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.By Philip D. Gibbons

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.By Philip D. Gibbons

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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…

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 ro…

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 ro…

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 ro…

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 ro…

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…

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…

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 uncover…

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 uncove…

Publicly, perceived as one of the great romances of the 20th century, privately the Oliviers endured infidelity, severe mental illness and ultimately divorce. Discover the tumultuous love story of Hollywood legends Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in this captivating episode. From their scandalous affair to their rise as cinema’s power couple, we …

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 Publicly, perceived as one of the …

By Philip D. Gibbons

By Philip D. Gibbons

By Philip D. Gibbons

By Philip D. Gibbons

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 rocke…

By Philip D. Gibbons

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.By Philip D. Gibbons

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.By Philip D. Gibbons

The triumph, tragedy and bizarre secrets of one of the 20th century’s most prominent figures.By Philip D. Gibbons

The triumph, tragedy and bizarre secrets of one of the 20th century’s most prominent figures.By Philip D. Gibbons

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.By Philip D. Gibbons

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.By Philip D. Gibbons

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.By Philip D. Gibbons

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.By Philip D. Gibbons

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 …

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 Colo…

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 …

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 Ch…

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 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 an…

The shocking story behind the biggest swindle in the history of Wall Street. Agent Cacioppi was so taken aback by Madoff’s candor and unusual cooperation he called his office to determine what he should do next. Typically, a subject with Bernie’s sophistication and community stature would refuse to answer questions and stall, at least requesting ti…

The shocking story behind the biggest swindle in the history of Wall Street. But, if many of Madoff’s clients were happy to not question his returns and process, the cynical, highly competitive and data driven world of Wall Street always invited scrutiny of its biggest stars, even if this was the result of envy or alienation. In Harry Markopolos, o…

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 The future Edward VIII, known within his immediate family by the nickname of David, was born on June 23, 1894. His father, George V, did not become the king until 1910, then anointing David, his…

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 By mid-1934, even British high society insiders were aghast at what, “the little man,” as David was scornfully known as behind his back, had actually taken up with. When the Royal family deliber…

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. Ray Kroc first interacted with Prince Castle as the Chicago based account mana…

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. Despite four decades and many years of dealing with a virtual absentee husband…

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 The…

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 D…

An enduring American legend, hear what actually happened at the Battle of the Alamo By 1817, after emerging from the military, David situated his family in Lawrence County, Tennessee as one of the area’s first inhabitants. Making a living as a professional hunter, mostly of wild bears, Crockett also began to involve himself in local politics, servi…

An enduring American legend, hear what actually happened at the Battle of the Alamo. Fannin’s typically sluggish retreat left him out in the open and resulted in a March 19 battle near Coleto Creek only a few miles east of Goliad. Fannin’s men successfully repulsed repeated Mexican attacks but suffered many wounded troops that they could neither tr…

The true story about the man who contributed mightily to the destruction of one of America’s greatest 20th century icons. According to Colonel Tom Parker personally, he was born in early 1900, in Huntington, West Virginia and began working in touring carnivals at a very young age. He served in the military, eventually developed and promoted his own…

The true story about the man who contributed mightily to the destruction of one of America’s greatest 20th century icons. The Colonel, understanding that the lack of international touring was a major irritant for Elvis, then devised an ingenious plan to circumvent his personal abhorrence of such a tour. He made a deal with various television networ…