Jun 8, 2026
Enzo Ferrari built far more than fast cars. He created a racing empire, a global luxury brand and one of the most recognisable symbols in motoring history. In this episode of Compact Biographies, we explore his early life in Modena, his racing career, his work with Alfa Romeo, the creation of Scuderia Ferrari, and the...
Jun 1, 2026
Duke Ellington was more than a jazz bandleader. He was a composer, pianist, arranger, cultural icon, and one of the great architects of twentieth-century music. This episode follows his journey from Washington, D.C., to Harlem’s Cotton Club, through the rise of the Ellington Orchestra, his partnership with Billy...
May 25, 2026
Arthur Ashe was more than a Wimbledon champion. Born in segregated Richmond, Virginia, he became one of the most important figures in tennis history, breaking racial barriers at the US Open, Wimbledon, and the Davis Cup. But Ashe’s story reaches far beyond the baseline. He used his public platform to challenge...
May 18, 2026
Leif Erikson was born into a world of ships, sagas, exile and ambition. Son of Erik the Red, raised on the harsh frontier of Greenland, he became one of the most remarkable explorers of the Viking Age. In this episode, we follow Leif’s journey from his family’s turbulent beginnings to the western voyage that brought...
May 12, 2026
Jim Lovell never walked on the Moon, but his place in space history is beyond question. From naval aviation and the Gemini programme to the first human journey around the Moon on Apollo 8, Lovell became one of NASA’s most experienced astronauts. Then came Apollo 13, the mission that was meant to land on the lunar...