Eyewitness History

In this episode of Eyewitness History, I speak with Daryl Davis, an American R&B and blues musician, author, and race-relations activist whose life has uniquely bridged the worlds of music and social change. Davis is widely known for an unconventional and controversial approach to combating racism: engaging directly with members of the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups through sustained personal dialogue. Over decades of outreach, he has persuaded dozens of Klansmen to renounce their affiliation, and he has documented these encounters in his book Klan-Destine Relationships: A Black Man’s Odyssey in the Ku Klux Klan as well as in the documentary Accidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis, Race & America (2016). Before his activism gained national attention, Davis established himself as a respected professional musician. A gifted boogie-woogie and blues pianist and vocalist, he studied at Howard University and went on to perform with some of the most iconic figures in American music, including Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Bo Diddley. His playing style reflects deep roots in traditional blues and early rock-and-roll piano, and he has been recognized within the Washington-area and national blues community for both his technical skill and stage presence.  His work is grounded in a belief in communication as a tool for dismantling prejudice, summed up in his view that dialogue, not avoidance, is the most effective response to ignorance and hate. Here, Davis reflects on his unusual journey, the philosophy behind his outreach to the Klan, and the ways music, conversation, and personal encounter have shaped his understanding of human change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today is none other than the incomparable Pat Boone.With a decades-long career, Pat has graced stages, screens, and airwaves with his golden voice and timeless charisma. From chart-topping hits to silver-screen successes, he's a multifaceted talent who has stood the test of time.We discuss his career, fame, and why he said no to making a movie with Marilyn Monroe!Now, I give you Pat Boone!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Eyewitness History, I speak with Adam Irving, grandson of historian David Irving and head of Irving Books, the publisher managing his grandfather’s works. We discuss David Irving’s career as an author, his legacy in historical debate, and what it means for Adam to balance family ties with the responsibilities of running a publishing house. Disclaimer: David Irving remains a deeply controversial figure. This conversation is presented for its historical and family perspective and should not be taken as an endorsement of his views.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Eyewitness History, Josh Cohen shares the story behind his new book, William F. Buckley Jr.'s Guide to Friendship in a Polarized Era. He explores how Buckley built lasting friendships across deep political divides and why his example of decency, humor, and faith matters in today’s polarized world. Pre-order now - https://www.amazon.com/William-Buckley-Guide-Friendship-Polarized/dp/1956454926See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Eyewitness History, we sit down with acclaimed journalist and author Mark Danner to explore his decades-long career covering war, human rights, and the hidden stories of global conflicts. From his groundbreaking reporting on the El Mozote massacre in El Salvador to his investigations into U.S. foreign policy and the war on terror, Danner shares firsthand accounts, the challenges of reporting from conflict zones, and the ethical questions journalists face when covering violence and injustice. About Mark Danner:Mark Danner is a Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist, author, and professor at New York University. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Review of Books, and The Atlantic, among other outlets. Danner is the author of The Massacre at El Mozote and Torture and Truth, and is recognized for his in-depth reporting on war, human rights, and U.S. foreign policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Armstrong was one of the lead investigators on the United States Senate Watergate Committee — and one of the four people in the room when Alexander Butterfield revealed the existence of Nixon’s secret Oval Office taping system. In this episode, Armstrong walks us through that pivotal moment in American history, how a single document raised suspicions, and what it was like to work behind the scenes on the most consequential political scandal of the 20th century. We also discuss Armstrong’s early career at The Washington Post, his work with Bob Woodward on The Final Days and The Brethren, and his founding of the National Security Archive, which continues to fight for government transparency to this day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Eyewitness History, host Josh Cohen welcomes Peter Hogan, the British comic book writer and co-creator of Resident Alien, the beloved sci-fi mystery series that inspired the hit Syfy/USA television adaptation. Peter shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Resident Alien came to life—both on the