The Biographers

It's time for another episode of Office Hours, but this one will be slightly different, in that Akiva is out of town! Don't worry -- he'll be back next time, but this means today's episode of Office Hours will be short and sweet.

In the conclusion episode of our series on the Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa, we take a look at the darker days of his life and the deeds that earned him the oft-overlooked reputation of a villain. Despite many of the initial goals of the Mexican Revolution being achieved, Pancho continued to fight, even as most of his army dwindled away. In the final years of his life, he committed some of his most heinous acts, making vengeful enemies who would ultimately become his assassins. Tune in for part five of Pancho Villa to decide for yourself whether this legendary figure of the Mexican Revolution was a hero or a villain. (Ep. 055)

In part four of our series on Pancho Villa, we witness Pancho rise to become the single most powerful person in the country of Mexico, after the notorious Victoriano Huerta is finally overthrown. The revolutionaries were victorious in their task, but the various leaders of the revolution couldn't seem to find a compromise on how to move the nation forward, which then led to a civil war breaking out between them. The third phase of the Mexican Revolution was about to kick off, and Pancho was about to discover that he wasn't quite as invincible as he had previously thought. Join us for part four of our series as we continue to unpack the fascinating character of Pancho Villa. (Ep. 054)

In part three of our series on Pancho Villa, we explore an often-forgotten tragedy in world history known as La Decena Trágica (The Ten Tragic Days), during which the first phase of the Mexican Revolution comes to a swift and violent end. From the chaos, a new dictator emerges — Victoriano Huerta — who is so despised by the people that a song is composed to immortalize his loathsome character. The people of Mexico do not accept this new dictator lying down, however, as a new revolutionary leader, Venustiano Carranza, steps up to the plate and soon recruits Pancho Villa to serve as his main General. Tune in to part three of Pancho Villa to learn more about this exciting and little-known chapter of history! (Ep. 053)

In part two of our series on Pancho Villa, the Mexican Revolution officially begins! Though an unlikely candidate, Pancho quickly becomes a high-ranking officer in the revolutionary army and displays his uncanny abilities in guerrilla warfare. But even after the revolution gains steam and wins some key victories, all is not well in Mexico, and the political climate continues to complicate things. Soon, Pancho finds himself in the position of an outlaw once again, and the fighting in Mexico continues. Tune in to Pancho Villa part 2 to learn more! (Ep. 052)

For our next series, we're headed to Mexico to cover our first revolutionary in a man named Pancho Villa. Born the son of a humble farmer, Pancho's life would take a sudden and harsh turn at the age of 16, transforming him from farmer to bandit. For nearly ten years, Pancho lived the violent life of a bandit and outlaw, but cries for revolution would become louder and louder under the tyrannical rule of dictator Porfirio Díaz. Eventually, Pancho would be tapped on the shoulder to join the cause of revolution, leading him to become one of the most recognized (and infamous) names in Mexican history. Join us for our tenth series as we cover our most controversial biography yet! (Ep. 051)

Announcement! If you hadn't heard in our last episode, we are back to a bi-weekly release schedule. Have no fear, we aren't going anywhere -- we just need some additional time to research, read, and write up our episodes. That being said,  it's time for another laid-back episode of Office Hours! This week we talk about boring stuff that's actually exciting, our undying love of bread and pastries, and Daniel being totally clueless on the Kendrick/Drake feud. We also take some time to address corrections and questions we had throughout the Nikola Tesla series.

In our final episode on the genius inventor Nikola Tesla, we bid the old wizard a fond farewell. The latter portion of his life had its fair share of inventions and recognition, but it was also riddled with struggle, hardship, and rejection. Despite holding patents for a multitude of his electrical inventions, people just couldn't seem to stop themselves from stealing his work, and giving him zero credit or royalties. His senior years weren't easy; with a lack of funding and an increasingly smaller number of real friends, Nikola would soon turn to the humble pigeons of New York City for companionship. However, his mind never stopped thinking up new ideas, and not long before his death, he would theorize a "death ray" that would ultimately attract the attention of J. Edgar Hoover and his cronies at the FBI. Tune in for part five of Nikola Tesla as we say goodbye to one of the most brilliant minds in history. (Ep. 050)

