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)