As immigrants ourselves, we investigate the most iconic immigrant of them all: the Statue of Liberty.

A beacon of hope, the Statue of Liberty has welcomed millions of immigrants to the United States and to a new life. The statue overlooks New York harbour, close to Ellis Island immigration centre: if the USA is a land of immigrants, Ellis Island is where those immigrants landed.

Built by France for the USA, there was some debate about which city the statue should be placed in. Then there was how to pay for a pedestal large enough to hold Liberty.

We are grateful to Suzanne Mannion, Director of Public Affairs at the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, for arranging our visit, and to our interviewee, Jonathan da Silva, Assistant Manager of the American Family Immigration History Centre on Ellis Island.

LISTEN HERE

After the end theme music you’ll find these questions, followed by outtakes and an extra recording we made in the Statue of Liberty Museum:

Where was the first federal immigration centre for the USA?

What was the ‘kissing post’?

Why do you think immigrants would be happy to see the Statue of Liberty when their ship arrived in New York?

Who paid for the pedestal - the base platform - that the Statue of Liberty would be built on?

Can you name any other city that requested that the Statue of Liberty be placed their area?

What do the seven rays or spikes on the Statue’s crown represent?

Here’s our website, where you'll find photos, info about each episode and links to our social media: https://www.dadandmelovehistory.com/ - here, you can also listen to episodes.

For mature history lovers: read industry reviews of Dad’s World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, 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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects are used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2024 © BBC

We investigate the special operations that occurred ahead of the D-Day landings of over 130,000 Allied troops on the Nazi-controlled beaches of northern France

We look at the role of special troops who parachuted into Nazi-occupied France ahead of the D-Day beach landings. With help from a very special expert guest, we focus on a mission for US Army Rangers at a headland near the beaches, called Pointe du Hoc.

LISTEN HERE

After the end theme music you’ll find these questions, followed by the outtakes:

Which Allied countries took part in the D-Day landings?

What was this operation called?

Why did Allied special forces parachute into France before the D-Day beach landings?

Why was it important to disrupt railway lines and German communication centres?

Why was Pointe du Hoc an important piece of land?

What challenges did the US Rangers face?

For mature history lovers: read industry reviews of Dad’s World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, 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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects are used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2023 © BBC

The history of the women’s game – from China to Britain, the US, Australia and Europe.

Released with our recordings from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, we bring you not only the history but the vibes too – all sprinkled with plenty of dad jokes from James! At the end of today’s episode (after our outro theme song), you’ll hear some World Cup extras, a bonus dad joke from James, and an outtake or two. For a broader angle on football today – from powerchair football to amputee football – and how we try to make a positive difference, take a look at my webpage and socials for https://www.notyouraverageenglandfan.com/

Our website, where you'll find photos, info about each episode and links to our social media, is https://www.dadandmelovehistory.com/

LISTEN HERE

For mature history lovers: read industry reviews of Dad’s World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, 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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2023 © BBC

Today’s episode comes from Washington DC, where we investigate why the capital was positioned there. And then, for our big question, we debate who wins the title of greatest US President ever!

We are delighted to be joined by special guest Patrick Lau, who works for a US government department in Washington and has a Masters’ degree in political science. He is also a former high school student whom Dad taught a long, long time ago!

At the end of today’s episode (after our outro theme song), you’ll hear the questions (see below) and then bags of outtakes!

LISTEN HERE

Here are some questions to test your skills:

1. Why was the USA’s new capital city called Washington?

2. Why was the city of Washington built where it was built?

3. How many of America’s first 18 presidents owned slaves?

4. What was significant about the letter Jefferson sent to an African-American?

5. What did Patrick say makes a great President?

6. Why did James choose Abraham Lincoln as the greatest ever president?

For mature history lovers: read industry reviews of Dad’s World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, 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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2023 © BBC

Today’s episodes comes from the Imperial War Museum , London, where we investigate: Odette, the spy; Roy and Bob’s great escape; Daisy’s story of imprisonment in Hong Kong

We are delighted to be joined by co-host Benji – and we are surprised by how he comes across his own family history in the museum.

At the end of today’s episode (after our outro theme song), you’ll hear the questions (see below) and then the outtakes.

LISTEN HERE

Here are some questions to test your listening skills:

1.Which museum were we in?

2. Who was the relative whose name Kim and Benji found embroidered (sewn) on a bedsheet from a World War II prisoner camp in Hong Kong?

3. What’s the difference between an “internee” and a “prisoner of war”?

4. What happened to Roy and Robert?

5. What role/job did Odette perform when she was parachuted into France?

6. What happened to Odette after she was arrested by Nazi forces?

For mature history lovers: read industry reviews of Dad’s World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, 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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The USA closed its airports when it was under attack in September 2001, so where did all the planes that were in the sky land?

We are joined by two wonderful guests from the town of Gander in remote Newfoundland, Canada, where locals showed amazing kindness to people from all over the world, following the terrible events of 9/11. We only briefly mention the planes that crashed into the twin towers: we focus on the heart-warming humanity that followed.

This true story is sweeping the world through the award-winning musical Come From Away, and we make good use of having attained the rights to the music! Even better, we spend time with local journalist Janice Goudie and animal shelter manager Bonnie Harris, who found themselves at the centre of events – and at the centre of Come From Away. Janice was reporting on events on 11 September, 2001, as 38 planes, carrying nearly 7,000 passengers, landed at the remote Canadian town of Gander. Bonnie was determined to discover if there were any animals on board – and she received quite a surprise.

The population of the town almost doubled in just a couple of hours. How would the town cope? Well, the answer to that is: remarkably!

Janice now works for the Canadian Broadcasting Company, and we recommend this CBC cartoon strip resource, featuring Janice, as a way to educate suitably-aged children about 9/11. 

At the end of today’s episode (after our outro theme song), there are bags of extras – including lots of outtakes, additional interview material and bonus music from Come From Away!

LISTEN HERE (or on your podcast app)

Here are some questions to test your listening skills:

What was Janice’s job?

Why were 38 planes - and nearly 7,000 passengers - forced to land in Gander?

What was Bonnie’s job?

What examples of kindness can you remember that the islanders showed the passengers?

What types of animals were found on those planes?

Can you think of a time when someone has shown great kindness to you or when you have shown kindness to others?

For mature history lovers: read industry reviews of Dad’s World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, 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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Songs from the Come From Away musical, written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, has been licensed for non-commercial use by Dad and Me Love History thanks to T S Publicity.

