The Biographers

Jack Daniel Part 2: The Art of the Still. - Ep. 026

In part two of our series on Jack Daniel, we learn all about the ancient art of whiskey making, and how the young Jack Daniel first discovered the craft. From his affable and charming personality, Jack became a popular figure throughout his community, and earned himself the nickname of The Boy Distiller. But as Jack's reputation and ambitions grew, so did his desire to expand his sales territory. Join us as we learn about Jack Daniel's early days as a prolific salesman, and ambitious whiskey maker. 

Jack Daniel Part 1: Little Boy Moonshine. - Ep. 025

For this series, we're headed to the Tennessee backcountry to talk about an American icon that many of you probably didn't realize was an actual person: Jack Daniel. But how did Jack Daniel come to distill spirits in the mountains of Appalachia? Is it true that he ran away from home at just 6 years old to pursue his dream of making corn liquor, or is that just an old wives' tale? Growing up during the time of the American Civil War must have been tough, so how did he navigate through such a devastating time in American history? Tune in for part one of this series as we explore the earliest known history of Jack Daniel's life, and how the entire Daniel family came to settle in pre United States America.

Abigail Adams Part 5: Goodbye, Mrs. President. - Ep. 024

In our final episode on Abigail Adams, we follow her through the final parts of her life, during which she celebrates new grand (and great grand) children, and mourns the loss of many who were close to her. Sharp-witted until the end, Abigail continued to help those around her - particularly her female heirs - even in her death. Join us as we say farewell to the second First Lady of the United States. 

Abigail Adams Part 4: The Student Becomes the Master. - Ep. 023

In this episode, we see a mature Abigail Adams help thwart what would have been a terrible marriage for her daughter, followed by her graceful transition to grandmother, and the events that lead up to her becoming the First Second Lady of the United States. Maybe most incredible of all, we see Abigail become a pint-sized titan of war bonds and real estate, which ultimately helped secure the futures of her entire family. Tune in to learn about scandals, scuttlebutt, and more!

Abigail Adams Part 3: Entrepreneur in a Revolution. - Ep. 022

In an era where women could not have their own money or property, Abigail and John’s unique and trusting relationship allows Abigail to start an import business, invest in real estate, purchase government bonds, and more. Despite her success, she’s missing John more than ever before… when will their extended absence end? Find out in this episode!

Abigail Adams Part 2: Remember the Ladies. - Ep. 021

In our second episode on Abigail Adams, all is not well in the colonies, as a revolution, rather than tea, was brewing. Abigail and John experienced more periods of separation, due to John’s position in the Continental Congress. The unintended consequence of this? Abigail was entrusted with many family responsibilities that women of the time typically didn't attend to. She also found courage to express more opinions about politics and women's needs to her friends, and her husband. Tune in to find out more! 

Abigail Adams Part 1: First Second Lady, Second First Lady. - Ep. 020

For our fourth series, we're heading all the way back to the 1700s to learn about the United States' second First Lady, Abigail Adams. Though you might simply know her as the wife of John Adams, critics called her "Mrs. President," a dig on her influence of her husband's political policy. Long before history would come to know her name, she was simply Abigail Smith, the daughter of a local Minister, but over the years would become one of the most well-regarded women of her time, advocating heavily for her country, and women's' rights. Tune in for part one as we dive into the earliest parts of Abigail Adams' life in the world of Colonial America!

Ian Fleming Part 6: Bond Hits the Big Screen. - Ep. 019

As we come to the conclusion of Ian Fleming's incredible life, we finally get to see the infamous secret agent, James Bond, take to the big screen. You probably know which actor first portrayed him, but who were Ian's first two choices to play 007, and what provided the final push to go with Sean Connery? Did Ian have anything to do with producing the film adaptation of Dr. No, and what was up with all the Caribbean music? Oh, and did you also know that he became a published children's author before he died? Tune in for part 6 as we say farewell to Ian Fleming!

Ian Fleming Part 5: Pen to Paper, Mr. Bond. - Ep. 018

Life finally seems to be settling down for Ian Fleming after so much -- shoot, I spoke too soon: looks like he's actually becoming a father after a 14 year affair with a married woman. Oh, and she wants to get married now that her current husband is divorcing her. If your world got shaken up like this, how would you handle it? Well, Ian Fleming took to obsessively writing his first novel, which happened to feature a certain 00-agent that would one day take the world by storm. Tune in for part five of our Ian Fleming series to learn more about the earliest stages of writing the world's most famous secret agent -- James Bond. 

Ian Fleming Part 4: Make Life Stirring, Not Shaken. - Ep. 017

As war rages on throughout the world, Ian Fleming finds himself entrenched ever-deeper into the world of international intelligence. What was Operation Golden Eye, and was it ever officially implemented? Did Operation Mincemeat have anything to do with pies, or was the whole thing just a hoax? Maybe most importantly: what's next for Mr. Fleming now that the Second World War is finally coming to an end? If it were me, I'd be desperate for a bit of rest and relaxation (and maybe a Vesper Martini), but which location is best suited to achieve maximum chill? Somewhere tropical, I should think. We'll answer all of these questions and more as we continue on with the exciting life of Ian Fleming!