Byte Sized Biographies…

By Philip D. Gibbons

History

What's Byte Sized Biographies… about?

Of Some Very Famous People You've Never Really Heard Of...In Less Than An Hour.

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Byte Sized Biographies… episodes:

03.25.2024
Hiram Bingham, the Real Indiana Jones and the Lost City of Machu Picchu (Volume Six, Episode Eleven) Part One
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. Hiram Bingham, at Harvard, with wife Alfreda Church built on the...
03.25.2024
Hiram Bingham, the Real Indiana Jones and the Lost City of Machu Picchu (Volume Six, Episode Eleven) Part Two
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. Hiram Bingham, 1912 Machu Pichu, Hayna Picchu in the background Machu Picchu,...
02.20.2024
Charles Lindbergh (Volume Six, Episode Ten) Part One
The triumph, tragedy and bizarre secrets of one of the 20th century’s most prominent figures. Lindbergh with his father CA Lindbergh Lindbergh as an Air Army Cadet Anne Morrow as a teenager Lindbergh with The Spirit of St. Louis The Spirit of St. Louis at...
02.20.2024
Charles Lindbergh (Volume Six, Episode Ten) Part Two
The triumph, tragedy and bizarre secrets of one of the 20th century’s most prominent figures. Bruno Richard Hauptman John Condon on the witness stand Lindbergh on the witness stand Gasoline can which contained Lindbergh ransom money found in Hauptmann’s garage Norman Schwarzkopf, NJ State Police,...
01.23.2024
Bruce Reynolds, Gordon Goody and the Great British Train Robbery of 1963 (Volume Six, Episode Nine) Part One
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. Bruce Reynolds Gordon Goody Recent photo, Sears Crossing Bridge...
01.23.2024
Bruce Reynolds, Gordon Goody and the Great British Train Robbery of 1963 (Volume 6, Episode 9) Part Two
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. Detective Tommy Butler Leatherslade...
12.18.2023
Charles Dickens (Volume Six, Episode Eight) Part One
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. Charles Dickens, as a younger man Catherine Dickens, 1838 Ebenezer Scrooge and Marley’s ghost,...
12.18.2023
Charles Dickens (Volume Six, Episode Eight) Part Two
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. Portrait of Dickens, circa 1850 Catherine Hogarth Dickens, 1852 Georgina Hogarth and...
11.14.2023
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. Postcard of the Mayflower On November 11, 1620, a 100 foot long cargo ship called the Mayflower entered what is today...
11.14.2023
William Bradford and the Voyage of the Mayflower (Volume Six, Episode Seven) Part Two
The remarkable story of the courage and suffering of the passengers aboard the Mayflower and the establishment of the Plymouth Colony. Artist’s rendition of Samoset entering Plymouth Colony On March 16, the inevitable occurred, although the incident did not unfold as the...
10.19.2023
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. Nathan...
10.19.2023
Nathan Leopold, Richard Loeb, Clarence Darrow and the Crime of the Century (Volume Six, Episode Six) 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. Chicago...
09.25.2023
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. Johnny Carson, in the Navy. Carson enlisted in the Navy fully intent on participating in action against either Japan or Germany. Instead he wound up in officers training school,...
09.25.2023
Johnny Carson, The King Of Comedy (Volume Six, Episode Five) Part Two
The dark reality behind the persona of one of America’s most beloved public figures. Johnny’s second wife, Joanne, 1960 On August 17, 1963, Carson, possibly feeling more secure professionally with more than a year under his belt at the new show, married...
08.16.2023
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. Madoff leaving Federal District Court during his prosecution. Agent Cacioppi was so taken aback by Madoff’s candor and unusual cooperation he called his office to determine what he should...
08.16.2023
Bernard Madoff and the Largest Fraud in Financial History (Volume Six, Episode Four) Part Two
The shocking story behind the biggest swindle in the history of Wall Street. Harry Markopolos, testifying before Congress 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...
07.10.2023
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 King George V and his royal family, the future Edward VIII is at left The future...
07.10.2023
The Duke And Duchess of Windsor (Volume Six, Episode Two) 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 Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson, Switerzerland, 1935 By mid-1934, even British high society insiders...
06.09.2023
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...
06.09.2023
Ray Kroc, McDonald’s Mastermind (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...
05.18.2023
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. Marie Antoinette as a young girl In Europe, with most political powers ruled...
05.18.2023
Marie Antoinette (Volume Six, Episode One) 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. The Comtesse De La Motte The affair of the Diamond Necklace had...
04.12.2023
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 David Crockett 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...
04.12.2023
Crockett, Bowie and Travis, Defenders of the Alamo (Volume 5, Episode 12) Part Two
An enduring American legend, hear what actually happened at the Battle of the Alamo. James Fannin 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...
03.10.2023
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. According to Colonel Tom Parker personally, he was born in early 1900, in Huntington, West Virginia and began working in touring...
03.10.2023
Elvis Presley’s Manager: Colonel Tom Parker (Volume 5, Episode11) Part Two
