Based on a True Story

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 380) — Today we dive into the 2013 film Captain Phillips directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks—and discover how much of Hollywood's version actually matches the true story of the Maersk Alabama hijacking. Trial attorney Brian Beckcom, who represented the crew of the container ship after the Somali pirate attack, shares accounts of what really happened during this dramatic rescue operation and reveals the major inaccuracies that made it to the screen. Lessons from Leaders with Brian Beckcom Find where to watch the movie Chapters 0:00 Intro 3:38 Today's Movie: Captain Phillips 5:19 The True Context of Somali Piracy 12:17 Why Captain Phillips Made His Fateful Decision 15:46 Security Protocols vs. Hollywood Drama 19:42 The First Pirate Attack 24:43 Pirates Board the Maersk Alabama 30:18 The Crew's True Heroism in the Engine Room 34:29 Captain Phillips' Role in the Crisis 40:35 The Navy Enters the Picture 43:22 The Truth Behind the Rescue Operation 49:47 Captain Phillips' Escape Attempt (Fact vs. Fiction) 54:51 The Final Navy Seal Operation 57:31 About Brian Beckcom's Podcast 59:03 Two Truths and a Lie Answer Support my workSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: [email protected] my video podcasting class Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/380 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 379) — Most movies focus on the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, but the true story of December 7th, 1941, involves a coordinated global offensive across the Pacific. In this episode, history professor Joshua Donohue returns to explore what the movies miss—including attacks on Wake Island, the Philippines, and military installations across Oahu that extended far beyond the harbor itself. From civilian casualties to pilot heroics to the international scope of Japan's ambitious assault, we separate fact from fiction across multiple Pearl Harbor films. Josh's Latest WorkEmbattled Marines at Air Station Ewa Chapters 0:00 Intro & Two Truths and a Lie Game 3:16 From Here to Eternity: Life Before the Attack 10:20 The Global Scope of Japan's Offensive 12:40 Wake Island Under Siege 20:04 Oahu's Airfields and Widespread Attacks 28:23 American Aircraft in the Air During the Attack 43:20 Civilian Casualties and Friendly Fire 58:23 American Morale and the Movies' Coverage 1:05:02 Pilots Beyond Pearl Harbor 1:11:13 The Final Countdown: What If Scenario 1:22:32 Two Truths and a Lie Answer Reveal Support my workSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: [email protected] my video podcasting class Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/379 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 378) — Discover the historical accuracy behind the 2025 film "Nuremberg" which is adapted from Jack El-Hai's book "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist." Get Jack's Book: The Nazi and the Psychiatrist Learn about the real Dr. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) and his complex relationship with Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe) during the historic Nuremberg trials. What did the filmmakers get right and what did they change from the true story? Tune in to find out! Also MentionedJack El-Hai Official WebsiteNuremberg (2025 Film)22 Cells in Nuremberg by Douglas KelleyHowie Trieste's Book on Nuremberg ExperiencesStars and Stripes Military Newspaper Chapters 0:00 Intro 2:35 Movie Overview - Nuremberg and Main Characters 5:45 Historical Grade and Book Comparison 9:10 Goering's Capture by Allied Forces 14:20 Douglas Kelley's Role as Psychiatrist 18:55 Goering and Rudolf Hess Relationship 23:45 Goering's Narcissism and Motivations 29:00 Concentration Camp Films and Kelley's Turning Point 33:15 Reporter Character and Kelley's Departure 37:00 Howie Trieste's Story as German-Jewish Translator 41:45 Kelley Handing Over Research to Prosecutors 45:15 Goering's Cyanide Pill and Suicide 48:00 Final Lessons and Democracy Warnings 50:30 Behind-the-Scenes Film Production Story 52:15 Two Truths and a Lie Answer Reveal Support My WorkSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: [email protected] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 377) — The first season of FX’s “Feud” chronicles the turbulent making of the 1962 thriller “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” Over eight episodes set against Hollywood's fading Golden Age, “Feud” focuses on a simmering resentment between aging stars Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, on-set clashes over performances and camera work, and the film’s premiere. Get Scott's book Where to watch Feud  To help us separate fact from fiction in the series today is Scott Eyman, whose new biography Joan Crawford: A Woman’s Face reveals Crawford’s journey from orphan to screen legend using thorough research from personal papers, studio records, and the Robert Aldrich archives at UCLA. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:39 TV series synopsis 00:03:16 Two truths and a lie 00:04:07 Interview 01:19:11 Two truths and a lie answer Also mentioned in this episodeJoan Crawford: A Woman's Face by Scott Eyman Support my workSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: [email protected] my video podcasting class Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/377 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Project Blue Book was a U.S. Air Force program (1952–1969) to scientifically investigate UFO reports.