97. Marlene Dietrich - Hollywood's Femme Fatale

The Hiding Place is an autobiographical memoir by Corrie ten Boom, a devoutly religious woman who lived in the Holland city of Haarlem during the Nazi occupation. Compelled by her unshakeable Christian morality, she defied tyranny to rescue her Jewish neighbors who faced annihilation during the Holocaust. She was ultimately caught and sent to the notorious Ravensbruck death camp, where she witnessed scenes of unimaginable cruelty. In the camp, it was Corrie’s bedrock faith in the glory of God that sustained her. She discovered that love was a far more powerful force than hate—for God’s love was truly unconquerable.

The Diary of a Young Girl is one of the most acclaimed works of the 20th century. Written by Anne Frank from 1942 to 1944, the diary reveals the humanity of those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis during their occupation of the Netherlands. Anne wrote about her experiences with anger, love, puberty, and fear as she and her family hid from an occupying force that wished to see her and her Jewish counterparts dead. Tight quarters, limited food, and the inability to go outside took an emotional toll on Anne and her fellow residents. This led to tensions that reflected the raging war taking place outside of their hiding place.

On the Shawn Ryan Show, join former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan as he sits down with Victor Marx, known as the world's fastest gun disarmer, to uncover the gripping story behind his remarkable skill and his dedication to healing. In a candid conversation, they delve into Marx's tumultuous past marked by severe childhood abuse and the incredible journey that led him to become a symbol of protection and an advocate for at-risk children through his organization, All Things Possible Ministries.

Discover how Victor Marx's resilience and mastery of composure allowed him to rise above his early life trauma, transforming pain into purpose. His tale weaves through the dark alleys of substance abuse and mental health struggles, leading to a path of recovery grounded in therapeutic intervention, nutrition, and unwavering faith. This episode is not merely a chronicle of personal redemption but a powerful testimony to the strength of forgiveness and the profound impact of extending grace, even to those who have caused deep-seated scars.

My Name Is Barbra is the 1,000-page autobiography of Barbra Streisand, perhaps one of the most successful and well-rounded performers in history. As a testament to her career, Streisand is an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards), a feat that only 24 people have achieved.

This guide will take you through Streisand’s remarkable life, as told by Streisand herself. We’ll examine her personal life—how she was raised, how she describes herself, and her various romantic relationships. Then we’ll explore her extensive career. Finally, we’ll discuss her legacy: her philanthropic work and what she hopes to leave behind after she passes away.

Our commentary will provide some background information about the entertainment industry and the people Streisand discusses. We’ll also examine some of the psychology behind Streisand’s drive to perform and escape from reality. Finally, we’ll discuss what other prominent figures—such as composer Paul Wiliams—have said about Streisand and her work.

Embark on a profound journey through Hollywood history with "Stuff You Should Know" hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant as they meticulously unpack the life and enigmatic death of Natalie Wood, a beloved cinema icon. Throughout her formidable acting career, Wood captivated audiences worldwide, and this episode charts her rise from a child star in "Miracle on 34th Street" to her celebrated performances in "West Side Story" and "Rebel Without a Cause." Beyond the silver screen, Clark and Bryant delve into Wood's personal life, from the influence of her mother to her well-publicized marriages and her struggles with the left turns a life under the spotlight can take.

Dive into the whirlpool of mystery that surrounds the untimely death of Natalie Wood on that ill-fated Thanksgiving weekend aboard the yacht "Splendor." Josh and Chuck traverse the choppy waters of the night Wood disappeared, dissecting the puzzling discoveries and conflicting testimonies that followed. With new perceptions into autopsy controversies and varying family opinions that polarized the ongoing investigation, this episode leaves listeners with an indelible impression of the unresolved nature of Wood's tragic demise. In honor of her spirit, the hosts also touch upon an intriguing listener-contributed notion, the 'ingratitude list,' implying how facing our adversities can be as crucial as appreciating our blessings.

Embark on a profound journey through Hollywood history with "Stuff You Should Know" hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant as they meticulously unpack the life and enigmatic death of Natalie Wood, a beloved cinema icon. Throughout her formidable acting career, Wood captivated audiences worldwide, and this episode charts her rise from a child star in "Miracle on 34th Street" to her celebrated performances in "West Side Story" and "Rebel Without a Cause." Beyond the silver screen, Clark and Bryant delve into Wood's personal life, from the influence of her mother to her well-publicized marriages and her struggles with the left turns a life under the spotlight can take.

Dive into the whirlpool of mystery that surrounds the untimely death of Natalie Wood on that ill-fated Thanksgiving weekend aboard the yacht "Splendor." Josh and Chuck traverse the choppy waters of the night Wood disappeared, dissecting the puzzling discoveries and conflicting testimonies that followed. With new perceptions into autopsy controversies and varying family opinions that polarized the ongoing investigation, this episode leaves listeners with an indelible impression of the unresolved nature of Wood's tragic demise. In honor of her spirit, the hosts also touch upon an intriguing listener-contributed notion, the 'ingratitude list,' implying how facing our adversities can be as crucial as appreciating our blessings.

My Name Is Barbra is the 1,000-page autobiography of Barbra Streisand, perhaps one of the most successful and well-rounded performers in history. As a testament to her career, Streisand is an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards), a feat that only 24 people have achieved.

This guide will take you through Streisand’s remarkable life, as told by Streisand herself. We’ll examine her personal life—how she was raised, how she describes herself, and her various romantic relationships. Then we’ll explore her extensive career. Finally, we’ll discuss her legacy: her philanthropic work and what she hopes to leave behind after she passes away.

