The Biographers

The Biographers is a deep-dive biography podcast that aims to tell the full and complete stories of history’s most fascinating and influential characters. Join hosts Daniel Newman and Akiva Meola as they take you through the expansive and entertaining stories of various historic figures.

In a time where short-form, hardly-researched videos flood TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, we are doing the exact opposite. The Biographers gives you the chance to learn the full life stories of historic figures, both famous and obscure, without cutting corners. With hour-long, deep-dive research, we provide a bigger, better story than what’s in your feed. If you love true crime, but are craving stories about people who truly made a difference, then you’ve just discovered your new favorite podcast.

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23 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 21 min
English

Episodes 23

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S15 · E3
Saturday · 1 hr 7 min
Marcus Aurelius Part 3: Pestis Antonina
In part three of our series on Marcus Aurelius, we cover the battlefronts that the twin emperors were tasked to manage. In Syria, Marcus tasks his brother and co-emperor, Lucius Verus (great bad guy name), with confronting the armies of king Vologases, but his time as commander in chief was not exactly what Marcus had hoped for. Speaking of tactics, we go over Rome's astonishing ability to adapt when fighting the Parthian cataphracts, along with the top generals who brought glory to Rome. After the war, a “pestilential vapor” would allegedly escape from a golden coffin, wreaking havoc on the populous, and Marcus Aurelius would face a new challenger (with another great bad guy name) in the north. Tune in for part three of Marcus Aurelius to learn more! (Ep. 084)
S15 · E2
September 5 · 1 hr 14 min
Marcus Aurelius Part 2: Horror Imperii
In part two of our series on Marcus Aurelius, we see Marcus’ get adopted by Antoninus Pius after the grisly death of Hadrian. After moving into the royal palace, Antoninus Pius would become a role model to Marcus , and he'd become close with his new step brother, Lucius Verus, despite being polar opposites. Marcus would become increasingly fearful of ruling as his 20’s were spent gaining more and more responsibility over the empire. Outside of the senate, Marcus took tutoring from two clashing minds: Cornelius Fronto and Junius Rusticus, who battled to turn Marcus into a better speaker or philosopher. As Antoninus Pius bent more with age, both Marcus and Lucius would become increasingly aware of the tidal waves of trouble their father had been holding back, and they would both prepare themselves to carry the burden. Tune in to part two of Marcus Aurelius to learn more! (Ep.083)
S15 · E1
August 22 · 1 hr 9 min
Marcus Aurelius Part 1: Verissimus
In part one of our series on famed Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius, we explore the early life of the last of the so-called “5 good emperors”. Born the son of a wealthy mother and a politician father who would die early on, Marcus would be raised in the lap of Hadrian, the famed “builder emperor of Rome". As Hadrian left to begin his tour of the far reaches of the empire, Marcus learned his first lessons from the painters, servants and tutors provided by his mother, giving him a taste of his future passion: philosophy. By his teens, the young philosopher would be pushed to his limits when Hadrian returned, more brutal and insane than ever before. It would take all the wisdom, courage, and temperance young Marcus had to not be killed by the unhinged orders of his dying emperor. Tune in to part one to hear the beginnings of Marcus Aurelius! (Ep. 082)
August 8 · 1 hr 2 min
Office Hours Ep. 11: Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
It's time for another episode of Office Hours, and this time we have some show-altering news! Our very own Akiva Meola, who has been co-host of The Biographers for two years, is leaving the show. We talk about what led him to this decision, while also introducing the person who will be taking his place. Don't worry, everyone! Change can be scary, but we know you're going to love our new co-host -- the one and only Charlotte Stanley.
S14 · E5
July 25 · 1 hr 34 min
Wu Zhao Part 5: The Fall of a Dynasty
In the conclusion to our series on the infamous Wu Zhao, we discover why the only female emperor in Chinese history, relinquished the throne. Her reign as emperor would only last 15 years, and though she would have several opportunities to extend her dynasty past a single member, her stubborn nature would get the better of her. Zhao's new pair of lovers, the Chang brothers, would seemingly cast a spell upon her that clouded her judgment, which in turn affected her ability to rule fairly. The political court around her would eventually become so desperate for change that they would stage a coup, and her reign would end. The tea is hot in this episode — tune in for part five of Wu Zhou to see how it all ends! (Ep. 081)
S14 · E4
July 11 · 1 hr 16 min
Wu Zhao Part 4: No Half Measures
In part four of our series on Wu Zhao, we watch the continued rise to power of the only female emperor in the history of China. With Emperor Gaozong's health declining to the point of his ultimate demise, Zhao finds various means to push her sons away from the throne and establish herself as the de facto leader of China. It would take social, political, and religious reform, along with some not-so-savory actions, before the time would finally be right. Finally, at the age of 65, Zhao would ascend the throne and take the name of Emperor Wu Zetian. Tune in to part four to learn all the juicy details! (Ep. 080)
