Say It With History: Conversations That Shaped The Past with Holley Snaith

The Myth of the Hollywood War Hero: Lew Ayres, Conscience, and World War II with Lesley Coffin

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 07:00:32 +0000

Author Lesley L. Coffin joins Holley to explore the life and legacy of Lew Ayres, a lesser known yet fascinating figure in classic Hollywood. Together, they discuss Lesley’s newly reprinted book Lew Ayres: Hollywood’s Conscientious Objector, tracing his rise to fame in All Quiet on the Western Front and the ways that role shaped both his career and public image. They also examine the misconceptions surrounding his decision to become a conscientious objector during World War II, the insights revealed through his letters and unpublished writings, and his deep intellectual and spiritual curiosity, including the documentary he considered his most important work. Lesley reflects on the challenges of writing against established narratives and what Ayres’s story reveals about celebrity, public perception, and the enduring power of myth in popular culture.

Lesley Coffin Biography

Lesley L. Coffin is a film scholar with a master’s degree in star studies from New York University. In addition to her work online as a journalist, interviewer, and critic, she is author of Hitchcock’s Stars: Alfred Hitchcock and the Hollywood Studio System and Lew Ayres: Hollywood’s Conscientious Objector, the latter published by University Press of Mississippi.

About Lew Ayres: Hollywood’s Conscientious Objector

Lew Ayres (1908–1996) became known to the public when he portrayed the leading character in the epic war film All Quiet on the Western Front. The role made him a household name, introduced him to his closest friends, brought him to the attention of his first two wives, and would ultimately overshadow the rest of his career. Becoming a movie star had been his first and only ambition as a child, but once he achieved it, he was never fully satisfied with his choice of profession. Although lacking a formal education, Ayres spent the rest of his life pursuing a wide range of intellectual studies, interests, and hobbies. He even considered ending his acting career after just a few years to pursue what he saw as a more “respectable and fulfilling” path as a director.

Ayres was given not one but two comeback opportunities, in 1938 and 1945. He was cast in the Dr. Kildare film series, where he demonstrated both his skill in comedy and his unique ability to bring sincerity to even the most outlandish or idealistic characters. Yet he was willing to give up his star status to follow his moral compass—first as a conscientious objector and ultimately as a noncombat medic during World War II. To the surprise of many, he was welcomed back to Hollywood with open arms and offered new opportunities despite his objector status.

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Lew Ayres: Hollywood’s Conscientious Objector: University Press of Mississippi | Bookshop Ebook

Books Mentioned: The Stars Appear by Richard Dyer Maccann Bookshop

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Unit 731 and the Cover-Up of Wartime Atrocities: War Crimes and Hidden History with Jenny Chan

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 07:00:50 +0000

Historian Jenny Chan joins Holley to explore the hidden history of Unit 731 and the role the American government played in the aftermath of World War II. Together, they discuss Japan’s secret biological warfare program, why these wartime atrocities remained largely unknown in the West for decades, and how media narratives shape public memory of the war. Jenny also shares insights from her archival research through Pacific Atrocities Education, highlighting the importance of preserving difficult histories and challenging simplified narratives about World War II.

Jenny Chan Biography

Jenny Chan is the director of Pacific Atrocities Education (PAE), a nonprofit that researches World War II atrocities in the Asia-Pacific region, such as the invasion of Manchuria, Nanjing Massacre, Unit 731, and the "comfort women" system, through books, videos, and digitized archives, engaging over 800,000 online visitors annually. Under her leadership, PAE's internship program—offering opportunities in research, community outreach, digital archiving, and oral history—has profoundly shaped participants' careers, with several former interns advancing to become professors and scholars.

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Books Mentioned: Marutas of Unit 731 by Jenny Chan Paperback

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The Man Behind the Legend: Joe DiMaggio, Fame, and American Memory with Kelly Lacroix

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:00:25 +0000

Author and researcher Kelly Lacroix joins Holley to explore the life and legacy of Joe DiMaggio, one of the most iconic and misunderstood figures in American culture. Together, they discuss Joe’s rise from baseball star to cultural symbol, his complicated relationship with fame and the press, and the enduring fascination surrounding his marriage to Marilyn Monroe. Kelly also shares insights from her ongoing Finding Joe DiMaggio project, challenging long-standing myths and offering a more layered perspective on the man behind the legend. Blending sports history, Hollywood history, and cultural memory, this conversation examines how public figures are remembered—and what can emerge when we look beyond the myth.

Kelly Lacroix Biography

Kelly Lacroix is a French-born researcher and film professional based in the United Kingdom. Trained in European Law, she later pursued a career in film and works as a trailer editor. With a longstanding interest in classic Hollywood cinema, she has spent the past five years researching Joe DiMaggio, exploring the gap between public myth and the man himself. Her work brings a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic and often misunderstood figures of twentieth-century American culture.

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Items from the Estate of Joe DiMaggio—Hunt Auction House: View Lots

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The Power Behind the American Founding: Elizabeth Willing Powel and Women’s Influence in Early America with Samantha Snyder

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:00:53 +0000

Research librarian and historian Samantha Snyder joins Holley Snaith to explore the life and influence of Elizabeth Willing Powel, one of the most fascinating yet overlooked women of the American founding. Together, they discuss Powel’s role within the political and social world of early Philadelphia, her relationships with figures such as George Washington and John Adams, and the ways women shaped political culture through conversation, correspondence, hospitality, and social networks. Samantha also shares insights from her forthcoming book, A Remarkable Woman: Elizabeth Willing Powel and the Founding of the American Republic, challenging long-standing misconceptions and offering a fresh perspective on women’s influence during the founding era.

Samantha Snyder Biography

Samantha Snyder is a Research Librarian at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. She first encountered Elizabeth Willing Powel through George Washington’s papers and has spent nearly a decade researching her life, bringing together archival research, public history, and narrative biography to recover one of the most compelling women of the founding era.

About Samantha’s Forthcoming Book, A Remarkable Woman: Elizabeth Willing Powel and the Founding of the American Republic

This vivid, deeply researched biography places Elizabeth Willing Powel at the center of the American founding, revealing her as a political influencer, astute businesswoman, and a key figure in shaping elite Philadelphia society. Through rich archival detail and compelling narrative, the book challenges long-held assumptions and restores Powel’s place as an essential voice in the early republic.

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Lauren Bacall: The Making of a Hollywood Legend with Anthony Uzarowski

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:00:11 +0000

Author and film historian Anthony Uzarowski joins Holley to explore the life and legacy of Lauren Bacall through his book Lauren Bacall: The Queen of Cool. Together, they discuss Bacall’s rise to fame, the image that defined her, and the career she built beyond her relationship with Humphrey Bogart. The conversation also highlights her longevity in Hollywood, the challenges she faced as an actress over time, and the deeper personal and cultural dimensions of her story, offering a fresh perspective on a true icon of the golden age.

Anthony Uzarowski Biography

Anthony Uzarowski is a film historian and author. His books include the acclaimed biographies Jessica Lange: An Adventurer’s Heart and Ava Gardner: A Life in Movies. He has also written numerous articles on cinema and the arts, with his work appearing in publications such as The Guardian, Turner Classic Movies, Film International, Gay Times, and more.

About Lauren Bacall: The Queen of Cool

Lauren Bacall (1924–2014), or Betty, as she was known to friends, was one of the last great movie stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her career spanned seven decades and was one of the longest and most distinguished in the history of show business. Yet it was not without its challenges. After becoming a star at nineteen with her first film, To Have and Have Not (1944), she joked there was nowhere for her to go but down. She became an icon of film noir before the term was even coined. A cool, sophisticated, sexy, and ultramodern woman, she projected confidence and independence.

Lauren Bacall: The Queen of Cool is the first book to bring together all aspects of the legendary star’s life and career, exploring her iconic style, her extensive body of work, and her friendships and relationships with some of the most famous figures of the twentieth century. Her relationship with Humphrey Bogart is the stuff of legend—the most beloved pairing of classical Hollywood, a perfect blend of romance, glamour, and cinematic glory. When Bogart died in 1957, Bacall was just thirty-three years old, and for the rest of her life she wrestled with the legend of her late husband, striving to prove to the industry that she was more than the most famous widow in Hollywood. She ultimately succeeded, becoming a two-time Tony Award–winning Broadway star and bestselling author, and continuing a successful, though at times rocky, screen career that brought her an Academy Award nomination in 1996 and an Honorary Oscar in 2009. Combining meticulous research with stunning photographs, author Anthony Uzarowski presents a multidimensional portrait of both the woman and the star that was Lauren Bacall.

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Lauren Bacall: The Queen of Cool: Hardcover | Ebook | University Press of Mississippi

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Family History Research: How Documents and Archives Reveal the Past with Ben Robinson

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 07:00:26 +0000

Author Ben Robinson joins Holley to explore the power of family history and the stories hidden within letters, photographs, and archival records. Together, they discuss the journey of turning Ben’s great-grandmother Charlotte’s life into Finding Charlotte, a sweeping family saga shaped by war, resilience, and survival across the twentieth century. They also examine the importance of moving beyond names and dates to uncover fuller, more human stories of the past, the role of women’s voices in family history, and the connections between past and present. Ben reflects on the emotional impact of preserving overlooked stories and the research process that brought his family’s history to life.

Ben Robinson Biography

Ben Robinson is a writer, educator, and the author of the part-fictionalized historical memoir novel Finding Charlotte.

