Podcasts by Based on a True Story
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.
Further podcasts by Dan LeFebvre
Podcast on the topic Filmgeschichte
All episodes
This Week: W.E., Young Winston, The Right Stuff from 2023-12-11T11:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events from this week in history that were shown in the movies. We'll also learn about birthdays from historical figures who have been portrayed in the...
ListenNapoleon with Alexander Mikaberidze from 2023-12-06T11:30
Alexander Mikaberidze is a historian and professor at Louisiana State University who specializes in Napoleonic studies. Today he'll join the podcast to dig deep into the historical accuracy of 2023...
ListenThis Week: Tora! Tora! Tora!, Pearl Harbor, Wake Island from 2023-12-04T11:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events from this week in history that were shown in the movies. We'll also learn about birthdays from historical figures who have been portrayed in the...
ListenThis Week: Little Big Man, Public Enemies, Dahmer from 2023-11-27T11:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events from this week in history that were shown in the movies. We'll also learn about birthdays from historical figures who have been portrayed in the...
ListenThis Week: JFK, LBJ, The Pianist from 2023-11-20T11:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events from this week in history that were shown in the movies. We'll also learn about birthdays from historical figures who have been portrayed in the...
ListenThe Mafia in Casino, Goodfellas, Donnie Brasco, and The Sopranos with Scott Hoffman from 2023-11-15T11:00
Author Scott Hoffman takes us inside how well the movies like Casino, Goodfellas, Donnie Brasco, and the TV series The Sopranos portray the Outfit and the Mafia. To hear more Mafia stories, pick up...
ListenThis Week: Silkwood, Young Winston, Saving Lincoln from 2023-11-13T11:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events from this week in history that were shown in the movies. We'll also learn about birthdays from historical figures who have been portrayed in the...
ListenThis Week: Mayflower: The Pilgrims' Adventure, From Hell, All Quiet on the Western Front from 2023-11-06T11:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events from this week in history that were shown in the movies. We'll also learn about birthdays from historical figures who have been portrayed in the...
ListenChaplin with Scott Eyman from 2023-10-31T10:00
Classic film historian Scott Eyman's new book is out today! It's called Charlie Chaplin vs. America: When Art, Sex and Politics Collided, so today we'll be chatting with Scott about Charlie Chaplin...
ListenThis Week: Ali, Argo, Gunpowder from 2023-10-30T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events from this week in history that were shown in the movies. We'll also learn about birthdays from historical figures who have been portrayed in the...
ListenThis Week: Jobs, The Pacific, Tombstone from 2023-10-23T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events from this week in history that were shown in the movies. We'll also learn about birthdays from historical figures who have been portrayed in the...
ListenGettysburg with Gregory J.W. Urwin from 2023-10-17T10:00
We travel back to the 1993 film Gettysburg along with military historian and author Gregory J.W. Urwin to find out how well it does showing the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. Learn mor...
ListenThis Week: The Patriot, MacArthur, X-Men: First Class from 2023-10-16T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in these movies: The Patriot, MacArthur, and X-Men: First Class. Events from This Week ...
ListenThis Week: Eight Men Out, 1492: Conquest of Paradise, The Right Stuff from 2023-10-09T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in these movies: Eight Men Out, 1492: Conquest of Paradise, and The Right Stuff. Events...
ListenThis Week: Black Hawk Down, Sergeant York, Che! from 2023-10-02T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in these movies: Black Hawk Down, Sergeant York, and Che! Events from This Week in His...
ListenThis Week: Robinson Crusoe, Alexander, 61* from 2023-09-25T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in these movies: Robinson Crusoe, Alexander, and 61*. Did you enjoy this episode?Find...
ListenThis Week: Patty Hearst, Chaplin, Tolkien, Turn from 2023-09-18T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in these movies and TV series: Patty Hearst, Chaplin, Tolkien, and Turn: Washington's S...
ListenJFK with Marty Morgan from 2023-09-14T10:00
Conspiracies still swirl around the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Many of those were depicted in Oliver Stone's 1991 film JFK, and today we'll dig deep into the t...
ListenThis Week: United 93, A Star-Spangled Story, Frida from 2023-09-11T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in these movies: United 93, A Star-Spangled Story, and Frida. Did you enjoy this episo...
ListenThis Week: Geronimo, The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid, All Eyez on Me from 2023-09-04T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Geromino: An American Legend, The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid, and All Eyez On M...
ListenThis Week: Krakatoa, From Hell, Rome from 2023-08-28T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Krakatoa East of Java, From Hell, and Rome. Did you enjoy this episode?Find everyth...
ListenThis Week: Sweet Dreams, Pompeii, Saving Mr. Banks from 2023-08-21T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Sweet Dreams, Pompeii, and Saving Mr. Banks. Mentioned in this episodePhoto of Pompe...
ListenThis Week: The Pacific, The Crucible, The Battle of Britain from 2023-08-14T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in The Pacific, The Crucible, and The Battle of Britain. Mentioned in this episodeThe "...
ListenLittle Big Man with Gregory J.W. Urwin from 2023-08-09T10:00
Historian and author Gregory J.W. Urwin joins Based on a True Story to separate fact from fiction in the 1970 satirical western Little Big Man. Learn more about the true storyGet Gregory's book Cu...
ListenThis Week: Hatfields&McCoys, The Walk, Frost/Nixon from 2023-08-07T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Hatfields&McCoys, The Walk, and Frost/Nixon. Did you enjoy this episode?Find everyth...
ListenThis Week: Rush, Patton, Braveheart from 2023-07-31T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Rush, Patton, and Braveheart. Did you enjoy this episode?Find everything at: https:/...
ListenThis Week: At Eternity's Gate, Bonnie and Clyde, USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage from 2023-07-24T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in At Eternity's Gate, Bonnie and Clyde, and USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage. Did you ...
ListenHotel Rwanda with Jens Heycke from 2023-07-19T10:00
The author of Out of the Melting Pot, Into the Fire, Jens Heycke, joins Based on a True Story to help us separate fact from fiction in the film Hotel Rwanda. Learn more about the true storyOut of ...
ListenThis Week: Anastasia, Eight Men Out, Dahmer from 2023-07-17T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Anastasia, Eight Men Out, and Dahmer. Did you enjoy this episode?Find everything at:...
ListenThis Week: Battle of Britain, Hamilton, One Nation, One King from 2023-07-10T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Battle of Britain, Hamilton, and One Nation, One King. Did you enjoy this episode?Le...
ListenSchindler's List with Dan McMillan from 2023-07-07T10:00
Dan McMillan is the author of How Could This Happen: Explaining the Holocaust, and he's joining the podcast to help us separate fact from fiction in the film Schindler's List. Learn more about the...
ListenThis Week: 1776, Lawrence of Arabia, Project Blue Book from 2023-07-03T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in 1776, Lawrence of Arabia, and Project Blue Book. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a ...
ListenYoung Winston with Furman Daniel from 2023-06-28T10:00
Today's episode looks at how well the 1972 film Young Winston shows early years of Winston Churchill before he became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Joining us today is Furman Daniel, au...
ListenThis Week: 37 Days, Gettysburg, The Trench from 2023-06-26T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in 37 Days, Gettysburg, and The Trench. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a comment: htt...
