x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

pplpod

pplpod is a podcast about people, places and lots of other stuff. Each episode takes a deep dive into the lives, choices, and legacies of fascinating figures from history, culture, music, and beyond. From icons who shaped entire generations to hidden stories that deserve the spotlight, pplpod brings you closer to the people behind the headlines and the legends.Thoughtful, engaging, and story-driven, pplpod explores what makes these lives extraordinary—and what we can learn from them today.

history music history

All Episodes

39:37

Sean Connery: From Edinburgh Milkman to the Original 007

pplpod ·

2026/01/14

In this episode of pplpod, we look back at the life and legacy of Sir Sean Connery, the man who defined cinematic cool. We trace his journey from a humble childhood in Edinburgh—where he worked as a milkman, a lorry driver, and even a coffin polisher—to his rise as a global icon. We discuss the pivotal moment he turned down a contract to play for Manchester United in favor of becoming an actor, a decision he called one of his "more intelligent moves".Join us as we cover:The Bond Years: How he

en

26:32

Harrison Ford: From Carpenter to Captain America

pplpod ·

2026/01/14

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the seven-decade career of Harrison Ford, a cinematic cultural icon who went from a self-taught carpenter to one of the highest-grossing actors in history.Join us as we break down the legendary trajectory of the man behind Han Solo, Indiana Jones, and Rick Deckard, including:The Carpenter’s Break: How a "late bloomer" struggling at the bottom of the casting list supported his family through carpentry before George Lucas cast him in American Graffiti and Star

en

40:09

Cormac McCarthy: The Reclusive Giant of American Letters

pplpod ·

2026/01/14

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the life and legacy of Cormac McCarthy, widely regarded as one of the greatest American novelists. From his early years living in "total poverty" in a Tennessee dairy barn to his rise as a Pulitzer Prize-winning literary icon, we trace the path of the author who penned Blood Meridian and The Road,,. Join us as we examine the man who preferred the company of scientists to other writers and changed the landscape of American fiction with his dark, singular

en

35:50

J. M. Coetzee: The Reclusive Nobel Laureate, Animal...

pplpod ·

2026/01/14

In this episode of pplpod, we profile J. M. Coetzee, the South African-born novelist and linguist widely regarded as one of the most critically acclaimed authors in the English language. We trace his journey from his early days working as a computer programmer for IBM in London to becoming the first writer in history to be awarded the Booker Prize twice,.We discuss Coetzee's austere public image and legendary reluctance to engage with fame; he famously did not collect either of his Booker Prizes in

en

32:13

Sir Kazuo Ishiguro: The Songwriter Who Won the Nobel...

pplpod ·

2026/01/14

In this episode of pplpod, we profile Sir Kazuo Ishiguro, the Japanese-born British novelist whose work has uncovered "the abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world". From his early days in Nagasaki to receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017, we trace the evolution of a writer who refuses to be confined by genre, blending elements of detective stories, science fiction, and myth.Join us as we cover:The "Imaginary Japan": Born in Nagasaki and moving to Guildford, Surrey at

en

37:28

Gary Oldman: The Definitive Portrait of a Cinematic...

pplpod ·

2026/01/14

Sir Gary Oldman is a highly celebrated English actor and filmmaker renowned for his extreme versatility and intense commitment to his craft. After beginning his career in British theatre, he rose to international fame through diverse portrayals of historical figures, iconic cinematic villains, and beloved franchise characters like Sirius Black and James Gordon. His extensive body of work has earned him major industry honors, including an Academy Award for his transformation into Winston Churchill in

en

33:06

Dame Judi Dench: A Life on Stage and Screen

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

Dame Judi Dench is a celebrated British actress whose professional career has reached across seven decades on the stage and screen. Originally finding success in Shakespearean theater and television comedies like As Time Goes By, she achieved immense global fame through her recurring role as M in the James Bond franchise. Her extensive list of accolades includes an Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I, alongside numerous BAFTAs, Tony Awards, and Olivier Awards. Beyond her artistic

en

32:17

The Unsinkable Artistry of Kate Winslet

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

This biography details the life and prolific career of English actress Kate Winslet, born in 1975. The text follows her journey from her theatrical upbringing and early television work to achieving global stardom in the blockbuster film Titanic. It highlights her preference for complex characters in independent dramas and period pieces, which has earned her numerous honors, including an Academy Award, several BAFTAs, and multiple Emmy Awards. Beyond her acting credits, the source describes her

en

35:17

Nicole Kidman: The Hollywood Shapeshifter — From...

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

On this episode of pplpod, we dive deep into the four-decade career of the indomitable Nicole Kidman . We trace her journey from a shy child born in Hawaii to her status as one of the greatest actors of the 21st century,, . We explore how she shed the label of "Tom Cruise's wife" to become an Oscar-winning powerhouse and a television titan with hits like Big Little Lies and The Undoing,, .Join us as we discuss her fearless approach to method acting, her pledge to champion female directors, and the

en

37:37

Julia Roberts: The Billion-Dollar Smile Behind...

