William Shirer - First Person Witness and Reporter - Pre-WW2 Europe
05/21/21 • 63 min
William Shirer was quite unique as a print journalist then later a radio correspondent, in that he was an “on the ground” witness to many of the key historical events, especially in Europe, starting in the 1920s through World War II. For example - he reported on the 1938 Anschluss, being in Vienna, at the time. You’ll will learn about his humble beginnings as a young man from the Midwest, then rising to prominence in the late 1930’s, along with Edward R. Murrow. Shirer was a critical voice, in trying to tell the world of the insidious rise of Nazism. Furthermore, his collaboration with Murrow in 1938, ushered in a new era on news reporting, that is the model we see today. Most of this podcast will be an interview with Clay Jenkinson, who is a humanities scholar, author and social commentator. He has had an interest in Shirer most of his professional life. He'll share his insights on what made Shirer so unique, and the critically important historical value he provided through broadcasts and writings. For more information on Clay's background and publications - go to www.jeffersonhour.com.
Website: peoplehiddeninhistory.com
Direct link
Twitter/Instagram: @phihpod
William Shirer was quite unique as a print journalist then later a radio correspondent, in that he was an “on the ground” witness to many of the key historical events, especially in Europe, starting in the 1920s through World War II. For example - he reported on the 1938 Anschluss, being in Vienna, at the time. You’ll will learn about his humble beginnings as a young man from the Midwest, then rising to prominence in the late 1930’s, along with Edward R. Murrow. Shirer was a critical voice, in trying to tell the world of the insidious rise of Nazism. Furthermore, his collaboration with Murrow in 1938, ushered in a new era on news reporting, that is the model we see today. Most of this podcast will be an interview with Clay Jenkinson, who is a humanities scholar, author and social commentator. He has had an interest in Shirer most of his professional life. He'll share his insights on what made Shirer so unique, and the critically important historical value he provided through broadcasts and writings. For more information on Clay's background and publications - go to www.jeffersonhour.com.
Website: peoplehiddeninhistory.com
Direct link
Twitter/Instagram: @phihpod
Previous Episode
General Lew Wallace - A Key Historical Figure of the 19th Century, Author and Civil War General
General Lew Wallace is certainly most famously known for being the author of the novel - Ben Hur. This novel was made into the “old-time Hollywood” classic of 1959 - with Charlton Heston and the chariot race. But there is so much more to Lew Wallace, with his Civil War career and a number of historically important government positions after the war. Wallace was a true Renaissance man - with interests in many areas and had a constant intellectual curiosity. But he had some challenges to overcome, including being a poor student in his younger years and also issues as commander of one of the Civil War battles. My connection with Lew Wallace was that my great-grandparents were close friends of Lew and Susan Wallace for at least 10 years and lived across the street from the Wallace homestead in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Included at the end of the podcast, is a recording of my grandmother, telling of a visit with Lew Wallace in 1904. Most of this podcast will be an interview with Larry Paarlberg, director of the Lew Wallace Study and museum. He'll provide an in-depth interview, way beyond just dates and facts. Website for the museum: ben-hur.com
Website: peoplehiddeninhistory.com
Direct link
Twitter/Instagram: @phihpod
Next Episode
Gen. Laurence Kuter - His Fascinating Career and the Air Force
Gen. Laurence Kuter, was instrumental in the founding of the Air Force. Though not your typical "ace flyer", his organizational abilities and expert handling of crises - placed him at critical junctures in our 20th century military history. You'll hear how he was a key participant in many historical events, spanning pre-WW2 through the Cold War, and finishing his career as the 2nd commander of NORAD. His fascinating life will be presented by Dr. Brian Laslie, currently the Command Historian at the United State Air Force Academy. You will also hear about Kuter's wife, Ethel Lyddon Kuter, who was both a true partner and accomplished in her own right. Laslie's biography on Kuter, "Architect of Air Power", can be found on Amazon at this link. He also is a content contributor to the podcast series - From Balloons to Drones, which explores the development of airpower. Images related to this podcast can be found at the Instagram account - phihpod.
For other books by Dr. Laslie:
Air Powers' Lost Cause: The Air Wars of Vietnam
The Air Force Way of War: US Tactics and Training after Vietnam
Website: peoplehiddeninhistory.com
Direct link
Twitter/Instagram: @phihpod
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