Ep 3. John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy remains an iconic figure in American history over half a century after his assassination. In episode three of the first season of "10 Things You Don't Know About," viewers are treated to an in-depth look at the man behind the myth.

Host and historian David Eisenbach leads viewers through ten fascinating facts about JFK that many people may not be aware of. The episode delves into Kennedy's family history, exploring the influence of his famous father Joseph P. Kennedy and his influential siblings on JFK's political ambitions.

From there, the show examines JFK's early life and his experiences during World War II, which are often overlooked in favor of his time as president. This segment offers an interesting glimpse into the man who would later become president and the experiences that shaped his worldview.

Moving into JFK's political career, the episode highlights several little-known facts about his time in congress and his unsuccessful run for the vice-presidential nomination in 1956. Viewers will also be introduced to one of JFK's unlikely political influences, a young South African lawyer who would later become famous in his own right.

The bulk of the episode focuses on Kennedy's presidency, and here viewers will learn about some unexpected facts. For example, did you know that JFK was the first president to hold press conferences on television? Or that he was instrumental in the creation of the Peace Corps?

Of course, no episode about JFK would be complete without discussing the Cuban Missile Crisis. The show provides an in-depth exploration of the crisis, including behind-the-scenes information about JFK's decision-making process and the role played by his brother Robert.

The episode is not afraid to delve into some of the more controversial aspects of JFK's presidency, either. Viewers will learn about JFK's struggles with civil rights, including his efforts to balance the demands of southern segregationists with his obligation to uphold the Constitution. The episode also touches on JFK's complicated relationship with the press, including his attempts to suppress unflattering stories about his personal life.

Finally, the episode addresses JFK's tragic assassination. While the details of the assassination itself are not explored in depth (in keeping with the episode's focus on lesser-known facts), viewers will learn about some of the conspiracy theories that have cropped up over the years and the efforts to keep documents related to the assassination classified.

Throughout the episode, host David Eisenbach provides insightful commentary on the various facts being presented. His enthusiasm for the subject matter is infectious, and his deep knowledge of JFK's life and presidency shines through.

Overall, episode three of "10 Things You Don't Know About" is a fascinating look at JFK and his legacy. Viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for this complex and influential figure, as well as a greater understanding of some of the lesser-known aspects of his life and career.