Edward Snowden, American Hero or Malignant Traitor? (Part One)

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, MD
Edward Snowden
Glenn Greenwald, publicity photo
Laura Poitras
General Keith Alexander
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Edward Snowden, American Hero or Malignant Traitor? (Part Two)

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 Airport
Edward Snowden in his Hong Kong hotel room
Glen Greenwald and Ewan Mckaskill, in Hong Kong
Academy Award onstage presentation to Laura Poitras, Glenn Greenwald and Lindsay Mills, second from right
Keith Alexander 2014 retirement party, with Chuck Hagel and James Clapper
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Edward Snowden, American Hero or Malignant Traitor? (Book and Music Information)

The books used to compose this podcast included:

“Permanent Record,” by Edward Snowden, “The Snowden Files,” by Luke Harding, and “No Place To Hide,” by Glenn Greenwald.

The music intro to both episodes was  “Chosen” by Anno Domini Beats, and the outro to both episodes was, “Moon Vision,” by Chris Haugen.

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J. D. Salinger and The Catcher in the Rye (Part One)

 

J. D. Salinger, photo used on book jacket, The Catcher in the Rye
Original book jacket cover, The Catcher in the Rye
Cornish-Windsor Bridge, near Salinger’s home
The Catcher in the Rye, paperback book edition cover, designed by Salinger
Jean 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.

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J. D. Salinger and The Catcher in the Rye (Part Two)

J. D. Salinger, Time Magazine, 1961
Original 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.

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J. D. Salinger and the Catcher in the Rye: Book and Music Information

The books used in the production of this podcast included:

“Salinger,” by Shane Salerno, and

“J. D. Salinger: A Life” by Kenneth Slawenski.

The music used in the podcast included:

For the Part One Intro and Part Two Outro: “Candy Apple Town,” by National Sweetheart

For the Part Two Intro and Part One Outro: “Chase Waves,” by Karneef

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Gunther Lutjens: The Admiral Behind The Battleship Bismarck’s Fateful Voyage (Part One)

 

Admiral Gunther Lutjens
Hitler on naval inspection tour of the “Deutschland,” in 1934.
Crew of Bismarck on deck, its 15 inch guns visible
Spitfire 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.

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Gunther Lutjens: The Admiral Behind The Battleship Bismarck’s Fateful Voyage (Part Two)

Captain Ernst Lindemann
HMS Prince of Wales
Admiral John Tovey on the deck of the George V
Swordfish Torpedo dive bomber
Swordfish returning to the Ark Royal after attacking the Bismarck
Ark Royal and Renown from HMS Sheffield
Bismarck survivors being rescued by the Dorsetshire
Hitler 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.

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Gunther Lutjens: The Admiral Behind The Battleship Bismarck’s Fateful Voyage: Book and Music Information

The books that provided the back ground for this podcast included:

“The Bismarck, 1941: Hunting Germany’s Greatest Battleship,” and

“Bismarck: The Final Days of Germany’s Greatest Battleship,” by Niklas Zetterling.

The music used in the intro of part one and outro of part two was:

“Broken Promise,” by Jimena Contreras, and

The outro in part one and intro in part two was:

“Standoff,” by Density and Time.

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The Enigmatic Legacy of Jan Vermeer: From Obscurity to Artistic Mastery (Part One)

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, Delft
The Astronomer in the Altaussee salt mine
Two paintings at 2023 Rijksmuseum exhibit
St. Praxedes
Diana and her Companions
Christ in the House of Mary and Martha
The Procuress
A Girl Asleep
A Girl Reading a Letter by an Open Window, before restoration
A Girl Reading a Letter, restored
Cavalier and Young Woman
The Milkmaid
The Glass of Wine
Girl Interrupted in her Music
Young Woman With A Wine Glass
The Little Street
View 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

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Of Some Very Famous People You've Never Really Heard Of…In Less Than An Hour.