Eyewitness History

Chris Skates is a novelist with 30 years of experience as a chemist at nuclear and coal plants. He’s been able to combine this diverse background of science and energy with a passion for writing. Chris began publishing in 2000, with over 150 stories, articles, and columns to his name, alongside four novels. He’s also contributed to Turkey Call Magazine and is preparing a non-fiction collection. His writing journey culminated in key roles as a speechwriter and energy advisor at both the state and national levels of government. Moonshine Over Georgia is Chris’ most prized and honored work to date. A historical fiction novel, it pulls from the harrowing, exciting, and very real stories Chris’ grandfather would tell him growing up, working as a revenue agent in Prohibition-era Georgia. With that, Chris has become a pseudo-expert and captivating storyteller when it comes to this time in history. Once he starts talking, you’ll be enthralled by his ability to bring a story to life. Moonshine Over Georgia Description: Greed, poverty, and desperation. As control for the illegal moonshine trade rages, can one honorable man bring compassion and justice to the hills? Western Georgia, 1946. Revenue agent C.E. “Kid” Miller is haunted by the suffering caused by bootlegging, but his attempt to infiltrate a major operation puts him in the crosshairs of a ruthless crime gang. As he searches for a missing informant and battles growing violence, Miller fears his fight will cost him everything, including his life. Inspired by true events, *Moonshine Over Georgia* draws on author Chris Skates’ grandfather’s dangerous work and historical research to bring to life a brutal chapter of American history. If you enjoy gritty heroes and uncovering untold stories, you’ll love this gripping tale. Want to Hear More: If you were as captivated by Chris's stories as we were, you absolutely need to dive into his book, Moonshine Over Georgia, and his other works, available now on Amazon.com Direct Link to Chris's Author Page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chris-Skates/author/B004V0STYO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1742828377&sr=8-2&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=58efa92a-65c7-4cd9-8112-e4d05472e276 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Eyewitness History, host Josh Cohen welcomes Peter Hogan, the British comic book writer and co-creator of Resident Alien, the beloved sci-fi mystery series that inspired the hit Syfy/USA television adaptation. Peter shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Resident Alien came to life—both on the page and on the screen—and opens up about: His early writing career with 2000 AD and Vertigo Crafting the character of Dr. Harry Vanderspeigle, an alien stranded on Earth Why empathy, humor, and mystery are at the heart of the series The long road to television and what he thinks of the changes made What fans can expect next in the comic series See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we’re joined by actor, director, and producer Kevin Sorbo, best known for his iconic role as Hercules in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and his work on Andromeda. Kevin opens up about getting the role of Hercules, fame, his transition into faith-based filmmaking. We dive deep into his thoughts on the importance of values-driven storytelling, and the polarization within the entertainment industry. Sorbo also shares his personal journey, the impact of his faith on his career, and why he continues to pursue projects that align with his beliefs, even in the face of adversity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special re-release of Eyewitness History, we honor the life and legacy of Esther Basch, who passed away on April 14, 2025—exactly 80 years to the day she was liberated from the Salzwedel Concentration Camp by American soldiers. Known to many as “The Honey Girl of Auschwitz,” Esther survived the horrors of Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, and endured a brutal death march before her liberation. In this unforgettable conversation, she shares how her 16th birthday was marked by arrival at Auschwitz, the loss of her parents, the forced labor she endured, and how she came face-to-face with Josef Mengele. But more than a story of survival, Esther's legacy is one of forgiveness. “I cannot forget, but I can forgive because if I don’t forgive, then I suffer, and I suffered enough,” she would often say. Until her final days, Esther traveled, spoke, and educated countless people—young and old—about the Holocaust, never turning down an opportunity to tell her story. She became not only a pillar of Holocaust education but also a symbol of resilience, optimism, and love. We re-release this episode in her memory—with deep gratitude and reverence. Remember to subscribe, rate, and review Eyewitness History. