The Biographers Series 9: Nikola Tesla

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For series nine of The Biographers, we're covering one of the most recognized names in modern history: the genius inventor, Nikola Tesla. From the induction motor to the Tesla coil to the world's first remotely controlled boat, Nikola Tesla was a true revolutionary in the fields of science, invention, and electrical engineering. Heck, the reason you're able to charge your electronic devices on a wireless charger is because of him! But much about Tesla's life is either misunderstood, misrepresented, or conflated with legends, such as his supposed romantic relationship with a pigeon or his alleged assistance to desperate magicians in cloning themselves to defeat their rivals. Some of these stories are true, but most are not. However, the reality of his life is even more compelling and amazing than you'd imagine. From a young age, Tesla suffered from severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and was prone to random, extreme visual hallucinations that were so vivid, he would often have to ask a friend or family member whether what he was experiencing was reality or fantasy. Every once in a while, though, his visions would aid his genius, resulting in some of the most important and consequential inventions in history.

For our eighth series, we're covering our most modern biography to date, peeling back the curtain of the not-so-glamorous "Golden Age" of Hollywood, and examining the ever-enduring icon of pop-culture: Marilyn Monroe. She was born to extremely humble beginnings, and her childhood was riddled with trauma, not aided by her mentally unwell mother, and subsequent string of abusive foster homes. Her dreams of becoming a movie-star were born early on, with Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard acting as her daycare center, and the stars of the silver-screen serving as her role models. Once adolescence was over, Marilyn began working as a model before pursuing a career in acting, and eventually becoming one of the biggest stars to ever walk the earth. But her story isn't all sunshine and roses, and as we will discover in this series, she struggled through most of her life, was no stranger to tragedy, and could never seem to escape the vicious abuse of terrible men. Check out series eight of The Biographers to learn more about blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe. 

For our seventh series we'll be covering the original mistress of the macabre, and author of the seminal classic Frankenstein: Mary Shelley! Daughter to a classical anarchist father, and staunch feminist mother who was labelled "the first of a new genius", Mary Shelley was surrounded by great minds from an early age. Famously, while on a summer holiday with her husband, Percy Shelley, and the legendary romantic poet, Lord Byron, Mary would write one of the most well-respected, prolific novels the world has ever known. Inspired by politics, philosophy, ever-changing social norms, and "mad" scientists of the day, at just 19 years old, Mary Shelley would become the first ever science fiction writer with her groundbreaking novel Frankenstein. The effects of her work can still be felt in modern times throughout the genres of horror and science fiction, and even in pop culture with films like Young Frankenstein and Poor Things, and TV shows like The Munsters and The Addams Family. 

For our sixth series, we're headed into the world of classical music, and witnessing the rise of the world's first rockstar. You might not know his name, but Franz Liszt was far and away the most popular musician of his day, and performed concerts in front of crazed fans all over Europe throughout the mid-1800s. Such was the hysteria surrounding this prodigious piano virtuoso, that during the height of his superstardom, the term "Lisztomania" was coined to describe his incredible popularity. In pretty much every way you can imagine, Franz Liszt lived the life of what we would now stereotypically describe as a "rockstar", including gaudy outfits, extravagant parties, hoards of groupies, and more money than he knew what to do with. Despite all of this, he was also a deeply devout Catholic, and would eventually become an Abbot, reporting directly to the Pope himself. Join us as we explore one of the most fascinating lives we've covered yet!

In our fifth series, we're going back further in history than we ever have before with artist, inventor, musician, and scientist: Leonardo da Vinci. While his name is known throughout the world, the actual story of Leonardo is not well understood, and is even more incredible than you would imagine. From his unceasing interest in the natural world around him, to his fixation with art, Leonardo was an unrelentingly curious mind that refused to follow contention. Despite his taboo-for-the-time sexual orientation, Leonardo would remain true to himself throughout his life regardless of those who aimed to bring him down. Join us as we take you back to Renaissance Italy, and explore the life of one history's most brilliant minds. 

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In our fourth series, we're headed to the rural Tennessee backcountry to talk about American whiskey maker: Jack Daniel. From the beginning, Jack had a rough go, not aided by poverty or the desolation caused by the America Civil War. Despite every possible obstacle and gut-punch, Jack maintained an affable and charming demeanor that earned him the love and respect of all that knew him. But the thing that truly put him on the map, and made him into the American legend that he is today, was the pure and delicious corn liquor that he purveyed. Join us as we journey through the Appalachian Mountains of the mid-1800s, uncovering the truth of Jack Daniel's origins, and how he became a dominant force in the world of American whiskey. 

In our third series, we dive deep into the revolutionary life of Abigail Adams, the nation's first Second Lady, and Second First lady, and mother to the 6th president of the United States.

Abigail was an avid proponent of women's’ rights, specifically to that of education and property. She regretted her lack of formal education, but made due by learning from her friends and family members, which was the custom of the time. She was self-taught in French. Despite her own opinions of her education, she is considered by historians to be well-educated for her time, and well-regarded all-around. 

In our second series, we're covering novelist Ian Fleming, who is most famously known for his creation of the fictional character James Bond. But did you also know that Ian's father fought in WWI alongside Winston Churchill's brother? Or that Ian was forced to drop out of Military school as a result of some... delicate medical complications? Or that he actually was pretty much an actual spy during the Second World War, and helped plan espionage missions that helped the Allied Forces and defeat the Axis Powers?

Join us for our Ian Fleming series as we uncover the earliest parts of his life,  which ended up serving as the real-life foundation for the ultimate secret agent novel and longest running film franchise in cinematic history.

In our first series, we are covering the life of a lesser-known character in American history: Mabel Dodge Luhan. Some might call her "the Original Influencer", as she seemed to know everyone, and helped shape the world of American art as we know it today. Mabel was a writer, world traveller, advocate for Native American rights, patron of the arts, and spent the latter part of her life in Taos, New Mexico. Once she settled down in Taos,  she established something of an artists community where she invited  artists like Georgia O’Keefe, Ansel Adams, Aldous Huxley, Willa Cather, Mary Austin, Marsden Hatley, Andrew Dasberg, and D.H. Lawrence, to help inspire their various art forms. Though she didn't coin the term, she was the one that popularized the phrase "movers and shakers".  

Join us for this five-part series as we explore the adventurous, passionate, and often times hilarious life of Mabel Dodge Luhan.