Calling History: Listen In on Conversations with History’s Most Influential People.
The Calling History Podcast is an unscripted, interview style phone conversation with the heroes, the villains, and the great thinkers of history. It’s an opportunity to ask them anything, in their time, while they are living it. How did Benjamin Franklin feel about leaving his comfortable life of fame and excess in London as a loyal British citizen to risk it all and return to America as a rebel? How did record setting Louise Thaden feel about racing and beating Amelia Earhart and yet her name is almost unknown? Who is Jack the Ripper and why did he enter the scene so violently and then disappear like a whisper? Subscribe now and join this entertaining, interesting, and unpredictable journey back in time as we learn who these people really were and answer the question, “If you could call anyone in history, what would you ask them?”
You’re Invited to Listen in on a Conversation with History's Most Interesting People.
Episodes
47 minutes ago
47 minutes ago
In 1961, Eleanor Roosevelt had just finished a call with recently elected John F. Kennedy, when she received a call from the future…
In this episode, she'll explain why J Edgar Hoover started a file on her suggesting that she was a pervert. She'll also talk about the time she spent in the slums that caused her to pursue a life of service, and she'll discuss the ultimate betrayal of her husband, four term president, franklin D Roosevelt.
Listen to the Calling History Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite provider.
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Ruth Pangrace’s inspiring portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt is a powerful reminder that a person’s value is judged by their contribution. Few have given more selflessly than Eleanor Roosevelt. Ruth joined Women in History in 1998 and portrays fourteen notable American women. In addition to Eleanor Roosevelt, her favorites include Susan B Anthony, Julia Child, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Ruth has an M. Ed and has taught pre-school to graduate level education, English and history classes. Ruth can be reached at women@womeninhistoryohio.com, or ruthpangrace@gmail.com.
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
In Part 2 of the 1775 conversation with Thomas Gage, he will explain why Washington and Hancock’s ambitious intentions are more aligned with greed than liberty. He’ll also explain how the Americans were clueless about the bubble of protection the English provided them. And last, he’ll share the details of his final battle that ended his career.
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Paul O’Shaughnessy has been a re-enactor with the British 10th Regiment of Foot since 1972, portraying British soldiers and officers of the Boston Garrison, and most recently the much-maligned General Thomas Gage, Governor of the Massachusetts Province for the turbulent year prior to the outbreak of civil war in the Colonies. He can be reached by email at frommage@comcast.net, or by phone at 617.620.8123. He wishes all of His Majesty’s subjects the blessings of Peace and Loyalty to King and Country.
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
In 1775, Thomas Gage had recently returned to his home in England when he received a call from the future…
In this episode, you are going to hear a perspective of the American Revolution from the losing side. It’s persuasive. The British fought and died to create safety and civility in parts of the world and then the American’s gave them a waive and a nod and said, “Thanks for teeing this up, we’ll take it from here.” It is fascinating to see how the American Revolution is seen as a fight for liberty or theft, depending on which side of the ocean you are viewing it from.
Start the episode now to join the conversation.
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Paul O’Shaughnessy has been a re-enactor with the British 10th Regiment of Foot since 1972, portraying British soldiers and officers of the Boston Garrison, and most recently the much-maligned General Thomas Gage, Governor of the Massachusetts Province for the turbulent year prior to the outbreak of civil war in the Colonies. He can be reached by email at frommage@comcast.net, or by phone at 617.620.8123. He wishes all of His Majesty’s subjects the blessings of Peace and Loyalty to King and Country.
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
In Part 2 of the 1939 conversation with Walt Disney, he’ll tell us why Donald Duck was meaner than Mickey, his plans to revolutionize the Movie industry again, and why he had to fire his wife for being a terrible Disney employee.
Start episode 2 to join the conversation.
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It would take a very talented person to capture the creative, visionary essence of Walt Disney, but in this episode, James Froemel does exactly that. James is an actor, storyteller, narrator and is the 4X winner of the “Biggest Liar in West Virginia” tall-tale competition. Originally from New Jersey, he has called West Virginia home for nearly 20 years. James is a graduate of West Virginia University’s BFA Acting program and the Williamstown Theatre Festival Acting Apprentice program. As an actor, he has worked with The Footlight Players, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, The West Virginia Humanities Council, History Alive! program and West Virginia Public Theatre. He was invited to perform in 2024 as part of the National Storytelling Festival, Exchange Place series and is a professional audiobook narrator with titles now available on Audible. He can be reached through his webpage www.jamesfroemel.com .
