Witness (Podcast Journalism / 2010)
find someone who has witnessed an interesting event. interview the witness.
The Perfect Storm in Nahant
Ed Keenan before, during and after the Vietnam War
Ed Keenan joined the Navy hoping to avoid going to Vietnam to fight in the war. Upon his graduation from the Naval Academy he found out his entire company was headed to the Delta Region of Vietnam. He was severely injured during his second tour and faced the prospect of never being able to walk again. There was also the traumatic experience of returning to everyday life. Out of these hardships however Keenan was able to learn some of life's lessons and make a career for himself. This is his story. by Andrew Pezzelli
Retired Fireman Arthur Guerin Recalls the Old Orchard Beach Fire of 1969
The careless drop of a penny in the fuse box was all it took to destroy a large majority of downtown Old Orchard Beach, ME, a popular New England tourist destination, on the night of July 19th, 1969. As Americans all over the country watched for news of the Apollo 11 crew’s arrival on the moon, firemen in Old Orchard Beach battled the flames from the early evening until well past midnight. Everything touched by the fire was a total loss, and beloved landmarks were destroyed. In this podcast, Arthur Guerin, who was working as a call man at the time, recalls the fire and the permanent effect it had on the town.
Photo Credit: Arthur Guerin
Thomas Pleasant, a manger of Service Operations at Berkshire Gas tells his story about the aftermath of Hurricane Irene this past August. After helping to evacuate his town, Pleasant and his employees began work to prevent further damage from the flooding and to help clean up the already devastated areas.
U.S. Army Specialist Lee DiCecca & the IED that nearly killed him
US Army Specialist Lee DiCecca spent 12 months in Kandahar, Afghanistan from June 2010-2011. DiCecca, who was 19 years old at the time of deployment, was a part of the 101st Airbourne’s B Company, which had 9 casualties during those twelve months, the most of any deployed company in the United States Army during that time. On May 1st, with a little over a month left to go in their diployment, DiCecca, along with friend and fellow soldier Eddie Ward, nearly joined that list of KIAs when they encountered an IED while on a mission near Kandahar. This is his story.
Sean MacLeay has spent the last five years of his life working for the Jimmy Carter Center in Africa. He has worked in Liberia, Sudan, and now Sierra Leone. During his time in Sudan Sean witnessed and aided the birth of the world's newest country, South Sudan. Listen, as he tells his story of what happened during the referendum and Independence day. by Michael MacLeay
An Evening with The Beatles
When Tom Mazzarini was only 18 years old he witnessed The Beatles play live in concert. 45 years later he sits down with me to reminisce about the entire experience and ponder what it would be like if they could tour today. by Liz Barry
Mickey O'Keefe Portrays Himself in "The Fighter"
When Lowell, Mass. Police Sergeant, Mickey O'Keefe, received a phone call from actor Mark Wahlberg, he had no idea what the next few years would have in store for him. In this podcast episode, you'll hear O'Keefe share his experiences playing himself in the 2011 Academy Award winning film, "The Fighter", alongside Hollywood icons such as Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Amy Adams. What was it like depicting his own life experiences as trainer to boxer "Irish" Micky Ward for the big screen? Tune in to find out what the film making process was like from start to finish. by Nicole Lelacher
Norm Komich on JFK Assassination / UMASS Amherst
Norm Komich was a student as UMass Amherst on November 22nd, 1963, when then-President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. It single-handedly killed America's innocence and put the nation into a decade-long nadir. Norm's memories are clear and vivid. He recalls how he got the news, his thoughts on Kennedy, leaving campus to go home, and other details from that tragic day. by Zachary Carey
