It's Kids Listen Sweeps Month and we're joining the April Fool's fun (though pretty late). This episode features Heather Gotlib's original story of the real-life, classic prank called the Berner's Street Hoax, in which an unsuspecting family's home becomes the most popular destination in London. Also featured is Mick Sullivan's telling of Count Fortsas Book Hoax, which began with rare book collectors receiving notice of an incredible auction. Spoiler Alert: not what they think. Also "Deed I Do,"...
Apr 09, 2019•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Celebrate the big 3-0 with us as we head underwater. Brian West tells the story of Garrett Morgan, an inventor and brave man who created some really important things which are still around today. Mick Sullivan tells the story of Ezra Lee and the the long lost 18th Century submarine known as the Turtle. Also features a visit from Dr. Awkward, the Palindrome professor, quiz time and more info about our new book, The Meatshower.
Mar 19, 2019•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Patty Hill (with the help of her sister Margaret) did much more than just write Happy Birthday, but that'd be achievement enough. Story by Heather Gotlib Their Friend Enid Yandell happened to be a world-class Sculptor. and in our telling of the tales, we'll weave in the Mars Rover, Athena's birth, and the coolest Bon Voyage Party ever! Incredible song courtesy of Dan Saks, from one of our favorite podcasts, Noodleloaf!
Feb 14, 2019•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Mr. Eric of What If World joins us to share the story of early moving pictures, including an often told (but probably untrue) story of the first train on film. The Lumiere Brothers revolutionized our world, find out why! Also, funny man Buster Keaton did some amazing things in his life, but nothing quite like a spectacular train crash that was the most expensive scene of the Silent Film Era. We debut our new "You Have 30 Seconds" segment with the help of our young friend Lucy, a...
Jan 14, 2019•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast We're digging through the inductees of the Toy Hall of Fame to find great stories that span Abraham Lincoln to Frank Lloyd Wright and beyond. Learn the stories of Milton Bradley's Game of Life (with a bit of Lincoln's beard, the Wright family of architects' creation, Lincoln Logs and so much more. Featuring the many talents of Brigid Kaelin! www.brigidkaelin.com
Dec 05, 2018•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast The people of the late 1930's saw some fun music made by some remarkable women. Lily May Ledford and her band from Pinchem Tight Holler, KY (YEOW!!) play for President Roosevelt, First Lady Eleanor and the King and Queen of England. She almost hugs the queen. Clara Rockmore almost gives up music entirely until she meets Leon Theremin and literally writes the book on a new instrument. Featuring the voices of Julia Purcell, Mick Sullivan and sounds by Todd Hildreth.
Nov 07, 2018•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Some people just can't be honest, and some try to pass off something phony as something real. This episode is about a would-be Shakespeare named William Henry Ireland, and a gang of body snatchers who try to pilfer a president's dead body - gross! Featuring Rhea Pechter, Jonathan Messinger, and more. Written and produced by Mick Sullivan.
Oct 08, 2018•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join host Mick Sullivan and friend Hanna Zimmerman of Locust Grove as we share the stories of Marquis de Lafayette's steamboat shipwreck, and Rhode Island lifesaver Ida Lewis. Also features a performance of the song "Sail Away Ladies," Quiztime and more!
Sep 06, 2018•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast From the electric bathers of Coney Island to the King of England, no food has been as satisfying as a hot dog. You won't believe it as we weave a tale of dead whales, muckrakers, publicity stunts, and President Roosevelt. Who knew the hot dog was so interesting? With music by Big Momma Thorazine and featuring the voices of Mr. Eric from What If World, along with AJ Cornell.
Jul 17, 2018•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast You don't have to like baseball to like this episode! First, Kelly Moore shares the story of Jackie Mitchell, a young woman who struck out both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Next, Bailey Mazik of the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory sheds some light on the baseball playing spy, Moe Berg. Amber Estes Thieneman and Mick Sullivan perform "Summertime," plus a summery quiz-time! Episode written and produced by Mick Sullivan
Jun 13, 2018•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast The history podcast for kids and adults joins the Kids Listen Sweeps party and tells two stories about two great adventures. Melinda Beck tells the tale of Horatio Jackson and the first drive across the country (and his dog Bud), while Will Oldham/Bonnie Prince Billy shares the story of John Ledyard - who would've made it around the globe if it wasn't for that touchy queen, Catherine the Great. Also features quiz time and a performance of "Long Journey Home" by Mick Sullivan. Stories written by ...
