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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.

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)

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!

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

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)

Tough times lay ahead for Mark Twain in part nine of our series on the legendary humorist. Somewhere along the way, Sam Clemens got it into his head that he was a businessman, but nothing could be further from the truth, and none of his business deals would yield any profits. He would tell the press that he was taking his family to Europe for his wife's health, but the truth was that the US dollar could go further abroad. For nine years, the Clemens family would live in exile, before Sam would finally decide to pay off his debts by going on a worldwide lecture tour... But the tough times would be far from over. We're in the home-stretch: tune in for part nine of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 069)

In part eight of our series on the godfather of American comedy, Mark Twain, we finally get into the development and publishing of his most famous novel: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The book was considered controversial upon release (and continues to be), so we take plenty of time to examine its impact. Though he still possesses a knack for writing, times are getting tough for Sam Clemens as his continued failures in the world of business lead further down the path of financial ruin. Tune in the part eight of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 068)

In part seven of our series on the incomparable Mark Twain, the godfather of American comedy finally publishes one of his most seminal works: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Though the book is largely praised by critics, its initial sales are disappointing. Seeking new inspiration, Twain soon decides to take his family on an extended trip through Europe. The journey lasts seventeen months and provides enough material for him to publish another travel book, A Tramp Abroad. Once back in the United States, Twain eventually sets out on another trip, this time alone, traveling up and down the Mississippi River. It is from this journey that he finds the inspiration for two of his most respected works: Life on the Mississippi and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Tune in to part seven of our Mark Twain series to learn more! (Ep. 067)

As we press on with the life of Mark Twain, trouble starts to brew in the early years of the 1870s. Some personal tragedy will strike the Clemens family, and Sam will experience some of his first true professional failures. Regardless, Sam and his true-love, Livy, remain hopelessly in love, and their family will continue to grow. Through the tragedies, however, Sam's ever-increasingly nostalgic brain will receive the first sparks of creativity that will ultimately lead to the creation of both The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and Adventures of HuckleberryFinn. Tune in for part six of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 066)

In part five of our series on Mark Twain, the author is officially back stateside after a trip through Europe and the “Holy Land.” From these experiences, he would write his first novel, The Innocents Abroad; or, The New Pilgrim’s Progress — a smash hit that fundamentally changed the fabric of American literature. He would also launch a new lecture series called American Vandal that would receive widespread critical acclaim and send shockwaves of controversy throughout America. It would also be around this time that Mark Twain would meet the true love of his life, a beautiful and brilliant woman named Olivia Langdon. Tune in for part five of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 065)

As we continue our series, we witness the steady rise of legendary author and orator, Mark Twain, following the publication of his famous short story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. After a trip to the Sandwich Islands (later known as Hawaii), Twain takes to the stage before making his way from San Francisco to New York. It’s in New York that he meets the massively influential preacher and theologian, Henry Ward Beecher, who is planning the world’s first pleasure cruise. Quick to buy a ticket, Twain later uses the story of his excursion as the basis for his first major hit: The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrim’s Progress. Tune in for part four of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 064)

The American Civil War has officially begun! In part three of our series on Mark Twain, we see the not-yet-writer briefly join the Missouri State Guard before fleeing west with his brother. After a few failed business attempts and an accidental case of arson, Sam Clemens lands a job as a journalist, and officially takes up the pen-name of Mark Twain. His popularity as a journalist increased over time, eventually leading him to San Francisco and the high-life that the city offered. Eventually, however, Sam's pocketbook would run dry, and to avoid a debt collector, he would lay low in a small cabin outside Sonora, California. It would be here that Sam would hear the story of a certain jumping frog in Calaveras County that he would soon thereafter turn into his first national smash-hit. Tune in to part three of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 063)

In part two of our series on Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain), we follow young Sam as he enters the working world, becoming a typesetter’s apprentice in his hometown of Hannibal. His small town couldn’t hold him for long, however, and he soon hit the road, traveling around the East Coast of the United States. Eventually, Sam began to pursue a career as a steamboat pilot, spending countless hours navigating up and down the mighty Mississippi River. It was around this time that he started keeping a regular journal, noting the sights and sounds along the river and cataloging his ever-evolving wit and moral compass. But tragedy would soon strike (no spoilers!), followed not long after by the outbreak of the American Civil War. Tune in for part two of Mark Twain as we continue exploring this fascinating life! (Ep. 062)

In series 12 of The Biographers, we're talking about one of the truest titans of American literature to ever put pen to paper: Mark Twain. Given the name Samuel Langhorne Clemens at birth in the pre-Civil War era of America, our next subject would grow up in a time of slavery, witness its abolition, and grow to become an outspoken opponent of racism. His childhood was often times idyllic, but was not without its moments of extreme trauma and tragedy. Thankfully, literacy was on the rise, and through the magic of books, young Sammy Clemens was able to find an escape from the drudgery and sadness of his youth, and forge some unforgettable friendships. His childhood would abruptly come to an end, however, and at just 12 years old he would enter the workforce. Tune in for part 1 of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 061)

It's time for another laid-back episode of Office Hours! A bit of nonsense as usual, chatting about mini vans, how they are superior to SUVs, and how trucks are worst, but we also talk a lot about corrections and answers to questions from the past series on Alexandre Dumas. We're relaxing this week, but will be back in two weeks as we start up a monster series on the legendary Mark Twain!

