Get your kid away from screens for a fun fifteen-minutes, answering the big questions in history! Fun for parents too! Subscribe for free on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Soundcloud and wherever else you get podcasts! Join us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and our webpage. Graphics by Molly Austin of mollyavalon.com Instrumental music by bensound.com
We investigate which animals did the most to win a war. We don’t just mean animals that helped a bit – we mean animals who win a war. We don’t give up until we find some amazing animal winners! And James brings us his best animal Dad Jokes! (Are they still “Dad Jokes” if they’re all James’s jokes?!) Here are 6 questions to see how well you were listening: What was the main task pigeons did during wars? Name different tasks that dogs did during wars Why were cats useful on naval ships? Which typ...more
We investigate a queen who wore a large ship in her hair, meet a king who made tables and we learn history from musicals! Wanna be Marie Antoinette? Get your chocolate chef to make you a hot chocolate, shove a two-foot-long ship in your hair and tell everyone who can’t afford bread to eat cake! (And, without even trying, you’ll learn all about ‘cause’ and ‘consequence’.) You’ll also hear a trailer for Mark Selleck’s podcast series, Casting Through Ancient Greece, which is aimed at the biggest k...more
In a re-release for November 11 Remembrance Day, this special extended episode was recorded over several years and then released in April 2019. It's a lot more serious than our usual fun-filled shows, but there’s lots to learn for kids and adults! And if you know a teacher who could use this episode, please share it with them – and with any other friends. We go to an ANZAC service in Australia, where World War One is particularly remembered. Then we go to Remembrance Day in Hong Kong, which just...more
We go back around 2,500 years to the time of the Ancient Greek Empire. But as we’re not experts on Ancient Greece - in fact, Dad’s poor knowledge of Ancient Greece has always been his Achilles' elbow – we are joined by an expert guest. We discover why kids were taught to steal, and we explain why people run a marathon today. And the episode comes to a climax with the Spartans last stand at the Battle of Thermopylae – as depicted in the movie 300., and (kinda) Star Wars: Rogue One. Many thanks to...more
Parents, don’t worry, this episode is completely safe from gore and death. The only thing you need to be concerned about is whether you can keep up with your kids as they gain an understanding of communism, dominoes and the causes of America’s involvement in the Vietnam War.You'll need to listen carefully so you can play to win in the Gorillas vs. Guerrillas game! Many thanks to special guest co-host Cooper Broxup! Another first on this show is the trailer for a history podcast, aimed more at ad...more
We look at why each of the major countries joined in the war and why so many people thought going to war was a good idea. And some of those soldiers were kids – listen to see if you’re older than the youngest kids who fought in a world war! Find out more at https://www.dadandmelovehistory.com/ Read industry reviews of Dad’s World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available on Kindle, as well as in paperback. Dad’s first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, is a ...more
We find out all about the first civilisations in history to invent money. And Ed Washington, from Australia's greatest money-making mint, tells us how to make money! Find out more at https://www.dadandmelovehistory.com/ Read industry reviews of Dad’s World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available on Kindle, as well as in paperback. Dad’s first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, is a love-story/thriller based on real events in Poland, Paris, London and Pragu...more
Alongside special guest presenter Annie Foley, we investigate the amazing life of a soldier who fought in three continents, from his teenage years through to his 60s. For images of the people and events we talk about, go to https://www.dadandmelovehistory.com/ Read industry reviews of Dad’s World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available on Kindle, as well as in paperback. Dad’s first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, is a love-story/thriller based on real ...more
We investigate where, when, why and how? And when you hear our jokes, will you be shouting MOOR! MOOR! MOOR!? For images of the people and events we talk about, go to dadandmelovehistory.com Here are some questions to see if you were listening: When did the Moors invade Spain? Why did the Moors invade? What were the crusades? Which Christians leaders became King and Queen of all of Spain? When were the Moors forced out of Spain? Which episode numbers should WW2 fans check out? Bonus question: ...more
