One of the most popular novels in US literary history, The Catcher in the Rye permanently transformed both its readers and its enigmatic author, J. D. Salinger.





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One of the most popular novels in US literary history, The Catcher in the Rye permanently transformed both its readers and its enigmatic author, J. D. Salinger.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
One of the most popular novels in US literary history, The Catcher in the Rye permanently transformed both its readers and its enigmatic author, J. D. Salinger.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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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 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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Today, no more than thirty-seven paintings are attributed to Jan Vermeer. Still, he remains one of the greatest artists who ever lived.
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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Arrested for selling secrets to the Russians, their incarceration and Christopher Boyce’s subsequent escape from a Federal prison was headline news. Ultimately, the Falcon and the Snowman spent decades behind bars.
This podcast episode delves into the story of Christopher Boyce and Daulton Lee, known as the Falcon and the Snowman. It explores their backgrounds in affluent Southern California and how they became involved in selling classified information to the Soviet Union in the 1970s. The episode details Boyce’s work at TRW, a defense contractor, and Lee’s drug-dealing activities. It recounts their initial contact with Soviet officials in Mexico City and the development of their espionage operation. The podcast highlights the contrast between their privileged upbringings and their descent into criminal activities, offering insights into the motivations and circumstances that led to their infamous espionage case.
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Arrested for selling secrets to the Russians, their incarceration and Christopher Boyce’s subsequent escape from a Federal prison was headline news. Ultimately, the Falcon and the Snowman spent decades behind bars.
This podcast episode delves into the story of Christopher Boyce and Daulton Lee, known as the Falcon and the Snowman. It explores their backgrounds in affluent Southern California and how they became involved in selling classified information to the Soviet Union in the 1970s. The episode details Boyce’s work at TRW, a defense contractor, and Lee’s drug-dealing activities. It recounts their initial contact with Soviet officials in Mexico City and the development of their espionage operation. The podcast highlights the contrast between their privileged upbringings and their descent into criminal activities, offering insights into the motivations and circumstances that led to their infamous espionage case.
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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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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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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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