For centuries now, roller coasters have sent people flying through the air. And just like the ride itself, the history of these coasters is filled with twists and turns. Even though early rides looked very different from the rides you see today, they still delivered a hair-raising experience.

Buckle up because we're about to take a wild ride through time. We’ll travel from the icy slopes of Russia to the bustling streets of Paris, and then across the ocean to the coal mines of Pennsylvania.

This is the story of flying mountains, otherwise known as roller coasters.

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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Meet Florence Merriam Bailey, the original bird-watching rebel. Forget stuffed birds and cages—Florence believed the true beauty of birds could only be seen in the wild. Follow her journey from a curious girl to a passionate conservationist who defied fashion trends, sparked a movement, and changed how we understand our feathered friends forever. Get ready to grab your binoculars and explore the amazing world right outside your window.

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

This is the story of Mount Rushmore. Carved high in the cliffs of South Dakota, you can spot the faces of four U.S. Presidents. Every year, over 2 million tourists travel to see this famous site. But few visitors know the whole story behind the giant sculpture. It began with one man’s dream and quickly became a tale of conflict and struggle. By the time the first chisel struck the mountain, the project was already steeped in controversy. It would be a 14-year battle to carve the enormous stone presidents.

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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Hedy Lamarr was a Hollywood star and people called her “the most beautiful woman in the world.” Snow White and Catwoman, with their big eyes and dark, shining hair, were both based on Hedy. But she was also an inventor. In fact, her invention would pave the way for important innovations we use every day, like Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. It's time to learn about a woman who was much more interesting than people wanted her to be.

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written by Grace MaGee, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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This is the story of Bessie Stringfield, the woman who would become the motorcycle queen. From performing daring stunts to delivering top-secret messages, Bessie could do almost anything on a motorcycle. She was a legend in her own time. While tales of her early life are often shrouded in mystery, one thing is certain: she was a fearless adventurer. Grab your helmet and let's hit the road!

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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Have you ever watched the movie Bambi? This timeless classic was in many ways made possible by one extraordinary artist. This is the story of Tyrus Wong and his incredible journey from his home village to Walt Disney Studios. Born in China, Tyrus embarked on a daring voyage across the ocean to the United States when he was just nine years old. It's time to discover his fascinating tale.

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

Would you believe the United States nearly dropped a nuclear bomb on itself? It’s true. In 1961, all that stood between North Carolina and a nuclear disaster was a simple flip of a switch. This crazy story involves a war, a plane crash, and two powerful nuclear bombs. Get ready young historians, we’re about to uncover a near-miss that could have caused a catastrophe.

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

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Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about the stars? That’s exactly what a woman in China named Wang Zhenyi did nearly two centuries ago during the Qing Dynasty. Today, she is remembered as one of China’s greatest scientists and poets. Get your telescopes ready and let's go!

About Honest History

Honest History creates award-winning books, magazines, and this show for young historians across the world. Our mission is to inspire kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Learn more at honesthistory.co and @honesthistory.

Credits

This episode was written by Heidi Coburn, narrated by Randall Lawrence, and produced by Robot Pirate Media. Original theme music was written and recorded by Luke Messimer.

More

Enjoy this episode? Share with your friends and don't forget to rate and review. See you next time!