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Complete list of Biography Podcasts - Listen & Review on Goodpods

Founders

702 Episodes

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Avg Length 50m

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Latest episode 6 days ago

Learn from history's greatest entrepreneurs. Every week I read a biography of an entrepreneur and find ideas you can use in your work. This quote explains why: "There are thousands of years of history in which lots and lots of very smart people worked very hard and ran all types of experiments on how to create new businesses, invent new technology, new ways to manage etc. They ran these experiments throughout their entire lives. At some point, somebody put these lessons down in a book. For very little money and a few hours of time, you can learn from someone’s accumulated experience. There is so much more to learn from the past than we often realize. You could productively spend your time reading experiences of great people who have come before and you learn every time." —Marc Andreessen
Emperors of Rome

252 Episodes

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Avg Length 30m

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Latest episode 17 days ago

“Great empires are not maintained by timidity.” - Tacitus. A podcast series looking at the rulers of the ancient Roman empire, by Dr Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith.
Marlon and Jake Read Dead People

35 Episodes

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Avg Length 38m

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Latest episode 1 year ago

Marlon and Jake Read Dead People is a podcast hosted by the Man Booker Prize-winning and internationally bestselling author Marlon James and his editor, Jake Morrissey, Executive Editor at Riverhead Books. In each episode, Marlon and Jake talk about authors—specifically dead authors. Authors they like. Authors they hate. Great books, terrible books, and books they love that you’d never expect them to. As a writer and an editor, Marlon and Jake have read thousands of books between them, and they’re not shy in expressing their opinions about them. Sometimes they’ll agree, sometimes they won’t, but in every episode, they’ll tell you what they think— uncensored and with no holds barred. (That’s why the authors have to be dead.) So, listen along to hear about the spectacularly good, the hilariously bad, and the brutally honest.
5 Minute Biographies

221 Episodes

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Avg Length 9m

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Latest episode 3 days ago

Each week, we aim to bring you interesting information about interesting people in about five minutes in the form of short biographies which can also be read on our website.
Famous and Gravy

101 Episodes

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Avg Length 58m

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Latest episode 1 day ago

Think you know everything about some of modern history’s most recognizable figures? We’re Amit and Michael, two pop culture enthusiasts who upend your assumptions about the iconic and the famous. Because that’s where you find the “gravy” – the rich, flavorful sauce that brings out the best parts of the dish that is life.Each episode we’ll put the lives of recently deceased celebrities under the microscope to consider the not-so-obvious ways these icons of culture left their impact and imprint on modern history. It’s a hilarious and fresh perspective on the celebrities you thought you knew.Listen to episodes of Famous & Gravy early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/famous-and-gravy/ now.
My Mate Bought A Toaster

188 Episodes

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Avg Length 49m

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Latest episode 19 hours ago

Comedian Tom Price trawls through the Amazon histories of some of our favourite famous faces. Everything they have ever bought on that website is on record, right down to their first ever purchases. Their online shopping history reveals everything about who they truly are, and we get to explore it.Expect embarrassing confessions, moving family moments, hidden surprises and in-depth discussions of powdered peanuts, dog costumes, utility belts and books that claim to change your life by improving your handwriting. And lots, lots more.If you're interested in sponsorship and advertising in My Mate Bought A Toaster, then we'd love to hear from you. Just email [email protected] and we'll tell you more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Goods from the Woods

668 Episodes

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Avg Length 81m

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Latest episode 15 hours ago

Join host Rivers Langley and his hilarious pals on an intrepid expedition through the world of ridiculous news items, oft-forgotten pop culture, deep dives on a theme, and whatever else on L.A.'s longest-running independent comedy podcast, "The Goods from the Woods"! "The Goods from the Woods" will leave you enlightened. It will leave you enraptured. You will find yourself changed, daddy! Also, you will laugh.
The Life of Prophet Muhammad - by Sheikh Azhar Nasser

103 Episodes

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Avg Length 50m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

