Episodes

  • Ep. Nine: This Episode Will Self-Destruct: True Tales of Espionage

    Ep. Nine: This Episode Will Self-Destruct: True Tales of Espionage
    Jul 8 2025
    Welcome to Past and PenHosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the TrollProduced by: Sweet Meadowlark StoriesAuthor WebsiteEmail: pastandpen@gmail.comIn this episode of Past and Pen, we’re decoding real-life spy stories that sound straight out of a mystery novel. You’ll learn how George Washington stayed one step ahead of the British with help from a secret ink formula, how a lemon led to the capture of a German spy in World War I, and how agents in World War II relied on baking ingredients and ultraviolet lights to send hidden messages. There’s even a 110 year old lemon sitting in a museum.Whether you're a curious kid, or a history lover with a sneaky side, this episode has something for you.So grab your notebook and your imagination. It’s time to uncover what’s been hiding between the lines.Reading List: Keep Your Spy Sleuthing SharpThis post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.Spy Science: 40 Secret-Sleuthing, Code-Cracking, Spy-Catching Activities for Kids by Jim WieseSpies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents by Carole P. RomanSecret Coders by Gene Luen YangSammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van DraanenChasing Vermeer by Blue BalliettThe Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee StewartWriting Prompt: Your Undercover MomentImagine you’ve found a letter that looks ordinary until you treat it with heat or a special chemical and secret words appear.Who wrote it?What does it reveal?Does it warn of danger, lead to a hidden treasure, or launch an unexpected mission?Write a short scene where the message appears at just the right moment. You can send your story, drawing, or ideas to pastandpen@gmail.com. I would love to see what you come up with.Support the ShowBuy me a coffee on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pastandpenpodJoin my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the showhttps://patreon.com/PastandPenPodcastQuestion of the MonthYou find an old journal buried in the sand. The first page says, "This summer something unbelievable happened."What happens next?If you are looking for even more reading fun, check out Wander and Wonder, a summer reading program for families. It is a parent and child book club for ages 4 to 12. You’ll receive recipes inspired by the books, a printable reading journal with creative prompts, and hands-on activities to bring each story to life.https://sweetmeadowlark.gumroad.com/l/wanderbundleHow to Create Your Own Secret Messages: https://busytoddler.com/secret-letters-activity/Instagram - How to Create Secret Messageshttps://www.instagram.com/reel/DGZPC62sErn/?igsh=aXRrMzlveGo5czVp
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    7 mins
  • Episode Eight- Old Fashioned Summer Shenanigans

    Episode Eight- Old Fashioned Summer Shenanigans
    Jun 24 2025
    Welcome to Past and Pen!Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the TrollProduced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories🌐 ⁠Author Website⁠📧 Email: ⁠pastandpen@gmail.com⁠ Old Fashioned Summer ShenanigansIn this episode of Past and Pen, we’re cranking up the nostalgia and heading back to summers long before smartphones and A/C. From penny ice cream to sticky pie-eating contests and itchy wool swimsuits, we’re diving into the surprising, silly, and sometimes unfair history of summertime fun.You’ll discover how kids cooled off, how pie became the centerpiece of chaotic contests, and why the first swimming pools weren’t built for play. Spoiler: it all gets a little gooey.So grab your towel, maybe a popsicle, and get ready to splash into the past with us!Reading List:This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Ice Cream: The Full Scoop by Gail GibbonsFood Fight! by Tanya Steel The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle by Anne Renaud The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies444+ Fun Facts for Sports Kids: Swimming Edition by Dr. Rabea HadiJudy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale by Jeanne BirdsallSummer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls Writing Prompt:Imagine you’re a kid in the 1920s spending a summer day at the town fair. You kick things off with a messy pie-eating contest, then cool off in a new public pool—wearing a wool swimsuit that feels like a soggy sweater. Write a journal entry or short story from that kid’s point of view. What’s fun? What’s frustrating? What would surprise a kid from today?Share your stories, drawings, or ideas with me at pastandpen@gmail.com — I’d love to see what you create! Support the Show: Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and even a chance to have your voice featured on the show! Question of the Month:If you could interview any historical figure or book character, who would you choose—and what would you ask them first?P.S. If you want even more summer reading fun, check out my new summer reading program Wander and Wonder. It’s a parent/child book club with options for kids ages 4 to 12. You’ll get kitchen classroom recipes inspired by the books we read, a printable PDF journal with drawing or writing prompts, and hands-on activities to bring each story to life. Sources for This Episode:Smithsonian Magazine – How the Ice Cream Truck Made Summer Cool Ice Cream Nation - Ice Cream in Ancient Times Chamoy City Limits- History of Ice Cream Trucks in America Popsicle Official Site- Our StoryThanks for tuning in! New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM—so mark your sundials, set your hourglasses, or just hit that subscribe button!Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a review—your support helps Past and Pen reach more curious minds like yours.Stay curious, and keep writing your story.
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    9 mins
  • Episode Seven – The Sweet Origins of Marshmallows

