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Send us a textEpisode 72 | The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and Guest Lieutenant Dan Guida (Part 2)In this powerful continuation of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Richard Acritelli sits down with Vietnam War veteran Lieutenant Dan Guida to explore the harrowing final days of his combat tour, his emotional return home, and his lifelong dedication to advocating for fellow veterans.From a chaotic Christmas morning firefight in 1967 to an unexpected visit from “Santa” via helicopter, Dan shares stories that are as unforgettable as they are revealing. He opens up about the difficult transition back to civilian life, the long fight for recognition of Agent Orange-related illnesses, and how the Vietnam generation helped pave the way for better treatment of today’s veterans.Dan also reflects on the portrayal of Vietnam in Hollywood — including his surprising connection to Forrest Gump — and how films like We Were Soldiers and Platoon helped reframe public perception of Vietnam veterans. As the quartermaster of one of New York’s most active VFW posts, Dan continues to serve by mentoring younger veterans, educating students, and ensuring that the legacy of his generation is never forgotten.This episode is a moving tribute to resilience, service, and the enduring fight for justice and dignity for all who wear the uniform.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 73 | History Repeats with Liam Carballal and Richard Acritelli (Part 1)In this compelling first installment of a two-part episode of History Repeats on hmTv, host Liam Carballal sits down with historian and educator Richard Acritelli to explore the interwar years—the turbulent decades between World War I and World War II.Together, they unpack America’s retreat into isolationism, the economic fallout of the Great Depression, the gutting of military infrastructure, and the political rise of fascist powers in Europe and Asia. From the dismantling of Camp Upton to the Bonus Army’s heartbreaking march on Washington, and from the dangerous neutrality acts to Charles Lindbergh’s controversial ties to Nazi Germany, this episode sheds light on how unprepared and unwilling the U.S. was to confront the growing global storm.Acritelli also draws powerful parallels to today’s geopolitical climate, discussing the recurring theme of “America First” and how economic anxiety shapes foreign policy. Packed with rich historical context, firsthand military insight, and hard-hitting analysis, this episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand how past decisions continue to echo through our present.Tune in to learn how history doesn’t just repeat—it warns.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 71 | The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and Guest Lieutenant Dan Guida (Part 1)In this powerful episode of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Richard Acritelli sits down with Lieutenant Dan Guida, a Vietnam War veteran and former armored cavalry officer, to explore his deeply personal journey from Long Island to the front lines of Southeast Asia.Dan recounts his early life in the Five Towns of Nassau County, his transition from college to military service, and his grueling training experiences at Fort Hood, Fort Knox, and jungle warfare school in Panama. With vivid storytelling, he shares what it was like to lead an armored platoon in Vietnam, conduct search and destroy missions, navigate deadly landmines, and build trust with both his fellow soldiers and local civilians.From the chaos of the Tet Offensive to the heartbreak of losing comrades in battle, Dan opens up about the emotional toll of war, the leadership challenges of being a young officer, and the enduring lessons of resilience and responsibility.This is the first of a two-part conversation that brings to light the often-unspoken realities of combat, the sacrifices of those who served, and the strength of character forged in one of America’s most complex conflicts.Tune in for a raw and unforgettable conversation.Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 69 of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Rich Acritelli sits down with lifelong history buff and artifacts collector Bill Donahue to explore the power of personal stories in remembering our past. Bill shares how his passion for historical films led him from Stony Brook science student to a founding board member of Honor Flight Long Island—escorting hundreds of WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans on their long‑overdue journeys home. He’ll also reveal his work rescuing and repatriating Japanese “good‑luck” flags through Oregon’s Obon Society, and preview an August film project that brings these 80‑year‑old battle relics back to the families who first gave them. Tune in for a deeply human look at how we honor service, heal wartime wounds, and keep history alive—one veteran and one artifact at a time.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 70 | The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv Host: Richard Acritelli Guest: William “Billy” Donahue (Part 2)In this compelling second installment with collector and educator William “Billy” Donahue, host Richard Acritelli explores the powerful stories behind rare World War II artifacts and a signed Holocaust memoir. Donahue shares his mission to return 43 Yosegaki Hinomaru (Japanese good luck flags) to the families of fallen Japanese soldiers, working closely with the Obon Society to honor the spiritual significance of these sacred relics.The conversation also turns to a personal donation: a signed copy of Five Chimneys by Auschwitz survivor Olga Lengyel, entrusted to Donahue for donation to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center in Nassau County. Together, the two discuss the critical importance of preserving memory, educating future generations, and recognizing the local and global impact of Holocaust survivors like Werner Reich.From the Pacific theater to Long Island living rooms, from Honor Flight to classroom lessons, this episode is a moving tribute to remembrance, resilience, and the artifacts that carry history forward.Themes: WWII artifacts, Holocaust memory, Japanese good luck flags, survivor stories, historical preservation, moral responsibility, intergenerational education.Support the show