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the iconic career of Julia Roberts, a Hollywood powerhouse whose films have collectively grossed over $3.9 billion worldwide. We trace her meteoric rise from early critical successes like Mystic Pizza and Steel Magnolias to the global phenomenon of Pretty Woman, the film that cemented her status as a leading lady and earned her a second Oscar nomination,. Listen in as we breakdown her reign as the "queen of the romantic comedy" in the 1990s with hits such as My

en

32:22

Sandra Bullock: The Life and Legacy of a Screen Icon

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

This biographical overview detailing the life of Sandra Bullock documents her evolution from a theater student to one of Hollywood's most successful actresses and producers. The text highlights her major film achievements, including her breakout in Speed and her Academy Award-winning performance in The Blind Side. Beyond her acting credits, the source explores her entrepreneurial efforts through her production company, Fortis Films, and her significant philanthropic contributions to disaster relief

en

38:28

Charlize Theron: Life, Career, and Accolades

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

This biography profiles Charlize Theron, an influential South African and American actress and film producer celebrated for her versatile performances. The text chronicles her early life in South Africa, including a traumatic family event, and her transition from modeling and ballet into a successful Hollywood career. It highlights her Academy Award-winning role in Monster alongside other major works in both critically acclaimed dramas and high-grossing action franchises. Beyond the screen, the

en

32:42

Viola Davis: The Legacy of an EGOT Icon

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

Viola Davis is a preeminent American actress and producer whose career spans several decades of acclaimed performances on stage, film, and television. Rising from a childhood of abject poverty, she trained at the Juilliard School before becoming the first Black performer to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting and eventually EGOT status. Her professional breakthrough occurred through the plays of August Wilson, leading to prestigious Tony Awards and an Academy Award for her role in Fences. She is

en

32:27

The Renaissance of Sir Idris Elba: Career and Honours

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

This biography documents the multi-faceted career of Sir Idris Elba, a celebrated English entertainer and entrepreneur. While widely recognized for his critically acclaimed acting in television series like The Wire and Luther, he has also achieved massive commercial success in global film franchises. Beyond the screen, Elba is a prolific musical artist, performing as a DJ and rapper while managing his own record labels and production companies. The text highlights his diverse personal interests,

en

30:38

Mahershala Ali: A Cinematic Legacy and Award Record

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

This biographical source details the life and prolific career of Mahershala Ali, an acclaimed American actor and former musician. Initially a collegiate basketball player and a rapper under the name Prince Ali, he transitioned into professional acting after earning a master's degree from New York University. The text highlights his historic achievements, including becoming the first Muslim actor to win an Academy Award and securing two Oscars for his roles in Moonlight and Green Book. It also covers

en

33:41

The Rise, Fall, and Imprisonment of Aung San Suu Kyi

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

In this episode, we profile the complex legacy of Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of Myanmar’s independence hero who evolved from a global icon of democracy to a controversial figure defending military actions,. We trace her early years, her pivotal role in the 1988 uprising, and the fifteen years she spent under house arrest, which culminated in her receiving the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize,.We also examine her ascent to power in 2016 as State Counsellor—a role created for her as she was constitutionally

en

43:43

The Dalai Lama Lineage: Reincarnation, Politics, and...

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

Join us as we explore the history of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and the enduring symbol of Tibetan nationhood,. We trace the lineage back to its mythical roots, where the Dalai Lamas are believed to be incarnations of Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, sent to protect the people of Tibet,. Discover how the title, meaning "Ocean Guru," was first bestowed by the Mongol ruler Altan Khan in 1578 and applied retroactively to the first two

en

44:53

The Francis Era: Mercy, Reform, and the Shepherd from...

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

Join us for a comprehensive retrospective on the historic life and legacy of Pope Francis, following his death on Easter Monday, 2025,. As the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Southern Hemisphere, Francis reshaped the Catholic Church with a focus on humility, the environment, and the "smell of the sheep",. In this episode, we break down the twelve years of his papacy, from his election in 2013 to the conclave that elected his successor, Pope Leo XIV,.Episode Highlights:A New Style of Papacy:

en

38:21

The Modi Era: Rise, Power, and the Reshaping of India

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

In this episode, we explore the trajectory of Narendra Modi, who rose from a tea-selling family in Vadnagar to become the longest-serving Indian prime minister outside the Indian National Congress,. We trace his early political formation within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which he joined as a child, leading to his appointment as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001,,.We delve into the defining moments of his career, including the controversial 2002 Gujarat violence—where the Supreme

en

45:26

The Red Prince’s Dream: From Cave Dweller to China’s...

pplpod ·

2026/01/06

In this episode, we explore the dramatic rise of Xi Jinping, the son of a revolutionary veteran who overcame exile during the Cultural Revolution to become the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong,. We trace his journey from living in a cave in rural Liangjiahe and working as a local party secretary to his ascension as the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and President of China,.Tune in as we break down Xi’s defining policies and consolidation of power, including:The

en

1,906 results

Similar Podcasts

The Old Front Line

Paul Reed

Today In History with The Retrospectors

The Retrospectors

جنود خلدهم التاريخ

ALSUMOOD PODCAST

Film History - Daily

Inception Point Ai

Madonna - Biography Flash

Inception Point Ai