Stories We Tell Ourselves

In this episode, we explore the life and downfall of Montezuma II, the ninth emperor of the Aztec Empire. Born into a powerful lineage, Montezuma leaned heavily on tradition, faith, and the wisdom passed down through generations. But when Hernán Cortés and the Spanish conquistadors arrived, those same traditions that once gave him strength became his greatest weakness — leading to the betrayal of his people, collapse, and his tragi...

Switching things up a bit, in this episode we dive into Protocol 7, a gripping short story that explores the seamless integration of artificial intelligence into daily life—and the chilling, unseen ways it begins to shape human existence. What happens when AI influence extends beyond convenience, subtly altering decisions, emotions, and even reality itself? As society unknowingly hands over control, a hidden protocol activates, shi...

WELCOME TO SEASON 2, EPISODE 2. In this episode, we'll step into the extraordinary world of Josephine Baker, the woman who danced her way from the streets of East St. Louis to the heights of international fame, at one point becoming the richest black woman in the world. But her story is far more than glitz and glamour. This podcast dives deep into the life and times of Baker, exploring her rise as a groundbreaking entertainer,...

I'm so thrilled to be back for Season 2 of the podcast! It's been an incredible journey so far, and I can't wait to dive into more fascinating topics with all of you. For the first episode of this new season, we're exploring the remarkable life of Charles Darwin, a man who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential scientific minds in history, forever changing our understanding of the natu...

Nikola Tesla, born in 1856, was a visionary inventor whose genius transformed the world. From his groundbreaking advancements in alternating current (AC) electricity to over 300 patents, Tesla’s work laid the foundation for modern electrical systems. His rivalry with Thomas Edison, known as the “War of the Currents,” highlighted Tesla’s AC as the superior method for transmitting electricity over long distances, outshining Edison’s ...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
Welcome to today’s episode, where we explore the life of Aleister Crowley, one of history’s most infamous and enigmatic figures. Born in 1875, Crowley grew up in an oppressive evangelical household, shaped by the stringent beliefs of his father, a preacher of the Plymouth Brethren sect. Under the watchful eye of his religious family, Crowley’s early years were marked by severe teachings about sin and salvation...

In today's episode, we will discuss the life of Mansa Musa I, the 14th-century emperor of the Mali Empire and the richest man in history. His wealth came from Mali’s abundant gold mines, which made him a symbol of power and prosperity across the medieval world. In 1324, Mansa Musa embarked on a legendary pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, with an entourage of tens of thousands. During his stop in Cairo, Egypt, Musa’s gene...

In this episode, we dive into the remarkable life of Walt Disney, a man whose unwavering confidence and relentless drive turned his dreams into reality, creating one of the most iconic and profitable companies in history. From humble beginnings, Disney built an empire that transformed the entertainment industry, with timeless creations like Mickey Mouse and the groundbreaking Disneyland theme park. However, his life was not without...

In this episode, we explore the life and brilliance of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a trailblazing artist whose relentless curiosity defined his career and creative genius. Born in Brooklyn in 1960, Basquiat's fascination with the world was evident from a young age. His art, often a fusion of cultural, historical, and personal symbols, reflected a mind constantly in motion, searching for deeper meaning in everything around him. From ...

In this episode, we delve into the life of the iconic Toni Morrison, the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose words have inspired generations. Born Chloe Anthony Wofford in 1931 in Lorain, Ohio, Morrison grew up in a working-class family, surrounded by the rich oral traditions of African American culture. Her childhood was marked by a deep love of literature, which set the stage for her future career. After marrying and la...

In this podcast episode, we delve into the remarkable life of Anthony Bourdain, tracing his journey from a humble dishwasher in New York City to the heights of culinary fame as a celebrated executive chef. Bourdain’s candid storytelling and unfiltered perspective led him to become a beloved television personality, traveling the globe and sharing the world’s diverse cultures and cuisines with millions of viewers. However, despite hi...

Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into the remarkable life of Frida Kahlo, an artist whose legacy transcends time. Frida's journey was one marked by immense pain and profound creativity. From her battle with polio as a child to the near-fatal bus accident that left her with lifelong injuries, Frida forged a unique relationship with pain, channeling her suffering into her iconic, surrealist paintings. Her works, de...

In this episode, the life of Miles Davis is explored through the lens of his relentless drive to reinvent himself for the sake of his art. Known as a pivotal figure in jazz, Davis's story transcends his musical achievements to highlight his unyielding passion for innovation and transformation. Despite a reputation for being difficult and often unkind, Davis's profound love for music and his craft is evident in his continu...

Welcome! Today we delve into the extraordinary life of Stephen King, the master of horror and suspense. Born in 1947, King's journey from a modest upbringing in Maine to becoming one of the most prolific and celebrated authors of our time is a testament to his unwavering persistence. Despite facing numerous rejections early in his career, King never gave up on his dream, driven by a deep-seated belief in his talent and the unw...

Welcome to Episode 5. Today, we're diving into the life and legacy of Mark Rothko, an artist whose perseverance over four decades ultimately led him to monumental success. Despite the challenges and setbacks, Rothko's unwavering dedication to his craft revealed that his life's purpose was not defined by his tragic end, but by his remarkable fortitude in achieving his artistic vision. We'll explore how his journe...

In this captivating episode of our podcast, we delve into the life and legacy of Lorraine Hansberry, an extraordinary writer and trailblazer. We'll explore her groundbreaking achievement as the first African-American woman to have a play produced on Broadway with her iconic work, "A Raisin in the Sun." We'll discuss her profound impact on American theater, which was solidified when she won the prestigious Drama ...

In today's episode, we delve into the enigmatic life of Vivian Maier, a nanny with a hidden genius for street photography who remained unknown during her lifetime. Maier's extraordinary body of work, discovered posthumously, reveals a keen eye for capturing the human condition amidst her own struggles with mental illness. We'll explore how her reclusive nature and obsessive tendencies both fueled her art and isolated...

In this riveting podcast episode, we delve into the profound implications of external and internal locus of control through the lens of Patrice Lumumba's life and death. Lumumba's unwavering belief in the power of self-determination and internal locus of control propelled him to become the first democratically elected Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, his tragic demise at the hands of extern...