The Biographers

Marilyn Monroe Part 2: The Hollywood Grind.

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)

Marilyn Monroe Part 1: Little Orphan Norma Jeane.

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) 

Office Hours Ep. 4: Scottish Phallic Imagery.

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!

Mary Shelley Part 5: The Fate of Frankenstein.

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)

Mary Shelley Part 4: The Journal Book of Misfortunes.

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)

Mary Shelley Part 3: A Contest of Unhallowed Art.

In part three of our series on author Mary Shelley, we get to explore all the trials, tribulations, and moments of jubilation often used as sources of inspiration that ultimately lead to the creation of Frankenstein. There will be love, loss, and hounding creditors that force her husband, Percy Shelley, to live underground, but such is the life of a starving, rich-kid artist. We will also finally get to meet one of the most renowned poets of all time: the handsome, suave, and brilliant Lord Byron, who would also help to inspire another classic creature of the horror genre. But how did Mary Shelley ultimately come to write the classic horror novel Frankenstein, and would it have anything to do with the eruption of a devastating volcano? Tune in for part three of Mary Shelley to find out! (Ep. 038)

Mary Shelley Part 2: Love in the Graveyard.

In part two of our series on Frankenstein author, Mary Shelley, we see the young genius enter her teenage years, and the blossoming of her relationship with the poet, Percy Shelley. As the two fall deeper in love, we get to see how "all too human" some of these legendary figures can be with sappy love poems, theatric professions of love, dramatic imprisonments in tall towers, and parents who try to extinguish their love. However, no parental wills can keep these two love-birds apart, and they soon begin a grand adventure across the European countryside, but not before encountering some troubles brought on by their own ill-formed designs. Tune in for part two as we continue on with the life of Mary Shelley! (Ep. 037)

Mary Shelley Part 1: Daughter of Anarchy.

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)

Office Hours Ep. 3: Mom Knows Best.

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. 

Franz Liszt Part 6: Requiem.

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)