On April 5, 1976, when he died in a private jet, en route to Houston, Texas, Howard Hughes was a hopeless drug addict, weighed 93 pounds and hadn’t even taken a step on his own in several years. He was also the world’s wealthiest man, living proof that money can’t buy happiness.
Howard R. Hughes Sr., standing next to a drill siteHoward Hughes as a small boyHoward Hughes’ boyhood home in Houston, TexasMovie poster for Hell’s AngelsJane Russell, The OutlawHercules, aka The Spruce Goose, taxiing in Long beach Harbor
On April 5, 1976, when he died in a private jet, en route to Houston, Texas, Howard Hughes was a hopeless drug addict, weighed 93 pounds and hadn’t even taken a step on his own in several years. He was also the world’s wealthiest man, living proof that money can’t buy happiness.
The entrance to the Beverly Hills Hotel, Howard Hughes’ home for over a decadeJean PetersThe Desert Inn, circa 1968Actress Terry Moore, one of Hughes’ female companions, who claimed after his death that he married her in a boat in international waters and that she gave birth to Hughes’ illegitimate child that died shortly after childbirth. The Hughes estate settled with her for a sum believed to be around 400,000 dollars.
In 2013, while working as a contractor at the National Security Agency, Edward Snowden leaked an extensive collection of top secret documents, an act of defiance that, today, still reverberates throughout US intelligence and international relations.
National Security Agency Headquarters, Fort Meade, MDEdward SnowdenGlenn Greenwald, publicity photoLaura PoitrasGeneral Keith Alexander
In 2013, while working as a contractor at the National Security Agency, Edward Snowden leaked an extensive collection of top secret documents, an act of defiance that, today, still reverberates throughout US intelligence and international relations.
Moscow’s Sheremetyevo AirportEdward Snowden in his Hong Kong hotel roomGlen Greenwald and Ewan Mckaskill, in Hong KongAcademy Award onstage presentation to Laura Poitras, Glenn Greenwald and Lindsay Mills, second from rightKeith Alexander 2014 retirement party, with Chuck Hagel and James Clapper
J. D. Salinger, photo used on book jacket, The Catcher in the RyeOriginal book jacket cover, The Catcher in the RyeCornish-Windsor Bridge, near Salinger’s homeThe Catcher in the Rye, paperback book edition cover, designed by SalingerJean Miller, 2013
J.D. Salinger: The Reclusive Genius Behind “The Catcher in the Rye”
Discover the untold story of J.D. Salinger, the enigmatic author who captivated a generation with “The Catcher in the Rye.” This bite-sized biography delves into Salinger’s early life, his traumatic experiences in World War II, and the creative process behind his iconic novel. Learn how Salinger’s masterpiece transformed American literature and why he retreated from the public eye at the height of his fame.
From his privileged Manhattan upbringing to his struggles with PTSD, uncover the fascinating journey of a literary legend. This episode reveals Salinger’s complex relationships, his battles with publishers, and the lasting impact of his work.
J. D. Salinger, Time Magazine, 1961Original dust jacket of The Catcher in the Rye, Salinger eventually demanded that his photo be removed.J. D. Salinger, on the streets of Windsor, Vermont, later in life.Joyce Maynard, later in life.
J.D. Salinger: The Reclusive Genius Behind “The Catcher in the Rye”
Discover the untold story of J.D. Salinger, the enigmatic author who captivated a generation with “The Catcher in the Rye.” This bite-sized biography delves into Salinger’s early life, his traumatic experiences in World War II, and the creative process behind his iconic novel. Learn how Salinger’s masterpiece transformed American literature and why he retreated from the public eye at the height of his fame.
From his privileged Manhattan upbringing to his struggles with PTSD, uncover the fascinating journey of a literary legend. This episode reveals Salinger’s complex relationships, his battles with publishers, and the lasting impact of his work.