He grew up in Scarborough, England, and has lived across Yorkshire before settling in Newcastle upon Tyne. Drawing on a rich collection of family letters and photographs, Robinson crafted Finding Charlotte, a sweeping family saga that spans more than a century and explores the realities of wartime during one of the most transformative periods in modern history.

In recent years, he has channeled his passion for family history into this deeply personal project. Robinson has also written for UK-based publications including NARC Magazine and RADGE Magazine and currently serves as a columnist for York-based Your Local Link Magazine. Finding Charlotte is available internationally for readers interested in history and storytelling.

About Finding Charlotte

Finding Charlotte is a part-fictionalized historical memoir and the debut novel of Northern writer Ben Robinson.

The book follows Charlotte Smith, the author’s great-grandmother, and those around her as they navigate a tumultuous and war-torn era in European history, including both World War I and World War II.

Drawing on more than 100 documents and letters from archives and Charlotte’s personal collections, the narrative blends historical memoir with elements of fiction to bring these lives vividly to the page.

From Charlotte’s parents to her sisters and wider circle, Finding Charlotte unfolds as a sweeping family saga, revealing not just one life, but the shared experiences of a family shaped by an era that transformed the modern world.

Centered in Yorkshire during the first half of the twentieth century, the story also extends beyond England, tracing experiences in London and Norfolk as well as international settings including New Zealand, Myanmar, and Singapore.

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Finding Charlotte: Books-A-Million | Amazon

Shows Mentioned: The Narrow Road to the Deep North (2025)

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The Power Behind the Presidency: Missy LeHand and Martha Washington with Kathryn Smith

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:00:42 +0000

Author and history speaker Kathryn Smith joins Holley to explore the life and legacy of Marguerite “Missy” LeHand and the overlooked women who shaped power behind the presidency. Together, they discuss Kathryn’s book The Gatekeeper: Missy LeHand, FDR, and the Partnership that Defined a Presidency, the misconceptions surrounding Missy’s role in the Roosevelt White House, the significance of Warm Springs, and the parallels between Missy and Martha Washington as influential women working behind the scenes of history. Kathryn also reflects on portraying both women in performance and why history can be surprising, entertaining, and deeply human.

Kathryn Smith Biography

Kathryn Smith is a journalist who turned her writing talents to history after careers as a newspaper editor and nonprofit leader. Her book The Gatekeeper: Missy LeHand, FDR, and the Partnership that Defined a Presidency was published by a Simon & Schuster imprint in 2016. She followed this with Gertie, a biography of South Carolina adventuress Gertrude Sanford Legendre, as well as two books on Prohibition in the South, Baptists and Bootleggers and Methodists and Moonshiners. Kathryn publishes daily on Substack at bootleggers.substack.com, focusing on personal diaries from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s and the history of that era. She also co-authors the Missy LeHand Mystery series with Kelly Durham.

The Gatekeeper: Paperback | Ebook

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Explore Kathryn’s Other Works: Evening Post Books

Books Mentioned: The Washingtons by Flora Fraser Paperback | Ebook

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Palm Springs History: How O’Donnell Golf Club Shaped the Desert City with Alexandra Phillips

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 07:00:14 +0000

Alexandra Phillips, MBA, PGA, CMAA, joins Holley to explore the remarkable history of O’Donnell Golf Club and its role in shaping Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. Founded in 1929, O’Donnell is one of only three nationally historically designated golf courses in the United States and has been connected to figures including Gene Sarazen, Bob Hope, and Harold Matzner. Together, they discuss the rise of golf culture in Palm Springs, the history behind Inspiration Point and the Easter Sunrise tradition, and the club’s ongoing role as a community and cultural landmark. Alexandra also reflects on stewardship, preservation, and her vision for O’Donnell’s future as a historic space at the heart of Palm Springs.

Alexandra Phillips, MBA, PGA, CMAA Biography

Alexandra Phillips serves as the General Manager of the historic O’Donnell Golf Club in downtown Palm Springs. Founded in 1929, O’Donnell is the oldest golf club in the Coachella Valley, blending a rich legacy with a dynamic and evolving membership experience. Alexandra leads the club with a deep respect for its history and a clear vision for its future.

A former professional golfer, Alexandra began her career competing at a high level, gaining a lifelong understanding of the game from the player’s perspective. She later returned to academia to earn her MBA, combining executive-level business training with her PGA professional credentials to shape the business side of the sport.

Today, Alexandra is the only female country club General Manager in the United States to hold both an MBA and PGA designation—an achievement that reflects her commitment to leadership, innovation, and the continued evolution of the club industry.

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The Making of Modern Publishing: Bennett Cerf, Random House, and the Rise of a Literary Empire with Gayle Feldman

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:00:26 +0000

Author Gayle Feldman joins Holley to discuss Nothing Random: Bennett Cerf and the Publishing House He Built and the life of the Random House cofounder who helped shape twentieth century American culture. Together, they explore Cerf’s rise in publishing, his relationships with writers including Truman Capote, Gertrude Stein, Ayn Rand, and Dr. Seuss, and his role in the landmark Ulysses censorship case that expanded free expression in America. The conversation also looks at Cerf’s friendships with cultural figures like Frank Sinatra and the broader world of books, Broadway, Hollywood, television, and politics that he moved through during the height of the American Century.

Gayle Feldman Biography

Gayle Feldman has written for Publishers Weekly for over forty years. Since 1999, she has served as the U.S. correspondent for The Bookseller, where she analyzes the American book industry for U.K. readers. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Times of London, The Nation, and other publications.

She is the author of the memoir You Don’t Have to Be Your Mother (W.W. Norton) and Best and Worst of Times: The Changing Business of Trade Books, developed through a Columbia Journalism School fellowship. Her latest work, Nothing Random: Bennett Cerf and the Publishing House He Built, was supported by a National Endowment for the Humanities Public Scholar award and represents more than twenty-three years of research.

Feldman lives in New York City.

About Nothing Random: Bennett Cerf and the Publishing House He Built

This is the story of legendary publisher Bennett Cerf and the Random House he created: an epic cast of characters, a lasting cultural legacy, and a seemingly charmed life at the height of the American Century.

By midcentury, everyone knew Bennett Cerf as the witty and beloved panelist on What’s My Line?, a television presence welcomed into homes across the country each week. What they did not see was the ambitious, driven young man of the 1920s who had vowed to become a great publisher and, within a decade, had done just that. By then, he had signed Eugene O’Neill, Gertrude Stein, and William Faulkner, and had fought the landmark censorship case that secured Americans the freedom to read James Joyce’s Ulysses.

With his best friend and lifelong business partner Donald Klopfer, along with fellow Jewish publishing pioneers such as the Knopfs and Simon and Schuster, Cerf helped remake the book business—reshaping both what was published and how it reached readers. In 1925, he and Klopfer acquired the Modern Library and transformed it into a cornerstone of American literary culture before founding Random House, which would go on to publish Truman Capote, Ralph Ellison, Ayn Rand, Dr. Seuss, Toni Morrison, and many more.

Even before television, Cerf was a bestselling author and columnist as well as a publisher; television only amplified his reach. A gifted networker long before the term existed, he moved fluidly across books, Broadway, Hollywood, television, and politics. A committed democratizer of culture, he published widely—across “high” and “low”—and from the 1920s through the 1960s built an extraordinary circle of friends and collaborators along the way.

For four decades, Gayle Feldman has reported on publishing for Publishers Weekly, The New York Times, The Bookseller, and others. Drawing on more than 200 interviews and extensive archival research, she brings Bennett Cerf vividly back to life, immersing readers in his world and offering a long-overdue portrait of a true American original.

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Nothing Random: Hardcover | Ebook | Penguin Random House

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The Forgotten World War: The Global Story of the American Revolution with Derek Baxter

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 07:00:16 +0000

Writer Derek Baxter joins Holley to explore the global story behind the American Revolution through his book The Forgotten World War: The American Revolution as a Global Conflict. Together, they discuss how the Revolutionary War extended far beyond the Thirteen Colonies, involving battles, alliances, and political struggles across Europe, the Caribbean, India, and beyond. The conversation highlights the crucial role of foreign allies such as France and Spain, the overlooked contributions of Cuba in supporting the victory at Yorktown, and the ways later histories narrowed what contemporaries understood to be a worldwide conflict. Derek also shares insights from his travels to historic sites connected to the war, offering a broader perspective on America’s founding and the international forces that helped shape it.

Derek Baxter Biography

Derek Baxter is the author of In Pursuit of Jefferson: Traveling through Europe with the Most Perplexing Founding Father, in which he recounts his journeys through six countries, armed with a guide written by Jefferson in 1788. This is his second book. He lives with his family in northern Virginia.

About The Forgotten World War: Exploring the Secret History of the American Revolution, from Spain to India and Back Again

The Revolutionary War wasn’t just fought in the Thirteen Colonies—it was a world war, spanning four continents. To discover more, Baxter embarks on an adventure-filled quest across the globe. He finds the human stories behind this long-ago conflict, expanding the universe of those who contributed to the cause, including the French, Spanish, Dutch, Oneida Indians, and Mysore Kingdom of India. And he delivers a powerful message: The United States only exists because peoples of different races, languages, and religions learned how to fight together, writing an unexpected story of independence that continues to resonate and inspire today.