In part four of our series on Croatian inventor Nikola Tesla, we explore some of the highest highs and lowest lows of the genius's life. Success was coming his way, including a center-stage appearance at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, and his inventions were being implemented across the United States (and many other parts of the world). However, he was not immune to tragedy. He was forced to work in the laboratory of Thomas Edison after his own personal lab burned to the ground, and received no compensation from his investors for the loss. However, Tesla would also experience a high point in his work as a scientist, seeing some of his inventions implemented on a scale he had only dreamed of, and harnessing the awe-inspiring power of Niagara Falls. Tune in for part four of Nikola Tesla to learn more! (Ep. 049)

In part three of our series on the master of AC electricity, Nikola Tesla, we finally get to see the invention of the Tesla Coil! When introducing his new invention to shoot electricity wirelessly through the air, Nikola shocks the crowd (not actually) by illuminating a lightbulb held in one hand, while a bolt of electricity connects to his other hand. However, competition is fierce, and swaths of other so-called inventors steal his designs and try to claim them as their own. It's also around this time that Nikola's bad habit of not sleeping for days on end begins to catch up with him. After a fateful night spent chatting with a believer in the supernatural, he starts to think there might just be some connections between electricity and magic. Tune in for part three of Nikola Tesla as we dive even deeper into the mind of the brilliant inventor! (Ep. 048)

In part two of our series on electrical genius Nikola Tesla, we examine the early stages of his rise to success, along with the hardships that accompanied it. The road to success for young Nikola was anything but smooth, with obstacles such as a mutiny on his voyage to America, bad-faith investors he became entangled with upon arrival, and his subsequent exploitation while employed by the infamous Thomas Edison. However, Nikola's true genius couldn't be extinguished by any mutiny or crappy boss. His knack for innovation was relentless, and he would soon take the world of electricity by storm. Tune in for part two of Nikola Tesla to learn more about his earliest years of success as an inventor. (Ep. 047)

To kick off 2025 right, we're starting with one of the greatest titans of invention ever known to walk the earth: Nikola Tesla. Born to humble beginnings in what is now Croatia, Tesla's childhood was often carefree, but not without its fair share of trauma. Despite his father's strong push for young Nikola to follow in his footsteps and become a priest, Nikola's heart was drawn to engineering. More specifically, he soon discovered that his true passion was the study of electricity, which rapidly became his obsession. From childhood, Tesla suffered from random spells of intense, often debilitating visual hallucinations. However, in his early 20s, one of these visions would inspire an idea for a new type of electrical engine that would change the world forever. Tune in for part one of Nikola Tesla's story as we explore the earliest parts of the young genius's life! (Ep. 046)

It's time for another laid back episode of office hours! No set agenda, but we do talk about a few questions and corrections from our Marilyn Monroe series, as well as some conspiracy theories surrounding her death. This will be Akiva and Daniel's final episode of 2024, as they both need a bit of a break for the holidays, and some extra time to prepare for their next biographies. Have a happy holiday season, and we will see you 2025!

In the finale episode of our series on Marilyn Monroe, we take a look at her final years, her final movies, and what led up to her untimely death. Like most of her life, her final years weren't easy, and though she did get the chance to co-star with her childhood hero, Clark Gable, in her final completed movie, she was highly distraught when she learned that the press was falsely implying that she was somehow partly to blame for his death. Addiction to prescription pills and thoughts of taking her own life would increase over time, eventually landing her in a mental institution, then being placed in the care of new therapist whose experimental methods did nothing to aid in her depression. Join us for the conclusion episode on the life of Marilyn Monroe as we say goodbye to one of the most icon humans to ever live. (Ep. 045)

In part four of our series on Marilyn Monroe, we take a look at what life was like as the biggest star in the world. For Marilyn, it was definitely a case of "be careful what you wish for", as her life would be constantly invaded by members of the press and die-hard fans. The stress from both her public and private life would also kickstart an unhealthy relationship with drugs and alcohol that she would battle for the remainder of her life. Despite all the stresses, however, it was during this period of her life that Marilyn would star in several of her most famous films, including The Seven Year Itch and Some Like It Hot. Tune in for part four of Marilyn Monroe as we go through the most famous part of her life yet! (Ep. 044)