    Episode Seven – The Sweet Origins of Marshmallows
    Jun 10 2025

    Meet Your Host:

    Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of ⁠Linus the Troll⁠

    Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories

    🌐 ⁠ Website⁠📧

    Email: ⁠pastandpen@gmail.com⁠

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of Past and Pen, we’re unraveling a story that begins in the marshes of ancient Egypt and ends beside a crackling campfire. It isn’t a ghost story or a tale of curses, at least not exactly, but it is a piece of history that feels a lot like magic.You’ll learn how a swampy plant once used to heal sore throats eventually became a sugary treat we still enjoy today. From ancient remedies to French candy shops and finally to your mug of hot cocoa, this episode follows the unexpected journey of a now-famous fluff.So grab your graham crackers, maybe a stick or two, and get ready to discover how the humble marshmallow made its sweet mark on history.

    Reading List:

    This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you

    .📖 Sweet: A History of Candy by Tim Richardson – A delicious dive into the history of treats like marshmallows, chocolate, and more.

    📖 The Story of Chocolate by Katie Daynes – Learn how this favorite treat traveled from ancient civilizations to your candy shelf. 📖 The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling – A magical and funny story about a boy who turns everything into chocolate. 📖 Marshmallow by Clare Turlay Newberry – A gentle springtime classic about a fluffy bunny and a tabby cat who become friends. 📖 The Life of a S’more by Kris Taft Miller – A heartwarming picture book about uniqueness and teamwork, told from a marshmallow’s point of view.

    📖 Marshall Mellow by JJ Landis – Follow the sweet and silly adventures of a lovable marshmallow with a big heart.

    📖 A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen – A fun camping tale with rhymes, a curious bear, and plenty of mishaps.

    📖 Try Not to Laugh Challenge: Would You Rather? Campfire Edition by C. S. Adams – Packed with camping-themed “Would You Rather?” questions, perfect for s’mores and giggles.

    Writing Prompt:

    Time to get creative with your own marshmallow magic!Imagine you’re in Ancient Egypt, and you’ve just created a new remedy using the mallow plant. What does it do? How does it help people—or animals? Could it even have unexpected, surprising effects? Write a journal entry from the point of view of your ancient healer self. Describe what you made, how it works, and whether it might just change the world.

    Support the Show:

    ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi

    🎙️ Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show!

    💬 Question of the Month:

    If you could interview any historical figure or book character, who would you choose, and what would be your first question?
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    6 mins
  • Past and Pen- Episode Six: Priam’s Treasure: A King, a War, and a Mysterious Discovery

    Past and Pen- Episode Six: Priam’s Treasure: A King, a War, and a Mysterious Discovery
    May 27 2025

    Meet Your Host:

    Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the Troll

    Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories

    🌐 Author Website

    📧 Email: pastandpen@gmail.com


    In this episode of Past and Pen, we’re heading back more than 3,000 years to a time of legendary kings, walled cities, and hidden treasure! The ancient city of Troy—home of the famous Trojan War—may be part myth, part reality… but one man was determined to uncover its secrets.


    You’ll meet King Priam, explore the epic tale of the Trojan Horse, and follow the real-life adventure of Heinrich Schliemann, a treasure hunter who believed ancient stories could lead to real gold.

    But was the treasure he found truly Priam’s? Or just a case of wishful digging? Find out!


    Time to unearth your imagination!

