PODCAST · history
5 Minute Biographies
by 5 Minute Biographies
Biographies to read or listen to in about 5 minutes
Episodes
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Juan Peron
In season 16, episode 5 of 5 Minute Biographies, we delve into the captivating and controversial life of Juan Perón. From his rise to power as a champion of the working class to his exile and eventual return, this episode explores the legacy of Perón and Peronism in Argentina. Please consider...
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Charlton Heston
In episode 4 of season 16 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we delve into the life of Hollywood legend Charlton Heston. We explore not only his captivating performances in films like Ben-Hur and Planet of the Apes, but also his activism for civil rights and his later tenure as a powerful voice...
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Florence Nightingale
In episode 3 of season 16 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we delve into the extraordinary life of Florence Nightingale. This podcast goes beyond the battlefield bandages. We'll explore her rebellious spirit, her fight to revolutionise healthcare, and the surprising weapon she used to save...
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Oliver Reed
In episode 2 of season 16 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we explore the wild life of the actor Oliver Reed. We'll delve into his upbringing, his rise to fame with roles like Bill Sykes in Oliver!, and his later career portraying iconic characters like Proximo in Gladiator. Join us as we...
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Gus March-Phillipps
In the first episode of season 16 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we briefly examine the life of the man who challenged British conventional warfare tactics during World War 2 and led the way to the formation of modern special forces such as the SAS when he put together the Small-Scale…
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Cleopatra
In the 10th and final episode of season 15 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we briefly examine the life of the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, whose intelligence, political acumen, and legendary romances have captivated the world for centuries. Discover the story of a queen who navigated the...
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Bing Crosby
In the 9th episode of season 15 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of Bing Crosby. Beyond the crooning and Christmas carols, Bing Crosby was a multimedia titan. We will take a quick dive into the Crosby legacy, exploring his rise to radio stardom, his smooth...
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Benjamin Franklin
In the eighth episode of season 15 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a prolific polymath who excelled as an inventor, scientist, writer, and diplomat. His contributions, ranging from the invention of the lightning rod to his pivotal role in drafting the...
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James Dean
In the seventh episode of season 15 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a movie star whose life was cut tragically short by a car accident after he had a massive impact on Hollywood with the three movies he starred in - James Dean. Please consider supporting…
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Lord Horatio Nelson
In the sixth episode of season 15 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who started from humble beginnings to rise through the ranks and take charge of the British Naval Fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar, arguably changing the way war is fought at sea -...
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Carrie Fisher
In the fifth episode of season 15 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the a woman who had massive success through her involvement with the Star Wars franchise as Prince Leia, but also someone who struggled with mental health and addiction - Carrie Fisher.…
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Emmeline Pankhurst
In the fourth episode of season 15 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the woman who was the driving force behind the women's suffrage movement, which ultimately led to women being able to vote - Emmeline Pankhurst. Please consider supporting the show by...
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Oliver Cromwell
In the third episode of season 15 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who brought about a unique period in English history when he removed the monarchy, resulting in England becoming, for a brief period, a republic - Oliver Cromwell. Please consider...
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Michael Jackson
In the second episode of season 15 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the King of Pop - Michael Jackson. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing, or, if you would like to support me in a more direct way, by say, buying me a coffee, please head on...
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Greta Garbo
In the first episode of season 15 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a look at the life of a mysterious and talented actress who made a successful move from the silent movies to the talkies and who left an indelible mark on the early movie industry. Please consider supporting the show…
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Nikola Tesla
In the tenth and final episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who became one of the world's first electrical engineers. He held over 300 patents and invented A/C electrical power - Nikola Tesla. Please consider supporting the show by...
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Winston Churchill
In the ninth episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who rose through the ranks of the British military, only to turn to politics and then become one of Britain's greatest prime ministers - Winston Churchill. Please consider supporting...
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Katharine Hepburn
In the eighth episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the woman who became one of Hollywood's most critically acclaimed actresses and who won 4 Academy Awards during her 60-year career - Katharine Hepburn. Please consider supporting the show…
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Jacques Cousteau
In the seventh episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a French navy officer who became a pioneering underwater explorer and documentary film-maker - Jacques Cousteau. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at...
