Based on a True Story

The Legend of Bagger Vance with Steven Pressfield 28.05.2026 43min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 385) — Have you ever wondered how much of The Legend of Bagger Vance is rooted in history? Steven Pressfield, author of the 1995 novel that inspired the 2000 film, joins Based on a True Story to unpack the story’s connections to the Bhagavad Gita, the real-life golfing legends Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen, and the choices Hollywood made when bringing the book to the screen. They also explore Steven’s approach to writing historical fiction and his latest novel, The Arcadian. Guest LinksThe Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven PressfieldThe Arcadian by Steven PressfieldSteven Pressfield's Website Chapters 0:00 Intro and movie synopsis 2:43 Meet Steven Pressfield 5:35 Is Bagger Vance based on history? 11:32 Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, and real golf history 18:07 The missing 10 years after World War I 27:18 What the movie changed from the book 40:02 Writing historical fiction with Steven Pressfield 52:06 The Arcadian and final thoughts Support my workSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting class See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood with John Barker 06.04.2026 44min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 384) — Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood tells a tale of alternative history. In this episode, we'll separate the film’s fairy-tale storytelling from the real history behind the Manson murders, Sharon Tate, Bruce Lee, Steve McQueen, and the Hollywood of 1969. Listen to All the Right Movies John's podcast breaks down the history of Hollywood, one film at a time. Check out All the Right Movies to learn all about the work that went into making movies, how much of it works, and more. More from All the Right MoviesFind all the episodes: https://alltherightmovies.com/All the Right Movies episode for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: https://www.patreon.com/posts/atrm-classic-111-152929056Facts about the movie: https://alltherightmovies.com/feature/45-interesting-and-golden-age-facts-about-once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood/ Mentioned in the EpisodeJohn Neal Phillips on 1967's Bonnie and Clyde: https://links.boatspodcast.com/195 Chapters 0:00 Intro and historical accuracy 4:15 Tarantino’s fairy-tale approach 11:25 Rick, Cliff, and Sharon Tate 18:40 Hollywood in the late 1960s 28:30 Steve McQueen and The Great Escape 36:20 Bruce Lee, Sharon Tate, and Spahn Ranch 49:10 The Manson Family and Cielo Drive 58:45 The film’s alternate ending 1:04:20 Final thoughts and ATRM Support my workSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS ProducerEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Manhattan Project in Oppenheimer with Alice Lovejoy 17.02.2026 55min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 383) — Did the Oppenheimer movie get the Manhattan Project right? Today, we'll dig into the film's portrayal of the project. From the Los Alamos we see in the movie to what we don't see in the movie such as Oak Ridge's massive factories, Hanford's plutonium production, and more that you don't ever see in the movie. Get Alice's book Alice Lovejoy is the author of Tales of Militant Chemistry, film scholar, and a professor at the University of Minnesota. She'll join us today to unravel the true story behind the Manhattan Project in the movie. Find more of Alice's workArmy Film and the Avant GardeRemapping Cold War MediaVisit Alice's websiteFollow Alice on BlueskyFollow Alice on Instagram Listen to the other BOATS episode on Oppenheimer Chapters 00:00 Manhattan Project Overview 04:50 Uranium vs. Plutonium Bombs 09:45 Scale of the Project 15:28 Einstein's Role 20:42 Trinity Test Depiction 25:04 Radiation Concerns 30:51 Project's End & Legacy 33:52 Post-War Impacts Support my workSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS ProducerEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oppenheimer 30.01.2026 