First there was the spoken word. Then came history books. Followed by radio, television and now the internet. Thanks to the miracles of modern technology, we can access historical interpretations at the simple touch of a screen. But how accurate are these depictions? Napoleon Bonaparte famously proclaimed: “History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.” Orwell warned "Who controls the past controls the future." And we have all heard the cliche “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” But what if we could learn about historical events through the testimonials of those where were actually there to watch it unfold? “ I WAS THERE! is a series of lively, first hand conversations capturing the memories of eyewitnesses to modern history who are willing to share their unfiltered firsthand experiences with the rest of us. Whether the moments in time recounted by guest eyewitnesses are significant or fleeting, this humble podcast strives to make them all memorable.
Ron Roberson and Jeff Trujillo
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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