In the final episode of our series, we cover the last years of General Alexandre Dumas. With the smoldering wreck of The Orient sinking in Aboukir Bay, Dumas and his men abandoned their military charge and were reduced to a single objective: survive. With the help of Napoleon's band of academic geniuses, the French armies were stabilized, and the world's first institute of Egyptology was established. After putting down a revolt in Cairo, Dumas set sail for home, only to discover that the ship he had boarded was falling apart at sea. When he and his men were forced to dock in Italy, they were greeted by an unexpected host — an encounter that would later inspire his son to write The Count of Monte Cristo. Upon finally returning to France, Dumas realized that it was no longer the republic he had left behind, and his many years as a soldier would soon begin to catch up with him. Tune in to our final episode on General Alexandre Dumas to bid this hero a fond farewell! (Ep. 060)

In part four of Alexandre Dumas, we cover General Dumas's time under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte. Dumas would be sent to engage the "unwindable" parts of France, laying siege to the city of Mantua, and recovering a secret letter just in time to save his troops, but would have his named wiped from the newspapers by a jealous Napoleon. Demoted for “insubordination,” Alexandre went on to lead a subdivision in pursuit of the Austrians through the northern mountains of Italy. Personal tragedy fueled his rage, and Austrian soldiers gave him the bitter moniker “The Black Devil.” After an unbelievable shootout on the Bridge of Tyrol, Dumas would be sent on a secret expedition before a massive armada set sail for the sands of Egypt. Here, Alexandre would begin to truly understand the dangerous ego of the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte. Tune in for part four to learn more! (Ep. 059)

In part three of our series on Alexandre Dumas, we see the French Revolution enter phase two with the arrival of the Reign of Terror, led by the infamous Maximilien Robespierre. During this turbulent period, Alexandre earned a reputation as a commander with a remarkable ability to transform undisciplined troops into effective fighting forces — a skill that eventually elevated him to the rank of General. However, his rise was not without hardship. The French armies suffered heavy casualties under the rule of a government that had recently adopted the guillotine to dole out punishment. Through it all, Alexandre remained principled, denouncing the regime's bloodthirsty tactics while staying loyal to a country determined to see its revolution through. Tune in to part three of our series on Alexandre Dumas to learn more! (Ep. 058)

In part two of our series on the legendary French soldier Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, we witness the rise of a humble soldier as he climbs the ranks of the newly established national military during the early days of the French Revolution. After famine ravaged the population, France was in turmoil and hungry for change, leading the people to overthrow their king and establish the first democratic nation in modern Europe. Soon, Austria threatened to crush the French uprising, and Alexandre's battalion was stationed in a small town in the French countryside. It was there that he would fall in love—and despite being a person of color in a time when racism was still rampant—he was granted the hand of his beloved. But the French Revolution was only in its infancy, and Alexandre would soon be called upon to help command France’s first all-Black legion of soldiers. Tune in for part two of Alexandre Dumas to learn more! (Ep. 056)

We're back, and it's officially time to start up Series 11! For this series, we're getting back to our roots by discussing a person most people have never heard of. While many do know the name "Alexandre Dumas" — author of classic stories like The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers — most probably don't know that his father was actually the real-life inspiration for those classic adventure stories. That's right: we're not talking about Alexandre Dumas (Jr.), but rather his father. Born into slavery in Haiti, Alexandre Dumas (Sr.) would be no stranger to hardship throughout his early life, witnessing the sale of his entire family whom he would never see again. As a teenager, he found himself living the life of an aristocrat in Paris, rapidly receiving an education and learning the art of fencing, all before denouncing his deplorable father's family name and enlisting in the French military. Tune in for part one of our series on Alexandre Dumas Sr. to learn more — this is a story you really have to hear to believe! (Ep. 056)

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 final episode of our series on Marilyn Monroe, we take a look at her last years, her final movies, and what led up to her untimely death. Like much of her life, her final years weren't easy. Although she had the opportunity to co-star with her childhood hero, Clark Gable, in her final completed movie, she was deeply distressed when she learned that the press was falsely implying that she was somehow partly to blame for his death. Her addiction to prescription pills and thoughts of taking her own life grew over time, eventually landing her in a mental institution before being placed in the care of a new therapist, whose experimental methods did nothing to alleviate her depression. Join us for the concluding episode on the life of Marilyn Monroe as we say goodbye to one of the most iconic 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)

It's new series time, and we're covering our most modern biography to date as we take a closer look at one of the most iconic humans to ever walk the earth: Marilyn Monroe. 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 transforming into one of the most beloved actors and celebrities of all time. 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! (Ep. 038)

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! (Ep. 037)

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)