Explore every episode of the podcast Byte Sized Biographies…

Like something out of a fairy tale, in 1864, a European power installed an Austrian nobleman as Maximillian I, Emperor of Mexico, ultimately resulting in tragedy, madness and execution.

Like something out of a fairy tale, in 1864, a European power installed an Austrian nobleman as Maximillian I, Emperor of Mexico, ultimately resulting in tragedy, madness and execution.

The true story Of Frank Morris, John and Clarence Anglin and their remarkable escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary.

The true story Of Frank Morris, John and Clarence Anglin and their remarkable escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary.

One of the most incredible stories of the Civil War

One of the most incredible stories of the Civil War.  

Publicly,  perceived as one of the great romances of the 20th century, privately the Oliviers endured infidelity, severe mental illness and ultimately divorce.

Publicly revered as one of the great romances of the 20th Century, privately it was marred by infidelity, severe mental illness and divorce Olivier in Rebecca with Joan Fontaine The Oliviers in Australia, the smiles would eventually fade Vivien Leigh, 1957 Olivier’s costume in Spartacus Olivier in, “The Entertainer,” with Joan Plowright Olivier and Joan Plowright visiting the Reagan’s in the White House in the 80’s Olivier’s grave in Westminster Abbey

In 1969, the 20th Century Fox film, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” established these two outlaws as popular culture icons. But what was the truth about the lives, crimes and deaths of these two American legends?

In 1969, the 20th Century Fox film, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” established these two outlaws as popular culture icons. But what was the truth about the lives, crimes and deaths of these two American legends?

Shortly after the conquest of Norway by Nazi Germany, Allied intelligence determined that an electrical plant at Rjukan, Norway was providing a crucial element in a potential German atomic bomb. As a result, Norwegian commandos embarked on one of the most successful and heroic operations of World War II.

Shortly after the conquest of Norway by Nazi Germany, Allied intelligence determined that an electrical plant at Rjukan, Norway was providing a crucial element in a potential German atomic bomb. As a result, Norwegian commandos embarked on one of the most successful and heroic operations of World War II.

On March 18, 1990, two thieves stole over a half billion dollars worth of artwork from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Art Museum. Today this remains the world’s largest unsolved art robbery.

On March 18, 1990, two thieves stole over a half billion dollars worth of artwork from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Today this remain’s the world largest unsolved art robbery.

IN 1911, an American explorer, Hiram Bingham, re-discovered the Incan ruins at Machu Picchu, helping to popularize this site, which today is one of the seven modern wonders of the world.

IN 1911, an American explorer, Hiram Bingham, re-discovered the Incan ruins at Machu Picchu, helping to popularize this site, which today is one of the seven modern wonders of the world.

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

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

In 1963, two British criminals masterminded the robbery of 2.6 million pounds in cash from a Royal Mail Train, an amount worth 45 million pounds today. The robbery and its aftermath caused a nationwide sensation.

In 1963, two British criminals masterminded the robbery of 2.6 million pounds in cash from a Royal Mail Train, an amount worth 45 million pounds today. The robbery and its aftermath caused a nationwide sensation.

Acclaimed in his lifetime for his remarkable literary career, Charles Dickens’ private life was wracked by dysfunction, scandal and the cruelty he inflicted on his wife and his children.

Acclaimed in his lifetime for his remarkable literary career, Charles Dickens’ private life was wracked by dysfunction, scandal and the cruelty he inflicted on his wife and his children.

The remarkable story of the courage and suffering of the passengers aboard the Mayflower and the establishment of the Plymouth Colony. On November 11, 1620, a 100 foot long cargo ship called the Mayflower entered what is today known as Provincetown Harbor, virtually on the tip of present day Cape Cod.  This was the culmination of over two months at sea for 102 immigrants, originally from England, some of this contingent intent on establishing their own … Continue reading William Bradford and the Voyage of the Mayflower (Volume Six, Episode Seven) Part One →

The remarkable story of the courage and suffering of the passengers aboard the Mayflower and the establishment of the Plymouth Colony. On March 16, the inevitable occurred, although the incident did not unfold as the settlers previously feared.  As described in a pamphlet entitled, “Mourt’s Relation,” a description of the first year of Plymouth Colony, co-written by William Bradford and another settler named Edward Winslow, with work suspended for a regularly scheduled meeting about specific plans … Continue reading William Bradford and the Voyage of the Mayflower (Volume Six, Episode Seven) Part Two →