We see how great speeches and peaceful protest marchers can make big changes in the world, particularly in America in the 1950s and 1960s. For images of the people and events we talk about, go to dadandmelovehistory.com Read industry reviews of Dad’s new World War II Asia-Pacific novel, The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. It’s now out on Kindle for US$6.99, as well as in paperback. So is Dad’s first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, a love-story/thriller based on real events in Poland, Paris, ...more
(This is NOT a gory episode!) We visit an enormous medieval weapons store in some bloke’s back garden. We hang with “The Company of the Dagger” and talk to knights and weapons-builders as they make the largest medieval weapon of them all. You’ll find out where the word “freelancer” comes from and you’ll hear our latest knight and Fort-nite jokes! You’ll find images of all the weapons we discuss on this Medieval Warfare web-page. Read industry reviews of Dad’s new World War II Asia-Pacific novel...more
WARNING – in this pod you will hear about gunfights and people getting shot and killed. It was all 150 years ago, but very young kids might not want to hear about it. Most of our episodes are for everyone, and we will return to a lighter topic next month, with something for kids of all ages. We give you all you need to know about Billy the Kid and Ned Kelly, from how they became outlaws at such young ages through to their unhappy endings (without graphic details). By the way, if you visit Melbou...more
This is Andy Factor’s survival story. And, Parents, yes, he is related to Max. And being related to Hollywood’s top makeup artist saved Andy’s life – and the lives of his brother, sister, mother and father. Andy – who was originally called Abraham - and his family get out just in time and begin new lives in Australia. If you missed last week’s episode, check it out – Andy told us all about his experiences at school in Nazi Germany. And the time when two Jewish boys – Andy his brother – tried to ...more
Our mission here is to help kids increase their awareness of a difficult issue but without causing nightmares. In the intro, we do go as far as to say that the Nazis killed six million Jews – because to ignore or deny that only helps Nazis. After that, we play safe. But, yes, this episode may be more relevant to older kids more than the 5-year-olds (who should definitely check out our first 19 episodes, at least – James was only 6 when we started recording material!). And if you want to know why...more
Dad & Me play Native American Trumps! This episode introduces the biggest names from Native American History. So get on your Crazy Horse, and get ready for a battle of trumps! We select categories from our homemade cards, like “BEST NAME” or “BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACED AS A CHILD” or “MOST AMAZING ACHIEVEMENT”. The cards will be shuffled and could throw up matches that you won’t find anywhere else – maybe Pocahontas v Sacagawea! Or Sitting Bull versus Geronimo! Please forgive us for mispronouncing ...more
Dad & Me go to MacArthur’s WW2 headquarters to meet a man who knew him General Douglas MacArthur was one of the greatest generals in history. Join us in this extended episode at MacArthur’s World War II headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, which is now the MacArthur Museum Brisbane. We meet Ron Rees and Paul Douchet, who guide us through MacArthur’s achievements in World War II, the Korean War and in peace-building. Read industry reviews of Dad’s new World War II Asia-Pacific novel, The Slightes...more
With help from kids at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, we investigate the golden age of exploring, in the Middle Ages. We’ll find out about some famous explorers, and maybe one or two you don’t know. And discover how to choose good websites for research. Yawn alert, kids! – Adults, you’ll also hear about Dad’s new wartime novel (see paulletters.com for details). Different people have different opinions about who the greatest explorer is – why don’t you tell us what you think on Instagram, T...more
Sydney maybe Australia’s most famous city, and it may be its greatest city ( - Melbourne folk wouldn’t say so! - ), but it’s not Australia’s capital city. Instead, a sheep farm became the capital of Australia. We find out why. Yawn alert, kids! – you’ll also hear about Dad’s new wartime novel (see paulletters.com for details). Questions for after you’ve listened: Admiral Zheng might have been the first person from a different continent to visit Australia. Which country was Admiral Zheng from? W...more
We’ve gathered a lot of new listeners recently, so here are some highlights to help them catch-up. Despite the costs (website/hosting), Dad and Me will keep making new episodes if you help us to grow our audience! A new episode – about a special capital city – is coming your way this weekend! We’re going monthly, so on the first weekend of each month we will drop into your podcast app – if you have subscribed (for free, of course). Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. Look on our...more