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The Forgotten World War: Hardcover | Ebook | Amazon

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Minnie Pearl and the Hidden History of Nashville: Country Music, Culture, and Legacy with Mary Ellen Pethel

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 07:00:35 +0000

For the final episode of Season 3 of Say It With History, author, historian, and educator Mary Ellen Pethel joins Holley to explore the life and legacy of Minnie Pearl and the woman behind the beloved persona, Sarah Cannon. Together, they discuss Mary Ellen’s book Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story, Minnie’s rise from small-town performer to Grand Ole Opry icon, the misconceptions surrounding her career, and the lasting impact she had on country music and Nashville’s cultural landscape. Mary Ellen also shares insights into her work with Nashville Sites and reflects on the power of public history to preserve overlooked stories and connect communities to the past.

Mary Ellen Pethel Biography

Mary Ellen Pethel is an author, historian, and educator at Belmont University, where she directs the Global Honors Program and leads initiatives connecting academic research with public engagement. An award-winning author of six books, her work focuses on women’s leadership, education, and social change. Her latest book, Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story, co-authored with Don Cusic, is the definitive biography of Sarah Cannon. She is also the executive director of Nashville Sites, a nationally recognized digital public history platform bringing Nashville’s stories to life through interactive tours.

Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story

Throughout her career, Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon skillfully balanced her dual roles as Minnie and Sarah. Whether at the Opry, on the road, or on Hee Haw, Minnie remained a trusted friend and consummate professional. As k.d. lang noted, “Minnie understood where country music needed to go and who it needed to embrace. She was a visionary.” Rich with 155 historic photographs, this definitive biography covers the many chapters of Sarah Cannon’s life. Drawing from archives and interviews with those who knew her, Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story captures not only Cannon’s enduring humor and impact, but also the woman behind the laughter.

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Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story: The University of Tennessee Press | Hardcover | Ebook

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Jo van Gogh and Vincent van Gogh: The Woman Who Built an Artist’s Legacy with Joan Fernandez

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 07:00:50 +0000

Historical fiction author and speaker Joan Fernandez joins Holley to explore the untold story of Jo van Gogh-Bonger and the making of Vincent van Gogh’s legacy. Together, they challenge the myth of the isolated “mad genius,” examining how Jo’s strategy, resilience, and belief in Vincent’s work transformed him into a global icon. They also discuss how modern concepts like branding, influence, and storytelling shaped his reputation, and what it means to write history with integrity. Joan reflects on her own path from corporate marketing to historical fiction and the importance of uncovering the overlooked figures who change the course of history.

Joan Fernandez Biography

Joan Fernandez leverages three decades in the corporate marketing trenches to reveal the untold story of the woman who built the Van Gogh legacy. The author of the award-winning Saving Vincent: A Novel of Jo van Gogh (2025), Joan is a leading authority on Jo van Gogh-Bonger, framing her not simply as a widow, but as a brilliant strategist who navigated the demands of single motherhood while disrupting the global art market. Beyond her work as a frequent speaker and founder of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association Historical Fiction affinity group, she explores the intersection of history, marketing, and resilience in her Substack, Digging In with Joan Fernandez.

About Saving Vincent: A Novel of Jo van Gogh

Based on a true story, in 1891, timid Jo van Gogh Bonger lives safely in the background of her art dealer husband Theo’s passionate work to sell unknown artists, especially his ill-fated dead brother Vincent. When Theo dies unexpectedly, Jo’s brief happiness is shattered. Her inheritance—hundreds of unsold paintings by Vincent—is worthless. Pressured to move to her parents’ home, Jo defies tradition, opening a boarding house to raise her infant son alone, and choosing to promote Vincent’s art herself. But her ingenuity and persistence draw the powerful opposition of a Parisian art dealer who vows to stop her once and for all, and so sink Vincent into obscurity.

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Saving Vincent: Paperback | Ebook | Simon & Schuster

Books Mentioned: Heroines of Mercy Street by Pamela Toler Paperback | Ebook

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Material Culture Explained: How Objects Tell Hidden Histories with Laura Smith

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:00:25 +0000

Historian Laura Smith joins Holley to explore the power of material culture and how objects help us better understand the past. Together, they discuss how everyday items can reveal complex and often overlooked histories, why physical artifacts create deeper human connection than written sources alone, and how museums use objects to spark conversation and reflection. Laura also shares insights from her work at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House and reflects on how learning to “read” objects can change the way we see history and the world around us.

Laura Smith Biography

Laura Smith is a public historian whose work is focused on material culture as a way to encourage observation, conversation, and connection. A Utah native now based in Northern Virginia, Laura serves as the Program and Collections Assistant at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House. Beyond her museum work, Laura dedicates her time as the Vice Chair of the Manassas Historic Resources Board and contributes to the field through independent writing.

Books Mentioned: History Through Material Culture by Leonie Hannan and Sarah Longair Paperback

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Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House: Website

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Women in Historic Preservation: Saving America’s Landmarks and Legacy with Amanda Roper

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:00:52 +0000

Public historian Amanda Roper joins Holley to explore the often overlooked role of women in historic preservation. Together, they discuss how women have played a central role in saving places like George Washington’s Mount Vernon, how preservation goes beyond buildings to protect cultural memory and identity, and why these stories remain so important today. Amanda also reflects on her own path into public history and the importance of sharing underrepresented stories.

Amanda Roper Biography

Amanda Roper is a public historian who has dedicated her career to preserving historic places and sharing stories that have often been underrepresented in the American historical narrative. She holds a degree in history from the College of Charleston and has worked with several leading cultural and preservation institutions, including the National Park Service, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, as well as at historic sites in Charleston, South Carolina, and Alexandria, Virginia.

Amanda currently serves on the boards of the Historic House Museum Consortium of Washington, District of Columbia; Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages; and the National Collaborative for Women’s History Sites. She is a 2025–2026 Research Fellow at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon and is currently researching and writing a book exploring the history of women in historic preservation.

About Amanda’s Upcoming Book

Saving America’s Past: Women in Preservation explores the vital but often overlooked role women have played in preserving America's historic places—from early localized efforts in the nineteenth century to continued leadership in the modern era. Long before preservation became professionalized, women led the charge to save buildings and landscapes, protect cultural heritage, and shape public memory and civic identity. Women have stewarded some of our most famous historic homes, parks, battlefields, neighborhoods, and cities and served as essential keepers of community stories and material culture. This book will take readers on a journey through America’s preservation history, highlighting key women who worked individually and collectively to save our past. This book traces the various and evolving motivations women had for engaging in this work, revealing how women used their skills, networks, and vision to shape the way American’s remember their own history.

Books Mentioned: Black Majority by Peter Wood Paperback | Ebook

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Julius Caesar Explained: The Fall of the Roman Republic and the Rise of Empire with Phil Mathew

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:00:55 +0000

Professor Phil Mathew joins Holley to explore the life and legacy of Julius Caesar and the forces that led to the fall of the Roman Republic. Together, they discuss how military power and political ambition shaped Caesar’s rise, the role of loyalty and leadership in his success, and how intelligence and strategy influenced his campaigns. Phil also shares insights into how myth and reality intertwine in ancient sources and reflects on what Caesar’s story reveals about power, leadership, and the fragility of political systems.

Phil Mathew Biography

Professor Phil Mathew was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He holds a graduate degree in World History from Norwich University in Vermont and teaches history at Joliet Junior College, located just outside of Chicago.

His research focuses on the military and political history of Ancient Greece and Rome. In particular, he is interested in the impact of war on society, the relationship between soldiers and their commanders, intelligence gathering in the Roman army, and the life and legacy of Alexander the Great. His broader interests also include the history of the Roman emperors and their imperial dynasties, as well as Roman Britain, Roman Judaea, and Roman Egypt.

His graduate capstone examined the use of military intelligence in Julius Caesar’s army during the Gallic War. He is a member of the Association of Ancient Historians and the Society for Classical Studies.

Books Mentioned: Caesar: Life of a Colossus by Adrian Goldsworthy Paperback | Ebook

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Classic Hollywood Films Explained: Why They Still Matter Today with Simone O. Elias

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:00:35 +0000

Writer and cultural critic Simone O. Elias joins Holley to explore the enduring relevance of classic Hollywood and why these films continue to resonate today. Together, they discuss the bold storytelling of the Pre-Code era, the portrayal of women on screen, and how actresses like Judy Holliday and Joan Blondell challenged expectations. Simone also reflects on her perspective as a Gen Z critic and how classic films continue to shape modern culture and conversation.

Simone O. Elias Biography

Simone O. Elias is a cultural critic and author whose work has been featured on Turner Classic Movies, Psychology Today, The Forward, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Her writing explores classic Hollywood, feminism, mental health, and Jewish identity.

About Old Films, Young Eyes

Why would a modern teenager find classic films enthralling? In Old Films, Young Eyes, Simone O. Elias offers an eye-opening exploration of how classic Hollywood movies foreshadowed, influenced, and continue to shape popular culture in surprising ways. From anticipating today’s image-driven social media landscape to helping usher rock music into the mainstream—and even sparking elements of the #MeToo movement—these films remain remarkably relevant.

Despite the common belief that old movies are outdated, many classic films boldly confronted issues such as racism, antisemitism, gender roles, and shifting attitudes toward relationships. They also helped shape the cultural foundations behind modern icons like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga, while at times even foreshadowing more sobering developments, including the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Drawing on her perspective as a Gen Z cultural critic, Elias provides a fresh and thoughtful look at the enduring socio-cultural impact of classic Hollywood and why these films continue to resonate with new generations.