In the third installment of our series on Marilyn Monroe, we take a look at the early days of her rise to superstardom, and what movies helped catapult her career. After crossing paths with other stars like Groucho Marx and Cary Grant, Marilyn would catch her proverbial "big break" in one of the best pieces of cinema (possibly) of all time. Through her continued modeling career, she would also catch the attention of a certain New York Yankee, prompting a blind date that eventually lead to her second marriage. But it wasn't all glitz and glamour, as things in her personal life would cause emotional turmoil, never truly allowing her fully catch her breath. Tune in for part three of Marilyn Monroe to learn more! (Ep. 043) 

In part two of our series on blonde-bombshell, Marilyn Monroe, we get a glimpse of what life was like as she struggled to make a name for herself as a model, and eventually an actor. Contrary to what you might think, Hollywood did not welcome Marilyn with open arms, and the first five or so years of her pursuit of acting was riddled with uncertainty and struggle. In her private life, she also struggled with her first marriage, and before long began contemplating divorce. We'll also learn about what it cost both physically and mentally for Marilyn to accomplish her dreams of becoming an actor after being contract by 20th Century Fox to adhere to a set of guidelines called "The Star System".  Tune in for part two of our series on Marilyn Monroe to learn more! (Ep. 042)

We're starting a new series! With the most modern biography we've done to date, we're covering one of the most iconic humans to ever walk the earth: Marilyn Monroe. You might have an image in your head of what life may have been like growing up for such a glamorous celebrity, but you're probably wrong. Long before she would ever be known as Marilyn Monroe, Norma Jeane Mortensen was born to extremely humble beginnings in Los Angeles, California, and much of her adolescence was riddled with trauma and abuse. She would bounce between foster homes, live in an orphanage, and develop a life-long stutter from the trauma she endured. Though the first chapter of her life was rocky, life would ultimately improve for little Norma Jeane, laying the bricks that would one day lead her down the path of become one of the most beloved actors and celebrities of all time: Marilyn Monroe. Tune on for part one as we begin our most emotionally compelling biography yet! (Ep. 041) 

We take a break from our regularly scheduled programming for another episode of Office Hours, giving us a small break before starting up our next biography series. In this episode, we cover questions and corrections from our previous series on author Mary Shelley, in addition to talking about adult friendships, how to properly give hugs and handshakes, and why kilts (and therefore skirts and dresses) are anatomically more correct for men to wear. Tune in for a laid-back back episode of The Biographers!

In the conclusion episode of our series on Mary Shelley, we take a look at what life was like after Frankenstein achieved success. Upon returning to her homeland of England, her status as a superstar writer seemed to be universal, but for Mary, her primary focus was now on the task of raising her only son, Percy Florence Shelley. Despite her life settling down into a more regular and tranquil routine, she could never seem to shake the haunting memories of her lost loved ones, and would often reflect on them through her later writings. Sadly, loss and grief would not yet be over for Mary Shelley, but neither would be her career as a prodigious writer. Join us for our conclusion episode of Mary Shelley as we bid the mother of science fiction a fond farewell. (Ep. 040)

Death, death, and more death! In part four of our series on Mary Shelley, we go through the most tragic part of the classic author's life, experiencing more loss than ever before. Though there are some bright spots during this period of life, Mary Shelley would truly earn some Goth merit badges. Despite the losses, however, Mary did not let life beat her down, and would pull herself up by her bootstraps, resolving herself to a life of self-improvement. But unbeknownst to her, word was beginning to spread throughout England of a haunting new novel called "Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus", causing a frenzy of terror in the imaginations of the country, and she was now on the verge of becoming a national celebrity. Tune in for part four of our series on Mary Shelley to learn more! (Ep. 039)

In part three of our series on author Mary Shelley, we get to explore all the trials, tribulations, and moments of jubilation often used as sources of inspiration that ultimately lead to the creation of Frankenstein. There will be love, loss, and hounding creditors that force her husband, Percy Shelley, to live underground, but such is the life of a starving, rich-kid artist. We will also finally get to meet one of the most renowned poets of all time: the handsome, suave, and brilliant Lord Byron, who would also help to inspire another classic creature of the horror genre. But how did Mary Shelley ultimately come to write the classic horror novel Frankenstein, and would it have anything to do with the eruption of a devastating volcano? Tune in for part three of Mary Shelley to find out!