We examine amazing Islamic robot clock, Leonardo’s calculator and World War II super-spy computers! We then come right into the twenty-first century with the unknown* company that sold more computers than any other. [*Unknown to youngsters] You’ll also hear about Dad’s new novel – go to paulletters.com for details. We are going to take a break for our holidays, but we’ll be back soon! Questions for after you’ve listened: What was the name of the calculating machine that they had in Ancient Chin...more
This episode involves ancient treasures, Mummy jokes and – GROSS ALERT!!! – brothers and sisters marrying each other! For more about Malayna and her kids’ book, see malaynaevans.com. Special shout out to Soren, who gives us more Ancient Egyptian jokes! Questions for after you’ve listened: How many thousands of years ago was Tutankhamun Egypt’s pharaoh? What was inside Tutankhamun’s tomb? Which city did Tutankhamun move the capital city back to after his dad had moved it away? In what ways was E...more
We talk inflatable tanks, beaches’ code names and double agents. And find out why the town Dad is from was important in D-Day. Questions for after you’ve listened: What does the ‘D’ in D-Day stand for? What year did D-Day happen? True or false: D-Day was the beginning of pushing Hitler’s troops out of France and beyond? Which countries were known as the Allies? Name as many as you can. Can you name the 5 codenames the Allies gave the 5 beaches they were landing at? Why did the Allies put up inf...more
This special extended episode is a tad more serious than our usual fun-filled shows, but there’s lots to learn for kids and adults! And if you know a teacher who could use this episode, please share it with them – and with any other friends. We go to an ANZAC service in Australia, where World War One is particularly remembered. Then we go to Hong Kong, which was invaded during World War Two, so remembrance there focuses on that era. We then return to Australia for our interview with Major Matina...more
Our special guests, Egyptologist and author Malayna Evans, and her daughter Soren, also take us inside the Pyramids and tell us all about tree goddesses, cat lovers and looking good in the afterlife. And they reveal that the most famous ‘Egyptian’ of them all isn’t even Egyptian! For more on Malayna’s children’s book, click: Jagger Jones and the Mummy’s Ankh. Watch out for crazy magic spells, giant crocodiles and killer scorpions! And checkout our webpage for images we talk about today. Question...more
“It takes a long time to become young” - listen out for James’ top Picasso quotations scattered throughout the pod. And checkout our webpage for images of the artworks we talk about today. Often, Dad & Me find cultural experts who can’t wait to get their voice broadcast around the world on our podcast. In this episode, listen out for when that doesn’t happen! Questions for after you’ve listened come right at the end, after the outtakes… Questions for after you’ve listened: Pablo Picasso said “I...more
James investigates whether the Aztecs invented anything a kid might like today. And we find out about the ultimate sacrifice – WARNING, HISTORY IS PRETTY SCARY. We spare you the details, but - just in case - we include suggestions of how to deal with squeamish grown-ups! Questions for after you’ve listened come right at the end, after the outtakes… LISTEN HERE Questions for after you’ve listened: What is the Aztec name for Mexico City? The Aztecs believed that there would be a sign that would t...more
First, we’ll look at what being a Viking was all about, like raiding, exploring and finding America! Then we’ll investigate, why did the Vikings stopped being Vikings? Questions for after you’ve listened are below and can be heard right at the end, after the out-takes. Questions for after you’ve listened: Name 3 countries of today where Vikings came from: What does the word “Viking” mean? About how many years before Columbus did the Vikings reach North America? Name some European countries that...more
Hear what's coming your way in our first few episodes of Season 4... And join us on: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going. And please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. A brand new full episode is coming your way in a few days! Podcast cover art by Molly Austin Instrumental music by Kevin MacLeod Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2019 © BBC
Today, us Brits-in-Hong-Kong tell you why we were too busy to record an episode over the last month: we have some big news for our family. And, listen carefully, and we’ll let you in on a secret about how we managed to make so many special travel episodes in what seems like a small number of months! It’s great to be recognised among some of the world’s best Kids & Family podcasts, as Early Learning Indiana have done here. Thank you! Look on our webpage for images that accompany each episode. ...more
Writer Lindsay Varty tells us all about weird and wonderful jobs from China’s past that are still being done today! Lindsay’s latest book, Sunset Survivor, is all about traditional Chinese jobs in Hong Kong. And Year 4 kids from Clearwater Bay School give us their take on some interesting jobs - from poo collectors to female pirates like Zheng Shi! (Sorry that the sound quality isn't great for this segment.) Thank you: Emily Blackshaw, Angel Lieu, Sheldon Wong, Charlotte Morley, Lola Bovenlander...more