    ✍️ Writing Prompt:Imagine you’re a young archaeologist digging near ancient ruins. You find a strange box filled with mysterious items—some look ancient, some look… magical. Write a story about what you found, how it got there, and what happens next. Is it real? Is it cursed? And who does it belong to?

    📩 Send your story to me at pastandpen@gmail.com, and I might feature it in a future episode!

    📚 Reading List:


    This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.


    📖 Ancient Greece for Kids by Captivating History – A great introduction to ancient civilizations, from myths to major battles.


    📖 The Trojan War by Olivia E. Coolidge – A retelling of the epic war with heroes, gods, and powerful drama.


    📖 Judy Moody and the Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt by Megan McDonald – A hilarious modern treasure hunt full of fun and surprises (perfect for younger readers).


    📖 What is an Archaeologist? (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 3) – A nonfiction favorite for curious kids who want to learn how real archaeologists explore the past.

    ❤️ Support the Show!☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi : https://ko-fi.com/pastandpenpod🎙️ Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show!

    patreon.com/PastandPenPodcast💬 Question of the Month: If you could step into the world of any book or story—fiction or nonfiction—where would you go, and what would you do there?
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    6 mins
  • Episode Five – Knights and Dragons: Oh My!

    Episode Five – Knights and Dragons: Oh My!
    May 13 2025

    Host: Rosie Talley, Author of the Linus the Troll series Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark StoriesWebsite: sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/past-and-penEmail: pastandpen@gmail.com🎙️ Episode Summary:In this episode of Past and Pen, we’re galloping straight into the exciting—and sometimes messy—world of medieval knights! Forget fairy tales about dragons and damsels—today, we’re digging into what real knights were like. From clanking armor to grueling battles the truth might surprise you!Get ready to separate myth from metal as we explore the real life of knights, famous tournaments, and the not-so-glamorous parts of life behind the shield.What You’ll Learn:✅ How knights trained from childhood to become fierce warriors✅ What being a real knight was actually like (spoiler: it wasn’t all shining swords and hero moments!)✅ The truth behind medieval armor—and how heavy it really was✅ How tournaments were more bruises than glory📚 Reading List:Amazon Associate Disclosure: I may receive a commission if you purchase something through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.📖 You Wouldn't Want to Be a Medieval Knight! by Fiona Macdonald – A fun (and kind of gross) look at the real dangers of knighthood. 📖 Knightology: A True Account of the Most Valiant Knights by Dugald Steer – A beautifully illustrated book packed with facts and fantasy.📖 The Making of a Knight by Patrick O’Brien – Follow a boy’s journey to knighthood in this gorgeously illustrated story. 📖 The Time Warp Trio: The Knights of the Kitchen Table by Jon Scieszka – A funny time-travel adventure full of medieval mayhem. 📖 The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White – A classic story blending myth, magic, and history. 📖 The Underwear Dragon by Scott Rothman 📖 The Return of the Underwear Dragon by Scott Rothman ✍️ Writing Prompt:Your quest awaits!Imagine you’re a young knight-in-training living in a huge stone castle. One night, you stumble upon a secret chamber hidden behind an old tapestry. Inside, you find something unbelievable—a real dragon’s egg, a magic spell, or a lost piece of history no one else knows about.Write a story about what you find... and what you do next!📩 Send your story to me at pastandpen@gmail.com, and I might feature it in a future episode!❤️ Support the Show!☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi . 🎙️ Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show! 💬 Question of the Month: If you could step into the world of any book or story—fiction or nonfiction—where would you go, and what would you do there?
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    9 mins
  • Episode Four – Whispers Through Time: The History of Folktales for Kids