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Spencer Tracy
In the sixth episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of one of Hollywood's leading men - Spencer Tracy. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at...
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Niki Lauda
In the fifth episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of one of F1's greatest ever drivers - Niki Lauda Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by perhaps buying me a coffee at...
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Lyndon B. Johnson
In the fourth episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who became President of the United States after the assassination of John F. Kennedy - Lyndon B. Johnson. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at...
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Jimmy Stewart
In the third episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of one of Hollywood's leading men who also flew bombers during the Second World War - Jimmy Stewart. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at...
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Kurt Cobain
In the second episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who was the frontman for influential rock group Nirvana - Kurt Cobain Please consider supporting the show by visiting the YouTube channel at www.5minutebiographies.com/youtube or by...
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George Orwell
In the first episode of season 14 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of the man who was a policeman in the Indian Police Service, a soldier in the Spanish Civil War and the author of classic novels such as Animal Farm and 1984 - he was George Orwell. Please...
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Napoleon Bonaparte
In the tenth and final episode of season 13 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a man who rose through military ranks and ultimately became the self-declared emperor of France before being forced into exile after the Battle of Waterloo - Napoleon Bonaparte....
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Muhammad Ali
In the ninth episode of season 13 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a brief look at the life of a man who started with nothing went on to become heavyweight boxing champion of the world, no less than three times - Muhammad Ali. Please consider supporting the show by visiting the…
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Elizabeth Taylor
“I’ve only slept with men I’ve been married to. How many women can make that claim?” – Elizabeth Taylor Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born on 27 February 1932 at the family home in the Hampstead Garden Suburb of London. Her parents were Francis Lenn Taylor who was an art dealer and the retired...
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Freddie Mercury
“I won’t be a rock star. I will be a legend.” – Freddie Mercury Farrokh Bulsara, known to everyone in the world as Freddie Mercury was born on 5 September 1946 in Stone Town, Zanzibar, which is now part of Tanzania. He was the second of two children, as he had a younger sister called Kashmira…
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Thomas Edison
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas Edison Thomas Alva Edison was born on 11 February 1847 in Milan, Ohio, USA, but in 1854, the family moved to Port Huron, Michigan due to his father, Samuel getting a job there. Thomas was the youngest of seven children and...
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Ayrton Senna
“Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose.” – Ayrton Senna Ayrton Senna da Silva was born on 21 March 1960 in São Paulo, Brazil to parents Milton da Silva and his wife Neide Senna da Silva. He was the middle of three children, having an older sister called Viviane and a younger…
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King Henry VII
Henry Tudor was born on 28 January 1457 during a period of turmoil and conflict over the succession of the English throne. He was the son of the Countess of Richmond, Lady Margaret Beaufort and Edmund Tudor, 1st Earl of Richmond, although Edmund died at Carmarthen Castle three months before Henry...
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Sam Cooke
“I’m gonna sing, and I’m going to make me a lot of money.” – Sam Cooke Samuel Cook was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA on 22 January 1931 and was the fifth of eight children born to a minister, the Reverend Charles Cook and his wife Annie Mae. When Samuel was only two years old, the family...
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Oscar Wilde
“There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” – Oscar Wilde Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde was born on 16 October 1854 in Dublin Ireland to parents Sir William Wilde, Ireland’s leading oto-ophthalmologist (that is a specialist in ear…
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Joan of Arc
“I would rather die than do something which I know to be a sin, or to be against God’s will.” – Joan of Arc Joan of Arc was born to parents Jacques d’Arc and his wife Isabelle in the year 1412 in a village called Domrémy in France, which has since changed its name to Domrémy-la-Pucelle in honour…
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Alexander Graham Bell
“Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open.” – Alexander Graham Bell Alexander Graham Bell was born in the family home on South Charlotte Street in Edinburgh, Scotland on 3 March 1847. He was the middle one of three brothers. His older brother...
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Mary Pickford
“Adding sound to movies would be like putting lipstick on the Venus de Milo.” – Mary Pickford The actress and movie producer known to everyone as Mary Pickford was born Gladys Louise Smith on 8 April 1892 in Toronto, Canada to parents John, who worked various jobs, including as a purser on board...