An in depth biography of Prophet Muhammad by Sheikh Azhar Nasser, presented by WhyQuran. Watch these lectures with video at http://why-quran.org
Norman Centuries | A Norman History Podcast by Lars Brownworth

20 Episodes

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Avg Length 19m

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Latest episode 10 years ago

Lars Brownworth, author of "Lost to the West" and creator of the "12 Byzantine Rulers" podcast presents "Norman Centuries", a podcast on the Normans. While popular Norman history focuses on the regions of France and England, Norman Centuries covers the lesser known Italian Normans as well. Visit us at http://NormanCenturies.com/
The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

23 Episodes

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Avg Length 10m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

An autobiography of Helen Keller published when the author was still in her early 20's. The narrative reveals how her mind developed and matured until she began her studies at Radcliffe College
Stairway to CEO

198 Episodes

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Avg Length 59m

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Latest episode 8 months ago

Stairway to CEO is a podcast, hosted by entrepreneur Lee Greene, featuring untold stories from inspiring Founders & CEOs about what it takes to start and grow a business.
The Junkyard Love Podcast

112 Episodes

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Avg Length 104m

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Latest episode 22 days ago

This is a creative/philosophical/personal-growth podcast that shares discussions with unorthodox teachers and interesting humans. Through honest conversation with the host, Jacob, we mine the hearts and minds of one another to discover interest, connection, theory, stories, joy, creativity, knowledge, and wisdom. Jacob navigates the human condition through a growing lens of mindfulness, curiosity, and thoughtfulness. Here you'll find playful, inquisitive, and friendly dialogues with the likes of psychologists, musicians, teachers, yoga instructors, philosophers, DJs, health educators, entrepreneurs, astrologists, holistic healers, meditators, life coaches, athletes, hairdressers, authors, speakers, comedians, leaders, advocates, changemakers, seemingly regular people bursting with wisdom, artists, mathematicians, and much more.
BACK TO YOUR STORY

105 Episodes

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Avg Length 103m

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Latest episode 1 year ago

Welcome to Back To Your Story. A podcast about real people and real stories. The journey of life has always fascinated BTYS host Brock Goldberg. Listen as he takes you down the rabbit hole filled with Rockstars, Activists, Cyber Security Specialists, Hairstylists, Pornstars, Entrepreneurs and so much more. Nothing is held back on BTYS. Tune in each week to find out what crazy guest Brock will bring on next.
LearnOutLoud's Biography Podcast

14 Episodes

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Avg Length 21m

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Latest episode 14 years ago

LearnOutLoud's Biography Podcast will explore the lives of notable people throughout history. Whether it be World Leaders, Political activists, spiritual luminaries, great artists or every day people, this podcast will be a showcase for their story.
A Short Life of Abraham Lincoln by John George Nicolay

38 Episodes

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Avg Length 29m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

John G. Nicolay was Abraham Lincoln’s private White House secretary. With assistant secretary, John Hay, he wrote the two volume definitive biography of Lincoln, “Abraham Lincoln, a Biography.” Although this is a condensation by Nicolay of that biography, it is still a sizable work and a fairly thorough treatment of the life of the 16th president of the United States.
Roast Mortem Cast

297 Episodes

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Avg Length 101m

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Latest episode 1 year ago

We've all been taught to venerate the dead. Where's the fun in that?! No one can take all their rotten secrets to the grave. Humans are just trash monsters that make mistakes, rub together and make more humans. So, let's grab some beers, bury inhibitions and dig up some dirt on history's most iconic departed.
My Dark Path

71 Episodes

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Avg Length 43m

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Latest episode 19 days ago

My Dark Path explores the fringes of history, science, and the paranormal. In every episode, creator and host MF Thomas illuminates a topic taken from the dark corners of our world. Combining his personal, on-location research with insights from experts, researchers and historians, every episode will intrigue, excite, and perhaps, send a shiver down your spine. Visit www.mydarkpath.com for more information.
The Jewish Lives Podcast

