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The Biographers

The Biographers

The Biographers is a deep-dive biography podcast that aims to tell the full and complete stories of history’s most fascinating and influential characters. Join hosts Daniel Newman and Akiva Meola as they take you through the expansive and entertaining stories of various historic figures.

In a time where short-form, hardly-researched videos flood TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, we are doing the exact opposite. The Biographers gives you the chance to learn the full life stories of historic figures, both famous and obscure, without cutting corners. With hour-long, deep-dive research, we provide a bigger, better story than what’s in your feed. If you love true crime, but are craving stories about people who truly made a difference, then you’ve just discovered your new favorite podcast.

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  • 25 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 1 hr 20 min
  • English

Episodes 25

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  • January 23 · 1 hr 19 min

    Concerning Jim: An Interview with Professor Shelley Fisher Fishkin

    This week, we are thrilled to be joined for an interview with one of the world's leading Mark Twain scholars who currently teaches at Stanford University: Professor Shelley Fisher Fishkin (https://shelleyfisherfishkin.com/bio) . Most recently, Professor Fishkin has published a book called "Jim: The Life and Afterlives of Huckleberry Finn's Comrade", which aims to debunk the notion that Mark Twain's character, Jim, in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a racist portrayal. Join us as we explore this complex subject with one of the world's leading authorities on all things Mark Twain. Buy the book here: https://shelleyfisherfishkin.com/jim Listen to the audiobook here: https://a.co/d/18NXmE8

  • S12 · E10
    January 10 · 1 hr 50 min

    Mark Twain Part 10: No Humor In Heaven

    It’s finally time to close the book on the life of the incomparable Mark Twain. His final ten years would not be easy, riddled with heartache and devastation, but the world at large would finally awaken to the utter genius in its midst, and his works would take their place among the great masterpieces of literature. Join us as we say goodbye to our pal, Mark Twain. (Ep. 070)

  • S12 · E9
    Dec 27, 2025 · 1 hr 36 min

    Mark Twain Part 9: A Long Farewell To Business

    Tough times lay ahead for Mark Twain in part nine of our series on the legendary humorist. Somewhere along the way, Sam Clemens got it into his head that he was a businessman, but nothing could be further from the truth, and none of his business deals would yield any profits. He would tell the press that he was taking his family to Europe for his wife's health, but the truth was that the US dollar could go further abroad. For nine years, the Clemens family would live in exile, before Sam would finally decide to pay off his debts by going on a worldwide lecture tour... But the tough times would be far from over. We're in the home-stretch: tune in for part nine of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 069)

  • S12 · E8
    Dec 13, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min

    Mark Twain Part 8: Jim & Huck

    In part eight of our series on the godfather of American comedy, Mark Twain, we finally get into the development and publishing of his most famous novel: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The book was considered controversial upon release (and continues to be), so we take plenty of time to examine its impact. Though he still possesses a knack for writing, times are getting tough for Sam Clemens as his continued failures in the world of business lead further down the path of financial ruin. Tune in the part eight of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 068)

  • S12 · E7
    Nov 29, 2025 · 1 hr 17 min

    Mark Twain Part 7: Back on the Mississippi

    In part seven of our series on the incomparable Mark Twain, the godfather of American comedy finally publishes one of his most seminal works: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Though the book is largely praised by critics, its initial sales are disappointing. Seeking new inspiration, Twain soon decides to take his family on an extended trip through Europe. The journey lasts seventeen months and provides enough material for him to publish another travel book, A Tramp Abroad. Once back in the United States, Twain eventually sets out on another trip, this time alone, traveling up and down the Mississippi River. It is from this journey that he finds the inspiration for two of his most respected works: Life on the Mississippi and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Tune in to part seven of our Mark Twain series to learn more! (Ep. 067)

Showing 21–25 of 25 episodes