In part two of our series on Frankenstein author, Mary Shelley, we see the young genius enter her teenage years, and the blossoming of her relationship with the poet, Percy Shelley. As the two fall deeper in love, we get to see how "all too human" some of these legendary figures can be with sappy love poems, theatric professions of love, dramatic imprisonments in tall towers, and parents who try to extinguish their love. However, no parental wills can keep these two love-birds apart, and they soon begin a grand adventure across the European countryside, but not before encountering some troubles brought on by their own ill-formed designs. Tune in for part two as we continue on with the life of Mary Shelley! 

It's spooky season, so we're starting up a series on the mistress of morbid herself: Mary Shelley! In our first episode, we discuss the legacy of Mary's parents, and how Mary would be raised surrounded by some of the most cutting-edge thinkers of her time. After a tragic complication arises in the birthing process, Mary's father is left to raise his daughter alone, possessing little knowledge in how to educate a young lady. While living above the family book shop on Skinner Street, Mary would listen in on her father's conversations, often with scientists, one of which included new studies on reanimating a corpse with use of electricity! Eventually, Mary would be sent to a lady's finishing school, and then to Scotland, allowing her to explore some of the more haunted corners of Dundee. Once back at home, the brilliant proto goth-girl was beginning to attract suitors, one of whom really caught her eye by the name of Percy Shelley. Tune in as we begin to explore the life of the first ever Science Fiction writer, and the mother of the macabre: Mary Shelley! (Ep. 036)

As we take a quick break between our normal programming, we talk about recent hospital visits, professional wrestling, the current state of children's television, and horror movies. We also review some corrections from previous episodes, and expand on some ideas that were left unexplored. Join us for another laid-back episode of Office Hours. 

As we close out our series on the oft-forgotten genius of classical music, Franz Liszt, we bid the old maestro a fond farewell. Much like future rockstars would also experience, he would be forced to deal with a psychotic and dangerous stalker, hell-bent on taking him down one way or another. Despite his old age, Franz's popularity as a musician (and with the ladies) continues on, selling out concerts to adoring fans. But his golden years were not always kind to him, as he became more prone to bouts of depression, probably not aided by last remaining daughter, Cosima, who was still committed to the nefarious Richard Wagner. As the number of his medical conditions grew, his mental and physical state would decline, and the once affable charmer would evolve into a stereotypical grumpy old man. But how did it all come to an end? Tune in to part six -- our conclusion episode -- of Franz Liszt to find out! (Ep. 035)

In part five of our series on classical composer, Franz Liszt, we learn about the most tragic part of Franz's life, which compels him to become a clergyman of the Catholic Church. That's right: the infamous ladies-man has decided to become abbé! Does that mean the notorious lothario has to give up his promiscuous lifestyle to appease his faith? Regardless, this sensational news would sweep through Europe and cause a second wave of Lisztomania, filling his concerts to the brim once again! But what about his daughter, Cosima? Turns out, she has fallen into the web of the controversial Richard Wagner, whose influential prejudices would echo through history in unimaginable ways. Tune in for part five of Franz Liszt to learn more! (Ep. 034)

In part four of our series on Franz Liszt, we witness the rise of a music superstar the likes of which the world had never seen before, and what history would come to call "Lisztomania". But what made this superstar piano-player so special, and what caused such a stir in his fanbase? This wouldn't be the only point of pride during this phase of his life however, as he would soon invent a new form of music known as the Symphonic Poem, and help create the foundations for what we now consider pop music. But how was his love life going? What was happening with his children? Tune in for part four of Franz Liszt to find out! (Ep. 033)