    Episode Four – Whispers Through Time: The History of Folktales for Kids
    Apr 29 2025
    🎧 A storytelling podcast for curious kids, homeschoolers, and young writers ✍️ Includes a creative writing prompt + kid-friendly reading listHost: Rosie Talley, Author of the Linus the Troll series Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories Website: https://sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/past-and-penEmail: pastandpen@gmail.com🎙️ Episode Summary:In this episode of Past and Pen, we’re traveling back in time to explore the magical world of folktales for kids. These powerful stories have been passed down for thousands of years—from ancient oral traditions to bedtime favorites around the globe.✅ What makes a folktale a folktale?✅ The oldest known folktales—some over 4,000 years old!✅ How stories evolved from ancient myths to modern retellings✅ A creative writing prompt that turns kids into young storytellers!Whether you're a parent, homeschooler, or educator, this episode is packed with inspiration and educational value for middle-grade learners (ages 8–12).✍️ Writing Prompt:No need to wish upon a star—your imagination is all you need for today’s writing prompt. Create your very own folktale! Imagine you live thousands of years ago—before science could explain thunderstorms, the stars, or earthquakes. Create a short folktale to explain a natural event!Is thunder just the sound of a giant’s belly rumbling after too many bean burritos?Is the fog just a lazy cloud looking to take a nap?Is the wind just created by invisible dragons beating their wings as they soar through the sky?📩 Send your story to pastandpen@gmail.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode!📚 Reading List: This list contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.Ready to turn the page on happily ever after? Check out these books!📖 Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin – A beautifully written fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore, following a girl’s journey to change her family’s fortune.📖 The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill – A Newbery Medal-winning fantasy with a folktale feel, featuring a magical girl, a tiny dragon, and an ancient witch.📖 Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff – A humorous and clever retelling of Rumpelstiltskin from the misunderstood character’s perspective.📖 The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste – A Caribbean folklore-inspired adventure featuring mythical creatures and a brave girl facing dark magic. This book includes some spooky moments which might be a little scary for sensitive readers.📖 Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia – Blends African American folktales and West African mythology in an action-packed adventure.This book deals with themes of grief and loss, as the main character struggles with the death of a friend. It’s handled well for middle-grade readers, but it’s something to be aware of.📖 The Serpent’s Secret (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond) by Sayantani DasGupta – A fast-paced fantasy rooted in Bengali folklore, following a girl who learns she’s a princess from another dimension.📖 Treasury of Magical Tales from Around the World by Donna Jo Napoli – A gorgeously illustrated collection of folktales from different cultures, perfect for young readers.📖 Best-Loved Folktales of the World by Joanna Cole – A classic collection of folktales from around the world, with simple and engaging storytelling.📖 D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths by Ingri & Edgar Parin d’Aulaire – A beautifully illustrated introduction to Norse mythology, perfect for middle-grade readers.Join the Fun!✅ Subscribe to Past and Pen for more historical deep dives and creative prompts. ✅ Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps! ✅ Support the podcast on Patreon for exclusive perks.✅ Fuel the Folktales on Ko-fiThanks for listening! Stay curious and keep writing your story.
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    9 mins
  • Past and Pen – Episode Three: "A Slice of Democracy: The Story of Connecticut's Election Cake"

    Past and Pen – Episode Three: "A Slice of Democracy: The Story of Connecticut's Election Cake"
    Apr 15 2025
    In this episode of Past and Pen, we dive into the history of Connecticut’s Election Cake, a tradition that turned Election Day into a grand celebration. Inspired by Tasting History, we explore how voting in the late 1700s wasn’t just about casting ballots—it was also a time for community gatherings, long sermons, and, of course, baking generous batches of spiced fruitcakes. These hearty cakes, often made days in advance, helped fuel the festivities and symbolized civic spirit. Writing Challenge: Imagine you’re in 1796 Connecticut, preparing for Election Day. Write a diary entry about the chaos and excitement of baking the Election Cake in your home. Who’s involved? What challenges do you face? How does the community come together for this event?Send your entries to pastandpen@gmail.com. I’d love to read them!Reading List: Amazon Associate Disclosure: I may receive a commission if you purchase something through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.📚"Duck for President" by Doreen Cronin (A Click Clack Picture Book) A duck who walks and talks like a duck might just be the next president of the United States!📚 The Election Day Dilemma: An Election Day Holiday Special (The Boxcar Children Mysteries) The Alden children find adventure while searching for a home during Election Day—full of wholesome excitement and mystery!📚 "The Night Before Election Day" by Natasha Wing. Wave your flags! It’s time to vote in this fun, election-themed story from Natasha Wing's best-selling series.📚 A Colonial Quaker Girl: The Diary of Sally Wister, 1777-1778 by Sarah Wister. the diary of the sixteen-year-old daughter of a prominent Quaker family who moved with her family from British-occupied Philadelphia for the safety of the countryside during the Revolutionary War.📚 "When I Was Young in the Mountains" by Cynthia Rylant. This book is a cozy read that takes you to the mountains where life was simple and special. It’s about a little girl remembering her childhood, and even though it’s not about Election Cake, it gives you a taste of what life was like long ago. The beautiful pictures and stories will help you imagine the past in a whole new way.❤️ Support the Show:☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi. 🎙️ Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show! 💬 Question of the Month: If you could time-travel to any historical period, where would you go and why? Sign up for Patreon to have your answer featured on the show! 👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode! New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM—so mark your calendars! Past and Pen - Young Historians' Treasure Trove Looking for the perfect gift for a young history lover? I've put together a curated list of books, creative writing tools, and fun educational items to inspire kids aged 8-12! Whether they're fascinated by ancient civilizations, legendary figures, or storytelling, this list has something special for them. Check out the full list here. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue creating educational content for young historians and storytellers! Past and Pen - The Bookworm's Adventure Box : Got a young reader who loves to get lost in stories? This list is packed with engaging books, creative writing tools, and fun literary gifts perfect for bookworms aged 8-12! Whether they dream of epic adventures, historical tales, or crafting their own stories, this collection is sure to spark their imagination. Explore the full list here.
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    8 mins
  • Past and Pen Episode 2: Gotcha! The Spaghetti Harvest

