People Hidden In History

William Shirer was quite unique as a print journalist then later a radio correspondent, in that he was an “on the ground” witness to many of the key historical events, especially in Europe, starting in the 1920s through World War II.  For example - he reported on the 1938 Anschluss, being in Vienna, at the time. You’ll will learn about his humble beginnings as a young man from the Midwest, then rising to prominence in the late 1930’s, along with Edward R. Murrow. Shirer was a critical voice, in trying to tell the world of the insidious rise of Nazism. Furthermore, his collaboration with Murrow in 1938, ushered in a new era on news reporting, that is the model we see today. Most of this podcast will be an interview with Clay Jenkinson, who is a humanities scholar, author and social commentator. He has had an interest in Shirer most of his professional life. He'll share his insights on what made Shirer so unique, and the critically important historical value he provided through broadcasts and writings. For more information on Clay's background and publications - go to www.jeffersonhour.com.

Website: peoplehiddeninhistory.com
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General Lew Wallace is certainly most famously known for being the author of the novel - Ben Hur.  This novel was made into the “old-time Hollywood” classic of 1959 - with Charlton Heston and the chariot race. But there is so much more to Lew Wallace, with his Civil War career and a number of historically important government positions after the war.  Wallace was a true Renaissance man - with interests in many areas and had a constant intellectual curiosity. But he had some challenges to overcome, including being a poor student in his younger years and also issues as commander of one of the Civil War battles. My connection with Lew Wallace was that my great-grandparents were close friends of Lew and Susan Wallace for at least 10 years and lived across the street from the Wallace homestead in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Included at the end of the podcast, is a recording of my grandmother, telling of a visit with Lew Wallace in 1904. Most of this podcast will be an interview with Larry Paarlberg, director of the Lew Wallace Study and museum. He'll provide an in-depth interview, way beyond just dates and facts. Website for the museum:  ben-hur.com

Website: peoplehiddeninhistory.com
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Twitter/Instagram: @phihpod

An introduction to the series, including the inspiration for this series and some details on upcoming episodes.

Website: peoplehiddeninhistory.com
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Twitter/Instagram: @phihpod

This politician was  one of the more well-known governors of Indiana but also was a politician who had close ties with Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR)  over a 12-year period, inclusive of the Depression years and WWII. He had a complicated relationship with FDR, which likely hindered his political advancements. His life story is a blend of triumph and regrets - most significantly having the democratic nomination for president just out of reach on numerous occasions.  But McNutt had an impressive accomplishment record – both nationally and internationally. He was very involved in the international politics of the Philippines over 2 decades and helped save 1300 German Jews from the Holocaust. For a number of reasons, very little is widely known about him, and this podcast will highlight his fascinating career.  Most of the podcast will be an interview with Dr. Dean Kotlowski, who wrote the in-depth biography on McNutt - "Paul V. McNutt and the Age of FDR": link at Amazon.

Another book by Dr. Kotlowski:
Nixon's Civil Rights: Politics, Principle and Policy

Website: peoplehiddeninhistory.com
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Twitter/Instagram: @phihpod

Amalia Kussner was a miniature portrait artist and a “darling” of the Gilded Age - the age when the American Industrialists and their families where effectively the royalty of America. She painted many of those families and as part of their extended social circles - was introduced to the crowned heads of Europe. She would go on to paint Edward the 7th of England and the Czar and Czarina of Russia - Nicholas the 2nd and Alexandra. She was quite adventurous and traveled in person for her portraits to Russia and to South Africa during a war (for Cecil Rhodes). Not only was she talented as an artist but adept at marketing herself and commanding impressive commissions. This podcast will reveal her interesting life.

There is now a second podcast on Amalia Kussner - detailing her life after 1900. Please refer to the People Hidden in History directory (on your preferred Podcast venue) for the link.

Website: peoplehiddeninhistory.com
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Twitter/Instagram: @phihpod