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jeff Schoep, a former leader of the National Socialist Movement — once the largest neo-Nazi organization in the United States. For over 20 years, Schoep was a prominent figure in the white nationalist movement. But in 2019, he made a profound and public decision to walk away from extremism and dedicate his life to dismantling it. Now the founder of Beyond Barriers, a nonprofit focused on countering extremism and helping individuals disengage from hate-based ideologies, Schoep shares his unique insights into radicalization, transformation, and the power of redemption. He is also the author of American Nazi: From Hate to Humanity, a memoir tracing his journey from leading a hate group to becoming an advocate for peace and change. This is a conversation about ideology, personal responsibility, and the possibility of change — no matter how far someone has gone down a dark path. Links: Website: www.jeffschoep.com Organization: Beyond Barriers Book: American Nazi: From Hate to Humanity – Available now See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Eyewitness History, we dive into the imagination of D.J. MacHale—the bestselling author behind the Pendragon series and the co-creator of the iconic Nickelodeon show Are You Afraid of the Dark? From creepy campfire tales to interdimensional adventures, MacHale shares how he built entire worlds, scared a generation of kids (in a good way), and navigated a career spanning books, film, and television. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, originally released in 2023, legendary boxing commentator Jim Lampley joins us to reflect, among other things, on the life and legacy of George Foreman, who recently passed away at the age of 76. From his rise as a fearsome heavyweight in the 1970s to his improbable return and championship win in his 40s, Foreman’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and sheer power. Lampley, who called many of Foreman’s most iconic bouts, shares firsthand insight into what made Foreman such a compelling figure inside and outside the ring. Lampley also discusses how he came to be at HBO, nerves and when Muhammad Ali babysat his daughter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest has spent much of his career navigating the shadowy world of hostage negotiations, where lives hang in the balance and fortunes are exchanged for freedom. Rob Phayre isn’t just an expert in the field—he’s been on the front lines, directly involved in securing the release of over 800 hostages, billions of dollars’ worth of shipping and cargo, and overseeing hundreds of millions in ransom payments. Some of those operations even hold Guinness World Records for the largest ransoms ever paid at sea. Rob also brings his expertise to the page as the award-winning author of The Response Files series, including the Amazon bestseller The Ransom Drop, Jungle Heist, and The Insurgency. His upcoming book, How to Deliver a Ransom, dives deep into the real-world mechanics of the kidnap-for-ransom business—a true crime, non-fiction guide to an industry most of us only see in movies. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to negotiate with kidnappers, deliver ransoms, and bring people home. Rob Phayre, welcome to the show. To find out more about Rob and his book, check out his website: https://robphayre.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert L. Harned joins the show to discuss Edithe Beutler: Beautifying Hawaii with Color, his new book about his grandmother, a pioneering 20th-century colorist. We explore Edithe’s artistry in transforming black-and-white photos, her collaboration with Kodak in Hawaii, and her influence on visual storytelling. Harned also shares insights into his family’s Hollywood connections and his work preserving their legacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natalie Grumet’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. A breast cancer survivor, she faced an even greater battle when she was shot in the face during the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting. Through years of recovery, she has transformed her trauma into a message of strength and hope, inspiring countless others to overcome adversity. Featured in Dateline, Inside Edition, and the Emmy-nominated 11 Minutes documentary, Natalie shares her journey of survival, perseverance, and finding purpose after tragedy. Natalie's Website: https://www.nataliegrumet.com/ Natalie's Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/warriorNatalie/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jean Shinoda Bolen is a world-renowned Jungian analyst, psychiatrist, activist, and author whose work has shaped the fields of psychology, spirituality, and women’s empowerment. Her thirteen books—translated into fourteen languages—have inspired readers around the globe. But behind her influential writings lies a deeply personal journey that has informed her wisdom and vision. In Ever Widening Circles & Mystical Moments, Dr. Bolen shares nearly ninety years of lived experience—from confronting Japanese American racism as a child during World War II to her lifelong advocacy, caregiving, and pursuit of authentic living. Through her reflections on mystical moments and the power of trusted circles, she offers profound insights into how we can heal ourselves and our world. In this episode, we explore Dr. Bolen’s extraordinary life, her intuitive approach to psychology, and the spiritual wisdom she has cultivated through decades of practice and activism. Join us for a conversation that promises to be both enlightening and deeply moving. For more on Dr. Bolen’s work, visit www.jeanbolen.