S12 E1 "Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge"
In this episode of Your History Your Story, we dive into a unique and often overlooked side of World War II through a captivating conversation with author Robert B. O’Connor. His historical fiction novel, “Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge”, centers on the fictional character Jim Tanzer—a professional dancer/performer who joins the Army and is assigned to Special Services, in a unit known as the “Morale Corps”.Though Tanzer is fictional, the story is rooted in real events and inspired by true accounts of wartime performers, including well-known figures like Mickey Rooney. O’Connor draws on historical research and personal stories to bring authenticity to the novel, blending fact and fiction in a compelling way.During our conversation, Robert shares how the book came to be, the real-life inspirations behind Tanzer’s journey and the important role of performance in lifting the spirits of troops near the front lines. If you’re interested in World War II history, behind-the-scenes stories of the battlefield or how the heart and dedication of a performer could uplift soldiers in their toughest moments—this episode is for you.Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man Photo(s): Courtesy of Robert B. O'ConnorThank you for supporting Your History Your Story!YHYS Patreon: CLICK HERE YHYS PayPal: CLICK HEREYHYS: Social Links: CLICK HERE YHYS: Join our mailing list: CLICK HERE YHYS: Website & Blog: CLICK HERE#yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner #historian #storyteller #blogger To purchase "Jeep Show":Robert B. O'Connor website: www.jeepshowbook.comShields and Stripes website: www.shieldsandstripes.org
--------
56:37
--------
56:37
S11 E11 The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919
In this episode of Your History Your Story, we are pleased to welcome back award-winning author Stephen Puleo. Stephen joins us to discuss his powerful book, Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919, which recounts the gripping and almost unbelievable story of the disaster which began when a 50-foot steel tank filled with 2.3 million gallons of molasses suddenly collapsed, unleashing a 15-foot-high wave that tore through Boston’s North End at 35 miles per hour, leaving death and destruction in its wake.Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Stephen brings this bizarre historical event and its aftermath to life in a truly unforgettable way.Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man Photo(s): Courtesy of Stephen PuleoThank you for supporting Your History Your Story!YHYS Patreon: CLICK HERE YHYS PayPal: CLICK HEREYHYS: Social Links: CLICK HERE YHYS: Join our mailing list: CLICK HERE #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner #historian #storytellerTo purchase "Dark Tide":Stephen Puleo website: www.stephenpuleo.com
--------
53:37
--------
53:37
S11 E10 "Five Finger Discount"
In this episode of Your History Your Story, we’ll be joined by acclaimed author and journalist Helene Stapinski to discuss her 2001 national bestseller Five Finger Discount: A Crooked Family History. Helene will take us on a gripping, often hilarious and deeply personal journey through her childhood in Jersey City, New Jersey—a place that was steeped in corruption, grit and resilience.During our conversation, Helene will share unforgettable stories of her colorful—and at times crooked—ancestors, along with the everyday struggles and triumphs of growing up in a city where survival often meant bending the rules. With warmth, humor and honesty, she’ll paint a vivid portrait of a family and community that will have you laughing, crying and eager to hear more!Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man Photo(s): Courtesy of Helene StapinskiThank you for supporting Your History Your Story!YHYS Patreon: CLICK HERE YHYS PayPal: CLICK HEREYHYS: Social Links: CLICK HERE YHYS: Join our mailing list: CLICK HERE #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner #historian #storytellerTo purchase "Five Finger Discount":HeleneStapinski.com
--------
54:38
--------
54:38
S11 E9 "The Stalin Affair" with Giles Milton
In this episode of Your History Your Story, we’re joined by internationally bestselling author and historian Giles Milton to discuss his compelling new book, “The Stalin Affair: The Impossible Alliance That Won the War.” Giles takes us deep into the high-stakes world of World War II diplomacy, where Allied leaders Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill were forced to navigate the unpredictable and often explosive temperament of Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin. He also shines a light on the lesser-known men and women who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to manage Stalin and hold the fragile alliance together.Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man Photo(s): Courtesy of Giles MiltonThank you for supporting Your History Your Story!YHYS Patreon: CLICK HERE YHYS PayPal: CLICK HEREYHYS: Social Links: CLICK HERE YHYS: Join our mailing list: CLICK HERE #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner #historian #storytellerTo purchase "The Stalin Affair":GilesMilton.com
--------
58:20
--------
58:20
S11 E8 "Brooklyn, The Borough of Dreams"
In this episode of Your History Your Story, we’re thrilled to welcome back a familiar and beloved guest—Marty Blumberg. Marty joined us previously to share stories from his books “My Brooklyn My Way” and “Going Back to Brooklyn” and we’re excited to have him with us again to talk about his newest work, “Brooklyn: The Borough of Dreams”.In his latest book, Marty takes us on a poetic journey through his childhood in Brooklyn, New York during the mid-twentieth century. With heartfelt verse and vivid recollections, he captures the spirit of a time and place that, while long gone, still lives on in memory.A master storyteller with an extraordinary gift for detail, Marty brings to life the people, places and events of his old neighborhood in a way that’s both nostalgic and deeply human. Get ready to be transported to a simpler time—where corner stores, stoop conversations, and tight-knit communities were the heart of everyday life.Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man Photo(s): Courtesy of Marty BlumbergThank you for supporting Your History Your Story!YHYS Patreon: CLICK HERE YHYS PayPal: CLICK HEREYHYS: Social Links: CLICK HERE YHYS: Join our mailing list: CLICK HERE #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner #historian #storytellerTo purchase "Brooklyn, Borough of Dreams": https://a.co/d/gHZuW0d
Ireland