In this episode of Your History Your Story, we’re joined by Rick Malwitz—author, former journalist and devoted grandfather—as he shares the powerful and deeply moving story of his granddaughter Leah.

Shortly before her ninth birthday, Leah suffered a rare spinal cord stroke while playing in her basement. Within just 18 hours, she was rendered a quadriplegic. What followed was an incredibly challenging journey—one marked by uncertainty, fear and heartbreak—but also one filled with faith, love and community.

Rick tells how, through prayer, the unwavering support of neighbors and church families and the care of a dedicated medical team, Leah and her family found strength in the storm. Today, Leah is a vibrant and active teenager—a living example of resilience and hope.

This episode offers encouragement to anyone facing life’s toughest trials and reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Rick Malwitz

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To purchase "Little Girl, Get Up": https://a.co/d/fpy7ftD

For more information about Liquid Church: Click Here

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we dive into a unique and often overlooked side of World War II through a captivating conversation with author Robert B. O’Connor. His historical fiction novel, “Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge”, centers on the fictional character Jim Tanzer—a professional dancer/performer who joins the Army and is assigned to Special Services, in a unit known as the “Morale Corps”.

Though Tanzer is fictional, the story is rooted in real events and inspired by true accounts of wartime performers, including well-known figures like Mickey Rooney. O’Connor draws on historical research and personal stories to bring authenticity to the novel, blending fact and fiction in a compelling way.

During our conversation, Robert shares how the book came to be, the real-life inspirations behind Tanzer’s journey and the important role of performance in lifting the spirits of troops near the front lines. If you’re interested in World War II history, behind-the-scenes stories of the battlefield or how the heart and dedication of a performer could uplift soldiers in their toughest moments—this episode is for you.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Robert B. O'Connor

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To purchase "Jeep Show":

Robert B. O'Connor website: ⁠ www.jeepshowbook.com

Shields and Stripes website: www.shieldsandstripes.org

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we are pleased to welcome back award-winning author Stephen Puleo. Stephen joins us to discuss his powerful book, Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919, which recounts the gripping and almost unbelievable story of the disaster which began when a 50-foot steel tank filled with 2.3 million gallons of molasses suddenly collapsed, unleashing a 15-foot-high wave that tore through Boston’s North End at 35 miles per hour, leaving death and destruction in its wake.

Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Stephen brings this bizarre historical event and its aftermath to life in a truly unforgettable way.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Stephen Puleo

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To purchase "Dark Tide":

Stephen Puleo website: www.stephenpuleo.com