Unruly Interviews: Debby Applegate

Hey folks,

I’m really excited to share this interview with Debby Applegate, the author of Madam, the Polly Adler biography. If you liked the story of Polly Adler, you’re going to love this interview. We talk about Applegate’s work as a historian, what’s next for her, and the challenge of writing biographies. We also do a deep dive into what life was like in Jazz Age New York and talk about the unlikely criminal empire of Burbank, California—a particular treat for me, since I live nearby and am baffled by how clean it is compared to Los Angeles.

If you haven’t listened to the Polly Adler episode yet, there are a few spoilers in our conversation! Check out the episode, then come on back when you’re ready.

If you liked this episode and want to keep up with Debby Applegate’s career, you can do so by checking out her website.

Is there a historian you’d like to hear from? Drop their name in the Suggestion Box! (Are you a historian who’d like to comment on a past episode? Email me at unrulyfigures@substack.com)