The Biographers

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)

In part one of our series on classical composer and pianist, Franz Liszt, we examine the earliest parts of the young prodigy's life. Though he was born the son of a humble bookkeeper, by age seven Franz would demonstrate such unbelievable skill on the piano that he would be accepted as a pupil in Vienna under the tutelage of the legendary composers Carl Czerny, and Antonio Salieri. But that was just the beginning of his rise to superstardom, as before he reached the age of 15, Franz would perform concerts in front of nearly every King and Queen in Europe, stir his audiences into a screaming frenzy, and stun his orchestras into silence... mid-performance. Buckle your seatbelts, everyone: we're just getting warmed up with the birth of the world's first rockstar. Tune in for part one of our series on Franz Liszt to learn more! (Ep. 030)

In our second episode of Office Hours, we kick our feet up once again, answering questions we asked ourselves from previous episodes, expanding upon some previously unexplored ideas, and adding color to some concepts that are just plain fascinating. We also add a bit more information related to Leonardo da Vinci, including a heist in the early 20th century that catapulted the Mona Lisa from a relatively unknown painting, to international icon. Join us for another laid-back episode of Office Hours. 

In the last installment of our series on Leonardo da Vinci, we cover the final ten years of the genius Renaissance man's life. Starting off in Milan, Leonardo tries to discover how the earth sustains life, much like he discovered the importance of the human heart years earlier. In his studies of geology, Leonardo becomes unabashedly heretical, using science to prove why the fossils of ocean creatures found their way to the tops of mountainsides. After the Sforzas try to retake Milan for the second time, Leonardo finds new patronage with Pope Leo the 10th, who turns out to be the son of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Now spending his days in Rome, he gets to catch up with his old friend, Donato Bramante, until a treacherous idea-thief forces him to move to France where he begins working for his most beloved patron: King Francis the 1st. After Leonardo's death, his long-time partner, Salai, gets caught stealing dozens of paintings, including the most iconic image in western history: The Mona Lisa. Tune in to our conclusion episode of Leonardo da Vinci to learn more, and bid the old master a fond farewell. (Ep. 029)