Stories of veteran service and sacrifice straight from the people driving today’s most important veterans causes and veterans organizations around the world. The show shines a spotlight on their inspiring projects making a real difference for veterans and their families, and along the way we'll hear the stories that drive them to do their best every day as they work to support veterans and their memory.
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Matthew Cudmore Podcasts
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Attila Szalay-Berzeviczy (Author) – Capturing the Centenary of the Great War
36:41
36:41
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36:41"We all live in the world created by the First World War." This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Attila Szalay-Berzeviczy, author of In the Centennial Footsteps of the Great War. Attila shares how a personal journey to Sarajevo evolved into a global project documenting the centenary of World War I. In this episode: - Discover why the F…
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Courtney Trollinger (Army Historical Foundation) – Preserving the Legacy of the American Soldier
17:56
17:56
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17:56"Every soldier’s story deserves to be remembered." This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Courtney Trollinger, Vice President of Development at the Army Historical Foundation, the organization behind the National Museum of the United States Army. Courtney shares how the Foundation is safeguarding Army history and inspiring future genera…
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Louise Fetigan (Little Troopers UK) - Building a Legacy of Care for the UK Military Families
27:19
27:19
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27:19"She deserved better, that she hadn’t joined the military. Me and my husband had both chosen to serve our country, but she hadn’t made that choice yet." This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers in the United Kingdom. Louise shares how her personal journey as a military parent led to the creation …
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Dr Megan Wang (Royal Air Force Museum UK) – Preserving Memory Beyond the Battlefield
47:33
47:33
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47:33“No matter how you choose to commemorate or how you choose to remember people, just make sure you say their names.” This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Dr. Megan Wang, Historian and Academic Access Manager at the Royal Air Force Museum. Megan shares her passion for commemoration and the stories behind war graves in Britain and beyond…
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Philippa Rawlinson (National Memorial Arboretum) – A Living Landscape of Remembrance
21:55
21:55
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21:55"Remembrance unites us and brings us together." This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Philippa Rawlinson, Managing Director of the National Memorial Arboretum in the UK. Philippa shares how the Arboretum fosters connection through nature and storytelling, and why remembrance is more important than ever in today’s world. In this episode…
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Dr. Allison S. Finkelstein (U.S. Army National Military Cemeteries) - Arlington’s Hidden History
33:09
33:09
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33:09"Every day is different. Every day is exciting. And one of the things that drives me the most is this feeling of the overwhelming amount of stories that there are to be told at Arlington.” New this week is our episode featuring Dr. Allison S. Finkelstein with U.S. Army National Military Cemeteries Arlington National Cemetery where we learn about th…
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Charles Sadnick and Bob Brinkman (Texas Historical Commission) - Preserving Texas History One Marker at a Time
30:48
30:48
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30:48“We have about 17,000 historical markers in Texas and every single one tells a story worth remembering.” – Charles Sadnick, Texas Historical Commission In this week's episode we speak with Charles Sadnick and Bob Brinkman of the Texas Historical Commission. Charles and Bob talk about preserving Texas history through their historical marker program,…
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Alexandra McKinnon (Department of National Defence) - Reconnecting Families with Canada’s Missing War Dead
35:01
35:01
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35:01"The ultimate purpose of the Casualty Identification Program is for the missing to be buried with their name, by their unit, and in the presence of their family." This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Alexandra McKinnon, historian with the Canadian Department of Defence Casualty Identification Program. Alexandra shares how her team is …
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Stephen Harding (New York Times Bestselling Author) – Untold Stories of War, Sacrifice, and Memory
28:08
28:08
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28:08"War does something to you...it affects you for the rest of your life." This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with New York Times bestselling author and veteran Stephen Harding. Stephen shares how a year in military hospitals shaped his lifelong commitment to telling the stories of those who served and those who never came home. His work ex…
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Anoma Pieris and Arthur Tsakonas (Eucalypts of Hodogaya Shrine of Remembrance) - the Architecture of Reconciliation
34:05
34:05
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34:05"We want the public sentiment to turn away from war and towards reconciliation." This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Professor Anoma Pieris and Arthur Tsakonas from the University of Melbourne about the Yokohama War Cemetery and the exhibition they co-curated at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. Eucalypts of Hodogaya is more th…
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Michael Caldwell and Kevin Basik (National Medal of Honor Museum and Monument) - A Medal Steeped in History
53:42
53:42
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53:42“They're ordinary people who in a moment of time on the battlefield, courage met circumstance, and they did something extraordinary.” This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Mike Caldwell and Kevin Basik of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation. Together, they’re building a museum, a monument, and a movement to help people reconn…
