Your History Your Story

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*. Together, we’ll explore the lives and legacies of a President, astronauts, a military hero, entertainers, and a sports legend, all of whom have left a lasting mark on history. Let's begin the journey!

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Robert and Vincent Gardino

To Support Your History Your Story: Please consider becoming a Patron or making a one time donation via PayPal. - THANK YOU!!!

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#yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner #historian #storyteller

"Grave Trippers II" purchase on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/cnj09ni

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.

What began as an interesting and educational school assignment, quickly became an engaging and fascinating journey for the students, their teacher and the Civil War “children” with whom they were corresponding, ultimately resulting in a book titled, “Civil War Fathers: Sons of the Civil War in WWII”.

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we will be speaking with author, teacher and historian, Tim Pletkovich. Tim, who edited the various correspondence from this project, also added his own extensive research about the lives of the soldiers profiled in the book. He will tell us how this project came to be and will share from some of the history and personal stories gleaned from the work accomplished by his dedicated students.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Tim Pletkovich

Support Your History Your Story: Please consider becoming a Patron or making a one time donation via PayPal. - THANK YOU!!!

YHYS Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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#yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner #historian #storyteller

"Civil War Fathers" purchase on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/bJQfPQ9

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 indicted on charges of larceny and fraud in connection with a construction company he had been involved with before his government service. However, after a lengthy trial, Donovan was acquitted of all charges in 1987.

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we will be speaking with Donovan’s son, Ken, who will give us insight into the life of his father, including his challenging start in life, his success as a businessman, his political prominence in the Reagan campaign and his heart for his family and philanthropic causes.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

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 this episode of Your History Your Story, we will be joined by James and Kelly’s daughter, Katie, who will be asking James these questions and more.

So, sit back, relax and let’s connect on a more personal level with our host, James.

If you have any questions or thoughts about our podcast, please email us at [email protected]

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Guest host: Katie DeFrank, LPC, CLPC [email protected]

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 passionate speeches and uncompromising stance often put him at odds with pro-slavery congressmen. This led to an incident where Sumner was almost beaten to death with a cane wielded by a member of the House of Representatives from South Carolina, Preston Brooks.

After recovering from his injuries, Sumner returned to the Senate and worked closely with President Lincoln during the Civil War and was at Lincoln’s bedside when he died following his assassination in 1865. For the remaining nine years of his life, Sumner continued to serve in the US Senate and fought tirelessly for the cause of Civil Rights and the equality among races.

In this episode of Your History Your Story, our guest is historian, teacher and award-winning author, Stephen Puleo. Stephen will talk about his recently published book, “The Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union” and will tell us why he feels that Sumner is one of the most significant figures in American History.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

To order The Great Abolitionist:

https://www.amazon.com/Great-Abolitionist-Charles-Sumner-Perfect/dp/1250276276

Website for Stephen Puleo:

https://www.stephenpuleo.com/

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 of his fellow costars such as, Fred Gwynn, Al Lewis and Yvonne DeCarlo.

Butch will also tell of some major struggles that he overcame as an adult and how today he remains an enthusiastic and prominent personality in the fan community, attending conventions and celebrating the legacy of his most famous role.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

To find out info about all things regarding Butch Patrick and "The Munsters", CLICK HERE

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 to us about her multiple journeys to Italy, where she retraced the very steps of her ancestors and enlisted the aid of local people to unlock the truth of what really happened in Matera, Italy long, long ago.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

To purchase "Murder in Matera::

https://tinyurl.com/5fpdhx67

To purchase "Five-Finger Discount: A Crooked Family History":

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 Man: My Little House Life and Beyond” and will be sharing stories about his experiences on the show and what it was like working alongside talented actors such as Michael Landon, Melissa Gilbert and Victor French.

Dean will also share his thoughts about the important, timeless, messages contained within the show’s storylines which continue to draw audiences to this day.

LHOTP 50th Anniversary Tour info:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.gravelroadmarket.com/&ved=2ahUKEwiZ2b2DmM-GAxXMAHkGHXKkK-EQFnoECAYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1j3FWK3VM-1gG0L55FWVQL

To purchase "Prairie Man":

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we will be speaking with Parkinson’s disease advocate and author, Dr. George Ackerman.

George and his family started the website, TogetherforSharon to honor his mother’s memory and to share the message of Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure.

George’s mother Sharon passed away at age 69 on January 1, 2020 after bravely battling Parkinson’s for over fifteen years. For many of those years, George served as her caregiver.

Since his mother’s passing, George has dedicated himself to providing hope, resources and encouragement for people with Parkinson’s, their caregivers and families so they will know they are not alone in their struggles with this disease.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Dr. George Ackerman

Support Your History Your Story:

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S4 Ep07 When Alzheimer's Hits Home

Guest: Judy Levy

https://www.yourhistoryyourstory.com/episodes/ldahgpl5cc8lx7z-wcdww-5cpz5-97bsw-fjx78-5mxam-3zkee-4rksw-c9bg8-mzk2h-ntxw9-g47fs-e7hfw-nt3lz-yn74f-4jbew-9lbnk-z3dkz-wdfk5-a9l8s-cx228-xbk3m-n993z-z4gc4-8excg-zw5bm