Admiral Gunther LutjensHitler on naval inspection tour of the “Deutschland,” in 1934.Crew of Bismarck on deck, its 15 inch guns visibleSpitfire reconnaissance photo near Bergen, Norway.Bismarck during the Battle of the Denmark Strait
Gunther Lutjens: The Admiral Behind the Bismarck’s Fateful Voyage
Discover the untold story of Admiral Gunther Lutjens and the nine-day voyage of Nazi Germany’s most powerful battleship, the Bismarck. This bite-sized biography delves into the naval strategies, political tensions, and dramatic sea battles that led to one of World War II’s most epic maritime confrontations. From Hitler’s rearmament plans to the sinking of the HMS Hood, uncover the forgotten details of this pivotal moment in naval history.
Captain Ernst LindemannHMS Prince of WalesAdmiral John Tovey on the deck of the George VSwordfish Torpedo dive bomberSwordfish returning to the Ark Royal after attacking the BismarckArk Royal and Renown from HMS SheffieldBismarck survivors being rescued by the DorsetshireHitler and Raeder, 1943
Gunther Lutjens: The Admiral Behind the Bismarck’s Fateful Voyage
Discover the untold story of Admiral Gunther Lutjens and the nine-day voyage of Nazi Germany’s most powerful battleship, the Bismarck. This bite-sized biography delves into the naval strategies, political tensions, and dramatic sea battles that led to one of World War II’s most epic maritime confrontations. From Hitler’s rearmament plans to the sinking of the HMS Hood, uncover the forgotten details of this pivotal moment in naval history.
Today, no more than thirty-seven paintings are attributed to Jan Vermeer. Still, he remains one of the greatest artists who ever lived.
Burial Marker for Vermeer, Oude Kirk, DelftThe Astronomer in the Altaussee salt mineTwo paintings at 2023 Rijksmuseum exhibitSt. PraxedesDiana and her CompanionsChrist in the House of Mary and MarthaThe ProcuressA Girl AsleepA Girl Reading a Letter by an Open Window, before restorationA Girl Reading a Letter, restoredCavalier and Young WomanThe MilkmaidThe Glass of WineGirl Interrupted in her MusicYoung Woman With A Wine GlassThe Little StreetView of Delft
This podcast explores the life and works of Dutch master Jan Vermeer. It delves into Vermeer’s enigmatic biography, his meticulous artistic process, and the rediscovery of his genius centuries after his death. The episode covers Vermeer’s early life in Delft, his marriage, and his struggle to support a large family through art and dealing. It traces the journey of several of Vermeer’s most famous paintings, including “The Milkmaid” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” through history and various collections. The podcast also touches on the impact of historical events like wars on the fate of Vermeer’s works and the artist’s enduring legacy in the art world.
0:00 Intro: Jan Vermeer’s enigmatic life and legacy
5:30 Vermeer’s early life and artistic beginnings
16:45 Vermeer’s artistic style and meticulous process
28:05 St. Praxedis: Vermeer’s earliest surviving work
33:45 The Procuress: Vermeer’s dramatic stylistic shift
39:20 A Girl Asleep: Symbolism in everyday scenes
44:55 The Milkmaid: Dutch appreciation for Vermeer
50:35 Landscapes: The Little Street and View of Delft
Christopher Boyce on Australian 60 MinutesChristopher Boyce, after his rearrest in the state of Washington.Timothy Hutton, who played Boyce in “The Falcon and the Snowman.”Sean Penn, who played Daulton Lee in the “The Falcon and the Snowman.”
Arrested for selling secrets to the Russians, their incarceration and Christopher Boyce’s subsequent escape from a Federal prison was headline news. Ultimately, the Falcon and the Snowman spent decades behind bars.
This podcast episode delves into the story of Christopher Boyce and Daulton Lee, known as the Falcon and the Snowman. It explores their backgrounds in affluent Southern California and how they became involved in selling classified information to the Soviet Union in the 1970s. The episode details Boyce’s work at TRW, a defense contractor, and Lee’s drug-dealing activities. It recounts their initial contact with Soviet officials in Mexico City and the development of their espionage operation. The podcast highlights the contrast between their privileged upbringings and their descent into criminal activities, offering insights into the motivations and circumstances that led to their infamous espionage case.