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Send us a textEp 123: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and Guest Jeff Brett (Part 1) | hmTvIn this inspiring episode of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Richard Acritelli sits down with Jeff Brett, founder and CEO of King Quality, to explore a life shaped by hard work, service, and community. From his roots in Port Jefferson and his passion for wrestling to building one of the most respected home improvement companies in the country, Jeff shares how lessons from his father — a WWII Navy veteran — continue to guide his business and philanthropic mission.Jeff reflects on his early days sweeping job sites, the values instilled in him through family and athletics, and how a mindset of “the harder I work, the luckier I get” became the foundation for both personal and professional success. With heartfelt stories of giving back, supporting veterans, and honoring history, this episode is a powerful tribute to blue-collar grit, small-town values, and the American spirit.Tune in for a conversation full of wisdom, warmth, and purpose — and stay tuned for Part 2.Support the show

Send us a textPodcast Description – Ep 122: History Repeats with Liam Carballal and guest Rich AcritelliIn this powerful and eye-opening episode of History Repeats, host Liam Carballal sits down with historian and educator Richard Acritelli to explore one of the darkest and often overlooked chapters of World War II: Japan’s war crimes and the atrocities committed by Unit 731.Together, they unpack the brutal history of Japanese imperial expansion, biological warfare experimentation, the Bataan Death March, and the Rape of Nanking. Rich shares harrowing firsthand accounts from POWs like Arnold A. Boxel—survivors of unimaginable cruelty who lived just miles from today’s Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center.Through historical analysis and personal storytelling, this episode sheds light on how Japan’s descent into militarism paralleled that of Nazi Germany, and how postwar politics allowed many perpetrators to escape justice. It’s a sobering reminder of the consequences of silence, denial, and unchecked nationalism.Tune in for an unflinching conversation about how history doesn’t just repeat—it warns.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 121 – “From Hiroshima to Hope: Seth Shelden’s Fight to Ban the Bomb”How does a Brooklyn-born improv performer become the United Nations liaison for a Nobel-Prize-winning campaign to abolish nuclear weapons? In this powerful installment of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with Seth Shelden—law professor, activist, and General Counsel for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN).In this episode you’ll hear:The high-school reading assignment (John Hersey’s Hiroshima) that rewired Seth’s worldview.A firsthand look at ICAN’s 2017 Nobel Peace Prize and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons—now backed by half of the world’s nations.Why international law often works through stigma and storytelling, not soldiers and sanctions—and how that strategy is succeeding.Seth’s blend of creativity and policy: how theater, music, and humor fuel his legal advocacy.A candid exchange on generational trauma, zero-sum thinking, and the moral imperative to choose cooperation over catastrophe.Entrepreneurial optimism meets hard-nosed disarmament strategy in a conversation that proves ordinary people really can tackle humanity’s biggest threats. Tune in for an inspiring reminder that eliminating nuclear weapons might be the easiest existential crisis we face—if we decide to act together.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 119: Legacy Chronicles with Doron KerenIn this powerful episode of Legacy Chronicles on hmTv, host Donna Rosenblum sits down with Doron Keren, a passionate second-generation Holocaust descendant, to explore the enduring impact of memory, survival, and storytelling. Doron shares the harrowing true story of his mother, Krystyna Chiger—co-author of The Girl in the Green Sweater—who survived 14 months in the sewers of Lwów during the Holocaust. He also reveals how his father was helped by Oskar Schindler, offering rare insight into both heroism and human resilience.From the development of a major television series based on his grandfather’s memoir to his dedicated work in Holocaust education at the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center, Doron speaks with candor and heart about his family’s legacy and the urgent responsibility of second and third generations to carry the torch.This episode is a profound reminder that preserving Holocaust memory is not only a tribute to the past—but a vital safeguard for the future.🎧 Tune in to learn how memory becomes a mission—and why telling the truth has never been more important.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 120: Many Voices, One Community Guest: Cantor Gustavo Gitlin Host: Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews Produced by: hmTv at the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance CenterIn this heartwarming and deeply personal episode, Many Voices, One Community host Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews sits down with Cantor Gustavo Gitlin to explore the power of connection, cultural identity, and community service.From Buenos Aires to Glen Cove, Cantor Gitlin shares his family's immigrant journey, the vibrant Jewish history of Argentina, and how a spontaneous birthday party just days after arriving in the U.S. sparked two decades of hospitality and inclusion. The conversation weaves through stories of faith, friendship, interfaith partnerships, and the profound impact of opening one's home—and heart—to others.Together, Gaitley and Cantor Gitlin reflect on lessons from their shared work in Glen Cove, from combating homelessness through the North Shore Sheltering Program to building bridges between cultures and traditions. The episode also highlights Cantor Gitlin's inspiring partnership with Rabbi Irwin Huberman and their mutual commitment to honest dialogue and transformative leadership.At its core, this episode is a celebration of community—a reminder that when we share our stories, respect our differences, and serve with intention, we strengthen the bonds that unite us all.