Ben and comedian Eric Neumann (@imericneumann, Marcus And Eric Learn Stuff From Smarter People podcast, stand-up albums - "Nervous Lover" and "Just a Phase") remember the life and impact of one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Kobe Bryant. 

In part two, Ben and Dr. Taubman discuss Khrushchev's time in power and his ultimate downfall.

Dr. Taubman is the Bertrand Snell Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Amherst College. He is the author of Khrushchev: The Man and His Era, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography (2004) and the National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography (2003). He is also the author of Gorbachev: His Life and Times, Moscow Spring (with Jane Taubman) and Stalin's American Policy: From Entente to Détente to Cold War.

In part one of this two-part episode, Ben and Dr. William Taubman examine the improbable rise to power of 20th century Soviet leader, Nikita Khrushchev. 

Dr. Taubman is the Bertrand Snell Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Amherst College. He is the author of Khrushchev: The Man and His Era, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography (2004) and the National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography (2003). He is also the author of Gorbachev: His Life and Times, Moscow Spring (with Jane Taubman) and Stalin's American Policy: From Entente to Détente to Cold War. 

Ben and comedian Tayler Yarish (The Tayler Yarish Show podcast) explore the life of chef, writer, and TV travel host, Anthony Bourdain. 

Can we talk? Ben and comedian Rachel Lenihan (@rachellenihancomedy) dish about comedy icon, Joan Rivers.

Ben and comedian Jaron Young (@jlyoungcomedy) talk about the works, life, and relevance of 20th century writer, James Baldwin.

Ben and comedian Juan Nicolon (@juannicolon) go over the positives and negatives of a complex character: Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton.

Ben and comedian Matt Somerstein (@somersteinster) review the life and iconic roles of actor, writer and director, Gene Wilder.

Ben and comedian Sam Evans (@reallysamevans, stand-up album - "Sweet Baby Boy") discuss the both triumphant and tragic story of Serbian-American inventor, Nikola Tesla.

Ben and comedian Michael Good (Morning Good podcast) dive into the life and work of the face of Marvel Comics, Stan Lee.