Hercules and The Wagon

You’ve carved your pumpkins ......now hear the eerie Irish legend that started it all!In this short bonus History-Sode, Auntie Jo Jo retells the story of Stingy Jack, the clever trickster who outsmarted the Devil twice and became the wandering ghost behind the first Jack-O’-Lantern.Learn how Irish immigrants brought this glowing tradition to America — and why a turnip once carried the world’s very first candlelight.(Plus, a special announcement about Auntie Jo Jo’s brand-new podcast, Legacy Lore, now streaming everywhere!)Sources:National Museum of Ireland: Folklore of Samhain and the Jack-O’-LanternIrish Central, “The Legend of Stingy Jack: The True Story Behind Halloween’s Jack-O’-Lantern”Library of Congress, “Halloween: Folklore and Myth”History.com Editors, “History of the Jack-O’-Lantern”Smithsonian Magazine, “The Irish Legend That Gave Us the Jack-O’-Lantern”

30 Okt 20254min

The witches are loose, Halloween is coming, and only Eliza and her cat Merrin can save the town of Brookhaven. Broomsticks, riddles, and a test of courage await in the thrilling conclusion of The Candle in the Window.

27 Okt 20258min

Before candy and costumes, Halloween began as an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain — a time when people believed the spirits could walk among us.In this History-Sode, Auntie Jo Jo uncovers the story of how masks, disguises, and “guising” became part of our favorite spooky night.From ancient bonfires to trick-or-treat bags, find out why dressing up on Halloween is really about imagination, courage, and a tiny bit of magic.Sources:National Museum of Ireland: Samhain – Origins of HalloweenHistory.com Editors, Halloween 101: Tracing the Origins of Halloween TraditionsBBC History, “Halloween: From Samhain to Trick-or-Treat”The Folklore Society (UK), “Halloween Customs and Superstitions”Smithsonian Magazine, “The Surprising History of Trick-or-Treating”

23 Okt 20255min

When curious Eliza Granger takes a job in a mysterious candle shop, she accidentally lights a candle that should’ve stayed dark......the Witch’s Flame. Now three mischievous witches have returned to Brookhaven, and with the help of a talking cat, Eliza must find a way to stop them before Halloween night.🕯️ Magical mischief, talking cats, and autumn adventure await in this two-part Halloween special!

20 Okt 20256min

Who was the man from Stratford-upon-Avon who changed the world with his words?In this History-Sode, Auntie Jo Jo travels back to 16th-century England to meet William Shakespeare — the boy who became the world’s most famous playwright.Discover how a small-town dreamer wrote about kings, ghosts, love, and courage and explore the spooky, mysterious world of his play Macbeth, filled with witches, prophecies, and lessons about the choices we make.Perfect for curious kids and families planning a visit to Stratford or anyone who loves a little history with their drama.Sources:The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Stratford-upon-AvonBritish Library: Discovering Literature – Shakespeare and Renaissance WritersRoyal Shakespeare Company Archives – Macbeth Historical ContextGreenblatt, Stephen. Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare. W.W. Norton, 2004.Oxford University Press, Shakespeare’s Life and TimesBBC History, “William Shakespeare: A Life of Drama”

16 Okt 20257min

Ellie loves October......and a good mystery! She finds herself listening to the wind and getting caught in the magic of the season.

14 Okt 20257min

Long before Halloween decorations and scary movies, a foggy little village in New York became the home of America’s most famous ghost story.In this History-Sode, Auntie Jo Jo takes you to Sleepy Hollow, where Dutch folklore, Revolutionary War history, and one curious writer named Washington Irving created the legend of the Headless Horseman.Learn how a real town, a few spooky local stories, and one brave schoolteacher named Ichabod Crane became part of American history.Sources:Irving, Washington. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. 1819.Historic Hudson Valley, Sleepy Hollow Archives and ToursLibrary of Congress: American Folklife Center – Legends of the Hudson Valley“The Old Dutch Church and Burying Ground,” Sleepy Hollow Historical Society

9 Okt 20255min

Pip the tiny little pumpkin is looking for his window. Does he find it? Listen to this episode to find out!

7 Okt 20256min