The Mystery of History
Episodes
Episode 83—How to Make History Unforgettable!
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you grew up on boring, pointless, morbid, irrelevant, or secular history, chances are, you didn’t like it—and you’re afraid of passing that o...
Episode 82—Chivalry Lives! With J. Aaron Gruben
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In a day and age where morals and manners are harder to come by, it’s good to know that chivalry lives! What is chivalry? What are the commandments ...
Episode 81—“Beware the Ides of March"
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In the historical play, Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare made famous the phrase, “Beware the Ides of March.” Perhaps you’ve heard it but not k...
Episode 80—The Salem Witch Trials!
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There’s nothing fun about the Salem Witch Trials. But they are intriguing! Most of us know a few things about this story, but the details are vague....
Episode 79—The Mystery of History at a Glance
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a new year, which means a lot of families are newly discovering The Mystery of History. Welcome newbies! This podcast is designed with you in m...
Episode 78—The History of Hanukkah—for Kids!
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For kids to understand the Jewish holiday known as “Hannukah,” they really need to know the Bible and history. That’s what I’m here for! The M...
Episode 77—The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving and the Story of Squanto
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It has it all! Food, family, faith, and history. Join me, Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of ...
Episode 76—From Paul to the Fall
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From the road to Damascus to the fall of the Roman Empire, God has been at work to make Himself known. Follow Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Myster...
Episode 75—The Date-free Lesson Planner (or “How to Prevent Anarchy in Your Homeschool!”)
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some of you have jumped into homeschool this fall all excited—with new markers, new books, and new lesson plans. But! One month in and the lesson pl...
Episode 74—The Eruption of Mt Vesuvius (August 24, A.D. 79)
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, on August 24, A.D. 79, remains one of the more disturbing natural disasters in history. Why? The strength of the volcano...
Episode 73—"The Mystery of Science—Physics” with Karri Iverson
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As promised, my publisher (Bright Ideas Press) has just released a new title in The Mystery of Science Series by Karri Iverson. The new title is dedic...
Episode 72—What is Canada Day?
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever been in Canada on July 1st, you may have experienced “Canada Day” with fireworks, picnics, parades, and barbecues. What’s up...
Episode 71—Formation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (1979)
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A lesson on Iran wasn’t exactly on my radar for a summer podcast. But here we are in June (2025) with the recent U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sit...
Episode 70—Cinco de Mayo—The Backstory!
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Mexican food and festivities (you can count me in on that!) But few realize the difficult backstory endured by the p...
Episode 69—The Holocaust: What Teens and Tweens Should Know (Part 2)
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The history of the Holocaust is difficult to learn, difficult to grasp, and difficult to teach. But – to prevent it from happening again – it is h...
Episode 68—The Holocaust: What Teens and Tweens Should Know (Part 1)
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Holocaust is difficult to remember, difficult to grasp, and difficult to teach. But – to prevent it from happening again – it is history that ...
Episode 67—Bad Boys of the 20th Century (Part 2)
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who are the worst of the worst dictators of the 20th century? Opinions may vary, but you can join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History...
Episode 66—Bad Boys of the 20th Century (Part 1)
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who are the worst of the worst dictators of the 20th century? Opinions may vary, but you can join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History...
Episode 65—Making Sense of the Middle Ages (Part 2)
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I think the Middle Ages in history can be compared to puberty in life! Sandwiched between ancient times and the Renaissance, the Middle Ages was an aw...
Episode 64—Making Sense of the Middle Ages (Part 1)
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I think the Middle Ages in history can be compared to puberty in life! Sandwiched between ancient times and the Renaissance, the Middle Ages was an aw...
Episode 63—Beyond the Books
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the world of home education, academics are important! But immeasurable blessings await the homeschool family that additionally focuses on real-li...
Episode 62 – Immanuel—God with Us!
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The older I get, the harder it seems to get Christmas right. It’s “complicated” to sort through all the moving parts and expectations of other...