In part three of our series on Franz Liszt, we explore the continuing rise of Franz's popularity, and all the stereotypical cliches that come with being a Pop Star. Yes, Franz was involved with all the things that the title of this episode implies, but also created one of the first ever benefit concerts which aided Hungarian citizens affected by a devastating flood. Throughout this period of his life, Franz would also innovate many of the ideas and traits that we now identify as a modern-day concert, and inadvertently create the persona of a Rock Star. For his contributions to music and his celebrity status, he would also be honored by his native land in a way that finally made him feel like a true son of Hungary. But what was going on in Franz's personal life? Was he able to maintain a monogamous relationship, or would he continue to create the cliches of Rock-Stardom through amorous affairs? Tune in to part three of Franz Liszt to find out! (Ep. 032)

In part two of our series on piano virtuoso, Franz Liszt, we get to see what life was like in 1830s Paris, as Franz rubs elbows with some of the most prominent writers, artists, and thinkers of the day. After witnessing a violin performance by the legendary Niccolò Paganini, Franz is inspired to reinvent what it means to play the piano, and establish himself as a true artist. It's also during this period that Franz meets his first great love, the Countess Marie d'Agoult, with whom he engages in his first scandalous affair. But this is only the beginning of the superstar's rise to fame, as audiences are just beginning to go crazy for the young, attractive, and charismatic performer. Tune in for part two of Franz Liszt to learn more about the rise of the world's first pop star. (Ep. 031)

In part one of our series on classical composer and pianist, Franz Liszt, we examine the earliest parts of the young prodigy's life. Though he was born the son of a humble bookkeeper, by age seven Franz would demonstrate such unbelievable skill on the piano that he would be accepted as a pupil in Vienna under the tutelage of the legendary composers Carl Czerny, and Antonio Salieri. But that was just the beginning of his rise to superstardom, as before he reached the age of 15, Franz would perform concerts in front of nearly every King and Queen in Europe, stir his audiences into a screaming frenzy, and stun his orchestras into silence... mid-performance. Buckle your seatbelts, everyone: we're just getting warmed up with the birth of the world's first rockstar. Tune in for part one of our series on Franz Liszt to learn more! (Ep. 030)

In our second episode of Office Hours, we kick our feet up once again, answering questions we asked ourselves from previous episodes, expanding upon some previously unexplored ideas, and adding color to some concepts that are just plain fascinating. We also add a bit more information related to Leonardo da Vinci, including a heist in the early 20th century that catapulted the Mona Lisa from a relatively unknown painting, to international icon. Join us for another laid-back episode of Office Hours. 

In the last installment of our series on Leonardo da Vinci, we cover the final ten years of the genius Renaissance man's life. Starting off in Milan, Leonardo tries to discover how the earth sustains life, much like he discovered the importance of the human heart years earlier. In his studies of geology, Leonardo becomes unabashedly heretical, using science to prove why the fossils of ocean creatures found their way to the tops of mountainsides. After the Sforzas try to retake Milan for the second time, Leonardo finds new patronage with Pope Leo the 10th, who turns out to be the son of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Now spending his days in Rome, he gets to catch up with his old friend, Donato Bramante, until a treacherous idea-thief forces him to move to France where he begins working for his most beloved patron: King Francis the 1st. After Leonardo's death, his long-time partner, Salai, gets caught stealing dozens of paintings, including the most iconic image in western history: The Mona Lisa. Tune in to our conclusion episode of Leonardo da Vinci to learn more, and bid the old master a fond farewell. 

In part six of our Leonardo da Vinci series, we learn about the more senior years of Leonardo's life working as an engineer, before reverting his attention back to art once again. The Signoria of Florence commissions him to paint The Battle of Anghiari, only to find that a new upstart artist named Michelangelo is also commissioned to work on a wall painting right next to him. The two master artists then enter a battle of skill, until da Vinci finds a way out by asking the king of France for a favor, abandoning what could have been a masterpiece more famous than The Mona Lisa. After leaving his childhood home of Florence in favor of Milan, he first meets his adopted son, Francesco Melzi, and finds delight in scientific pursuits once again, this time revealing the ways of the heart -- literally. Tune in for part six of Leonardo da Vinci to learn more! (Ep. 028)

