Historical Figures

Galileo Galilei is known as the father of modern science and the man whose work proved that the Earth orbits the sun. His scientific discoveries were in opposition of what the Catholic Church taught. But did you know that while he was a math professor at the University of Pisa, Galileo was fined because he refused to obey the school’s dress code and wear a toga? Sponsors! Operation Finale - Watch the trailer now. Get tickets to see Operation Finale – in theaters everywhere August 29th. RXBAR - Get 25% off your first order at RXBAR.com/FIGURES and enter promo code FIGURES at checkout.

Having stated that marriage and death “are nearly the same thing,” John Locke instead dedicated his life to knowledge, thought, and peace in one of England’s most turbulent times. From humble beginnings to the halls of power, John Locke’s philosophical ideas constructed the modern definition of the self. His political ideas surrounding the separation of church and state laid the foundation for democracy, and are also credited with starting the Age of Revolutions in the 18th century.   Brought to you ad free, thank you for listening!

Genghis Khan is known as one of the most vicious rulers in history, but did you know that he created one of the first international courier systems called The Yam? It was a set of well-spaced outposts across his empire. Goods and information could be transported faster by replacing tired horses with fresh horses and it also allowed him to keep a closer eye on his network of military spies and scouts. Sponsors! The Great Courses Plus - Get a full month of unlimited access to The Great Courses Plus for FREE at TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/Figures.

Sir Francis Bacon was many things. A philosopher. A lawyer. A scientist that is sometimes credited with formalizing the Scientific Method, a process that includes making a hypothesis, testing and retesting it until the results are found. But was he also...William Shakespeare? Sponsors! Simple Contacts - Get $20 off by going to SimpleContacts.com/FIGURES or just enter code FIGURES at checkout. The Great Courses Plus - Sign up for a full month of unlimited access to enjoy all of their lectures for FREE at TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/FIGURES.

Anwar El-Sadat was an Egyptian president who is credited with bringing peace between Egypt and Israel in the late 1970s. But, as a young soldier, he formed a group called The Free Officers, a revolutionary movement that would eventually overthrow King Farouk and liberate the Egyptian people from British rule. Sponsors! Lola - For 40% off all subscriptions, visit mylola.com and enter FIGURES40 when you subscribe! The Great Courses Plus - Sign up now for a full month of unlimited access to enjoy all of their lectures for FREE when you go to TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/FIGURES.

Most people know Mark Twain as one of America’s most popular writers and humorists. Some even know that as a young man, he was a Riverboat pilot. But did you know that during the Civil War, he volunteered for the war effort to fight for the South? Sponsors! The Great Courses Plus - Sign up at Thegreatcoursesplus.com/FIGURES

Jackie Robinson was the first black man in America  to cross “the color line” and play baseball in the major leagues. But when he was in his early teens, Jackie joined a street gang and had numerous run-ins with the law. Sponsors! Hello Fresh - For $30 off your first week of Hello Fresh, visit hellofresh.com/Figures30 and enter the code FIGURES30

Jesse James was one of the most iconic American outlaws of all time. He made a name for himself robbing trains, banks, and stealing horses. Is it possible that his abandonment by male role models during childhood gave rise to Jesse James's extreme bad boy persona? Sponsors! Away - For $20 off a suitcase, visit AwayTravel.com/Figures and use promo code FIGURES during checkout!

We all know Thomas Edison for his inventions of the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the incandescent light bulb. But did you know that when he was a teenager, he published his own newspaper from a train baggage car? Sponsors! Kensington Publishing - For more info, visit MadelineHunter.com or KensingtonBooks.com. StoryWorth - For $20 off when you subscribe, visit storyworth.com/figures

Her self-portraits are well known: thick eyebrows, a striking stare, and a mysterious smile. But Frida Kahlo’s paintings weren’t just works of art; they portrayed life’s emotions and her own revolutionary ideals. The spirit of revolution defined her art, her life, and her ever-present legacy.

Historical Figures is off this week, but if you're looking for an entertaining and informative podcast, check out this trailer for Parcast's Unexplained Mysteries.To listen, search for "Unexplained Mysteries" wherever you listen to Historical Figures. Check out episodes on the Mona Lisa, the builders of Stonehenge, and a possible Roswell cover-up now! We'll be back next week with a new episode!

Born on July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, South Africa, Nelson Mandela grew up to be an influential activist and political leader. Despite being jailed for decades because he joined the fight against apartheid, Mandela became the first black president of South Africa and one of the most celebrated political leaders of all time. Announcement! Historical Figures will now be coming out every other WED! We will see you on 4/18 with an all new episode. Sponsors! Kensington Publishing - MURDER AT HALF MOON GATE by Andrea Penrose is on sale now everywhere books are sold. And look for the first Wrexford and Sloan Mystery, MURDER ON BLACK SWAN LANE, now in paperback. More info at AndreaPenrose.com

Even as a child, Oscar Wilde dreamed of becoming famous. We dive deep into the life of the now notorious playwright, artist, and celebrated author. He is celebrated for his passionate writing, sharp wit, and taste for art. Sponsors! Squarespace -  Head to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and use the offer code HISTORICAL to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Audible - Start a 30-day trial and your first audiobook is free. Go to audible.com/FIGURES or text FIGURES to 500-500. Female Criminals - Search for Female Criminals on your favorite podcast directory, listen, and subscribe! Or visit Parcast.com/CRIMINALS to start listening now.

Hernan Cortes was born in 1485 in Medellin, Spain. From an early age, he sought adventure and romance, which led him to trouble throughout his life. He grew to be one of the first Spanish conquistadors who brought European culture to the Americas. His legacy lives on as both a hero of the Spanish Empire... and as a violent conqueror who slaughtered thousands of indigenous peoples in his quest for money and power. Sponsors! Hulu, The Looming Tower - ‘The Looming Tower,’ available now only on Hulu.

She was a student, an author, an activist. She met thirteen presidents, and won the Presidential Medal of Freedom. But Helen Keller was much more than just a symbol for people who are deaf or blind. Her life was filled with both triumphs and tragedies, and with the aid of her mentor, Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller became a legacy that still serves as an inspiration to all. Sponsors! Squarespace - Head to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and use the offer code HISTORICAL to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Unexplained Mysteries - Search for Unexplained Mysteries on your favorite podcast directory to start listening now. Or visit Parcast.com/UNEXPLAINED to listen now.