Your History Your Story

Your History Your Story

By James GardnerHistory
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Your History Your Story episodes

  • S2 Ep11 My German-American Family
    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 devastation left in its’ wake. 
    He describes their journey to the United States as well as the challenges and opportunities they experienced in their new homeland. Pete will also share about his life growing up in a German-American home, including the traditions, food, personalities and other memories.
    Photo: Courtesy of P. Schornstaedt
    Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man
    42 min
  • S2 Ep10 Drumming to the Beat of Recovery

    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 1989 and by 1994 the band skyrocketed to stardom with hits such as: “Hold My Hand”, “Let Her Cry” and “Only Wanna Be With You”. He enjoyed the band’s success, but along the way the partying lifestyle, which often accompanied life on the road, resulted in an addiction to alcohol and drugs. Jim will share the story of his life, including his time with the band, his struggle with addiction and ultimately his journey to recovery.

    Photo: Courtesy of Jim Sonefeld

    Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

    51 min
  • S2 Ep09 Dr. Carl Weiss Sr.: Assassin or Not?

    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 the story of how their family dealt with the fallout of this tragedy and how their father, great-uncle and a forensic specialist uncovered evidence, which they believe vindicates their grandfather and the Weiss family name. Photo of Dr. Carl Weiss Sr. - Courtesy of the Weiss Family Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

    1 hr 5 min
  • S2 Ep08 Forever A Munchkin
    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 celebration of her ethnicity and her career as a television reporter. She will also tell the story of the Oakland, CA. firestorm of 1991 that consumed thousands of homes, including her own. Finally, she will share about her passion for hula dancing and where it has taken her today. You will be fascinated by the life of Betty Ann Bruno, she is resilient, kind and a lot of fun! Her recently published book, "The Munchkin Diary, My Personal Yellow Brick Road", will also be discussed.
    Photo: Courtesy of Betty Ann Bruno
    Music: "With Loved One" Jay Man
    1 hr 12 min
  • S2 Ep07 My Home on an Iowa Farm
    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 were burned to the ground by individuals who mistrusted the dutch speaking community during World War 1. Gerry’s story will transport you to a simpler time and place in the American Midwest.
    Photo: courtesy of the Vander Hart family
    Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man
    56 min
  • S2 Ep06 Good Family Bones
    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 Ones" Jay Man
    57 min
  • S2 Ep05 Freeborn Bill, 91 Years Young
    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.
    27 min
  • S2 Ep04 The Light of Love
    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 Children of Divorce". Sadly, a debilitating, progressive illness prevented her from having it published...that is, until her husband, Jim, stepped in to help her complete her dream!
    43 min
  • S2 Ep03 The Tyler Family Story: 1790-2020 In Three Generations

    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, Susan Tyler, shares wonderful stories about her dad and other members of her famous family.


    Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

    Photo: Courtesy of Susan Tyler

    41 min
  • S2 Ep02 A Union Soldier Changed My Life

    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 soldier during the war between the states.

    36 min

About Your History Your Story

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“A podcast that discovers, investigates and celebrates fascinating people and their stories”

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