
Based on a True Story
History Podcasts
We've all seen movies that claim to be 'based on a true story', but have you ever wondered how accurate they are? That's what we'll find out as we compare Hollywood with history.
Location:
United States
Description:
We've all seen movies that claim to be 'based on a true story', but have you ever wondered how accurate they are? That's what we'll find out as we compare Hollywood with history.
Twitter:
@danlefeb
Language:
English
Episodes
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood with John Barker
4/6/2026
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 384) — Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood tells a tale of alternative history. In this episode, we'll separate the film’s fairy-tale storytelling from the real history behind the Manson murders, Sharon Tate, Bruce Lee, Steve McQueen, and the Hollywood of 1969.
Listen to All the Right Movies
John's podcast breaks down the history of Hollywood, one film at a time. Check out All the Right Movies to learn all about the work that went into making movies, how much of it works, and more.
More from All the Right Movies
https://alltherightmovies.com/https://www.patreon.com/posts/atrm-classic-111-152929056https://alltherightmovies.com/feature/45-interesting-and-golden-age-facts-about-once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood/
Mentioned in the Episode
https://links.boatspodcast.com/195
Chapters
0:00 Intro and historical accuracy
4:15 Tarantino’s fairy-tale approach
11:25 Rick, Cliff, and Sharon Tate
18:40 Hollywood in the late 1960s
28:30 Steve McQueen and The Great Escape
36:20 Bruce Lee, Sharon Tate, and Spahn Ranch
49:10 The Manson Family and Cielo Drive
58:45 The film’s alternate ending
1:04:20 Final thoughts and ATRM
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Duration:00:44:59
The Manhattan Project in Oppenheimer with Alice Lovejoy
2/17/2026
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 383) — Did the Oppenheimer movie get the Manhattan Project right? Today, we'll dig into the film's portrayal of the project. From the Los Alamos we see in the movie to what we don't see in the movie such as Oak Ridge's massive factories, Hanford's plutonium production, and more that you don't ever see in the movie.
Get Alice's book
Alice Lovejoy is the author of Tales of Militant Chemistry, film scholar, and a professor at the University of Minnesota. She'll join us today to unravel the true story behind the Manhattan Project in the movie.
Find more of Alice's work
Army Film and the Avant GardeRemapping Cold War MediaVisit Alice's websiteFollow Alice on BlueskyFollow Alice on Instagram
Listen to the other BOATS episode on Oppenheimer
Chapters
00:00 Manhattan Project Overview
04:50 Uranium vs. Plutonium Bombs
09:45 Scale of the Project
15:28 Einstein's Role
20:42 Trinity Test Depiction
25:04 Radiation Concerns
30:51 Project's End & Legacy
33:52 Post-War Impacts
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Support my sponsorsBecome a BOATS ProducerEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com
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Duration:00:55:12
Oppenheimer
1/30/2026
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 382) — Join me in this throwback style BOATS episode without any guests. It'll just be you and I learning about the true story behind 2023's Oppenheimer. Was the poisoned apple scene real? How well was the Trinity Test portrayed on screen? What does the movie leave out from Oppenheimer's life? If you've seen the movie and wondered what really happened, this episode is your guided tour through the history behind the film.
Chapters
0:00 Intro, synopsis & Two Truths and a Lie
3:30 Prometheus myth and poisoned apple story
10:15 Oppenheimer’s education in Europe and early career
18:40 Relationships with Jean Tatlock and Kitty Oppenheimer
28:20 FBI surveillance, communism fears, and the Manhattan Project scale
39:10 Trinity Test, “I am become Death,” and bombing Japan
51:00 Meeting President Truman and the Strauss feud
1:01:30 Oppenheimer’s fall, later life, and modern reevaluation
1:08:00 Two Truths and a Lie answers & closing
Resources
American PrometheusTales of Militant Chemistry109 East PalaceRobert Oppenheimer: A Life Inside the CenterJ. Robert Oppenheimer: A LifeAn Atomic Love Story: The Extraordinary Women in Robert Oppenheimer's LifeThe Ruin of J. Robert Oppenheimer
If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, you can also find all the links at https://links.boatspodcast.com/382
Support My Work
Support my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com
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Duration:00:43:54
Classic: King Arthur with Dorsey Armstrong
1/14/2026
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 381) — My love of history started with the legend of King Arthur. While there are many King Arthur movies to pick from, today we'll learn about the one that marketed itself as being more historically accurate than the others.