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Old Films, Young Eyes: Bookshop | McFarland

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Teaching Critical Thinking: How Students Learn to Think, Not Just Memorize with Keith Pakela

Fri, 22 May 2026 07:00:31 +0000

Educator and historian Keith Pakela joins Holley to explore how civics and history are taught in today’s classroom and why the focus is shifting from memorization to critical thinking. Together, they discuss how students are engaging with questions about democracy and the political system, what gaps educators are seeing in civic understanding, and how classroom discussions can create space for meaningful dialogue. Keith also reflects on the growing role of AI in education, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and why helping students learn how to think rather than what to think is more important than ever.

Keith Pakela Biography

Keith Pakela is an adjunct professor and AP Government teacher, working with students at both the high school and college level.

Connect with Keith: LinkedIn

Books Mentioned: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin Paperback | Ebook | Hardcover

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Anna May Wong and Early Hollywood: Race, Representation, and Asian American History with Katie Gee Salisbury

Fri, 15 May 2026 07:00:58 +0000

Author Katie Gee Salisbury joins Holley to explore the life and legacy of Anna May Wong, Hollywood’s first Asian American movie star, and the barriers she faced in early film. Together, they discuss Wong’s rise during the Jazz Age, the limitations placed on her by stereotypical roles, and her bold decision to leave Hollywood for Europe in search of greater creative freedom. Katie also reflects on the myths that have shaped Wong’s story, the complexities of representation on screen, and why her legacy continues to resonate today.

Katie Gee Salisbury Biography

Katie Gee Salisbury is the author of Not Your China Doll, a biography of Anna May Wong, Hollywood’s first Asian American movie star. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The Believer, the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, and elsewhere. She was a finalist for the Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship in 2021 and gave the TED Talk “As American as Chop Suey.” She also writes the Substack Half-Caste Woman. A fifth-generation Chinese American who hails from Southern California, she now lives in Brooklyn.

About Not Your China Doll

Nominated for the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards in History & Biography

PW Weekly Top 10 Memoirs & Biographies for Spring 2024

Entertainment Weekly “Books We Are Excited to Read in 2024”

Set against the glittering backdrop of Los Angeles during the gin-soaked Jazz Age and the rise of Hollywood, this debut book brings Anna May Wong—Hollywood’s first Asian American movie star—back into focus, reclaiming her place as a pioneering and often overlooked figure in cinema history.

Before Constance Wu, Sandra Oh, Awkwafina, or Lucy Liu, there was Anna May Wong. In her time, she was a celebrated beauty, a witty conversationalist, and a fashion icon. Plucked from her family’s laundry business in Los Angeles, she rose to stardom in Douglas Fairbanks’s blockbuster The Thief of Bagdad. Audiences and the press clamored for more, but as Hollywood continued to confine her to stereotypical roles, she made the bold decision to leave and pursue opportunities abroad.

In Europe, Anna May starred in acclaimed films in Berlin, Paris, and London, captivating audiences and moving within elite international circles. When she returned to the United States, she confronted Hollywood directly, speaking out against the industry’s racism and working to break free from limiting roles like the “China doll” and “dragon lady.” In doing so, she helped reshape the possibilities for Asian American representation on screen.

Filled with vivid stories of capricious directors, admiring costars, glamorous parties, and far-flung romances, Not Your China Doll captures the vibrant and defiant life of a groundbreaking artist.

Not Your China Doll: Hardcover | Ebook | Website

Recommended Films: Song (1928)

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World War I Fighter Aces: Myth vs Reality in Early Air Combat with Abby Whitlock

Fri, 08 May 2026 07:00:10 +0000

Historian and cultural heritage professional Abby Whitlock joins Holley to explore the myth of the World War I fighter ace and how wartime hero narratives are carefully constructed. Together, they discuss how figures like Arthur Rhys Davids were transformed into symbols of heroism, how social class and media shaped who was remembered, and what these stories reveal about masculinity and national identity. Abby also reflects on her own path into aviation history and the importance of looking beyond the legend to understand the complex human experiences behind it.

Abby Whitlock Biography

Abby Whitlock is a historian, writer, and cultural heritage professional whose research centers on the social and cultural history afterlives of the Victorian Era and the World Wars. Specializing in First World War aviation history, her current research focuses on the tension between the fighter pilot archetype, mental health, and the transformation of complex individuals into national symbols.

She has delivered lectures on topics such as morale, mental health, and comradeship within the air services for the Royal Air Force Museum, Society for Military History, and Great War Aviation Society, and has published extensively on the evolving image of the aviator from wartime media coverage to post-war popular culture.

Abby writes and consults on military history, aviation, and cultural heritage projects, with a focus on making rigorous research accessible beyond academia. She works in the Digital Content Strategy and Experience Division at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, where she leads program management and strategic planning for the Chief Digital Officer.

Books Mentioned: Käte & the Red Baron: Käte Oltersdorf & Manfred von Richthofen – Her “Restless Patient” by Lance J Bronnenkant PhD and Reinhard Schröder Oberst Amazon

Connect with Abby: Website | Bluesky | LinkedIn

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Listen on YouTube: Channel

Sigrid Schultz and Nazi Germany: Journalism, Resistance, and Reporting the Truth with Pamela Toler

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:00:34 +0000

Historian Pamela Toler joins Holley in the first episode of Season 3 to explore the life and legacy of Sigrid Schultz, an American journalist who reported from Nazi Germany during one of the most turbulent periods of the twentieth century. Together, they discuss how Schultz navigated censorship, used a pseudonym to report dangerous truths, and became one of the most influential foreign correspondents of her time. Pamela also reflects on the broader role of women in journalism and why Schultz’s story reminds us of the vital connection between a free press and a healthy democracy.

Pamela Toler Biography

Armed with a PhD in history, a well-thumbed deck of library cards, and a large dose of curiosity, author, speaker, and historian Pamela D. Toler writes historical nonfiction for a popular audience. She moves beyond the familiar boundaries of American history to tell stories from around the world and from perspectives often overlooked—from the other side of the battlefield, the gender line, or the color bar.

Toler is the author of ten books of popular history for children and adults, including Heroines of Mercy Street: Real Nurses of the Civil War, Women Warriors: An Unexpected History, and The Dragon from Chicago: The Untold Story of an American Reporter in Nazi Germany. Her work has appeared in The American Scholar, Aramco World, Calliope, History Channel Magazine, MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History, Ms., Time.com, and The Washington Post, and has been featured by National Geographic.

About The Dragon from Chicago

In The Dragon from Chicago, historian Pamela Toler tells the story of Sigrid Schultz, an American journalist who spent years courageously reporting from Berlin, covering events from the revolts of 1919 through the Nazi rise to power and the Allied air raids over the city in 1941. At a time when women reporters rarely wrote front-page stories, Schultz consistently reported the truth about Nazi Germany despite censorship and the constant threat of expulsion, internment, or even death.

The Nazis called Schultz “that dragon from Chicago.” One fellow correspondent described her as “Adolf Hitler’s greatest enemy.” Schultz herself simply insisted she was “just a reporter.” Her story is a powerful account of one woman standing up for truth in an era increasingly shaped by disinformation and propaganda fueled by hate.

The Dragon from Chicago: Bookshop | Beacon Press

Books Mentioned: Fighting Words by Nancy F. Cott Hardcover

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Hollywood Musicals and American History: How Film Reflects Society with Miles Eady

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:00:17 +0000

In the final episode of Season 2, film historian Miles Eady joins Holley to explore how four landmark Hollywood musicals illuminate the shifting moods of twentieth-century America. Their conversation traces the evolution of the genre from Depression-era escapism to wartime unity, postwar disillusionment, and the rebellious energy of the 1960s. Together, they examine how song, spectacle, and storytelling captured the hopes, fears, and cultural currents of their time, offering listeners a fresh perspective on the musical as a mirror of American history.

Miles Eady – Biography

Miles Eady is a film historian, writer, and public speaker specializing in Hollywood musicals. His work explores the history, artistry, and cultural impact of the movie musical—from its vaudeville and Broadway origins to its golden age at MGM and beyond. Miles has presented at venues including the British Film Institute and has appeared on BBC Radio 3’s Free Thinking. Known for his engaging style and deep knowledge of classic Hollywood, he brings to life the stories behind the stars, songs, and studios that shaped a century of cinematic magic.

Movies Mentioned

42^nd Street (1933)

This Is The Army (1943)

It’s Always Fair Weather (1955)

Hair (1979)

Connect with Miles: Website

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Listen on YouTube: Channel

VA250 and Lafayette: Celebrating the American Revolution’s 250th Anniversary with Kat Smith

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:00:19 +0000

Community builder Kat Smith joins Holley to explore the enduring legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette and the efforts behind the VA250 and Lafayette Bicentennial celebrations. They discuss Kat’s passion for public history, her work bringing these stories to life online, and how creative digital engagement is helping new generations connect with America’s Revolutionary past.

Kat Smith – Biography

Kat Smith is a sixth-generation Virginian and a passionate community builder. She serves as Senior Advisor for Social Media and Communications for the VA250 Commission and as Social Media Manager for the American Friends of Lafayette. A devoted admirer of the Marquis de Lafayette, Kat brings history to life through creative storytelling and digital engagement. She is a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Associated Daughters of Early American Witches. When she’s not creating content for VA250 and AFL, Kat enjoys spending time with her daughter, Victoria, and her fiancé, Andrew.