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with Wendy Young, the ex-girlfriend of Christopher Duntsch—better known as Dr. Death. Duntsch, a once-promising neurosurgeon, left a trail of maimed and murdered patients before his eventual conviction and life sentence. Wendy shares firsthand accounts of his disturbing behavior, from his professional downfall to his personal descent into chaos. She recounts the terrifying moments when Duntsch broke into her home covered in blood, the bizarre ransom note written in his own hand, and the emotional toll of raising his children while grappling with the reality of his crimes. This is an episode you don’t want to miss. Tune in for an inside look at the monster behind the mask and the people who survived his destruction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Eyewitness History, we talk with author Amory Patrick Blaine about his novel, American Renaissance: Missions Dangerous. Based on leaked government documents found at Mar-a-Lago, the book blends espionage, mystery, and history, following a U.S. soldier-turned-spy embedded in the world of a radical artist. Blaine shares the real-life inspirations behind the story, his experiences in the Foreign Service, and how secrecy, power, and art collide in his writing. Check out his website: https://amorypatrickblaine.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Eyewitness History, we sit down with Lois Lowry, the two-time Newbery Medal-winning author behind The Giver, Number the Stars, and many other beloved works. Lowry discusses the inspiration behind her stories, the themes of memory and morality that run through her work, and the lasting impact of The Giver on readers and society. Check out her website: http://loislowry.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. In recognition of this, please listen to this re-release of an interview I did with Holocaust survivor, Gene Klein. In the spring of 1944, a teenage Gene Klein and his family were taken from their village in Hungary and thrown into the infamous Nazi extermination camp known as Auschwitz. His father was taken straight to the gas chamber. Klein was forced into slave labor until liberated in the spring of 1945, and he spent two years as a refugee before his and other family members were allowed to immigrate to the United States. “Eventually, I decided that, like [Elie ] Wiesel, I needed to be public about being a survivor and that, in my own small way, I should contribute to the mission of educating the world about the Holocaust,” he wrote. “I will tell our story,” he continued, “and I will speak — especially in these times — about the tolerance and compassion necessary to prevent what happened to us from happening to others.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with Jody Gelb, an accomplished actor and author whose forty-year career on stage and screen includes roles in Tony Award-winning Broadway productions like The Who’s Tommy, Titanic, Big River, and Wicked. You may also recognize her from guest appearances in hit television shows like Law & Order and Dr. Death. Beyond her impressive acting career, Jody Gelb is the author of the profoundly moving memoir She May Be Lying Down but She May Be Very Happy. In this poetic and emotionally rich book, Gelb reflects on the life of her daughter, exploring the complex experiences of love, loss, and resilience that come with raising a child with profound disabilities. Her writing has earned praise from luminaries like Elizabeth Gilbert, who called the book “a stunning work of art, of truth, and of love.” Check out her website: https://www.jodygelb.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Cohen returns to man the helm of Eyewitness History! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In todays episode we talk to Jay Brown who is a member of the living history group Capital Wing. We discuss not only our Military flying heritage, but the efforts being made to preserve that part of our history. If you are interested in flying, World War II, or the preservation of stories from the past, this one is for you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Eyewitness History I have the privilege of sharing an interview with Comedian, Writer, Director, Producer and the creator of my favorite Sitcom, Brent Butt! In addition to creating "Corner Gas" which is the number one Canadian Sitcom in history, he continues to produce content that has uncharacteristic staying power and an international audience. This has uniquely positioned him to understand the role of entertainment in culture as well as the responsibility (and whether or not there really is one) for those who have large platforms. This was a great conversation that entertains and informs while motivating you to stream another episode of "Corner Gas." For more information about Brent visit: www.brentbutt.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we talk about a movie as a "Cult Classic", what exactly does that mean? And, how do movies shape the culture in which we live? In todays episode of Eyewitness History, I have the privilege of speaking with Producer and Editor Jeremy Coon who was one of the major influences in the movie Napoleon Dynamite. We talk about how the movie was made, and what causes a rare few movies to transcend generations and become a Cult Classic. To learn more about Jeremy Coon visit: https://september.club/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.