page and on the screen—and opens up about: His early writing career with 2000 AD and Vertigo Crafting the character of Dr. Harry Vanderspeigle, an alien stranded on Earth Why empathy, humor, and mystery are at the heart of the series The long road to television and what he thinks of the changes made What fans can expect next in the comic series See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special re-release of Eyewitness History, we honor the life and legacy of Esther Basch, who passed away on April 14, 2025—exactly 80 years to the day she was liberated from the Salzwedel Concentration Camp by American soldiers. Known to many as “The Honey Girl of Auschwitz,” Esther survived the horrors of Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, and endured a brutal death march before her liberation. In this unforgettable conversation, she shares how her 16th birthday was marked by arrival at Auschwitz, the loss of her parents, the forced labor she endured, and how she came face-to-face with Josef Mengele. But more than a story of survival, Esther's legacy is one of forgiveness. “I cannot forget, but I can forgive because if I don’t forgive, then I suffer, and I suffered enough,” she would often say. Until her final days, Esther traveled, spoke, and educated countless people—young and old—about the Holocaust, never turning down an opportunity to tell her story. She became not only a pillar of Holocaust education but also a symbol of resilience, optimism, and love. We re-release this episode in her memory—with deep gratitude and reverence. Remember to subscribe, rate, and review Eyewitness History.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Eyewitness History, we dive into the imagination of D.J. MacHale—the bestselling author behind the Pendragon series and the co-creator of the iconic Nickelodeon show Are You Afraid of the Dark? From creepy campfire tales to interdimensional adventures, MacHale shares how he built entire worlds, scared a generation of kids (in a good way), and navigated a career spanning books, film, and television. Pick up his new book "The Paper Trail" today - https://rb.gy/ow7dr1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest has spent much of his career navigating the shadowy world of hostage negotiations, where lives hang in the balance and fortunes are exchanged for freedom. Rob Phayre isn’t just an expert in the field—he’s been on the front lines, directly involved in securing the release of over 800 hostages, billions of dollars’ worth of shipping and cargo, and overseeing hundreds of millions in ransom payments. Some of those operations even hold Guinness World Records for the largest ransoms ever paid at sea. Rob also brings his expertise to the page as the award-winning author of The Response Files series, including the Amazon bestseller The Ransom Drop, Jungle Heist, and The Insurgency. His upcoming book, How to Deliver a Ransom, dives deep into the real-world mechanics of the kidnap-for-ransom business—a true crime, non-fiction guide to an industry most of us only see in movies. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to negotiate with kidnappers, deliver ransoms, and bring people home. Rob Phayre, welcome to the show. To find out more about Rob and his book, check out his website: https://robphayre.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natalie Grumet’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. A breast cancer survivor, she faced an even greater battle when she was shot in the face during the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting. Through years of recovery, she has transformed her trauma into a message of strength and hope, inspiring countless others to overcome adversity. Featured in Dateline, Inside Edition, and the Emmy-nominated 11 Minutes documentary, Natalie shares her journey of survival, perseverance, and finding purpose after tragedy. Natalie's Website: https://www.nataliegrumet.com/ Natalie's Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/warriorNatalie/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with Wendy Young, the ex-girlfriend of Christopher Duntsch—better known as Dr. Death. Duntsch, a once-promising neurosurgeon, left a trail of maimed and murdered patients before his eventual conviction and life sentence. Wendy shares firsthand accounts of his disturbing behavior, from his professional downfall to his personal descent into chaos. She recounts the terrifying moments when Duntsch broke into her home covered in blood, the bizarre ransom note written in his own hand, and the emotional toll of raising his children while grappling with the reality of his crimes. This is an episode you don’t want to miss. Tune in for an inside look at the monster behind the mask and the people who survived his destruction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Eyewitness History, we sit down with Lois Lowry, the two-time Newbery Medal-winning author behind The Giver, Number the Stars, and many other beloved works. Lowry discusses the inspiration behind her stories, the themes of memory and morality that run through her work, and the lasting impact of The Giver on readers and society. Check out her website: http://loislowry.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.