Episode 61—The Assassination of John F. Kennedy (Part 2)
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
November 22 marks the anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Who shot JFK in 1963? The conspiracy theories abound, and the mur...
Episode 60—The Assassination of John F. Kennedy! (Part 1)
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
John F. Kennedy, America’s 35th President, was tragically assassinated on November 22, 1962. The death of this American president left the nation ...
Episode 59—Poisonous Politics! (Part 2)
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the well-known adage goes, those who don’t learn from history will repeat it! I agree. And so, with the U.S. soon marching off to the polls, I ...
Episode 58—Poisonous Politics! (Part 1)
28 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the well-known adage goes, those who don’t learn from history will repeat it! I agree. And so, with the U.S. soon marching off to the polls, I ...
Episode 57—Remembering 9/11
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been 23 years since the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers of New York City. While some parts of the horrid event will stay forever in the hearts...
Episode 56—Top Tips for Homeschooling (Part 2)
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You may be geared up and ready for the 2024-2025 school year (or not) but that doesn’t mean you’re entering an easy season! Join me, Linda Lacour ...
Episode 55—Top Tips for Homeschooling (Part 1)
10 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You may be geared up and ready for the 2024-2025 school year (or not) but that doesn’t mean you’re entering an easy season! Join me, Linda Lacour ...
Episode 54—The Mystery of Science!
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard? Our publisher, Bright Ideas Press, has just released The Mystery of Science! We are so excited to see this new addition to the Brigh...
Episode 53—Salvaging Summer!
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you struggle with your summer to-do list? Do the weeks of summer slip away too fast? Are the kids restless while you’re overwhelmed? I understand...
Episode 52—What is The Mystery of History Online Academy!
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s be honest; some of you need help with world history for students 13 years and up—especially if you’re counting credits for high school! Wh...
Episode 51—Jesus: His Death and Resurrection
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From time to time I post an audiobook excerpt from our series and convert it to a podcast, because I’m passionate about world history and don’t wa...
Episode 50—The “Buffet-Style” Approach to World History
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you overwhelmed by curriculum choices? Do you get stressed over daily lesson plans? Do you worry when you don’t finish a program? We understand....
Episode 49–When Should I use The Mystery of History?
24 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When is the best time to use The Mystery of History? We think any time is a good time to study history, but there are some variables and best practice...
Episode 48—The Story of Valentine's Day
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s hard not to notice that Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us. Every year the retailers bombard us with candy, cards, and heart shaped chocolates...
Episode 47—The Awesomeness of Audiobooks with Jim Hodges
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Home education is a journey with lots of twists and turns. One of many ways to help navigate the good days and the bad is to incorporate audiobooks! F...
Episode 46—The Life and Death of Martin Luther King, Jr.
10 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Since the U.S. celebrates Martin Luther King Day on January 15, I thought it appropriate this week to give you and your students the audiobook story o...
Episode 45—“Good King Wenceslas”
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You may know the tender Christmas carol titled “Good King Wenceslas.” But you may not know the tragedy behind this true medieval story! Join m...
Episode 44—Remember Pearl Harbor!
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many a student has wondered why the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor about halfway through World War II. I confess that the incident seems "out of pl...
Episode 43—Benefits of Hosting a Medieval Tournament and Feast with Shelley Noonan
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Interested in hosting a Medieval feast, but don’t know how? Join Linda Lacour Hobar and her guest Shelley Noonan (author of Legends of King Arthur...
Episode 42—What Teens and 'Tweens Should Know About the Holocaust
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Since our headlines are swirling with "anti-semitism," it's important we remember the Holocaust! The history of the Holocaust is diffic...
Episode 41—"Navigating Girlhood" with Patti Garibay (Founder of American Heritage Girls)
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
American Heritage Girls has been at the forefront of Christian leadership development for girls ages five to 18 for nearly 30 years. Want to meet the ...
Episode 40—Understanding the Middle East (Part 3 of 3)
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is “Understanding the Middle East (Part 3.) This audiobook excerpt is designed to help with “some” understanding of today’s headlines. ...
