Based on a True Story

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 366) — Homer’s "The Iliad" tells the story of the Trojan War, a tale brought to the big screen in the 2004 film "Troy." But with an ancient epic as its foundation—and Hollywood’s creative liberties—how much of the story is real?Where to watch "Troy" nowIn this episode, Neil Laird peels back the layers of myth and fiction to uncover the truth.Neil is a multiple Emmy-nominated director and producer of historical films for networks including Discovery, BBC, PBS, and National Geographic. He has produced more than 100 programs worldwide, exploring crumbling Egyptian tombs, lost Mayan cities, and mysterious shipwrecks. He's also the author of his third book called "Prime Time Troy." Get Neil's latest book Also mentioned in this episode Prime Time Travelers Prime Time Pompeii Prime Time Troy (Coming Soon ...) Homer's The Iliad Did you enjoy this episode? Watch the credits roll Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Leave a comment Support our sponsors Disclaimer: Dan LeFebvre and/or Based on a True Story may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links.Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/366 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 365) — Discover the behind-the-scenes story of Black Hawk Down, as historian Josh Donohue shares insights on the chaotic 1993 mission in Mogadishu. Learn what truly happened versus what Hollywood depicted.Subscribe to Josh's YouTube channelJosh has been on the podcast before to cover the historical accuracy of Thirteen Days and We Were Soldiers, and he's currently working on a new YouTube channel. Where to watch Black Hawk Down nowMentioned in this episode Josh's YouTube channel Josh's article: Heroic Fight for Wake Island Son of Wake Island Book Josh and the BOATS episode about Thirteen Days Josh and the BOATS episode about We Were Soldiers Did you enjoy this episode? Watch the credits roll Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Leave a comment Support our sponsors Disclaimer: Dan LeFebvre and/or Based on a True Story may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links.Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/365 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 364) — Acclaimed historian Jon Parshall separates fact from fiction in the classic film "The Bridge on the River Kwai" and the brutal realities of the Thai-Burma Railway during World War II, also known as the Death Railway. We'll contrast the film's fictional Colonel Nicholson with his real-life counterpart Lieutenant Colonel Philip Toosey, who sabotaged bridge construction when possible rather than cooperating with the Japanese.Follow Jon's new book at 1942book.comJon Parshall is an award-winning author who has worked as a historical consultant on numerous TV shows, a tour guide, as well as a frequent lecturer at the U.S. Naval War College, the National World War II Museum, and the Nimitz Museum. As of this recording, Jon is working on a new book that will go into even more depth on all the topics we're learning about today and more.Where to watch The Bridge on the River Kwai now  Also mentioned in this episodeJonathan Parshall and Anthony Tully's Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of MidwayDid you enjoy this episode? Watch the credits roll Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Leave a comment Support our sponsors Disclaimer: Dan LeFebvre and/or Based on a True Story may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links.Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/364 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 363) — In today’s Behind the True Story episode, we take a closer look at the career of award-winning director and producer Robyn Flanery.Robyn's latest project, the documentary series "Profit Over People," explores the failure of the U.S. healthcare system. She previously directed the critically acclaimed documentary "Broken Worlds: The Island" and has worked behind the scenes on historical films such as "The Butler" and "Dallas Buyers Club." Her credits also include major fictional productions like "Django Unchained" and "Planet of the Apes."Find Robyn's work "Profit Over People" on YouTube "Profit Over People" on Substack "Broken Worlds: The Island" on IMDb Find more of Robyn's work at Get It Girl! Productions Did you enjoy this episode? Watch the credits roll Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Leave a comment Support our sponsors Disclaimer: Dan LeFebvre and/or Based on a True Story may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links.Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/363 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 362) — Author Rob Hilliard joins us to bring "The Pinkertons" miniseries to a close by covering episodes 15 through 22 of the TV show. From John Scobell and Kate Warne to Allan and Will Pinkerton, Rob's book takes what we know from history and fills in many of the blanks with a thrilling narrative.Grab your copy of "In Freedom's Shadow" Also mentioned in this episode Learn more about Dr. Mary Walker Transcript and more for this episode Find the rest of "The Pinkertons" miniseries Listen to "Tombstone with Tom Clavin" Did you enjoy this episode? Watch the credits roll Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Leave a comment Support our sponsors Disclaimer: Dan LeFebvre and/or Based on a True Story may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links.Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/362 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 361) — We're continuing a look at "The Pinkertons" by covering episodes eight to 14 of the TV show. Find part one linked here. Coming back for today's episode is "In Freedom's Shadow" author Rob Hilliard. Rob's book is a historical novel based on the incredibly true story of Pinkertons operative John Scobell.  Mentioned in this episode Get your copy of Rob's book "In Freedom's Shadow" Transcript and more for this episode Find the rest of "The Pinkertons" miniseries Did you enjoy this episode? Watch the credits roll Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Leave a comment Support our sponsors Disclaimer: Dan LeFebvre and/or Based on a True Story may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links.Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/361 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 360) — We're beginning of a three-part miniseries covering all 22 episodes of "The Pinkertons." Today, we examine the first seven episodes of the television series. Joining us for the miniseries is author Rob Hilliard, whose book "In Freedom's Shadow" is a historical novel based on the true story of Pinkerton operative John Scobell, and includes many of the characters we see in the series.  Mentioned in this episode Get your copy of Rob's book "In Freedom's Shadow" Transcript and more for this episode Find the rest of "The Pinkertons" miniseries Did you enjoy this episode? Watch the credits roll Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Leave a comment Support our sponsors Disclaimer: Dan LeFebvre and/or Based on a True Story may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links.Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/360 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 359) — Today is the 80th anniversary (January 25, 1945) of the official end of the Battle of the Bulge campaign during World War II. On our episode today, we'll learn about the classic film from 60 years ago (1965) that has often been criticized for many of its historical inaccuracies as it depicts the battle.Where to watch Battle of the BulgeTo help us separate fact from fiction, we'll be joined by Robert B. O'Connor, author of the novel called Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge. After finishing today's episode, discover a fresh perspective on the iconic battle when you grab a copy of Robert's gripping novel. Get Robert's book Jeep Show Also mentioned in this episodeSee a photo of Mickey Rooney performing during a Jeep ShowDid you enjoy this episode? Watch the credits roll Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Leave a comment Support our sponsors Disclaimer: Dan LeFebvre and/or Based on a True Story may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links.Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/359 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 358) — In 2000's Thirteen Days, we see a lot of the behind-the-scenes discussions and decisions that took place during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October of 1962. To help us separate fact from fiction, we'll get to hear from Joshua Donohue, who is the Adjunct Professor of History at Suffolk County Community College as well as Farmingdale State College.Where to watch Thirteen Days  Follow Josh's work Heroic Fight for Wake Island Check back soon for more of Josh's work linked here... Did you enjoy this episode? Watch the credits roll Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Leave a comment Support our sponsors Disclaimer: Dan LeFebvre and/or Based on a True Story may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links.Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 357) — A new biopic from director Pablo Larraín tells the story of renowned opera singer Maria Callas. Unfortunately, the movie falls short in telling the true story of the real Maria Callas. Today we'll get to learn from Sophia Lambton, the author of The Callas Imprint: A Centennial Biography.Get the Maria Callas biographyEarlier this year, Sophia's biography of Maria Callas took home the 2024 ARSC Awards' Best Historical Research in Recorded Classical Music. It is the best way to learn more about the true story of Maria Callas.Listen to the real Maria CallasAlso mentioned in this episode Find more of Maria Callas' music Where to watch Maria Did you enjoy this episode? Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Leave a comment Support our sponsors Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/357Disclaimer: Dan LeFebvre and/or Based on a True Story may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.