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Our special guest tells us all about why King George VI was called ‘Bertie’ and why his daughter should never have become Queen!

THIS EPISODE IS PARTICULARLY RECOMMENDED AS SUITABLE FOR OUR YOUNGEST LISTENERS!

In this royally mad episode – which features a record number of majestic jokes – we are joined by a very special guest. Children’s author Susan Webb, who wrote ‘Bertie: The Best Stuttering King’, reveals what you should know about Princess Elizabeth (the current British queen) and why she expected to never be queen. You can find out more about Susan and her writing at https://susanmwebb.com/

At the end of today’s episode (after our outro theme song), there are bags of extras – including the King and Queen of Dad jokes!

LISTEN HERE (or on your podcast app)

Also after the main episode, we’ve got some TRUE or FALSE questions – how many can you get correct?

1. True or False: King Edward VIII was Elizabeth’s uncle

2. True or False: Bertie was the King George VI’s nickname

3. True or False: King George VI’s real first name was Louis

4. True or False: Princess Elizabeth was in Asia when she became Queen

5. True or False: Queen Elizabeth II is about to celebrate her Golden Jubilee

6. True or False: James never gets nervous

Read industry reviews of Dad’s World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, 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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2022 © BBC

Listen and learn from a 16-year-old master historian – and hear some incredible interviews!

Today we are joined by a very special high school kid: historian Jaxon Hekkenberg. Jaxon is doing remarkable things, teaching us all how we can save history. You’ll hear clips from just a few of the incredible interviews Jaxon has carried out. There are no graphic descriptions – just listen out for incredible stories from veterans from BOTH SIDES of World War II.

At the end of today’s episode there are bags of extras (after our outro theme song) – including an insight into the Hekkenberg’s own World War II family history!

LISTEN HERE OR IN SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU GET PODCASTS

Read industry reviews of Dad’s World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, 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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Dad and Me investigate ‘internment’ in America, the UK, Australia, Hong Kong and beyond.

Internment was when ordinary men, women and children were imprisoned because they – or their parents – were born in an enemy country, and the country they lived in thought they might secretly help the other side. Listen out for our best ‘prison’ jokes! And don’t forget after the end theme song, we’ve got more of the good stuff, including questions and out-takes – and more jokes!

LISTEN

Read industry reviews of Dad’s World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, 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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2022 © BBC

Dad & Me Love History presents a New Year Special Episode, where we go back through the archives and play you highlights from our original recordings of Dad (& Me) jokes, from Ancient Romans to African Moors to the invention of cars! This includes some previously unpublished material.

LISTEN HERE

Read industry reviews of Dad’s World War II novels, A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. Available as e-books, 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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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. We will bring you episodes throughout the year, so stay subscribed on your podcast app!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2022 © BBC

No, it gets a bit sticky! Sugar meant slavery, addiction and teeth decay (watch out Queen Elizabeth I)!

Following the origins of sugar takes us around the world, through 10,000 years of sweet but sticky history. Sugar was like oil or gold for a while - so in-demand that people in power got greedy and the powerless suffered as slavery expanded.

On the sweeter side, listen out for Dad’s best bad Dad jokes yet! Do let us know (via Facebook/Twitter/Instagram) why it is particularly Norwegians who like to put sugar on their pillow – and listen all the way to the outtakes for bonus jokes!

LISTEN HERE

Here are some QUESTIONS to see how well you understood today’s episode:

1. Which country near Australia is where we think sugar cane first grew?

2. Which Persian leader discovered sugar in India and then kept how it was made a secret?

3. Who took sugar to America in the 1590s?

4. Who invented marzipan?

5. Explain what impact sugar had on slavery

6. Why do you think Olaudah Equiano is famous?

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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2021 © BBC

We investigate the Cold War: when did it happen? What happened during the Cold War? Why did it happen? And how? Between the USA and the USSR, things were very cold, whereas over in Korea and Vietnam things got hot-hot-hot!

Listen out in the extras for James's Cold War joke - did Dad understand it? After the outtakes, there's a bonus couple of minutes about who invented the 'cold war' - we discover the famous writer who invented the term and predicted the future!

LISTEN HERE

Here are some QUESTIONS to see how well you understood today’s episode:

1. When did the cold war begin and end?

2. Why was it called the cold war?

3. Where did the cold war become hot?

4. What is the difference between the Soviet Union during the cold war and Russia today?

5. What was M.A.D.?

6. What’s going on in the world today that is the same or similar to how it was during the Cold War?

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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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.

We’ll be back on the first Monday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

This episode’s webpage image is designed by Christopher Chadbourne and Associates (Boston, MA) www.ccadesign.com/

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2021 © BBC

And what have been the most important changes to cars?

Human beings have been coming up with different ways to travel for thousands of years. The invention of the car made a major change in the way people got around. We discover that the history of the car goes back to Leonardo and that electric cars have been around for ages! James bring you his research on the history of electric cars, and you'll hear his best car jokes!

LISTEN HERE

How are some questions to see how well you understood today’s episode:

1. Over 500 years ago, who made designs for a mechanical, wind-up car?

2. What was built first: a steam-powered car or the Eiffel Tower?

3. In 1885 who built the first car powered by a gasoline or petrol engine?

4. Who made assembly lines that could build lots of cars quickly?

5. Until 1900, what would you move to steer a car?

6. When was the first fully electric car that could go over 100 kilometres per hour built?

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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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.

We’ll be back on the first Monday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2021 © BBC

Ahead of the para events at Tokyo 2020 (in 2021), we investigate the history of the Paralympic Games. Our special Paralympian guest is two-time swimming medalist Peter Hill. Long before it became a Paralympic sport, Peter was also involved in the early development of murderball (yes, that’s a real sport), and he’s dabbled in many more para-sports.

LISTEN HERE

How are some questions for after you listen to today’s episode:

1. What’s my favourite Paralympic sport?

2. What does the Greek word “para” mean?

3. What was the name of the UK hospital which used sports to try to help injured people after World War II?

4. And what was the name of the Jewish-German doctor who ran the program at that hospital?

5. What happened on 29 July 1948, the same day as the London 1948 Olympic Games began?

6. When did the first Winter Paralympic Games happen?

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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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.

We’ll be back on the first Monday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2021 © BBC

2020 Olympic Games: delayed by 1 year. 1896 Olympics: delayed by 1,503 years

Today, we’re looking at why the Ancient Olympic Games began and why – after many centuries – they were stopped. And why, over 1,500 years after being stopped, did they restart?