64 Episodes

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Avg Length 21m

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Latest episode 17 days ago

The Jewish Lives Podcast is a monthly show that explores the lives of influential Jewish figures. Hosted by Alessandra Wollner, each episode includes an interview with an acclaimed Jewish Lives author. Jewish Lives is a prizewinning series of biography published by Yale University Press and the Leon D. Black Foundation. Join us as we explore the Jewish experience together.
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African by Olaudah Equiano

13 Episodes

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Avg Length 37m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, written in 1789, is the autobiography of Olaudah Equiano. It discusses his time spent in slavery, serving primarily on galleys, documents his attempts at becoming an independent man through his study of the Bible, and his eventual success in gaining his own freedom and in business thereafter. The book contains an interesting discussion of slavery in West Africa and illustrates how the experience differs from the dehumanising slavery of the Americas. The Intereresting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano is also one of the first widely read slave narratives. This work was produced to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in Great Britain.
Kingdom: Swedish Rulers

9 Episodes

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Avg Length 36m

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Latest episode 11 days ago

From the hosts of A Flatpack History of Sweden, we are reviewing and judging all the kings, queens and regents of Sweden, from Olof Skötkonung to Carl XVI Gustaf. Each episode includes a biography and a number of categories, where we try and find the most interesting characters in Swedish history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who Was She?

23 Episodes

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Avg Length 12m

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Latest episode 1 year ago

A podcast where your host shares the stories of women throughout Baha'i history. You can also find more information on our Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest @whowasshepodcast Learn more about your host, Tara Jabbari: https://about.me/tarajabbari Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
AhangSaz | پادکست آهنگساز

36 Episodes

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Avg Length 48m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

آهنگ، ساز و آهنگسازی که به انسان اندیشه بدهد... با موسیقی با احترام برخورد کنیم... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington

18 Episodes

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Avg Length 27m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

Up From Slavery is the 1901 autobiography of Booker T. Washington detailing his slow and steady rise from a slave child during the Civil War, to the difficulties and obstacles he overcame to get an education at the new Hampton University, to his work establishing vocational schools—most notably the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama—to help black people and other disadvantaged minorities learn useful, marketable skills and work to pull themselves, as a race, up by the bootstraps. He reflects on the generosity of both teachers and philanthropists who helped in educating blacks and native Americans. He describes his efforts to instill manners, breeding, health and a feeling of dignity to students.
The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, 1861-1865 by Leander Stillwell

26 Episodes

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Avg Length 25m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

Leander Stillwell was an 18-year-old Illinois farm boy, living with his family in a log cabin, when the U.S. Civil War broke out. Stillwell felt a duty “to help save the Nation;” but, as with many other young men, his Patriotism was tinged with bravura: “the idea of staying at home and turning over senseless clods on the farm with the cannon thundering so close at hand . . . was simply intolerable.” Stillwell volunteered for the 61st Illinois Infantry in January 1861. His youthful enthusiasm for the soldier’s life was soon tempered at Shiloh, where he first “saw a gun fired in anger,” and “saw a man die a violent death.” Stillwell’s recounting of events is always vivid, personal, and engrossing. “I distinctly remember my first shot at Shiloh . . . The fronts of both lines were . . . shrouded in smoke. I had my gun at a ready, and was trying to peer under the smoke in order to get a sight of our enemies. Suddenly I heard someone in a highly excited tone calling to me from just in my rear, –’Stillwell! Shoot! Shoot! Why don’t you shoot?’ I looked around and saw that this command was being given by . . . our second lieutenant, who was wild with excitement, jumping up and down like a hen on a hot griddle. ‘Why, lieutenant,’ I said, ‘I can’t see anything to shoot at.’ ‘Shoot, shoot, anyhow!’ ‘All right,’ I responded. . . And bringing my gun to my shoulder, I aimed low in the direction of the enemy, and blazed away through the smoke. But at the time the idea to me was ridiculous that one should blindly shoot into a cloud of smoke without having a bead on the object to be shot at.” The Story of a Common Soldier is a compelling coming of age tale that will appeal not only to Civil War buffs but to anyone who enjoys autobiographies. Written at the urging of his youngest son, when Stillwell was a mature man–a lawyer, judge, and member of the Kansas legislature, it combines graphic detail (provided by his war diary and letters written at the time to his family) with the insights of a thoughtful man looking back on those horrific times.
Gregg Allman: Meet the Author