ListenThis Week: Lizzie, The Hobbit, They Died with Their Boots On from 2023-06-19T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Lizzie, The Hobbit, and They Died with Their Boots On. Did you enjoy this episode?Le...
ListenThe Thin Red Line with Marty Morgan from 2023-06-15T10:00
1998's The Thin Red Line is set during the Guadalcanal Campaign of World War II. How well did it do telling the true story? Historian and author Marty Morgan joins Based on a True Story to help us ...
ListenThis Week: Waterloo, J. Edgar, Amelia from 2023-06-12T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Waterloo, J. Edgar and Amelia. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a comment: https://l...
ListenThis Week: The Longest Day and Saving Private Ryan from 2023-06-05T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in The Longest Day and Saving Private Ryan. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a comment:...
ListenMy Place in the Sun with George Stevens, Jr. from 2023-06-03T10:00
We'll do something a little different today. Instead of learning about the history behind a movie, we'll learn about the history of Hollywood itself with a man who lived it: George Stevens, Jr. Le...
ListenThis Week: Watchmen, Harriet, Midway from 2023-05-29T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Watchmen, Harriet and Midway. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a comment: https://li...
ListenChernobyl Part 5 from 2023-05-24T10:00
HBO's Chernobyl miniseries tells the story of the worst nuclear disaster in history. Today, we'll be looking at the final episode in the miniseries called Vichnaya Pamyat. Did you enjoy this episo...
ListenThis Week: The Messenger, Bonnie and Clyde, Dunkirk from 2023-05-22T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in The Messenger, Bonnie and Clyde and Dunkirk. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a comm...
ListenChernobyl Part 4 from 2023-05-17T10:00
HBO's Chernobyl miniseries tells the story of the worst nuclear disaster in history. Today, we'll be looking at the fourth episode in the miniseries called The Happiness of All Mankind. Did you en...
ListenThis Week: The Other Boleyn Girl, The Spirit of St. Louis, Amelia from 2023-05-15T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in The Other Boleyn Girl, The Spirit of St. Louis and Amelia. Did you enjoy this episod...
ListenChernobyl Part 3 from 2023-05-10T10:00
HBO's Chernobyl miniseries tells the story of the worst nuclear disaster in history. Today, we'll be looking at the third episode in the miniseries called Open Wide, O Earth. Did you enjoy this ep...
ListenThis Week: Band of Brothers, Operation Finale, Amazing Grace from 2023-05-08T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Band of Brothers, Operation Finale and Amazing Grace. Did you enjoy this episode?Lea...
ListenChernobyl Part 2 from 2023-05-03T10:00
HBO's Chernobyl miniseries tells the story of the worst nuclear disaster in history. Today, we'll be looking at the second episode in the miniseries called Please Remain Calm. Did you enjoy this e...
ListenThis Week: Gods and Generals, The Right Stuff, The Hindenburg from 2023-05-01T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Gods and Generals, The Right Stuff and The Hindenburg. Did you enjoy this episode?Le...
ListenChernobyl Part 1 from 2023-04-26T10:00
HBO's Chernobyl miniseries tells the story of the worst nuclear disaster in history. Today, we'll be looking at the first episode in the miniseries called 1:23:45. Did you enjoy this episode?Join ...
ListenThis Week: Troy and Chernobyl from 2023-04-24T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Troy and Chernobyl. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a comment: https://links.boatsp...
ListenThis Week: The Conspirator, Pearl Harbor, The Red Baron from 2023-04-17T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in The Conspirator, Pearl Harbor and The Red Baron. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a ...
ListenThis Week: Apollo 13, The Conspirator, Titanic from 2023-04-10T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Apollo 13, The Conspirator and Titanic. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a comment: ...
ListenThis Week: Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Grant and Lincoln from 2023-04-03T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Grant and Lincoln. Did y...
ListenA United Kingdom with Jens Heycke from 2023-03-30T10:01
In the 2016 movie A United Kingdom, we learn about the controversial interracial marriage between Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams. How well did the movie do telling the true story? Author Jens Heyc...
ListenThis Week: Immortal Beloved and The Highwaymen from 2023-03-27T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Immortal Beloved and The Highwaymen. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a comment: htt...
ListenThis Week: Waterloo, The Blue Max and Hitler: The Rise of Evil from 2023-03-20T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Waterloo, The Blue Max and Hitler: The Rise of Evil. Did you enjoy this episode?Leav...
ListenThis Week: Schindler's List, Valkyrie and Rome from 2023-03-13T10:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Schindler's List, Valkyrie and Rome. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a comment: htt...
ListenRadioactive with Lauren Redniss from 2023-03-08T11:00
Today we're learning about the 2019 movie Radioactive with Lauren Redniss, who is the artist and author who wrote the book of the same name that the movie was based on. Learn more about the true s...
ListenThis Week: The Alamo, Selma and Malcolm X from 2023-03-06T11:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in The Alamo, Selma and Malcolm X. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a comment: https://...
ListenThis Week: Waco, The Crucible and Seabiscuit from 2023-02-27T11:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Waco, The Crucible and Seabiscuit. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a comment: https...
ListenThis Week: Malcolm X, Flags of Our Fathers and Patton from 2023-02-20T11:00
In this episode, we'll learn about historical events that happened this week in history as they were depicted in Malcolm X, Flags of Our Fathers and Patton. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a comme...
ListenThis Week: Mata Hari, The St. Valentine's Day Massacre and Young Guns from 2023-02-13T11:00
For the week between February 13th to February 19th, we'll be learning about historical events that were depicted in Mata Hari, The St. Valentine's Day Massacre and Young Guns. Did you enjoy this e...
ListenOne Night with the King with Michael LeFebvre from 2023-02-09T11:00
Today we're learning about the 2006 movie One Night with the King. Dr. Michael LeFebvre is a Fellow at the Center for Pastor Theologians and an Old Testament scholar who will join us to separate fa...
ListenThis Week: Mary Queen of Scots, The Pacific and Julia from 2023-02-06T11:00
For the week between February 6th to February 12th, we'll be learning about historical events that were depicted in Mary Queen of Scots, The Pacific and Julia. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a co...
ListenThis Week: Lincoln, All Quiet on the Western Front and The Buddy Holly Story from 2023-01-30T11:00
For the week between January 30th to February 5th, we'll be learning about historical events that were depicted in Lincoln, All Quiet on the Western Front and The Buddy Holly Story. Did you enjoy t...
ListenThis Week: Steve Jobs, U-571 and The Challenger Disaster from 2023-01-23T11:00
For the week between January 23rd to January 29th, we'll be learning about historical events that were depicted in Steve Jobs, U-571 and The Challenger Disaster. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a ...
ListenKing Arthur with Professor Dorsey Armstrong from 2023-01-20T11:00
Today we're learning about the 2004 movie King Arthur starring Clive Owen and Keira Knightley. Professor Armstrong is a medievalist who has been published numerous times over decades for her work s...
ListenThis Week: El Chapo, La Révolution française and Zulu from 2023-01-16T11:00
For the week between January 16th to January 22nd, we'll be learning about historical events that were depicted in El Chapo, La Révolution française (The French Revolution) and Zulu. Did you enjoy ...