We are delighted to be joined by Mark Selleck from the hit podcast series Casting through Ancient Greece. Mark digs deep to unearth the truth behind the ancient Olympic Games, and James and Dad – who once visited the Olympics Museum in Switzerland – bring us more up-to-date.

And we have gold medal-winning jokes from Dad.

We're now offering you more through Patreon - and if you're open to giving us a little support, this link shows how: https://www.patreon.com/dadandmelovehistory

LISTEN HERE

Here are some questions to see how well you understood today’s episode:

1. When did the Ancient Greek Olympics begin?

2. Which empire invaded Greece and ended the Olympic Games?

3. True or false: different Greek cities competed at the ancient Olympic Games

4. True or false: ancient Greek cities used to fight against each other

5. Explain how the ancient Olympic Games helped bring peace

6. Explain how the modern Olympic Games began in the late nineteenth century

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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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.

We’ll be back on the first Monday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2021 © BBC

Today, we’re looking at how the Allied side – that includes the US, UK and Australia – broke the enemy’s secret codes during World War II. We see how Alan Turing and General MacArthur were central to wartime code-breaking, on different sides of the world. We are joined by a special guest, author David Dufty, who wrote ‘The Code Breakers of Central Bureau’ and ‘Radio Girl’.

And we have Dad’s best Dad jokes about spies!

LISTEN HERE

Here are some questions to see how well you understood today’s episode:

1.What is Morse code?

2. Name of the man who invented the computer that code breakers used at Bletchley Park, in England.

3. What was the biggest achievement of the British code breakers during World War II?

4. What was the name of the American general who set-up the Central Bureau code breakers in Australia?

5. What subject do you need to study hard at school if you’re going to be a code breaker?

6. What did the Central Bureau code breakers achieve in World War II?

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.

We’ll be back on the first Monday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2021 © BBC

Please share this episode with friends who need Dad & Me & Hamilton the hip-hop musical in their life!

The production company behind Hamilton the musical has given us the soundtrack and the full rights to use it – so you’ll hear some big numbers in this episode. You’ll also hear what you can learn about history from a hip-hop musical that treats its audience as the intelligent beings that our listeners are!

There are some big plot spoilers in here – but no worse than if you simply listen to the musical’s soundtrack. On Disney+, Hamilton the musical is rated PG-13, but we spare you the worst of the language here. You will hear ‘damn’ and ‘hell’ amid the lyrics of the songs we include from the Hamilton musical. (Lin-Manual Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, also composed the music for Moana; the two sound rather different.) 

LISTEN HERE

Here are some questions to see how much you understood from today's show:

1. What was James' favourite line from the musical?

2. In the song "Guns and Ships" which country was the superpower and who were they fighting against?

3. What do you think George Washington meant when his character sang "History has its eyes on me"?

4. Do you think different people can believe different versions of the same period of history?

5. Where did they make the new US capital and what is it called?

6. The Hamilton Project found that the musical has what percentage of historical accuracy?

We're now offering you more through Patreon - and if you're open to giving us a little support, this link shows how: Patreon: Dad and Me Love History

Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. Look on our webpage for images that accompany each episode.

And join us on: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!

Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, 2016. Copyright © Warner Music.

Alexander Hamilton played a major role in the American Revolution (1765 to 1783) and in creating the USA

Part I of two episodes about America’s fight for independence from Britain. We investigate how the hit musical Hamilton is teaching us history – but is it accurate?

And we have James’s best American history jokes.

We're now offering you more through Patreon - and if you're open to giving us a little support, this Patreon link shows how.

LISTEN HERE

How are some questions to see how well you understand today’s episode:

1. What does “democracy” mean?

2. Who could not vote in the USA when it was first founded?

3. What does “capitalism” mean?

4. Who was king of Britain at this time?

5. Why did the Americans want to be free from British rule?

6. Why was persuasive writing so important for Alexander Hamilton?

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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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.

We’ll be back on the first Monday of next month!

We get to India by looking at the origins of Empire, Elizabeth I’s Muslim friends and England v Britain

In investigating why and how the English (later, the British) got involved in India, we discover how a bit of charm and a trading company can spread an empire – all backed with brute force. We enjoy a side-track into a headless Mary and how England most definitely does not equal Britain. And you’ll find answers to the best homemade jokes like “Which country’s empire tastes best at Christmas?”

And Elizabeth I is back, and she’s full of charm for the Islamic world. (Ever since we recorded this episode, whenever James wants more gaming time he quotes Elizabeth I’s letters to the Turkish Sultan, calling me the “Most Imperial and Most Invincible Emperor”.)

So, do you know the answer to the Christmas joke now?

LISTEN HERE

Here are 6 questions to test your listening skills:

1. In which continent outside Europe did Britain’s empire begin?

2. What was the slave trade?

3. Why did Elizabeth say that Catholics are so last century*? (*Not her exact words)

4. What is the difference between “England” and “Britain”?

5. What was the name of the only business that Elizabeth allowed to trade with India?

6. How did Britain go from only having a trading company in India to invading India?

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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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.

We’ll be back on the first Monday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2021 © BBC

We investigate why Princess Elizabeth’s sister sent her to prison with the aim of executing the future Elizabeth I. Find out how portraits can say "I'm a mighty goddess!" and discover the coolest way to reply to a marriage proposal that you don’t want. This episode is all about the smart, charming and cunning girl-power of a princess who they said could never become Queen. 

Definition: You'll hear about 'Traitor's Gate', and if the word 'traitor' is new to you, it means someone who has switched sides and gone against their country and their queen (or king).

Many thanks to the Tower of London and Hatfield House, where much of today’s show was recorded back in 2017 (you’ll hear James’ cute, squeaky voice!).

LISTEN HERE

Here are 6 questions to test your listening skills:

1. Henry ended up as Church of England but what type of religion did he follow first?

2. Which gate was Elizabeth brought in through when she was taken to the Tower of London?

3. Why do you think Mary did not want Elizabeth to ever be queen?

4. Give two examples of sources of evidence that we found at Hatfield House.

5. Why did people think a woman could not rule on her own?

6. How did Elizabeth show that she was a clever and strong leader?

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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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.