Episode 39—Understanding the Middle East (Part 2 of 3)
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to “Understanding the Middle East” (Part 2.) This audiobook excerpt is designed to help with “some” understanding of today’s headl...
Episode 38—Understanding the Middle East (Part 1 of 3)
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I’m going to interrupt our regularly scheduled podcasts to bring you “Understanding the Middle East (Parts 1-3).” These audiobook excerpts are d...
Episode 37—A Crash Course from Creation to Christ
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Planning to teach ancient history? Need help integrating the Bible? Listen to Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, as she takes you f...
Episode 36—Ruby Reads (A Read-Aloud Resource by Michelle Dunham)
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you like Read-Alouds in your family, or need help liking read alouds in your family, you will love hearing from our guest Dr. Michelle Dunham, the ...
Episode 35—Why Did I Write The Mystery of History?
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why did I write The Mystery of History? What are its distinctions? If you’re new or returning to our world history series, it may interest you to kn...
Episode 34—Teaching The Mystery of History in a Co-op or Classroom
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been tasked with teaching The Mystery of History in a co-op or classroom, but don’t know how? Are you interested in using the series with a...
Episode 33—The Most Important Event in History!
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're tuning in to this podcast, you probably know “The Most Important Event in History” as the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. ...
Episode 32—When Bible History and World History Meet Face to Face
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What happens “When Bible History and World History Meet Face to Face?” Experiences may vary, but chances are your confidence in God’s word will ...
Episode 31—Patrick: Missionary to Ireland (Audiobook Excerpt)
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever worn green for St. Patrick’s Day—or been pinched for forgetting? The wearing of the green is a common custom on March 17. But do you...
Episode 30—Kids and Cuss Words!
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Home educated children are not immune to hearing bad words—and repeating them. Profanity is everywhere and in every culture around the world! How th...
Episode 29—“Building your Best Home Library” with Nicki Truesdell (Knowledge Keepers)
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you teach at home, you’re probably on the endless quest to build your best home library—a worthy endeavor that’s not without challenges! Whil...
Episode 28—Finding a Method to the Madness (An Overview of Methods of Education)
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As home education has grown, so have accessible methods of education. In fact, it may be daunting to sort through all the possibilities on the market!...
Episode 27—"Home Education: An Encouraging Midterm Report Card” with Tara Bentley (Executive Director of IAHE)
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you need incentive to get you through the next semester of home education? Do you need reassurance that this movement is doing well? Do you need ...
Episode 26—The Christmas Truce of WWI
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Need some Christmas inspiration? Consider the World War I Christmas Truce—when the soldiers laid down their arms, sang Christmas carols in two langu...
Episode 25—Keeping the Home in Home Education
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“Home Education” is a two-part term that requires just as much attention to “home” as it does to “education” to be truly successful. If th...
Episode 24—"An Inside Look at Newbery and Caldecott Awards” with Kelly Howe (Beauty in the Ordinary Book Nook)
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us grew up with some knowledge of the Newbery and Caldecott Awards. (Who could miss the shiny metal stickers on the book covers!) But that doe...
Episode 23—“The Great Reward?”
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever asked, "What's in this for me?" "What's the 'great reward?'" It’s not uncommon in the throes...
Episode 22—What is Marxism?
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the mid 1800’s, members of the Communist League gave Karl Marx the task of writing The Communist Manifesto. It was published in London in 1848. T...
Episode 21—Making a Beautiful Homeschool
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Your plate is full. You don’t need more to do. But if you homeschool, and occasionally ache for beauty, you may want to join Linda Lacour Hobar, aut...
Episode 20—"Homesteading and Homeschooling” with Nathan and Carla Ahlstrom (Redeemed Homestead)
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have questions about homesteading and homeschooling? Join me and my guests, Nathan and Carla Ahlstrom (Redeemed Homestead,) for an informative ...