ListenThis Week: Roman Empire, Walk the Line and Sully from 2023-01-09T11:00
For the week between January 9th to January 15th, we'll be learning about historical events that were depicted in Netflix's Roman Empire, Walk the Line and Sully. Did you enjoy this episode?Leave a...
ListenIntroducing Based on a True Story This Week from 2023-01-09T10:59
Introducing Based on a True Story This Week, a fun new way to learn about movies that portray events that happened this week in history and the true story behind them. Learn morehttps://links.boat...
ListenSpartacus with Barry Strauss from 2023-01-05T11:00
Today we're learning about the 1960 movie Spartacus that was directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier and Jean Simmons. We'll learn about the real history from Barry ...
ListenClassic: The Man Who Invented Christmas from 2022-12-17T11:00
Today we're replaying an episode of Based on a True Story from 2018 about the 2017 movie The Man Who Invented Christmas. The story the movie tells the tale of Charles Dickens as he struggles to wri...
ListenBonus: History Daily Presents The Signing of the World War One Armistice from 2022-12-10T11:00
Today we'll learn about the World War One armistice from our friends at the History Daily podcast. Learn more about History Daily: https://links.boatspodcast.com/219guestDid you enjoy this episod...
ListenAll Quiet on the Western Front with Dr. Christopher Warren from 2022-12-02T11:00
All Quiet on the Western Front has been adapted to the screen multiple times since World War I veteran Erich Maria Remarque published his novel of the same name in 1929. Today we'll learn about the...
ListenDahmer with Robyn Maharaj from 2022-11-21T11:00
Dahmer was watched for 865 million hours in the first 28 days, making it one of the most popular Netflix originals of all time. Today we'll dive into the true story behind the series with Robyn Mah...
ListenPirates of the Caribbean with Colin Woodard from 2022-11-08T11:00
Disney has released five movies in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, and while they're clearly fictional movies they pull from and have influenced our views of what the real pirates of histor...
ListenBeing the Ricardos with Michael Karol from 2022-11-03T10:00
The 2021 Amazon Original Movie Being the Ricardos tells us the story behind the scenes of the husband/wife team behind I Love Lucy, Dezi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) and Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman). To h...
ListenA Nightmare Before Halloween Part 2 from 2022-10-25T05:02
This is part 2 of 'A Nightmare Before Halloween' with 16 spooky stories to help you get into the Halloween spirit! Find the podcasts in this episode True Crime Island: https://links.boatspodcast....
ListenA Nightmare Before Halloween Part 1 from 2022-10-24T05:01
This Halloween season, enter the woods for a unique and truly epic podcast experience! Around the campfire, Shane Waters will introduce 31 crime podcast hosts, including Based on a True Story. Each...
ListenPearl Harbor with Marty Morgan from 2022-10-11T10:00
Released in 2001, Michael Bay's Pearl Harbor is often criticized as being entirely inaccurate as it attempts to tell the story of the surprise attack on December 7th, 1941 that led to the United St...
ListenThe X-Files with Rob Kristoffersen from 2022-09-26T10:00
The classic TV series The X-Files is fiction, but there are some true stories and UFO cases that inspired episodes of the series. To help us learn more about them, we'll chat with UFO researcher an...
ListenDolemite Is My Name with Mark Jason Murray from 2022-09-07T10:00
Dolemite Is My Name is the 2019 biopic about Rudy Ray Moore, the comedian, singer, actor, and film producer who has often been given the nickname the "godfather of rap." We'll chat with Mark Jason ...
ListenW.E. with Andrew Lownie from 2022-08-19T10:00
The movie's title W.E. stands for Wallis and Edward. Was the movie correct to suggest King Edward VIII's reason for abdicating the throne in 1936 was so he could marry the American divorcee Wallis ...
ListenZero Dark Thirty with Peter Bergen from 2022-08-03T10:00
Zero Dark Thirty shows the decade-long search for Osama bin Laden. Peter Bergen is the author of The Rise and Fall of Osama bin Laden and he joins us today to dig into the true story behind the mov...
ListenLawless with Matt Bondurant (Remastered) from 2022-07-25T10:00
This episode was originally released on August 28, 2017. This is a remastered version of that interview. Matt Bondurant joins us today episode as we compare what really happened with the movie Lawl...
ListenJurassic Park/Jurassic World with Jack Horner from 2022-07-13T10:00
Jack Horner was the Paleontology Consultant on all six of the Jurassic Park/Jurassic World movies. He joins Based on a True Story to chat about the real dinosaurs we saw in the franchise. Learn mo...
ListenMonty Python's Life of Brian with Adele Reinhartz from 2022-06-20T10:00
Not all movies try to be historically accurate, and yet they still depict moments in history. To help us extract history from the satirical comedy, we’ll be chatting with professor, scholar, and au...
ListenDunkirk with Joshua Levine from 2022-06-04T10:00
Operation Dynamo, also known as the Miracle at Dunkirk, was an event that many believe kept Britain in World War II before the United States even joined the fight as it took place between May 26 - ...
ListenThe Conqueror with Ryan Uytdewilligen from 2022-05-11T10:00
Today we'll be talking about the 1956 movie The Conqueror with author Ryan Uytdewilligen. Learn more about the true storyGet Ryan's book, Killing John Wayne: https://links.boatspodcast.com/203book...
Listen'Doc' Durant in Hell on Wheels with Sheila Myers from 2022-04-28T10:00
We're joined by author Sheila Myers to learn about the real character of Thomas 'Doc' Durant in AMC's Hell on Wheels. Want to hear more stories of the Durant family?Imaginary Brightness: a Durant ...
ListenTesla with Richard Munson from 2022-03-28T10:00
Author Richard Munson joins the podcast to discuss the historical accuracy of the 2020 movie 'Tesla.' Dig deeper into the true storyPick up Richard's book called Tesla: Inventor of the Modern https...
ListenWorth with Kenneth Feinberg and Camille Biros from 2022-03-10T11:00
The 2020 movie Worth shows how Kenneth Feinberg (played by Michael Keaton) and Camille Biros (played by Amy Ryan) tackled the impossible task of determining the worth of life to help families af...
ListenAbraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter with Dr. Brian Dirck from 2022-02-26T11:00:58
Dr. Brian Dirck is a Professor of History at Anderson University and author of multiple books on President Lincoln. He joins us today to chat about the real history behind the fantasy/horror mov...
ListenThey Died with Their Boots On with Gregory J. W. Urwin from 2022-02-08T11:00:53
Today we'll be learning about George Armstrong Custer as he was depicted in the classic 1941 film They Died with Their Boots On.
To help us separate fact from fiction in the movi...
ListenFrances with Jack El-Hai from 2022-01-25T11:00
The 1982 movie Frances tells the story of Hollywood actress Frances Farmer and how her struggles with mental health issues affected her career. We'll be joined by writer and author Jack...
ListenMoneyball with Will Cooper from 2022-01-12T11:00
Moneyball tells the story of sabermetrics and the Oakland Athletics' 2002 season and joining us to separate fact from fiction is attorney Will Cooper, who worked in the A's clubhouse du...