VA250: Website

Lafayette 200: Website

Books Mentioned

Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette by Celine Castrovilla: Bookshop Hardback

Connect with Kat: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok

Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn

Listen on YouTube: Channel

Black Panther Party Women: Activism, Leadership, and the Stories History Missed with Madison Givens

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:00:57 +0000

Historian, educator, and The History Queen Madison Givens joins Holley to explore the women of the Black Panther Party—the organizers, educators, and community builders who powered the movement. Their conversation highlights how these women’s leadership, care, and courage redefined what revolution could look like and continue to inspire change today.

Madison Givens – Biography

Madison Givens is a historian, educator, and the creator behind The History Queen and the Women Walked series. A PhD candidate in History at the University of Memphis, she specializes in the intersections of race, gender, and power in modern history—examining how stories of the past continue to shape our present. Beyond her research, Madison teaches history at multiple levels, from middle school to college, and is passionate about making the past accessible, engaging, and relevant for every audience. Through The History Queen, she brings history to life with creativity, empathy, and unapologetic storytelling.

Books Mentioned

Killing the Black Body by Dorothy Roberts: Bookshop Paperback | Ebook

Connect with Madison: LinkedIn | Instagram

Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn

Listen on YouTube: Channel

Marion Davies: The Real Story Behind the Hollywood Icon with Lara Gabrielle

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 08:00:55 +0000

Biographer and film historian Lara Gabrielle joins Holley to uncover the real Marion Davies — the brilliant actress, comedienne, and philanthropist who helped shape Hollywood’s Golden Age. Drawing from years of meticulous research, Lara shares how Davies built her own career, defied the limitations placed on women in early Hollywood, and left behind a legacy of generosity and strength. Their conversation explores the myths surrounding Citizen Kane, the truth about Davies’s partnership with William Randolph Hearst, and the enduring impact of a woman who was far more than the legend — she was, as Lara’s book reminds us, the captain of her soul.

Lara Gabrielle – Biography

Lara Gabrielle is a biographer and film historian, and the host and curator of Movies at Mechanics’, the weekly film program at San Francisco’s Mechanics’ Institute. Widely recognized as “the reigning expert on Marion Davies,” she has served as a consultant on Davies’s life and legacy for numerous books, dissertations, and film projects.

Her work on Davies has appeared in Alta, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Missouri Review, The Wall Street Journal, and on PBS’s American Experience. Gabrielle has spoken at festivals and retrospectives around the world and has collaborated on screenings and initiatives with the American Film Institute, the New York Public Library, Film Forum, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Her acclaimed biography, Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies, was shortlisted for the 2023 Northern California Book Award. She lives in Oakland, California.

Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies – Summary

From Marion Davies’s humble beginnings in Brooklyn to her rise to fame alongside press baron William Randolph Hearst, the public story of the film star has long played like a modern fairy tale — one shaped by gossip columnists, fan magazines, and Hollywood mythmaking. Yet the real Marion Davies remained largely hidden from view, wary of interviews and trusting few with her true story.

In Captain of Her Soul, biographer Lara Gabrielle peels back those layers of legend to reveal a complex, fiercely independent woman ahead of her time. Drawing on meticulous research, unprecedented archival access, and interviews with those who knew Davies, Gabrielle counters the familiar narrative to show a woman who navigated disability, social stigma, and a male-dominated Hollywood to become one of its brightest comediennes.

More than a star, Davies was a shrewd businesswoman and dedicated philanthropist whose proudest achievements were offscreen — from her wartime efforts to her advocacy for children. Captain of Her Soul brings her out of the shadows of the Hearst legacy and restores her rightful place as a dynamic woman who lived life entirely on her own terms — and truly was, as she once said, the captain of her soul.

Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies

Bookshop: Hardback | Ebook | CD-Audio

Books Mentioned

Clara Bow: Runnin’ Wild by David Stenn: Bookshop Paperback | Ebook

Connect with Lara: Website | Instagram | X | Bluesky

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Listen on YouTube: Channel

Bianca’s Cure: Science, Medicine, and Life in Renaissance Florence with Gigi Berardi

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Author Gigi Berardi joins Holley to explore the world behind Bianca’s Cure — a story where science, intrigue, and the hidden corners of Renaissance Florence come vividly to life. Drawing on years of research and her own background in science, Gigi reveals how women like Bianca navigated a world of suspicion, discovery, and power. Their conversation uncovers the real Florence beyond the romantic image, examines the long and winding path of medical knowledge, and highlights the essential yet often overlooked role of women in shaping scientific history. At its heart, this episode celebrates a woman who refused to fade into the shadows and a story that reminds us there is always more than one history — and more than one science.

Gigi Berardi - Biography

Gigi Berardi hails from Hollywood and holds degrees in biology, resources and planning, and dance. A Fulbright scholar in Italy and a professor at Western Washington University, she also teaches in Florence. She has written more than 400 reviews and articles for print media and has been featured on numerous podcasts and broadcast programs. Beyond writing, her passions include dance, cheesemaking, and travel. She divides her time between Bellingham, Washington, and Shaw Island.

Bianca’s Cure – Summary

Bianca’s Cure is the third in Gigi Berardi’s series of science-focused books written during her tenure at Western, following Finding Balance (Routledge, 2005) and FoodWISE (North Atlantic Books, 2020), the latter of which earned twelve writing awards. Like her earlier work, this novel is a call to action — championing observation, systematic thought, and science as essential ways of understanding the world. “Science is under attack now more than ever,” Berardi notes. “My book is an anthem to science, a Renaissance version of Lessons in Chemistry, revealing the secrets and strategies women used to break through even then.” Central to the story is the herb artemisia and the medical mystery of malaria — a disease long believed to be caused by “bad air,” or mal aria in Italian.

The novel also draws a powerful contemporary connection: in 2015, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Chinese scientist Tu Youyou, who, without a doctorate or medical degree, led the discovery of artemisinin, an anti-malaria drug derived from artemisia — what she called in her Nobel lecture “a gift from traditional Chinese medicine to the world.”

At the heart of the book is the passionate relationship between Francesco de’ Medici and Bianca, set against a gripping backdrop of medicine, politics, love, and death in Renaissance Florence. Malaria claimed many members of the Medici family, yet modern analysis revealed traces of arsenic in Francesco’s remains — and Bianca’s body has never been found. What ultimately happened to them remains one of the great unsolved mysteries of the Italian Renaissance.

Early reviews describe the novel as “imaginative and persuasive,” praising its portrayal of Bianca’s intelligence and the vivid Florentine setting “where innovation and suspicion co-existed, especially for non-conforming women like Bianca.” Readers are reminded that in the same rooms “bright with fresco dust and furnace light, medicine and poison look dangerously alike.” Critics also highlight the story’s emotional depth, calling it “a confrontation with the limits of will and the costs of refusing to recede into the shadows.”

As Jude Berman, author of The Vow and a 2024 Kirkus Best Indie Book, writes:

“In the tradition of the best historical fiction, Gigi Berardi takes a little-known woman shrouded in mystery and imagines the emotional glue for a riveting story. As the alchemy of Berardi’s writing breathes life into the alchemy of Bianca’s cure, you will be held under her spell.”

Biance’s Cure

Bookshop: Paperback | Ebook

Books Mentioned

Daughters of Alchemy by Meredith Ray: Amazon Hardcover | Kindle

The Only Woman in the Room: A Novel by Marie Benedict: Bookshop Paperback

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell: Bookshop Paperback | Ebook

Connect with Gigi: Website | X | Instagram

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Listen on YouTube: Channel

The Limits of Limelight: Phyllis Fraser, Fame, and Reinvention with Margaret Porter

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:00:45 +0000

Author and historian Margaret Porter joins Holley to explore the remarkable life of Phyllis Fraser, the young woman who traveled from Oklahoma to 1930s Hollywood and carved out a path uniquely her own. Drawing from her novel The Limits of Limelight, Margaret illuminates Phyllis’s early years alongside her cousin Ginger Rogers and her aunt Lela Rogers, her move from aspiring actress to influential literary figure, and the demanding realities faced by women in the studio era. Their conversation shines a light on the overlooked women who shaped Hollywood’s Golden Age and the enduring power of reinvention in a world built on glamour and illusion.

Margaret Porter – Biography

Margaret Porter is the author of contemporary novels A Change of Location (2024) and Sequins and Starlight (2025). Her historical fiction titles include The Myrtle Wand (2022), The Limits of Limelight (2021), Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr, twelve additional novels, and various foreign-language editions. She studied British history in the U.K., completed theatre training in the U.S., and earned her M.A. in Radio-Television-Film.

A USA Today bestseller and recipient of numerous writing awards, Margaret worked as a freelance writer and producer for film and video projects and on location for three feature films and a television series. She has also written newspaper columns, book reviews, lifestyle features, and articles on history, travel, and writing. At national and regional writers’ conferences, she presents workshops on historical research and writing techniques.

A member of the Authors Guild, Novelists Inc., Historical Novel Society, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, London Historians, and other organizations, she has been recognized by Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in Authors, Editors and Poets, and Who’s Who in Entertainment. Margaret and her husband live in New England with their dog, dividing their time between an architecturally unique, book-filled home in a small city and a waterfront cottage on one of the region’s largest lakes.

The Limits of Limelight – Summary

Pretty Oklahoma teenager Helen Nichols accepts an invitation from her cousin, rising movie actress Ginger Rogers, and her Aunt Lela to try her luck in motion pictures. Her relatives, convinced that her looks and personality will ensure success, provide her with a new name and help her land a contract with RKO. As Phyllis Fraser, she swiftly discovers that Depression-era Hollywood’s surface glamour and glitter obscure the ceaseless struggle of the hopeful starlet.

