All posts by Phil Gibbons

Podcasts

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

May 24, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

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

May 24, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

Leif Transtad with King Haakon VII, 1944

Lake Tinnsjo, sight of the SF Hydro sinking

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.

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Podcast Book and Music Information and Purchase

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

May 24, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

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

Podcasts

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

May 2, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

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.

Rembrandt, Self-Portrait, damaged, not stolen.

John Singer Sargent, Isabella Stewart Gardner

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

May 2, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

Gardner Museum security guard, Rick Abath

One of the three searches of Robert Gentile’s property

Recent photo of the original Gardner building

Isabella Stewart Gardner, 1922, by John Singer Sargent

Gardner Family Mausoleum, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA

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

May 2, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

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

Podcasts

Hiram Bingham, the Real Indiana Jones and the Lost City of Machu Picchu (Volume Six, Episode Eleven) Part One

March 25, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

IN 1911, an American explorer, Hiram Bingham, re-discovered the Incan ruins at Machu Picchu, helping to popularize this site, which today is one of the seven modern wonders of the world.

Hiram Bingham, at Harvard, with wife Alfreda

Church built on the former site of the Coricancha, Cuzco, Peru

Capture of Atahualpa by Pizarro at Cajamarca

Execution of Atahualpa by Pizarro, Cajamarca

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Hiram Bingham, the Real Indiana Jones and the Lost City of Machu Picchu (Volume Six, Episode Eleven) Part Two

March 25, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

IN 1911, an American explorer, Hiram Bingham, re-discovered the Incan ruins at Machu Picchu, helping to popularize this site, which today is one of the seven modern wonders of the world.

Machu Pichu, Hayna Picchu in the background

Machu Picchu, photographed by Hiram Bingham

Bingham with other members of President’s Coolidge’s committee on Aviation .

Hiram Bingham Grave, Arlington National Cemetery

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Podcast Book and Music Information and Purchase

Hiram Bingham, the Real Indiana Jones and the Lost City of Machu Picchu (Volume Six, Episode Eleven) Book and Music Information

March 25, 2024 Phil Gibbons Leave a comment

The books used to compose this podcast included:”

“Cradle of Gold,” by Christopher Heaney and

“The Last Days of the Incas,” by Kim MacQuarrie

The music included in this podcast was for the part one intro and part two outro, “Floating Home,” by Brian Bolger and for the part one outro and part two intro, “Bossa Sonsa,” by Quincas Moreira