1 Episodes

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Avg Length 36m

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Latest episode 12 years ago

Listen to legendary southern rocker Gregg Allman of The Allman Brothers discuss his memoir, My Cross To Bear, with co-author and music journalist, Alan Light at the Apple Store, Upper West Side.
Peter the Great by Jacob Abbott

20 Episodes

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Avg Length 21m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

“There are very few persons who have not heard of the fame of Peter the Great, the founder, as he is generally regarded by mankind, of Russian civilization. The celebrity, however, of the great Muscovite sovereign among young persons is due in a great measure to the circumstance of his having repaired personally to Holland, in the course of his efforts to introduce the industrial arts among his people, in order to study himself the art and mystery of shipbuilding, and of his having worked with his own hands in a ship-yard there. The little shop where Peter pursued these practical studies still stands in Saardam, a ship-building town not far from Amsterdam. The building is of wood, and is now much decayed; but, to preserve it from farther injury, it has been incased in a somewhat larger building of brick, and it is visited annually by great numbers of curious travelers.The whole history of Peter, as might be expected from the indications of character developed by this incident, forms a narrative that is full of interest and instruction for all.” (from the Preface of Peter the Great)
The Apology of Socrates (ελληνικά) by Plato

6 Episodes

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Avg Length 15m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

More than two thousand years ago, the great Greek philosopher Socrates was condemned to death for making seditious comments against the city state of Athens. His followers and disciples were legion. Ranging from Xenophon, the mercenary warrior and historian of the Peloponnesian War to the scholarly Plato, Socrates was described as the conscience-keeper of the nation, or the “gadfly” who would not let the massive machinery of the state rest in complacence. The Apology of Socrates by Plato was thought to have been written following Socrates trial and death in 399 BC. It is one of many such accounts of this infamous trial. It is only through the Apology that we are today able to learn more about this most venerable Greek philosopher, Socrates, as he left very little written work himself. As a teacher and mentor to hundreds of young students, his thoughts and ideas were conveyed mostly through oral teachings. His method of teaching was though a series of dialogues with his students and he never lectured to them. One of his most famous quotes, “The unexamined life is not worth living...” forces us to introspect on our own motives and desires. In the Apology, Plato describes the trial in detail and also Socrates defense of his every word, deed and action. He describes how he was inspired to conduct his search for the truth by the Oracle at Delphi and the consequent discovery that there were no wise men in this city. He considered it his duty to awaken the conscience of those in power. Straddling the thin line between philosophy and literature, the Apology is a brilliant and thought-provoking work, which examines themes like freedom of speech that are still plaguing our consciences today. It also teaches us that knowledge and humility should go ever hand in hand. A deeply engrossing and inspiring work for every generation to read and ponder over.
The Autobiography of Mother Jones by Mary Harris Jones

27 Episodes

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Avg Length 13m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

Mother Jones (Mary Harris Jones) was a legendary labor organizer. She was a founding member of the International Workers of the World (the IWW, or the Wobblies), and was active in the United Mine Workers and the Socialist Party of America.
Acres of Diamonds by Russell Herman Conwell

13 Episodes

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Avg Length 21m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

Text of famous inspirational lecture and biography of Russell Conwell, a Baptist minister and Temple University Founder
The Life and Adventures of Nat Love, Also Known As Deadwood Dick by Nat Love

22 Episodes

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Avg Length 12m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

