Byte Sized Biographies…: Recent Episodes
Philip D. Gibbons
The treatment of former NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman's friendly fire death is among the most shameful incidents in the history of the US military and government.
The treatment of former NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman's friendly fire death is among the most shameful incidents in the history of the US military and government.
Warning: This episode contains descriptions of graphic violence. After almost fifty years of litigation, the MacDonald murders remain one of America's most controversial murder cases.
Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence. For close to fifty years, the Macdonald murders have remained one of America's most controversial cases.
When ten incarcerated Irish Republicans starved themselves to death in a British prison, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher became the object of one of the most audacious assassination attempts in British history.
When ten incarcerated Irish Republicans starved themselves to death in a British prison, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher became the object of one of the most audacious assassination attempts in British history.
During his remarkable escape from the Nazis, through some of the most inhospitable parts of Norway, Jan Baalsrud proved that some human beings can just refuse to die.
During his remarkable escape from the Nazis, through some of the most inhospitable parts of Norway, Jan Baalsrud proved that some human beings can just refuse to die.
F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tragic Brilliance
F. Scott Fitzgerald as a childF. Scott Fitzgerald, 1927 publicity photoZelda FitzgeraldGinevra King, 1918Gerald and Sara Murphy on the French RivieraHotek Du Cap, Cap D”Antibes, FranceErnest Hemingway, 1923First edition cover art work, The Great GatsbyFitzgerald, 1937
F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tragic Brilliance
Maxwell PerkinsFitzgerald family passportMGM Studio EntranceIrving ThalbergSheilah GrahamF.Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald grave, Rockville, Maryland
A literary sensation in his twenties, when he suddenly died of a heart attack in 1940, F. Scott Fitzgerald's last royalty check was $13.13.
A literary sensation in his twenties, when he suddenly died of a heart attack in 1940, F. Scott Fitzgerald's last royalty check was $13.13.
The incredible story of the Marines who raised the American flag over Iwo Jima and the iconic photo that changed their lives forever. Ira Hayes Rene Gagnon Joe Rosenthal on Suribachi Bill Genaust, left, on Iwo Jima Wreckage on Iwo Jima, Suribachi in the background First flag raising Second flag raising The Gung Ho photo
The incredible story of the Marines who raised the American flag over Iwo Jima and the iconic photo that changed their lives forever. Marine Harlon Block, his mother always knew. Navy Medic John Bradley, on the 7th Bond Tour, still on crutches Flag raiser Franklin Sousley, misidentified for seventy years Harold Schultz, flag raiser who never went public. Harold Keller, flag raiser, he also kept quiet for the rest of his life Grave of Ira Hayes, Arlington National Cemetery Rene Gagnon grave, Arlington National Cemetery
In thirteen months, John Dillinger transformed himself from inconsequential ex-con to the most famous criminal celebrity in US history and the first Public Enemy Number One. John Dillinger, at the height of his fame Homer Van Meter Tommy Carroll Billy Frechette, wanted poster Dillinger arrest location, Tucson, Arizona Biograph Theater, early morning July 23, 1934 Chicago alley where Dillinger was shot Dillinger family plot, Crown Hill Cemetery One of several Dillinger death masks
In thirteen months, John Dillinger transformed himself from inconsequential ex-con to the most famous criminal celebrity in US history and the first Public Enemy Number One. Lester Gillis aka Baby Face Nelson Eddie Green, St. Paul criminal Melvin Purvis Front entrance, The Little Bohemia Lodge, Manitowish Falls, Wisconsin Anna Sage
On July 19, 1969 an auto accident, involving Senator Edward M. Kennedy and the death of a young woman, changed the course of American political history forever. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, 1968 Edward Kennedy, campaigning in 1962 John Farrar examining the Kennedy automobile as it is being removed from the water near Dike Bridge Ted Kennedy during nationwide speech following the Chappaquiddick accident District Attorney Edmund Dinis Edgartown Police Chief Dominick "Jim" Arena, later in life
On July 19, 1969 an auto accident, involving Senator Edward M. Kennedy and the death of a young woman, changed the course of American political history forever. Senator Edward Kennedy and his wife Joan in the mid-sixties Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. and Joe Gargan's sister Ann, Joe Kennedy's longtime caretaker. Joe Gargan, late in life. Kopechne family gravestone
Brought to Russia as fourteen-year-old Princess Sophia from a tiny German principality, she became Catherine the Great, the most powerful woman in Europe.