Dorsey Armstrong on The Great Courses Plus
Historian Dorsey Armstrong breaks down the historical accuracy of the 2004 film King Arthur. Learn the true story behind the legends of Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin, the Round Table, and more.
Chapters
0:00 Intro
2:30 Movie's Historical Claims
5:10 Sarmatians and Lancelot
10:45 Merlin's Real History
15:20 Woads, Picts, and Round Table
22:00 Christianity and Pelagius
28:15 Final Mission and Freedom
34:50 Guinevere and Ice Battle
40:30 Battle of Badon Hill
45:15 Sword in the Stone
49:00 Legend Surprises
53:30 BOATS Update for 2026 and Outro
Support My Work
Support my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com
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Duration:01:03:21
Captain Phillips with Brian Beckcom
12/16/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 380) — Today we dive into the 2013 film Captain Phillips directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks—and discover how much of Hollywood's version actually matches the true story of the Maersk Alabama hijacking. Trial attorney Brian Beckcom, who represented the crew of the container ship after the Somali pirate attack, shares accounts of what really happened during this dramatic rescue operation and reveals the major inaccuracies that made it to the screen.
Lessons from Leaders with Brian Beckcom
Find where to watch the movie
Chapters
0:00 Intro
3:38 Today's Movie: Captain Phillips
5:19 The True Context of Somali Piracy
12:17 Why Captain Phillips Made His Fateful Decision
15:46 Security Protocols vs. Hollywood Drama
19:42 The First Pirate Attack
24:43 Pirates Board the Maersk Alabama
30:18 The Crew's True Heroism in the Engine Room
34:29 Captain Phillips' Role in the Crisis
40:35 The Navy Enters the Picture
43:22 The Truth Behind the Rescue Operation
49:47 Captain Phillips' Escape Attempt (Fact vs. Fiction)
54:51 The Final Navy Seal Operation
57:31 About Brian Beckcom's Podcast
59:03 Two Truths and a Lie Answer
Support my work
Support my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting class
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Duration:01:00:47
Beyond Pearl Harbor in the Movies with Joshua Donohue
12/7/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 379) — Most movies focus on the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, but the true story of December 7th, 1941, involves a coordinated global offensive across the Pacific. In this episode, history professor Joshua Donohue returns to explore what the movies miss—including attacks on Wake Island, the Philippines, and military installations across Oahu that extended far beyond the harbor itself. From civilian casualties to pilot heroics to the international scope of Japan's ambitious assault, we separate fact from fiction across multiple Pearl Harbor films.
Josh's Latest Work
Embattled Marines at Air Station Ewa
Chapters
0:00 Intro & Two Truths and a Lie Game
3:16 From Here to Eternity: Life Before the Attack
10:20 The Global Scope of Japan's Offensive
12:40 Wake Island Under Siege
20:04 Oahu's Airfields and Widespread Attacks
28:23 American Aircraft in the Air During the Attack
43:20 Civilian Casualties and Friendly Fire
58:23 American Morale and the Movies' Coverage
1:05:02 Pilots Beyond Pearl Harbor
1:11:13 The Final Countdown: What If Scenario
1:22:32 Two Truths and a Lie Answer Reveal
Support my work
Support my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting class
Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/379
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Duration:01:24:43
Nuremberg with Jack El-Hai
11/25/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 378) — Discover the historical accuracy behind the 2025 film "Nuremberg" which is adapted from Jack El-Hai's book "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist."
Get Jack's Book: The Nazi and the Psychiatrist
Learn about the real Dr. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) and his complex relationship with Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe) during the historic Nuremberg trials. What did the filmmakers get right and what did they change from the true story? Tune in to find out!