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Cyndi Benavides (Historic Mallory Cemetery) - A Site Worth Saving
17:38
17:38
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17:38"I didn’t go looking for it. It found me." This week we speak with Cyndi Benavides, Army veteran and founder of the nonprofit Mallory Cemetery, a historic cemetery tucked into the heart of Franklin, Tennessee. In this episode, Cyndi shares how a quiet walk in 2020 turned into a mission of preservation, storytelling, and connection. In this episode:…
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Steve Topham (Wounded Warriors Canada) - Road to Freedom on The Battlefield Bike Ride
30:02
30:02
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30:02"Just because they hang up the uniform doesn’t mean they stop serving." This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Steve Topham of Wounded Warriors Canada about the healing power of remembrance, the importance of community, and the transformative experience of the Battlefield Bike Ride. From Vimy Ridge to the Scheldt Estuary, Steve shares h…
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Jason Gillard (Veterans Awards Ireland) - Building Bridges Through Service
29:30
29:30
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29:30“We had a nominee called Bryan Phillips, unbelievable lad. Double amputee. He was in the Irish Guards, lost his legs in Afghanistan. And when I saw his name was called out and he stood up ... I turned to my wife and I said, that's why I've done this.” This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Jason Gillard, veteran, entrepreneur, and found…
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John Shertzer (Medal of Honor Foundation) - Inspiring the Next Generation
29:54
29:54
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29:54"I didn’t understand the stakes until I saw what these men had done and how they continue to serve." This week we speak with John Shertzer, Executive Director of the Medal of Honor Foundation, about the sacred mission of preserving valor, inspiring citizenship, and connecting generations through the legacy of America’s highest military honor. From …
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Captain Jay Singh-Sohal OBE VR (WW1 Sikh Memorial) - Building Bridges Through Commemoration
35:12
35:12
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35:12"Commemoration is another kind of service. It is about remembering those who came before and inspiring those who come next." This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Jay Singh-Sohal, active reservist, veteran, Chairman of the World War I Sikh Memorial, Trustee of The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation, about representation, remembrance, a…
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Ben Mayne (Liberation Route Europe) - Walking Through WWII History on The Liberation Route Europe
36:02
36:02
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36:02“We’re carrying that torch of remembrance - that baton we’re passing over for future generations.” This week on Story Behind the Stone, we sit down with Ben Mayne, battlefield tour guide and UK Director of Liberation Route Europe, to talk about remembrance, reconnection, and the power of walking in the footsteps of history. From Normandy to the Net…
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Pete Jackson M.B.E. & Gail Francis-Tiron (The Tunnels Gibraltar's WWII Experience) - Preserving the Rock
38:11
38:11
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38:11This week on the podcast we go deep into history (literally and figuratively) with Gail Francis-Tiron and Pete Jackson M.B.E. , two passionate stewards of history, preserving Gibraltar’s World War II legacy at The Tunnels Gibraltar's WWII Experience, which preserves miles and miles of tunnels carved into the Rock. Join us as we explore: 🌄 The strat…
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Michael Rodriguez (Global War on Terror Memorial) - Honoring Service Past and Present
36:47
36:47
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36:47How do you build a memorial for a war that’s still shaping lives? Michael “Rod” Rodriguez, CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, shares his deeply personal mission to create a memorial on the National Mall in Washington D.C. honoring generations of service and sacrifice. From 21 years in uniform to spearheading a project of nation…
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Amanda Kelly (AWAKE Ashes) - The Hidden Harm of Human Ashes
27:03
27:03
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27:03Traditional cremation leaves behind more than memories — it leaves behind toxic, fossil-like remains. This week we sit down with Amanda Kelly, co-founder of AWAKE, to talk about the quiet revolution in cremation — one rooted in science, soil, and sustainability. 🌱 Learn about: The rise of cremation: 60%+ in the U.S. (up from 3% in 1960!) Why tradit…
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Patricia Cecil (National WW1 Museum and Memorial) - Faith on the Frontlines
34:26
34:26
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34:26What happens when faith meets the frontlines? In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, we sit down with Patricia Cecil, Specialist Curator of Faith, Religion, and WWI at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. Patricia takes us behind the scenes of Sacred Service, an extraordinary exhibit that uncovers how chaplains became unlikely h…
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France Q. Hoang (Vietnam Veterans Memorial) - A Life Dedicated to Service
24:22
24:22
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24:22In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, host Matthew Cudmore sits down with France Q. Hoang—Army Ranger, former White House Counsel, Special Assistant to the President, and co-founder of AI-powered platform BoodleBox. Born in Saigon in 1973, France and his family were airlifted from Vietnam in 1975 as the city fell, beginning a journey that shap…
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Lee Collins (Pacific Historic Parks) - Honoring Pearl Harbor’s Legacy
40:55
40:55
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40:55In this conversation, Matthew Cudmore and Ryan Mullens speak with Lee Collins, Chief of Staff at Pacific Historic Parks, about the organization's mission to preserve and honor the history of World War II and the sacrifices made by veterans. Lee shares his personal journey from military service to his current role, emphasizing the importance of comm…
