The Biographers

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!

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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. 

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)

In part five of our series on classical composer, Franz Liszt, we learn about the most tragic part of Franz's life, which compels him to become a clergyman of the Catholic Church. That's right: the infamous ladies-man has decided to become abbé! Does that mean the notorious lothario has to give up his promiscuous lifestyle to appease his faith? Regardless, this sensational news would sweep through Europe and cause a second wave of Lisztomania, filling his concerts to the brim once again! But what about his daughter, Cosima? Turns out, she has fallen into the web of the controversial Richard Wagner, whose influential prejudices would echo through history in unimaginable ways. Tune in for part five of Franz Liszt to learn more! (Ep. 034)

In part four of our series on Franz Liszt, we witness the rise of a music superstar the likes of which the world had never seen before, and what history would come to call "Lisztomania". But what made this superstar piano-player so special, and what caused such a stir in his fanbase? This wouldn't be the only point of pride during this phase of his life however, as he would soon invent a new form of music known as the Symphonic Poem, and help create the foundations for what we now consider pop music. But how was his love life going? What was happening with his children? Tune in for part four of Franz Liszt to find out! (Ep. 033)