy Wake risked her life to fight against Nazi Germany. A skilled spy, Nancy slipped past her enemies and escaped capture every time. That's how…
more -
A Polar Expedition
What do you do when you and your team are trapped on the ice, hundreds of miles away from help? Find out as Anna and Leo plunge into one of history's greatest survival stories. Ernest Shackleton, the explorer, and 27 men set off on an expedition to Antarctica. He had hoped to make history as the...
-
The Piano Factory
Have you ever looked inside a piano? It's no simple instrument. You'll find dozens of tiny hammers and wire strings. Join Anna and Leo as they learn about one of history's most fascinating piano builders–Nannette Streicher. This talented musician overcame the odds to own a piano factory at a time...
-
Ghost Town Mystery
Join Anna, Leo, and Percy as they explore one of California's spookiest towns: Bodie. This place used to be buzzing with people, but it wasn't long before it turned into a ghost town. What happened to Bodie? We'll give you a hint—it involved lots of gold. But you'll have to listen to the rest of...
-
An Aztec Adventure
What do zoos, hot chocolate, and ball games have in common? They are all part of the Aztec Empire! This powerful empire ruled over central Mexico more than 500 years ago. Join Anna, Leo, and Percy as they explore the Aztec capital city and learn about life in Mesoamerica. Pack your backpacks…
more -
Building the Brooklyn Bridge
Did you know the Brooklyn Bridge was built over 140 years ago and was once the longest suspension bridge in the world? Join Anna, Leo, and Percy as they uncover the incredible story of its construction and the remarkable people behind it. Washington Roebling and his wife, Emily, overcame immense...
-
The Oyster King
Did you know oysters used to be as popular as hot dogs are today? Join Anna, Leo, and Percy and let's dive into the strange and incredible story of Thomas Downing, the "Oyster King." In the 1800s, Downing's New York restaurant served oysters to wealthy patrons, but hid a secret beneath the...
-
The Beaver Drop
What happens when beavers fall from the sky? Join Anna, Leo, and Percy and let's find out in this wild episode about one of the strangest government plots in history. After WWII, people began moving to rural areas of Idaho and experiencing a beaver problem. What was the solution? Let's travel…
more -
Revved Up: RC Cars
Get ready to rev your engines, young historians. In this episode, Anna, Leo, and Percy explore the history behind remote-controlled cars. And let's just say, the invention of RC cars was no simple task. It took a lot of discoveries (and scientists) to make the toy we all know and love today.…
more -
Civil War Hero: Susie King Taylor
It's time to travel back to a pivotal moment in American history and learn about an incredible woman who made history. Susie King Taylor fought for the Union during the Civil War in a regiment of Black soldiers who had escaped enslavement. Join Anna, Leo and Percy the mouse as they uncover this...
-
Paul Revere's Secret Message
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...
-
The Missing Mona Lisa
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...
-
The Dancing Plague
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...
-
The Great Molasses Flood
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...
-
A Titanic Escape
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...
-
Admiral Yi's Turtle Ships
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...
-
A Lego Adventure
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...
-
Hannibal's Daring Journey
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…
more -
A Trailblazing Doctor
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!...
-
The Bone Wars
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…
more -
The King's Trumpeter
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...
-
The Elephant Angel
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...
-
The Soccer King: Pelé
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…
more -
The Warrior Queen
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…
more -
The Great Stink
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,...
-
The Emu War
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...
-
The Pirate Legend: John Ward
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 for kids of all ages…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join Anna, Leo, & Percy on adventures through the past and learn about fun, important stories that will inspire kids to make a positive impact on the future. Each episode explores people, places, and events from around the globe for an unforgettable, kid-friendly educational experience. Created by Honest History for kids ages 3+ (and their grownups, too).
HOSTED BY
Honest History
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Unlock This! have?
Unlock This! currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Unlock This! about?
Join Anna, Leo, & Percy on adventures through the past and learn about fun, important stories that will inspire kids to make a positive impact on the future. Each episode explores people, places, and events from around the globe for an unforgettable, kid-friendly educational experience. Created by...
How often does Unlock This! release new episodes?
Unlock This! has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Unlock This!?
You can listen to Unlock This! on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Unlock This!?
Unlock This! is created and hosted by Honest History.
URL copied to clipboard!