Eyewitness History

In this episode, we gain a firsthand perspective on the Israel-Hamas conflict from Peta Pellach, an Australian expatriate and a current eyewitness to the horrors occurring in Israel. Peta shares her unique insights as an eyewitness to the recent Hamas attack on Israel, emphasizing the historical implications of this conflict. Her firsthand experience sheds light on the atrocities currently taking...

The first episode of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) aired on October 11, 1975. It was the beginning of a long-running and iconic late-night sketch comedy and variety show that has remained a staple of American television ever since. In recognition of this, I want to dig into the vault and present, once again, my interview with Hugh Fink. While serving as a writer on NBC's Saturday Night Live alongsid...

Many of the WW2 generation faced hardship in their youth (they did spend their childhood in the Great Depression), but few had as bad of an early life as Denis Elliott, who became an RAF Flight Lieutenant. At age three he was placed in a brutal and abusive orphanage in London and was later subject to beatings by his first foster father. It wasn’t until the Second World War that everything in Denis...

Joel Turner has been a Police Officer, Firearms and Archery Instructor, and Sniper Team Leader on a SWAT Team in the State of Washington for over twenty years. He became the Lead Firearms Instructor at the Basic Law Enforcement Academy in 2009. Remember to subscribe, rate, and review Eyewitness History . Follow the Show on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EyewitnessHistory Twitter:...

A Holocaust survivor, Ben Lesser, has a remarkable story that is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Join us as we explore his experiences during this dark period, including his upbringing, his time at Auschwitz and Dachau, the infamous Death Train, and the grueling death march, all leading to his eventual liberation. Segment 1: The Essence of Survival: Step into the heart of Ben Lesser's...

In this episode, we delve into Thorne Dreyer's background and the intriguing factors that led him into the world of the underground press. We'll also explore the dynamic social and political climate of the 1960s and 1970s that provided fertile ground for the emergence of the underground press movement. Additionally, we'll uncover how these underground publications fearlessly challenged mainstream...

In this deeply moving episode, we journey into the pages of "Inseparable: The Hess Twins' Holocaust Journey through Bergen-Belsen to America." Our guide through this poignant narrative is journalist and writer Faris Cassell, who skillfully illuminates the remarkable story of Stefan and Marion Hess, young twins whose lives were forever altered amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. Segment 1: The Ess...

John Kiriakou has a unique distinction in history. He was formerly an officer with the CIA and, incredibly, was responsible for the capture of Abu Zubaydah, who was then believed to be the third highest ranking official of al-Qaeda. But, it was in 2007, when Kiriakou risked all the accolades by choosing to become a whistleblower on the CIA’s torture program. Kiriakou went on ABC News and not only...

In this episode , we have the privilege of speaking with Ronald Wayne, one of the original co-founders of Apple Inc. Ronald shares his unique perspective on the early days of Apple, his contributions, and his role in creating the company's first logo. Episode Highlights: The Birth of Apple: Ronald Wayne recounts the events leading up to the founding of Apple Computer, Inc. in 1976, shedding light...

In this episode, we pay tribute to the legendary fighter pilot, Bud Anderson, whose extraordinary career left an indelible mark on aviation history . Episode Highlights: A Young Aviation Enthusiast: Bud Anderson's journey began with his fascination for flying, leading him to join the Civilian Pilot Training program. World War II Service: Bud enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces and became a triple...

Michael Ballam has had an operatic and recital career spanning four decades and every continent. As a recitalist, Mr. Ballam has performed with critical acclaim in some of the most important concert halls in the country, including the Kennedy Center (Washington DC), Orchestra Hall (Chicago), Jordan Hall (Boston), Jones Hall (Houston), and the Los Angeles Music Center. He has also performed with Br...

Brian Branco was with five co-workers on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 . He and one other person in his group survived. He has written, "I remember being farther away and looking up at the building. There was a big hole in the right tower (Tower 1) and the left tower (Tower 2) was on fire. I was thinking how could the fire jump from one tower to the other tower. I was also thinking that this is a...

We delve into the remarkable story of Martha Hodes, a historian whose personal experience intertwines with history's most gripping moments. On September 6, 1970, twelve-year-old Martha Hodes and her thirteen-year-old sister embarked on a flight from Israel to New York City, an ordinary journey that would soon become an extraordinary tale. Their plane, however, fell victim to a hijacking orchestrat...

