The Heroes of Telemark: Norway’s Secret War Against Hitler’s Atomic Dreams (Part One)

 

Norsk Hydro Plant, Vemork
Leif Trondstadt
Heavy water produced at Telemark
British glider on tow rope
Reichskomisar Joseph Terboven
General Nicholas Van Falkenhirst
SS Officer Frederich Fehlis

Shortly after the conquest of Norway by Nazi Germany, Allied intelligence determined that an electrical plant at Rjukan, Norway was providing a crucial element in a potential German atomic bomb. As a result, Norwegian commandos embarked on one of the most successful and heroic operations of World War II.

Discover the untold story of the Norwegian heroes who sabotaged Hitler’s atomic weapons program. This episode delves into the daring Operation Freshman and the subsequent Operation Gunnerside, revealing how a small group of resistance fighters and Allied commandos risked everything to destroy the Nazi heavy water production facility at Vemork. Learn about Leif Tronstadt, the brilliant chemist-turned-spy, and the brave men who skied across treacherous terrain to change the course of World War II. Uncover the high-stakes world of wartime espionage, cutting-edge science, and unsung heroism in this gripping tale of courage against overwhelming odds.

The Heroes of Telemark: Norway’s Secret War Against Hitler’s Atomic Dreams (Part Two)

 

Leif Transtad with King Haakon VII, 1944
Lake Tinnsjo, sight of the SF Hydro sinking
The ferry SF Hydro
King Haakon VII congratulating Telemark commandos.

Shortly after the conquest of Norway by Nazi Germany, Allied intelligence determined that an electrical plant at Rjukan, Norway was providing a crucial element in a potential German atomic bomb. As a result, Norwegian commandos embarked on one of the most successful and heroic operations of World War II.

Discover the untold story of the Norwegian heroes who sabotaged Hitler’s atomic weapons program. This episode delves into the daring Operation Freshman and the subsequent Operation Gunnerside, revealing how a small group of resistance fighters and Allied commandos risked everything to destroy the Nazi heavy water production facility at Vemork. Learn about Leif Tronstadt, the brilliant chemist-turned-spy, and the brave men who skied across treacherous terrain to change the course of World War II. Uncover the high-stakes world of wartime espionage, cutting-edge science, and unsung heroism in this gripping tale of courage against overwhelming odds.

 

The Heroes of Telemark: Norway’s Secret War Against Hitler’s Atomic Dreams (Book and Music Information)

The books used in the making of this podcast included:

“The Winter Fortress,” by Neal Bascomb,

“Skis Against the Atom,” by Knut Haukelid,

and “Assault in Norway,” by Thomas Gallagher.

The music used in both episode intros was, “Over the Mountain,” by The Mini Vandals.

The music used in both episode outs was, “Snowy Peaks, Part II,” by Chris Haugen

The Gardner Heist: When Isabella’s Vision Met Modern Crime (Part One)

Discover the fascinating life of Isabella Stewart Gardner, a trailblazing art collector and socialite who left an indelible mark on Boston’s cultural landscape. This episode delves into Gardner’s journey from New York socialite to renowned art patron, her creation of the iconic Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the shocking 1990 heist that rocked the art world. Learn how Gardner’s unconventional personality and passion for art shaped her legacy, and uncover the mysteries surrounding the largest unsolved art theft in history. Perfect for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by untold stories of influential figures. Don’t miss this captivating tale of wealth, culture, and intrigue in early 20th century America. 

Isabella Stewart Gardner
John Lowell (Jack) Gardner Jr.
Bernard Berenson in his Italian villa.
Botticelli, The Tragedy of Lucretia
Rembrandt, Storm on the Sea of Galilee
Rembrandt, Self-Portrait, damaged, not stolen.
Titian, Rape of Europa
Vermeer, the Music Lesson
Manet, Chez Tortoni
Rembrandt, A Man and Woman in Black
Flinck, Landscape with Obelisk
John Singer Sargent, Isabella Stewart Gardner
Gardner Museum, Central Courtyard



The Gardner Heist: When Isabella’s Vision Met Modern Crime (Part Two)

Discover the fascinating life of Isabella Stewart Gardner, a trailblazing art collector and socialite who left an indelible mark on Boston’s cultural landscape. This episode delves into Gardner’s journey from New York socialite to renowned art patron, her creation of the iconic Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the shocking 1990 heist that rocked the art world. Learn how Gardner’s unconventional personality and passion for art shaped her legacy, and uncover the mysteries surrounding the largest unsolved art theft in history. Perfect for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by untold stories of influential figures. Don’t miss this captivating tale of wealth, culture, and intrigue in early 20th century America. Like, subscribe, and explore more episodes of bite-sized biographies that bring forgotten legends to life.
Gardner Museum security guard, Rick Abath
Myles Connor, later in life.
William Youngworth III, Late 90’s.
Robert “Bobby” Donati, as a young man
Isabella Stewart Gardner, 1907
Gardner Museum, 1920
Robert Gentile
Ryan McGuigan
One of the three searches of Robert Gentile’s property
Recent photo of the original Gardner building
Recent photo of Gardner 2012 addition.
Isabella Stewart Gardner, 1922, by John Singer Sargent
Gardner Family Mausoleum, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA

Isabella Stewart Gardner and the World’s Largest Unsolved Art Robbery. Volume Six, Episode Twelve (Book and Music Information)

The books used to compose this podcast included:

“Mrs. Jack,” by Louise Hall-Tharp

“Master Thieves,” by Stephen Kurkjian

“The Gardner Heist,” by Ulrich Boser

The music used during the podcast included:

Episode one and two intro: “Good Gig in the Clouds,” by Joel Cummins

Episode one and two outro: “Luna Misteriosa,” by Luna Cantina