Peter III, Catherine’s husbandCatherine’s mother, Princess JohannaThe Empress ElizabethFrederick the GreatGrigori OrlovPoniatowskiCatherine on the the balcony of the Winter Palace after she seized the throne from Peter IIICatherine, in the uniform of the Imperial Guard
Brought to Russia as fourteen-year-old Princess Sophia from a tiny German principality, she became Catherine the Great, the most powerful woman in Europe.
Catherine’s coronation painting, wearing her remarkable crownPugachev, harassing captive nobles before their executionPaul I, Catherine’s son and heirGrigori PotemkinPeterhof PalaceThe Winter Palace and Hermitage MuseumThe Bronze Horseman statue of Peter the Great
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The true story Of Frank Morris, John and Clarence Anglin and their remarkable escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary.
The true story Of Frank Morris, John and Clarence Anglin and their remarkable escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary.
Publicly, perceived as one of the great romances of the 20th century, privately the Oliviers endured infidelity, severe mental illness and ultimately divorce.
Publicly revered as one of the great romances of the 20th Century, privately it was marred by infidelity, severe mental illness and divorce Olivier in Rebecca with Joan Fontaine The Oliviers in Australia, the smiles would eventually fade Vivien Leigh, 1957 Olivier’s costume in Spartacus Olivier in, “The Entertainer,” with Joan Plowright Olivier and Joan Plowright visiting the Reagan’s in the White House in the 80’s Olivier’s grave in Westminster Abbey
In 1969, the 20th Century Fox film, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” established these two outlaws as popular culture icons. But what was the truth about the lives, crimes and deaths of these two American legends?
In 1969, the 20th Century Fox film, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” established these two outlaws as popular culture icons. But what was the truth about the lives, crimes and deaths of these two American legends?
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.
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.
On March 18, 1990, two thieves stole over a half billion dollars worth of artwork from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Art Museum. Today this remains the world’s largest unsolved art robbery.
On March 18, 1990, two thieves stole over a half billion dollars worth of artwork from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Today this remain’s the world largest unsolved art robbery.
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.
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.
The triumph, tragedy and bizarre secrets of one of the 20th century’s most prominent figures.
The triumph, tragedy and bizarre secrets of one of the 20th century’s most prominent figures.
In 1963, two British criminals masterminded the robbery of 2.6 million pounds in cash from a Royal Mail Train, an amount worth 45 million pounds today. The robbery and its aftermath caused a nationwide sensation.
In 1963, two British criminals masterminded the robbery of 2.6 million pounds in cash from a Royal Mail Train, an amount worth 45 million pounds today. The robbery and its aftermath caused a nationwide sensation.
Acclaimed in his lifetime for his remarkable literary career, Charles Dickens’ private life was wracked by dysfunction, scandal and the cruelty he inflicted on his wife and his children.
Acclaimed in his lifetime for his remarkable literary career, Charles Dickens’ private life was wracked by dysfunction, scandal and the cruelty he inflicted on his wife and his children.
The remarkable story of the courage and suffering of the passengers aboard the Mayflower and the establishment of the Plymouth Colony. On November 11, 1620, a 100 foot long cargo ship called the Mayflower entered what is today known as Provincetown Harbor, virtually on the tip of present day Cape Cod. This was the culmination of over two months at sea for 102 immigrants, originally from England, some of this contingent intent on establishing their own … Continue reading William Bradford and the Voyage of the Mayflower (Volume Six, Episode Seven) Part One
The remarkable story of the courage and suffering of the passengers aboard the Mayflower and the establishment of the Plymouth Colony. On March 16, the inevitable occurred, although the incident did not unfold as the settlers previously feared. As described in a pamphlet entitled, “Mourt’s Relation,” a description of the first year of Plymouth Colony, co-written by William Bradford and another settler named Edward Winslow, with work suspended for a regularly scheduled meeting about specific plans … Continue reading William Bradford and the Voyage of the Mayflower (Volume Six, Episode Seven) Part Two
Long before Claus Von Bulow or OJ Simpson, in 1924, two Chicago teenagers committed what was called at the time, “The Crime of the Century,” only to be spared by the efforts of the greatest defense attorney in American history. During their scouring of the Wolf Lake area, police detectives questioned the game warden of the forest preserve that was located nearby about any recurring visitors to the location. One of the names he revealed was … Continue reading Nathan Leopold, Richard Loeb, Clarence Darrow and the Crime of the Century (Volume Six, Episode Six) Part One