May 21, 2018•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us for two tales connected by bridges. First, Emily Roebling winds up as a lead engineer in the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, the first American woman to find herself in such a position. Second, Sonny Rollins, one fo the greatest saxophonists in history isn't happy with his playing, despite the fame he receives. His days on a bridge change his life. Also quiz time, and a new segment with Dr. Awkward, the Palindrome Professor. Featuring Mick Sullivan, Meg Samples, Graeme Gardiner, and Lan...
Apr 06, 2018•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Statue of Liberty could have wound up in Egypt, Philadelphia, or the bottom of the ocean. Once she wound up in New York she had to wait for America to raise a lot of money - which they did in many different ways. Four quick, funny, and poignant stories will fill you on on the history of the most American of Symbols. Featuring Melinda Beck and Mr. Eric (What If World - Podcast) "New Colossus" poem read by the Kids Listen Players: Andrew and Polly (Ear Snacks) Joey Mascio (ImagiNate) Rebecca W...
Mar 07, 2018•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 18 of the most engaging history podcast for kids! Did the invention of the record player make an opera singer named Enrique Caruso the first superstar of music? It might just have. What did Marian Anderson do when she was denied the stage at a theatre because of the color of her skin? She found a bigger audience and a bigger stage. Featuring the voices of Jason Lawrence, Meg Samples, and Chaska, Mirabel, and Leilani from Book Power for Kids Podcast.
Feb 07, 2018•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Kate Warne saved Abraham Lincoln's life on the way to his inauguration. John Honeyman may (or may not)have been a double agent who helped George Washington's famous Crossing of the Delaware. We'll hear these stories and much more! You'll hear hear Amber Estes-Theineman sing the classic "I'm Confessin'" while you're here, too!
Jan 06, 2018•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Christmastime means two things to us: mummies and bladders. Join us as we meet a young William Clark, an accidental and enterprising watch salesman named Sears, and the hottest gift of the 1971 holiday season. Featuring "Kashmir of the Bells" by Squeeze-bot
Dec 15, 2017•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever heard about the time Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt ducked out of a dinner to take a flight over Washington DC? Or about how Bessie Coleman had to go all the way to France to learn how to fly an airplane because no one would teach her in America? This episode also features the Fred Fischer and Alfred Bryan song from 1910, "Come Josephine In My Flying Machine," which is performed by Mick Sullivan and Suki Anderson. "Bessie Coleman" read by Kelly Moore (featuring the voice of A...
Dec 07, 2017•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast There are a lot of really great names in the past - like, just really cool sounding names. So we're picking a few of our favorites and telling a story or two about them. This episode features American Revolution figure Button Gwinnet and Harlem Renaissance artist Zora Neale Hurston.But there's a lot more ground we cover than just those two!
Nov 24, 2017•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Everyone loves cartoons! So we’re taking an unusual look at two big moments in cartoon history – when a vaudeville performer and comic-strip writer made animation history on a cold Chicago night, and also the time a cheeky political cartoonist brought down one of the most crooked politicians in history. Gertie the Dinosaur and Winsor McCay read by Amber Estes-Thieneman Thomas Nast and Boss Tweed read by Jason Lawrence On the Sunny Side of the Street performed by Mick Sullivan The Past and the Cu...
Nov 07, 2017•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Have you heard of the Mary Celeste? If you've heard of a ghost ship, this is probably the one. In 1872 it was found under sail in the Atlantic Ocean but with absolutely no one on board. What gives? And was this completely unique? It wasn't, but it is certainly the most famous case and we wanted to know more! Also featuring and original performance of one of our favorite songs "Devil and the Deep Blue Sea," written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1932. Mick Sullivan plays mandolin, guitar, ban...
Oct 23, 2017•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Women of Science! Join us for some 19th Century STEM stories. Heather Funk tells you about Mary Anning and the origins of "She Sells Sea Shells." Mick Sullivan shares the story of Mary Somerville and the origin of the the word "scientist." Both ladies did remarkable things in the science world at a time when it was pretty uncommon. In addition, Squeeze-bot plays "She Blinded Me with Science," quiz time and more. From Kids Listen member, a History and Music Podcast for young and old alike!
