I WAS THERE! is a living history series featuring lively conversations with eyewitnesses to significant modern events. Our guests are common individuals who through the hand of fortune or fate found themselves in the uncommon front row seat of witnessing or participating in extraordinary moments in time. Here they share their fascinating, unfiltered accounts on a variety of topics with the rest of us, and whether their historical encounters were brief or lengthy, this humble podcast strives to make them all memorable.
Publisher
Ron Roberson and Jeff Trujillo
Category
arts · history · music · news · society & culture · tv & film
Hours following the signing of the Declaration of Independence our forefathers set out to design an official "Seal" that would not only represent our new country, but through its' symbols serve as a guide to future generations of citizens pursuing the American dream. I WAS THERE! takes a deep dive with Author Darrell Fusaro into his new book "The Great Seal - They Symbolic Guide for Happy and Successful Living," which reveals how 250 years after risking everything for freedom the founders continue to speak to us today through our nations' Great Seal.
6 Jan 2025
Episode 15 - Stepping Out Boldly
Author, artist and U.S. Coast Guard veteran Darrell Fusaro shares some of the life-enhancing lessons he was taught in the military during the 1980's and reveals how many of these spiritual principals are remarkably hidden in plain sight on some of our country's most historic icons and emblems. Darrell previews his new book, "Step Out Boldly: The Hidden Meaning of The Statue of Liberty” and outlines how incorporating these simple practices to begin each day can help guide individuals to accomplishing their goals and realizing their dreams.
25 Nov 2024
Episode 14 - A Walking, Talking Miracle
Valarie Carlomagno shares her inspiring journey of facing a devastating health diagnosis, retaining her faith, and blessing others through her recovery and volunteer work.
9 Apr 2024
Episode 12 - Peeking Behind The Curtain At A Captivating Career
Showgirl, model, Playboy cover girl and actress Marli Renfro reflects on her serendipitous multi-faceted career throughout the entertainment industry. From working with Hitchcock to Coppola to Hefner and hobnobbing on and off stage with a bevy of other Hollywood elites, Marli pulls back the curtain and shares how she ultimately survived and thrived following a legendary shower attack as Janet Leigh's body double in the 1960 horror movie classic, Psycho.
26 Jul 2023
Episode 11 - Legend of the Buffalo Soldiers and The Iron Riders
United States Navy Vietnam Veteran, Orange County Business Leader and Honorary Buffalo Soldier Bobby McDonald tantalizes us with tales from his multi-faceted past, and shares his efforts to preserve and promote the incredible history of the all-black U.S. Army "Buffalo Soldiers" Cavalry Regiments and lesser known "Iron Riders" Bicycle Corps.
30 Mar 2023
Episode 10 - Ninety Years Of Wisdom
Kiwanian, businessman and friend of the show "Big" Tom Minahan drops by on the eve of his 90th birthday to share words of wisdom learned during his amazing lifelong journey which includes growing up in Compton during the depression, to serving in the Korean War to building a successful life filled with faith, family and friendships.
29 Mar 2023
Episode 9 - From The Crack House To The White House
I WAS THERE! Podcast co-host Ron Roberson shares his inspirational journey from a difficult early upbringing in the segregated South to overcoming addiction, achieving a successful career as a cable television anchor and ultimately leaving his mark on Pennsylvania Avenue.
11 Jul 2022
Episode 8 - Exhibiting A Lifetime's Work Of Art
New York and Los Angeles art dealer, gallery owner, author and collector Molly Barnes paints a fascinating portrait of working with some of the most iconic modern artists in history throughout her colorful multi-decade career. Molly’s longtime friend and artist Darrell Fusaro fills in for Ron as special guest co-host for this memorable conversation.
2 May 2022
Episode 7 - The Golden Years Of Public Access Television
Pioneering Public Access Station Managers Mike DeGagne and Darrell Fusaro join their former colleagues Ron and Jeff for a raucous trip down memory lane as they discuss the early highlights (and later "lowlights") experienced while producing Public Access Television shows in Los Angeles during its heyday.
31 Dec 2021
Episode 6 - The Ultimate "E-Ticket" Ride
Travel and entertainment entrepreneur Anastasia Mann shares her storybook memories of visiting Disneyland on opening day and being treated to the ultimate “E-Ticket” birthday surprise from Walt Disney himself.
13 Dec 2021
Episode 5 - Rocket Man Pt. 2
We wrap up our conversation with Retired Aerospace Design Engineer Bill Spencer as he recounts his years working on the Space Shuttle program to joining the team that would eventually develop the GPS (Global Positioning System) that helps users navigate their way through today's complicated world.
30 Oct 2021
Episode 4 - No Static At All
Los Angeles radio pioneer Norm Silvers recounts his experience of working at station KCBH in Beverly Hills during the 1950's and 60's and being the first to broadcast an FM stereo signal west of the Mississippi.
8 Oct 2021
Episode 3 - Rocket Man
Retired Aerospace Design Engineer Bill Spencer shares his “out of this world” experience of beginning his career at the dawn of the Apollo space program and hitching a ride to the Moon and beyond.
23 Sept 2021
Episode 2 - The Saigon Zoo
Pete Whalon, US Army veteran and author of "THE SAIGON ZOO, Vietnam's Other War: Sex, Drugs, Rock 'n Roll" shares his colorful "behind the scenes” account of escaping the Army supply chain “zoo" to lifeguarding at a swimming pool in the heat of the Vietnam War.
1 Sept 2021
Episode 1 - Two Peas In A Podcast
Ron and Jeff introduce the show to listeners, discussing their friendship, careers and how fate took them on a journey through a riot to a podcast.
31 Aug 2021
Introduction
Grab a front seat to history as I WAS THERE! Podcast hosts Ron Roberson and Jeff Trujillo embark on a series of conversations with guests who were fated to witness great moments in modern history.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
15 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
41
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
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Guest appearances
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