The Godfather is a movie about power, violence, love, and family at the center, not a mob film. It's a story about a family and the struggles within, particularly the youngest son, Michael, who wants to stay out of the family business but winds up becoming a ruthless killer. The film was shot on location in New York in 1971, looking like 1946-48, and features iconic performances from Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, who were not the first choices for their roles but ultimately became integral to the film's success. [... more]

The story of Old Dominic Distillery, a Memphis family business that dates back to 1859, is a testament to perseverance and innovation. From its humble beginnings as a fruit cart to its current status as a leading whiskey distillery, the company has overcome numerous challenges, including Prohibition, to produce some of the finest whiskeys in the South. Meanwhile, a new podcast explores the challenges and triumphs of people living with myasthenia gravis, a rare neuromuscular condition. And in the world of technology, electric vehicles are revolutionizing the way we travel, while female distillers are breaking down barriers in the whiskey industry. [... more]

A young Italian man, Pino Lella, risks his life guiding Jewish refugees across the Alps to escape Nazi persecution during World War II. He later becomes a spy for the Allies, feeding crucial information to help turn the tide of the war. [... more]

The Italian campaign in World War II was a crucial battle for the Allied forces, with General George Patton's aggressive tactics often at odds with General Bernard Montgomery's more cautious approach. Meanwhile, General Dwight Eisenhower navigated the complexities of working with the Italian government, which was desperate to surrender to the Allies but also wanted to double-cross the Germans and join the war on the Allied side. [... more]

Lindsay Berra, the granddaughter of baseball legend Yogi Berra, talks about her grandfather's life, career, and legacy in a new documentary. They discuss his friendships with other players, his off-season jobs, and his famous yogisms. Berra shares stories about her grandfather's love story with his wife, Carmen, and how he approached life with gratitude and joy. [... more]

Good news stories from 2022 include efforts to save whales, a record increase in renewable energy, and a decrease in plastic pollution. Meanwhile, the classic hymn Amazing Grace celebrates its 250th anniversary, and singer Lizzo reflects on her journey from sleeping in her car to owning her own home. The Kennedy Center marks its 50th anniversary with a new exhibit exploring President Kennedy's role as a champion of the arts. [... more]

A wounded Ukrainian veteran is rebuilding his life with the help of a prosthetic leg, while a family on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana fought for justice after a loved one's mysterious death. Meanwhile, the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir is collaborating with a symphony orchestra to reimagine the band's music, and a renowned chef is working to overhaul the taste of vegetables with a new seed company. [... more]

The Italian Campaign in World War II was a series of battles fought between the Allied Forces and the Axis Powers, with the Allies ultimately emerging victorious. Stephen Ambrose's stories bring to life the struggles and triumphs of the soldiers who fought in this pivotal campaign, including the infamous slapping incident involving General George Patton. The Allies' success in Italy was crucial in paving the way for the D-Day invasion of Normandy and the eventual defeat of the Axis Powers. [... more]

A small town in Washington state, Point Roberts, has been severely affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions, while a group called Oath Keepers has been linked to the January 6th Capitol attack. Meanwhile, scientists are exploring the gene editing technique CRISPR to treat diseases and improve lives, and actor Regina King reflects on her career and the importance of telling black stories. [... more]

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city that has captivated Americans for centuries. For some, it's a dream worth pulling up stakes for, and now some are finding they don't have to go home - they already are home. The law of blood means many Americans are still technically Italian, and some are discovering their connection to Italy through the Italian consulates. Meanwhile, in Florence, the tradition of art and craftsmanship continues to this day, with artisans still using techniques from the Renaissance to create beautiful works of art. [... more]

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city rich in history, art, and culture. Many Americans have discovered a connection to Italy that's deeper than they thought, and some are finding they don't have to go home, they already are home. The law of blood means many Americans are still technically Italian due to their ancestry. We explore the city's artisans, from marbleized paper makers to goldsmiths, and visit the famous villas and landmarks, including the Duomo and the Pontavecchio. [... more]