Oct 06, 2017•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Your favorite history show for the whole family is back and we're bringing the cheese! First, Graham Shelby reads "Andrew Jackson's Big Cheese," while Mick Sullivan shares some fun stories of hardtack, followed by the Civil War parody song "Hard Tack Come Again No More." There's Quiztime, Music and more!
Sep 05, 2017•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast When Washington first became president, no one knew what to call him, and he certainly didn't want to shake EVERYONE'S hand. There were some growing pains in Presidential cordiality. Later, Lincoln wishes Jefferson never started the whole "handshake thing." Also, Quiztime and the old song "Lulu's Back in Town" Stories written and music performed by Mick Sullivan. Also featuring the voices of Chaska and Mirabel Power (from Book Power for Kids Podcast)
Aug 08, 2017•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's time for the July Kids Listen Sweep! This episode features the story of Annie Edson Taylor, who was the first person to successfully survive Niagara Falls in a barrel. Also, how'd they even start building the first suspension bridge over Niagara? You might be surprised. And if Cole Porter's song "Don't Fence Me In" doesn't make you feel like "Hittin' The Road," what will? Voices: Victoria Reibel and Mick Sullivan. All Music and Instruments: Mick Sullivan. Bad Ideas: Mick Sullivan Good Ideas...
Jul 06, 2017•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast George Washington's frenemy Charles Lee, who you might remember from Hamilton, gets caught in his skivvies, the guy who built the Brooklyn Bridge remembers seeing Abraham Lincoln's undies, Mick sings a song about long underwear and more. Produced by Mick Sullivan, read by Victoria Reibel and Jason Lawrence. "Long Handle Time" song by Homer and Jethro performed by Mick Sullivan.
Jun 12, 2017•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Nelly Bly decides to travel around the world in less than 80 days, much like Phileas Fogg, the fictional character from Jules Verne's "Around the Wolrd in 80 Days" Also Henry Brown escapes enslavement in a dramatic way, earning the nickname "Box" Brown, and he later finds a career on the stage. Also, musician Chris Rodahaffer (Will Oldham/Bonnie Prince Billy) joins us for the song "I've Been All Around This World." Created by Mick Sullivan. Readings by Victoria Reibel and Jason Lawrence. Oh Yeah...
May 09, 2017•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Family Trees sure seem daunting, don't they? Once you get past your grandparents or great-grandparents it can quickly get confusing. Rae Anne Sauer from the Sons of the American Revolution National Headquarters in Louisville, KY has seen tons of people work to discover their family trees. According to her it's easier than you think - and you might discover some interesting things. If nothing else, you'll surely realize how connected we all are, so be nice to your brothers and your sisters! Enjoy...
Apr 13, 2017•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join host Mick Sullivan for some true tales of magic, or at least what appeared to be magic. Learn Franz Mesmer's gift to your vocabulary, hear about some young sisters who fooled America, and discover how a French Magician stopped a rebellion with his magic tricks. Along with Quiz Time you'll hear Tory Fisher, Brandon Johnson and Mick Sullivan perform "I'll See You In My Dreams." Mesmer and Fox sisters story written and read by Heather Funk; Houdin story written by Mick Sullivan and read by Vic...
Apr 10, 2017•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast This episode is fast paced and broken into small bites! We’ve squeezed in THREE great stories along with a song and quiz time! Really packed it in there - like sausage in a casing! Victoria Reibel wonders, did George Crumb invent potato chips? Jason Lawrence imagines a delicious new way to eat ice cream at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Food Network Star, Chef Damaris Phillips joins us for a fun story about everyone’s favorite red vegetable - or is it a fruit? Chris Rodahaffer and Rob Colli...
Mar 09, 2017•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 6 is all about Heights! Victoria Reibel reads a story about the time The Chicago World's Fair had to build something to top the Eiffel Tower. Jason Lawrence tells the tale of the the world's leading antebellum funambulist. The Tamerlane Trio performs "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" Episode written by Mick Sullivan. Steal it and you are lame.
Feb 08, 2017•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
