Eyewitness History

• Trump’s Former Speechwriter Discusses His New Bootlegging Tale Rooted in Southern History

  Chris Skates is a novelist with 30 years of experience as a chemist at nuclear and coal plants. He’s been able to combine this diverse background of science and energy with a passion for writing. Chris began publishing in 2000, with over 150 stories, articles, and columns to his name, alongside four novels. He’s also contributed to Turkey Call Magazine and is preparing a non-fiction collection. His writing journey culminated in key roles as a speechwriter and energy advisor at both the state and national levels of government.Moonshine Over Georgia is Chris’ most prized and honored work to date. A historical fiction novel, it pulls from the harrowing, exciting, and very real stories Chris’ grandfather would tell him growing up, working as a revenue agent in Prohibition-era Georgia. With that, Chris has become a pseudo-expert and captivating storyteller when it comes to this time in history. Once he starts talking, you’ll be enthralled by his ability to bring a story to life.Moonshine Over Georgia Description: Greed, poverty, and desperation. As control for the illegal moonshine trade rages, can one honorable man bring compassion and justice to the hills? Western Georgia, 1946. Revenue agent C.E. “Kid” Miller is haunted by the suffering caused by bootlegging, but his attempt to infiltrate a major operation puts him in the crosshairs of a ruthless crime gang. As he searches for a missing informant and battles growing violence, Miller fears his fight will cost him everything, including his life. Inspired by true events, *Moonshine Over Georgia* draws on author Chris Skates’ grandfather’s dangerous work and historical research to bring to life a brutal chapter of American history. If you enjoy gritty heroes and uncovering untold stories, you’ll love this gripping tale. Want to Hear More: If you were as captivated by Chris's stories as we were, you absolutely need to dive into his book, Moonshine Over Georgia, and his other works, available now on Amazon.com Direct Link to Chris's Author Page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chris-Skates/author/B004V0STYO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1742828377&sr=8-2&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=58efa92a-65c7-4cd9-8112-e4d05472e276See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• "Resident Alien" Creator Discusses Origins, Adaptation, and Storytelling

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

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• Kevin Sorbo Discusses Getting The Role of Hercules, Fame, and Faith

  In this episode, we’re joined by actor, director, and producer Kevin Sorbo, best known for his iconic role as Hercules in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and his work on Andromeda. Kevin opens up about getting the role of Hercules, fame, his transition into faith-based filmmaking. We dive deep into his thoughts on the importance of values-driven storytelling, and the polarization within the entertainment industry. Sorbo also shares his personal journey, the impact of his faith on his career, and why he continues to pursue projects that align with his beliefs, even in the face of adversity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Holocaust Survivor on Auschwitz and Forgiveness - Re-Released in Her Memory

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

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• Reformed Neo-Nazi Leader Discusses History of the Movement, Getting Doxxed Live on Air, and Redemption

  In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jeff Schoep, a former leader of the National Socialist Movement — once the largest neo-Nazi organization in the United States. For over 20 years, Schoep was a prominent figure in the white nationalist movement. But in 2019, he made a profound and public decision to walk away from extremism and dedicate his life to dismantling it. Now the founder of Beyond Barriers, a nonprofit focused on countering extremism and helping individuals disengage from hate-based ideologies, Schoep shares his unique insights into radicalization, transformation, and the power of redemption. He is also the author of American Nazi: From Hate to Humanity, a memoir tracing his journey from leading a hate group to becoming an advocate for peace and change. This is a conversation about ideology, personal responsibility, and the possibility of change — no matter how far someone has gone down a dark path. Links: Website: www.jeffschoep.com Organization: Beyond Barriers Book: American Nazi: From Hate to Humanity – Available now See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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