We’ll be back on the first Monday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2021 © BBC

Elephant warriors, bee squadrons, World War 2 bat bombs and so much more

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. And 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:

1. What was the main task pigeons did during wars?

2. Name different tasks that dogs did during wars

3. Why were cats useful on naval ships?

4. Which type of animal has been in the most wars?

5. Name two animals that defeated the Romans:

6. Can you explain what “Phyrric victory” means?

Three very useful websites for this episode were Legion Magazine, Live Science and the UK’s Imperial War Museum.

LISTEN HERE

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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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.

We’ll be back on the first Monday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2021 © BBC

Guillotine blades fall, heads roll and an army general who hates kings makes himself emperor

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! Wanna be Marie Antoinette’s chocolate chef? Tell us why on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram - click the links at the very bottom of this page!

(And, without even trying, in this episode 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 kids – adults!

Here are 6 questions to see how well you were listening:

1. When did the French Revolution begin?

2. What was the first building the revolutionaries attacked?

3. Why did people hate Marie Antoinette?

4. What caused the French Revolution? Why did it happen?

5. What were some consequences of the French Revolution?

6. During those revolutionary years of 1789-1799, France also went to war against Austria: true or false?

LISTEN HERE

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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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.

We’ll be back on the first Monday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2020 © BBC

WARNING: This episode includes a lot of Dad jokes!

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.

Many thanks to Cooper Broxup for bringing us extra jokes, and to special guest and Ancient Greece expert, Mark Selleck. His podcast series, Casting Through Ancient Greece, is aimed at the biggest kids – adults!

Here are 6 questions to see how good you were listening:

1. About how many years ago were the Persian Wars with Ancient Greece?

2. Which empire came first: Ancient Romans or Ancient Greeks?

3. The ancient Greeks took over land in 3 different continents: can you name them?

4. How far from Athens was the Battle of Marathon?

5. Can you name at least 3 ancient Greek city-states?

6. Can you explain what “city-state” means?

LISTEN HERE

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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

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.

We’ll be back on the first Saturday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2020 © BBC

Get ready for the Great Gorilla vs. Guerrilla Game!

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.

Many thanks to special guest co-host Cooper Broxup! Another first on this show is the trailer for a history podcast, aimed more at adults, called Casting Through Ancient Greece – check them out on Facebook and Twitter!

LISTEN HERE

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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

Here are some questions to see if you were listening:

1. Which 2 countries invaded Vietnam before America did?

2. When did China become communist?

3. Who lost the 1954 Battle of Dien Bien Phu?

4. What was the name of Vietnam’s communist leader?

5. What was the ‘domino theory’?

6. What was the Gulf of Tonkin incident?

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.

Find at more at dadandmelovehistory.com

We’ll be back on the first weekend of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2020 © BBC

We investigate whether the main cause of World War One was a duke killing an ostrich because he was hungry

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 dadandmelovehistory.com

LISTEN HERE

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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

Here are some questions to see if you were listening:

1. True or false: World War I started because a bloke called Archie Duke shot an ostrich because he was hungry.

2. Which small country did Austria-Hungary declare war on first?

3. Why did Russia join the war?

4. Why did Germany join the war?

5. How old was the youngest British soldier?

6. Why did some people actually want to go to fight in the First World War?

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.

We’ll be back on the first weekend of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2020 © BBC

Welcome to the history of loot, dough, bread, bucks, stash, moolah, smackers, cheddar!

We find out all about the first civilisations in history to invent money. We meet Ed Washington from Sydney Living Museums – which includes Sydney Mint – and he tells us how to make money!

Find out more at 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 Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

LISTEN HERE

Here are some questions to see if you were listening:

1. What did some ancient places use as money before coins were invented?

2. Why do civilisations need to have some type of money?

3. Modern Australia began as several independent colonies, like Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Did they all share one common currency from the start?

4. When did Australia start using the Aussie dollar as the currency?

5. How do you turn gold bars into gold coins?

6. Are coins which are gold coloured made from gold today?

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.

We’ll be back on the first weekend of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2020 © BBC

With one eye, one arm and the courage of a lion, Adrian Carton de Wiart took the ‘dis’ out of disability

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 events in Poland, Paris, London and Prague. The Slightest Chance follows the remarkable true story of the only escape from Japanese imprisonment by a Western woman during World War II.

LISTEN HERE

Here are some questions to see if you were listening:

1. What was the name of the first war that Adrian fought in?

2. Ypres was on the ‘western front’ in WW1, but which country was Ypres in?

3. When was the Battle of the Somme?

4. What was the name of the medal Adrian got for bravery during the Battle of the Somme?

5. Which country did James’ great-granny escape from in 1939?

6. Which of Adrian’s injuries do you think would be the hardest to live with?

Find at more at dadandmelovehistory.com

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.

We’ll be back on the first Saturday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2020 © BBC

Where, when, why & how?

Moors from North Africa invade two European countries we know today. 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

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, London and Prague.

LISTEN HERE

Here are some questions to see if you were listening:

1. When did the Moors invade Spain?

2. Why did the Moors invade?

3. What were the crusades?

4. Which Christians leaders became King and Queen of all of Spain?

5. When were the Moors forced out of Spain?

6. Which episode numbers should WW2 fans check out?

Bonus question: Which was your favourite Dad joke…I mean “Moor” joke?

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.

We’ll be back on the first Saturday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and compsoed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2020 © BBC

From slavery and segregation (separation) to Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King

We see how great speeches and peaceful protest marchers can make big changes in the world, particularly in America in the 1950s and 1960s.

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, London and Prague.

LISTEN HERE

Here are some questions based on today’s episode:

1. The Declaration of Independence (1776) said “that all men are created …..” what?

2. What does “segregation” mean?

3. What did Rosa Parks do on 1 December, 1955?

4. What happened when Elizabeth Eckford and 8 other black students tried to go to Little Rock high school in 1957?

5. King’s “I have a dream” speech resulted in the passing of a 1964 law called the Civil Rights Act. That law made something illegal – what was it?

6. What was the 1965 law called that finally allowed black people to vote?

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.

We’ll be back on the first Saturday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and compsoed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2020 © BBC

We talk to the blacksmiths who make them and knights who use them!

We visit a medieval armoury (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 a huge medieval weapon: a trebuchet!

You’ll find out where the word “freelancer” comes from and you’ll hear our latest knight and Fort-nite/knight 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, 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, London and Prague.

