Your History Your Story

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we're excited to welcome back award-winning author Buddy Levy to discuss his new book, Realm of Ice and Sky: Triumph, Tragedy, and History's Greatest Arctic Rescue. This suspenseful saga tells stories of exploration, human endurance and a daring rescue. It follows the men who risked their lives piloting experimental flying machines called airships to reach the top of the world and...

On this episode of Your History Your Story, we are honored to have Billy Gray as our guest. Billy began his acting career at a young age, becoming widely recognized for his portrayal of Bud Anderson on the 1950s television classic “Father Knows Best.” He also made a significant impact with his role as Bobby Benson in the 1951 science fiction film “The Day the Earth Stood Still.”

Beyond acting, Billy pursued diverse interests, becom...

Welcome to Your History Your Story!

In this episode, we’re joined by author and educator Sarah Dixwell Brown to discuss her book Regicide in the Family: Finding John Dixwell. Sarah’s journey began with an ancient family heirloom that led her to uncover the dramatic life of her seven-times-great-grandfather, John Dixwell—one of the judges who sentenced King Charles I of England to death in 1649.

Forced to flee to the New World to es...

Few television shows have left as lasting an impression as Lassie, and few child actors became as beloved as Jon Provost, who played Timmy Martin from 1957 to 1964. But Jon’s career began even before Lassie, when, at just three years old, he starred alongside Jane Wyman in the 1953 movie “So Big”.

In this episode of Your History Your Story, Jon, who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, takes us back to his Hollywood days, shari...

In this episode of Your History Your Story, our guest is Mary Lou Falcone. Mary Lou is an internationally known classical music publicist and an advocate for Lewy Body Dementia awareness. Today we will be talking about her powerful memoir, “I Didn’t See It Coming: Scenes of Love, Loss, and Lewy Body Dementia.”

In her memoir, Mary Lou shares deeply personal stories, such as her father’s devastating stroke in the 1950s when she was ...

Welcome to Your History Your Story! In this episode, we’re honored to speak with Dr. Mark Rutland, renowned author, speaker, and founder of the international ministry, Global Servants, which he established with his wife, Alison.

Dr. Rutland joins us to discuss his latest book, "Keep On Keeping On: How to Die Young as Old as Possible". The book highlights the transformative power of humor, forgiveness, gratitude, and gene...

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we will explore the life of Frances Folsom Cleveland, America’s youngest First Lady, who, at age twenty-one, married President Grover Cleveland—28 years her senior—and captivated the nation with her charm and intellect. Known as “Frank” to loved ones, she embraced her unique role in the White House.

Our guest, Annette B. Dunlap, author of “Frank: The Story of Frances Folsom Cleveland, Am...

Welcome to Your History Your Story. In this episode, we’re honored to have as our guest Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James M. McPherson. Renowned for his acclaimed work, Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era, which earned him the Pulitzer Prize, McPherson has also authored many other significant historical books, including the New York Times bestseller, Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam, the Battle that Changed the Course of t...

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we will be sharing the story of President William McKinley and his wife Ida, as recounted by their 2x great nephew, Massee McKinley. The McKinleys’ story is a tale of love, resilience, and tragedy that humanizes the 25th President and his First Lady beyond the pages of history books.

William McKinley, known for his leadership during a transformative time in U.S. history, also shared a de...

Welcome to Your History Your Story! In this episode, we have a truly remarkable guest: George Meade.

George was a Vietnam helicopter pilot, a man who faced the perils of combat from the cockpit and witnessed history from above. But his flying career didn’t end with the war. George went on to become the voice from the sky as a helicopter traffic pilot for WOR radio, guiding countless New Yorkers through their morning commutes.

Join ...

Welcome to Your History Your Story! In this episode, we journey back to the late 1800s, the final days of the Wild West, when notorious outlaws found refuge in remote hideouts like Robbers Roost, Brown’s Hole and the infamous Hole in the Wall.

We’re joined today by New York Times best-selling author Tom Clavin, who’s here to discuss his latest book, Bandit Heaven: The Hole in the Wall Gangs and the Final Chapter of the Wild West. ...

Welcome to *Your History Your Story*! We're excited to welcome back Vincent and Robert Gardino, better known as "The Grave Trippers." These brothers have traveled across the country, uncovering and documenting the final resting places of some of the most fascinating and noteworthy figures in history.

Today, we’re diving into their latest release, *Grave Trippers II: Remembering and Respecting America’s Heroes and Heroines*. Togethe...

Just over twenty years ago, a group of Peoria, Illinois eighth grade English and History students, under the guidance of their teacher, Tim Pletkovich, embarked on an ambitious project requiring the students to write to the sons and daughter’s of Civil War Union veterans to collect information about the lives of their fathers. It was soon realized that many of the children of the Union soldiers were themselves veterans of WWII.

Wha...

In 1981 President Ronald Reagan appointed New Jersey businessman, Raymond J Donovan to his cabinet as Secretary of Labor, a position he served in until 1985. During his tenure, Donovan carried out Reagan’s policies of advocating for free-market by reducing government regulation in labor issues.

Donovan's tenure as Secretary of Labor was marked by controversy. He was accused of having ties to organized crime and in 1984, he was ...

In October 2024, we will be celebrating the 4th anniversary of Your History Your Story! Over the years, we have received a number of questions from listeners about the podcast, such as:

- What is the host, James Gardner’s background and how did he develop a passion for history?

- What inspired James and his wife, Kelly to launch the podcast?

- Who are some of the guests that have had a significant impact on us and why?

In thi...

Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1811, Charles Sumner was a prominent American statesman and a fervent abolitionist. Sumner grew up in a society deeply divided over the issue of slavery. He eventually became a powerful voice in the fight against this institution, dedicating his life to the principles of equality and justice.

Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1851, Sumner quickly became a leading figure in the anti-slavery faction. His ...

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we will be speaking with Butch Patrick, famous for his iconic role as Eddie Munster on the classic 1960’s television series “The Munsters”. After completing two seasons and one movie as Eddie Munster, Butch appeared in numerous other television shows and films.

Butch will share some stories about his time on the set of “The Munsters” and will talk about what it was like to work with some ...

Welcome to season 10 of Your History Your Story!!

In this episode, we will be speaking with journalist and best selling author, Helene Stapinski about her book, “Murder in Matera, A True Story of Passion, Family and Forgiveness in Southern Italy”, which recounts her decade long investigation into an old family tale which suggested that there was a murderer within her family tree.

Helene, who is a wonderful storyteller, will talk ...

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the hit television series, “Little House on the Prairie”, which was based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic books. The series ran from 1974 to 1983.

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we will be speaking with actor and author, Dean Butler, who played the role of Almanzo Wilder, the husband of Laura Ingalls Wilder in the series.

Dean will talk about his soon to be released book, “Prairie ...