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
On February 24, 1939, Walt Disney was relaxing after his recent Oscar win for Snow White when he received a call from the future …
In this episode, Walt will tell the story of how he lost the rights to one of his first successes, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a character that looked a lot like Mickey Mouse. He’ll also explain how he recovered from Bankruptcy, and he’ll talk about the enormous task of drawing 250,000 pictures to create Snow White.
Start the episode now to join the conversation.
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It would take a very talented person to capture the creative, visionary essence of Walt Disney, but in this episode, James Froemel does exactly that. James is an actor, storyteller, narrator and is the 4X winner of the “Biggest Liar in West Virginia” tall-tale competition. Originally from New Jersey, he has called West Virginia home for nearly 20 years. James is a graduate of West Virginia University’s BFA Acting program and the Williamstown Theatre Festival Acting Apprentice program. As an actor, he has worked with The Footlight Players, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, The West Virginia Humanities Council, History Alive! program and West Virginia Public Theatre. He was invited to perform in 2024 as part of the National Storytelling Festival, Exchange Place series and is a professional audiobook narrator with titles now available on Audible. He can be reached through his webpage www.jamesfroemel.com .
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
In Part 2 of the 1865 conversation with Abraham Lincoln, he explains why total devastation of the South was the only way to win the war. He also shares several of his plans to free the slaves including moving them to … Liberia? And he’ll explain why breaking American laws was necessary during war.
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John King's episode on the Calling History Podcast was nothing short of captivating. With 25 years of experience portraying Abraham Lincoln, John seamlessly brought the 16th President to life, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into Lincoln’s journey from a humble log cabin to the White House. As a retired teacher, his engaging storytelling style makes complex historical events easy to understand while also being entertaining. His depth of knowledge and dedication to portraying Lincoln using stories to change hearts and minds is masterful.
He has brought Mr. Lincoln to life for school students, historical groups, civic groups, churches, clubs, a Law Day dinner, birthday parties, Civil War rededications, festivals, and parades. You can reach John at jwking329@yahoo.com.
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
On April 13, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was waiting for his son Robert to return with a firsthand account of Robert E. Lee surrendering the south when he received a phone call from the future…
In this episode, Lincoln shares the powerful lesson he learned while wrestling with his sister that caused him to forgive instead of punishing the South. He explains why he added ‘In God We Trust’ to our coins. And demonstrates his ingenuity by choosing to duel with swords rather than pistols.
Start the episode now to join the conversation.
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John King's episode on the Calling History Podcast was nothing short of captivating. With 25 years of experience portraying Abraham Lincoln, John seamlessly brought the 16th President to life, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into Lincoln’s journey from a humble log cabin to the White House. As a retired teacher, his engaging storytelling style makes complex historical events easy to understand while also being entertaining. His depth of knowledge and dedication to portraying Lincoln using stories to change hearts and minds is masterful.
He has brought Mr. Lincoln to life for school students, historical groups, civic groups, churches, clubs, a Law Day dinner, birthday parties, Civil War rededications, festivals, and parades. You can reach John at jwking329@yahoo.com.
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
In Part 2 of the 1804 conversation with Alexander Hamilton, he will persuade you as to why the Bill of Rights might be a bad thing. He’ll talk about how Jefferson was a coward that made a decent president. And he’ll clear up why not aiding the French made complete sense, even though they were there when we needed them the most.
Start episode 2 to join the conversation.
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Hal Bidlack’s portrayal of Alexander Hamilton embodies the brilliance and complexities of this indispensable Founding Father. As a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with over 25 years of service, Hal’s distinguished military career included roles in national security, diplomacy, and education as a Political Science professor at the Air Force Academy. With a doctorate from the University of Michigan, he has also served in key environmental roles at the White House. He is now a full-time performer and writer, bringing Alexander Hamilton to life for anyone lucky enough to attend his live performance.
You can learn more at hamiltonlives.com or reach him at booking@hamiltonlives.com
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
On July 10th, 1804, Alexander Hamilton was preparing for his trip to Weehawken, New Jersey, when he received a call from the future…
In this episode, Hamilton talks about his duel with Vice President Aaron Burr, scolds me for bringing up his affair with Mariah Reynolds, and explains his vision to unite the 13 states and create the most powerful nation the world has ever known.
Start the episode now to join the conversation.
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Hal Bidlack’s portrayal of Alexander Hamilton embodies the brilliance and complexities of this indispensable Founding Father. As a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with over 25 years of service, Hal’s distinguished military career included roles in national security, diplomacy, and education as a Political Science professor at the Air Force Academy. With a doctorate from the University of Michigan, he has also served in key environmental roles at the White House. He is now a full-time performer and writer, bringing Alexander Hamilton to life for anyone lucky enough to attend his live performance.
You can learn more at hamiltonlives.com or reach him at booking@hamiltonlives.com