In this episode of Your History Your Story, we dive into a unique and often overlooked side of World War II through a captivating conversation with author Robert B. O’Connor. His historical fiction novel, “Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge”, centers on the fictional character Jim Tanzer—a professional dancer/performer who joins the Army and is assigned to Special Services, in a unit known as the “Morale Corps”.

Though Tanzer is fictional, the story is rooted in real events and inspired by true accounts of wartime performers, including well-known figures like Mickey Rooney. O’Connor draws on historical research and personal stories to bring authenticity to the novel, blending fact and fiction in a compelling way.

During our conversation, Robert shares how the book came to be, the real-life inspirations behind Tanzer’s journey and the important role of performance in lifting the spirits of troops near the front lines. If you’re interested in World War II history, behind-the-scenes stories of the battlefield or how the heart and dedication of a performer could uplift soldiers in their toughest moments—this episode is for you.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Robert B. O'Connor

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To purchase "Jeep Show":

Robert B. O'Connor website: ⁠ www.jeepshowbook.com

Shields and Stripes website: www.shieldsandstripes.org

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we are pleased to welcome back award-winning author Stephen Puleo. Stephen joins us to discuss his powerful book, Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919, which recounts the gripping and almost unbelievable story of the disaster which began when a 50-foot steel tank filled with 2.3 million gallons of molasses suddenly collapsed, unleashing a 15-foot-high wave that tore through Boston’s North End at 35 miles per hour, leaving death and destruction in its wake.

Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Stephen brings this bizarre historical event and its aftermath to life in a truly unforgettable way.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Stephen Puleo

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To purchase "Dark Tide":

Stephen Puleo website: www.stephenpuleo.com

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we’ll be joined by acclaimed author and journalist Helene Stapinski to discuss her 2001 national bestseller Five Finger Discount: A Crooked Family History. Helene will take us on a gripping, often hilarious and deeply personal journey through her childhood in Jersey City, New Jersey—a place that was steeped in corruption, grit and resilience.

During our conversation, Helene will share unforgettable stories of her colorful—and at times crooked—ancestors, along with the everyday struggles and triumphs of growing up in a city where survival often meant bending the rules. With warmth, humor and honesty, she’ll paint a vivid portrait of a family and community that will have you laughing, crying and eager to hear more!

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Helene Stapinski

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To purchase "Five Finger Discount":

HeleneStapinski.com

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we’re joined by internationally bestselling author and historian Giles Milton to discuss his compelling new book, “The Stalin Affair: The Impossible Alliance That Won the War.”

Giles takes us deep into the high-stakes world of World War II diplomacy, where Allied leaders Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill were forced to navigate the unpredictable and often explosive temperament of Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin. He also shines a light on the lesser-known men and women who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to manage Stalin and hold the fragile alliance together.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Giles Milton

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To purchase "The Stalin Affair":

GilesMilton.com

⁠

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we’re thrilled to welcome back a familiar and beloved guest—Marty Blumberg. Marty joined us previously to share stories from his books “My Brooklyn My Way” and “Going Back to Brooklyn” and we’re excited to have him with us again to talk about his newest work, “Brooklyn: The Borough of Dreams”.

In his latest book, Marty takes us on a poetic journey through his childhood in Brooklyn, New York during the mid-twentieth century. With heartfelt verse and vivid recollections, he captures the spirit of a time and place that, while long gone, still lives on in memory.

A master storyteller with an extraordinary gift for detail, Marty brings to life the people, places and events of his old neighborhood in a way that’s both nostalgic and deeply human. Get ready to be transported to a simpler time—where corner stores, stoop conversations, and tight-knit communities were the heart of everyday life.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Marty Blumberg

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To purchase "Brooklyn, Borough of Dreams":

https://a.co/d/gHZuW0d

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we are honored to be joined by Tweed Roosevelt, great-grandson of the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt.

A businessman, college professor and Chairman of the Theodore Roosevelt Institute at Long Island University, Tweed is also a devoted family historian.

He'll share personal reflections on growing up as a Roosevelt and will bring to life fascinating stories about the many colorful and influential personalities that make up one of America's most iconic families.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Tweed Roosevelt

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

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LIU Roosevelt School: https://www.liu.edu/rooseveltschool

National Park Service: NPS.gov

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 is filled with triumphs, tragedies and remarkable resilience!

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Buddy Levy

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

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For more information about Buddy Levy:

⁠BuddyLevy.com

Other episodes of interest:

Buddy Levy S7 Ep03 Empire of Ice and Stone

https://youtu.be/js8SNNYxx2M?si=KfkveZgxmQS12fs0

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, becoming a skilled speedway motorcyclist, inventor and businessman. This April, Billy will make his inaugural appearance at the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, Missouri.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Billy Gray

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

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For more information about Billy Gray:

BillyGrayOfficial.com

cherryblossomfest.com

Other story of interest:

S6 Ep18 Jim Thorpe: Legendary American Athlete

https://youtu.be/QTHxvTU1p1s