We meet Nicholas and his grandfather, both were Tsars (or emperors) of Russia. And we find out what happens to the mad monk who wouldn’t die. Dad and Me were lucky enough to tour Russia’s old capital city with Friendly Local Guides. LISTEN HERE Questions for after you’ve listened: Who lived in the Winter Palace? What was Dad & Me’s tour guide’s name (that Dad keeps saying wrong)? What happened to Alexander II? Who was the last Tsar of Russia? Why did Rasputin give himself poison? How did Rasput...more
Dad and Me are lucky enough to tour one of the world’s greatest cities with Friendly Local Guides. We meet the Terrible Tsar (or emperor) of Russia and we find out what happens in a fight against God. And, in the after-show extras, we go to a World Cup match and get stalked by a BBC film crew – who James patiently teaches to floss dance! LISTEN HERE Questions for after you’ve listened: What was Dad & Me’s tour guide’s name (that Dad keeps saying wrong)? What type of dancing is the Bolshoi Theat...more
Dad and Me interview some of the world’s best jousters who travel the world competing for thousands of dollars. And we meet the armourers who keep them safe. Recorded in July 2017 at Arundel Castle, England – with Dad & Me & Nana! The questions below are also on the podcast - after the end title music. LISTEN HERE Questions for after you’ve listened: What does a professional armourer do? Some of the jousters are wearing armour that costs how much? What’s a “lance”? How many points does a jou...more
We're back on the mic and raring to go! Here's our Season 3 Teaser - recorded in 3 different countries. Our Season 3 full episodes start next week! Look on our webpage for photos and maps that accompany each episode. And join us on: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going. Podcast cover art by Molly Austin Instrumental music by Kevin MacLeod
Dad and Me join Air Raid Precaution Post 27 – a reenactment group we met at a 1940s weekend at Fort Nelson, Portsmouth, in southern England. What were “butterfly bombs” and why did kids love them so much? Butterfly bombs caused chaos when they were dropped on a few selected cities in Britain – so why didn’t Hitler drop more of them? And what sound – heard at football matches (a few years ago) – was used to warn people of an attack by one particular type of weapon? Thank you to Post 27’s Jane Bis...more
From the World Cup player who wouldn’t head the ball because of his hair style to submarines on football pitches, we’ve got you covered for all you need to know about the history of soccer! All in time for kick off at Russia 2018! For after you’ve listened, here’s the whole True (T) or False (F) quiz - with answers! 1. The earliest evidence regarding football is that dinosaurs used to kick small animals around in small-sided games (F) 2. Centuries ago in England, soccer was played by kicking ...more
Paddington bear and President Lincoln have something in common: they both keep things under their hats. You’ll hear all about the US Civil War of 1861-1865, and you’ll find out what Lincoln kept under his top hat! And you’ll discover which type of swimming-pool dive soldiers like best! Questions for after you’ve listened: Did most farms (called ‘plantations’) in the southern United States have slaves? What did President Abraham Lincoln keep under his top hat? During the US Civil War of the 1850...more
It’s the final part of our Australia adventure, and we spend the day with Mark Jones and his family. Mark runs Straddie Adventures, aboriginal culture tour specialists on Queensland’s North Stradbroke Island (known as ‘Straddie’). We apologise for some poor sound quality (it gets better): hunting conditions – with Dad paddling furiously at the rear of the kayak and James standing on the bow, holding a 12-foot spear – are a bit different to studio conditions! To find out what happens after 8-year...more
Here's the first of two special episodes on aboriginal Australia! At home in Hong Kong, we visit a cultural exhibition at James' school, where we find out about an aboriginal-style painting James’ and his group made as a part of their investigation into aboriginal culture. And we hear James play the didgeridoo during his group's Kangaroo Dance. Then we pop along to see some aboriginal art - in Brisbane, Australia! We meet an aboriginal family who keep traditional culture alive on Queensland’s Go...more
Starting next weekend, a brand new episode will be released once every two weeks through to July. Join us on: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and our webpage Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going. See you next time! Podcast cover art by Molly Austin Instrumental music by Kevin MacLeod
It's all to do with a robbery... This recording was made live with Radio 3's Noreen Mir at Radio Television Hong Kong and appears as a podcast on Dad's 'This Month in History' feed. Normal DAMLH episodes will resume soon!
