A History Podcast for Kids and Families


Episode 91: Librarians!
Anne Carroll Moore was probably the most important children’s librarian in history. She had some pioneering ideas on making libraries kid-friendly places, but she also had some very particular ideas about good books. The Western Library in Louisville, KY opened in 1908 and was the first library for African-Americans and staffed by African-Americans. Leader Rev.... [keep reading]

Listen Now!

Our podcast is available on many platforms. Choose your favorite, and tune in each month for a new and exciting episode!

I SEE LINCOLN’S

UNDERPANTS

The Surprising Time Underwear (And The People Wearing Them) Made History

Available now from booksellers

As Featured On:

  • “On The Past and the Curious, host Mick Sullivan devotes himself to finding the little-known details about well-known people and events from history, and telling them in an always engaging, sometimes musical manner that gives children(and adults) a much more robust, interesting understanding of the past.”

  • “Reminiscent of the TV show Drunk History (minus the alcohol), this amusing podcast features people telling interesting, little-known stories from history with an emphasis on fun and humor. Although it’s not specifically a music podcast, each episode contains an often-silly song that’s sure to get stuck in your head.”

  • “Come for that delightful pun title, stay for the accessible but never dumbed-down history lessons. Each episode of this monthly show features bite-size audio dramas that illuminate corners of history that children are unlikely to learn in school, often emphasizing the overlooked accomplishments of women and people of color.”

The Meatshower

The Mostly True Tale of an Odd (and Somewhat Edible) Occurrence

By Mick Sullivan, Illustrated by Shae Goodlett

We’re so excited about the release of our new picture book about the day in 1876 when meat fell from the sky! No one knows the answer to why, and that’s a beautiful thing in our eyes!

Past Episodes

Did you miss an episode? Want to replay a favorite? You can quickly find them all right here.

Proud member of:

Mick’s Picks


Mick at WBUR in Boston on April 20th, 2024!
Once again, I’m super excited to be a part of the Mega Awesome Super Huge Wicked Fun Podcast Playdate alongside other great podcasters! The event takes place April 20th and 21st. Mick Sullivan of The Past and The Curious (that’s me) will take the stage at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, April 20 2024. Information and... [keep reading]

Boston! Saturday, April 20th 2024

Support us on Patreon

We love sharing history and music with the world, and we want more people to know about our project. We think The Past and The Curious is a positive addition to the world and a valuable asset to families all over. Lots of our fans agree!! You can help by becoming a patron through our Patreon account.

Give as little as $1 a month, or a much as you can afford, and we’ll send you a copy of our ‘zine! Sixteen illustrations by Brianna Jacobi based on people from the podcast. It’s beautiful and we’re sending it to all of our Patreon Sponsors.

About

Mick Sullivan created The Past and The Curious in 2016 and it is a work of love. Since then, friends have joined the fun and we create it in between family, work, gigs and the many other commitments we’ve all got in our lives. We really think people will find value and joy in what we do, and no one else is doing something quite like it – so we create.

We have partnered with TeePublic to offer some merch! Check out what they have to offer.