Nat Love was born a slave, emancipated into abject poverty, grew up riding the range as a cowboy and spent his maturity riding the rails as a Pullman Porter. For me, the most amazing thing about him is that despite the circumstances of his life, which included being owned like a farm animal solely because of the color of his skin and spending later decades living and working as an equal with white coworkers, he was an unrepentant racist! Convinced that the only good Indian was a dead one, and that all Mexicans were “greasers” and/or “bums,” he rarely passed up a chance to shoot a member of either group, whether in self-defense or cold blood, and shows no sign of having appreciated the difference. At one point, he fell in love with a Mexican girl but, apparently unable to tolerate this reality, considered her “Spanish.” Nat Love was a fascinating character who lived in equally interesting times, and one only wishes his autobiography was much longer and more detailed.
Famous Men of the Middle Ages by John H. Haaren

34 Episodes

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Avg Length 8m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

“THE study of history, like the study of a landscape, should begin with the most conspicuous features. Not until these have been fixed in memory will the lesser features fall into their appropriate places and assume their right proportions. The famous men of ancient and modern times are the mountain peaks of history. It is logical then that the study of history should begin with the biographies of these men. Not only is it logical; it is also pedagogical. Experience has proven that in order to attract and hold the child’s attention each conspicuous feature of history presented to him should have an individual for its center. The child identifies himself with the personage presented. It is not Romulus or Herecules or Alexander that the child has in mind when be reads, but himself, acting under similar conditions.”(Excerpt from the Preface of “Famous Men of the Middle Ages”)
William the Conqueror by Jacob Abbott

12 Episodes

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Avg Length 31m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

There are certain names which are familiar, as names, to all mankind; and every person who seeks for any degree of mental cultivation, feels desirous of informing himself of the leading outlines of their history, that he may know, in brief, what it was in their characters or their doings which has given them so widely-extended a fame. Consequently, great historical names alone are selected; and it has been the writer’s aim to present the prominent and leading traits in their characters, and all the important events in their lives, in a bold and free manner, and yet in the plain and simple language which is so obviously required in works which aim at permanent and practical usefulness. This volume is dedicated to William the Conqueror.
A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains by Isabella L. Bird

23 Episodes

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Avg Length 21m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

Isabella Bird began travelling while in her early twenties to help alleviate illness that had plagued her since childhood. She was a single woman in her early forties when she made her treck through the Rocky Mountains. A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains details this fascinating account of her travels through a series of letters written to her sister, Henrietta. These letters are filled with beautiful, vivid descriptions of the scenery, the people she encountered, the way of life, and a mountain man named Jim Nugent, that was as rough as they come, but a complete gentleman with Ms. Bird. She has the distinction of being the first woman to become a member of the Royal Geographical Society in 1892.
Alexander the Great by Jacob Abbott

12 Episodes

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Avg Length 30m

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Latest episode 1 year ago

Tutored by Aristotle, compelled to ascend the throne at the age of 20 when his illustrious father was assassinated, driven by a passion for expanding the borders of his tiny kingdom, Alexander of Macedon was one of the most towering figures of ancient history. He is brought to vivid life in this gripping volume by the American children's writer Jacob Abbott. In his short but eventful life, the young Macedonian king went on to rule over one of the most powerful and largest empires in the ancient world, breaking the hegemony of the powerful Persian dynasty of Darius. Alexander's sudden death in Babylon is one of the enduring mysteries of history. With him ended the glorious empire he had created, which stretched from the Adriatic in Europe to the Indus River on the Indian subcontinent. Jacob Abbott's book meant for young readers portrays Alexander as a military genius, endowed with remarkable intelligence, physical beauty and courage. Some of the early incidents in his life as when he tames a wild and vicious horse are described in compelling terms. Alexander's youth, his father's insistence on making him a regent for Macedonia when he was just 16 and his experiences on military campaigns with his father in Boeotia, where he displayed remarkable qualities of coolness, courage and wisdom are strikingly portrayed. Philip's separation from his wife, Olympia, Alexander's mother is also described and Abbott traces some of Alexander's less endearing qualities to this imperious queen. His haughtiness, pride and short temper which sometimes led him to be stubborn, envy and resentment of his father's powerful conquests are described as well, giving us an objective and well rounded picture of the young hero. Alexander's glorious reign and his remarkable military campaigns, the historic crossing of the Hellespont, his defeat of Darius and the conquest of territories in Asia Minor, Tyre and Egypt are the stuff of legends. At twenty-six he was the greatest ruler the ancient world had ever seen, but he had already begun to descend into a life of debauchery. His army commanders began to rebel and then followed a bloody trail of murders and assassinations. Alexander's final days are also captured in the closing chapters of this riveting book. Jacob Abbott brings all his skills as a historian and children's writer to this retelling of the life of one of the most unforgettable figures in history that appeals to both young and older readers.
Philly People, Now Deceased: A History Podcast