Long before Claus Von Bulow or OJ Simpson, in 1924, two Chicago teenagers committed what was called at the time, “The Crime of the Century,” only to be spared by the efforts of the greatest defense attorney in American history. Clarence Darrow would not begin his summation until the afternoon of August 23rd, so anticipated throughout the city of Chicago that a mob descended on the courthouse hoping to push into the courtroom. This throng congregated … Continue reading Nathan Leopold, Richard Loeb, Clarence Darrow and the Crime of the Century (Volume Six, Episode Six) Part Two
The dark reality behind the persona of one of America’s most beloved public figures. Carson enlisted in the Navy fully intent on participating in action against either Japan or Germany. Instead he wound up in officers training school, first in New York and then at tiny Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. Finally in mid 1945, he shipped out on the battleship, the USS Pennsylvania, headed for the Pacific theater. Despite atomic bombs being dropped in early August and … Continue reading Johnny Carson, The King of Comedy (Volume Six, Episode Five) Part One
The dark reality behind the persona of one of America’s most beloved public figures. On August 17, 1963, Carson, possibly feeling more secure professionally with more than a year under his belt at the new show, married his longtime girlfriend, Joanne Carson. This despite years of fighting publicly, acrimonious vacations in which one of them left and went home early and numerous friends and acquaintances advising them not to tie the knot. Even the ceremony and reception … Continue reading Johnny Carson, The King Of Comedy (Volume Six, Episode Five) Part Two
Long before Harry and Meghan, a much more serious crisis and scandal enveloped the British monarchy and the House of Windsor, the abdication of Edward VIII
Long before Harry and Meghan, a much more serious crisis and scandal enveloped the British monarchy and the House of Windsor, the abdication of Edward VIII
In July of 1954, an obscure milk shake mixer salesman walked into a fast food restaurant in San Bernardino, CA. The restaurant was operated by two brothers named McDonald, the result of this interaction profoundly changed American culture, business and nutrition forever.
In July of 1954, an obscure milk shake mixer salesman walked into a fast food restaurant in San Bernardino, CA. The restaurant was operated by two brothers named McDonald, the result of this interaction profoundly changed American culture, business and nutrition forever.
In 1770, the French people greeted Austrian Marie Antoinette as the beautiful and future French queen. Twenty-three years later they guillotined her as the most reviled woman in France. In Europe, with most political powers ruled by monarchies, the best method of insuring a stable alliance with another ruling dynasty was through marriage. Maria Theresa aggressively forged alliances with the French Bourbons dynasty through marriages of her daughters Maria Amalia and Maria Karolina to the … Continue reading Marie Antoinette (Volume Six, Episode One) Part One
In 1770, the French people greeted Austrian Marie Antoinette as the beautiful and future French queen. Twenty-three years later they guillotined her as the most reviled woman in France. The affair of the Diamond Necklace had its origin in a piece of jewelry that was commissioned by Louis XV in 1772 and meant as a gift for his mistress, the Madame Du Barry. He requested that the royal jewelers Charles Boehmer and Paul Bassenge create … Continue reading Marie Antoinette (Volume Six, Episode One) Part Two
The true story about the man who contributed mightily to the destruction of one of America’s greatest 20th century icons.
The true story about the man who contributed mightily to the destruction of one of America’s greatest 20th century icons.
For twenty years, Whitey Bulger terrorized Boston with the full collusion of the FBI. On the run for sixteen years, he was eventually arrested on June 22, 2011.
For twenty years, Whitey Bulger terrorized Boston with the full collusion of the FBI. On the run for sixteen years, he was eventually arrested on June 22, 2011.
For twenty years, Whitey Bulger terrorized Boston with the full collusion of the FBI. On the run for sixteen years, he was eventually arrested on June 22, 2011.
Few personalities have achieved the worldwide fame and popularity of Harry Houdini. Successful in several different media ranging from vaudeville to motion pictures, this performer was also an astute businessman who incorporated both groundbreaking copyright implementation and sensational publicity to establish himself as the first 20th century entertainment superstar.
Few personalities have achieved the worldwide fame and popularity of Harry Houdini. Successful in several different media ranging from vaudeville to motion pictures, this performer was also an astute businessman who incorporated both groundbreaking copyright implementation and sensational publicity to establish himself as the first 20th century entertainment superstar.
