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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1:26:47
90's Horror Show Creator Talks Selling His Idea to Nickelodeon, Writing and Legacy
In this episode of Eyewitness History, we dive into the imagination of D.J. MacHale—the bestselling author behind the Pendragon series and the co-creator of the iconic Nickelodeon show Are You Afraid of the Dark? From creepy campfire tales to interdimensional adventures, MacHale shares how he built entire worlds, scared a generation of kids (in a good way), and navigated a career spanning books, film, and television. Pick up his new book "The Paper Trail" today - https://rb.gy/ow7dr1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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1:00:16
George Foreman's Friend, HBO's Legendary Jim Lampley, Talks About Him Regaining Championship and 'It Happened"
In this special episode, originally released in 2023, legendary boxing commentator Jim Lampley joins us to reflect, among other things, on the life and legacy of George Foreman, who recently passed away at the age of 76. From his rise as a fearsome heavyweight in the 1970s to his improbable return and championship win in his 40s, Foreman’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and sheer power. Lampley, who called many of Foreman’s most iconic bouts, shares firsthand insight into what made Foreman such a compelling figure inside and outside the ring. Lampley also discusses how he came to be at HBO, nerves and when Muhammad Ali babysat his daughter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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1:04:05
Inside the Business of Ransom, Kidnappings and Hostage Negotiations
Today’s guest has spent much of his career navigating the shadowy world of hostage negotiations, where lives hang in the balance and fortunes are exchanged for freedom. Rob Phayre isn’t just an expert in the field—he’s been on the front lines, directly involved in securing the release of over 800 hostages, billions of dollars’ worth of shipping and cargo, and overseeing hundreds of millions in ransom payments. Some of those operations even hold Guinness World Records for the largest ransoms ever paid at sea. Rob also brings his expertise to the page as the award-winning author of The Response Files series, including the Amazon bestseller The Ransom Drop, Jungle Heist, and The Insurgency. His upcoming book, How to Deliver a Ransom, dives deep into the real-world mechanics of the kidnap-for-ransom business—a true crime, non-fiction guide to an industry most of us only see in movies. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to negotiate with kidnappers, deliver ransoms, and bring people home. Rob Phayre, welcome to the show. To find out more about Rob and his book, check out his website: https://robphayre.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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57:00
Silent Screen Star's Son Discusses His Famous Mom and His Groundbreaking Grandmother's Photo Artistry
Robert L. Harned joins the show to discuss Edithe Beutler: Beautifying Hawaii with Color, his new book about his grandmother, a pioneering 20th-century colorist. We explore Edithe’s artistry in transforming black-and-white photos, her collaboration with Kodak in Hawaii, and her influence on visual storytelling. Harned also shares insights into his family’s Hollywood connections and his work preserving their legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What was it like to hear about the JFK assassination? Or America’s triumph over Hitler? Or seeing Queen at Live-Aid? Our past is a collection of stories that bring us to now. Welcome to the Eyewitness History podcast, where we view history through the eyes of the people that watched the events that shaped our world. If you have a story from history that you would like to share, I would love to hear it! Please reach out to me using my Contact form at https://www.jeremystalnecker.com
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