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Jimi Hendrix
“When I die, I want people to play my music, go wild, and freak out an’ do anything they wanna do.” – Jimi Hendrix Johnny Allen Hendrix was born on 27 November 1942 in Seattle, Washington, USA, and was the first of five children born to Lucille Jeter and James Allen Hendrix, whom everyone knew as...
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King Charles I
“Never make a defence or apology before you be accused.” – King Charles I On 19 November 1600, Anne of Denmark, the wife of King James VI of Scotland gave birth to their second son at Dunfermline Palace in Fife. He was named Charles and was baptised at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh on 23 December...
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Jane Austen
“Anything is to be preferred or endured rather than marrying without affection.” – Jane Austen Jane Austen was born during one of the harshest winters on record, on 16 December 1775 in the small rural village of Steventon, Hampshire, England, which is about seven miles from the town of…
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Vivien Leigh
“Life is too short to work so hard.” – Vivien Leigh The British Actress known as Vivien Leigh was born in Darjeeling, in what was then British India on 5 November 1913. She was the only child of Ernest Richard Hadley, a Scottish-born broker and his wife Gertrude Mary Frances, a devout Roman...
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Jules Verne
“Science, my lad, is made up of mistakes, but they are mistakes which it is useful to make, because they lead little by little to the truth.” – Jules Verne Jules Gabriel Verne was born on 8 February 1828 on Île Feydeau, which was a small man-made island which sits within the boundaries of the…
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Al Capone
“I am like any other man. All I do is supply a demand.” – Al Capone Alphonse Gabriel Capone was born on 17 January 1899 in Brooklyn, New York to immigrant parents Gabriele who was a barber and Teresa who was a seamstress, both of whom were from just outside Naples, Italy and had moved to the USA…
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Martin Luther King Jr.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr was a minister and civil rights activist who spoke out against racial segregation in the United States of America. He led the Montgomery...
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Ronald Reagan
“Trust, but verify.” – Ronald Reagan. Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on 6 February 1911 in Tampico, Illinois, USA to parents Jack, a salesman whose grandparents had emigrated from Ireland to the USA and Nelle who was of English, Irish and Scottish ancestry and who was very active and influential...
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Amy Winehouse
“Every bad situation is a blues song waiting to happen.” – Amy Winehouse Amy Jade Winehouse was born to Jewish parents, a window panel installer called Mitchell Winehouse and a pharmacist called Janis on 14 September 1983 at Chase Farm Hospital in North London. She lived with her parents and her...
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Ted Bundy
“We all go a little mad sometimes.” – Ted Bundy Ted Bundy was a serial killer who was executed in 1989 for the rape and murder of young women and girls during the 1970s. Before he was put to death in the electric chair at Florida State Prison, he confessed to 30 murders but the true number will...
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Jane Russell
“Publicity can be terrible. But only if you don’t have any.” – Jane Russell. Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell, known to everyone simply as Jane Russell was born on 21 June 1921 in Bemidji, Minnesota, USA to parents Roy William Russell, who was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army and Geraldine...
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Humphrey Bogart
“The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind.” – Humphrey Bogart Humphrey DeForest Bogart was born on Christmas Day 1899 in New York City, USA. His actual birth date is somewhat disputed but Bogart always celebrated it on Christmas Day, joking that he had always considered...
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Juan Manuel Fangio
“A crazy man finished in the cemetery.” – Juan Manuel Fangio Although motor racing in its various forms has been around since very soon after the invention of the motor car, for most motorsport enthusiasts if you were to ask them what the pinnacle of the sport is on the world stage, it is likely...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Biographies to read or listen to in about 5 minutes
HOSTED BY
5 Minute Biographies
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does 5 Minute Biographies have?
5 Minute Biographies currently has 255 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is 5 Minute Biographies about?
Biographies to read or listen to in about 5 minutes
How often does 5 Minute Biographies release new episodes?
5 Minute Biographies publishes regularly with 255 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to 5 Minute Biographies?
You can listen to 5 Minute Biographies on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts 5 Minute Biographies?
5 Minute Biographies is created and hosted by 5 Minute Biographies.
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