Long before Claus Von Bulow or OJ Simpson, in 1924, two Chicago teenagers committed what was called at the time, “The Crime of the Century,” only to be spared by the efforts of the greatest defense attorney in American history. During their scouring of the Wolf Lake area, police detectives questioned the game warden of the forest preserve that was located nearby about any recurring visitors to the location.  One of the names he revealed was … Continue reading Nathan Leopold, Richard Loeb, Clarence Darrow and the Crime of the Century (Volume Six, Episode Six) Part One →

Long before Claus Von Bulow or OJ Simpson, in 1924, two Chicago teenagers committed what was called at the time, “The Crime of the Century,” only to be spared by the efforts of the greatest defense attorney in American history. Clarence Darrow would not begin his summation until the afternoon of August 23rd, so anticipated throughout the city of Chicago that a mob descended on the courthouse hoping to push into the courtroom.  This throng congregated … Continue reading Nathan Leopold, Richard Loeb, Clarence Darrow and the Crime of the Century (Volume Six, Episode Six) Part Two →

The dark reality behind the persona of one of America’s most beloved public figures. Carson enlisted in the Navy fully intent on participating in action against either Japan or Germany.  Instead he wound up in officers training school, first in New York and then at tiny Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi.  Finally in mid 1945, he shipped out on the battleship, the USS Pennsylvania, headed for the Pacific theater.  Despite atomic bombs being dropped in early August and … Continue reading Johnny Carson, The King of Comedy (Volume Six, Episode Five) Part One →

The dark reality behind the persona of one of America’s most beloved public figures. On August 17, 1963, Carson, possibly feeling more secure professionally with more than a year under his belt at the new show, married his longtime girlfriend, Joanne Carson.  This despite years of fighting publicly, acrimonious vacations in which one of them left and went home early and numerous friends and acquaintances advising them not to tie the knot.  Even the ceremony and reception … Continue reading Johnny Carson, The King Of Comedy (Volume Six, Episode Five) Part Two →

The shocking story behind the biggest swindle in the history of Wall Street. Agent Cacioppi was so taken aback by Madoff’s candor and unusual cooperation he called his office to determine what he should do next.  Typically, a subject with Bernie’s sophistication and community stature would refuse to answer questions and stall, at least requesting time to speak with or even have an attorney present before answering any questions.  Madoff’s admissions to the agents were an unexpected … Continue reading Bernard Madoff and the Largest Fraud in Financial History (Volume Six, Episode Four) Part One →

The shocking story behind the biggest swindle in the history of Wall Street. But, if many of Madoff’s clients were happy to not question  his returns and process, the cynical, highly competitive and data driven world of Wall Street always invited scrutiny of its biggest stars, even if this was the result of envy or alienation.  In Harry Markopolos, one found an individual motivated by both market place rejection and a competitively brilliant grasp of financial marketplace … Continue reading Bernard Madoff and the Largest Fraud in Financial History (Volume Six, Episode Four) Part Two →

Long before Harry and Meghan, a much more serious crisis and scandal enveloped the British monarchy and the House of Windsor, the abdication of Edward VIII The future Edward VIII, known within his immediate family by the nickname of David, was born on June 23, 1894.  His father, George V, did not become the king until 1910, then anointing David, his eldest son, with the title of Prince of Wales, next in the line of royal … Continue reading The Duke and Duchess of Windsor (Volume Six, Episode Three) Part One →

Long before Harry and Meghan, a much more serious crisis and scandal enveloped the British monarchy and the House of Windsor, the abdication of Edward VIII By mid-1934, even British high society insiders were aghast at what, “the little man,” as David was scornfully known as behind his back, had actually taken up with.  When the Royal family deliberately deleted the Simpsons from the Royal guest list for the wedding of David’s brother, George, in November … Continue reading The Duke And Duchess of Windsor (Volume Six, Episode Two) Part Two →

In July of 1954, an obscure milk shake mixer salesman walked into a fast food restaurant in San Bernardino, CA. The restaurant was operated by two brothers named McDonald, the result of this interaction profoundly changed American culture, business and nutrition forever. Ray Kroc first interacted with Prince Castle as the Chicago based account manager for Lily-Tulip and sensing the enormous potential of the Multimixer device, he secured the national distribution rights for the machine … Continue reading Ray Kroc, McDonald’s Mastermind (Volume Six, Episode Two) Part One →

