Episodes

  • S10 Ep15 Antietam: The Bloodiest Day in American History
    Dec 2 2024

    Welcome to Your History Your Story. In this episode, we’re honored to have as our guest Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James M. McPherson. Renowned for his acclaimed work, Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era, which earned him the Pulitzer Prize, McPherson has also authored many other significant historical books, including the New York Times bestseller, Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam, the Battle that Changed the Course of the Civil War.

    Today, McPherson will share his insights on the Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862—America’s bloodiest single day—including its military significance, its role in discouraging international support for the Confederacy and its connection to the Emancipation Proclamation. Additionally, McPherson will discuss the importance of preserving historic battlefields for the benefit of future generations.


    Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

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    #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner #historian #storyteller

    For more information about this episode:

    American Battlefield Trust

    Battle Cry of Freedom - https://a.co/d/iA8D0ow

    Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam - https://a.co/d/1EH2ojq

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • S10 Ep14 Love & Legacy: The Story of President William and Ida McKinley
    Nov 18 2024

    In this episode of Your History Your Story, we will be sharing the story of President William McKinley and his wife Ida, as recounted by their 2x great nephew, Massee McKinley. The McKinleys’ story is a tale of love, resilience, and tragedy that humanizes the 25th President and his First Lady beyond the pages of history books.

    William McKinley, known for his leadership during a transformative time in U.S. history, also shared a deeply personal and tender relationship with Ida, who faced health challenges and personal loss throughout her life. Massee McKinley shares intimate insights into their lives, portraying a marriage filled with devotion and mutual support. He brings to life stories of William’s gentle care for Ida and the ways they navigated both their public and personal lives.

    Joining Massee McKinley is Nicholas Inman, the founder of “The National First Ladies Day Commission,” which was established in 2021. The commission seeks to honor America’s First Ladies with a National Day of Service, celebrating their contributions to the country by encouraging acts of service in their names. Inman highlights the often-overlooked influence of First Ladies, from their roles as advocates to their impact on social issues. This initiative not only aims to bring attention to their contributions but also to inspire a new generation of service-minded citizens who continue their legacy. Through these stories and the efforts of the commission, Ida McKinley, along with other First Ladies, receive recognition that honors both their personal legacies and their roles in shaping the nation.


    Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

    Photo(s): Courtesy of Massee McKinley

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    #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner #historian #storyteller

    For more information about this episode:

    First Ladies Museum

    National First Ladies Day Commission

    Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival

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    52 mins
  • S10 Ep13 George Meade: A Helicopter Pilot’s Journey from Vietnam to the Skies Over NYC
    Nov 4 2024

    Welcome to Your History Your Story! In this episode, we have a truly remarkable guest: George Meade.

    George was a Vietnam helicopter pilot, a man who faced the perils of combat from the cockpit and witnessed history from above. But his flying career didn’t end with the war. George went on to become the voice from the sky as a helicopter traffic pilot for WOR radio, guiding countless New Yorkers through their morning commutes.

    Join us as George takes us from the perilous missions he flew in Vietnam to the daily challenges of navigating the skies over New York City. Get ready to hear about a journey filled with courage, focus and dedication.

    Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

    Photo(s): Courtesy of George Meade

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    #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner #historian #storyteller


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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • S10 Ep12 Bandit Heaven
    Oct 21 2024

    Welcome to Your History Your Story! In this episode, we journey back to the late 1800s, the final days of the Wild West, when notorious outlaws found refuge in remote hideouts like Robbers Roost, Brown’s Hole and the infamous Hole in the Wall.


    We’re joined today by New York Times best-selling author Tom Clavin, who’s here to discuss his latest book, Bandit Heaven: The Hole in the Wall Gangs and the Final Chapter of the Wild West. Tom will share riveting stories of some of the West’s most infamous criminals—names like Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, Blackjack Ketchum and Kid Curry. We’ll also hear about the women who stood by their side, and how legendary lawmen such as, Allan Pinkerton and Charlie Siringo, known as the “cowboy detective” played a pivotal role in bringing an end to the lawlessness of that era.

    Stay with us as we uncover the fascinating final chapter of the Wild West.


    Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

    Photo(s): Courtesy of Tom Clavin

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    #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner #historian #storyteller

    Tom Clavin website: www.tomclavin.com

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    53 mins
  • S10 Ep07 Grave Trippers II, Heroes and Heroines
    Oct 7 2024

    Welcome to *Your History Your Story*! We're excited to welcome back Vincent and Robert Gardino, better known as "The Grave Trippers." These brothers have traveled across the country, uncovering and documenting the final resting places of some of the most fascinating and noteworthy figures in history.

    Today, we’re diving into their latest release, *Grave Trippers II: Remembering and Respecting America’s Heroes and Heroines*. Together, we’ll explore the lives and legacies of a President, astronauts, a military hero, entertainers, and a sports legend, all of whom have left a lasting mark on history. Let's begin the journey!


    Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

    Photo(s): Courtesy of Robert and Vincent Gardino

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

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    #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner #historian #storyteller

    "Grave Trippers II" purchase on Amazon:

    https://a.co/d/cnj09ni

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    56 mins
  • S10 Ep06 Civil War Fathers
    Sep 16 2024

    Just over twenty years ago, a group of Peoria, Illinois eighth grade English and History students, under the guidance of their teacher, Tim Pletkovich, embarked on an ambitious project requiring the students to write to the sons and daughter’s of Civil War Union veterans to collect information about the lives of their fathers. It was soon realized that many of the children of the Union soldiers were themselves veterans of WWII.

    What began as an interesting and educational school assignment, quickly became an engaging and fascinating journey for the students, their teacher and the Civil War “children” with whom they were corresponding, ultimately resulting in a book titled, “Civil War Fathers: Sons of the Civil War in WWII”.

    In this episode of Your History Your Story, we will be speaking with author, teacher and historian, Tim Pletkovich. Tim, who edited the various correspondence from this project, also added his own extensive research about the lives of the soldiers profiled in the book. He will tell us how this project came to be and will share from some of the history and personal stories gleaned from the work accomplished by his dedicated students.

    Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

    Photo(s): Courtesy of Tim Pletkovich

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    #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner #historian #storyteller

    "Civil War Fathers" purchase on Amazon:

    https://a.co/d/bJQfPQ9

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • S10 Ep05 Reagan's Embattled Labor Secretary: The Ray Donovan Story
    Sep 2 2024

    In 1981 President Ronald Reagan appointed New Jersey businessman, Raymond J Donovan to his cabinet as Secretary of Labor, a position he served in until 1985. During his tenure, Donovan carried out Reagan’s policies of advocating for free-market by reducing government regulation in labor issues.

    Donovan's tenure as Secretary of Labor was marked by controversy. He was accused of having ties to organized crime and in 1984, he was indicted on charges of larceny and fraud in connection with a construction company he had been involved with before his government service. However, after a lengthy trial, Donovan was acquitted of all charges in 1987.

    In this episode of Your History Your Story, we will be speaking with Donovan’s son, Ken, who will give us insight into the life of his father, including his challenging start in life, his success as a businessman, his political prominence in the Reagan campaign and his heart for his family and philanthropic causes.

    Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man Photo(s): Courtesy of Ken Donovan Support Your History Your Story: Please consider becoming a Patron or making a one time donation via PayPal. - THANK YOU!!! YHYS Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YHYS PayPal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YHYS: Social Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YHYS: Join our mailing list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner

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    59 mins
  • S10 Ep04 Turning the Tables: The Host in the Hot Seat
    Aug 19 2024


    In October 2024, we will be celebrating the 4th anniversary of Your History Your Story! Over the years, we have received a number of questions from listeners about the podcast, such as:

    - What is the host, James Gardner’s background and how did he develop a passion for history?

    - What inspired James and his wife, Kelly to launch the podcast?

    - Who are some of the guests that have had a significant impact on us and why?

    In this episode of Your History Your Story, we will be joined by James and Kelly’s daughter, Katie, who will be asking James these questions and more.

    So, sit back, relax and let’s connect on a more personal level with our host, James.

    If you have any questions or thoughts about our podcast, please email us at yhyspodcast@gmail.com

    Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man Photo(s): Courtesy of YHYS Podcast Support Your History Your Story: Please consider becoming a Patron or making a one time donation via PayPal. - THANK YOU!!! YHYS Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YHYS PayPal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YHYS: Social Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YHYS: Join our mailing list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner

    Guest host: Katie DeFrank, LPC, CLPC katiedefrankcounseling@gmail.com


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    1 hr and 5 mins