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.

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.

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.

This episode shares the remarkable story of a Gurkha soldier whose bravery in World War II became legend.

Welcome to the Figures of Note! Podcast.

In this series, we dive into the lives of fascinating individuals from history—people whose stories shaped the world in ways big and small. Each episode is a 5-minute journey through their achievements, challenges, and lasting impact. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, we’re here to bring history’s most compelling figures to life, one story at a time.