LISTEN HERE

Here are some questions based on today’s episode:

1. When was the medieval period?

2. What does “freelancer” mean today?

3. What’s a lance?

4. Who were the first people in history known as freelancers?

5. You would use a trebuchet to attack what?

6. Which weapon could you load and fire more quickly, a crossbow or a longbow?

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.

We’ll be back on the first Saturday of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and compsoed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2020 © BBC

Which was the worst villain? Was either of them a hero? Which would have won in a gunfight?

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 Melbourne Gaol, as we did for this episode, they don’t really imprison you for six months (which I said in this episode).

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, London and Prague.

LISTEN HERE

Here are some questions based on today’s episode:

1. Which country did Billy the Kid live in?

2. Which state was Ned Kelly born in?

3. Ned Kelly’s picture appeared at the Olympics in which city?

4. Which country were the ancestors (the families) of Ned Kelly and Billy the Kid originally from?

5. Who hired Billy the Kid to fight for him against an Irish family?

6. Out of what type of farming equipment was Ned Kelly’s armour made?

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.

We’ll be back on the first Saturday of next month!Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and compsoed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2020 © BBC

Andy Factor tells the wonderful story of how he and his family got out of Nazi Germany

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 join the Hitler Youth. As you do.

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, based on Dad’s granny’s escape from Poland during the war.

LISTEN HERE

Here are some questions based on today’s episode:

1. Why was Andy not allowed to complete high school or got to music school in Nazi Germany?

2. What type of products does the Max Factor company still make today?

3. In which month and year was Crystal Night, when the Nazis smashed up Jewish shops and synagogues?

4. Which country did Andy and his family first go to when they left Germany in 1939?

5. Why did they leave that country to go to Australia?

6. Andy got a job with Myer department store but why did he leave that job?

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.

We’ll be back at the start of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

All music is from https://filmmusic.io and compsoed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2020 © BBC

Dad & Me interview a Jewish man who lived in Nazi Germany

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 a Jewish boy wanted to join Hitler’s youth group, listen until the very end!

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, based on Dad’s granny’s escape from Poland during the war.

LISTEN HERE

Here are some questions based on today’s episode:

1. When was Andy Factor born?

2. When did Hitler and the Nazis take over Germany?

3. What does ‘propaganda’ mean?

4. Who was Andy separated from at school?

5. What did Andy’s teacher do to Andy in front of the class?

6. Only, about 500,000 Jews lived in Germany, so how were the Nazis able to capture millions of Jewish people?

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Music from https://filmmusic.io. All by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2020 © BBC

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 names, from ‘Colonel Custard’ to ‘Saca-ga-ga-wea’! As always, we are learning from our mistakes. But the outtakes for this episode are a heinous crime!

Read industry reviews of Dad’s new World War II Asia-Pacific novel, The Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com. It’s out now on Kindle for US$6.99, as well as in paperback. So is Dad’s first wartime novel, A Chance Kill, set in Poland, Paris, London and Prague. Real history, authentic thriller/love-stories.

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1. What the name of the explorer and translator who travelled with Lewis and Clark?

2. Who’s name meant “the naughty one”?

3. What was the name of the American Colonel at the Battle of Little Big Horn?

4. Which two of our famous native Americans fought at the Battle of Little Big Horn?

5. Who met two US Presidents and told them about how unfair things were for Native Americans?

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

The Native American flute music you’ll hear is from Flutecraft, who offer free music at Jamendo.com

Also featured is music from https://filmmusic.io: “Neo Western”; “Robo Western”; “Western Strets”. All by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2019 © BBC

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 Slightest Chance, at paulletters.com – it’s now out on Kindle for US$6.99, as well as in paperback.

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1. Where was MacArthur when World War 2 began?

2. What are the famous words he said about the Philippines after he escaped to Australia?

3. Where did MacArthur make his World War II headquarters?

4. Was he in charge of all allied forces in the north-east Pacific or the south-west Pacific?

5. The Yalu River is the border between North Korea and which country?

6. In Korea, MacArthur’s troops were cornered by North Korean troops to the north and west and by the sea to the south and east. So he put troops on boats to escape up the coast and then attack the enemy from behind. Where did the boats land?

7. Who nearly caused World War 3?

8. What did MacArthur achieve for Japan after World War 2?

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

Music from https://filmmusic.io: “Militaire Elecronic”; “Showdown”; “On My Way”; “Marty Gots A Plan”. All by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2019 © BBC

Today you’re going to find out Dad & Me’s greatest explorer in the world ever!

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 of the famous explorers, and maybe one or two you don’t know. And discover how to choose good websites for research.

Yawn alert, kids! – 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, Twitter or Facebook? 

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1.      A useful website needs to be reliable, accessible and …….?

2.      Which country did William Dampier travel to many years before James Cook?

3.      What does “circumnavigate” mean?

4.      Who is known for inventing the words “avocado”, “barbecue” and “chopsticks”?

5.      Was Magellan the first man to lead a voyage around the world?

6.      If you’re in a swimming pool and somebody shouts out “Marco”, what should you say?

7.      Why does James think Marco Polo is important?

8.      Which of our explorers circumnavigated the world three times?

LISTEN HERE

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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.

We’ll be back at the start of next month!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Music from https://filmmusic.io: “Funin and Sunin”; “On My Way”; Marty Gots A Plan”. All by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2019 © BBC

We hit the road and find out how Sydney and Melbourne lost out to a sheep farm

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).

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1.    Admiral Zheng might have been the first person from a different continent to visit Australia. Which country was Admiral Zheng from?

2.    What year did Captain Cook arrive in Australia?

3.    From which UK city did Admiral Arthur Philip and the First Fleet leave for Australia?

4.    What year did Arthur Philip and the First Fleet arrive in Australia?

5.    The first colony was built in what is now known as ‘The Rocks’ area of Sydney. Who was living around there before the British arrived?

6.    At least how many miles from Sydney did the capital city have to be?

7.    Parliament House is where Australia’s Parliament meets and works. What used to be there in that area before they built Australia’s capital city?

8.    In what year was the country of Australia officially started?

LISTEN HERE

Check out our webpage!

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

Music from https://filmmusic.io:

"Sugar Plum Breakdown"; "Wholesome"; “On the Shore”; "Showdown"; "Spy Glass"; “Sneaky Adventure”. All by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2019 © BBC

From the abacus to the iPad, we find out all about the history of computers and who invented them!

From ancient abacuses to an amazing robot clock, and from Leonardo’s calculator to World War II super-spy computers, we then come right into the twenty-first century!

