Dorktales Storytime Podcast
Hidden Heroes of History Episodes
Part 1
Unearth the captivating stories of yesterday’s geeks and visionaries, the unsung heroes of history whose remarkable journeys have shaped the world in ways you’d never expect. The Dorktales Storytime podcast’s “Hidden Heroes of History” episodes take you on a thrilling exploration of inspiring individuals who have made their mark in STEAM fields, civil rights, and more. Through thoughtful and age-appropriate discussions, these tales illuminate important aspects of history, making it an engaging show for both kids and adults to enjoy together, while also providing an educational and entertaining experience for young listeners on their own.
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Mary Golda Ross
Mary Golda Ross was one of the first women to rise in the ranks of engineering and one of the first Native Americans in the field. Her work in the early days of spaceflight was very important and is still to this day.
Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong transformed jazz music and became the beloved “Ambassador Satch” who performed all over the world. So much of his life was about a deep passion for music and using it to bring people together.
Tenzing Norgay
Tenzing Norgay was the Sherpa guide responsible for getting Edmund Hillary to the final ascent of Mount Everest. They became the first recorded pair to reach the highest point on earth.
George Washington Carver
Despite the barriers thrust upon him, George Washington Carver overcame society’s challenges to ultimately become one of the nation’s leading botanists and agricultural inventors.
Wilma Rudolph
The first American woman to win 3 Gold Medals in the 1960 Olympics, Wilma Rudolph used her popularity as the “fastest woman in the world” to become a voice for civil justice and women’s rights.
Merlin Tuttle
Meet the hero who showed the world that the some of the smallest creatures are making the biggest contributions—the real “batman” and champion protector of nature’s delightful, dark-winged, do-gooders.
Hedy Lamarr
Adored by the public as “the most beautiful woman in the world,” Hedy Lamarr’s real talent was technological innovation and invention. Her early tech made made wi-fi, GPS, Bluetooth and cell phones possible.
Maria Tallchief
Maria Tallchief was a trailblazing dancer who leapt into fame to become America’s first Prima Ballerina. Her precision and unique style of dance—full of energy, speed and passion—put American ballet on the map.
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa persisted through extreme prejudice and the injustice of Japanese internment camps to become a master at her craft and an influential arts education advocate.
Brave Aviators
Welcome to Brave Aviator Airlines! Unbuckle your curiosity as we take off on an adventure through time to meet four pioneers of aviation: Bessie Coleman, Hazel Ying Lee, Maggie Gee and Mae Jemison.
Duke Kahanamoku
Duke Kahanamoku was a surfer, record-breaking swimmer, Hollywood television and film actor, Honolulu Sheriff and heroic rescuer who lived a life of integrity and honor.
Evelyn Cheesman
Evelyn Cheesman traveled to remote locations on solo-expeditions where she observed and collected over 70,000 undiscovered species of insects and plants!
Ángela Peralta
¡La historia del ruiseñor mexicano! Ángela Peralta made her opera debut at 15 and rose in demand to appear at leading opera houses around the world!
The Six Triple Eight
855 Black female soldiers were sent to Europe for an important mission: Get 17 million lost letters and packages to soldiers longing to hear from their loved ones.
Innovative Architects
Helen Liu Fong and Norma Merrick Sklarek were two architects who broke through gender and racial barriers to become leaders in architectural design.
Pura Belpré
Pura Belpré was a visionary whose literary programs kept new generations connected to their Hispanic culture and showed all children that their stories matter!
Ida Lewis
Ida Lewis was a heroic lightkeeper known as, “the bravest woman in America.” But the lighthouse, not the limelight, was where she found true happiness.
Eugenie Clark
Eugenie Clark was an American ichthylogist whose research on sharks turned the tides on what we thought we knew about these misunderstood ocean creatures.
Jerry Lawson
Jerry Lawson was an electronic engineer who pioneered the first video game console with interchangeable games—a revolutionary invention!
Dr. Kazue Togasaki
Dr. Kazue Togasaki was a true pioneer in the field of medicine and a role model for her sense of duty, compassion, and service to others.
Lucille B. Smith
Lucille B. Smith was an entrepreneur, educator, inventor, philanthropist and corporate founder. Her hot roll mix revolutionized home cooking.
Groundbreaking Music Makers
Ritchie Valens, Carol Kaye and Sister Rosetta Tharpe played to the beat of their own drums and changed the tune of music history forever.
Dr. Patricia Bath
Dr. Patricia Bath’s story will open your eyes to scientific imagination! She was an ophthalmologist, inventor, and humanitarian.
Nichelle Nichols
Learn about Nichelle Nichols and her groundbreaking television role and how she helped bring more diversity to NASA’s space programs.
