5 Minute Biographies

In the tenth and final episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who became one of the world's first electrical engineers.  He held over 300 patents and invented A/C electrical power - Nikola Tesla. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

In the ninth episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who rose through the ranks of the British military, only to turn to politics and then become one of Britain's greatest prime ministers - Winston Churchill. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

In the eighth episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the woman who became one of Hollywood's most critically acclaimed actresses and who won 4 Academy Awards during her 60-year career - Katharine Hepburn. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever” – Jacques Yves Cousteau Jacques-Yves Cousteau was born on 11 June 1910 in Saint-André-de-Cubzac, Gironde, which is not too far from Bordeaux in South-Western France. He initially attended preparatory school at the exclusive Collège Stanislas in Paris before entering France's … The post Jacques Cousteau appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the seventh episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a French navy officer who became a pioneering underwater explorer and documentary film-maker - Jacques Cousteau. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

In the sixth episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of one of Hollywood's leading men - Spencer Tracy. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“Know your lines and don't bump into the furniture” – Spencer Tracy Spencer Bonaventure Tracy was born on April 5, 1900, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA to John Edward Tracy who was a truck salesman and Caroline Tracy who was from a wealthy Presbyterian family.  He also had a brother called Carroll who was four years … The post Spencer Tracy appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the fifth episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of one of F1's greatest ever drivers - Niki Lauda Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“My life is worth more than a title” – Niki Lauda Andreas Nikolaus Lauda, known to the world as Niki Lauda was born in Vienna on 22 Feb 1949 into a prosperous paper manufacturing family.  However, the family was not supportive of his interest in racing, and this ultimately led to a family feud and … The post Niki Lauda appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

“If one morning I walked on top of the water across the Potomac River, the headline that afternoon would read ‘President can't swim'.” – Lyndon B. Johnson. Lyndon Baines Johnson, known to most as LBJ, was born on 27 August 1908 in Gillespie County, Texas, USA.  He was the eldest of five children born to … The post Lyndon B. Johnson appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the fourth episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who became President of the United States after the assassination of John F. Kennedy - Lyndon B. Johnson. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“It's well done if you can do a part and not have the acting show” – Jimmy Stewart. James Maitland Stewart was born on 20 May 1908 in Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA.  His Presbyterian father, Alexander Maitland Stewart owned a hardware store and was deeply religious, raising Jimmy and his two sisters, Mary who was born … The post Jimmy Stewart appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the third episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of one of Hollywood's leading men who also flew bombers during the Second World War - Jimmy Stewart. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

In the second episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who was the frontman for influential rock group Nirvana - Kurt Cobain Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not” – Kurt Cobain Kurt Donald Cobain was born on 20 February 1967 at Grays Harbor Hospital, in Aberdeen, Washington, USA.  His younger sister, Kimberly, was born on 24 April 1970.  The Cobain's ancestors were shoemakers who emigrated to the USA … The post Kurt Cobain appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the first episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who was a policeman in the Indian Police Service, a soldier in the Spanish Civil War and the author of classic novels such as Animal Farm and 1984 - he was George Orwell. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“The very concept of objective truth is fading out of the world. Lies will pass into history.” – George Orwell. Eric Arthur Blair who would be later known as George Orwell was born on 15 June 1903 in Motihari which was at that time part of British India.  When Eric was not quite one year … The post George Orwell appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

“Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake” – Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio on the Mediterranean island of Corsica on 15 August 1769 which came under French rule the same year.  After completing his education in France, he joined the military and became an artillery officer in 1785 at … The post Napoleon Bonaparte appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the tenth and final episode of season 13 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a man who rose through military ranks and ultimately became the self-declared emperor of France before being forced into exile after the Battle of Waterloo - Napoleon Bonaparte. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was.” – Muhammad Ali Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr, later to be known to the whole world as Muhammad Ali, was born on 17 January 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. His father was a sign painter who was named after one of the founding … The post Muhammad Ali appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the ninth episode of season 13 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a man who started with nothing went on to become heavyweight boxing champion of the world, no less than three times - Muhammad Ali. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

In the eighth episode of season 13 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a child actress who went on to become a Hollywood icon and was almost as famous for her private life as she was for her on-screen persona. Elizabeth Taylor. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“Big girls need big diamonds.” – Elizabeth Taylor Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born on 27 February 1932 at the family home in the Hampstead Garden Suburb of London. Her parents were Francis Lenn Taylor who was an art dealer and the retired actress Sara Sothern who were both from Arkansas City, in Kansas, USA. Elizabeth … The post Elizabeth Taylor appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

“I won’t be a rockstar. I will be a legend.” – Freddie Mercury. Farrokh Bulsara, known to everyone in the world as Freddie Mercury was born on 5 September 1946 in Stone Town, Zanzibar, which is now part of Tanzania. He was the second of two children, as he had a younger sister called Kashmira, … The post Freddie Mercury appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the seventh episode of season 13 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who was a songwriting genius with a hugely flamboyant on-stage personality as the lead singer of one of the greatest rock bands of all time - Queen. He was Freddie Mercury. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work” – Thomas Edison. Thomas Alva Edison was born on 11 February 1847 in Milan, Ohio, USA, but in 1854, the family moved to Port Huron, Michigan due to his father, Samuel getting a job there. Thomas was the youngest … The post Thomas Edison appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the sixth episode of season 13 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who has been described as America's and possibly even the world's greatest inventor. He brought us mass communication, sound recordings, the light bulb and motion pictures among lots of other things - he was Thomas Edison. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