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...
02.07.2023
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. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen Bulger was arrested ten times, for...
02.07.2023
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. Litif got off with this stern warning but then made the mistake of...
02.07.2023
The Untold Story of Crime Boss and Sixteen-Year Federal Fugitive, James (Whitey) Bulger (Volume 5, Episode 10) Part Three
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...
01.07.2023
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...
01.07.2023
Harry Houdini (Volume 5, Episode 9) Part Two
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...
11.22.2022
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...
11.22.2022
Oscar Wilde (Volume 5, Episode 8) 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...
10.22.2022
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...
10.22.2022
Philippe Petit, The Man On Wire (Volume 5, Episode 7) 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...
09.30.2022
Truman Capote, Dick Hickock, Perry Smith and In Cold Blood (Volume 5, Episode 6) Part One
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...
09.30.2022
Truman Capote, Dick Hickock, Perry Smith and In Cold Blood (Volume 5, Episode 6) 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...
08.24.2022
Operation Anthropoid and the Assassination of Reinhard Heydrich (Volume 5, Episode 5) Part One
In 1942, the Czech government in exile decided to parachute two commandos into the former Czechoslovakia to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, considered the most brutal and sinister Nazi in Occupied Europe. Code named Operation Anthropoid, this suicide mission remains one of...
08.24.2022
Operation Anthropoid and the Assassination of Reinhard Heydrich (Volume 5, Episode 5) Part Two
In 1942, the Czech government in exile decided to parachute two commandos into the former Czechoslovakia to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, considered the most brutal and sinister Nazi in Occupied Europe. Code named Operation Anthropoid, this suicide mission remains one of...
08.01.2022
Kempton Bunton and the Theft of Goya’s Portrait of the Duke of Wellington (Volume 5, Episode 4) Part One
In 1961, an unemployed cab driver, Kempton Bunton, pulled off one of the most remarkable art thefts of the 20th century. Or did he? Bunton’s mother named him Kempton Cannon Bunton after a British jockey, Kempton Cannon, who won the Epsom...
08.01.2022
Kempton Bunton and the Theft of Goya’s Portrait of the Duke of Wellington (Volume 5, Episode 4) Part Two
In 1961, an unemployed cab driver, Kempton Bunton, pulled off one of the most remarkable art thefts of the 20th century. Or did he? Although Bunton was initially only charged with one count of larceny, the prosecution submitted an indictment that...
07.13.2022
Al Capone (Volume 5, Episode 4) Part One
In 1929, Al Capone was worth an inflation adjusted 1.5 billion dollars. On January 17, 1899, Alphonse Gabriel Capone became the fourth child born into this family, and the second native American. Including the two born in Italy, the Capone family...
07.13.2022
Al Capone (Volume 5, Episode 4) Part Two
In 1929, Al Capone was worth an inflation adjusted 1.5 Billion Dollars. Most speakeasies and night clubs serving illicit alcohol provided entertainment in some form, mostly jazz or a vocalist with a band. One of these entertainers named Joe E. Lewis...
06.15.2022
Buddy Holly and The Day the Music Died (Volume 5, Episode 3) Part One
On February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly was in the middle of the tour from hell and would do anything to avoid another three hundred mile, overnight bus ride that already had inflicted frostbite on another band member. That determination changed...
06.15.2022
Buddy Holly and The Day the Music Died (Volume 5, Episode 3) Part Two
On February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly was in the middle of the tour from hell and would do anything to avoid another three hundred mile, overnight bus ride that already had inflicted frostbite on another band member. That determination changed...
05.20.2022
Ted Kaczynski AKA The Unabomber (Volume 5, Episode 2) Part One
Possessing a 167 IQ, admitted to Harvard University at age 16, a uniquely talented mathematician, this former Berkeley college professor became the subject of the longest and most expensive investigation in FBI history. As a youngster, Ted did develop a precocious...
05.20.2022
Ted Kaczynski AKA The Unabomber (Volume 5, Episode 2) Part Two
Possessing a 167 IQ, admitted to Harvard University at age 16, a uniquely talented mathematician, this former Berkeley college professor became the subject of the longest and most expensive investigation in FBI history. But Kaczynski had another motive for heading to...
04.21.2022
Jesse Owens (Volume 5, Episode 1) Part One
Adolf Hitler intended the 1936 Berlin Olympics as a coming out party for his Aryan Master Race. African-American Jesse Owens crashed the venue by winning four gold medals. At the Penn Relays, he won the long jump and the 100 meter...
04.21.2022
Jesse Owens (Volume 5, Episode One) Part Two
Adolf Hitler wanted the 1936 Berlin Olympics to be a coming out party for his Aryan Master Race. Jesse Owens crashed the venue by winning four gold medals. Owens then had to hustle to the long jump competition which also began...
03.17.2022
Pancho Villa and the Mexican Revolution (Volume 4, Episode 12) Part One
Of the many political figures involved in Mexico’s 1910 Revolution, Pancho Villa remains the most famous and charismatic. Like the history of Mexico itself, Villa’s early life and biography is obscured or disputed. Much of the information about Pancho Villa came...

