In this family-friendly episode of Vikings and Volcanoes, we travel back in time to uncover the incredible true story of Florence Nightingale — the nurse who revolutionised healthcare and saved thousands of lives. From grand English estates to the filthy hospitals of the Crimean War, follow Florence’s brave and brilliant journey as she fought disease, reformed hospital care, and became a global symbol of compassion and courage. With engaging storytelling, fun sound effects, and even a quick-fire quiz, this episode is perfect for curious kids and grown-ups alike. Discover how Florence used science, data, and determination to change the world — and how a lamp, a pet owl, and a heart full of purpose lit the way.

In this fiery episode of Vikings and Volcanoes, we journey deep beneath the Earth’s surface to uncover the explosive secrets of violent volcanoes! Perfect for curious kids and inquisitive adults alike, this fact-packed adventure reveals how Earth’s layers, tectonic plates, and molten rock work together to create some of the planet’s most powerful natural wonders. With vivid storytelling, fun sound effects, and mind-blowing facts—from magma to Mount Vesuvius—this episode is the perfect mix of science, history, and excitement. Ideal for home listening or learning on the go!

Curious minds, get ready for a time-travelling adventure through history and science with the Vikings and Volcanoes podcast! This educational podcast delivers fascinating stories and big ideas in bite-sized episodes, perfect for growing and grown-up brains alike. From the secrets of ancient Egyptian mummification to the honour codes of Japanese Samurai warriors, we explore the events and discoveries that have shaped our world. In today’s episode, we step into our “Science Time Machine” to meet Edward Jenner, the doctor who defeated one of history’s deadliest diseases: smallpox. Discover how a curious country doctor’s observations about milkmaids and cowpox led to the invention of the world’s first vaccine. With courage, creativity, and a few daring experiments, Jenner’s work saved millions of lives and laid the foundation for modern medicine. Join Ross, your time-travelling guide, as he brings history and science to life with immersive storytelling, fun sound effects, and a dose of curiosity. Whether you’re on a car ride or lounging at home, Vikings and Volcanoes promises to captivate and inspire. Don’t forget to subscribe, and check out other episodes, like our thrilling dive into the world of Great White Sharks. Stay curious—adventure awaits!

in today’s fin-tastic episode, the Vikings and Volcanoes podcast will be diving into the deep blue sea to learn all about one of the planet’s most incredible species: the Great White Shark! That’s right, the biggest, most feared fish in the sea. But don’t worry, I promise you, there’s more to this impressive beast than terrifying teeth. We'll be learning all about the Great White Shark's size, speed, incredible hunting skills and its amazing adaptations. We'll also be learning about the one animal even the Great White Shark fears!

Join as we explore the secrets of the Japanese Samurai! In this episode, we will uncover the history, habits and formidable fighting skills that made these Japanese warriors famous still to this day. 

In the first episode of Vikings and Volcanoes, the podcast will be travelling back 5000 years to Ancient Egypt where we will be exploring all about the strange but fascinating practice of mummification!   Whether you are listening to at home, on the school run (or even on a holiday road trip!), this fun and family-friendly podcast brings you big ideas in bite-size learning. It is perfect for listeners of all ages curious about history, science, and more. In this episode, you will be taken back in time to Ancient Egypt to explore the fascinating and sometimes gory process of mummification! The Ancient Egyptians were of course well-known for their monumental pyramids, but the podcast will discuss how these massive structures were, in fact,  built as tombs for their kings. Inside the pyramids, deep within stone sarcophaguses, the Pharaohs' bodies were preserved as mummies — but what exactly does that mean? The podcast humorously breaks down the real reason Ancient Egyptians practised mummification and explains how it was all related to a belief in life after death. Yet, in order for a Pharaoh to live again in the afterlife, their body had to be perfectly preserved. In a lively and engaging tone, and with more than a few humorous sound effects, the Vikings and Volcanoes podcast describes the 7-step process of mummification, from purifying the body with water from the Nile and wine, to removing the Pharaoh’s brain using a hook slid up the nose (yes, really!). However, all is explained as the Egyptians thought the brain was useless — all the thinking and feeling, they believed, happened in the heart, so the brain was discarded. The Pharaoh’s other organs were carefully removed, cleaned, and placed in special containers called canopic jars, each guarded by a different god. After drying out the body with salt and filling it with spices, plants, and even mud to restore its shape, the priest would wrap it in linen bandages, tuck lucky amulets between the layers, and add a final touch — a wig and a protective mask. The podcast also shares some strange and surprising mummification facts along the way. For example, did you know the word “mummy” comes from the Arabic word “mumiya,” meaning tar, because ancient mummies looked like they were covered in it? Or that Egyptians didn’t just mummify Pharaohs, but also their pets — from cats and dogs to birds and even crocodiles? The episode also highlights the lengths pyramid builders went to protect the Pharaoh’s tombs from robbers, including secret tunnels, false burial chambers, and even used 150,000 tonnes of rubble to block the entrance to the tomb of the famous Pharaoh, Tutankhamun. To wrap things up, listeners' newfound knowledge is put to the test with a four-question quiz, making it fun for young historians or families to see what they remember from the episode. From the 70-day mummification process to the lucky charms hidden in the bandages, there’s plenty to learn in this fast-paced, entertaining dive into ancient history. With sound effects, playful jokes, and a deep dive into the grisly yet fascinating process of mummification, Vikings and Volcanoes offers an engaging and educational listening experience. Tune in to the first episode to uncover the secrets of ancient Egyptian mummies, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future adventures in bite-size learning!