ListenBonnie and Clyde with John Neal Phillips from 2021-12-14T11:00
Historian and author John Neal Phillips joins the show to chat about the historical accuracy of the 1967 movie Bonnie and Clyde.
Get John's Books
Runn...
ListenProject Blue Book with David O'Leary and Sean Jablonski from 2021-11-18T11:00
Today we'll be chatting with the Creator and Showrunner of the History Channel's Project Blue Book about what it takes to create a TV show that is inspired by true events.
At Eternity's Gate with Steven Naifeh from 2021-11-02T10:00
Steven Naifeh is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author who has a new book out called Van Gogh and the Artists He Loved. He'll be joining us today to learn about the 2018 movie At Eternity...
ListenThe Pacific Part 3 with Marty Morgan from 2021-10-26T10:00
Our three-part series covering HBO's The Pacific wraps up today with the last three episodes.
Episodes we're covering today:
8. Iwo Jima
9. Okinawa
10. Home
Listen
The Pacific Part 2 with Marty Morgan from 2021-10-14T10:00
We're continuing our look at the HBO miniseries The Pacific by looking at the three episodes that cover Peleliu.
Episodes we're covering today:
5. Peleliu Landing
6....
The Pacific Part 1 with Marty Morgan from 2021-09-28T10:00
Today we're kicking off a three-part series on the HBO miniseries The Pacific by looking at the first four episodes.
Episodes we're covering today:
1. Guadalcanal/Leckie
Defiance with Roland Tec from 2021-09-14T10:00
Roland Tec's mother, Nechama, wrote the book that 2008's Defiance was based on. He was also a co-producer on the movie, so we'll get to hear some stories from the set as well as the his...
ListenLafayette with Mike Duncan from 2021-08-27T06:00
Harriet with Dr. Kate Clifford Larson from 2021-08-04T10:00
Today we'll hear from Dr. Larson, the historical consultant on the 2019 movie Harriet about the life of Harriet Tubman.
Want to learn more?
Get Dr. Larson...
Listen1492: Conquest of Paradise with Patrick Wyman from 2021-07-20T10:00
Patrick Wyman is a historian, host of the Tides of History podcast and author of The Verge. He joins us today to dive into the historical accuracy of Ridley Scott's 1992 movie 1492<...
ListenJ. Edgar with Paul Letersky from 2021-07-13T10:00
The 2011 biopic from Clint Eastwood offers a look into the life of J. Edgar Hoover. Today we'll be talking to author and former FBI agent Paul Letersky, who was Hoover's assistant in the FBI. Listen
Band of Brothers Part 3 with Marty Morgan from 2021-07-04T10:00
We're wrapping our series on Band of Brothers today as we look as the last three episodes of the HBO miniseries.
Episodes we're covering today:
8. The Last Patrol
9....
Band of Brothers Part 2 with Marty Morgan from 2021-06-22T10:00
Today we're continuing our look at the historical accuracy of Band of Brothers as we cover episodes six and seven while Easy Company is in Bastogne. We'll wrap up the series in our next...
ListenBand of Brothers Part 1 with Marty Morgan from 2021-06-06T10:00
June 6th, 2021 is the 77th anniversary of D-Day. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers. So, today we'll kick off a 3-part miniseries of our ow...
ListenMaster and Commander: The Far Side of the World with Gordon Laco from 2021-05-11T10:00
Today we'll learn about the historical accuracy of 2003's Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. Helping us separate fact from fiction is Gordon Laco, who was the Lead Technic...
ListenThe Last Samurai with Dr. Brian Dirck from 2021-04-14T10:00
In 2003's The Last Samurai we learn the story of Captain Nathan Algren, an American soldier who travels to Japan to train the early Imperial Japanese Army to fight off a rebellion again...
ListenThe Passion of The Christ with Dr. David Chapman from 2021-04-02T10:00
In Christianity, Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Today we're going to learn about the depiction of that event on screen as we saw in 2004's The Passion of The Chris...
ListenThe Highwaymen with John Neal Phillips from 2021-03-17T10:00
On this episode of Based on a True Story, we'll learn from the research consultant on The Highwaymen about the historical accuracy of the film. John Neal Phillips is a historian and author of Ru...
ListenThe Duellists with Alexander Mikaberidze from 2021-03-05T11:00
We're going back to 1977 and Ridley Scott's feature film directorial debut, The Duellists. The movie tells the tale of two soldiers in Napoleon's army who duel with each other for over ...
ListenGreyhound with Gordon Laco from 2021-02-17T08:30
Released in 2020, Greyhound was written by Tom Hanks, who also starred in the lead role. The movie was based on a novel by C.S. Forester called The Good Shepherd. Today, we'll ...
ListenThe Conspirator with Dr. Brian Dirck from 2021-02-05T11:00
2010's The Conspirator tells the story of Mary Surratt and her alleged involvement in Lincoln's assassination. Dr. Brian Dirck joins us again to separate fact from fiction in the film. ...
ListenWaterloo with Alexander Mikaberidze from 2021-01-12T20:00
Today we'll learn about the classic 1970 film Waterloo and its depiction of Napoleon's final defeat. Joining us to discuss the historical accuracy of Waterloo is historian and ...
ListenDonnie Brasco with Joe Pistone and Leo Rossi from 2021-01-04T11:00
In the movie Donnie Brasco we see the story of an FBI agent who goes into deep cover infiltrating the New York mafia families.
The truth is Donnie Brasco was the under cover name...
ListenThe Alamo with Stephen L. Hardin from 2020-12-18T11:00
How much of 2014's The Alamo really happened? To help us separate fact from fiction in the movie, we’ll be chatting with professor, historian and author Stephen L. Hardin. Stephen was a...
ListenWake Island with Gregory J. W. Urwin from 2020-12-07T11:00
Wake Island was attacked on the same day as Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941 (December 8th on Wake Island across the International Date Line). A few months later, on August 11th, 1942, Paramou...
ListenLincoln with Dr. Brian Dirck from 2020-11-18T11:00
How historically accurate was 2012's Lincoln? To help us separate fact from fiction in the movie, we’ll be chatting with Dr. Brian Dirck, who is a Professor of History at Anderson University and...
ListenGlory with Gregory J. W. Urwin from 2020-11-05T11:00
1989's Glory is currently the most requested movie to cover. Gregory J. W. Urwin is an author, military historian and Professor at Temple University. He'll join us today to separate fact from fi...
ListenProject Blue Book Season 2 with Rob Kristoffersen from 2020-10-21T10:00
Back on episode #152 of Based on a True Story, we covered season 1 of the History Channel's Project Blue Book. Today, Rob Kristoffersen comes back on the podcast to talk about the events we saw ...
ListenSelma with Dr. Clayborne Carson from 2020-10-06T10:00
Dr. Clayborne Carson is the Martin Luther King, Jr., Centennial Professor of History at Stanford University and the founding director of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Insti...
ListenThe Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford with Chris Wimmer from 2020-09-24T10:00
Chris Wimmer is the host and producer of the extremely popular Legends of the Old West and Infamous America podcasts. He joins us today to compare history with the 2007 movie <...
ListenStonewall with Eric Marcus from 2020-09-08T10:00
Eric Marcus is a journalist, founder and host of The Making Gay History Podcast. He joins us today to compare history with the 2015 Roland Emmerich movie Stonewall.