In March of 1895, Oscar Wilde enjoyed fame and fortune as one of Britain’s foremost literary figures. Only four months later he was inprisoned for the crime of “gross indecency,” convicted of violating Britain’s laws against same sex relationships. Upon his release, he exiled himself to France, his career in ruins and never saw his family again.
In March of 1895, Oscar Wilde enjoyed fame and fortune as one of Britain’s foremost literary figures. Only four months later he was inprisoned for the crime of “gross indecency,” convicted of violating Britain’s laws against same sex relationships. Upon his release, he exiled himself to France, his career in ruins and never saw his family again.
On August 7, 1974, a twenty-five year old man named Philippe Petit walked across a 200 foot wire between the twin towers of the World Trade Center, 1,350 feet above the ground, something that even the policeman who arrested him described as a once in a lifetime event.
On August 7, 1974, a twenty-five year old man named Philippe Petit walked across a 200 foot wire between the twin towers of the World Trade Center, 1,350 feet above the ground, something that even the policeman who arrested him described as a once in a lifetime event.
On November 14, 1959, two petty criminals, Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, crossed Kansas, murdered the Clutter family in the tiny hamlet of Holcomb, Kansas and unwittingly enabled a New York City writer named Truman Capote to achieve immortality for all three of them.
On November 14, 1959, two petty criminals, Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, crossed Kansas, murdered the Clutter family in the tiny hamlet of Holcomb, Kansas and unwittingly enabled a New York City writer named Truman Capote to achieve immortality for all three of them.
In 1942, the Czech government in exile decided to parachute two commandos into the former Czechoslovakia to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, considered the most brutal and sinister Nazi in Occupied Europe. Code named Operation Anthropoid, this suicide mission remains one of the most heroic and remarkable stories of World War II.
In 1942, the Czech government in exile decided to parachute two commandos into the former Czechoslovakia to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, considered the most brutal and sinister Nazi in Occupied Europe. Code named Operation Anthropoid, this suicide mission remains one of the most heroic and remarkable stories of World War II
In 1961, an unemployed cab driver, Kempton Bunton, pulled off one of the most remarkable art thefts of the 20th century. Or did he? Bunton’s mother named him Kempton Cannon Bunton after a British jockey, Kempton Cannon, who won the Epsom Derby only days before her son’s birth, June 14, 1904, a victory she financially backed. When asked about his unusual name, Bunton also always replied, “It’s Kempton as in Kempton Park racecourse,” as if … Continue reading Kempton Bunton and the Theft of Goya’s Portrait of the Duke of Wellington (Volume 5, Episode 4) Part One →
In 1961, an unemployed cab driver, Kempton Bunton, pulled off one of the most remarkable art thefts of the 20th century. Or did he? Although Bunton was initially only charged with one count of larceny, the prosecution submitted an indictment that was much more severe. He was now charged with two counts of larceny, one for the painting, one for the frame, that was never recovered, and one charge of menacing for submitting letters to … Continue reading Kempton Bunton and the Theft of Goya’s Portrait of the Duke of Wellington (Volume 5, Episode 4) Part Two →
In 1929, Al Capone was worth an inflation adjusted 1.5 billion dollars. On January 17, 1899, Alphonse Gabriel Capone became the fourth child born into this family, and the second native American. Including the two born in Italy, the Capone family later consisted of nine children, eight surviving into adulthood. Al’s father was a barber by trade, eventually moving the family to a better home that also contained his shop. His father, unlike his mother, … Continue reading Al Capone (Volume 5, Episode 4) Part One →
In 1929, Al Capone was worth an inflation adjusted 1.5 Billion Dollars. Most speakeasies and night clubs serving illicit alcohol provided entertainment in some form, mostly jazz or a vocalist with a band. One of these entertainers named Joe E. Lewis was a regular performer at the Green Mill, a club that was owned by the Outfit. As compensation, Al Capone gave Jack McGurn a piece of the club’s profits and when McGurn found out … Continue reading Al Capone (Volume 5, Episode 4) Part Two →
On February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly was in the middle of the tour from hell and would do anything to avoid another three hundred mile, overnight bus ride that already had inflicted frostbite on another band member. That determination changed American popular music forever.
On February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly was in the middle of the tour from hell and would do anything to avoid another three hundred mile, overnight bus ride that already had inflicted frostbite on another band member. That determination changed American popular music forever.
Possessing a 167 IQ, admitted to Harvard University at age 16, a uniquely talented mathematician, this former Berkeley college professor became the subject of the longest and most expensive investigation in FBI history.