S14 · E3
June 27 · 59 min
Wu Zhao Part 3: The Two Sages
In part three of our series on the infamous Wu Zhao, we finally get to see her long-planned rise to Empress, and what sequence of events led her there! Due to some health complications, the Emperor would soon rely on Zhao to run the day to day governmental operations of China, and despite the medieval Chinese belief that women were unfit (and unable) to lead, Zhao would prove to be an astute political leader, which resulted in the royal couple earning the nickname of "The Two Sages". Tune in to part three of Wu Zhao to learn more! (Ep. 079)
S14 · E2
June 13 · 1 hr 10 min
Wu Zhao Part 2: How to Train Your Concubine
In part two of our series on Wu Zhao, we take a look at the earliest days of her arrival into the royal harem of the Emperor, and what curriculum needed to be studied as a concubine. Zhao's time in the harem would first last ten years, but after the Emperor she served passed away, she would be shuttled off to live the life of a solitary monk in a monastery. Thanks to some careful planning (as well as a bit of luck), Zhao would find herself back in the royal palace, and mother to three children. But her sights were now fixed on becoming Empress, and in order to fulfill her dreams, drastic steps needed to be taken. But just how far was she willing to go? Tune in to part two of Wu Zhao to find out! (Ep. 078)
S14 · E1
May 30 · 1 hr 13 min
Wu Zhao Part 1: A Great and Terrible Honor
It's time for a brand new series, and this time we're headed further back in time than we ever have before: the 7th century! For series 14 of The Biographers, we're covering Wu Zhao -- the only woman to ever reign as the Emperor of China. At just 13 years old, Wu Zhao was recruited into the Emperor's harem of concubines, and despite being born in a time and place where women were viewed as disposable, she would seize every opportunity put before her in a relentless quest to have her name carved into the history books. Buckle up, kids -- this one's going to be a doozie! (Ep. 77)
May 16 · 1 hr 2 min
Office Hours Ep. 10: Now With Video!
Coming in hot with another laid-back episode of Office Hours, but this time we have video! We are indeed humans! In this episode, we go over all the corrections and questions from our Frida Kahlo series in addition to chatting about our upcoming series on Wu Zhao.
S13 · E6
May 2 · 1 hr 32 min
Frida Kahlo Part 6: Una Vida Vivida
In our final episode on Frida Kahlo, we discuss her last decade of life. Coming on the heels of Trotsky's death, Frida and Diego decide to remarry after realizing what they meant to one another, if only for a time. Frida's painting skills peaked in the 1940s, reaching a new level of detail evident in “Rosita Morillo” and “Moses”, which led to national recognition as one of Mexico's finest painters. Her newfound esteem even landed her a teaching position at La Esmeralda, where Frida and the “Fridos” explored the world with an artist's eye. Her time as a teacher was cut short, however, when health issues arose. As her friends sat beside her in the hospital bed once again, they knew she didn't have long to live. In a final effort to celebrate Frida’s alegría, artists, poets, peasants, and rebels banded together for an exhibition that nearly broke down the doors of La Galería Contemporánea. Needless to say, when the party ended, she would spend her last years fighting death with a ferocity only Frida could muster. Tune in to hear the finale of Frida Kahlo! (Ep. 076)
S13 · E5
April 18 · 1 hr 42 min
Frida Kahlo Part 5: La Surrealista Asesina
In part 5 of our series covering the dramatic and tragic life of Frida Kahlo, we go over the most formative years for her career as a painter. Following Diego's brutal betrayal of trust, Frida would make more paintings in two years than in the entirety of her marriage to him, creating masterpieces like The Two Fridas, and What the Water Gave Me. After an art show in Manhattan that had Frida spreading her wings outside of her husband's shadow, surrealist icons like Andre Breton would invite her to Paris for an exhibition, which turned out to be more than she bargained for. Back in Mexico, a petulant Diego would shove a political wedge between himself and the 4th International, setting off a chain of events that would leave a hand broken, a skull crushed, a house raided, and Frida Kahlo behind bars. Tune in to part four to hear all the drama! (Ep. 075)
S13 · E4
April 4 · 1 hr 26 min
Frida Kahlo Part 4: Unos Cuantos Piquetitos
In part four of our series on Frida Kahlo, the seminal artist's grand tour of the United States comes to an end. Devastation would follow devastation in Frida’s mid-twenties: a miscarriage in Detroit, followed by the death of her mother in Coyoacán. Diego, on the other hand, was at the height of his fame, and was receiving commissions from some of America's most elite clientele. Unfortunately for Diego, his work would be a little too "Red" for the taste's of client's, and his work would be destroyed before it was finished. After moving back to Mexico, Diego would find some redemption, but would soon commit a betrayal so painful that Frida considered it equal to her most devastating physical injuries. Bruised but not broken, Frida would go on to create a life somewhat free of Diego’s influence just as the tides would usher in the arrival of one of the biggest names in the history of Communism. Tune in for part four to learn more! (Ep. 074)