In the fifth episode of season 13 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a motor racing legend who was arguable one of the best ever Formula One drivers but who would also not live long enough to prove it - Ayrton Senna. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“I am not designed to come second or third. I am designed to win.” – Ayrton Senna Ayrton Senna da Silva was born on 21 March 1960 in São Paulo, Brazil to parents Milton da Silva and his wife Neide Senna da Silva. He was the middle of three children, having an older sister called … The post Ayrton Senna appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

Henry VII – The First Tudor Monarch Henry Tudor, the future King Henry VII was born on 28 January 1457 during a period of turmoil and conflict over the succession of the English throne. He was the son of the Countess of Richmond, Lady Margaret Beaufort and Edmund Tudor, 1st Earl of Richmond, although Edmund … The post King Henry VII appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the fourth episode of season 13 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of an English King who won the Wars of the Roses and founded the Tudor dynasty - King Henry VII. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

In the third episode of season 13 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a man who became known as the King of Soul and produced such timeless classics as You Send Me, Chain Gang and Twistin' the Night Away.  We will never know how many hits he may have had as he was shot and killed in 1964 at the age of only 33.  He was Sam Cooke. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“I’m gonna sing, and I’m gonna make me a lot of money.” – Sam Cooke. Samuel Cook was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA on 22 January 1931 and was the fifth of eight children born to a minister, the Reverend Charles Cook and his wife Annie Mae. When Samuel was only two years old, the … The post Sam Cooke appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the second episode of season 13 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a man who became one of London's most popular playwrights but was also persecuted for his sexuality. After a promising start to his writing career he spent time in prison and ended up with nothing - Oscar Wilde.  Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” – Oscar Wilde. Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde was born on 16 October 1854 in Dublin Ireland to parents Sir William Wilde, Ireland’s leading oto-ophthalmologist (that is a specialist in ear and eye conditions) and his … The post Oscar Wilde appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the first episode of season 13 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a young woman who was accused of witchcraft and heresy and who was burned at the stake at the age of 19 only for her to later be found innocent. She was made a Saint over 400 years later. She was Joan of Arc.  Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“Of the love or hatred God has for the English, I know nothing, but I do know that they will all be thrown out of France, except those who die there.” – Joan of Arc. Joan of Arc was born to parents Jacques d’Arc and his wife Isabelle in the year 1412 in a village … The post Joan of Arc appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the tenth and final episode of season 12 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who is credited with inventing the telephone - Alexander Graham Bell.  Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee - Thanks!

“A man, as a general rule, owes very little to what he is born with – a man is what he makes of himself.” – Alexander Graham Bell Alexander Graham Bell was born in the family home on South Charlotte Street in Edinburgh, Scotland on 3 March 1847. He was the middle one of three … The post Alexander Graham Bell appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

The actress and movie producer known to everyone as Mary Pickford was born Gladys Louise Smith on 8 April 1892 in Toronto, Canada to parents John, who worked various jobs, including as a purser on board steamships and Charlotte who was a seamstress. She had a younger sister called Charlotte and a younger brother called … The post Mary Pickford appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the ninth episode of season 12 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the first actress to sign a million-dollar contract and one of the founders of United Artists - Mary Pickford. Please consider supporting the show by buying me a coffee at http://www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee/  - Thanks!

In the eighth episode of season 12 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a legend of the electric guitar. A gifted musician who died too young - Jimi Hendrix. Please consider supporting the show by buying me a coffee at http://www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee/  - Thanks!

Johnny Allen Hendrix was born on 27 November 1942 in Seattle, Washington, USA, and was the first of five children born to Lucille Jeter and James Allen Hendrix, who everyone knew as Al and who had married Lucille on 31 March 1942, only three days before he started his basic training after being drafted to … The post Jimi Hendrix appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the seventh episode of season 12 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a King of England who reigned during the English civil war until he was captured by parliament, tried for treason and executed - King Charles I. Please consider supporting the show by buying me a coffee at http://www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee/  - Thanks!

On 19 November 1600, Anne of Denmark, the wife of King James VI of Scotland gave birth to their second son at Dunfermline Palace in Fife. He was named Charles and was baptised at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh on 23 December the same year. Charles was a sickly child and so, when Queen Elizabeth of … The post King Charles I appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the sixth episode of season 12 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of one of the first women to become a professional writer - Jane Austen. Please consider supporting the show by buying me a coffee at http://www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee/  - Thanks!

Jane Austen was born during one of the harshest winters on record, on 16 December 1775 in the small rural village of Steventon, Hampshire, England, which is about seven miles from the town of Basingstoke and due to the treacherous weather conditions it wouldn’t be until April the following year that she would be baptised … The post Jane Austen appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the fifth episode of season 12 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a Hollywood great that suffered from depression and died too soon - Vivien Leigh. Please consider supporting the show by buying me a coffee at http://www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee/  - Thanks!

The British Actress known as Vivien Leigh was born in Darjeeling, in what was then British India on 5 November 1913. She was the only child of Ernest Richard Hadley, a Scottish born broker and his wife Gertrude Mary Frances, a devout Roman Catholic who was born in Darjeeling. When Vivian was nearly four years … The post Vivien Leigh appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.

In the fourth episode of season 12 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of one of the giants of science fiction storytelling - Jules Verne. Please consider supporting the show by buying me a coffee at http://www.5minutebiographies.com/coffee/  - Thanks!

Jules Gabriel Verne was born on 8 February 1828 on Île Feydeau, which was a small man-made island which sits within the boundaries of the town of Nantes on the River Loire in France. It no longer exists as an island as the river was re-filled in the 1930s, but the area has retained the … The post Jules Verne appeared first on 5 Minute Biographies.