What's Byte Sized Biographies… about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Byte Sized Biographies… episodes:

Hiram Bingham, the Real Indiana Jones and the Lost City of Machu Picchu (Volume Six, Episode Eleven) Part One

Hiram Bingham, the Real Indiana Jones and the Lost City of Machu Picchu (Volume Six, Episode Eleven) Part Two

Charles Lindbergh (Volume Six, Episode Ten) Part One

Charles Lindbergh (Volume Six, Episode Ten) Part Two

Bruce Reynolds, Gordon Goody and the Great British Train Robbery of 1963 (Volume Six, Episode Nine) Part One

Bruce Reynolds, Gordon Goody and the Great British Train Robbery of 1963 (Volume 6, Episode 9) Part Two

Charles Dickens (Volume Six, Episode Eight) Part One

Charles Dickens (Volume Six, Episode Eight) Part Two

William Bradford and the Voyage of the Mayflower (Volume Six, Episode Seven) Part One

William Bradford and the Voyage of the Mayflower (Volume Six, Episode Seven) Part Two

Nathan Leopold, Richard Loeb, Clarence Darrow and the Crime of the Century (Volume Six, Episode Six) Part One

Nathan Leopold, Richard Loeb, Clarence Darrow and the Crime of the Century (Volume Six, Episode Six) Part Two

Johnny Carson, The King of Comedy (Volume Six, Episode Five) Part One

Johnny Carson, The King Of Comedy (Volume Six, Episode Five) Part Two

Bernard Madoff and the Largest Fraud in Financial History (Volume Six, Episode Four) Part One

Bernard Madoff and the Largest Fraud in Financial History (Volume Six, Episode Four) Part Two

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor (Volume Six, Episode Three) Part One

The Duke And Duchess of Windsor (Volume Six, Episode Two) Part Two

Ray Kroc, McDonald’s Mastermind (Volume Six, Episode Two) Part One

Ray Kroc, McDonald’s Mastermind (Volume Six, Episode Two) Part Two

Marie Antoinette (Volume Six, Episode One) Part One

Marie Antoinette (Volume Six, Episode One) Part Two

Crockett, Bowie and Travis, Defenders of the Alamo (Volume 5, Episode 12) Part One

Crockett, Bowie and Travis, Defenders of the Alamo (Volume 5, Episode 12) Part Two

Elvis Presley’s Manager: Colonel Tom Parker (Volume 5, Episode 11) Part One

Elvis Presley’s Manager: Colonel Tom Parker (Volume 5, Episode11) Part Two

The Untold Story of Crime Boss and Sixteen-Year Federal Fugitive, James (Whitey) Bulger (Volume 5, Episode 10) Part One

The Untold Story of Crime Boss and Sixteen-Year Federal Fugitive, James (Whitey) Bulger (Volume 5, Episode 10) Part Two

The Untold Story of Crime Boss and Sixteen-Year Federal Fugitive, James (Whitey) Bulger (Volume 5, Episode 10) Part Three

Harry Houdini (Volume 5, Episode 9) Part One

Harry Houdini (Volume 5, Episode 9) Part Two

Oscar Wilde (Volume 5, Episode 8) Part One

Oscar Wilde (Volume 5, Episode 8) Part Two

Philippe Petit, The Man On Wire (Volume 5, Episode 7) Part One

Philippe Petit, The Man On Wire (Volume 5, Episode 7) Part Two

Truman Capote, Dick Hickock, Perry Smith and In Cold Blood (Volume 5, Episode 6) Part One

Truman Capote, Dick Hickock, Perry Smith and In Cold Blood (Volume 5, Episode 6) Part Two

Operation Anthropoid and the Assassination of Reinhard Heydrich (Volume 5, Episode 5) Part One

Operation Anthropoid and the Assassination of Reinhard Heydrich (Volume 5, Episode 5) Part Two

Kempton Bunton and the Theft of Goya’s Portrait of the Duke of Wellington (Volume 5, Episode 4) Part One

Kempton Bunton and the Theft of Goya’s Portrait of the Duke of Wellington (Volume 5, Episode 4) Part Two

Al Capone (Volume 5, Episode 4) Part One

Al Capone (Volume 5, Episode 4) Part Two

Buddy Holly and The Day the Music Died (Volume 5, Episode 3) Part One

Buddy Holly and The Day the Music Died (Volume 5, Episode 3) Part Two

Ted Kaczynski AKA The Unabomber (Volume 5, Episode 2) Part One

Ted Kaczynski AKA The Unabomber (Volume 5, Episode 2) Part Two

Jesse Owens (Volume 5, Episode 1) Part One

Jesse Owens (Volume 5, Episode One) Part Two

Pancho Villa and the Mexican Revolution (Volume 4, Episode 12) Part One