Possessing a 167 IQ, admitted to Harvard University at age 16, a uniquely talented mathematician, this former Berkeley college professor became the subject of the longest and most expensive investigation in FBI history.
Adolf Hitler intended the 1936 Berlin Olympics as a coming out party for his Aryan Master Race. African-American Jesse Owens crashed the venue by winning four gold medals.
Adolf Hitler wanted the 1936 Berlin Olympics to be a coming out party for his Aryan Master Race. Jesse Owens crashed the venue by winning four gold medals.
Of the many political figures involved in Mexico’s 1910 Revolution, Pancho Villa remains the most famous and charismatic.
Of the many political and military figures involved in Mexico’s 1910 Revolution, Pancho Villa remains the most famous and charismatic.
In 1925, a diphtheria epidemic threatened to wipe out the town of Nome, Alaska. Hear the incredible story of the men and dogs who saved the day.
In 1925, a diphtheria epidemic threatened to wipe out the town of Nome, Alaska. Hear the incredible story of the men and dogs who saved the day.
Risking his own freedom, Canadian ambassador Kenneth Taylor upheld diplomatic decorum and the international rule of law in the face of a tyrannical and dangerous regime.
Risking his own freedom, Canadian ambassador Kenneth Taylor upheld diplomatic decorum and the international rule of law in the face of a tyrannical and dangerous regime.
According to the Library of Congress, The Wizard of Oz is the most viewed film in the history of motion pictures.
According to the Library of Congress, The Wizard of Oz is the most viewed film in the history of motion pictures.
Soviet spies who betrayed the secret of the A-Bomb or innocent victims framed by Cold War hysteria, legal corruption and anti-Semitism? Over seventy years later the debate rages on.
Soviet spies who betrayed the secret of the A-Bomb or innocent victims framed by Cold War hysteria, legal corruption and anti-Semitism? Over seventy years later the debate rages on.
After searching the Valley of the Kings for decades, for a tomb that every other expert in Egyptology declared nonexistent, Howard Carter eventually discovered the most important archeological find of the 20th century.
After searching the Valley of the Kings for decades, for a tomb that every other expert in Egyptology declared nonexistent, Howard Carter eventually discovered the most important archeological find of the 20th century.
Fletcher Christian and William Bligh are permanently linked to the Mutiny on the Bounty. Listen to the true story of this infamous incident.
Fletcher Christian And William Bligh are permanently linked to the Mutiny on the Bounty. Here is the true story of this infamous incident.
In his sixty year career, Alfred Hitchcock established himself as one of the most important cultural figures of the 20th century
In his sixty year career, Alfred Hitchcock established himself as one of the most important cultural figures of the 20th century.
Although he never robbed a bank or a train, never fought a traditional duel and didn’t drink, Billy the Kid remains one of America’s most notorious outlaws.
He never robbed a bank or a train and never fought a traditional duel but Billy the Kid remains one of America’s most notorious outlaws.
After her rejection by the State Department, Virginia Hall became the most decorated American female civilian during World War II.
After her rejection by the State Department, Virginia Hall became the most decorated American female civilian of World War II
On July 19, 1989, United Air Lines pilot Captain Al Haynes was confronted with a mechanical failure that threatened all 296 passengers aboard his flight, United 232. The response of Haynes and his crew and the ensuing landing provided one of the most remarkable stories in the history of commercial aviation.
On July 19, 1989, United Air Lines pilot Captain Al Haynes was confronted with a mechanical failure that threatened all 296 passengers aboard his flight, United Flight 232. The response of Haynes and his crew and the ensuing landing provided one of the most remarkable stories in the history of commercial aviation. Part of United 232’s fan disc that was found in a cornfield in Alta, Iowa The runway at Sioux Gateway Airport after … Continue reading Captain Al Haynes and United Flight 232 (Volume Four, Episode 1) Part Two →
Part Hank Williams and part Spinal Tap, Gram Parsons’ influence on popular music can be heard every day.
Part Hank Williams and part Spinal Tap, fifty years after his death, Gram Parsons’ influence on popular music can be heard every day.
The creator of 1984 and Animal Farm lived a life that was as original and strange as the books themselves.
The creator of Animal Farm and 1984 lived a life as original and strange as the books themselves.
The true story of eight nazi spies who landed on American shores via U-Boat at the height of WWII
The true story of eight nazi spies who landed on American shores via U-Boat at the height of WWII.
Podcast Link is at the bottom of photos. Wonderful Atlantic Monthly Photo Essay on Ludwig II