Fatal Fortunes

Welcome to the final-ish episode of Season 3 of Fatal Fortunes! Al and Nathan were lucky enough sit down with Ann Foster of the Vulgar History podcast to discuss the three men who found themselves in the orbit of Mary Queen of Scots. We also pick Ann's brain about our mutual love of history. 

Al and Nathan are back with a new episode and a new format discussing the first two hundred pages of Prince Harry's 2023 memoir Spare. Stay tuned for a special episode Friday 2/10 with Ann Foster from Vulgar History! 

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In this week's episode of Fatal Fortunes, Nathan tells us the story of the late great comedian ROBIN WILLIAMS (1951-2014). Best known for his high energy stand up performance, his roles in the Dead Poet Society, the Night at the Museum franchise, and Jumanji. What many people don't know is Williams struggled with substance abuse and depression which affected his personal life and public persona.   

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In the penultimate episode of season two of Fatal Fortunes Al and Nathan and Will take a look at the life and works of poet ARTHUR RIMBAUD (1854-1891) an artist who burned too bright until he rejected his craft all together in favor of a life in Africa. Please thank Will for coming on and bantering with us!

In this episode of Fatal Fortunes, Al and Nathan discuss Sir Robert Graham, a Scottish knight who was responsible for the assassination of King James I. 

In this weeks episode of Fatal Fortunes Al and Nathan discuss ZEYNAB BEGUM (?-1640) a girl boss who played the game of thrones during the Safavid Empire. 

In this week's shorter episode Al and Nathan discus LILI ELBE (c.1882 - 1931) a Danish artist and LGBTQIA+ pioneer. While little is known about her life she is immortalized in the 2015 film The Danish Girl for better or for worse, we try and mince through what is real and what is fiction and tell her story as honestly as we can today. 

Greetings Mortals! Welcome to our first episode of 2022! Our first subject is musician JEFF BUCKLEY (1966-1997) for a brief moment in the mid 1990s Jeff Buckley came out of his father's shadow and a star in his own right all of his talents to sink beneath the Tennessee waters. This episode is particularly special to us as it was the first time we have been able to record an episode together in person! Thanks for listening!

On this weeks episode of Fatal Fortunes, Al and Nathan discuss the life and times of Chinese-American actress ANNA MAY WONG (1905-1961) A pioneer in early Hollywood who lived her life by her own rules.

Welcome back to our final part on the Happy Valley Set; where we discuss the trial of Jock Delves Broughton and what becomes of the melancholic members.   

Welcome back to another episode of Fatal Fortunes, today Al & Nathan discuss the many players of the Happy Valley set during the Roaring 20s while centering on the murder of Josslyn Hay, 22nd Earl of Erroll at a Kenyan crossroads in January 1941. Nathan and I finally made it out the house and saw the Spencer Movie together and it was...something. For video versions check us out on Youtube!

Welcome to a special look at our Patreon Exclusive Episodes! Join us for a dive into the life and tragic death of OTIS REDDING (1941-1967) soul icon and legend. Remember to subscribe to us on Youtube! 

Please enjoy this episode on PHILLIS WHEATLEY (c.1753 - 1784) one of America's first poets! At the beginning of the episode Al misspeaks and instead of 1773 know we mean 1753! Stay tuned for regular episodes every other Tuesday. Subscribe to our newsletter below!

Welcome back to season 2 of Fatal Fortunes! We are kicking off the season with a spicy discussion of MARY SHELLEY (1797-1851), the prodigal daughter wise beyond her years who at the age of 18 birthed Science Fiction. Stay tuned for regular episodes every other Tuesday. Subscribe to our newsletter below!

Welcome back to Fatal Fortunes! We are so excited for Season 2 to get underway and our first episode will air this October 5th on Mary Shelley! 

