Anytime Now

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 full name: it’s Bond. James Bond. This is the tale of Ian Fleming, the secret missions that inspired him, and the real James Bond. 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. Credits This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 inventor’s name was Al-Jazari. And this is the story of his incredible moving machines. 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. Credits This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 delivered a hair-raising experience.  Buckle up because we're about to take a wild ride through time. We’ll travel from the icy slopes of Russia to the bustling streets of Paris, and then across the ocean to the coal mines of Pennsylvania. This is the story of flying mountains, otherwise known as roller coasters. 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. Credits This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 trends, sparked a movement, and changed how we understand our feathered friends forever. Get ready to grab your binoculars and explore the amazing world right outside your window. 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. Credits This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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. It began with one man’s dream and quickly became a tale of conflict and struggle. By the time the first chisel struck the mountain, the project was already steeped in controversy. It would be a 14-year battle to carve the enormous stone presidents.  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. Credits This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 way for important innovations we use every day, like Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. It's time to learn about a woman who was much more interesting than people wanted her to be. 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. Credits This episode was written by Grace MaGee, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 early life are often shrouded in mystery, one thing is certain: she was a fearless adventurer. Grab your helmet and let's hit the road! 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. Credits This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 daring voyage across the ocean to the United States when he was just nine years old. It's time to discover his fascinating tale.  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. Credits This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 nuclear bombs. Get ready young historians, we’re about to uncover a near-miss that could have caused a catastrophe.  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. Credits This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 your telescopes ready 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 honesthistory.co and @honesthistory. Credits This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 to Victorian England! 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. Credits This episode was written and narrated by Josh Sippie, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 ready, and let’s travel to Anytime Now. 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. Credits This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 Australia. But you might be surprised to hear that surfing almost disappeared once upon a time. Surf’s up, young historians—it's time to plunge into this fascinating history involving ancient laws, great kings, and a courageous Olympian who shared his Hawaiian tradition with the world. 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. Credits This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

Most of you have probably worn roller skates before, right? Have you ever wondered where those roller skates came from? Join us for a new adventure and discover the story of John Joseph Merlin—a peculiar man who gave us one of history's most fun inventions.  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. Credits This episode was written and narrated by Josh Sippie, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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, and arrested as many as 3,000 lawbreakers. When bandits and horse-thieves heard the name “Bass Reeves,” they knew they were in trouble. Grab your cowboy boots 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 honesthistory.co and @honesthistory. Credits This episode was narrated by Randall Lawrence, written by Heidi Coburn, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 terrain and daunting challenges to become the first people to ever summit Mount Everest. It's time to learn about Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in a tale of human perseverance and triumph against the odds. 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. Credits This episode was narrated by Randall Lawrence, written by Heidi Coburn, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 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 Brigade and its daring plan to rescue history.  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. Credits This episode was narrated by Randall Lawrence, written by Heidi Coburn, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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. 

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. 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 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. Credits This episode was hosted by Randall Lawrence, written by Liam R. Findlay, and produced by Randall Lawrence and Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer. A very special thanks to AromaPrime in the UK for creating this episode. More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

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 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 Leningrad and the 872-day siege. 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. Credits This episode was hosted by Nariko Ott, written by Heidi Coburn, and produced by Randall Lawrence and Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.  More Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!