A seasonal 'hello' from Dad & Me! Next weekend, during our Easter break, we'll have a special episode by Dad aimed at adults but suitable for young minds too - about why the most famous painting in the world is the most famous painting in the world! After the Easter hols Dad & Me will be back with our normal show... Join us on: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and our webpage Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – th...more
This episode is head-choppingly good! Did Henry need six wives just because he wanted a son? Or was it more because he went a bit bonkers? Did Henry VIII turn into a mad meanie because of what happened to him in the year 1536? Questions to ask your kids after they've listened: Which queen proved Henry wrong when he had said only men could be good rulers? Why was the ghost of Anne Boleyn always running after the ghost of Henry VIII? Henry was sad after which one of his wives died? Who was Henry ...more
We look at the history of the creators of the two greatest sources of kids' entertainment. How did the creators of Lego and Disney get started? How have they changed the world? And how are Lego and Disney today different from during their early years? Questions to ask your kids after they've listened: What’s your favourite Lego set or character? What’s your favourite Disney character? “Lego” is a shortened version of the two Danish words "leg godt". What does “leg godt” mean? What is a “memoir”...more
This episode starts with one of our best Roman jokes ever! Keep listening for more… And we find out about the Roman army’s deadliest weapons and coolest tricks that helped make them such an awesome army. And we answer the key question: How did number 2s make the Roman army move faster over long distances – even when they didn’t need to!? All that and more in this awesome episode. Questions for parents/teachers to ask the kids: 1. Any man between 18 and 46 could be forced to join the army. Wha...more
In this week's episode we find out about China’s first emperor. It gets pretty gruesome at one point, so be careful with parent listeners! He joined seven different kingdoms together to form China. He built up the Great Wall to defend his new empire, and he came up with some clever ways to make China united. And before he died he did some amazing things to try to make sure he would still be a powerful emperor in the afterlife… Questions: Where does the name “China” come from? What is an archaeo...more
For our first full episode, we look at the Most Important Question in History - ever.* We visit three continents, jumping from King Solomon to mad Roman Emperor Nero, and from Ancient China to Less Ancient United States, following the history of deliciousness. Listen quick – before it melts! *From a child's point of view **Despite what you will hear in this episode, the presenters are aware that desserts are not a human right. They just taste great! TEACHER/PARENT – Questions for your kids: Wha...more
Our first full episode is released on Saturday 24 February! Join us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and our webpage Please rate and review us on iTunes or wherever you get podcasts. And share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends! That's how we'll keep going! Podcast cover art by Molly Austin Instrumental music by Bensound
This preview includes new clips from Episode 1, and a live recording at KGV School. From 24 February 2018 we will release a full episode - every weekend! Subscribe for free on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Soundcloud and wherever else you get podcasts! Join us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and our webpage
Two minutes of highlights from our first 3 episodes. Includes the best Romans joke EVER!!! Don't forget to subscribe on iTunes (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/dadandmelovehistory/ https://www.instagram.com/dadandmelovehistory/ https://twitter.com/DadAndMeHistory https://www.dadandmelovehistory.com/ Music by https://www.bensound.com/ Graphics by Molly Austin