    Past and Pen Episode 2: Gotcha! The Spaghetti Harvest
    Apr 1 2025
    Host: Rosie Talley, Author of the Linus the Troll series Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark StoriesWebsite: sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/past-and-penEmail: pastandpen@gmail.comEpisode Summary : Pranks, hoaxes, and a little bit of mischief—April Fool’s Day has been keeping people on their toes for centuries. But where did it all begin? And what makes a truly great prank?In this episode, we’re traveling back to 1957, when an ordinary news broadcast convinced thousands of people that spaghetti grew on trees. It was clever, it was harmless, and it had an entire nation questioning their dinner. But this wasn’t the first time a good trick fooled the world, and it certainly won’t be the last.Join me as we unravel the tangled history of April Fool’s Day, explore some of the greatest hoaxes ever pulled, and discover what makes a prank truly unforgettable. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!Gotcha! Reading List: Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Aliens Are Coming!: The True Account of the 1938 War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast by Meghan McCarthy - A picture-book which is a semi serious account of one of the most famous pieces of radio history! Two Truths and a Lie: It’s Alive by Ammi-Joan Paquette & Laurie Ann Thompson- The first book in a fascinating new series that presents some of the most crazy-but-true stories about the living world as well as a handful of stories that are too crazy to be true—and asks readers to separate facts from fakes!April Fool! Watch Out at School! by Diane deGroat - A fun April Fool’s Day story perfect for younger readers.April Fools' Day from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler - A fun-filled chapter books mix school, monsters, and common kid problems with hilarious resultsWriting Prompt : Imagine YOU started April Fool’s Day. What was the very first prank? A royal trick gone wrong? Write a short story about how the tradition began!Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, review, and share!Want fun perks like birthday shoutouts and early access? Join my Patreon for just $1/month!Send your writing prompt responses to pastandpen@gmail.com—you might get featured in a future episode!Thanks for listening! Stay curious, and keep writing your story.Sources: BBC’s Spaghetti Tree Hoax (1957)BBC Archive: Spaghetti-Harvest in TicinoBBC History: The Greatest Hoax?Britannica: Spaghetti-tree hoaxOrigins of April Fools’ DayBritannica: April Fools' DayHistory.com: The Origin of April Fools’ DayThe Museum of Hoaxes: April Fool’s Day OriginsAdditional Famous HoaxesNational Geographic: April Fools’ Hoaxes Through History❤️ Support the Show:☕ Buy me a coffee on ⁠Ko-fi⁠. 🎙️ Join my ⁠Patreon⁠ for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show! 💬 Question of the Month: If you could time-travel to any historical period, where would you go and why? Sign up for Patreon to have your answer featured on the show! 👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode! New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM—so mark your calendars!
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    7 mins