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Gillian Nye (Better Place Forests) - A Tree Instead of a Tombstone
26:01
26:01
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26:01In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, host Matthew Cudmore speaks with Gillian Nye, Forest Memorials Manager at Better Place Forests. Better Place Forests is a nonprofit operating nine memorial forests across the United States. They discuss the unique concept of memorial forests, where individuals can have their ashes placed in nature, creatin…
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Terri-Anne Simmonds (Australian War Memorial) - Past Meets Future at the AWM
39:29
39:29
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39:29In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore engage with Terri-Anne Simmonds, Head of Digital at the Australian War Memorial. They explore the significance of the memorial, its multifaceted role as a museum, memorial, and archive, and the personal connections Australians have with their military history. The conversat…
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Jeremy Diamond (Royal Canadian Air Force Foundation) - Connecting Generations Through History
45:01
45:01
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45:01CEO of the Royal Canadian Air Force Foundation Jeremy Diamond discusses his journey into the field of history and commemoration, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and personal narratives in engaging the public with Canadian history. He highlights the role of the RCAF Foundation in connecting generations through shared stories and innovativ…
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Amy Osborn (NJ Vietnam Veterans' Memorial & Museum) - Honoring New Jersey's Fallen
39:57
39:57
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39:57In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, host Matthew Cudmore speaks with Amy Osborn, the Executive Director of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Museum. They discuss Amy's journey to the memorial, the unique features of the memorial, the impact of educational programs on youth, and the emotional rewards of working with veterans. Amy …
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Bill Butler (National Veterans Memorial) - The New Home of the Brave
34:19
34:19
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34:19In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore speak with William (Bill) Butler, the Acting President of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio. Bill shares his extensive military background and discusses the museum's mission to honor veterans and elevate their stories. The conversation explores the…
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Nicolas McCarthy (Beechwood Cemetery) - Canada's National Cemetery
45:52
45:52
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45:52In this episode, Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore engage with Nicolas (Nick) McCarthy, the Director of Marketing, Communications and Community Outreach for Canada's National Cemetery, Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, exploring its rich history and unique features. They discuss Nick's unconventional journey into the cemetery industry, the significance …
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AJ Orlikoff (Historic Congressional Cemetery) - DC's Greatest Undertaking
48:49
48:49
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48:49In this episode, A.J. Orlikoff, the interim executive director of the Historic Congressional Cemetery, shares his journey and passion for history. He discusses the unique features of the cemetery, its role as a community space, and the notable figures interred there. A.J. highlights the importance of serving bereaved families and the lively atmosph…
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Monica Mohindra (Library of Congress) - Preserving the Voice of America's Veterans
40:27
40:27
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40:27The Library of Congress Veterans History Project is the most extensive oral history project in American history, with over 120,000 collections, encompassing oral, physical, digital artifacts and recordings of U.S. veterans — across generations of servicemembers and conflicts dating back to the First World War. In today's episode join us as we sit d…
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Jason van Bruggen - 80 Years of Freedom for the Netherlands
29:18
29:18
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29:18In this conversation, Ryan Mullens and co-hosts Matthew Cudmore and Matthew Stewart sit down with Jason Van Bruggen, a Dutch-Canadian visual artist behind the 80 Years of Freedom project. They discuss Jason's artistic journey, the importance of visual storytelling, and the emotional impact of sharing personal histories, particularly from the civili…
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New Zealand Liberation Museum Te Arawhata - The Ladder to Liberation
43:07
43:07
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43:07Join us for our very first "walk and talk" episode hosted by Matthew Stewart and featuring guests Elizabeth Wratislav and Jacob Siermans who head up Te Arawhata, the New Zealand Liberation Museum located in Le Quesnoy, France. Elizabeth and Jacob share the museum's mission to commemorate New Zealand's role in World War I, particularly the liberatio…
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Roseanna Rolph (Dear Mr Snippet Book) - Wartime letters bring history to life
25:01
25:01
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25:01In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, host Matthew Cudmore interviews author Roseanna Rolph about her historical memoir, 'Dear Mr. Snippet,' which is based on the letters exchanged between her grandparents during World War II. Roseanna shares the emotional journey of discovering these letters, the significance of transcribing them, and the ins…
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Caitlin Bailey (Vimy Foundation) - Vimy Memorial: Living Stories
27:21
27:21
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27:21In this conversation, Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore speak with Caitlin Bailey, Executive Director of the Vimy Foundation. They discuss the foundation's mission to educate Canadians about their history, particularly the significance of Vimy Ridge, and the various programs aimed at youth engagement and commemoration. Caitlin shares her unexpected …
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Rich Darby (Operation Honor Guard) - Final Military Honors for American Veterans
27:16
27:16