In part five of our series on Leonardo da Vinci, we dive into the first five years of Leonardo's return to his hometown of Florence after nearly two decades away. Upon arriving home, Leonardo discovers a conservative church-cult has taken over Florence after overthrowing Lorenzo the Magnificent. Leonardo also dodges portrait requests from bratty socialites, and paints a masterpiece known as Madonna of the Yarnwinder. Eventually, Leonardo begins to work for the infamous Cesare Borgia, whose cruel and merciless deeds would echo through history. After hearing news of the new world, da Vinci would then team up the notorious Niccolo Machiavelli, and hatch a plan for Florence to retake the port town of Pisa. But how did they plan to take the town without an army? Is it possible to steal a river? Tune in to part five of Leonardo da Vinci to find out! (Ep. 027)

In part 4 of our series on Leonardo da Vinci, we finally see the master artist's time in Milan come to an end. But before his time in Milan was over, Leonardo would discover multiple laws of the universe before Newton, Galileo, or Bernoulli, and build machines that tested the very limits of human imagination. Leonardo would also be commissioned to paint one of his most prolific works, The Last Supper, depicting a freeze-frame of a pivotal bible story. With gathered scientific knowledge way before its time, da Vinci would then pursue his longest standing dream: achieving human flight. But what was the fate of Leonardo's most beloved artistic endeavor, The Sforza Horse? Would the gargantuan statue be lost to history, or did fate have other plans almost 500 years later? Tune in to part 4 of our series on Leonardo da Vinci to find out!

In part three of our series on Leonardo da Vinci, we take a look at the first decade of Leonardo's time working for the Duke of Milan. Despite his initial ambitions to design war machines, da Vinci finds himself in the world of theatre, making sets and working as a court entertainer. In the world of art, da Vinci paints "The Virgin of the Rocks", and "Lady with an Ermine", showing off his skills in both science and symbolism. Leonardo also takes full advantage of his time in court to make connections, becoming friends with various masters of their craft to pursue architecture and the nature of the "universal man". Eventually, Leonardo lands his biggest job yet, resulting in an explosion of resources that will allow him to pursue every interest his brilliant mind can dream up. Tune in to part three of series on Leonardo da Vinci to learn more!

In part two of our series on Leonard da Vinci, we take a look at Leonardo's first decade as a master-ranked painter. Regardless of his distinguished title of "master", Leonardo still can't seem to finish most of the work he takes on, which results in one of the greatest unfinished works in history. We also get to learn about one of da Vinci's most revered paintings, which captures the soul of a young girl trapped in convention, whilst simultaneously revealing parts of his own soul. Coups will be plotted, and blood will be spilled, but from the chaos Leonardo will reinvent himself in the treacherous court of Ludovico Sforza, in the Italian city of Milan. Tune in for part 2 of Leonardo da Vinci to find out more!

It's finally Akiva's turn to host a series with our oldest biography yet: that of revered painter and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci. After we explore da Vinci's complicated childhood and education, we set the scene for Leonardo's new home of Florence, Italy -- a city of paint, gold, and blood. After da Vinci is accepted as a student under the legendary painting instructor, Andrea del Verrocchio, we also learn how young Leonardo becomes fascinated with geometry, architecture, fashion, science, and all forms of art, unknowingly securing his place as one of the most respected and popular figures of the Renaissance era. Tune in to part 1 of Leonard da Vinci to learn more!

It's time to chill out for a minute and take a break from all the studying and learning. In our first ever episode of Office Hours, we kick up our feet and casually chat about anything and everything. We also take a few minutes to go over questions we asked from previous series', and clarifying a few things we didn't get quite right. Tune in for a laid-back conversation between our two hosts, Daniel Newman and Akiva Meola. 

In the conclusion episode to our series on Tennessee whiskey maker, Jack Daniel, we bid a fond farewell to the charismatic community leader, and dispel a few myths regarding his death. But what events led up to his ultimate demise, and what did Jack end up doing with his fortune? Maybe most importantly, who was going to take over his legendary distiller, and would it be able to stand the test of time? Tune in for part six, the finale, of our series on Jack Daniel to find out!