22 Episodes

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Avg Length 65m

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Latest episode 3 years ago

Welcome to the Philly People, Now Deceased, a Philadelphia History Brother and Sister Podcast. Each time we meet, Michiko, who lives in Pennsauken and Leonard, who lives in West Philly, talk about the sordid, exalted, infamous and famous lives of interesting Philadelphians with one caveat...they are all already deceased, May their souls rest in peace. Follow us on Twitter: @DeadPhillyPeeps or like us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/deadphillypeeps/
Know Your History

7 Episodes

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Avg Length 20m

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Latest episode 5 years ago

Know Your History is a history podcast for kids about notable people and events from the past. We want to help kids build their background knowledge so that they can make more connections and engage in their world.
Hannibal by Jacob Abbott

13 Episodes

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Avg Length 29m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

There are certain names which are familiar, as names, to all mankind; and every person who seeks for any degree of mental cultivation, feels desirous of informing himself of the leading outlines of their history, that he may know, in brief, what it was in their characters or their doings which has given them so widely-extended a fame. Consequently, great historical names alone are selected; and it has been the writer's aim to present the prominent and leading traits in their characters, and all the important events in their lives, in a bold and free manner, and yet in the plain and simple language which is so obviously required in works which aim at permanent and practical usefulness. This volume is dedicated to Hannibal.
Edison, His Life and Inventions by Frank Lewis Dyer and Thomas Commerford Martin

53 Episodes

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Avg Length 28m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

One of the most prolific and multi-talented geniuses the world has ever seen, Thomas Alva Edison's life is indeed an inspiration for each new generation. Today we live in a world that would not have been possible if not for several of his important inventions – the electric light bulb, the motion picture camera, electric power distribution, the phonograph, and a host of other things that we take for granted today. In fact, he still holds the world record for the maximum number of patents, numbering 1093 in all! Edison – His Life and Inventions by Frank Lewis Dyer and Thomas Commerford Martin, published in 1910 was in fact a biography commissioned by Edison himself. Dyer was a patent attorney who worked for Edison, while Commerford was a technical magazine editor who published many of Edison's papers. There is consequently a great deal of focus on the technical aspects of his inventions and not so much on his personality and nature. However, as a chronological account of his life, the biography does full justice to its title. This brilliant scientist, businessman and inventor had in fact, practically no formal education. He actually went to school only for three months in his life. His mother provided support and motivation for the hearing-impaired child, who taught himself to read and discovered his love for science by reading books like Parker's The School of Natural Philosophy, etc. A notable feature of the book is that it was written in Edison's own lifetime and hence captures the feel of being very contemporary. There are many anecdotes and stories which the great man himself has contributed or has directly conveyed to the authors, hence the flavor is very authentic and realistic and conveys the excitement and thrill of the life and times of this master inventor. A great inspiration for all ages!
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin

21 Episodes

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Avg Length 21m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

