The Past and The Curious: A History Podcast for Kids and Families

The podcast delves into the bizarre Kentucky Meat Shower incident of 1876, exploring new information discovered by Frank Reiser. It covers the scientific investigation of the mysterious meaty phenomenon and the collaboration between amateur enthusiasts and professional scientists. The episode also discusses the Great Molasses Flood in Boston and showcases the intriguing items in Transylvania University's collection in Lexington, Kentucky.

Episode delves into the origin of time zones in America and Daylight Saving worldwide. Topics include bugs, sunburns, train crashes, dropping timeballs, and smashed pocket watches. Historical inventions, outdoor time benefits, and upcoming events are also discussed.

Episode 88 features two incredible Black Americans who were friends born in the 18th Century. James Forten (1766-1842) was a Revolutionary War Veteran who owned one of America's most successful sail-making companies. He was also influential abolitionist and early Civil Rights leader. His friend Francis "Frank" Johnson (1792-1844) was an equally influential musician. When he published his original piece of music "Bingham's Cotillion" he became the first published Black musician in American History. The European and American tours his band made also made history.Hear recent recordings of his music on the Museum of the American Revolution's website: https://www.amrevmuseum.org/the-music-of-francis-johnson-a-soundtrack-to-antebellum-black-philadelphiaThanks to Sponsor Green Chef. Go to greenchef.com/60CURIOUS and use code 60CURIOUS to 60% off, plus 20% off your next two months.

Episode 87: Potatoes and RocksIt’s our annual end-of-year episode dedicated to toys and we have some fun with Mr. Potato Head and Pet Rocks. From the first toy on a commercial to the earthiest fad, you might soon find yourself out digging in the dirt in search of one natural new friend or another!

Walt Whitman, a self-published poet and nurse during the Civil War, and Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor, are discussed. Whitman's dedication to poetry and unique exercise advice, along with Walker's unrecognized heroism, are highlighted in this episode.

Cuddly as a cactus and charming as an eel, he’s your new favorite snarky talk show host. Join The Grinch (and his faithful dog Max) each week as he rants against Christmas cheer and roasts celebrity guests like chestnuts on an open fire. Starring Saturday Night Live’s James Austin Johnson as the notorious curmudgeon and broadcasting straight from Who-Ville, will The Grinch send these famous folks back down Mt. Crumpit, or will they soften his stance against Christmas and grow his heart three sizes? Grab your hot cocoa and cozy slippers and listen along to find out!Listen to ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Talk Show: https://wondery.com/shows/the-grinch/

Stephen Bishop was an enslaved man who became one of the most famous tour guides in the world. His unusual grave stands near Mammoth Cave National Park.Josie Laures joined a team to spend months in isolation in a cave, in the name of science!

Episode 84 is more tales of walking. Meet competitive and record setting pedestrians like Robert Barclay Allardice, Ada Anderson, Edward Payson Weston, and Haitian-American walking super-star Frank Hart.Also hear about two pedestrians who built entire homes with things found on their walks. Simeon Ellerton in England, and Ferdinand Cheval in France.

Episode 83 features the stories of two unusual men who walked a lot. One was a mysterious man in Northeastern America who spoke to nearly no one for years, despite walking a monthlong circular path. He was known as The Old Leatherman.Also, hear the story of Oxekula a man who boarded a boat from Russia, bound for America despite not knowing a soul, nor a lick of English. His mysterious journey through coastal Virginia caught everyone off guard since no one could understand his unusual language. Thanks to Hello Fresh for their support. Go to HelloFresh.com/50pastandcurious and use code 50pastandcurious for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months

Learn about the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, the Great Seattle Fire, and the origin of the steel guitar. Discover how Joseph Kekuku, a boy from Hawaii, changed music after being inspired by a random occurrence with another railroad spike.