Your History Your Story

“The Measure of Life is not its’ Duration, but its’ Donation”  In this episode, you’ll hear the story of Nancy Saulter,  a person whose life and legacy of stepping up to meet the needs of others, epitomized the quote by Peter Marshall.  Tragically losing her father to suicide when she was nine years old, Nancy and her family were comforted by the kindness of their extended family an...

At age fifteen, Amanda began drinking alcohol, which started her on a destructive path toward addiction, homelessness and dangerous relationships that lasted many years and led to her arrest and conviction for the part she played in an armed robbery. Amanda was sent to prison for her crime and it was there, behind bars, that she found hope, which ultimately changed the course of her life. Hear her...

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are iconic symbols of freedom in American history. Imagine if your company was the one selected to do major construction and restoration projects at these landmarks? In this episode, “Carrying the Torch of History” , we will be speaking with Doug Phelps, owner of Phelps Construction Group. It was Doug and his team who were awarded these challenging and exciti...

In this episode, "Rudy's: Where Neighbors Become Family", we will be speaking with Toni Binanti, the owner of Rudy's Bakery and Cafe, located in the Ridgewood section of Queens, New York, close to the border of Brooklyn. Toni immigrated from Italy as a young teenager and worked alongside her uncle in the family bakery business. Not only did Toni have to learn the English language, but also all asp...

In this Mother’s Day episode, "Celebrating a Few Special Moms" , we will be speaking with several guests who will be telling us stories about their moms.   Our guests today are:   Ron Koustas from New Jersey,  in honor of his mom, Mary.  Wendy VanderHart from Massachusetts, in memory of her mom, Barbara.  Gustavo Lanata from Budapest, Hungary, in honor of his mom...

Mark Teshkoyan, who passed away at the age of 60 in January of 2021, was a high school wood shop teacher and coach from Caldwell, New Jersey, whose career spanned almost four decades. At age twenty seven, he was diagnosed with severe kidney disease, which eventually led to dialysis treatments three times a week for thirty years. Refusing to let his disease defeat him, he lived life to the fullest...

In this episode, we will be speaking with Anita Martin-Harvey, author of the historical novel, "A Woman Apart, Murder and Mayhem in Plymouth Colony" . Anita's novel is based on the life of her ancestor, Ellinor Billington, who traveled with her family from England to the New World on the Mayflower in 1620. While researching her ancestor's story, Anita discovered that Elinor's life was filled with...

Grover Cleveland, whose full name was Stephen Grover Cleveland, was the only President of the United States to serve two non-consecutive terms in office and the only president born in the State of New Jersey. In this episode, "My Grandfather, President Grover Cleveland", Grover's grandson, George Cleveland, will share stories about his grandfather, including highlights of his presidency, his love...

In this episode, "You Will Become What You Think About", we will be speaking with accomplished movie and Broadway producer, radio host, and pioneer of cable television through satellite technology, Al Parinello.  Al, who is an entrepreneur, is also the owner of the historic Surflight Theater located in Long Beach Island at the Jersey shore. He will share stories of his humble early years in H...

In today's episode, "Bright Skies and Warm Memories", we will be speaking with John Elliott, forecaster and reporter for WCBS TV in New York. John is a multi-Emmy winning reporter, whose career spans over 28 years. The son of a cabinetmaker, John was born in Michigan and is one of eight children. We'll hear his memories of life growing up in a large family and how that influenced him to enter the...

In this episode, we will be speaking with Lisa Waknin Murphy. She is the founder and CEO of Silver Sands Recovery in Prescott, Arizona.  Lisa, who was born and raised in NYC, had a thriving career in the fashion industry when she discovered one of her daughters was struggling with a severe drug addiction.  Lisa committed to do whatever it took to help rescue her daughter from the grips of addictio...

In this episode, “My German-American Family”, we will be speaking with high school math and engineering teacher, Pete Schornstaedt.  Pete’s parents, Hans & Ingrid, emigrated to the United States from Germany in the 1950’s as young, single adults. They later met, married and raised a family in NJ. Pete will tell how his parents, as children, experienced the effects of WWII in Germany and the devast...