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27:16In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, host Matthew Cudmore speaks with Rich Darby, founder and president of Operation Honor Guard. The organization aims to support honor guards across the United States, which are primarily composed of volunteers who perform military honors at funerals. Rich shares his personal journey, the inspiration behind t…
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Nicola Nash (British Ministry of Defence) - The War Detectives
32:31
32:31
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32:31Join Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore as they speak with Nicola Nash from the Ministry of Defence about her work in the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Center (The War Detectives). They discuss the challenges of identifying military casualties from various conflicts, the emotional connections formed with families, and the importance of storytellin…
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Renée Davis (Department of National Defence) - Identifying Unknown Soldiers
36:39
36:39
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36:39In this episode, Ryan and Matt sit down with Renée Davis, a research historian with the Department of National Defence Directorate of History and Heritage working in the Casualty Identification Program. They discuss Renee's journey into military history, the nature of her work in identifying the remains and graves of Canadian service members, and t…
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Haakon Vinje (Norwegian War Graves Service) - Norway's War Graves
36:04
36:04
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36:04In this conversation, Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore discuss the history and significance of war graves in Norway and around the world with Haakon Vinje from the Norwegian War Graves Service. They explore Norway's role in World War II, the traditions of commemoration, and the complexities of maintaining war graves for both Norwegian and foreign s…
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Stuart Taylor (Allied Forces Foundation) - Healing Together, Side by Side
25:33
25:33
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25:33Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore speak with Stuart Taylor, the president and CEO of the Allied Forces Foundation (AFF). They discuss the foundation's mission to support wounded warriors through various events and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of communication, connection, and family involvement. Stuart shares powerful personal stories of …
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Sam Edwards (The Running Historian) - Allies in Memory and The Friendly Invasion
32:32
32:32
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32:32Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore sit down with "The Running Historian", Professor Sam Edwards, exploring themes of memory, commemoration, and the impact of historical events on contemporary society. Sam shares his personal journey into the field of history, influenced by the American military presence in Eastern England during World War II. The dis…
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Ultan Moran (Glasnevin, Ireland's National Cemetery) - Ireland's Largest Burial Place
37:07
37:07
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37:07In this conversation, Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore welcome Ultan Moran from Glasnevin Irish National Cemetery, exploring its rich history, notable figures buried there, and the cultural significance of cemeteries. Ultan shares insights into the cemetery's origins, the stories of prominent individuals, and the unique features that make Glasnevin…
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Scott Smith (The Royal Parks): Wartime in the Royal Parks of London
34:06
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34:06Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore speak with Scott Smith from the Royal Parks about his journey to the organization, the historical significance of the parks, and the role of technology in preserving their rich heritage. Scott shares insights into the parks' connection to World War II, personal stories of veterans, and the importance of remembrance.…
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Simon Bendry (Commonwealth War Graves Commission): Passing the Torch of Commemoration
50:50
50:50
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50:50In this episode, Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore chat with Simon Bendry from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) to explore the organization's vital role in commemorating those who served in the Commonwealth. They discuss the history of the CWGC, the unique stories behind various cemeteries, and the importance of personal connections beh…
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Nick Miller (Former CIO Arlington National Cemetery): Connecting visitors to stories of service
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29:15
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29:15In this conversation, Nick Miller shares his journey from military service to his pivotal role in enhancing commemoration through technology at Arlington Cemetery. He discusses the importance of honoring veterans, the challenges faced in modernizing the cemetery's operations, and the critical role of technology in improving visitor experiences. The…
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Amanda Thompson (Best Defense Foundation): The Healing Power of Battlefield Return
33:48
33:48
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33:48Join guest Amanda Thompson, the executive director of the Best Defense Foundation, who discusses the organization's mission to honor veterans through innovative programs including their landmark Battlefield Return program. The conversation covers the logistics of bringing veterans to significant historical sites, the importance of personal stories …
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Amy Meunier (Veterans Affairs Canada): Invictus Games 2025 and the Future of Commemoration
39:11
39:11
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39:11Amy Meunier, the Veterans Affairs Canada Assistant Deputy Minister of Commemoration and Public Affairs, joins Ryan Mullens to speak about the importance of recognizing and commemorating veterans. They discuss various initiatives by Veterans Affairs Canada, the significance of grassroots commemoration, and the need to highlight the stories of Indige…
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