Episode 19—“How to Simplify Your Homeschool” with Kerry Beck (How to Homeschool My Child)
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Need inspiration to simplify your homeschool, get past the perfect Instagram image, and move on to real life ways to learn at home? Join me and my gue...
Episode 18—“Who, What, Why, When, Where, and How to use Charlotte Mason" with Ana Willis (The Homeschool Sisterhood)
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you interested in the Charlotte Mason method of education, but don’t know where to start? Join Linda Lacour Hobar (author of The Mystery of Hist...
Episode 17—Ten Dates to Know from a Biblical Worldview
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From a biblical worldview, some dates in history are more meaningful than others. What are those dates? Opinions will vary, but Linda Lacour Hobar, au...
Episode 16—“Demystifying Learning Styles” with Tyler Hogan (Bright Ideas Press)
22 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Would you like to know more about learning styles, but don't know where to begin? Start here! My guest, Tyler Hogan, wrote "Demystifying Lea...
Episode 15—“Homeschool in the Rearview Mirror” with Kendra Fletcher (KendraFletcher.com)
09 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What does homeschool look like in the rearview mirror—when it's over and behind you? For insights, inspiration, and a few laughs about real lif...
Episode 14—To Grade or Not To Grade? (Part 2)
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join veteran homeschool mom, Linda Lacour Hobar, for Part 2 of "To Grade or Not to Grade?" Complementing Part 1, Part 2 will address specifi...
Episode 13—To Grade or Not To Grade? (Part 1)
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shaped by our personality types, grades have the power to motivate some and the propensity to destroy others! So, how do you decide when to grade or...
Episode 12—“The 4-Hour School Day” with Durenda Wilson (Simply Unhurried)
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Can you homeschool in just four hours a day? Yes you can, says Durenda Wilson, author of The 4-Hour School Day, mother of 8, and trusted homeschool sp...
Episode 11—“Kids, Manners, and More” with Monica Irvine (The Etiquette Factory)
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Value; honor; respect. Is it possible to teach these qualities to today’s children? According to Monica Irvine, founder of “The Etiquette Factory”...
Episode 10—Mary & Martha Decide To Homeschool (Part 2)
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 1 of "Mary and Martha Decide to Homeschool," Linda Lacour Hobar, a self-proclaimed Mary, offered insights on the personalities of Ma...
Episode 9—Mary & Martha Decide To Homeschool (Part 1)
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What if Mary and Martha, the famous sisters of the New Testament, decided to homeschool? Chances are Martha would make it look easy because of her tas...
Episode 8—“Homeschool Around the World” with Steven Policastro (International Association for Creation)
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is home education growing around the world? Yes, at a staggering rate! But this surge is not without trials and tribulations. Join me and my guest, St...
Episode 7—Filling the Rooms of Home Education: Stair Step Subjects vs. Living Subjects (Part 3)
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Following the word picture of a well-built house, home education needs 1) a strong foundation, 2) a working frame, and 3) multiple rooms to fill. What...
Episode 6—“God is Real” with Kim Endraske (Teach What is Good)
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you wonder if God is real? So did author Kim Endraske, a self-proclaimed atheist who came to know Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Join me and ...
Episode 5—Building a Frame for Home Education (Part 2)
05 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Homeschools are like houses with a foundation, a frame, and several rooms to fill. (Proverbs 24:3-4) In Episode 3, Linda Lacour Hobar (author of The M...
Episode 4—"Kids, Careers, and Curriculum" with Sherri Seligson (Apologia)
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when a marine biologist for Walt Disney World becomes a homeschool mom? Find out the answer to that question by joining Linda Lacour Hoba...
Episode 3—Laying a Firm Foundation for Home Education (Part 1)
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If your homeschool was a house, it would have a foundation, a frame, and several rooms to fill “with precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3...
Episode 2—"SchoolHouse Rocked" with Yvette Hampton
17 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, for an informal interview with Yvette Hampton, the director/producer of the new film, &qu...
Episode 1—What is The Mystery of Home Education?
15 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, for an introduction to "The Mystery of Home Education"—a podcast designed for n...