Podcasts

The Brief and Tragic Reign of Maximillian I, Emperor of Mexico. (Part One)

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Carlota, Empress of Mexico
Maximillian I, Emperor of Mexico
Schoenbrunn, Hapsburg palace, Vienna and Maximillian’s boyhood home
Maximillian and Charlotte, newlyweds
Franz Josef, 1865
Miramare, Trieste
The Novara
Maximillian as Emperor
Benito Juarez

Like something out of a fairy tale, in 1864, a European power installed an Austrian nobleman as Maximillian I, Emperor of Mexico, ultimately resulting in tragedy, madness and execution.

This episode unravels the ambitious plot by Napoleon III to install a European monarch in the New World, and the tragic consequences that followed. From Habsburg royalty to Mexican ruler, Maximilian’s journey is filled with political intrigue, cultural clashes, and personal struggles. Learn how this idealistic prince found himself caught between European imperialism and Mexican nationalism, ultimately leading to his downfall. Perfect for history buffs and fans of untold stories, this bite-sized biography brings to life a chapter of history often overlooked in textbooks. Dive into the world of 19th-century politics, royal ambitions, and the clash of empires.

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The Brief and Tragic Reign Of Maximillian I, Emperor of Mexico. (Part Two)

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Carlota, in Mexican garb
Pope Pius IX
Napoleon III and his wife, the Empress Eugenie, 1865
The chapel built on the Hill of the Bells, Maximillian’s execution site in Queretaro
Eduard Manet’s, “Execution of the Emperor Maximillian,” inaccurately depicting Maximillian in the center, wearing a sombrero. His executioners are symbolically wearing French infantry uniforms and the soldier loading his rifle is similar in appearance to Napoleon III. The painting was publicly banned in France.
Maximillian’s sarcophagus in the Hapsburg Imperial Crypt, Vienna.
Maximillian I, death mask.
Maximillian’s embalmed corpse, photographed in Mexico.
Carlota, 1914
Bouchout Castle, Belgium. Final home of Carlota.

Like something out of a fairy tale, in 1864, a European power installed an Austrian nobleman as Maximillian I, Emperor of Mexico, ultimately resulting in tragedy, madness and execution.

This episode unravels the ambitious plot by Napoleon III to install a European monarch in the New World, and the tragic consequences that followed. From Habsburg royalty to Mexican ruler, Maximilian’s journey is filled with political intrigue, cultural clashes, and personal struggles. Learn how this idealistic prince found himself caught between European imperialism and Mexican nationalism, ultimately leading to his downfall. Perfect for history buffs and fans of untold stories, this bite-sized biography brings to life a chapter of history often overlooked in textbooks. Dive into the world of 19th-century politics, royal ambitions, and the clash of empires. Like, subscribe, and explore more fascinating figures you thought you knew – or never knew existed!

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Podcast Book and Music Information and Purchase

The Brief and Tragic Reign of Maximillian I, Emperor of Mexico: Book and Music Information

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The books used in this podcast included:

“The Last Emperor of Mexico,” by Edward Shawcross, and

“Maximillian and Carlota: Europe’s Last Empire in Mexico,” by M. M. McAllen

The music in both intros was: “Funeral in Sinaloa,” by Jimena Contreras

The music in the outros was: “Outlaw’s Farewell (Part 1),” by Reed Mathis

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Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers: The True Story of the Alcatraz Escape (Part One)

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Frank Morris
John Anglin
Clarence Anglin
Allen West
Ralph Roe
Theodore Cole
Doc Barker

The true story Of Frank Morris, John and Clarence Anglin and their remarkable escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary.

Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers orchestrated one of the most daring prison escapes in history from Alcatraz, the notorious “escape-proof” island fortress. This episode delves into the fascinating backstories of these cunning inmates and the intricate planning behind their audacious 1962 breakout attempt. Discover how they exploited Alcatraz’s weakening infrastructure, crafted makeshift tools, and devised an ingenious plan to fool guards with dummy heads. Uncover the untold story of how these determined convicts challenged the myth of Alcatraz’s impenetrability and sparked a manhunt that continues to captivate the public imagination decades later. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, history buff, or simply love tales of incredible ingenuity, this gripping account of the escape from Alcatraz will leave you spellbound. Don’t miss this thrilling journey into one of America’s most enduring mysteries!

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Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers: The True Story of the Alcatraz Escape (Part Two)

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Alcatraz with Angel Island in the background.
Utility corridor behind the escapees’ cells.
The four dummy heads used during the escape.
Escapee cell with fake grill removed.
John Paul Scott
Fort Point, Golden Gate, near where John Paul Scott washed ashore
Alcatraz, with Little Alcatraz visible, lower left
Alcatraz Lighthouse at night.

The true story Of Frank Morris, John and Clarence Anglin and their remarkable escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary.

Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers orchestrated one of the most daring prison escapes in history from Alcatraz, the notorious “escape-proof” island fortress. This episode delves into the fascinating backstories of these cunning inmates and the intricate planning behind their audacious 1962 breakout attempt. Discover how they exploited Alcatraz’s weakening infrastructure, crafted makeshift tools, and devised an ingenious plan to fool guards with dummy heads. Uncover the untold story of how these determined convicts challenged the myth of Alcatraz’s impenetrability and sparked a manhunt that continues to captivate the public imagination decades later. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, history buff, or simply love tales of incredible ingenuity, this gripping account of the escape from Alcatraz will leave you spellbound. Don’t miss this thrilling journey into one of America’s most enduring mysteries!

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Podcast Book and Music Information and Purchase

Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers: The True Story of the Alcatraz Escape: Book and Music Information

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The books used to develop this podcast included:

“Escaping Alcatraz,” by Michael Esslinger, and

“Breaking the Rock,” by Jolene Babyak.

The music used in this podcast included:

For both episode intros: “Put It,” by Track Tribe, and

Part One outro: “Smoke,” by Lish Grooves, as well as,

“The Black Cat,” by Aaron Kenny

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The Great Locomotive Chase: James Andrews’ Daring Civil War Raid and the First Medal of Honor (Part One)

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The General today, on display, Southern Museum, Kenesaw, (formerly Big Shanty) Georgia.
James J. Andrews
General Don Carlos Buell
General Ormsby Mitchel
Plaque in Atlanta, Georgia denoting the spot where James J. Andrews was hanged on June 7, 1862

One of the most incredible stories of the Civil War

Discover the thrilling true story of James Andrews, the Union spy who orchestrated one of the Civil War’s most audacious missions. In 1862, Andrews led a group of Union soldiers deep behind enemy lines to steal a Confederate locomotive and wreak havoc on Southern supply lines. This episode uncovers the incredible details of their high-stakes heist, the nail-biting pursuit that followed, and the ultimate fate of these daring raiders.

Learn how this forgotten hero’s actions led to the first-ever Medal of Honor and why his story deserves to be remembered. Perfect for history buffs, Civil War enthusiasts, and anyone who loves tales of courage and cunning from America’s past.

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The Great Locomotive Chase: James Andrews’ Daring Civil War Raid and the First Medal of Honor (Part Two)

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Rendition of the execution of seven of the Andrew’s Raiders
The General, refurbished for a celebration with some of the original raiders and William Fuller, conductor, leaning on post.
Edwin Stanton, Secretary of War
John Scott’s Medal of Honor, awarded posthumously after Scott was hanged.
The monument to Andrew’s Raiders at Chattanooga National Cemetery, James J. Andrews grave is in the left forefront

One of the most incredible stories of the Civil War.

Discover the thrilling true story of James Andrews, the Union spy who orchestrated one of the Civil War’s most audacious missions. In 1862, Andrews led a group of Union soldiers deep behind enemy lines to steal a Confederate locomotive and wreak havoc on Southern supply lines. This episode uncovers the incredible details of their high-stakes heist, the nail-biting pursuit that followed, and the ultimate fate of these daring raiders.

Learn how this forgotten hero’s actions led to the first-ever Medal of Honor and why his story deserves to be remembered. Perfect for history buffs, Civil War enthusiasts, and anyone who loves tales of courage and cunning from America’s past.

 

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Podcast Book and Music Information and Purchase

The Great Locomotive Chase: James Andrews’ Daring Civil War Raid and the First Medal of Honor: Book and Music Information

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The book used in this episode was:

“Stealing the General,” by Russell S. Bonds

The music used in the intro of this episode was, “Blast Off to Glory,” by Media Right Productions, and in the outro, “Eyes of Glory,” by Aakash Gandhi

 

 

 

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Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh: A Tumultuous Hollywood Romance (Part One)

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Olivier in Wuthering Heights
Jill Esmond

Leigh and Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire
Hattie McDaniel, Olivia De Havilland and Vivien Leigh in Gone With the Wind

 

Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, Gone With the Wind.

 

Poster for one of the many revivals that made Gone With the Wind the most profitable film ever made.

Publicly,  perceived as one of the great romances of the 20th century, privately the Oliviers endured infidelity, severe mental illness and ultimately divorce.

Discover the tumultuous love story of Hollywood legends Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in this captivating episode. From their scandalous affair to their rise as cinema’s power couple, we uncover the passion, drama, and mental health struggles behind their iconic careers. Learn how Olivier’s Shakespearean ambitions and Leigh’s breakout role in “Gone with the Wind” shaped their destinies. Delve into the golden age of Hollywood, exploring the making of classics like “Wuthering Heights” and the behind-the-scenes tensions of “Gone with the Wind.” This bite-sized biography reveals the human side of these larger-than-life figures, offering a glimpse into their triumphs, tribulations, and lasting impact on film history. Perfect for history buffs, classic movie fans, and anyone fascinated by the untold stories of famous figures.

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