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!

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1.    What was the name of the calculating machine that they had in Ancient China and Babylonia?

2.    Who invented an amazing mechanical, robotic clock?

3.    What did Leonardo Da Vinci draw but not make?

4.    Some people say Charles who invented the first computer?

5.    What did Alan Turing’s Colossus computer succeed in doing?

6.    Who did Konrad Zuse work for?

7.    In what year was Microsoft created?

8.    What did Tim Berners-Lee invent in 1990?

LISTEN HERE

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

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2019 © BBC

We are joined by our fav Egypt expert, Malayna Evans, to find out about King Tut’s crazy family!

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!

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1.    How many thousands of years ago was Tutankhamun Egypt’s pharaoh?

2.    What was inside Tutankhamun’s tomb?

3.    Which city did Tutankhamun move the capital city back to after his dad had moved it away?

4.    In what ways was Egyptian art from the Amarna period like Picasso’s art?

5.    TRUE or FALSE: Tut’s mum was also his aunt

6.    In what ways did King Tut try to erase his father from history?

LISTEN HERE

Look on our webpage for images 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

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2019 © BBC

This week was the 75th anniversary of D-Day, but what was D-Day and why was it so important?

We find out about why the town Dad is from was important in D-Day, and we talk inflatable tanks, beaches’ code names and double agents.

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1.     What does the ‘D’ in D-Day stand for?

2.    What year did D-Day happen?

3.    True or false: D-Day was the beginning of pushing Hitler’s troops out of France and beyond?

4.    Which countries were known as the Allies? Name as many as you can.

5.    Can you name the 5 codenames the Allies gave the 5 beaches they were landing at?

6.    Why did the Allies put up inflatable tanks around Britain?

7.    Why did Hitler think that the Allies were going to invade a different place (like Calais rather than Normandy)?

8.    What was ‘VE Day’?

BONUS QUESTION (not in the pod): What was ‘VJ Day’?

The UK’s Imperial War Museum was most helpful in researching this episode.

LISTEN HERE

Look on our webpage for images 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

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2019 © BBC

Why keep remembering a battle your side loses? What does ANZAC mean? Why poppies? What’s the Last Post? [HINT: it’s nothing to do with sending mail before Christmas!]

This special extended episode is 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 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 Jewell.

We are grateful to Lindisfarne Anglican College for allowing us to visit their ANZAC assembly, and thanks go to their special guest, Major Matina Jewell (retired). Recurring at points throughout this episode is the sound of Lindisfarne’s School Marching Band, led by Mr Dale Norton. And thank you, retired Sergeant Kelvin Fawcett.

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1.       What does A-N-Z-A-C – ANZAC -- stand for?

2.       Why is November 11 an important date for remembering people from wars?

3.       What happened at Gallipoli in WWI?

4.       What is the Last Post?

5.       Which country is the Menin Gate in?

6.       What colour are poppies?

7.       Who wrote the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’?

8.       Why is it important to remember people who died in wars?

LISTEN HERE

Look on our webpage for images 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

Additional instrumental music by Kevin MacLeod

‘Why was the Pharaoh boastful?’, ‘Why don’t mummies take vacations?’ and ‘How did brave Egyptians write?’ – listen out for these Ancient Eqyptian jokes!

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.

Questions for after you’ve listened come right at the end, after the outtakes…

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1.    Where was Cleopatra from?

2.    Why were pyramids built? What were they used for?

3.    When were the pyramids built?

4.    What might people have left at a tomb as a gift for the afterlife?

5.    Name the two longest rivers in the world

6.    What’s a hieroglyph?

7.    Tell us one reason why Egyptians loved cats

8.    How long could mummification take?

LISTEN HERE

Look on our webpage for images 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

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2019 © BBC

We look at the life of the man James calls Pee Sack O. Was Picasso (1881-1973) the greatest artist in history?

“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…

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1.    Picasso said “It takes a long time to become’ …. what?

2.    Picasso also said ‘All the children are artists’. But what was the problem?

3.    Name 3 cities he lived in

4.    Picasso and Georges Braque created a new way of painting. What was it called?

5.    In what way are Transformers like Picasso paintings?

6.    Which of these was not a colour Picasso painted in for period: pink, purple, blue

7.    How many works of art did Picasso create during his lifetime?

8.    Who said painters paint not what they see but what they feel?

LISTEN HERE

Look on our webpage for images that accompany each episode.

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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

17. What was it like to be an Aztec kid?

We look at life in Mexico 500 years ago!

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:

1. What is the Aztec name for Mexico City?

2. The Aztecs believed that there would be a sign that would tell them when they were in the right place to build their capital city. What 3 things would they see?

3. Which ruler made the Aztec Empire the biggest?

4. The Aztecs called themselves “The People of the ….” WHAT?

5. Who had to go to school?

6. When Hernan Cortes arrives from Spain, how do the Aztec people treat him?

7. What did the Aztecs invent?

8. Could a slave be made to be a human sacrifice?

LISTEN HERE

Look on our webpage for images that accompany each episode.

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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

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2019 © BBC

Vikings could be vicious, but they soon settled down (well, they did after 200 years of attacking and plundering!)

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 come right at the end, after the outtakes…

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1.       Name 3 countries of today where Vikings came from:

2.       What does the word “Viking” mean?

3.       About how many years before Columbus did the Vikings reach North America?

4.       Name some European countries that the Vikings attacked

5.       Name two places outside of Europe that the Vikings attacked

6.       How long were Viking boats?

7.       Can you remember any reasons why the Vikings eventually stopped acting like Vikings?

8.       When a Viking leader died where would he be buried?

LISTEN HERE

Look on our webpage for images that accompany each episode.

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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

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2019 © BBC

This mini-episode looks back over our first year of podcasting and looks forward to what’s coming next

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!

LISTEN HERE

Look on our webpage for images that accompany each episode.

And join us on: 

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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.

We’ll be back in 2019!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Instrumental music by Kevin MacLeod

Pirates, poo collectors and toymakers: did the Chinese have the best jobs in history?

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.

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 is poor for much of this 4-minute segment.)

Questions for after you’ve listened come right at the end, after the outtakes…

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1. Why did James want to be a pirate?

2. What would you put inside a bamboo steamer?

3. What’s the name of the job for someone who makes dresses and suits?

4. What was ‘night soil’?

5. What’s a ‘honey-pot collector’?

6. Does James like writing?

7. What things do people want to take to the afterlife in China today?

8. What is a ‘villain hitter’?

LISTEN HERE

Look on our webpage for images that accompany each episode.