Inventor, author, printer, scientist, politician, diplomat—all these terms do not even begin to fully describe the amazing and multitalented, Benjamin Franklin who was of course also one of the Founding Fathers of America. At the age of 75, in 1771 he began work on what he called his Memoirs. He was still working on it when he died in 1790 and it was published posthumously, entitled An Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. The book had a complicated and controversial publication history. Strangely enough, the first volume only was first published in French, in Paris in 1791. Later in 1793 a couple of English translations appeared containing the second volume as well. In 1818 Franklin's grandson brought out a three volume edition, which left out the last unfinished fourth volume. William Temple Franklin also took great liberties with the text and made his own revisions. However, in 1868, publisher John Bigelow purchased the original and complete manuscript and brought out the most complete edition so far. The 20th century saw several scholars bring out more definitive and complete versions. An Autobiography... was written apparently to apprise his son about the events of his life and also meant to be a treatise that would lead to the self betterment of the younger generation. As a book, it is a difficult and complex read. The tone is often meandering, arrogant and condescending in turn and does not have a consistent feel. Written over an extended time period, there are large gaps in sequence and often the author contradicts his own recounting of events. In fact, it ends abruptly, without a shred of information about Franklin's seminal role in the American Revolution. Yet, two centuries after its debut, it remains widely read and acclaimed, valued for its being almost the first autobiography to have been written in English. Its extensive advice on how to go about achieving a list of virtues is probably the first ever self-help book. As a glimpse of life in 18th century America, it is unrivaled. An Autobiography... also provides readers with the immense possibilities that the New World holds. A poor middleclass youth, one of 10 children, whose parents could hardly afford to send him to school, who attains learning and honest employment by dint of sheer hard work can even today be said to represent the American Dream. With the publication of An Autobiography... it was possible for this new and emerging superpower to establish a history and tradition of its own. As a slice of history, An Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is indeed an interesting and riveting read.
The Powell Movement

425 Episodes

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Avg Length 71m

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Latest episode 3 days ago

The Powell Movement is the podcast that pushes the envelope and is designed to be the go-to show for sports enthusiasts who want to know what it takes to achieve success.
Charles Dickens by G. K. Chesterton

12 Episodes

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Avg Length 38m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

G. K. Chesterton was a great admirer of Charles Dickens, and wrote a noted critique of Dickens’ works expressing his opinion in his own inimitable style.
Briefe aus dem Gefängnis by Rosa Luxemburg

5 Episodes

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Avg Length 22m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

Rosa Luxemburg war eine bedeutende Vertreterin der europäischen Arbeiterbewegung und des proletarischen Internationalismus. Sie gehörte zu den Gründungsmitgliedern der KPD, deren Programm sie hauptsächlich verfasste. Während des ersten Weltkriegs verbrachte Rosa Luxemburg drei Jahre und vier Monate im Gefängnis, ein Jahr im Berliner Weibergefängnis (Barnimstraße), dann zwei Jahre und vier Monate in Berlin, Wronke und Breslau. Während dieser Zeit schrieb sie viele persönliche Briefe an Sophie Liebknecht, die einen tiefen Einblick in die starke Persönlichkeit dieser ungewöhnlichen Frau geben. Die Leser lernen “den Reichtum ihres unermüdlich quellenden Herzens kennen. Sie sollen sehen, wie diese Frau, über ihren eigenen Leiden stehend, alle Wesen der Schöpfung mit verstehender Liebe und dichterischer Kraft umfängt, wie ihr Herz in Vogelrufen erzittert, wie Verse beschwingter Sprache in ihr widerklingen, wie Schicksal und tägliches Tun der Freunde in ihr geborgen sind.” (Aus der Einleitung) Am 15. Januar 1919, nur zwei Monate nach ihrer Freilassung wurde sie unter teils ungeklärten Umständen zusammen mit Karl Liebknecht von rechtsradikalen Freikorps-Soldaten ermordet.
Portales: beginners' Spanish second edition - for iPad/Mac/PC

52 Episodes

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Avg Length 1m

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Latest episode 11 years ago

How do people greet each other and introduce themselves in Spanish? How do they talk about their lives or their everyday activities? This second edition of Portales: beginners' Spanish contains a variety of short conversations covering topics ranging from ordering a meal to discussing holiday plans. The following audio, video and slideshow collection was devised for those beginning to learn Spanish and touches upon many everyday situations and scenarios that will be interesting to learn. This material forms part of the second edition of The Open University module L194 Portales: beginners' Spanish.
But Enough About Me...