Windtalkers with Judith Avila from 2020-08-27T10:00
The 2002 John Woo movie 'Windtalkers' tells the story of a Navajo code talker during World War II. Is the film historically accurate?
Judith Avila is the author of Code Talker: The Fi...
ListenPatton with Furman Daniel from 2020-08-12T10:00
Author Furman Daniel joins us today to separate fact from fiction in the classic World War II film Patton.
Want to learn more about Patton?
Buy Furman's l...
ListenOperation Finale from 2020-07-30T10:00
Our story today covers the capture of the notorious Nazi criminal Adolf Eichmann. The operation to hunt him down and bring him to justice was depicted in the movie Operation Finale, and...
ListenJust Mercy with Erica Kelley from 2020-07-14T10:00
Erica Kelley is the host of the Southern Fried True Crime podcast. She joins us today to separate fact from the fiction in the 2019 movie Just Mercy.
Want to lea...
ListenGettysburg with Jim Hessler and Eric Lindblade from 2020-07-01T10:00
Today marks the 157th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863).
How much of the movie's depiction of the battle is historically accurate? I'm joined by Jim Hessler and Eri...
ListenSaving Private Ryan with Marty Morgan from 2020-06-06T10:00
June 6th, 1944. D-Day.
Fast forward 76 years and on June 6th, 2020, we'll chat with author and historian Marty Morgan to separate fact from fiction in one of the most popular movies depic...
ListenMidway with Craig Symonds from 2020-05-25T10:00
Craig Symonds is the Earnest J. King Professor of Maritime History at the Naval War College as well as Professor Emeritus of History at the U.S. Naval Academy. He also has a great book called
Alexander with Ryan Stitt from 2020-05-11T10:00
Ryan Stitt is the host of The History of Ancient Greece Podcast, and he joins us today to separate fact from the fiction in the 2004 movie Alexander.
Subscribe to Ryan's...
ListenMutiny on the Bounty with Brandon Huebner from 2020-04-28T10:00
1962's Mutiny on the Bounty is one of the most popular requests to cover. Today, we'll do that with the help of Brandon Huebner, the host of The Maritime History Podcast.
Subscri...
ListenLes Miserables with Maurice Samuels from 2020-04-14T10:00
Maurice Samuels, Author and Yale's Betty Jane Anlyan Professor of French, joins the Based on a True Story podcast to separate fact from the fiction we saw in 1998's depiction of Les Miserabl...
ListenDragon: The Bruce Lee Story with Matthew Polly from 2020-04-03T10:00
Author Matthew Polly joins the Based on a True Story podcast to separate fact from the fiction we saw in 1993's Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story.
Matthew's book called Bruce Lee: ...
Listen12 Years a Slave with Professor Greg Jackson from 2020-03-24T10:00
Today we'll learn about the historical accuracy of the movie 12 Years a Slave with Professor Greg Jackson from the History That Doesn't Suck podcast.
Subscribe to Greg's podcast ...
ListenProject Blue Book with Rob Kristoffersen from 2020-03-11T11:00
UFO expert Rob Kristoffersen joins Based on a True Story to discuss the historical accuracy of the History Channel's TV show Project Blue Book.
Subscribe to Rob's Our Strange Ski...
ListenProject Blue Book Season 1 with Rob Kristoffersen from 2020-03-11T10:00
UFO expert Rob Kristoffersen joins Based on a True Story to discuss the historical accuracy of the History Channel's TV show Project Blue Book.
Subscribe to Rob's Our Strange Ski...
ListenDavy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier with Michael Wallis from 2020-02-18T11:00
Author Michael Wallis joins the Based on a True Story podcast to separate fact from the fiction we saw in Disney's 1955 film Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier.
Michael is ...
ListenDownton Abbey with Lady Carnarvon from 2020-02-03T11:00
Downton Abbey was filmed at Highclere Castle, which is Lady Carnarvon's home. On this episode of the Based on a True Story podcast, she'll join us to talk about the historical accuracy of the Do...
ListenRobin Hood: Prince of Thieves with Dr. Sean McGlynn from 2020-01-27T11:00
There are many versions of Robin Hood's story that have been on the big screen. Today we'll chat with historian Dr. Sean McGlynn about the 1991 classic Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Listen
1917 with Doran Cart from 2020-01-16T14:30
Doran Cart is Senior Curator at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. He joins us today to talk about the historical accuracy of the hit blockbuster movie 1917.
...
ListenThe Imitation Game with Mark Cotton from 2020-01-06T11:00
Mark is the producer of the official Bletchley Park podcast. He joins us today to discuss the historical accuracy of the 2014 film The Imitation Game and do some fact checking on the or...
ListenYoung Guns with Chris Wimmer from 2019-12-27T11:00
How much do you know about Billy the Kid? On the popular Infamous America podcast, Chris Wimmer has dug deep into the life of one of most famous outlaws in the Old West. He joins us today to sep...
ListenChristmas Special 2019 with Heather LeFebvre from 2019-12-01T11:00
As the Christmas season approaches, let's take a step back from the hustle and bustle to learn about the history and festivities over the millennia that have resulted in the holiday traditions w...
ListenThe Crucible from 2019-11-04T11:00
The story of the Salem witch trials was brought to the world's spotlight thanks to Arthur Miller's play The Crucible. Today, we'll look at the historical accuracy of the 1996 movie base...
ListenTombstone with Chris Wimmer from 2019-10-26T10:00
Today (October 26th) is the anniversary of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Chris Wimmer is the Host and Producer of the Legends of the Old West podcast. He joins us today to separate fact from ...
ListenTolkien with John Garth from 2019-10-04T10:00
Historian and Tolkien scholar John Garth breaks down the historical accuracy of the 2019 biopic about the life of J.R.R. Tolkien simply called Tolkien.
Follow John's wor...
ListenTag with Tag Brothers Patrick and Joe from 2019-09-17T10:00
The story behind 2018's Tag seems almost too ridiculous to be true. What better way to separate fact from fiction than by chatting with some of the real guys that the movie is based on? That's e...
ListenTurn: Washington's Spies with Michael Troy from 2019-08-18T10:00
In a first for Based on a True Story, today we'll chat about the TV series Turn: Washington Spies. Joining me to dive behind the history of the popular AMC show is Michael Troy from the...
ListenMary Queen of Scots from 2019-08-01T10:00
The story of Mary Stuart and her cousin Queen Elizabeth I is one that's been told many times over. We've looked at the story from Elizabeth's side when we looked at the two Elizabeth mo...
ListenCleopatra with Dr. Zahi Hawass from 2019-07-09T10:00
Today I'm honored to be joined by the renowned Dr. Zahi Hawass to learn more about how much of the 1963 classic film Cleopatra was historically accurate.
Find Dr. Zahi H...
ListenLoving Vincent from 2019-06-17T10:00
Today's episode will talk about the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh as depicted in the movie Loving Vincent.
Did you enjoy this episode?
You can...
ListenThe Longest Day with Marty Morgan from 2019-06-03T10:00
D-Day was June 6th, 1944. The 75th anniversary is this week, and if there's one movie that has changed the perception of the invasion it's The Longest Day. So, we'll chat with author an...