This episode I speak with Paul Moses. Paul is a former Newsday city editor and senior religion writer, as well as a professor of journalism at Brooklyn College and the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. He was also the lead writer on a Newsday team that won the Pulitzer Prize. He has also written a new book called The Italian Squad: The True Story of the Immigrant Cops Who...

In this episode , we had the privilege of speaking with Robert Wittman, a former FBI agent renowned for his expertise in art crime investigation and cultural heritage protection. We delved into his book "Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures," and explored his role in recovering the iconic Bill of Rights, among other captivating topics. Key Highlights: Art Crime E...

Spike Edney has numerous links to Queen, to the extent that he was often described as the fifth member. Born on 11 December 1951, he has worked with Ben E King, Edwin Starr, The Boomtown Rats, Dexy's Midnight Runners, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Ian Hunter, Manic Street Preachers, Beautiful South, Gary Barlow, Peter Green, Joe Cocker, 10CC, and countless more. Spike's...

Today, we have a truly extraordinary guest who has spent his life on the frontlines of international intrigue and covert operations. Get ready to dive deep into the world of paramilitary, counter-terrorism, and clandestine activities as we sit down with none other than Ric Prado, a seasoned veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Ric Prado: A Man of Mystery and Expertise Join us as we un...

Join us as we revisit my conversation with Martin Cooper, the visionary engineer who conceived the handheld mobile phone. From concept to groundbreaking call in 1973, we'll take you on a journey through his revolutionary story. Highlights: Segment 1: The Visionary Concept Explore Martin's early background and the spark that ignited the mobile phone idea. Uncover the condensed ten-year process behi...

Today is the 85th anniversary of one of history's most heartbreaking laws. In remembrance, we're re-airing part one of our interview with Gene Klein. Mr. Klein is a holocaust survivor who defied the horrors of Auschwitz and emerged as a symbol of unyielding resilience. Liberated by the Soviets, Gene Klein's journey stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Key Highlights: Unveilin...

Joel Thurm was one of the most admired, powerful, and accomplished casting directors in Hollywood. It was during his years as Vice President of Talent and Casting for both Paramount Television and NBC that he discovered the remarkable Phoenix family from which River and Joaquin became A-list movie stars. Here, Thurm tells the stories of his key involvement in such iconic movies and shows as Grease...

Randal Kleiser has been an internationally known film director since the release of his first feature, Grease. Kleiser's directorial portfolio boasts a range of works, such as The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, The Blue Lagoon, Summer Lovers, Flight of the Navigator, White Fang, Honey I Blew up the Kid, Getting It Right, Lovewrecked, and It's My Party, among others. For decades, Randal Kleiser has eng...

Annie Machon is a former intelligence officer for MI5, the UK Security Service, who resigned in the late 1990s to help blow the whistle on the spies’ incompetence and crimes. In 1996, she resigned from MI5 in order to help David Shayler reveal a series of alleged crimes committed by the agency. Afterward, they went on the run around Europe for a month, lived in hiding for a year and in exile for t...

RIP Vince Speranza (1925 - 2023) Speranza was drafted into the United States Army on October 25, 1943, and officially entered the service on November 15, 1943. He was sent to Camp Upton in New York where he stayed until he was sent to Fort Benning in Georgia where he trained for the Infantry with the 87th Infantry Division. He volunteered for the Parachute Infantry and was sent back to Fort Bennin...

Today, August 4 marks the date that apartheid opponent Nelson Mandela was arrested by security police in South Africa. He was then tried and sentenced to five years in prison. The assault took place back on August 4 1962. In 1964, he was placed on trial for sabotage, high treason, and conspiracy to overthrow the government and was sentenced to life in prison. In remembrance of Mandela's arrest, I...

J. Randy Taraborrelli is the author of 20 biographies, most of which have become New York Times bestsellers, including: Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot; After Camelot: A Personal History of the Kennedy Family 1968 to the Present, which was adapted as a mini-series for Reelz; and Jackie, Janet & Lee: The Secret Lives of Janet Auchincloss and Her Daughters, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and L...