Also Mentioned
Jack El-Hai Official WebsiteNuremberg (2025 Film)22 Cells in Nuremberg by Douglas KelleyHowie Trieste's Book on Nuremberg ExperiencesStars and Stripes Military Newspaper
Chapters
0:00 Intro
2:35 Movie Overview - Nuremberg and Main Characters
5:45 Historical Grade and Book Comparison
9:10 Goering's Capture by Allied Forces
14:20 Douglas Kelly's Role as Psychiatrist
18:55 Goering and Rudolf Hess Relationship
23:45 Goering's Narcissism and Motivations
29:00 Concentration Camp Films and Kelly's Turning Point
33:15 Reporter Character and Kelly's Departure
37:00 Howie Trieste's Story as German-Jewish Translator
41:45 Kelly Handing Over Research to Prosecutors
45:15 Goering's Cyanide Pill and Suicide
48:00 Final Lessons and Democracy Warnings
50:30 Behind-the-Scenes Film Production Story
52:15 Two Truths and a Lie Answer Reveal
Support My Work
Support my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com
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Duration:00:52:29
Feud: Bette and Joan with Scott Eyman
11/18/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 377) — The first season of FX’s “Feud” chronicles the turbulent making of the 1962 thriller “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” Over eight episodes set against Hollywood's fading Golden Age, “Feud” focuses on a simmering resentment between aging stars Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, on-set clashes over performances and camera work, and the film’s premiere.
Get Scott's book
Where to watch Feud
To help us separate fact from fiction in the series today is Scott Eyman, whose new biography Joan Crawford: A Woman’s Face reveals Crawford’s journey from orphan to screen legend using thorough research from personal papers, studio records, and the Robert Aldrich archives at UCLA.
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:39 TV series synopsis
00:03:16 Two truths and a lie
00:04:07 Interview
01:19:11 Two truths and a lie answer
Also mentioned in this episode
Joan Crawford: A Woman's Face by Scott Eyman
Support my work
Support my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting class
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Duration:01:20:26
Project Blue Book
10/7/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 376) — This special three-in-one episode is a thorough exploration of the true story behind the U.S. government's top secret program investigating UFOs called Project Blue Book. In 2019, the History Channel released a dramatized version of Project Blue Book's reports starring Aidan Gillen as Dr. J. Allen Hynek.
Ufologist Rob Kristoffersen will help us uncover the true story behind each episode of the twenty episodes in the TV series. Then, the third part of our episode today is to talk to David O'Leary (Creator of Project Blue Book) and Sean Jablonski (Showrunner of Project Blue Book) to go behind what it took to make a series about UFOs that is based on true events.
Where to watch Project Blue Book
Listen to Rob's awesome podcast, Our Strange Skies
Read the U.S. Air Force fact sheet on Project Blue Book
Answer this question from the episode:
What do you think people are seeing when they report UFOs?
Share your opinion in the BOATS Discord
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:24 Synopsis
00:03:47 Rob Kristoffersen on Project Blue Book season one
01:25:48 Rob Kristoffersen on Project Blue Book season two
02:41:26 David O'Leary and Sean Jablonski on creating Project Blue Book
Support my work
Become a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Great deals from my sponsorsJoin the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting class
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Duration:03:37:56
Donald Rumsfeld in the Movies with William Cooper
9/18/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 375) — Donald Rumsfeld served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense twice in his career, including during the 9/11 attacks. Today, we'll learn how the movies "Vice", "W." bring a fictional portrayal of Rumsfeld. We'll also look into the accuracy of the documentary "The Unknown Known" which interviews Rumsfeld himself.
Get William's book
Separating fact from fiction for us today is William Cooper, whose new historical fiction novel "The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld" is available now.
Where to watch Vice
Where to watch W.
Where to watch The Unknown Known
Answer this question from the episode: What impact do you think Rumsfeld has had in U.S. politics today?