ListenEight Men Out from 2019-05-06T10:00
This is the story of the 1919 Black Sox scandal that rocked the world of Major League Baseball.
Did you enjoy this episode?
You can find the transcript and show no...
ListenSeabiscuit from 2019-04-22T10:00
It's been called a rags to riches story, and an inspiration to millions. But how much of 2003's Seabiscuit actually happened? Let's find out!
Did you enjoy this episode?<...
ListenThe Perfect Storm from 2019-04-08T10:00
Sometimes, Hollywood exaggerates nature's fury on screen. Today, we'll learn about one of the stories that reminds us how scary it can really be.
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The Return of the King from 2019-04-01T10:30
Two years ago, we covered The Fellowship of the Ring as an April Fools Day surprise. Last y...
ListenBohemian Rhapsody from 2019-02-11T11:00
Rami Malek stars in the blockbuster film about Freddie Mercury's life. Since it's release, there have been many reviews who have dinged the film for its historical accuracy. Are they right? Let'...
ListenThe Catcher Was a Spy from 2019-01-28T11:00
Going from Major League Baseball player to spy isn't your average change in jobs. But then, Moe Berg wasn't your average baseball player. Let's dig into Moe's life as we compare The Catcher Was ...
ListenMinisode: Aladdin from 2019-01-21T11:00
As a special treat, you'll get access to one of the minisodes that are normally exclusive to Based on a True Story patrons on the weeks between regular episodes. Listen in and you'll get the exp...
ListenThe Greatest Showman (Revisited) from 2019-01-14T11:00
A couple years ago, we covered The Greatest Showman as a pre-release episode. In other words, the podcast episode came out before the movie did. In that episode, we learned about the li...
ListenAll the President's Men from 2018-12-31T11:00
President Nixon's resignation in 1974 was the first time for a U.S. president. That same year, Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein released their book that went into detail...
ListenA Christmas Carol from 2018-12-24T11:00
Last week on the podcast, we learned all about the life of Charles Dickens as it was told in the movie The Man Who Invented Christmas. While that’s not a requirement before listening to this epi...
ListenThe Man Who Invented Christmas from 2018-12-17T11:00
It's time to get in the Christmas spirit! The subject of our episode today is the 2017 movie about Charles Dickens and his writing of A Christmas Carol.
Did Charles invent Christmas? Let'...
ListenFinding Neverland from 2018-12-03T11:00
The 2004 film Finding Neverland stars Johnny Depp as J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan. How much of the movie was true and how much was changed? Let's find out.
Did you enjoy t...
ListenRob Roy with Moxie LaBouche from 2018-11-05T11:00
Called the Scottish Robin Hood, Rob Roy's story has been the subject of books and movies. Today, one of the most popular renditions of that is the 1995 film starring Liam Neeson. I'm joined by M...
ListenProfessor Marston and the Wonder Women from 2018-10-22T10:00
After inventing the lie detector test, William Moulton Marston came up with the character of Wonder Woman. His inspiration was his wife Elizabeth, and his significant other, Olive. Learn more ab...
ListenEmpire of the Sun from 2018-09-24T10:00
Author J.G. Ballard wrote the novel Empire of the Sun based on his own childhood. That's the first level of creative difference between truth and fiction. By the time it was adapted for...
ListenElizabeth: The Golden Age from 2018-08-27T10:00
On episode 106, we learned about the movie Elizabeth. That's the first of two movies in a series, so we're heading back to the time of Queen Elizabeth I as we complete the second part in Elizabe...
ListenRabbit-Proof Fence from 2018-08-13T10:00
When three girls are taken from their homes, they risk their lives to find the rabbit-proof fence in Australia and walk home over a thousand miles away.
Did you enjoy this episode...
ListenCommunion with Rob Kristoffersen from 2018-07-30T10:00
Dive into the world of the supernatural as I'm joined by UFO expert Rob Kristoffersen to chat about Whitley Strieber's experience that we saw in the movie Communion.
Check out Rob's show ...
ListenGoodbye Christopher Robin from 2018-07-16T10:00
How much do you know about the story behind Winnie the Pooh? Let's dive into the beloved children's stories as we compare history with the movie Goodbye Christopher Robin.
Did you...
ListenThe Ghost and the Darkness from 2018-07-02T10:00
The Ghost and the Darkness tells the story of the man-eaters of Tsavo as they terrified railway workers in 1898. Did it really happen? Let's find out.
Did you enjoy this episode?<...
ListenSergeant York from 2018-06-18T10:00
Learn more about World War I Medal of Honor recipient who was the subject of the 1941 Gary Cooper film simply called Sergeant York.
Did you enjoy this episode?
You...
ListenBlack Hawk Down from 2018-05-21T10:00
When Hollywood covers the Battle of Mogadishu, how much of what we see is accurate? That's what Based on a True Story Producer Brian wanted to know when he requested this week's episode.
...
ListenHousekeeping from 2018-05-21T09:30
The term "housekeeping" in a podcast refers to the parts at the beginning or end of a show where the host makes announcements and updates. With the podcast coming back, I'll outline some of the ...
ListenLowell LeFebvre from 2018-04-23T10:00
One month ago today, my father passed away unexpectedly. As this podcast is something I do in my spare time, there are more important things going to eat up that time. For now, it's time to take...
ListenThe Last of the Mohicans from 2018-04-09T10:00
For generations, James Fenimore Cooper's classic American novel has been recreated in various forms for the big and small screen. As a novel, it's not entirely factual and yet it's a film many c...
ListenKing Arthur from 2018-04-02T10:00
To celebrate the show's anniversary and episode 100, we'll be looking at a story that's special to me...that of King Arthur. We can't hope to cover everything about Arthur that's been written fo...
ListenThe Two Towers from 2018-04-01T10:00
Surprise! Enjoy April Fools Day with this special bonus episode as we continue our look at The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Did you enjoy this episode?
You can find ...
ListenPirates of Silicon Valley from 2018-03-26T10:00
Mac vs PC. It's a flame war that's fueled by people on both sides who love to hate the other side. How did it all start? We'll find out as we dig into the true story behind Pirates of Silicon Va...
ListenBonnie and Clyde from 2018-03-19T10:00
The 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde was one of the films that many consider to be the starting point for the taming of violence in mainstream Hollywood. How much of it was true? Let's find out.
<... ListenThe Monuments Men from 2018-03-12T10:00
Did the Nazis really steal all that artwork we saw George Clooney, Matt Damon and Bill Murray chase after in The Monuments Men? That's what we'll find out this week.
Did you enjoy...
ListenSweet Dreams from 2018-03-05T11:00
Today is the 55th anniversary of the surprise death of country music legend Patsy Cline. In honor of her life, let's learn more about it as we compare history with the 1985 biopic, Sweet Dreams....
ListenBONUS: From Hell and the Historical Context from 2018-02-19T14:00
This week we learned about Jack the Ripper's brutal murders. After you listen to the regular episode, this bonus episode will help us get a little better historical context. You'll get a peek in...
ListenThe Other Boleyn Girl from 2018-02-12T11:00
2008's The Other Boleyn Girl gives us a peek into what it could've been like roaming the English court during King Henry VIII's reign. But how much of what we saw of the relationship between Kin...