Lela Rogers, intensely devoted to her daughter and her niece, outwardly accepting of her “stage mother” label, is nonetheless determined to establish her reputation as screenwriter, stage director, and studio talent scout. For Phyllis, she’s an inspiring model of grit and persistence in an industry run by men. While Ginger soars to stardom in musicals with Fred Astaire, Phyllis is tempted by a career more fulfilling than the one she was thrust into. Should she continue working in films or devote herself to the profession she’s dreamed about since childhood? Which choice might lead her to the lasting love that seems so elusive?

The Limits of Limelight

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle

Bookshop: Paperback

Books Mentioned

A History of the English-Speaking Peoples by Winston Churchill: Bookshop

Margaret’s Novels: View her books

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War Stories and Media Narratives: What We Get Wrong About the Military with Jennifer Barnhill

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 08:00:57 +0000

Journalist and author Jennifer Barnhill joins Holley to explore the often overlooked world of military family life, as revealed in her powerful new book The Military Stories You’ve Been Told & the Ones You Need to Hear. They discuss the hidden challenges faced by military families, the strength and advocacy of women like Sybil Stockdale and the League of Wives, and the importance of preserving these untold stories. Jennifer shares how personal experience and rigorous reporting shaped her work, offering a deeper understanding of service, sacrifice, and the voices so often left out of the narrative.

Jennifer Barnhill – Biography

Jennifer Barnhill, MPA, is a journalist, researcher, and advocate amplifying the stories of military families. A former columnist for Military.com and host of Military Dinner Table Conversations—a monthly reverse town hall that elevates the voices behind military life—Jennifer was named the 2025 Armed Forces Insurance Navy Spouse of the Year and is a 2023 Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Scholar.

Her reporting on military family policy has appeared on CNN, informed discussions on Capitol Hill, and been cited by the White House, featured by NPR, and presented before Congress. Drawing on her lived experience navigating the military ecosystem, Jennifer reveals how policies affect families in practice.

Her debut book, The Military Stories You’ve Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear, challenges readers to reconsider what they know about service, sacrifice, and the voices too often left out of the story.

The Military Stories You’ve Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear – Summary

The Military Stories You’ve Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear pulls back the curtain on the Department of Defense’s polished narratives to reveal the lived experiences of military families too often left out of the conversation. Through deeply reported stories and unflinching analysis, Jennifer Barnhill challenges what Americans think they know about military life—and shows why understanding the truth is essential if we’re serious about supporting those who serve.

Blending rigorous research, personal testimony, and historical context, Barnhill confronts long-held assumptions about service, sacrifice, and support, urging readers to question the systems that shape military family life and to advocate for lasting change.

From the unseen labor of military spouses to the overlooked grief of Gold Star families, this is both a tribute and a blueprint for reform. Featuring insight from political leaders and real military families, Barnhill calls on all Americans to acknowledge, record, and honor the full story of military life.

The Military Stories You’ve Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear

Bookshop: Paperback | Ebook

Connect with Jennifer: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

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Broadway’s Golden Age: How Musical Theatre Shaped American Culture with Brandon Davis

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:00:45 +0000

Podcast host Brandon Davis joins Holley to explore the Golden Age of Broadway and its powerful influence on American culture. Together, they trace how mid-century musicals reshaped storytelling and reflected shifting social values. Brandon discusses iconic shows such as Oklahoma! and West Side Story, sharing why these productions still resonate today and how they helped define a transformative era in American entertainment.

Brandon Davis Biography

Brandon Davis is the host of Front Row Classics, a podcast dedicated to celebrating the timeless artistry and cultural impact of classic cinema. Born in East Point, Georgia, and raised in Lincoln, Illinois, Brandon has lived in Springfield, Illinois, since 2023. He launched Front Row Classics in June 2015, and the show has been part of NPR Illinois since 2019, where he continues to share his passion for entertainment history with audiences across the country.

Connect with Brandon: Front Row Classics Podcast | Instagram | X | Bluesky | Facebook

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Listen on YouTube: Channel

African Women in Ancient History: Queens, Leaders, and Untold Stories with Katy Clark

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:00:29 +0000

Author and historian Katy Clark joins Holley to explore the powerful stories in African Women of the Ancient World: Queens, Consorts, and Warriors. Their conversation highlights the courage, leadership, and resilience of women who shaped African history and continue to inspire generations today.

Katy Clark – Biography

Katy Clark is a respected historian and author known for her modern approach to historical narratives. Originally from Illinois, she relocated to East Tennessee after earning her bachelor’s degree in history, followed by a magna cum laude master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2020. Specializing in women’s history, Katy runs the website Remember the Ladies, where she highlights the contributions of women throughout history.

African Women of the Ancient World – Summary

Discover the untold stories of Africa’s warrior queens—rulers who defied empires, led armies, and shaped the course of history. In African Women of the Ancient World: Queens, Consorts, and Warriors, journey through millennia to uncover the lives of powerful women like Queen Amanirenas, who challenged the might of Rome; Queen Nzinga Mbande, who fought against the Portuguese slave trade; and Dahia al-Kahina, who defended North Africa from Arab invasion.

These extraordinary women, often overshadowed by their male counterparts, ruled with unparalleled strategy, pride, and ferocity, guiding their nations through battles and sweeping change. From the great Pharaoh Hatshepsut of Egypt to Queen Makeda of Sheba—whose legacy intertwines with the legends of King Solomon—these rulers stand as the unsung champions of ancient history.

African Women of the Ancient World: Queens, Consorts, Warriors, Women

Bookshop: Hardback

Connect with Katy: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Medium

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Listen on YouTube: Channel

Growing Up Roosevelt: Family, Legacy, and Life Inside a Presidential Dynasty with Nina Roosevelt Gibson

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 08:00:02 +0000

Author Nina Roosevelt Gibson joins Holley to explore the intimate and inspiring stories behind her memoir Growing Up Roosevelt. Their conversation offers a rare glimpse into life with Eleanor Roosevelt, from cherished moments at Val-Kill to travels around the world, revealing the warmth, compassion, and quiet strength that defined one of the most influential women of the twentieth century. Through personal memories and historical insight, Nina reflects on a remarkable legacy and the values that continue to resonate today.

Nina Roosevelt Gibson – Biography

Nina Roosevelt Gibson is the daughter of John Roosevelt, the youngest child of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and Anne Roosevelt. A psychologist and author, Nina earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from The Ohio State University and spent much of her career working in the public sector with disadvantaged families. She is a founding member and former board chair of the Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center and serves as a Trustee of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. In her book Growing Up Roosevelt, Nina reflects on her family’s remarkable legacy and her formative years spent at Val-Kill and traveling alongside her grandmother, Eleanor Roosevelt.

Growing Up Roosevelt – Summary

When Nina Roosevelt was just seven years old, her family moved from California to live with her grandmother at the small cottage, Val-Kill, in Hyde Park, New York. It was at Val-Kill Farm that Nina shared her childhood years with her remarkable grandmother, the woman who would change her life. To Nina, she was Grandmère, but, to most everyone else, she was Eleanor Roosevelt. Few people realize how important Val-Kill was for Eleanor Roosevelt. Returning "home again" nourished her, allowed her time for reflection, planning, and rejuvenation so that she could continue pouring her heart and soul into the needs of so many people the world over.

Growing Up Roosevelt gives an intimate picture of life at Val-Kill as well as Nina's wide-ranging experiences traveling as a teenager with her grandmother. Included are portraits of the family, staff, famous friends, people in need, and world leaders as disparate as Nikita Khrushchev, Haile Selassie, and John F. Kennedy. This book will appeal to anyone interested in the life and times of Eleanor Roosevelt, her work as a trailblazing political and feminist leader, and the intimate behind-the-scenes details that only her granddaughter can tell.

Growing Up Roosevelt

Amazon: Hardcover | Kindle

Bookshop: Hardback | Ebook

The Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill: https://ervk.org/growing-up-roosevelt/

The Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill: Learn More About Their Work & Mission

Books Mentioned

Exodus by Leon Uris: Bookshop Paperback

Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn

Listen on YouTube: Channel

The Theatre of Grief: Edwin Booth, Tragedy, and the American Stage with Elizabeth Reese

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:00:04 +0000

Historian and author Elizabeth Reese joins Holley to explore the complex life of Edwin Booth, brother of John Wilkes Booth. Their conversation traces his rise as one of America’s greatest Shakespearean actors, his efforts to reclaim his family’s legacy after the Lincoln assassination, and how fame, grief, and redemption intertwined on and off the stage.

Elizabeth M. Reese – Biography

Elizabeth M. Reese is a historian based in Washington, D.C., whose work explores public memory, family ties, and grief. A longtime public historian, she has interpreted sites such as Hamilton Grange and the U.S. Capitol and currently serves as Senior Manager of Public Programs & Interpretation at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House. Her writing has appeared in TIME, The New York Times, and the Journal of the American Revolution. Her first book, Marquis de Lafayette Returns, was published in 2024. She is currently writing a manuscript exploring how Edwin Booth transformed American theatre and contributed to national healing after Lincoln’s assassination.