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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

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2018 © BBC

Mad monk Rasputin causes trouble and predicts the end for Emperor Nicholas II: Dad & Me find out more, in St Petersburg!

We meet Nicholas and his grandfather, 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:

1. Who lived in the Winter Palace?

2. What was Dad & Me’s tour guide’s name (that Dad keeps saying wrong)?

3. What happened to Alexander II?

4. Who was the last Tsar of Russia?

5. Why did Rasputin give himself poison?

6. How did Rasputin die in the end?

LISTEN HERE

Join us on: 

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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

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2018 © BBC

Moscow has incredible history, from Ivan the Terrible five centuries ago, to banning God last century: Welcome to Dad & Me Meet Moscow!

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:

1. What was Dad & Me’s tour guide’s name (that Dad keeps saying wrong)?

2. What type of dancing is the Bolshoi Theatre famous for?

3. Why are there TWO heads on the Russian eagle badge/symbol?

4. Which group banned churches in Russia (or the “Soviet Union”, as they called it)?

5. Give one example of something terrible Ivan the Terrible did!

6. Which French leader invaded Moscow?

7. Of all the countries in the world, which country suffered the most people killed during World War Two?

Extra questions, from the after-show outtakes:

8. Dad & Me watched the biggest football match in Russia’s history. Which country did Russia play against (and beat!)?

9. Who does Ashley John-Baptiste work for?

10. Why were a television film crew following Dad & Me around for the day?

LISTEN HERE

Look on our webpage for photos and maps that accompany each episode.

And join us on: 

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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

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2018 © BBC

Jousting: Want to spear a knight while galloping on a horse? These guys get paid to do it…

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!

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1.     What does a professional armourer do?

2.     Some of the jousters are wearing armour that costs how much?

3.     What is a “lance”?

4.     How many points does a jouster get for hitting the shield or the head?

5.     How many points does a jouster get for hitting the body?

6.     How many points does a jouster get for hitting an arm?

7.     How many points does a jouster get for breaking their lance against their opponent?

8.     England beat Poland by how many points in the jousting competition?

9.     Name some countries that have jousting competitions

10.  How much money is available in prizes in this competition?

LISTEN HERE

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Instrumental music by Kevin MacLeod

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2018 © BBC

Dad and Me meet an air raid warden and experience World War 2 bombing

We 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 cities in Britain – so why didn’t Hitler drop more of them? What sound – heard at football matches, at least a few years ago – was used to warn people of an attack by one type of special weapon?

Thank you to Post 27’s Jane Biscombe for telling us all about World War Two air raids! If you’re in the UK, you’ll find history reenactment groups at weekend events all over the country. Click to find out more about Air Raid Precaution Post 27.

Some words you may need to know before you listen:

Dud – a dud is a bomb that fails to explode

Bomb disposal – means to take apart a bomb so that it can’t explode

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1.     How old was the boy who charged his friends money to look at the butterfly bomb in his garden?

2.     What was the worst part of World War II for this boy (who is now an old man)?

3.     Why did Hitler think that butterfly bombs were not causing a lot of damage?

4.     How would babies survive an attack by bombs of poisonous gas? (Don’t worry, this episode is not harrowing – in the end, such bombs were never dropped.)

5.     What did kids have to do every week at school, maybe in maths lessons? And can you explain why?

LISTEN HERE

Look on our webpage for images that accompany each episode.

And join us on: 

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Please rate and review us wherever you get podcasts. Share our podcast on social media and recommend it to friends – that's how we'll keep going.

We’ve got a big trip coming up – we’ll tell you all about it soon!

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Instrumental music by Kevin MacLeod

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2018 © BBC

Featuring the Great Dad and Me ‘History of Soccer’ Quiz and James’ best football jokes!

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!

LISTEN HERE

Here’s the whole True (T) or False (F) quiz!

1. The earliest evidence regarding football is that dinosaurs used to kick small animals around in small-sided games

2. Centuries ago in England, soccer was played by kicking an animal’s bladder across the countryside

3. The Romans, Greeks and Ancient Chinese all used to play a type of soccer about 2,000 years or more ago

4. Soldiers used to celebrate their victories by using their enemies skulls as footballs

5. In medieval England, soccer was banned by some kings because it distracted men from doing their archery practice

6. King Henry VIII was so good at soccer that he even played for Chelsea once in a friendly against Arsenal

7. After the English Civil War in England 350 years ago, people were sent to prison for playing or even watching football on Sundays

8. In the nineteenth century – the 1800s – some British schools, including Rugby School, decided to allow soccer players to run while holding the ball

9. During the nineteenth century one man, Chester U. Knighted, was executed for playing football on Queen Victoria’s birthday!

10. The first World Cup was played in Athens in the third century BC

11. Uruguay have won the World Cup more times than England

12. The greatest soccer club in the world is Portsmouth FC

13. The greatest player in World Cup history is called Edson

14. During World War I Germany and Britain had a ceasefire and played a football match on Christmas Day

15. The World Cup trophy spent World War II hidden from the Nazis, under a bed in Italy

16. Everton F C started as a Sunday School team

17. Arsenal F C started as a team of prisoners

18. The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company football club became Manchester United F C

19. Sunderland F C started as a team of teachers

20. In 1966 the trophy was stolen but then found in a bin by a hamster called Pickled

21. Soccer is known as ‘The Painful Game’

22. When Germany won the World Cup for the third time in 1970 they were allowed to keep the trophy

23. More people watch the World Cup on TV than any other sporting event, including the Olympics

24. About 200 countries tried to qualify for this year’s World Cup

25. LA Galaxy is called that because of the ‘galaxy’ of star celebrities for which Los Angeles is famous

LISTEN HERE

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Instrumental music by Kevin MacLeod

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2018 © BBC

Dad and Me find out about the American Civil War

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!

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1.     Did most farms (called ‘plantations’) in the southern United States have slaves?

2.     What did President Abraham Lincoln keep under his top hat?

3.     During the US Civil War of the 1850s more Americans were killed than were killed in which other two wars combined?

4.     How did President Lincoln die?

5.     What other countries have had civil wars (wars against themselves)?

And here’s a couple of tricky questions for big kids:

6.     What was the “Emancipation Declaration”?

7.     Why was the Gettysburg Address important?

LISTEN HERE

Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Instrumental music by Kevin MacLeod

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2018 © BBC

WARNING: James gets a spear and learns how to use it!