In July of 1954, an obscure milk shake mixer salesman walked into a fast food restaurant in San Bernardino, CA. The restaurant was operated by two brothers named McDonald, the result of this interaction profoundly changed American culture, business and nutrition forever. Despite four decades and many years of dealing with a virtual absentee husband and serious anxiety over their household debt, Eleanor Kroc was still hanging in on the marriage.  That is until, in 1961, … Continue reading Ray Kroc, McDonald’s Mastermind (Volume Six, Episode Two) Part Two →

In 1770, the French people greeted Austrian Marie Antoinette as the beautiful and future French queen. Twenty-three years later they guillotined her as the most reviled woman in France. In Europe, with most political powers ruled by monarchies, the best method of insuring a stable alliance with another ruling dynasty was through marriage.  Maria Theresa aggressively forged alliances with the French Bourbons dynasty through marriages of her daughters Maria Amalia and Maria Karolina to the … Continue reading Marie Antoinette (Volume Six, Episode One) Part One →

In 1770, the French people greeted Austrian Marie Antoinette as the beautiful and future French queen. Twenty-three years later they guillotined her as the most reviled woman in France. The affair of the Diamond Necklace had its origin in a piece of jewelry that was commissioned by Louis XV in 1772 and meant as a gift for his mistress, the Madame Du Barry.  He requested that the royal jewelers Charles Boehmer and Paul Bassenge create … Continue reading Marie Antoinette (Volume Six, Episode One) Part Two →

An enduring American legend, hear what actually happened at the Battle of the Alamo By 1817, after emerging from the military, David situated his family in Lawrence County, Tennessee as one of the area’s first inhabitants.  Making a living as a professional hunter, mostly of wild bears, Crockett also began to involve himself in local politics, serving as a county commissioner and eventually as a state appointed justice of the peace.  He also served several terms in … Continue reading Crockett, Bowie and Travis, Defenders of the Alamo (Volume 5, Episode 12) Part One →

An enduring American legend, hear what actually happened at the Battle of the Alamo. Fannin’s typically sluggish retreat left him out in the open and resulted in a March 19 battle near Coleto Creek only a few miles east of Goliad.  Fannin’s men successfully repulsed repeated Mexican attacks but suffered many wounded troops that they could neither treat or transport.  The following morning, with another Mexican attack imminent, Fannin surrendered with Urrea only promising that he would … Continue reading Crockett, Bowie and Travis, Defenders of the Alamo (Volume 5, Episode 12) Part Two →

The true story about the man who contributed mightily to the destruction of one of America’s greatest 20th century icons. According to Colonel Tom Parker personally, he was born in early 1900, in Huntington, West Virginia and began working in touring carnivals at a very young age.  He served in the military, eventually developed and promoted his own carnival acts and graduated to first promoting and then managing country musicians until obtaining the exclusive management … Continue reading Elvis Presley’s Manager: Colonel Tom Parker (Volume 5, Episode 11) Part One →

The true story about the man who contributed mightily to the destruction of one of America’s greatest 20th century icons. The Colonel, understanding that the lack of international touring was a major irritant for Elvis, then devised an ingenious plan to circumvent his personal abhorrence of such a tour.  He made a deal with various television networks all over the world for Elvis to appear in a live format for live international satellite transmission to … Continue reading Elvis Presley’s Manager: Colonel Tom Parker (Volume 5, Episode11) Part Two →

For twenty years, Whitey Bulger terrorized Boston with the full collusion of the FBI.  On the run for sixteen years, he was eventually arrested on June 22, 2011. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen Bulger was arrested ten times, for crimes ranging from larceny, drunk in public and assault and battery.  Only once were charges ever pursued to the point of a criminal conviction and even then, Whitey was able to get the charge … Continue reading The Untold Story of Crime Boss and Sixteen-Year Federal Fugitive, James (Whitey) Bulger (Volume 5, Episode 10) Part One →

