Bedtime History: Inspirational Stories for Kids and Families

Kids & Family

About

Bedtime History is a series of educational, relaxing stories for kids and families. Learn about inspirational characters such as Jackie Robinson, Sacajawea, Neil Armstrong, and Maya Angelou. Other topics include space exploration, current events, and great feats of engineering such as The Transcontinental Railroad.

Episodes

  • Walkmans, iPods, and the Journey of Music Technology

    This episode traces the history of music technology from early phonographs and records to streaming on modern phones. It highlights how inventions like Walkmans and iPods made music more portable and accessible, changing everyday life.

  • Cinco de Mayo

    This episode explores Cinco de Mayo, commemorating Mexico's 1862 victory against the French at the Battle of Puebla. It discusses the historical event and contemporary celebrations in Mexico and the United States.

  • The Mandalorian: A Space Adventure

    This episode recounts the adventures of the Mandalorian, a bounty hunter, and his companion Grogu. They journey through space, encountering various characters and facing enemies.

  • Atari and the Birth of Gaming

    This episode of Bedtime History discusses how Atari, with games like Pong, helped start the home video game revolution in the 1970s. It explores how Atari's consoles brought gaming into homes and influenced modern video games.

  • John D. Rockefeller and the Oil Age

    John D. Rockefeller built a fortune in the oil business with Standard Oil. He was known for his organizational skills and efficiency, and later in life, he became a philanthropist, donating to education, science, and medicine.

  • The Wild Beauty of Kauai

    This episode explores Kauai, a Hawaiian island formed by volcanic activity. It highlights the island's unique plants, animals, natural beauty, and cultural traditions.

  • Lionel Messi: Soccer Legend

    Lionel Messi, born in Argentina, became a global soccer superstar. He is known for his speed, control, and teamwork, and led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup.

  • Robert Louis Stevenson: Master of Adventure

    Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish writer known for adventure stories like Treasure Island. His childhood imagination and travels influenced his writing, which shaped modern adventure fiction.

  • Discovering Australia (Re-release)

    This episode, a re-release from Bedtime History, explores the country and continent of Australia.

  • Ada Blackjack: Arctic Survivor

    Ada Blackjack, an Inuit woman, survived an Arctic expedition in 1921 after being left alone with a sick teammate on a remote island. She used her survival skills to stay alive for months until rescue. Her story is one of bravery and resili…

  • Artemis II and the Story of the Moon

    This episode explores the history of human fascination with the Moon, including the Apollo 11 moon landing and current scientific research regarding the Artemis II mission.

  • Andrew Carnegie and the Age of Steel

    This episode explores the life of Andrew Carnegie, a prominent 19th-century businessman in the steel industry who later dedicated much of his wealth to philanthropic projects like libraries and schools.

  • Artemis II: Mission to the Moon

    This episode provides an overview of the Artemis II mission, covering the launch of the Orion spacecraft, the crew, and the significance of this human return to the vicinity of the moon after 50 years.

  • Duke Kamehameha: King of Surfing

    Duke Kahanamoku was an Olympic swimming champion and Hawaiian athlete who is credited with introducing surfing to the world. He remains known as the "Father of Modern Surfing" and a symbol of aloha spirit and sportsmanship.

  • The Origin of April Fools Day

    This episode explores the history and traditions of April Fools' Day, a day known for jokes and pranks. It discusses how the holiday has evolved into a global tradition of creative hoaxes and laughter.

  • First Woman in Space: Valentina Tereshkova

    This episode explores the life of Valentina Tereshkova, who became the first woman to travel into space in 1963. It covers her background as a parachutist and her historic solo mission aboard Vostok 6.

  • Light, Water, and Color: The Story of Rainbows

    This episode explains the scientific process behind the formation of rainbows, describing how sunlight interacts with water droplets to create colors. It explores how light and water work together to produce this natural phenomenon.

  • Kaʻiulani: Princess of Hawaii

    This episode tells the story of Princess Kaʻiulani of Hawaii, who worked to defend her homeland and culture during the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in the late 1800s. It highlights her travels and efforts to speak with leaders on beh…

  • The Wonders of Yellowstone

    This episode explores the history and features of Yellowstone National Park, including its status as the world's first national park established in 1872. It covers the park's geological volcanic system, famous geysers like Old Faithful, an…

  • Hypatia and the Great Library City

    This episode tells the story of Hypatia, an ancient mathematician, scientist, and teacher from Alexandria, Egypt. It highlights her dedication to learning, astronomy, and encouraging others to explore the world through questioning.

  • Conquering Everest: The Story of Junko Tabei

    This episode details the life of Japanese mountaineer Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Mount Everest in 1975. The story covers her dedication to climbing and the legacy she left for women in adventure.

  • The Invention of the Telegram

    This episode explores the history of the telegraph, detailing how it revolutionized long-distance communication in the 1800s by using electrical signals and Morse code. It explains how this invention helped connect the world and paved the…

  • Spring: Nature's Big Comeback

    This episode explains the seasonal transition of spring, detailing how warmer temperatures, longer days, and sunlight trigger growth in plants and animal activity. It also discusses how scientists study these biological changes as nature b…

  • Audrey Hepburn: A Life of Grace

    This episode of Bedtime History explores the life of actress Audrey Hepburn, highlighting her career, her childhood experiences during World War II, and her dedicated humanitarian work with UNICEF.