Share your opinion in the BOATS Discord
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:15 Movie synopsis
00:02:13 Two truths and a lie
00:03:27 Interview
01:09:02 Two truths and a lie answer
Also mentioned in this episode
Follow William on Bluesky(BOATS EP. 196) — Moneyball with William Cooper(BOATS EP. 335) — Vice with William CooperSearch Rumsfeld's archive at Rumsfeld.comWilliam's Non-Fiction Book: "How America Works . . . and Why It Doesn’t"Support my work
Become a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Great deals from my sponsorsJoin the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting classNote: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/375
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Duration:00:59:26
Donald Rumsfeld in the Movies with William Cooper
9/16/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 375) — Donald Rumsfeld served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense twice in his career, including during the 9/11 attacks. Today, we'll learn how the movies "Vice", "W." bring a fictional portrayal of Rumsfeld. We'll also look into the accuracy of the documentary "The Unknown Known" which interviews Rumsfeld himself. Get William's book Separating fact from fiction for us today is William Cooper, whose new historical fiction novel "The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld" is available now. Where to watch Vice Where to watch W. Where to watch The Unknown Known Answer this question from the episode: What impact do you think Rumsfeld has had in U.S. politics today? Share your opinion in the BOATS Discord Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:15 Movie synopsis 00:02:13 Two truths and a lie 00:03:27 Interview 01:09:02 Two truths and a lie answer Also mentioned in this episode Follow William on Bluesky (BOATS EP. 196) — Moneyball with William Cooper (BOATS EP. 335) — Vice with William Cooper Search Rumsfeld's archive at Rumsfeld.com William's Non-Fiction Book: "How America Works . . . and Why It Doesn’t" Support my work Become a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes) Great deals from my sponsors Join the BOATS Discord Get the BOATS email newsletter Email me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com Get my video podcasting class Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/375 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:01:05:26
Young Guns II with Josh from The Wild West Extravaganza
9/2/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 374) — Today we'll rejoin Billy the Kid's outlaw gang as they continue their attempts to escape the law following the events in Young Guns (BOATS EP. 146). Was Brushy Bill Roberts a real person? Was he Billy the Kid? What other creative liberties did the filmmakers take in telling the true story of Billy the Kid?
Where to watch Young Guns II
Follow Josh's podcast
To help us unravel the historical accuracy of Young Guns II, we'll be joined by Josh, the host of The Wild West Extravaganza podcast.
Is Young Guns or Young Guns II a better movie?
Share your opinion in the BOATS Discord
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:15 Movie synopsis
00:02:13 Two truths and a lie
00:03:27 Interview
01:09:02 Two truths and a lie answer
Also mentioned in this episode
The Wild West Extravaganza PodcastWild West Extravaganza on YouTubeJosh's episode on Dirty Dave RudabaughCharlie Bowdre's blood-stained photoListen to Based on a True Story's episode covering the first Young Guns"Alias Billy the Kid" by William Morrison and C.L. SonnichsenThe Authentic Life of Billy, the Kid by Pat Garrett (and Ash Upson)The Saga of Billy the Kid by Walter Noble Burns Support my work
Support my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting class Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/374
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Duration:01:27:15
Amelia with Chris Williamson
8/19/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 373) — Learn about legendary aviator Amelia Earhart as she was portrayed onscreen by Hilary Swank in the 2009 biopic. To uncover the true story, today we'll talk with author, documentarian, and host of Chasing Earhart , the only podcast dedicated entirely to Amelia Earhart: Chris Williamson.
Where to watch Amelia
Get Chris's book
Chris Williamson has an array of work with the Chasing Earhart Project, including the book "Rabbit Hole: The Vanishing of Amelia Earhart & Fred Noonan."
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:15 Movie synopsis
00:02:13 Two truths and a lie
00:03:27 Interview
01:09:02 Two truths and a lie answer
Also mentioned in this episode
Chasing Earhart PodcastThe Aviator and the Showman by Laurie Gwen ShapiroChasing Earhart on Facebook Support my work
Support my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting class Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/373
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Duration:01:11:31
Trail of Vengeance with Rob Hilliard
8/5/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 372) — Travel back to the Old West for a tale of revenge, Pinkerton agents, and frontier justice in the wake of the Civil War. One of those former Pinkerton agents in the movie is John Scobell (Gbenga Akinnagbe), making 2025's Trail of Vengeance the first movie to feature John Scobell as one of its main characters.
Where to watch Trail of Vengeance
Get Rob's book
To help us separate fact from fiction in the movie today is author Rob Hilliard, whose book "In Freedom's Shadow" is a historical novel based on John Scobell. How well does the movie tell us John Scobell's true story? Let's find out!
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:09 Movie synopsis
00:02:05 Two truths and a lie
00:03:18 Interview
01:31:54 Two truths and a lie answer
Also mentioned in this episode
"The Spy of the Rebellion" by Allan Pinkerton"The Pinkertons" miniseries with Rob Support my work
Dan LeFebvre's Getting Started with Video PodcastingUnlock ad-free episodesSupport my sponsorsChat about this episodeGet the BOATS email newsletterdan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/372
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Duration:01:33:51
Classic: Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story with Matthew Polly
7/22/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 371) — How well do you know about the real Bruce Lee? There are a lot of myths that came out of the movie "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" so today we'll pull another classic episode from the Based on a True Story vault.