Send us a text In Episode 67 of Ordinary Heroes, Dr. Bernie Furshpan welcomes two outstanding students from W.T. Clarke High School—Tina Marie Otero and Connie Dong—fresh off their first‑place win at Long Island History Day. Together, they discuss how a viewing of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas sparked their deep dive into the Nuremberg Trials, from witnessing the liberation of the camps to coining the term “genocide.” They share the “aha” moments that drove their National History Day project—examining rights, responsibilities and the legacy of holding perpetrators accountable—and explain why survivor testimonies remain vital to preventing future atrocities. Tune in to hear how these young historians are keeping Holocaust memory alive and inspiring a more just, tolerant world. Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 68 of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Rich Acritelli sits down with Vietnam combat medic Frank Asselta to trace his journey from a small‑town Long Island childhood through the crucible of Southeast Asia’s fiercest battles. Frank recounts being drafted in 1965, his cold‑weather training at Fort Dix, and the reality‑shattering field medicine he improvised on the front lines—serving two back‑to‑back tours with a reconnaissance platoon under fire. He reflects on the toll of PTSD and his choice to forego traditional counseling, then pivots to life after service: earning a marine‑science degree, building a career in public works, and today channeling his experience into community healing. Tune in to hear how a reluctant warrior became a peacetime advocate—organizing Rocky Point’s annual 5K run to fund PTSD support for fellow veterans—and discover the humanity that persists even in the fog of war. Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 66: Habits of a Whole Heart with Arnie Herz and Bernie Furshpan (Part 2)In Part 2 of this enlightening conversation on Habits of a Whole Heart on hmTv, host Arnie Herz continues his deep and thoughtful dialogue with guest Bernie Furshpan. Together, they explore what it means to cultivate inner wholeness through conscious habits that align the human and godly self.From surviving a life-threatening heart condition to spending years studying meditation and yoga in India, Bernie shares the pivotal experiences that shaped his understanding of purpose, integration, and emotional resilience. He and Arnie discuss the power of mindfulness, the role of ego in conflict, and how the habits we form can either pull us down or elevate us toward our higher potential.Listeners will learn how to reframe everyday stressors, remain grounded in high-pressure situations, and embrace the transformational habit of asking, “Am I an inciter or an inspirer?” Through relatable stories and spiritual insight, this episode provides a roadmap for living with more presence, purpose, and peace.Tune in and discover how building habits of a whole heart can change the way you live, love, and lead.Support the show

Send us a text Episode 65: Habits of a Whole Heart with Arnie Herz and Guest Bernie Furshpan (Part 1)In the inaugural episode of Habits of a Whole Heart on hmTv, host Arnie Herz sits down with Holocaust educator and activist Bernie Furshpan for a profound and personal conversation about empathy, human connection, and the power of intentional habits to transform lives.Together, they explore how Bernie’s upcoming documentary and his father’s Holocaust survival story inspired a life mission rooted in compassion and education. The discussion dives deep into the essence of what it means to live with a “whole heart”—cultivating habits of empathy, presence, perspective, and purpose.Blending spiritual wisdom, neuroscience, and personal storytelling, Arnie and Bernie unpack ideas such as: – The two souls within us—the human and the godly—and how our daily choices shape which one we empower – How perspective and gratitude can shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance – Why listening deeply and being of service are foundational habits for a connected life – And how we can reprogram ourselves through repeated acts of kindness and awarenessThis powerful conversation is both a call to action and a heartfelt reminder that the way we live—and the habits we choose—can shape not only our own lives, but the world around us.Subscribe now and join the journey toward living with a whole heart.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 63: "I Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself" The Choices We Make Define Us | Hosted by Sandi Cooper & Lori Cooper | hmTvIn this heartwarming and thought-provoking second installment of The Choices We Make Define Us, co-hosts Sandi and Lori Cooper (no relation!) return to share powerful stories from the classroom—where Holocaust education becomes a living, breathing lesson in empathy, courage, and moral responsibility.Titled "I Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself," this episode dives into the real-time impact of their multi-year educational initiative, as students from diverse backgrounds reflect on what they’ve learned through handwritten letters. From questions about black boots to debates over Kanye West sneakers, Sandi and Lori walk us through unforgettable moments where kids wrestle with values, personal responsibility, and the ripple effects of hate.With raw emotion, honesty, and insight, the Coopers show how trust, cultural sensitivity, and consistency create safe learning environments where children feel empowered to speak up, challenge prejudice, and take ownership of their choices. This episode is both a celebration of young voices and a reminder that the seeds of tolerance, when nurtured early, can grow into the most powerful forms of resistance.A must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone committed to shaping a kinder, more conscious generation.Support the show