ListenThe Hindenburg from 2018-02-05T11:00
It was an event that was compared to the sinking of the Titanic, except when the Hindenburg crashed it was caught on film...ending the promising industry of commercial airship travel. This week ...
ListenThe Founder from 2018-01-29T11:00
How much of Michael Keaton's 2016 masterpiece is true to the history of McDonald's rise to the top of the fast-food industry?
Did you enjoy this episode?
You can f...
ListenThe Man in the Iron Mask from 2018-01-22T11:00
In a highly requested episode, this week we're focusing on the film starring a young Leonardo DiCaprio heading up an all-star cast in this classic interpretation of the Alexandre Dumas classic.<...
ListenBirth of the Dragon from 2018-01-15T11:00
It was an epic fight between two martial arts masters...Bruce Lee and Wong Jack Man. But how much of the film that was inspired by this true event is actually true?
Did you enjoy ...
ListenHawmps! with Scott Rank from 2018-01-08T11:00
Ever heard of the U.S. Cavalry's attempts at replacing horses with camels? Historian, author and podcaster Scott Rank joins me on this episode to learn more about this little-known event in U.S....
ListenThe Lost City of Z from 2018-01-01T11:00
Happy New Year! Pack your backs for our first adventure of the year. We're headed to the Amazon today as we compare history with The Lost City of Z.
Did you enjoy this ep...
ListenChristmas Special 2017 from 2017-12-25T11:00
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! With today being Christmas, I wanted to do something a little different and share a few classic holiday tales to help keep you company as you handle your holi...
ListenThe Greatest Showman from 2017-12-18T11:00
Just in time for Christmas day, a new film being released tells the story of a young P.T. Barnum's rise to riches. But who was the real P.T. Barnum and how did he really begin the "greatest show...
ListenBecoming Jane from 2017-12-11T11:00
Jane Austen's relationship with Tom Lefroy was something we saw on screen during the 2007 film Becoming Jane. But was it real, or just a fictional story? Let's find out.
...
ListenPearl Harbor and Tora! Tora! Tora! with Corey Constable from 2017-12-04T11:00
December 7th is Pearl Harbor Day, and the perfect day to watch a movie in remembrance of that day. Which one should you watch? This week I'm joined by Corey Constable from the Omitted podcast to...
ListenKingdom of Heaven from 2017-11-27T11:00
Today is the 922nd anniversary of Pope Urban II preaching the Crusades. That's why we're going back to the 12th century this week to learn the true story behind the movie Kingdom of Heaven.
... ListenDarkest Hour from 2017-11-13T11:00
In a couple of weeks, the movie Darkest Hour will dive into the life of Winston Churchill. With that in mind, let's do our own dive into the life of the politician and speaker this week so when ...
ListenGrace of Monaco from 2017-11-06T11:00
Nicole Kidman stars as actress Grace Kelly in a film that tells the story of her transition from Hollywood royalty to actual royalty as the Princess of Monaco. How much of the film is true? That...
ListenThe Mothman Prophecies with Sam Fredrickson from 2017-10-30T10:00
Happy Halloween! To get in the spirit of the season, this week I'll be joined by Sam Fredrickson from the Not Alone podcast as we dive into what really happened surrounding The Mothman Prophecie...
ListenThe Right Stuff from 2017-10-16T10:00
The 1983 film The Right Stuff is considered by many to be an epic masterpiece. Before the Apollo program, The Right Stuff tells the story of the first astronauts in the United States and the rac...
ListenFlash of Genius from 2017-10-02T10:00
If you're a fan of history, 2008's Flash of Genius tells the story about something that probably never even crossed your mind. One man's journey to inventing the intermittent windshield wiper an...
ListenEnemy at the Gates from 2017-09-25T10:00
Get a look at a different angle of World War II as we compare the 2001 film Enemy at the Gates with history.
Did you enjoy this episode?
You can find the transcrip...
ListenLawless with Matt Bondurant from 2017-08-28T10:00
Matt Bondurant joins us on this week's episode as we compare what really happened with the movie Lawless. Matt's grandfather, Jack, and two grand-uncles that were the inspiration for his book th...
ListenThe Ten Commandments (Part 2) from 2017-08-21T10:00
This week we'll conclude our look into the historical accuracy of Cecil B. DeMille's classic film, The Ten Commandments.
Did you enjoy this episode?
You can find t...
ListenThe Ten Commandments (Part 1) from 2017-08-14T10:00
With almost four hours of movie and plenty of religious subject matter to cover, we'll have to split this movie up into two parts to do it justice. On this episode we'll cover all the way up unt...
ListenA Few Good Men from 2017-07-31T10:00
Can you handle the truth? This week we'll see how much of A Few Good Men we can compare with history.
Did you enjoy this episode?
You can find the transcript and s...
ListenCool Runnings from 2017-07-24T10:00
Jamaica we have a bobsled team! Every sports fan loves the story of an underdog's rise to success. Disney's Cool Runnings is that and more. But is it historically accurate? That's what we aim to...
ListenThe Patriot from 2017-07-03T10:00
July 4th is America's birthday, and this week we'll honor that as we compare history with Mel Gibson's epic Hollywood blockbuster, The Patriot.
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Schindler's List from 2017-06-19T10:00
It was one of the darkest hours in the world and amidst the horrors, Oskar Schindler managed to help save many lives from certain death. This week we'll find out how much of it was actually true...
ListenBehind the True Story of Bitter Harvest from 2017-06-12T10:00
In a first for Based on a True Story, we'll get an exclusive peek behind the true story of Bitter Harvest from the film's writer, Richard Bachynsky-Hoover.
Did you enjoy this epis...
ListenThe Experiment from 2017-06-05T10:00
Adrien Brody and Forest Whitaker put on a great performance in The Experiment in a story that's based on what most consider the most controversial psychology experiment in modern history. Was it...
ListenA League of Their Own from 2017-05-29T10:00
May 30th, 1943 was opening day for a new league. Did women really replace the men in baseball during World War II? This week on the podcast we'll learn more about the All-American Girls Professi...
ListenMen of Honor from 2017-05-22T10:00
Carl Brashear was the first to do many things. This week we'll compare history with Cuba Gooding Jr and Robert DeNiro's film Men of Honor.
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Cadillac Records from 2017-05-15T10:00
In a special listener request, we'll cover Cadillac Records and learn the true story behind the history of blues in Chicago.
Did you enjoy this episode?
Y...
ListenThe Untouchables from 2017-05-08T10:00
Special guest Cody Wheat from the Shots of History podcast joins me this week as we compare history with The Untouchables.
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You...
ListenCitizen Kane from 2017-05-01T10:00
Today, Citizen Kane is considered by many to be one of the greatest films of all time. However, when the movie Citizen Kane was released, the man who's life inspired the film w...
ListenLawrence of Arabia from 2017-04-17T10:00
Very few classic films from Hollywood have shaped how people in the U.S. see the Middle East more than Lawrence of Arabia...but is the movie historically accurate?
Did you enjoy t...