43min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 382) — Join me in this throwback style BOATS episode without any guests. It'll just be you and I learning about the true story behind 2023's Oppenheimer. Was the poisoned apple scene real? How well was the Trinity Test portrayed on screen? What does the movie leave out from Oppenheimer's life? If you've seen the movie and wondered what really happened, this episode is your guided tour through the history behind the film. Chapters 0:00 Intro, synopsis & Two Truths and a Lie 3:30 Prometheus myth and poisoned apple story 10:15 Oppenheimer’s education in Europe and early career 18:40 Relationships with Jean Tatlock and Kitty Oppenheimer 28:20 FBI surveillance, communism fears, and the Manhattan Project scale 39:10 Trinity Test, “I am become Death,” and bombing Japan 51:00 Meeting President Truman and the Strauss feud 1:01:30 Oppenheimer’s fall, later life, and modern reevaluation 1:08:00 Two Truths and a Lie answers & closing ResourcesAmerican PrometheusTales of Militant Chemistry109 East PalaceRobert Oppenheimer: A Life Inside the CenterJ. Robert Oppenheimer: A LifeAn Atomic Love Story: The Extraordinary Women in Robert Oppenheimer's LifeThe Ruin of J. Robert Oppenheimer If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, you can also find all the links at https://links.boatspodcast.com/382 Support My WorkSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Classic: King Arthur with Dorsey Armstrong 14.01.2026 1u 3min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 381) — My love of history started with the legend of King Arthur. While there are many King Arthur movies to pick from, today we'll learn about the one that marketed itself as being more historically accurate than the others. Dorsey Armstrong on The Great Courses Plus Historian Dorsey Armstrong breaks down the historical accuracy of the 2004 film King Arthur. Learn the true story behind the legends of Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin, the Round Table, and more. Chapters 0:00 Intro 2:30 Movie's Historical Claims 5:10 Sarmatians and Lancelot 10:45 Merlin's Real History 15:20 Woads, Picts, and Round Table 22:00 Christianity and Pelagius 28:15 Final Mission and Freedom 34:50 Guinevere and Ice Battle 40:30 Battle of Badon Hill 45:15 Sword in the Stone 49:00 Legend Surprises 53:30 BOATS Update for 2026 and Outro Support My WorkSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Captain Phillips with Brian Beckcom 16.12.2025 1u

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 380) — Today we dive into the 2013 film Captain Phillips directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks—and discover how much of Hollywood's version actually matches the true story of the Maersk Alabama hijacking. Trial attorney Brian Beckcom, who represented the crew of the container ship after the Somali pirate attack, shares accounts of what really happened during this dramatic rescue operation and reveals the major inaccuracies that made it to the screen. Lessons from Leaders with Brian Beckcom Find where to watch the movie Chapters 0:00 Intro 3:38 Today's Movie: Captain Phillips 5:19 The True Context of Somali Piracy 12:17 Why Captain Phillips Made His Fateful Decision 15:46 Security Protocols vs. Hollywood Drama 19:42 The First Pirate Attack 24:43 Pirates Board the Maersk Alabama 30:18 The Crew's True Heroism in the Engine Room 34:29 Captain Phillips' Role in the Crisis 40:35 The Navy Enters the Picture 43:22 The Truth Behind the Rescue Operation 49:47 Captain Phillips' Escape Attempt (Fact vs. Fiction) 54:51 The Final Navy Seal Operation 57:31 About Brian Beckcom's Podcast 59:03 Two Truths and a Lie Answer Support my workSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting class Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/380 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beyond Pearl Harbor in the Movies with Joshua Donohue 07.12.2025 1u 24min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 379) — Most movies focus on the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, but the true story of December 