
History Ignited
A children’s history podcast based on the events in Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” brought to to you by a curious family and GenAI.
Winner of the 2024 Webby People’s Voice Award for Best Kids and Family Podcast!
Episodes
55 episodes
Budapest 1956: The Student Uprising That Shook the World | History Ignited
In 1956, the people of Hungary—led by brave students—rose up against the Soviet Union in a fight for freedom. It was bold, it was heartbreaking, and it sent a powerful message across the Cold War world.In this episode of History Igni...
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Season 1
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Episode 52
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4:58

Brigitte Bardot: Fame, Fashion & Animal Rescue | History Ignited 🎙️
Brigitte Bardot: Fame, Fashion & Animal Rescue | History Ignited 🎙️In this episode of History Ignited, we dive into the life of Brigitte Bardot — French film star, fashion icon, and later, fierce animal rights ...
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Season 1
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Episode 51
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6:42

Disneyland Magic: How a Dream Became a Theme Park Icon | History Ignited Podcast
Disneyland | The Happiest Place in History | History Ignited 🎙️In this magical episode of History Ignited, we’re heading to Anaheim, California to uncover how Walt Disney turned a carousel daydream in...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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6:58

Elvis Has Entered the Podcast | History Ignited 🎙️
This week on History Ignited, we’re taking you all the way to Graceland and back as we dive into the story of the one and only Elvis Presley — the King of Rock 'n' Roll.From his humble beginnings in Mississippi to ...
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Season 1
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Episode 49
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9:03

BONUS: We Won a Webby! | Behind the Scenes of History Ignited's Big Win
This special bonus episode of History Ignited is all about the win heard around the podcast world—our Webby People’s Voice Award for Best Kids & Family Podcast!🎙️ Hear from the whole crew (Amy, Andrew, Caroline...
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Season 1
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Episode 47
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11:11

Peter Pan (1953): Disney’s Flight into Cold War Escapism | History Ignited
This week on History Ignited (Webby-winning!), we soar into the history of Disney’s 1953 Peter Pan—the film that took us to Neverland, lit up toy stores, and inspired a ride at Disneyland. 🎥✈️Join Andrew, Amy, Caroline &a...
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Season 1
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Episode 48
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3:55

Davy Crockett: The Real Story Behind TV’s First Pop Icon | History Ignited Podcast
🔥 “Davy! Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier!” 🔥 You’ve heard the song, seen the hat… but do you know the REAL story behind the man in the coonskin cap? In this episode of History Ignited, we explore h...
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Season 1
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Episode 46
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5:04

Brooklyn’s Big Win: How the Dodgers Made History in 1955 | History Ignited Podcast
🎙 NEW EPISODE ALERT! Brooklyn’s Got a Winning Team ⚾💙We’re heading back to 1955—when the Brooklyn Dodgers finally beat the Yankees and brought home their first World Series championship! 🏆It’s a story of...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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4:03

🎹 BONUS EPISODE: A Message for Billy Joel 🎧
🎹 BONUS EPISODE: A Message for Billy Joel 🎧 This one’s personal. Our team at History Ignited takes a moment to send love and support to the man who inspired our podcast—Billy Joel. After hearing about his diagnosi...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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2:29

James Dean: Hollywood Rebel | Kids History Podcast | History Ignited
🚗💨 “Live fast, die young.” That’s exactly what James Dean did—and his legend still lives on.In this episode of History Ignited, our kid hosts explore the short but powerful life of James Dean, the iconic actor who ...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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4:00

Albert Einstein Explained for Kids | History Ignited Podcast
Albert Einstein was more than just wild hair and funny photos—he was one of the greatest scientists in history! In this fun, kid-friendly episode of History Ignited, we explore the genius behind the theory of relativity, his famous equ...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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3:49

Rock Around the Clock – The Hit That Launched Rock & Roll | History Ignited Podcast for Kids
Discover how "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley & His Comets helped launch rock and roll into the spotlight in 1954! In this kid-friendly episode of History Ignited, our hosts explore how one song got teens dancing, chang...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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3:26