ListenUSS Indianapolis: Men of Courage from 2017-04-10T10:00
It was the single worst sea disaster in the U.S. Navy, and it was covered up by the U.S. government at the end of World War II. Learn the true story behind USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage Listen
The Fellowship of the Ring from 2017-04-01T10:00
You know the story. Frodo and his band of companions start the journey to take the One Ring to Mordor. But is the story we saw on the big screen true to the story?
Did you enjoy t...
ListenBraveheart from 2017-03-27T10:00
William Wallace is still considered to be an incredibly important person in Scottish history. But is Mel Gibson's version accurate to the real William in history? Let's find out!
...
ListenThe Men Who Stare at Goats from 2017-03-20T10:00
Who doesn't love a good conspiracy theory? We've got a doozy this week as we compare history with The Men Who Stare at Goats.
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...
ListenWalt Before Mickey from 2017-03-13T10:00
Are you a Disney fan? Then you'll love this deep dive into the remarkable early life of Walt Disney as we compare history with the movie Walt Before Mickey.
Did you enjoy this epi...
ListenBitter Harvest from 2017-02-20T11:00
This Friday, Bitter Harvest hits the theaters and tells a story that most people haven't heard. Learn the true story before you go see the film.
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Florence Foster Jenkins from 2017-02-13T11:00
Florence Foster Jenkins is up for a couple Academy Awards. Let's find out how accurate the movie is by comparing Hollywood with history.
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<... ListenBlack Mass from 2017-02-06T11:00
Compare history with Hollywood's version of Black Mass.
Did you enjoy this episode?
You can find the transcript and show notes for this episode at: Listen
The Big Short from 2017-01-23T11:00
Compare history with Hollywood's version of The Big Short.
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You can find the transcript and show notes for this episode at: Listen
The Pianist from 2017-01-09T11:00
He lived through unthinkable measures. At a time when millions were slaughtered, including his family and friends, Wladyslaw Szpilman managed to survive the Holocaust. He was The Pianist Listen
Hidden Figures from 2017-01-02T11:00
This week we'll do something a bit different as we look ahead. Instead of learning about a movie that's already been released, we'll look ahead to a movie coming out this next weekend.
A Beautiful Mind from 2016-12-26T11:00
On October 11th, 1994, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced their Nobel prize winners. Three brilliant scientists jointly won the coveted award. They were Professor John C. Harsanyi f...
ListenJoyeux Noël from 2016-12-19T11:00
With the Christmas season upon us, I wanted to cover a film that'd help represent the Christmas spirit.
In 2005, French filmmaker Christian Carion released his second full-length feature ...
ListenThe Sound of Music from 2016-12-05T11:00
There are few movies that stand near the top of the all-time list for income. One of those movies is The Sound of Music.
With a budget of about $8 million when it was produced in the 1960...
ListenCaptain Phillips from 2016-11-28T11:00
Between 2004 and 2016, Paul Greengrass directed a total of six movies. Four of those have Matt Damon in them. Three of them are about the fictitious Jason Bourne character. Two of them are based...
ListenPocahontas from 2016-11-21T11:00
With the Thanksgiving season upon us, I thought it'd be a great opportunity to travel back in time to the days of Colonial America. Then I realized there's not really a lot of movies about the a...
ListenThe Wolf of Wall Street from 2016-11-07T11:00
The latest in the line of collaborations between actor Leonardo DiCaprio and director Martin Scorsese is 2013's The Wolf of Wall Street. It received positive reviews, and also held the honor of ...
ListenThe Conjuring from 2016-10-31T10:00
Happy Halloween! I wanted to do something special this week. I thought it'd be fun to cover the true story behind something scary. But after starting to look for some movies to fit the bill, I q...
ListenSteve Jobs from 2016-10-24T10:00
Few can debate the huge impact Steve Jobs had on the world. So it's no wonder that after Steve Jobs passed away in 2011, there was in influx of news and media surrounding the life of the outspok...
ListenAmazing Grace from 2016-10-17T10:00
Whether or not you're even religious, you've probably heard of the song Amazing Grace. It's one of those Christian hymns that just about everyone has heard, or at least heard of, at some point. ...
ListenThe Finest Hours from 2016-10-10T10:00
In a retelling of one of the greatest moments in U.S. Coast Guard's history, The Finest Hours is a feel-good movie of true heroism. When sitting down to write the film, screenwriters Paul Tamasy...
ListenThe Black Dahlia from 2016-10-03T10:00
Elizabeth Short's murder was considered to be the crime of the century. And it's a mystery that many are still fascinated by, decades later. So when Brian De Palma directed a 2006 movie of the s...
ListenDeepwater Horizon from 2016-09-26T10:00
The movie Deepwater Horizon comes out on this Friday. So again we're going to take some time to look ahead at a movie. Before you go see the movie in theaters, let's take a few minutes ...
ListenThe Great Escape from 2016-09-19T10:00
Despite having an all-star cast and being based on a true story, most of the characters in the film didn't actually exist. Instead, Hollywood opted to merge together multiple people into a singl...
ListenPawn Sacrifice from 2016-09-05T11:00
Pawn Sacrifice tells the story of one of the greatest chess players of all time—Bobby Fischer. How do you make the game of chess into an interesting story? With Bobby Fischer's life, yo...
ListenThe Danish Girl from 2016-08-22T11:00
Lili Isle Elvenes, better known as Lili Elbe, was one of the first known recipients of a gender reassignment surgery. In 2015, her life was brought to the forefront of many people's minds when A...
ListenThe Social Network from 2016-08-15T11:00
The Social Network tells the story behind one of the world's most popular websites, Facebook. It's got everything that makes for a great story--there's greed, corruption, lawsuits and J...
ListenAnthropoid from 2016-08-08T11:00
Anthropoid hits theaters on Friday. It's the story of how the Czechoslovakian government, forced into exile after the Germans occupied their homeland in 1938, tried to fight ba...
ListenCatch Me If You Can from 2016-07-11T11:00
In 2002, Steven Spielberg started filming the life of Frank Abagnale. Fortunately it only took about four months of filming for Spielberg to get the shots he needed. On Christmas Day of 2002, Sp...
ListenThe Hunt for Red October from 2016-06-27T11:00
Tom Clancy is known for his captivating military stories with stunningly accurate technical details. Clancy's career started with a fascinating novel: The Hunt for Red October.
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ListenFree State of Jones from 2016-06-13T11:00
Next Friday, on June 24th, director Gary Ross, the three-time Academy Award nominated writer and director behind Seabiscuit, The Hunger Games and Pleasantville, has taken his place behind the ca...
ListenFrost/Nixon from 2016-05-16T10:00
Eight years ago, in 2008, Ron Howard directed the Oscar-nominated retelling of what are still the most popular political interviews to ever air on national TV. Frost/Nixon tells the story of 12 ...
ListenThe Imitation Game from 2016-05-02T10:00
Benedict Cumberbatch and Kiera Knightley starred in 2014's The Imitation Game. Set in the midst of World War II, The Imitation Game tells the story of British mathematician Alan Turing and his q...
ListenThe Revenant from 2016-04-02T14:53:04
When a movie says it's based on a true story, how much of that is actually real? In our first episode we'll look at the true story behind 2015's blockbuster hit The Revenant.
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