Books Mentioned

America’s Original Sin by John Rhodehamel: Amazon Hardback | Kindle | Bookshop

Booth by Karen Joy Fowler: Bookshop Paperback | Bookshop Ebook

Othello Recording from Edwin Booth: YouTube

Connect with Elizabeth: Website | Instagram | Bluesky | Substack

Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn

Listen on YouTube: Channel

Adele Astaire and the World of Old Hollywood: Grace, Glamour, and Legacy with Eliza Knight

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 08:00:44 +0000

Author Eliza Knight joins Holley for the first episode of Season 2 to explore the captivating life of Adele Astaire, Fred Astaire’s talented and trailblazing sister. They discuss Adele’s dazzling career on the stage, her enduring bond with Fred, and the remarkable spirit that made her a star of her time and an inspiration for generations to come.

Eliza Knight – Biography

Eliza Knight is an award-winning USA Today and international bestselling author of historical fiction. She is the creator of the popular historical blog History Undressed and a host of the History, Books and Wine podcast. Through her richly researched novels, Eliza brings history’s most fascinating women to life, captivating readers around the world.

Starring Adele Astaire – Summary

USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight returns with a dazzling tale that delves into the life of Adele Astaire—who served up smiles and love both on and off the stage, with and without her equally famous brother, Fred Astaire—alongside the story of a determined young dancer with rags-to-riches dreams.

A spirited rising stage star…

Adele Astaire was a glittering, glamorous performer, dancing with her brother Fred and enchanting audiences from New York to London. Toasted by royalty and adored by fans, Adele has dreams beyond the spotlight—a loving husband and a home full of children. When she meets Lord Charles Cavendish, her dreams may finally come true—but at what cost?

A determined young dancer…

Ever since Violet Wood could walk, she’s wanted to dance on the London stage. Befriended by Adele and filled with ambition, she’s willing to make any sacrifice to see her name in lights. But the road to fame is never easy.

Two women with unquenchable spirit…

From the fast-paced world of Roaring Twenties New York to the horrors and heartaches of wartime London, Adele’s and Violet’s lives intertwine in this sweeping novel of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams.

Starring Adele Astaire

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle

Bookshop: Paperback | Ebook

Books mentioned

The Frozen River by Ariel Lohan: Bookshop Paperback | Bookshop Ebook

Connect with Eliza: Website | History, Books & Wine Podcast | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon Author Page

Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn

Listen on YouTube: Channel

Announcing Season 2 of Say It With History

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:00:17 +0000

Holley is excited to announce that Season 2 of Say It With History will be here on Friday, January 2, 2026. This season, Holley will be exploring a wide range of stories spanning entertainment, political, and military history—from Broadway and Hollywood to Washington, D.C., and Italy. Each Friday, she will bring listeners thoughtful, engaging conversations filled with stories, scholarship, and the voices keeping history alive today.

Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn

Listen on YouTube: Channel

Women and Welfare in American History: The Untold Stories Behind Social Policy with Alycia Asai

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:00:02 +0000

When we think of welfare history, most accounts center on policy or the experiences of recipients. But the story is much richer—and far more gendered—than we often realize. In this episode, historian Alycia Asai joins me to uncover the overlooked women who built, administered, and shaped America’s social safety net. From early charity work to the emergence of professional social work, we explore how women’s community care evolved into a career path during a time of limited economic opportunity.

Alycia Asai is an independent historian and the host of Civics and Coffee: A History Podcast, a weekly show exploring the people and events that shaped American history. She earned her master’s degree from Sonoma State University, where she studied the evolution of the social safety net in the United States with a focus on women in welfare administration. Trained in oral history, Alycia’s writing has appeared in Inside History and Nursing Clio.

Our conversation connects past to present—revealing how the debates surrounding welfare and public assistance funding continue today. We also highlight trailblazers like Frances Perkins, the visionary behind much of the Social Security Act of 1935, and the generations of women whose labor and leadership built the foundation of modern social work.

Alycia's Masters Thesis: Beyond Bureaucrats: The Sonoma County Women Behind Implementing Welfare Reform & the Affordable Care Act

Nursing Clio Piece: Hidden Casualties

Books Mentioned

Creating a Female Dominion in American Reform, 1890-1935 by Robyn Muncy: Bookshop

Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn

Listen on YouTube: Channel

Ancient Egypt Beyond the Pyramids: Daily Life, Culture, and Hidden Histories with Melissa in De Nile

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Ancient Egypt is full of stories beyond Cleopatra, Tutankhamun, and the pyramids—and Melissa in De Nile is here to share them. An Egyptologist, archaeologist, and museum educator, Melissa has built a platform that makes history approachable, fun, and accessible to audiences everywhere.

In this episode, we talk about her journey from a childhood fascination with Ancient Egypt to her work as a museum educator and content creator. We explore the daily lives of ordinary Egyptians, her surprising research on dogs in Egyptian culture, and the enduring fascination with the city of Amarna.

Melissa also reflects on the importance of combating myths and misinformation while opening doors for people who love history but may feel shut out of academia.

Melissa launched Melissa in De Nile in 2020 to share Ancient Egyptian art, archaeology, and history with the public in engaging and creative ways. She creates content across TikTok, Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms, while also working as a museum educator to connect audiences of all ages with the past.

Books mentioned

⁠Mummies in the Morning⁠ by Mary Pope Osborne: Amazon | Bookshop

⁠Mummies and Pyramids⁠ by Mary Pope Osborne & Will Osborne: Bookshop

⁠Come, Tell Me How You Live⁠ by Agatha Christie Mallowan: Bookshop

Nefertiti: A Novel ⁠by Michelle Moran: Amazon | Bookshop

Connect with Holley: ⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠ | ⁠Website ⁠| ⁠LinkedIn

Listen on YouTube: Channel

Why America Feels So Divided: Civics, Polarization, and Democracy Explained with Paul Rader

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Civics often feels abstract or overlooked, yet it shapes the very core of how citizens understand democracy and engage in public life. In this episode, Paul Rader—educator, writer, and nonpartisan political analyst—explores the intersections of civics, history, and modern polarization.

Through personal stories, historical reflections, and a call for stronger civic education, Paul sheds light on how understanding our past can help bridge divides and empower citizens to build a healthier democracy.

Paul is the creator and host of the Politics with Paul podcast and the author of Why Independents Rarely Win Elections: And How They Could Become More Competitive (2021). He is also the founder of Detoxify American Politics, a civics education initiative offering tools to help citizens move beyond division and re-engage with democracy in healthier ways.

Based in Florida, Paul has spent his career teaching politics in a nonpartisan, nonideological manner, dedicated to enhancing civic awareness and engagement.

Connect with Paul: Linktree | Website | Detoxify American Politics | Politicswith Paul Podcast | LinkedIn

Paul’s Book: Why Independents Rarely Win Elections: And How They Could Become More Competitive | Kindle Version

Reads mentioned: Why Parties?: The Origin and Transformation of Political Parties in America by John Aldrich | The Federalist Papers

Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn

Listen on YouTube: Channel

Bruce Springsteen and the Vietnam War: Music, Memory, and American History with Melissa Ziobro

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Behind every song lies a story of memory, place, and the people who shaped it. In this episode, Melissa Ziobro—historian, curator, and Director of Curatorial Affairs at Monmouth University’s Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music—shares her work preserving and interpreting the Boss’s legacy.

We talk about her path with the Archives, from curating its first traveling exhibit Springsteen: His Hometown to her upcoming book on Springsteen and the Vietnam War, honoring two of his close friends who were killed in action. Along the way, Melissa reflects on New Jersey’s broader history, from Fort Monmouth’s technological innovations to the ways music and memory intertwine in American culture.

Melissa began her career in 2004 as a historian, archivist, and curator for the U.S. Army at Fort Monmouth before joining Monmouth University’s faculty. In 2023, she was appointed curator of the Bruce Springsteen Archives, and in 2025 promoted to Director of Curatorial Affairs.

Connect with Melissa: LinkedIn | Springsteen Archives | Monmouth Profile

Melissa’s Books: Fort Monmouth: The U.S. Army’s House of Magic (2024) | The Battlin’ Bastards of Bravo (2025)

Books mentioned: Don’t Stop: Why We (Still) Love Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours by Alan Light

Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn

Female Spies of the American Revolution: Hidden Histories Revealed with Aly Riley

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Every hidden story deserves a voice—and Aly Riley is here to tell it. In this episode, we talk about the overlooked world of female espionage in the American Revolution. Aly, historian and author of She Spies, shares how women shaped the Revolutionary cause through intelligence networks, the enduring mystery of Agent 355, and the challenges of reconstructing lives history tried to forget.

From her beginnings as a graduate student to her path as a published author, Aly’s work highlights the persistence it takes to uncover untold stories and restore women to the historical record.

Aly Riley is an American historian and author who earned her master’s degree in history from Monmouth University in 2021. Her debut novella She Spies was released in September 2023 to critical acclaim, and her second, Spirits and Secrets, is set for release in Fall 2025.

Connect with Aly: LinkedIn | Instagram | She Spies

Books mentioned: Invisible Ink: Spycraft of the American Revolution by John A. Nagy | 1776 by David McCullough

Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn

Listen on YouTube: Channel

The Gilded Age and Its Legacy: How History Shapes Modern Pop Culture with Matthew Hild

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

History often feels segmented—political events in one corner, cultural icons in another—but the stories that endure most powerfully are those that reveal unexpected connections. In this episode, historian Matthew Hild explores the Gilded Age’s lasting grip on American imagination and how it resonates through modern pop culture.