For twenty years, Whitey Bulger terrorized Boston with the full collusion of the FBI.  On the run for sixteen years, he was eventually arrested on June 22, 2011. Litif got off with this stern warning but then made the mistake of telling Bulger that he was going to murder his bookmaker partner, a last straw.  On April, he was invited to the Triple O’s where Bulger stabbed him repeatedly with an ice pick and Steve … Continue reading The Untold Story of Crime Boss and Sixteen-Year Federal Fugitive, James (Whitey) Bulger (Volume 5, Episode 10) Part Two →

For twenty years, Whitey Bulger terrorized Boston with the full collusion of the FBI.  On the run for sixteen years, he was eventually arrested on June 22, 2011. Whitey did not limit himself geographically to South Boston.  No longer able to access Marshall Motors because a jailed, cash strapped Howie Winter’s family needed to rent it out, in early 1980, in a location owned by confederate George Kaufman, he set up another headquarters at a … Continue reading The Untold Story of Crime Boss and Sixteen-Year Federal Fugitive, James (Whitey) Bulger (Volume 5, Episode 10) Part Three →

Few personalities have achieved the worldwide fame and popularity of Harry Houdini.  Successful in several different media ranging from vaudeville to motion pictures, this performer was also an astute businessman who incorporated both groundbreaking copyright implementation and sensational publicity to establish himself as the first 20th century entertainment superstar. To garner publicity, Houdini now started to promote himself by slipping handcuffs in police stations after a meticulous search by detectives.  In San Francisco, he stripped down … Continue reading Harry Houdini (Volume 5, Episode 9) Part One →

Few personalities have achieved the worldwide fame and popularity of Harry Houdini.  Successful in several different media ranging from vaudeville to motion pictures, this performer was also an astute businessman who incorporated both groundbreaking copyright implementation and sensational publicity to establish himself as the first 20th century entertainment superstar. To publicize commercial appearances, the escape artist also began the practice of jumping handcuffed from bridges spanning whatever river ran through the city where he was performing.  … Continue reading Harry Houdini (Volume 5, Episode 9) Part Two →

In March of 1895, Oscar Wilde enjoyed fame and fortune as one of Britain’s foremost literary figures.  Only four months later he was inprisoned for the crime of “gross indecency,” convicted of violating Britain’s laws against same sex relationships.  Upon his release, he exiled himself to France, his career in ruins and never saw his family again. At Oxford, Wilde continued his immersion in the classics.  The school was definitely a step up in class, … Continue reading Oscar Wilde (Volume 5, Episode 8) Part One →

In March of 1895, Oscar Wilde enjoyed fame and fortune as one of Britain’s foremost literary figures.  Only four months later he was inprisoned for the crime of “gross indecency,” convicted of violating Britain’s laws against same sex relationships.  Upon his release, he exiled himself to France, his career in ruins and never saw his family again. Unfortunately, their reunion was so successful that both men began contemplating running off to Naples, the consequences be … Continue reading Oscar Wilde (Volume 5, Episode 8) Part Two →

On August 7, 1974, a twenty-five year old man named Philippe Petit walked across a 200 foot wire between the twin towers of the World Trade Center, 1,350 feet above the ground, something that even the policeman who arrested him described as a once in a lifetime event. On the night of June 25th and the early morning of June 26th ,1971 Philippe Petit and his associates ascended the towers of Notre Dame Cathedral.  Blondeau tossed a … Continue reading Philippe Petit, The Man On Wire (Volume 5, Episode 7) Part One →

On August 7, 1974, a twenty-five year old man named Philippe Petit walked across a 200 foot wire between the twin towers of the World Trade Center, 1,350 feet above the ground, something that even the policeman who arrested him described as a once in a lifetime event. After Philip and Jean Francois are booked and fingerprinted, they were handcuffed to chairs while paperwork is composed that specifically defines the charges of Criminal Trespass and … Continue reading Philippe Petit, The Man On Wire (Volume 5, Episode 7) Part Two →

On November 14, 1959, two petty criminals, Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, crossed Kansas, murdered the Clutter family in the tiny hamlet of Holcomb, Kansas and unwittingly enabled a New York City writer named Truman Capote to achieve immortality for all three of them. When Truman Capote arrived in Kansas, Smith and Hickock were not yet on law enforcement’s radar.  Capote’s initial intent was to write about the reaction of the town and its inhabitants … Continue reading Truman Capote, Dick Hickock, Perry Smith and In Cold Blood (Volume 5, Episode 6) Part One →