All posts by Phil Gibbons

Podcasts

Theodore Roosevelt – From New York Reformer to America’s Youngest President (Part Two)

December 3, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

Theodore Roosevelt Home known as Sagamore Hill, Oyster Bay, NY

Roosevelt assassin, John Schrank, under arrest

Theodore Roosevelt Grave, Oyster Bay, Long Island

Theodore Roosevelt: Nobel Laureate, Medal of Honor Winner, Political Progressive, Executor of the Panama Canal, Best Selling Author, Conservationist and always the Man in the Arena.

This podcast explores the life of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. It covers his early years as a sickly child, his transformation into a robust young man, and his rapid political ascent. The episode details Roosevelt’s roles as New York City Police Commissioner, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and leader of the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War. It highlights his progressive policies as Governor of New York and his unexpected path to the presidency following William McKinley’s assassination. The podcast paints a vivid picture of Roosevelt’s boundless energy, reform-minded approach to politics, and his impact on shaping America’s role as a global power at the turn of the 20th century.

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Podcast Book and Music Information and Purchase

Theodore Roosevelt – From New York Reformer to America’s Youngest President: Book and Music Information

December 3, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

The books used in composing this podcast included:

The Theodore Roosevelt biographical trilogy, by Edmund Morris.

“When Trumpets Call: Theodore Roosevelt After the White House,” by Patricia O’Toole.

“Theodore Roosevelt and the Assassin,” by Gerard Helferich.

The intro to both parts one and two is “Bravura,” by the US Army Band.

The outro to both parts one and two is “Fallen Soldier,” by Biz Baz Studio.

Podcasts

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

October 17, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

Schoenbrunn, Hapsburg palace, Vienna and Maximillian’s boyhood home

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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Podcasts

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

October 17, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

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’s embalmed corpse, photographed in Mexico.

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.

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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

October 16, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

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

Podcasts

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

September 24, 2024 Phil Gibbons 2 Comments

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)

September 24, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

Alcatraz with Angel Island in the background.

Utility corridor behind the escapees’ cells.

The four dummy heads used during the escape.

Fort Point, Golden Gate, near where John Paul Scott washed ashore

Alcatraz, with Little Alcatraz visible, lower left

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

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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

September 24, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

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

Podcasts

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

August 29, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

The General today, on display, Southern Museum, Kenesaw, (formerly Big Shanty) Georgia.

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.