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Thanks for joining us for the second and final part of the Nancy Wake story. When we left off in part one, Wake had traveled an unlikely path to becoming a wealthy socialite in France and an even unlikelier path as a leader in the French and British resistance efforts in World War II. Now, as the stakes increase, Wake will have to make difficult choices that will put her in even greater danger but will see her legend grow and her contributions to the Allied war effort become legendary. So sit back and enjoy the conclusion of today’s episode, World War II spy, Nancy Wake. 

Many of us know the stories of World War II heroes. Leaders like Winston Churchill and FDR or soldiers from books and shows like Band of Brothers. Though many might not know the story of the war’s most decorated woman who the Nazis despised so much they had codenamed her the White Mouse because of her inexplicable elusiveness. The Nazis did everything they could to find her and stop the havoc she was wreaking, but they had no idea who they were up against, in every sense of that phrase.   So sit back and enjoy the story and the focus of today’s episode, World War II spy, Nancy Wake. 

Thanks for joining us for the second and final part of the Thomas Nast story. When we left off in Part one, Nast was coming into his own as a famous sketch artist covering America’s Civil War.Now, Nast will find his true calling as he takes his talent and growing fame to new heights, helping to elect Presidents of the United States and take on the most corrupt city government the nation has ever seen. So sit back and enjoy the conclusion of today’s episode, Political Cartoonist Thomas Nast. 

Many of us know the stories of Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. Or the images of political symbols like the Republican elephant or Democratic donkey. Though many might not know of the artist and political cartoonist who created the latter and help elect the former all while being most responsible for taking on and taking down the most corrupt politician in New York City’s history and even finding time to create the modern image of Santa Claus.So sit back and enjoy the story and the focus of today’s episode, Political Cartoonist Thomas Nast. 

Thanks for joining us for the second and final part of the John Pershing story. When we left off in Part 1, General Pershing was chasing feared rebel Pancho Villa throughout the Mexican countryside while the rest of the world was at war.  Now, all of Pershing’s experience and leadership will be called upon as a reluctant America gets drawn into World War 1 and he is asked to help overhaul a military that is not ready but is so desperately needed. All while he continues to endure the incompressible loss of his own family.  So sit back and enjoy the conclusion of today’s episode, General of the Armies John J. Pershing, 

Many of us know the stories of military Generals like George Washington, Ulysses Grant and Dwight Eisenhower. All won critical wars and went on to become Presidents of the United States.  What many might not know is the story of the General who led American forces in the First World War whose vision and perseverance was most responsible for bringing a young nation from isolation to a world power. All while enduing an unimaginable personal tragedy and defying overwhelming odds as the commander of a military that was ill-prepared for the momentous challenges they faced.  So sit back and enjoy the story and the focus of today’s episode, General of the Armies John J. Pershing. 

Thanks for joining the second and final part of the Benjamin Rush story. When we left off in part one, America was in the midst of Revolution and a thirty-year old Dr. Rush was at the center of it all. Now, Rush and America will be tested like never before as they face the most feared military in the world, build a new government and try to survive a deadly disease. All of which will have a profound impact on the new nation for centuries to come. 

Most of us know the names and stories of America’s immortal founding fathers like George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. What many might not know is the name and story of the founder who was friends with each of those individuals and was involved in just about every major event in America’s founding from the Boston Tea Party, to the book Common Sense, the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War and the creation of the Constitution. Even with all of those accomplishments and famous friendships, what makes this founder stand out even more is that he was the only one who was a practicing medical doctor; and not just any doctor, but the most famous physician in country. And he would put his fame and skills to the test and his life on the line to help his country through war and the worst health epidemic the young nation had ever seen. So sit back and enjoy the story and the focus of today’s episode, founding father, Dr. Benjamin Rush. 

Many of us have heard of Cy Young, whose immortalized name adorns the award given to the best pitchers each year in Major League Baseball. When we debate who’s the greatest pitcher of all time, we hear names like Young, Nolan Ryan, Walter Johnson and others. What many might not know is that if baseball had been integrated twenty years sooner than it was in 1947 by the immortal Jackie Robinson, it is not out of the question that the Cy Young award might today be named the Satchel Paige award and there would be plenty arguing for his name to be included in, or at the very top of, the list of the greatest pitchers. As talented as he was with the ball, he was an equally talented showman and personality who did more than most to help bring about baseball’s long overdue integration.  

Thanks for joining the second and final part of the Satchel Paige story. When we left off in part one, Paige was entering his prime as one of the baseball’s best pitchers.Now his career and charisma will take him to even greater heights than he could have ever imagined. Including playing a significant role in what once seemed unlikely, but will become a reality during his career, the integration of baseball.

Thanks for joining the second and final part of the Margaret Chase Smith Story. When we left off in part one, Congresswoman Smith had just made history by becoming the first woman in America to win election to both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Now as a Senator in her first year, she will face her strongest test and rise to her greatest moment as she takes on Joe McCarthy and McCarthyism that gripped Washington and the country in so much suspicion and fear. So sit back and enjoy the conclusion of today’s episode , Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine. 

The first Senator to stand up to Joe McCarthy and McCarthyism of the 1950s. The only female Senator in 1950 and a member of the same party as McCarthy. Smith’s courage was a refreshing dose of conscience and character for the nation and the world.The first woman to be elected and re-elected to both the U.S. House and Senate. The first woman to run for and have her name placed in nomination for President of United States. Her story stretches from the Industrial Revolution of 1897 to the rise of the internet in 1995. A pioneer and trailblazer, her story is captivating and inspiring to all. 

Famous figures. Forgotten stories - a history podcast that brings them back.History at its best is telling a compelling story that moves its audience. We all have our favorites whether in books, movies, tv shows or podcasts.We immortalize figures like Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhart, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Winston Churchill and rightfully so. But what about all of the other incredible people in history whose birthdays we don’t observe or who don't have movies made or dozens of books written about them?They were famous in their time, but their stories for some reason are less known today. They are "almost" immortal.  They are politicians, athletes, scientists, military and business leaders and many more. They are from every generation. They all are worth knowing about and a lot of fun to get to know.  So if you love a good story, please join us at the Almost Immortal History Podcast.