7th, 1941, involves a coordinated global offensive across the Pacific. In this episode, history professor Joshua Donohue returns to explore what the movies miss—including attacks on Wake Island, the Philippines, and military installations across Oahu that extended far beyond the harbor itself. From civilian casualties to pilot heroics to the international scope of Japan's ambitious assault, we separate fact from fiction across multiple Pearl Harbor films. Josh's Latest WorkEmbattled Marines at Air Station Ewa Chapters 0:00 Intro & Two Truths and a Lie Game 3:16 From Here to Eternity: Life Before the Attack 10:20 The Global Scope of Japan's Offensive 12:40 Wake Island Under Siege 20:04 Oahu's Airfields and Widespread Attacks 28:23 American Aircraft in the Air During the Attack 43:20 Civilian Casualties and Friendly Fire 58:23 American Morale and the Movies' Coverage 1:05:02 Pilots Beyond Pearl Harbor 1:11:13 The Final Countdown: What If Scenario 1:22:32 Two Truths and a Lie Answer Reveal Support my workSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting class Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/379 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nuremberg with Jack El-Hai 25.11.2025 52min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 378) — Discover the historical accuracy behind the 2025 film "Nuremberg" which is adapted from Jack El-Hai's book "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist." Get Jack's Book: The Nazi and the Psychiatrist Learn about the real Dr. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) and his complex relationship with Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe) during the historic Nuremberg trials. What did the filmmakers get right and what did they change from the true story? Tune in to find out! Also MentionedJack El-Hai Official WebsiteNuremberg (2025 Film)22 Cells in Nuremberg by Douglas KelleyHowie Trieste's Book on Nuremberg ExperiencesStars and Stripes Military Newspaper Chapters 0:00 Intro 2:35 Movie Overview - Nuremberg and Main Characters 5:45 Historical Grade and Book Comparison 9:10 Goering's Capture by Allied Forces 14:20 Douglas Kelley's Role as Psychiatrist 18:55 Goering and Rudolf Hess Relationship 23:45 Goering's Narcissism and Motivations 29:00 Concentration Camp Films and Kelley's Turning Point 33:15 Reporter Character and Kelley's Departure 37:00 Howie Trieste's Story as German-Jewish Translator 41:45 Kelley Handing Over Research to Prosecutors 45:15 Goering's Cyanide Pill and Suicide 48:00 Final Lessons and Democracy Warnings 50:30 Behind-the-Scenes Film Production Story 52:15 Two Truths and a Lie Answer Reveal Support My WorkSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feud: Bette and Joan with Scott Eyman 18.11.2025 1u 20min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 377) — The first season of FX’s “Feud” chronicles the turbulent making of the 1962 thriller “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” Over eight episodes set against Hollywood's fading Golden Age, “Feud” focuses on a simmering resentment between aging stars Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, on-set clashes over performances and camera work, and the film’s premiere. Get Scott's book Where to watch Feud To help us separate fact from fiction in the series today is Scott Eyman, whose new biography Joan Crawford: A Woman’s Face reveals Crawford’s journey from orphan to screen legend using thorough research from personal papers, studio records, and the Robert Aldrich archives at UCLA. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:39 TV series synopsis 00:03:16 Two truths and a lie 00:04:07 Interview 01:19:11 Two truths and a lie answer Also mentioned in this episodeJoan Crawford: A Woman's Face by Scott Eyman Support my workSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting class Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/377 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Project Blue Book 07.10.2025 3u 37min

Project Blue Book was a U.S. Air Force program (1952–1969) to scientifically investigate UFO reports.