From railroads and labor struggles to the lives of Andy Gibb and Olivia Newton-John, we discuss how his research bridges academic history and popular biography, showing the timeless drive to tell stories that connect past to present.

Matthew Hild is the Civic Education and Learning Initiatives Manager and Lecturer of History at Georgia Tech. He is the author or co-author of seven books on American labor, political, and cultural history. His work spans the Gilded Age through today, with a recent focus on music legends Andy Gibb and Olivia Newton-John.

Connect with Matt: LinkedIn | Georgia Tech Profile | Amazon Author Page | Andy Gibb Book

Book mentioned: Equality: An American Dilemma, 1866-1896 by Charles Postel

Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn

Listen on YouTube: Channel

Pat Nixon: The Enigmatic First Lady and Her Untold Story with Heath Hardage Lee

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Pat Nixon’s public image was polished and reserved, but behind the scenes she carried the weight of diplomacy, duty, and personal sacrifice. Too often dismissed as quiet or overlooked, her story reveals a First Lady of resilience, independence, and influence.

In this episode, we explore the hidden depths of Pat Nixon’s life with biographer Heath Lee, author of The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon. From her Western roots to her role in shaping global diplomacy and quietly advancing women’s rights, Heath paints a portrait of a woman who defied easy labels. This conversation uncovers the challenges Pat faced in the public eye and the enduring legacy she left behind.

Key Highlights

Pat Nixon’s groundbreaking role in global diplomacy, traveling to 83 countries and serving as a goodwill ambassador.
Her quiet but firm support for women’s rights, including the ERA and reproductive rights.
How media misrepresentation obscured her warmth, capability, and true character.
The evolving dynamics of Pat and Richard Nixon’s marriage under the weight of public life.
How her Western upbringing shaped her resilience, independence, and outlook on politics and family.
Debunking myths about Pat Nixon and uncovering her stabilizing influence during turbulent times.

Heath Hardage Lee Biography

Heath is an award-winning historian, biographer, and curator. Her narrative nonfiction book The League of Wives: The Untold Story of the Women Who Took on the U.S. Government to Bring Their Husbands Home from Vietnam (St. Martin’s Press, 2019) is currently being developed as a television series.

Her new book, The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: Washington’s Most Private First Lady, is the first commercial biography of First Lady Pat Nixon in almost 40 years.

Heath currently serves on the Boards of FLARE (the First Ladies Association for Research and Education) and BIO (Biographers International Organization).

Heath’s Links

Website: https://heathleeauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heath_hlee/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathleeauthor

The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: Amazon link

Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn

Listen on YouTube: Channel

The Power of Storytelling: How Communities Preserve Their History with Shae Corey

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:06:00 +0000

Behind every neighborhood, there's a story waiting to be told—and someone brave enough to listen.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Shae Corey, a public historian, preservationist, and the creator of the Holy Local Podcast.

We talk about the role of oral history in capturing lived experience, the impact of spiritual activism on D.C. neighborhoods, and how Shae’s work blends archival research, public memory, and digital storytelling. From navigating perceptions around misunderstood communities to preserving the voices of everyday people, this episode explores how local histories can illuminate broader truths.

It’s a reflection on voice, place, and the power of community storytelling to reshape how we see the past—and the present.

Key Highlights

Shae's journey into public history and her light bulb moment in college.
The importance of personal and community histories in enriching broader narratives.
Insights into Shae’s podcast, The Holy Local, and its focus on the Church of the Saviour community.
The challenges and rewards of balancing archival research, lived experience, and digital storytelling.
Shae's upcoming PhD research on the role of nuns in providing social services in urban areas.

Shae Corey Biography

Shae Corey is a first-year PhD student in History at George Mason University. She received her Master’s in Public History from American University in 2022 and her B.S. in Education from Samford University in 2020.

For the past five years, she has lived and worked in Washington, D.C., where her research focuses on religious activism and its role in shaping the city’s 20th-century neighborhoods.

Shae’s Links

Website: www.shaecorey.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaecatherinecorey/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shae-corey-34902a168/
Holy Local Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39seO22mrCfssARdiRF8Bz?si=ed96b9090aad4a33

Books Recommended by Shae

Foul Bodies: Cleanliness in Early America by Kathleen M. Brown Amazon link

Holley’s Links

Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/sayitwithhistory
Website: www.holleysnaith.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holleysnaith/
Listen on YouTube: Channel

The Price of Stardom: Fame, Identity, and Old Hollywood with Martin Turnbull

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:06:00 +0000

Fame in Classic Hollywood was dazzling, but it rarely came without sacrifice. Beneath the glamour, the studio system demanded perfection—at a high personal cost to the people who lived in its spotlight.

In this episode, we dive into the untold side of Hollywood’s Golden Age with historical fiction author Martin Turnbull. Through his meticulously researched novels, Martin brings to life the emotional truth behind the silver screen—where image was everything, and authenticity often came at a price.

Key Highlights

Martin's journey from Australia to Los Angeles and his fascination with Hollywood.
The meticulous research behind The Garden of Allah series.
Insights into the personal and professional lives of Hollywood legends.
The high cost of perfection in the studio system.
Martin's upcoming projects and where to find his work online.

Martin Turnbull Biography

From his beginnings in Australia to his deep immersion in the history of Los Angeles, Martin shares how his love for Old Hollywood became a mission to uncover the lives, myths, and struggles behind the dream factory.

We explore how the studios tightly controlled their stars, how truth and fiction blur in storytelling, and why understanding these histories still matters today. You’ll hear about the real people who inspired his fiction, the emotional toll of fame, and the legacy of an era that shaped American celebrity culture as we know it.

Martin Turnbull is a historical fiction author and Classic Hollywood expert. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Martin moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1990s, where his lifelong passion for travel, storytelling, and classic cinema came to life.

With a background as a private tour guide and researcher—including work with the Los Angeles Conservancy and Warner Bros.—Martin developed a deep knowledge of Hollywood’s Golden Age. His novels, including The Garden of Allah series, bring to light the emotional and cultural layers of classic Hollywood while honoring the people whose stories were often hidden behind the screen.

This episode is a reflection on myth, ambition, and the human cost of building legends.

Martin’s Links

Website: https://martinturnbull.com/
X: https://x.com/TurnbullMartin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinturnbullauthor/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/martinturnbull.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gardenofallahnovels
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/turnbullauthor/

Garden of Allah Novels

Amazon link

Books Mentioned

By Myself and Then Some by Lauren Bacall

Holley’s Links

Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/sayitwithhistory
Website: www.holleysnaith.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holleysnaith/
Listen on YouTube: Channel

The Power of Preservation: Saving the Eleanor Roosevelt School with Voncher Walker

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:06:00 +0000

Historic preservation is more than saving buildings—it’s about honoring stories, communities, and the legacies that shaped who we are.

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring story of the Eleanor Roosevelt School—the last of the Rosenwald Schools, born from a visionary partnership between philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington.

Located in Warm Springs, Georgia, this historic institution was built with the support of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the local community. We explore its origins, its impact, and the remarkable efforts of Voncher and her brother Debron, who are working tirelessly to preserve this vital piece of Black history.

You’ll hear about the challenges they’ve faced, the rich legacy of the Rosenwald School movement, and the enduring influence of Eleanor Roosevelt’s advocacy for human rights and education.

This episode is a tribute to resilience, community, and the power of preserving our shared history.

Key Highlights

Voncher Walker shares her passion for historic preservation and the significance of the Rosenwald Schools.
The role of Eleanor Roosevelt in supporting Black education during the Jim Crow era.
Insights into the challenges and triumphs of restoring the last Rosenwald School.
The importance of community investment and strategic partnerships in transforming communities.

Voncher Walker Biography

Voncher Walker is an entrepreneur and investor who, along with her brother Debron Walker, purchased the historic Eleanor Roosevelt School in Warm Springs, Georgia, in 2020.

This National Registry landmark is one of the original Rosenwald Schools built with funding from the Julius Rosenwald Fund and personal contributions from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

As the owner of The Eleanor Roosevelt School, Walker is transforming the 1936 school into a museum, event space, and educational tourism destination while preserving its legacy as part of the network that educated over 660,000 Black children across the South.

Links

Eleanor Roosevelt School: http://erso1936.com
YouTube Video: Siblings acquire a National Treasure, Eleanor Roosevelt - Last Rosenwald School
Voncher’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_voncher/
Voncher’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@its_voncher

Books Recommended by Voncher

The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter Godwin Woodson
Amazon link
Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
Amazon link
Growing Up Roosevelt by Nina Roosevelt Gibson
Amazon link

Holley’s Links

Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/sayitwithhistory
Website: www.holleysnaith.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holleysnaith/
Listen on YouTube: Channel

Introducing Say It With History: Conversations That Shaped The Past with Holley Snaith

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000

I am Holley Snaith—historian, writer, and your host. Say It With History is a show about the people, stories, and unexpected threads of the past that shape how we think, create, and connect today.

In each episode, I sit down with authors, artists, podcasters, educators, and creatives whose work is rooted in history—but always speaking to the present. From overlooked historical figures and cultural movements to the way history shows up in books, films, classrooms, and everyday conversations, we’ll explore it all with curiosity, depth, and a little bit of fun.

If you love a good story, enjoy thoughtful conversations, and want to see how history lives in the world around us, you’re in the right place.

Follow or subscribe so you never miss a conversation. Thanks for being here—I cannot wait to explore the past with you.

Website: www.holleysnaith.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holleysnaith/

Listen on YouTube: Channel