🎧 Listen now and be inspired by a conversation rooted in gratitude, compassion, and hope.Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 117 of Influential Origins on hmTv, host Alan Mindel welcomes filmmaker and second-generation Hiroshima survivor Mitchie Takeuchi, creator of the acclaimed documentary The Vow from Hiroshima. Mitchie shares her deeply personal family history, highlighting the profound impact of the atomic bombing on her grandfather, who led the Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital, and the quiet strength of her mother who encouraged her independence and journey to America. This powerful episode explores themes of resilience, silence, historical censorship, and Mitchie's quest for freedom and identity through cross-cultural experiences. Support the show

Send us a text In Episode 118 of Influential Origins, host Alan Mindel continues his insightful conversation with Mitchie Takeuchi, filmmaker and second-generation Hibakusha. Mitchie shares her transformative journey, from initially feeling hesitant about embracing her identity to becoming a passionate advocate who brought Setsuko Thurlow’s powerful story—of surviving Hiroshima's atomic bombing and advocating for peace—to global audiences. Together, they explore themes of breaking silence, confronting generational trauma, and the importance of storytelling in fostering mutual understanding and peace. Mitchie also discusses her ongoing efforts to connect with younger generations through multimedia adaptations of her acclaimed documentary, The Vow from Hiroshima. Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 116: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and Guest Tom Spier (Part 4)In this compelling fourth installment of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Richard Acritelli is joined once again by military historian and collector Tom Spier for an in-depth exploration of British military helmets from World War I and World War II.Tom showcases rare pieces from his extensive collection, including the iconic Brodie helmet, the Mark III "turtle" helmet used on D-Day, British paratrooper helmets, dispatch rider helmets, and tanker models from the Royal Tank Corps. Through fascinating anecdotes and historical insights, Tom breaks down the evolution of helmet design—highlighting materials, structural innovations, and adaptations for changing battlefield needs.Together, Richard and Tom trace how helmet advancements were influenced by combat realities, global alliances, and the need for better protection amidst rising casualties. The conversation extends to postwar modifications, global usage by Commonwealth nations, and even comparisons with American and German counterparts.Whether you're a student of history, a military enthusiast, or simply intrigued by the tools of war, this episode offers a captivating look at how a simple piece of gear carried the weight of survival—and a nation’s resilience—on its steel shell.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 115: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and guest Tom Spier (Part 3)In this captivating continuation of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Richard Acritelli sits down once again with military historian and collector Tom Spier for Part 3 of their in-depth exploration into WWII helmet history. This episode shifts focus from American gear to the helmets worn by German and French forces during the war—particularly those encountered by Allied troops in Normandy.Tom walks listeners through the evolution of German helmet design, from the refined Model 1935 to the raw-edged M42, explaining how changes in manufacturing reflected the pressures of a prolonged conflict. He also reveals rare details about camouflage patterns, unit decals, and the challenges of identifying authentic pieces in a world of reproductions and forgeries. The conversation extends to French Model 1926 helmets, their role in both world wars, and how national identity and military pride were built into their very shape.Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a military buff, or simply curious about the artifacts of war, this episode offers a rich and accessible lens into the material culture of WWII. Don’t miss Tom’s personal stories of acquiring these relics—from flea markets to garbage bins—and his insights on how these objects help preserve the memory of a global struggle.Next episode: British helmets and the Commonwealth legacy in WWII.Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 114 of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Richard Acritelli continues his powerful conversation with military historian and helmet collector Tom Spier in Part 2 of their series. This episode takes a deep dive into the evolution and historical significance of American helmets used during World War II, particularly during the Normandy invasion.From early M1 helmet models and their wartime modifications to paratrooper-specific gear and rare tank crew helmets, Tom shares fascinating insights drawn from his extensive collection. The discussion also highlights General Eisenhower’s emotional visit with young airborne troops on the eve of D-Day, bringing personal stories and leadership under pressure into sharp focus.Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the practical design, field-tested innovations, and personal histories behind these iconic military artifacts—reminders of the courage and sacrifice of those who wore them.Stay tuned for the next episode, where Tom presents German combat helmets and the contrasts between Allied and Axis battlefield equipment.Support the show