Donald Rumsfeld in the Movies with William Cooper 18.09.2025 59min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 375) — Donald Rumsfeld served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense twice in his career, including during the 9/11 attacks. Today, we'll learn how the movies "Vice", "W." bring a fictional portrayal of Rumsfeld. We'll also look into the accuracy of the documentary "The Unknown Known" which interviews Rumsfeld himself. ⁠Get William's book⁠ Separating fact from fiction for us today is William Cooper, whose new historical fiction novel "The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld" is available now. ⁠Where to watch Vice⁠ ⁠Where to watch W.⁠ ⁠Where to watch The Unknown Known⁠ Answer this question from the episode: What impact do you think Rumsfeld has had in U.S. politics today? ⁠Share your opinion in the BOATS Discord⁠ Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:15 Movie synopsis 00:02:13 Two truths and a lie 00:03:27 Interview 01:09:02 Two truths and a lie answer Also mentioned in this episode⁠Follow William on Bluesky⁠⁠(BOATS EP. 196) — Moneyball with William Cooper⁠⁠(BOATS EP. 335) — Vice with William Cooper⁠⁠Search Rumsfeld's archive at Rumsfeld.com⁠⁠William's Non-Fiction Book: "How America Works . . . and Why It Doesn’t"⁠Support my work⁠Become a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)⁠⁠Great deals from my sponsors⁠⁠Join the BOATS Discord⁠⁠Get the BOATS email newsletter⁠⁠Email me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com⁠⁠Get my video podcasting class⁠Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: ⁠https://links.boatspodcast.com/375 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Young Guns II with Josh from The Wild West Extravaganza 02.09.2025 1u 27min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 374) — Today we'll rejoin Billy the Kid's outlaw gang as they continue their attempts to escape the law following the events in Young Guns (BOATS EP. 146). Was Brushy Bill Roberts a real person? Was he Billy the Kid? What other creative liberties did the filmmakers take in telling the true story of Billy the Kid? Where to watch Young Guns II Follow Josh's podcast To help us unravel the historical accuracy of Young Guns II, we'll be joined by Josh, the host of The Wild West Extravaganza podcast. Is Young Guns or Young Guns II a better movie? Share your opinion in the BOATS Discord Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:15 Movie synopsis 00:02:13 Two truths and a lie 00:03:27 Interview 01:09:02 Two truths and a lie answer Also mentioned in this episode The Wild West Extravaganza Podcast Wild West Extravaganza on YouTube Josh's episode on Dirty Dave Rudabaugh Charlie Bowdre's blood-stained photo Listen to Based on a True Story's episode covering the first Young Guns "Alias Billy the Kid" by William Morrison and C.L. Sonnichsen The Authentic Life of Billy, the Kid by Pat Garrett (and Ash Upson) The Saga of Billy the Kid by Walter Noble Burns Support my work Support my sponsors Become a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes) Join the BOATS Discord Get the BOATS email newsletter Email me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com Get my video podcasting class Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/374 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amelia with Chris Williamson 19.08.2025 1u 11min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 373) — Learn about legendary aviator Amelia Earhart as she was portrayed onscreen by Hilary Swank in the 2009 biopic. To uncover the true story, today we'll talk with author, documentarian, and host of Chasing Earhart , the only podcast dedicated entirely to Amelia Earhart: Chris Williamson. Where to watch Amelia Get Chris's book Chris Williamson has an array of work with the Chasing Earhart Project, including the book "Rabbit Hole: The Vanishing of Amelia Earhart & Fred Noonan." Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:15 Movie synopsis 00:02:13 Two truths and a lie 00:03:27 Interview 01:09:02 Two truths and a lie answer Also mentioned in this episode Chasing Earhart Podcast The Aviator and the Showman by Laurie Gwen Shapiro Chasing Earhart on Facebook Support my work Support my sponsors Become a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes) Join the BOATS Discord Get the BOATS email newsletter Email me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com Get my video podcasting class Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/373 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trail of Vengeance with Rob Hilliard 05.08.2025 1u 33min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 372) — Travel back to the Old West for a tale of revenge, Pinkerton agents, and frontier justice in the wake of the Civil War. One of those former Pinkerton agents in the movie is John Scobell (Gbenga Akinnagbe), making 2025's Trail of Vengeance the first movie to feature John Scobell as one of its main characters. Where to watch Trail of Vengeance Get Rob's book To help us separate fact from fiction in the movie today is author Rob Hilliard, whose book "In Freedom's Shadow" is a historical novel based on John Scobell. How well does the movie tell us John Scobell's true story? Let's find out! Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:09 Movie synopsis 00:02:05 Two truths and a lie 00:03:18 Interview 01:31:54 Two truths and a lie answer Also mentioned in this episode "The Spy of the Rebellion" by Allan Pinkerton "The Pinkertons" miniseries with Rob Support my work Dan LeFebvre's Getting Started with Video Podcasting Unlock ad-free episodes Support my sponsors ⁠⁠Chat about this episode⁠⁠ ⁠Get the BOATS email newsletter⁠ Talk to a real person ⁠dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/372 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Classic: Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story with Matthew Polly 22.07.2025 54min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 371) — How well do you know about the real Bruce Lee? There are a lot of myths that came out of the movie "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" so today we'll pull another classic episode from the Based on a True Story vault. Where to watch Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story ⁠Get Matthew's book⁠ Matthew Polly authored "Bruce Lee: A Life," called the definitive biography by The New York Times. His research revealed Lee's more complex humanity, debunking decades of Hollywood myths. Did you enjoy this episode? Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter ⁠Chat about this episode⁠ Support our sponsors Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/371 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Titanic with Mark B. Perry 01.07.2025 1u 27min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 370) — Twentieth Century-Fox's "Titanic" starring Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb claims to draw facts from 1912 congressional inquiries, so how well does it do when we compare it to history? Where to watch Titanic (1953) ⁠Get Mark's book Mark B. Perry is the author of the novel "And Introducing Dexter Gaines: A Novel of Old Hollywood", a tale that transports you back to the time when during the film's production. is a Golden Globe and Emmy-winning screenwriter known for Wonder Years, Law & Order, Picket Fences, and more. A self-proclaimed "ship geek" and founding board member of SS United States Conservancy, he ironically wrote his own Titanic screenplay in 1988—rejected by studios because "nobody cares about the Titanic." Also mentioned in this episode Get Mark's audiobook Walter Lord's A Night to Remember BOATS episode #35 about James Cameron's Titanic SS United States Conservancy Did you enjoy this episode? Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Chat about this episode Support our sponsors Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/370 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Classic: Saving Private Ryan with Marty Morgan 03.06.2025 2u 3min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 369) — This Friday marks the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings. Arguably the most popular movie depicting the fighting on the beaches of Normandy is 1998's Saving Private Ryan. Where to watch Saving Private Ryan In this remastered edition of Based on a True Story, we'll compare the movie with what really happened with historian Marty Morgan. What did Saving Private Ryan get right, where did it miss the mark, and hear how the movie has influenced Marty's experiences as a tour guide of the Normandy beaches. Editor's note: This episode was originally recorded in January of 2020. Get Marty's D-Day: A Photography History of the Normandy Invasion Also mentioned in this episode HBO's Band of Brothers Mythbusters on Private Jackson's sniper shot Did you enjoy this episode? Support my work Get the BOATS email newsletter Join the Discord Support my sponsors Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/369 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Behind the True Story: Not a Real Enemy with Robert Wolf 13.05.2025 1u 22min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 368) — Go behind the true stories shown in Holocaust movies through the experiences of Robert Wolf's family. Since we'll be talking about the Holocaust, listener discretion is advised. Get Robert's book Where to watch today's movies The Sound of Music (1965) Life is Beautiful (1997) Schindler's List (1993) Walking with the Enemy (2013) Sunshine (1999) Did you enjoy this episode? Support our sponsors Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Join the BOATS community Roll the credits Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/368 Disclaimer: Dan LeFebvre and/or Based on a True Story may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John McClane in Die Hard with Patrick O'Donnell 29.04.2025 1u 18min

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 367) — Is John McClane a realistic cop or just an action hero with a badge? Yippee-ki-yay, history lovers, let's see if McClane would survive a real Internal Affairs review. Where to watch "Die Hard" now Helping us conduct a review of McClane from the entire Die Hard franchise is retired U.S. police sergeant Patrick O'Donnell, who is now a technical consultant and author of "The Good Collar." Get Patrick's book Also mentioned in this episode Hire Patrick for your next project Listen to the Cops and Writers podcast Did you enjoy this episode? Watch the credits roll Unlock ad-free episodes Get the BOATS email newsletter Leave a comment Support our sponsors Disclaimer: Dan LeFebvre and/or Based on a True Story may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links. Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/367 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Troy with Neil Laird 15.04.2025 59min

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