  • The Amazing Story of Comic Books

    This episode explores the history of comic books, tracing their evolution from 19th-century newspaper strips to the rise of superheroes in the 1930s and their enduring influence on modern pop culture.

  • The Story Behind the Legend of Zelda

    This episode explores the origins of The Legend of Zelda, created in the 1980s by Shigeru Miyamoto and inspired by his childhood explorations. It details the game's focus on curiosity and adventure through the journey of the hero Link in t…

  • The Story of George Washington

    This episode recounts the life of George Washington, highlighting his leadership during the Revolutionary War and his role as the first president of the United States. It describes his contributions to shaping the new nation and the tradit…

  • The Navajo People

    This episode discusses the history, traditions, and culture of the Navajo people, also known as the Diné. It highlights their connection to the land, their artistry in weaving and jewelry, and their ongoing efforts to preserve their herita…

  • Chicago Bulls: A Basketball Dynasty

    This episode explores the history of the Chicago Bulls, focusing on their rise to fame in the 1990s under Michael Jordan. It covers their six championship wins and the team's contribution to the global popularity of basketball.

  • The Wonder of the Gupta Empire

    This episode explores the Gupta Empire, a period often referred to as a Golden Age of Indian history. It covers key cultural, scientific, and mathematical developments, including the invention of zero and advancements in art and medicine.

  • The Story of Pixar

    This episode explores the history of movie studio Pixar, from its origins as a small computer graphics team in the 1970s to its release of the first fully computer-animated feature film, Toy Story, in 1995.

  • A Miracle of Nature: The Science of Trees

    This episode explores the life cycle of trees, explaining how they grow from seeds and the essential roles they play in the ecosystem. It also details how trees use photosynthesis to create food and support life on Earth.

  • The Story of Skiing and Snowboarding

    This episode explores the history of skiing, from its origins as a tool for hunting and transport to its modern role as a sport, and tracks the development of snowboarding in the 1900s. It also looks at the rise of both activities in popul…

  • How the Winter Olympics Began

    This episode explains the origins and growth of the Winter Olympics since the first games held in France in 1924. It highlights the various sports involved, the dedication of the athletes, and the themes of international cooperation throug…

  • Tom Brady: A Football Legend

    This episode explores the career of American football quarterback Tom Brady, highlighting his work ethic, leadership, and record-breaking Super Bowl wins. It discusses how his determination and focus led to success despite not being a top…

  • Joe Brumm and the Magic of Bluey

    This episode profiles Joe Brumm, the creator of the animated series Bluey. It discusses his inspiration for the show, which draws on his experiences as a parent to portray everyday family life and the importance of play for children.

  • Leonardo's Last Supper

    This episode discusses Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, The Last Supper. It explores the history, meaning, and artistic techniques behind this masterpiece located in a Milan monastery.

  • The Courage of Chief Joseph

    This episode recounts the life and leadership of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe, detailing their journey to escape the U.S. Army and his eventual surrender in 1877. It highlights his legacy as an influential Native American leader kno…

  • Will Rogers: Cowboy Comedian

    This episode explores the life of Will Rogers, a cowboy, comedian, and movie star who was a prominent entertainer in the early 1900s. It covers his journey from his youth in Oklahoma to his career in journalism, vaudeville, and Hollywood.

  • Bach: Musical Genius

    This episode of Bedtime History explores the life and musical legacy of German composer Johann Sebastian Bach, detailing his prolific career and lasting impact on music history.

  • The Rockettes of Radio City Music Hall

    This episode explores the history of the Rockettes, a dance troupe founded in 1925 that became famous for performing at Radio City Music Hall. It covers their training, teamwork, and their annual Christmas Spectacular show.

  • The Story of the Nutcracker Ballet

    This episode explores the history of The Nutcracker ballet, including Pyotr Tchaikovsky's composition, its 1892 premiere, and how the production evolved into a popular holiday tradition.

  • The Adventures of Sir Francis Drake

    This episode explores the life of 16th-century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. It covers his circumnavigation of the globe, his role as a sea captain, and his part in the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

  • Charles Dickens and a Christmas Carol

    This episode explores the life of 19th-century English author Charles Dickens and the themes of generosity and compassion found in his classic story, A Christmas Carol.

  • The Magic of Snow and Snowflakes

    This episode explores the scientific process behind the formation of snowflakes, explaining how water vapor, temperature, and dust particles create unique six-sided crystals. It details how these individual crystals combine to form the sof…

  • The Adventures of Davy Crockett

    This episode explores the life of Davy Crockett, an American frontiersman, hunter, storyteller, and politician. It covers his upbringing in Tennessee, his time in Congress, and his role as a symbol of bravery at the Alamo.

  • Colorful History of Crayons

    This episode explores the history and development of crayons, including their early beginnings and the 1903 launch of the first safe crayons by the Crayola company. It discusses how these art tools evolved to become popular in schools and…

  • Sleeping Through the Winter: Hibernation

    This episode explores how animals like bears, bats, and groundhogs survive the winter through hibernation. It explains the biological changes animals experience during this deep sleep and how they prepare by storing energy beforehand.

  • The Story of Pizza

    This episode explores the history of pizza, tracing its origins from ancient flatbreads to its evolution in Naples and its eventual popularity in the United States. It describes how pizza transitioned from a simple street food to a globall…

  • All About Crocodiles and Alligators

    This episode explores the characteristics, habitats, and behaviors of crocodiles and alligators. It details the differences between the two reptiles and explains how they function as top predators.