Where to watch Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story
Get Matthew's book
Matthew Polly authored "Bruce Lee: A Life," called the definitive biography by The New York Times. His research revealed Lee's more complex humanity, debunking decades of Hollywood myths.
Did you enjoy this episode?
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Duration:00:54:39
Titanic with Mark B. Perry
7/1/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 370) — Twentieth Century-Fox's "Titanic" starring Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb claims to draw facts from 1912 congressional inquiries, so how well does it do when we compare it to history?
Where to watch Titanic (1953)
Get Mark's book
Mark B. Perry is the author of the novel "And Introducing Dexter Gaines: A Novel of Old Hollywood", a tale that transports you back to the time when during the film's production. is a Golden Globe and Emmy-winning screenwriter known for Wonder Years, Law & Order, Picket Fences, and more. A self-proclaimed "ship geek" and founding board member of SS United States Conservancy, he ironically wrote his own Titanic screenplay in 1988—rejected by studios because "nobody cares about the Titanic."
Also mentioned in this episode
Get Mark's audiobookWalter Lord's A Night to RememberBOATS episode #35 about James Cameron's TitanicSS United States Conservancy Did you enjoy this episode?
Unlock ad-free episodesGet the BOATS email newsletterChat about this episodeSupport our sponsors Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/370
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Duration:01:27:43
Classic: Saving Private Ryan with Marty Morgan
6/3/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 369) — This Friday marks the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings. Arguably the most popular movie depicting the fighting on the beaches of Normandy is 1998's Saving Private Ryan. Where to watch Saving Private Ryan In this remastered edition of Based on a True Story, we'll compare the movie with what really happened with historian Marty Morgan. What did Saving Private Ryan get right, where did it miss the mark, and hear how the movie has influenced Marty's experiences as a tour guide of the Normandy beaches. Editor's note: This episode was originally recorded in January of 2020. Get Marty's D-Day: A Photography History of the Normandy Invasion Also mentioned in this episode
HBO's Band of BrothersMythbusters on Private Jackson's sniper shot Did you enjoy this episode?
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Duration:02:03:31
Behind the True Story: Not a Real Enemy with Robert Wolf
5/13/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 368) — Go behind the true stories shown in Holocaust movies through the experiences of Robert Wolf's family. Since we'll be talking about the Holocaust, listener discretion is advised.
Get Robert's book
Where to watch today's moviesThe Sound of Music (1965)Life is Beautiful (1997)Schindler's List (1993)Walking with the Enemy (2013)Sunshine (1999)
Did you enjoy this episode?Support our sponsorsUnlock ad-free episodesGet the BOATS email newsletterJoin the BOATS communityRoll the creditsNote: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/368
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Duration:01:22:45
John McClane in Die Hard with Patrick O'Donnell
4/29/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 367) — Is John McClane a realistic cop or just an action hero with a badge? Yippee-ki-yay, history lovers, let's see if McClane would survive a real Internal Affairs review.
Where to watch "Die Hard" now
Helping us conduct a review of McClane from the entire Die Hard franchise is retired U.S. police sergeant Patrick O'Donnell, who is now a technical consultant and author of "The Good Collar."
Get Patrick's book
Also mentioned in this episodeHire Patrick for your next projectListen to the Cops and Writers podcast
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Duration:01:18:41
Troy with Neil Laird
4/15/2025
BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 366) — Homer’s "The Iliad" tells the story of the Trojan War, a tale brought to the big screen in the 2004 film "Troy." But with an ancient epic as its foundation—and Hollywood’s creative liberties—how much of the story is real?
Where to watch "Troy" now
In this episode, Neil Laird peels back the layers of myth and fiction to uncover the truth.
Neil is a multiple Emmy-nominated director and producer of historical films for networks including Discovery, BBC, PBS, and National Geographic. He has produced more than 100 programs worldwide, exploring crumbling Egyptian tombs, lost Mayan cities, and mysterious shipwrecks. He's also the author of his third book called "Prime Time Troy."
Get Neil's latest book
Also mentioned in this episodePrime Time TravelersPrime Time PompeiiHomer's The Iliad
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Duration:00:59:07