Dien Bien Phu Falls: The Battle That Changed Vietnam Forever | History Ignited Podcast
💥 A massive battle in a hidden valley changed the course of history...In this episode of History Ignited, we’re heading back to 1954 Vietnam to uncover the story of Dien Bien Phu—the surprise victory that ended Fre...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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3:06

The Mural That Vanished: Diego Rivera, Rockefeller, and the Art That Sparked a Storm
In this bonus episode of History Ignited, we revisit the story of Diego Rivera’s controversial mural for Rockefeller Center that never saw the light of day. Why was it destroyed? What role did politics and art play in the fallout? And ...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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3:35

Dacron – The Fabric of a Generation | History Ignited Podcast
On this episode of History Ignited, we’re unraveling the story behind Dacron—one of the most iconic inventions of the 1950s! 🧵👗 Why did Billy Joel include a fabric in his song “We Didn’t Start the Fire”? Let’s ...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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4:48

Webby Nomination & People's Choice Voting
History Ignited has been nominated for Best Kids and Family Podcast in the 2025 Webby Awards!We are so excited and honored to be recognized—but now we need your help to win the People’s Voice Award! In this ...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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0:52
Arturo Toscanini: The Conductor Who Defied Dictators | History Ignited
🎶 Arturo Toscanini was more than just a legendary conductor—he was a symbol of artistic integrity and courage! In this episode of History Ignited, we explore how he revolutionized classical music and took a stand against fascism. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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5:41

Juan Perón: Argentina’s Most Controversial Leader | History Ignited
🇦🇷 Juan Perón—a name that shaped Argentina’s history! From his rise as a military officer to becoming Argentina’s president, his leadership was both transformative and controversial. Learn about his connection with workers, the
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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3:06

The Controversial Life of Roy Cohn | History Ignited 🌎
Welcome back to History Ignited! Today, we’re diving into the life and legacy of Roy Cohn, a powerful yet controversial figure in American history. From his role as Senator Joseph McCarthy’s chief counsel during the Red ...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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3:48

The Communist Bloc Explained: How the Cold War Divided the World | History Ignited
The Communist Bloc shaped the Cold War and global politics for decades—but what was it really? 🤔 Join Andrew, Caroline, Amy, and Dave as they break down the rise and fall of the Communist Bloc, how the Soviet Union controlled Eastern Europe, an...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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4:10

Roy Campanella: Baseball’s Barrier-Breaking Legend | History Ignited
Roy Campanella wasn’t just a baseball player—he was a trailblazer, a three-time MVP, and a symbol of resilience. From breaking racial barriers in Major League Baseball (MLB) to leading the Brooklyn Dodgers to ...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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3:28

Who Was Rockefeller? The Story Behind Billy Joel’s Lyrics
Join us in this episode of History Ignited as we dive into the legacy of the Rockefeller family! From John D. Rockefeller's rise to become the world's richest man to Nelson Rockefeller’s influence as a politician, philanthropist,...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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3:37

The Life and Music of Sergei Prokofiev | History Ignited Podcast 🎙️
Sergei Prokofiev’s music has captivated audiences for over a century. From the beloved Peter and the Wolf to the dramatic Dance of the Knights, Prokofiev’s genius shaped the world of classical music. 🎼Join us as we dive...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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5:04

Nasser and the Suez Crisis: How One Leader Redefined Egypt's Destiny 🌍
🚨 Welcome back to History Ignited! 🚨In this episode, we uncover the fascinating story of Gamal Abdel Nasser, the Egyptian leader who stood against colonial powers and championed Pan-Arabism. From the nationalization of the Su...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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3:58

Malenkov: The Soviet Leader Who Tried to Change the Game
Malenkov: Stalin’s Successor and a Forgotten LeaderWelcome back to History Ignited! 🔥 In this episode, we unravel the story of Georgy Malenkov, the man who briefly led the Soviet Union after Stalin's death in 1953.Who...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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3:25