25 Episodes

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Avg Length 74m

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Latest episode 4 years ago

People are fascinating! Every one of us has a story and they're all worth hearing. In a culture consumed with celebrity and self, I want to get past the surface and find the common threads that allow us to have greater empathy for each other. Each episode is an open-ended conversation about their experiences, choices, triumphs and regrets. This is life, warts and all.
Biography

35 Episodes

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Avg Length 24m

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Latest episode 7 years ago

The podcasting of a life, by Matt Smith. “Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show.” - Charles Dickens.
Tesla: The Life and Times Podcast

41 Episodes

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Avg Length 43m

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Latest episode 1 year ago

Discover the man behind the myth. The definitive podcast biography of inventor Nikola Tesla--his fascinating real life, inventions, and legacy.
The last diary days of grandad joseph conrad

13 Episodes

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Avg Length 9m

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Latest episode 6 years ago

Written by the Meowmy (Janet West), this is the bittersweet story of the last days of a magnificent and revolting cat who has made the most of his 9 lives and wants to pass on his wisdom before he passes on.
Walden by Henry David Thoreau

23 Episodes

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Avg Length 35m

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Latest episode 2 months ago

Two years, two months and two days! This is what forms the time line of one man's quest for the simple life and a unique social experiment in complete self reliance and independence. Henry David Thoreau published Walden in 1884. Originally drafted as a series of essays describing a most significant episode in his life, it was finally released in book form with each essay taking on the form of a separate chapter. Thoreau's parents were in financial straights, but rich intellectually and culturally. The young Henry was educated in the best of schools in their home town, Concord, Massachusetts and went on to graduate from Harvard, where he read history, philosophy, theology and literature. He commenced working as a school master in Concord but soon quit when he discovered that he was not ideologically suited to methods employed in those days which included corporal punishment. During this time, a chance meeting with the great philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson marked a turning point in his life. Deeply influenced by Emerson's ideas and his Transcendentalism cult, Thoreau embarked on the Walden experiment. The Transcendentalism movement was an amalgam of Buddhism, German and English Romanticism, Hindu teachings, Confucianism and placed great emphasis on emotional wellbeing, self reliance and personal truths rather than social norms. It rejected society's dominance over the individual. Walden Pond was located in a property owned by Emerson. Here, Thoreau built a cabin and proceeded to live a completely self sufficient life, gathering his own food and preparing it, sleeping and reading and appreciating nature as the whim took him. He meticulously recorded every experience and this forms the body of work known as Walden. The book received a lukewarm reception when it first appeared, but went on to gather cult status with the advent of the Flower Power generation, the anti-establishment movements against the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement. The concepts of individual freedom and individual choice became ingrained in the American psyche as a new generation of Americans re-discovered Walden. Walden's main appeal lies in its exploration of themes like solitude, economy, the simple life and the Higher Laws that he describes which relate to man's relationship to nature. Thoreau's style is attractive and easy, full of nuggets of folksy wisdom. Modern proponents of simplifying life, those who oppose our over reliance on technology and advocates of inner spiritual awakening are sure to find Walden a valuable and rewarding read.
Nobody Knows Your Story

175 Episodes

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Avg Length 62m

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Latest episode 8 days ago

A podcast that is centered around the life story of the podcast guest.
History, Books & Wine Podcast

146 Episodes

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Avg Length 32m

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Latest episode 2 days ago

Raising a glass to books and the past! Welcome to History, Books and wine where we chat about books and fun historical tidbits all while raising a glass of vino!