S13 · E3
March 21 · 1 hr 26 min
Frida Kahlo Part 3: Gringolandia
In part three of our series on Frida Kahlo, we explore Frida’s early years of marriage to the world-famous painter Diego Rivera, along with her time spent touring the United States. In Cuernavaca, Diego finds himself painting the Mexican Revolution for American oil investors, while Frida begins to paint from within. As fascism spreads across Mexico like a disease, the two depart for America — or, as Frida called it, “Gringolandia.” There, Diego relishes his newfound fame, while Frida is less than pleased. In New York, Frida confides in her new American friends, feeling disillusioned as she watches Diego's wealthy new clients trivialize their message. Following Diego's success, the two are whisked to the Motor City, where Frida's expressive, rebellious side begins to flourish more and more, laughing in the faces of the elite. Unfortunately, the fun is short-lived, as tragedy lurks just around the corner. Tune in to part three of Frida Kahlo to learn more! (Ep. 073)
S13 · E2
March 7 · 1 hr 26 min
Frida Kahlo Part 2: El Elefante y la Paloma
In part two of our series on Frida Kahlo, we discuss the aftermath of one of Frida's greatest tragedies that would ultimately leave Frida in pieces. With dozens of shattered bones and an iron bar piercing her abdomen, Frida would spend the next two years evading death. As she recovered, her novio, Alejandro, slowly disappeared from her life, and Frida would find new meaning through painting. During this time, she created some of her first portrait works while mummified in a plaster corset to realign her spine. When she “recovered,” Frida reunited with the Cachuchas to support La Raza Cósmica through José Vasconcelos’ campaign. He would lose the election, but it gave Frida the opportunity to join the Communist Party, and there she would meet the world-famous muralist (and womanizer) Diego Rivera. Despite a 20-year age gap, the two would fall in love, and wedding bells were soon heard in the distance. Everyone had an opinion on the slovenly painter’s new fling, and Frida’s own mother called it “a marriage between an elephant and a dove.” Tune in to part two of Frida Kahlo to learn more! (Ep. 072)
February 24 · 1 hr 31 min
Bonus! -- A Taste of History: An Interview with Max Miller
We are thrilled to be speaking with incomparable Max Miller of the sensational YouTube channel: Tasting History. Max kindly agreed to work with us on a recent collaboration video about the eating habits of Nikola Tesla, whose culinary preferences are as specific as they are riddled with historical inaccuracies. We got the chance to sit down with Max to discuss our respective research processes, and how "facts" about history are not always what they seem.
S13 · E1
February 21 · 1 hr 30 min
Frida Kahlo Part 1: La Pequeña Diablillo
We're officially starting series 13, and this time we're focusing on one of the most influential artists of all time: Frida Kahlo! In part one, we discuss Frida's family origins, the political turmoil in Mexico at the time, her early struggles with illness, and her wild years studying at the esteemed National Preparatory School in Mexico City. At school, she rubbed elbows with some of the greatest young minds in Mexico while also causing trouble with her rebellious gang, the Cachuchas. Frida would also experience all the ups and downs of being an angsty teenager, like falling in love, causing trouble, churning up drama, and occasionally detonating small bombs that shattered all the glass windows of her school . But just as her young life was beginning to blossom, she would experience a tragedy that would alter her life forever. (Ep. 071)
February 7 · 1 hr 11 min
Office Hours Ep 9: Historical Prophylactics
Time to sit back and relax for another casual episode of Office Hours. We go through questions and corrections from our series on Mark Twain, and share an amazing story from one of our listeners who has some personal connections to Pancho Villa. We'll be back for our regularly scheduled programming in two weeks, starting into our next biography subject: Frida Kahlo!
January 23 · 1 hr 19 min
Concerning Jim: An Interview with Professor Shelley Fisher Fishkin
This week, we are thrilled to be joined for an interview with one of the world's leading Mark Twain scholars who currently teaches at Stanford University: Professor Shelley Fisher Fishkin (https://shelleyfisherfishkin.com/bio) . Most recently, Professor Fishkin has published a book called "Jim: The Life and Afterlives of Huckleberry Finn's Comrade", which aims to debunk the notion that Mark Twain's character, Jim, in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a racist portrayal. Join us as we explore this complex subject with one of the world's leading authorities on all things Mark Twain. Buy the book here: https://shelleyfisherfishkin.com/jim Listen to the audiobook here: https://a.co/d/18NXmE8
S12 · E10
January 10 · 1 hr 50 min
Mark Twain Part 10: No Humor In Heaven
It’s finally time to close the book on the life of the incomparable Mark Twain. His final ten years would not be easy, riddled with heartache and devastation, but the world at large would finally awaken to the utter genius in its midst, and his works would take their place among the great masterpieces of literature. Join us as we say goodbye to our pal, Mark Twain. (Ep. 070)

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