Our commentary will provide some background information about the entertainment industry and the people Streisand discusses. We’ll also examine some of the psychology behind Streisand’s drive to perform and escape from reality. Finally, we’ll discuss what other prominent figures—such as composer Paul Wiliams—have said about Streisand and her work.

The Diary of a Young Girl is one of the most acclaimed works of the 20th century. Written by Anne Frank from 1942 to 1944, the diary reveals the humanity of those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis during their occupation of the Netherlands. Anne wrote about her experiences with anger, love, puberty, and fear as she and her family hid from an occupying force that wished to see her and her Jewish counterparts dead. Tight quarters, limited food, and the inability to go outside took an emotional toll on Anne and her fellow residents. This led to tensions that reflected the raging war taking place outside of their hiding place.

Conventional accounts of American history tend to focus on the people at the top—presidents, generals, CEOs, and other influential figures and their struggles, ambitions, hopes, and dreams. But what about average people? The ones who had to live with the consequences of elite decisions, and who often struggled in obscurity? In A People’s History of the United States, historian Howard Zinn aims to tell their story, providing a bottom-up view of American history focusing on Indigenous people, Black Americans, women, laborers, and activists.

Our guide outlines Zinn’s interpretation of significant events, themes, and historical trends in American history. Through our commentary, we’ll provide alternative opinions on the motivations behind and consequences of historical events. We’ll also further explain Zinn’s approach to history and provide additional context for his arguments as well as his perspective on events that happened after the book’s publication.

Finding Me, Viola Davis’s memoir published in 2022, recounts her extraordinary journey from the depths of poverty to the heights of Hollywood stardom. In this deeply personal account, Davis shares how acting became a beacon of hope and a path toward self-discovery in the midst of poverty, abuse, and racial discrimination.

Davis, celebrated for her roles in The Help, Doubt, How To Get Away With Murder, and Fences, has distinguished herself in film, television, and theater, achieving the historic "Triple Crown of Acting." Beyond her acting career, she co-runs JuVee Productions, aiming to produce diverse storytelling across various media.

This guide provides a detailed overview of Davis's life, enriched with historical context and additional information not found in the memoir, while also exploring Davis’ impact on the discussions about the importance of diverse storytelling in the media.

Dive into the thought-provoking world of 'Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus' as the host herself sheds light on the dismissive societal attitudes toward the wisdom of older women. In this episode, Julia Louis-Dreyfus gives the spotlight to the renowned Jane Fonda, who is lauded for her cultural influence through her activism and feminism. Together, they discuss the roles they've played in societal culture, shedding light on their career impacts, their personal experiences, and their unique perceptions of aging and the struggle with societal pressures.

In the latter part of the episode, we delve deeper into the significance of female friendships and support systems as Fonda reveals her perspective shift, crediting it to motherhood and activism. Moreover, the episode offers a revolutionary take on women's health and beauty in later life, especially focusing on menopause and its associated societal stereotypes. Through this conversation, these trailblazing women aim to deconstruct societal norms and promote women empowerment. Brands advocating for women and eco-friendly initiatives are highlighted, adding another vibrant layer to their discussion.

My Name Is Barbra is the 1,000-page autobiography of Barbra Streisand, perhaps one of the most successful and well-rounded performers in history. As a testament to her career, Streisand is an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards), a feat that only 24 people have achieved.

This guide will take you through Streisand’s remarkable life, as told by Streisand herself. We’ll examine her personal life—how she was raised, how she describes herself, and her various romantic relationships. Then we’ll explore her extensive career. Finally, we’ll discuss her legacy: her philanthropic work and what she hopes to leave behind after she passes away.

Our commentary will provide some background information about the entertainment industry and the people Streisand discusses. We’ll also examine some of the psychology behind Streisand’s drive to perform and escape from reality. Finally, we’ll discuss what other prominent figures—such as composer Paul Wiliams—have said about Streisand and her work.

Jeanne Calment died at the age of 122, holding the record as the oldest person ever to have lived. More than 20 years after her death, some people began questioning the supercentenarian’s age and identity.

Dive into the minds of actress and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus and acclaimed author Isabel Allende on an enlightening episode of "Wiser Than Me." Their conversation traverses numerous themes from the power and vulnerability of women to the complexities of personal relationships. Julia's personal experiences of sexism, as well as her portrayal of challenging female characters in Veep and Seinfeld, layer the discussion with depth. Meanwhile, Allende brings her wisdom to the table, sharing her joys of newfound freedom in aging and shifting norms of society.

The conversation is further enriched by insights into Allende's life, beliefs, experience with grief, and approach to writing. Known for her rich narratives and strong female characters, Allende reveals the discipline behind her craft and her philosophical views on life, death, and existential themes. The women also delve into their experiences and thoughts on motherhood, a profound blending of intense complexities and ineffable joys. The podcast culminates into a broader discussion about women's health and the taboo around menopause, encouraging listeners to explore more with Womaness. This episode of "Wiser Than Me" offers a powerful exploration of womanhood, through the eyes of two influential women.

My Name Is Barbra is the 1,000-page autobiography of Barbra Streisand, perhaps one of the most successful and well-rounded performers in history. As a testament to her career, Streisand is an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards), a feat that only 24 people have achieved.

This guide will take you through Streisand’s remarkable life, as told by Streisand herself. We’ll examine her personal life—how she was raised, how she describes herself, and her various romantic relationships. Then we’ll explore her extensive career. Finally, we’ll discuss her legacy: her philanthropic work and what she hopes to leave behind after she passes away.

Our commentary will provide some background information about the entertainment industry and the people Streisand discusses. We’ll also examine some of the psychology behind Streisand’s drive to perform and escape from reality. Finally, we’ll discuss what other prominent figures—such as composer Paul Wiliams—have said about Streisand and her work.