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Figures of Note

Figures of Note

Written by: Jacqueline R.
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About this listen

Discover the lives of remarkable individuals who shaped history, one story at a time. Figures of Note delivers concise, 5-minute biographies that bring historical figures—famous, overlooked, and intriguing—into focus. Whether you’re on your commute, taking a walk, or enjoying a coffee break, each episode gives you a quick, captivating look at the people who left their mark on the world.

© 2025 Figures of Note Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • Figure of Note S1E4: Mary Reibey

    Figure of Note S1E4: Mary Reibey
    Oct 22 2025

    In this episode of Figures of Note, we uncover the remarkable life of Mary Reibey — an English convict who transformed exile into opportunity. Transported to Sydney as a teenage girl for a daring act of rebellion, she rose to become one of Australia’s most successful businesswomen and a symbol of resilience in a young colony. Discover how this determined woman of faith, intellect, and enterprise helped shape early Australian society — and earned her place on the nation’s twenty-dollar note.
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    5 mins
  • Figure of Note S1/E3: Matthew Henson

    Figure of Note S1/E3: Matthew Henson
    Oct 10 2025

    In this episode of Figures of Note, we uncover the life of Matthew Henson — the son of freed Black Americans who rose from hardship to stand at the top of the world. Discover how his extraordinary skill, courage, and resilience helped lead the first successful expedition to the North Pole, and how history nearly forgot the man who got there first.
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    6 mins
  • Figure of Note S1/E2: Therese of Lisieux

    Figure of Note S1/E2: Therese of Lisieux
    Oct 8 2025

    In this episode of Figures of Note, we explore the life of Thérèse of Lisieux — a young French woman whose quiet life inside a convent became one of the most influential stories of the modern era. Discover how her simple approach to daily life and her posthumous writings shaped history long after her early death at just twenty-four.
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    5 mins
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