In the final episode of season one of Fatal Fortunes, Al and Nathan discuss writer Mary MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT (1759-1797) one of the original advocates for women's liberation and Mother of famed Frankenstein author Mary Shelley. Thank you so much for listening to this season! We will drop random minisodes as the season progresses.  

In the penultimate episode of season 1 of Fatal Fortunes, Al and Nathan dissect some of the myths and controversies surrounding ANNE BOLEYN (1501-1536) featuring special guest Kyna from Historical AF podcast.  

Join Al and Nathan for a discussion of the life and legacy of SAM COOKE (1931-1964) culminating in his still mysterious death. This episode also features our friend and fellow Emerson Alum, Mike Bash, for Sam Cooke Who Wants to be a Millionaire! 

In this week's minisode Al and Nathan discuss CATHERINE OF ARAGON (1485-1533), the first wife of Henry VIII, who had she not encountered so many reproductive tragedies, England might still be Catholic to this very day. 

Please welcome our new cohost Nathan as we take a dip into the vast world of BRUCE LEE (1940-1973). The American born and Hong Kong raised martial arts philosopher and actor was at the height of his career when under lying causes stopped his rise. 

This minisode explores the life and sudden death of child actor, DUSTIN DIAMOND (1977-2021). From being the butt of the joke network television to his slow decent into obscurity Diamond was yearning for an acceptance we will never know if he truly found. 

In 2021, SELENA QUINTANILLA (1971-1995), was honored by The Recording Academy at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award, 25 years after her tragic passing. Selena was about to reach the height of her music career when she was murdered by a woman who was her former fan, business partner and friend. Recognition of her lifetime achievements are long overdue. 

In this special discussion, Al & Will break down their thoughts on The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's groundbreaking interview with Oprah and where the monarchy goes from here. 

Join us on the last day of black history month for an exploration into the life of singer-songwriter DONNY HATHAWAY (1945-1979). We discuss his origins in the American midwest, his rise to superstardom, and his struggles with mental illness which culminated in his untimely death. 

Explore the life and legacy of one of Black Hollywood's most enduring stars DOROTHY DANDRIDGE (1922-1965). From her humble beginnings as a vaudeville star to the height of her success in Carmen Jones all the way to her death at the hands of her demons, we explore it all. In this Black History Month centered episode we discuss the racism that plagued Dorothy's life as a performer, her failed romances, and what could have happened to her daughter Harolyn. 

Join us for a deep dive into charmed lives and tragic deaths of JFK. Jr (1960-1999) and his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (1966-1999). In this episode we discuss their enduring celebrity more than 21 years after their passing, and how everyone who was swept up in John's aura was destined for tragedy. Included is our first interview with Annie Davey the owner of @cbkclothing_ on Instagram, we get all her tips on fashion and how you can recreate Carolyn's timeless look.

In the second episode of FATAL FORTUNES, we dive into the later years of Princess Margaret (1930-2002). After her doomed romance with Peter Townsend, Margaret throws herself into a wild–and also doomed–relationship with society photographer Antony "Tony" Armstrong-Jones. As Margaret's marriage to Tony falls apart, her life as a royal deteriorates. We're left searching for an answer... What is Princess Margaret's legacy?

In the premiere episode of FATAL FORTUNES, we delve into the compelling life of one of our favorite British royals, Princess Margaret (1930-2002). When Margaret’s father King George VI suddenly dies in February 1952, her older sister Elizabeth takes the throne, becoming Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 25. This changes everything… As Princess Margaret grapples with grief from losing her father, she grows deeper in love with King George VI’s–and now Queen Elizabeth II’s–equerry Group Captain Peter Townsend (16 years Margaret’s senior). The only issue is that Peter is divorced, a forbidden element in royal marriages.

As Margaret and Peter’s whirlwind romance intensifies, the Church of England, Parliament, and Queen Elizabeth II block the possibility of marriage. If they do get married, Margaret will be blacklisted from her royal life as she knows it. Princess Margaret must make a crucial decision… Love. Or the Crown.