Anytime Now
68 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★ - 102 ratingsExplore 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).
In true Honest History fashion, this podcast encourages kids to dive deep into each story, inspiring them to create a positive impact on history themselves.
Will you join the adventure? Travel to any time, right now. Press “play” to start the journey.
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Episodes
The Paper Brigade
April 20, 2024 07:01 - 19 minutes - 26.4 MBHow 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 Germany’s Nazi Party had decided these historical documents were not worth keeping and planned to destroy them.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 Brigad...
Announcement from Honest History
April 05, 2024 07:01 - 1 minute - 2.14 MBAnna 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.
Paul Revere's Secret Message
March 06, 2024 20:27 - 19 minutes - 26.7 MBHave 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...
The Missing Mona Lisa
February 21, 2024 08:25 - 17 minutes - 24.3 MBHow 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 world...
The Dancing Plague
February 07, 2024 08:01 - 19 minutes - 26.6 MBIn 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 honest...
The Great Molasses Flood
January 24, 2024 08:01 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MBWhat 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 an...
A Titanic Escape
January 10, 2024 08:01 - 17 minutes - 24.5 MBEveryone'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 acro...
Admiral Yi's Turtle Ships
December 27, 2023 18:26 - 18 minutes - 26.2 MBIt'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 ...
A Lego Adventure
December 13, 2023 08:40 - 17 minutes - 24.7 MBIt 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 create a ...
Hannibal's Daring Journey
November 29, 2023 08:05 - 20 minutes - 27.7 MBLet'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 kid...
A Trailblazing Doctor
November 15, 2023 08:01 - 18 minutes - 25.4 MBDo 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 history...
The Bone Wars
November 01, 2023 07:02 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MBHave 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 themsel...
The King's Trumpeter
October 18, 2023 07:01 - 18 minutes - 25.1 MBIt'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 themselve...
The Elephant Angel
October 04, 2023 07:01 - 18 minutes - 25 MBWhat 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 themselv...
The Soccer King: Pelé
September 20, 2023 07:01 - 17 minutes - 24.3 MBDid 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 books,...
The Warrior Queen
September 06, 2023 07:01 - 18 minutes - 26 MBDiscover 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 wor...
The Great Stink
August 23, 2023 07:01 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MBJoin 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 @honesthistory...
The Emu War
August 09, 2023 07:08 - 17 minutes - 24.1 MBJoin 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 hist...
The Pirate Legend: John Ward
July 26, 2023 07:01 - 20 minutes - 28 MBJoin 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 mis...
Viking Poop: Smelling the Past
July 12, 2023 07:01 - 16 minutes - 23.3 MBCan 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 y...
The Siege of Leningrad
June 28, 2023 07:01 - 15 minutes - 21.8 MBDuring 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...
Howard Hughes and the Flying Boat
June 14, 2023 07:12 - 17 minutes - 24.3 MBEighty 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 aw...
The Ballad of Mulan
May 31, 2023 07:01 - 15 minutes - 22 MBHave 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 in...
Balloonomania
May 17, 2023 07:01 - 17 minutes - 24.6 MBWhat 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 B...
Vietnam’s Tasty Sandwich
May 03, 2023 19:19 - 18 minutes - 26.1 MBGet 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 Histo...
Lighting Up the World: Nikola Tesla
April 19, 2023 07:01 - 17 minutes - 24.8 MBIt’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...
Queen of Egypt
April 05, 2023 07:01 - 19 minutes - 26.4 MBLet'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 offering...
Fast Food in Pompeii
March 22, 2023 07:01 - 16 minutes - 23.1 MBDo 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, a...
Mary Anning and the Sea Monster
March 08, 2023 08:01 - 17 minutes - 24.3 MBDo 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 th...
Composer, Swordsman, & Soldier: Joseph Bologne
February 22, 2023 08:01 - 18 minutes - 25.4 MBIt’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 ma...
The Seamstress
February 08, 2023 08:25 - 18 minutes - 25.9 MBFor 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. Ab...
Franz Werfel's Banned Book
January 25, 2023 08:01 - 17 minutes - 24.1 MBYears 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 a...
Truth Teller: Gareth Jones
January 11, 2023 08:01 - 16 minutes - 23 MBThe 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 award-winni...
A Supreme Duel
December 29, 2022 04:42 - 17 minutes - 24.8 MBWhat 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 a...
Roxelana
December 14, 2022 08:01 - 18 minutes - 26.1 MBWho 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 Turke...
Balto & the Nome Serum Run
November 30, 2022 08:01 - 18 minutes - 25 MBWho 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...
The Native Champion: Jim Thorpe
November 16, 2022 08:01 - 17 minutes - 24.6 MBDo 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 f...
Fighting with Manners: Sibyl Hathaway
November 02, 2022 07:01 - 20 minutes - 28.7 MBIt’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 award-w...
Frankenstein's Monster
October 19, 2022 07:01 - 18 minutes - 25 MBJoin 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, magazi...
Mad Honey
October 05, 2022 07:01 - 16 minutes - 23.5 MBHave 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 Histo...
The Enchantress: Dolores del Río
September 21, 2022 07:01 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MBDo 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...
True North
September 07, 2022 07:01 - 18 minutes - 26 MBWho 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 com...
A World Away: Dr. Madhumala Chattopadhyay
August 24, 2022 07:01 - 18 minutes - 24.9 MBHave 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...
Aliens, War, & Fake News
August 10, 2022 07:01 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MBWhat 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 co...
Hydna's Daring Sabotage
July 27, 2022 07:01 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBDo 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 and travel back to ancient Greece for a lesson about courage, bravery, and loyalty. Hydna learned to swim at a young age and she used this skill during the war in a heroic act of defiance against the Persian invaders. Her story was so i...
The Limping Lady: Virginia Hall
July 13, 2022 07:01 - 17 minutes - 23.8 MBHave 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 across the world and learn about Virginia’s ingenious methods for espionage and undercover operations. As a woman, Virginia stood out as a secret agent. At the time, almost all spies were men. And, Virginia was an amputee, making her fea...
Building the White House
June 29, 2022 07:01 - 17 minutes - 24.8 MBHave 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 Hoban and his journey from Ireland to the United States to the White House. As a child, Hoban dreamed of building amazing things when he got older. His dreams came true when he immigrated to the US and met George Washington who took an ...
Airmail Adventure: The Story of Jack Knight's Flight
June 15, 2022 07:05 - 17 minutes - 23.9 MBHave 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 Knight’s fantastic journey through the skies in 1921. Join host Kyle Kinane for a story about bravery and human ingenuity that laid the foundation for our incredible postal system. Jack Knight’s mission was to deliver mail through the sk...
Abraham Lincoln's Daring Escape
June 01, 2022 07:01 - 16 minutes - 23.3 MBChances 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 Ray for a story about detectives, assassins, and disguises. As the story goes, just before Lincoln was to be inaugurated, a plot to assassinate him emerged and was uncovered by one of history’s most famous detectives, Allan Pinkerton. It...
Drawing Japan: Tezuka Osamu
May 18, 2022 07:01 - 17 minutes - 24.7 MBHave 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 of Manga.” As a child, Tezuka loved to draw. He would hunt insects and draw them. As Japan entered World War II, Tezuka continued to draw and develop a new style of cartoons that would be called “Manga.” It’s an important story of persev...