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: 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-old James throws that spear, listen on…

After our kayaking and spearing adventure, we go back to Mark’s family home, where his wife Michelle cooked us up a treat, aboriginal-style. And Mark explains about aboriginal culture and describes some aboriginal artwork he’s been working on. James explains the Kangaroo Dance his group created at Clearwater Bay School – with music performed by James Rita and Connie (while Dylan is the dancing kangaroo).

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1.       What does stingray taste like?

2.       The ‘barb’ on the tip of a stingray’s tail is like a sharp, jagged knife blade! What weapon in medieval Europe was a bit like the stingray’s barb?

3.       Give examples of what girls are allowed to hunt in aboriginal culture.

4.       What are boys allowed to hunt that girls aren’t in traditional aboriginal culture?

5.       In history, we often rely on documents to tell us about the past. In aboriginal culture, how do people learn about the past?

6.       Europeans killed many aborigines when they took over Australia. Later, white British people ruled the land and they would not allow aborigines to continue their culture. What movie can you ask your parents to watch to find out more about this?

7.       ANZAC Day, April 25, is a public holiday in Australia – a day when people remember those who have been killed in war. Mark tells us about aboriginal and white men who had fought in war together. Later, when they went to the pub, who did the pub owner refuse to serve drinks to and why do you think that happened?

8.       Aboriginal dances tell real stories. What was the story James’ group danced at school all about?

LISTEN HERE

Instrumental music by Kevin MacLeod

Music from the Yugambeh Language Group – performed by Luther Cora. Thank you to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for hosting us.

Additional music from Dylan, Rita, Connie and James from Clearwater Bay School

Dad and Me go out exploring to see what we can learn about aboriginal art and culture

The first of two special episodes on aboriginal Australia! At home in Hong Kong, we visit a school’s cultural exhibition where we find out about an aboriginal-style painting James’ and his group made as a part of their investigation into aboriginal culture. 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 Gold Coast. Dad and Me are joined by guest presenters, and we fire some fairly random history questions at our aboriginal guests!

LISTEN HERE

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1. What does “Jingerri” mean?

2. What do the colours yellow, red and black mean in aboriginal art?

3. What did aboriginal people use to make the different coloured paints?

4. Back in history (before Europeans arrived in Australia), what would aboriginal boys and girls do for fun?

5. What could a boomerang be used for?

6. Apart from walking, what type of transport did aboriginal people sometimes use?

7. Does the local aboriginal language have words for all of the numbers 1-10?

Next week, an aboriginal dude gives James a spear and we go hunting for our lunch!

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Instrumental music by Kevin MacLeod

Music from the Yugambeh Language Group – performed by Luther Cora. Thank you to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for hosting us.

Additional music from Dylan, Rita, Connie and James from Clearwater Bay School

Was Henry bonkers? Or did a sports injury make him go mad for the rest of his life?

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?

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Questions to ask your kids after they've listened:

1. Which queen proved Henry wrong when he had said only men could be good rulers?

2. Why was the ghost of Anne Boleyn always running after the ghost of Henry VIII?

3. Henry was sad after which one of his wives died?

4. Who was Henry married to for the shortest time?

5. Who was Henry married to for the longest time?

6. What happened to two of Henry’s wives at the Tower of London?

7. What happened to Henry in January in 1536?

8. Do you think being in pain all of the time made Henry angry?

9. What’s your favourite joke from this podcast?

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Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Instrumental music by Bensound

Sound effects used under RemArc Licence. Copyright 2018 © BBC

Who should have been made President of the World – the man who invented Lego or the man who created Disney?

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?

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Questions to ask your kids after they've listened:

1. What’s your favourite Lego set or character?

2. What’s your favourite Disney character?

3. “Lego” is a shortened version of the two Danish words "leg godt". What does “leg godt” mean?

4. What is a “memoir”?

5. When was the first minifigure made?

6. Are there are enough Lego bricks in the world to stretch from Earth to further than the moon?

7. Who pushed Mickey Mouse down the stairs in the world’s first animated movie that had sound?

8. Who’s the best – Lego or Disney?

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Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Instrumental music by Bensound

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 march faster over long distances – even when they didn’t need to!? All that and more in this awesome episode.

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Questions for parents/teachers to ask the kids:

1. Any man between 18 and 46 could be forced to join the army. What type of people did the Roman like best to recruit (make join) the army? Carpenter / fishermen / deer hunters

2. Why would the Roman army move their camp often? The best answers will include two reasons - one reason is smellier than the other!

3. Discipline was harsh. How did the army officers punish soldiers (legionaries)?

4. What was the “testudo” tactic (or formation)?

5. What do you think was the Roman Army’s best tactic or weapon?

6. What’s your favourite Roman joke from the podcast?

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Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Instrumental music by Bensound

In this episode we find out about China’s first emperor. He joined seven different kingdoms together to form China. He built up the Great Wall to defend his new country, 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…

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Questions for teachers/parents to ask the kids:

1. Where does the name “China” come from?

2. How many towers does the Great Wall of China have?

3. Which of these was not made of terracotta clay for the emperor’s tomb? soldiers / horses / chariots

4. Before the First Emperor, China used to have different types of coins in different cities. What shape did Emperor Shi Huang make all Chinese coins?

5. Who throws the cat out of the room?

6. Over 700,000 workers made what for the First Emperor?

7. Can you name a difference between an archaeologist and a historian?

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Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Instrumental music by Bensound

Today we look at the most important topic ever in history. We visit three continents to follow the history of the world’s greatest recipe. From King Solomon to mad Roman Emperor Nero, and from Ancient China to Less Ancient United States, we follow the history of deliciousness. Listen quick – before it melts!

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TEACHER/PARENT – Questions for your kids:

1. What book tells us about King Solomon liking ice cream (or something similar)?

2. Which English king liked ice cream (and lost his head)?

3. Name an American President who liked ice cream.

4. Which country banned ice cream during World War 2?

5. DOUBLE POINTS QUESTION - Can you explain why that country banned ice cream?

*Despite what you will hear in this episode, the presenters are aware that desserts are not a human right. They just taste great!

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Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Instrumental music by Bensound

It's all to do with a robbery...

From our parent podcast show, this recording is aimed at mature listeners and 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 (check it out!).

Scroll on for ‘normal’ Dad & Me Love History episodes!

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