Welcome to Vikings and Volcanoes: a podcast packed with big ideas in bite-size learning for all the family.
Brimming with fun facts and humour, Vikings and Volcanoes brings you entertaining history, strange science and mind-boggling ideas in an entertaining and educational listening experience.
Press play to enjoy straight away and remember to click subscribe or follow to ensure you don’t miss new episodes.
Episode 8: Why Is the Sky Blue… and Why Are Sunsets Red?
Why is the sky blue - and why do sunsets turn red?
In this episode of the Vikings and Volcanoes podcast, we explore light, waves and air molecules, to explain one of nature’s biggest everyday mysteries. Discover how sunlight scatters, why blue fills the sky, and why fiery reds appear at sunset - with simple explanations perfect for curious kids and families.
21 Dec 2025
Episode 7. Mansa Musa and the Mountains of Gold
Journey back over 700 years to medieval West Africa and meet Mansa Musa, emperor of Mali and the wealthiest human being ever recorded.
This episode explores how the Malian Empire became a global superpower through gold, salt, trade, and knowledge — and why cities like Timbuktu were once among the world’s greatest centres of learning. You’ll discover how scholars studied astronomy, medicine, maths, and law while caravans crossed the Sahara carrying mountains of gold.
The story builds to one of history’s most astonishing journeys: Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca. With tens of thousands of followers, elephants, camels loaded with gold, and lavish generosity, his travels amazed cities and even crashed the price of gold in Egypt.
Smart, funny, and eye-opening, this episode challenges the myth that great empires only existed in Europe and shows why Africa’s history deserves centre stage.
Perfect for curious listeners who like their history bold, surprising, and unforgettable.
20 Jul 2025
Episode 6: Florence Nightingale: battlefields, bandages and bravery!
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!
7 Dec 2024
Episode 4: Edward Jenner - the doctor who defeated smallpox!
Join Ross, a seasoned science historian, as he takes listeners on a thrilling journey through time to meet Edward Jenner, the pioneering doctor who courageously invented the world's first vaccine, saving millions of lives and shaping modern medicine.
27 Oct 2024
Episode 3: The Great White Shark show!
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!
2 Oct 2024
Episode 2: The secrets of the Japanese samurai
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.
15 Sept 2024
Episode 1: All about Mummies
Today 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!
8 Sept 2024
Vikings and Volcanoes Series Trailer
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
18
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
32
Social presence
0
YouTube
63
Engagement
0
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