In this episode, you’ll be hearing from Jim Sonefeld, drummer from the well known rock band, “Hootie and the Blowfish”. In his younger years, Jim was an avid soccer player and pursued the sport with great fervor. However, Jim also had a passion for music from an early age which continued to grow and he knew it would become a big part of his life. Jim was asked to join Hootie and the Blowfish in 19...

In this episode, I will be speaking with the three grandchildren of Dr. Carl Weiss Sr. Weiss was accused of shooting the powerful and controversial Senator Huey Long from Louisiana at the State Capital building in Baton Rouge on September 8, 1935. Weiss was immediately killed by sixty one bullets fired by Long's bodyguards and Senator Long died two days later of his wounds. Our guests will share t...

In this episode, “Forever A Munchkin”, we will be speaking to Betty Ann Bruno. Betty Ann is one of the last surviving cast members from one of the most beloved movies of all time, The Wizard of Oz, which was released in 1939.  She was just 7 years old when she was cast as a Munchkin. Betty Ann will share stories about her experiences during the filming of The Wizard of Oz, the discovery and celebr...

In this episode, Reverend Gerry Vander Hart recounts his early years growing up in Mahaska County, Iowa from the mid 1930’s through the early 1950’s. Gerry shares stories of what farm life was like at that time, including tending to farm animals, field work, family life, church, school and local activities. He will also recount how, when his father was a young man, the community church and school...

In this episode, Karen E. Laine, of HGTV’s Good Bones, tells stories about her family, childhood, people and experiences that have helped shape the person she is today.  In the show, Good Bones, Karen and her daughter, Mina Starsiak, team up to renovate and restore homes in and around the Indianapolis, Indiana area near where they both live. Photo: Courtesy of Karen E. Laine Music: "With Loved One...

In this episode, we will be speaking with 91 year old, William Franklin Conlon, who goes by the nickname, "Freeborn Bill". Freeborn, a veteran of both the US Army and Navy, shares stories of his life's adventures and struggles. The stories include his childhood during the Great Depression and his experiences as a military guard at the Tokyo War Crimes Trial. 

In this episode, you'll be hearing the story of author, special-education teacher and mother of five, Arline Murphy, told by her son, John.  Arline had a deep passion for helping others, but as a child of a broken home, she had a particular, heartfelt calling to reach out and sooth the pain for other children of divorce. She sought to accomplish this by writing a book, "The Light of Love, Hope for...

Many history buffs and followers of the news, may have heard of the recent passing of Lyon Gardiner Tyler, Jr., one of two remaining grandsons of John Tyler, who served as president of the U.S. from 1841-1845.  This news was well publicized due to the amazing fact that 230 years separated the birth of President Tyler and the passing of his grandson, Lyon. In this episode, Lyon's daughter, Sus...

In this episode, we will be speaking with former family therapist, Doug Dobbs. He is now a high school history teacher and Civil War reenactor. Hear how Doug's life and career changed after he began researching his great-great grandfather, James Dow, a Union soldier, who served and was killed during the Civil War. Doug will also share his extensive knowledge of what it was like to be an ordinary s...

In this episode, we will be speaking with MaryBeth Lentine about her father, Jim Tucker.  Jim was a dedicated and skilled physical therapist, a devoted family man and friend. His life was dramatically impacted by a massive stroke, which took away his ability to speak. MaryBeth will tell us how her father confronted his disability and continued to live a full life as a humble, caring servant to oth...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of our listeners!  In this special Christmas episode, our host, James Gardner is joined by his wife, Kelly and daughters, Jennifer, Katie and Jamie. They will be sharing stories of Christmases past from their family tree, that exemplify the value of simple, heartfelt, gift giving.   Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Mann Photo: Courtesy of Gardner Fam...

In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Michael Franzese, once a high-ranking official of a major crime family. Michael tells his story of how he walked away from the mob and changed his family legacy.

Today, I will be speaking with Chris Costello, daughter of Lou Costello; who, along with his partner, Bud Abbott, made up the legendary comedy duo. They entertained millions of people on stage, radio and film from the 1930's through the 1950's.  Their timeless comedy continues to entertain many people to this day!  Chris will be sharing many stories and also introducing us to her recentl...