In part five of our series on legendary distiller, Jack Daniel, we finally get to see the little guy from Tennessee enter the spotlight of worldwide fame. But just as he was starting to bask in the spotlight, the United States began to accelerate in the direction of temperance, largely aided by outspoken activists like Carrie Nation. How did the Jacks Daniel's distillery survive such a turbulent time, and was Jack still the leader of the business? Tune in to part five as we continue on with the life of Jack Daniel!

In part four of our series on American Whiskey maker, Jack Daniel, we uncover the true origins of how Jack labelled his product as "Old No. 7," along with a few alternative tall-tales regarding the name. We also get to see Jack stretch his wings and expand his business in a way we have never seen before, in addition to introducing a new product to the marketplace called "The Belle of Lincoln." But how did Jack manage to keep his business afloat amidst the intense corruption that surrounded the whiskey industry in the United States? Was the Temperance movement still growing, and would it mean the end of distilling in the Appalachian Mountains? Tune in for part four of our series on Jack Daniel to find out more!

In part three of our Jack Daniel series, we finally get to see the Boy Distiller become a fully-fledged southern gentleman of bourbon (Tennessee Whiskey, if you want to be precise). But the road ahead would not be as smooth as his whiskey, as the growing Temperance movement in the United States was gaining more and more momentum. How did this affect the young entrepreneur, and would Uncle Sam be a useful shoulder to cry on? Tune into part three of series on legendary distiller, Jack Daniel, to find out! 

In part two of our series on Jack Daniel, we learn all about the ancient art of whiskey making, and how the young Jack Daniel first discovered the craft. From his affable and charming personality, Jack became a popular figure throughout his community, and earned himself the nickname of The Boy Distiller. But as Jack's reputation and ambitions grew, so did his desire to expand his sales territory. Join us as we learn about Jack Daniel's early days as a prolific salesman, and ambitious whiskey maker. 

For this series, we're headed to the Tennessee backcountry to talk about an American icon that many of you probably didn't realize was an actual person: Jack Daniel. But how did Jack Daniel come to distill spirits in the mountains of Appalachia? Is it true that he ran away from home at just 6 years old to pursue his dream of making corn liquor, or is that just an old wives' tale? Growing up during the time of the American Civil War must have been tough, so how did he navigate through such a devastating time in American history? Tune in for part one of this series as we explore the earliest known history of Jack Daniel's life, and how the entire Daniel family came to settle in pre United States America.

In our final episode on Abigail Adams, we follow her through the final parts of her life, during which she celebrates new grand (and great grand) children, and mourns the loss of many who were close to her. Sharp-witted until the end, Abigail continued to help those around her - particularly her female heirs - even in her death. Join us as we say farewell to the second First Lady of the United States. 

In this episode, we see a mature Abigail Adams help thwart what would have been a terrible marriage for her daughter, followed by her graceful transition to grandmother, and the events that lead up to her becoming the First Second Lady of the United States. Maybe most incredible of all, we see Abigail become a pint-sized titan of war bonds and real estate, which ultimately helped secure the futures of her entire family. Tune in to learn about scandals, scuttlebutt, and more!

In an era where women could not have their own money or property, Abigail and John's unique and trusting relationship allows Abigail to start an import business, invest in real estate, purchase government bonds, and more. Despite her success, she's missing John more than ever before… when will their extended absence end? Find out in this episode!

In our second episode on Abigail Adams, all is not well in the colonies, as a revolution, rather than tea, was brewing. Abigail and John experienced more periods of separation, due to John's position in the Continental Congress. The unintended consequence of this? Abigail was entrusted with many family responsibilities that women of the time typically didn't attend to. She also found courage to express more opinions about politics and women's needs to her friends, and her husband. Tune in to find out more! 

For our fourth series, we're heading all the way back to the 1700s to learn about the United States' second First Lady, Abigail Adams. Though you might simply know her as the wife of John Adams, critics called her "Mrs. President," a dig on her influence of her husband's political policy. Long before history would come to know her name, she was simply Abigail Smith, the daughter of a local Minister, but over the years would become one of the most well-regarded women of her time, advocating heavily for her country, and women's' rights. Tune in for part one as we dive into the earliest parts of Abigail Adams' life in the world of Colonial America!