Final Destination’s Mastermind on Crafting Fear and Writing Death
On this episode of Eyewitness History, we sit down with Jeffrey Riddick, the screenwriter and producer behind the iconic Final Destination franchise. Riddick shares his journey from aspiring writer to Hollywood powerhouse, revealing the inspirations, challenges, and creative processes that brought one of modern horror’s most enduring series to life. We dive into: The genesis of Final Destination and how Riddick transformed a simple idea into a cinematic phenomenon. Stories from the set and behind-the-scenes insights that fans have never heard. The challenges of writing suspense, fear, and death in a way that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Jeffrey’s advice for aspiring filmmakers, screenwriters, and anyone chasing creative dreams. How horror reflects society’s fears and why it resonates with audiences worldwide. Whether you’re a diehard Final Destination fan, a lover of film history, or curious about the craft of screenwriting, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of Hollywood’s most influential horror storytellers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Controversial Historian’s Grandson Shares Family and Publishing Perspective
In this episode of Eyewitness History, I speak with Adam Irving, grandson of historian David Irving and head of Irving Books, the publisher managing his grandfather’s works. We discuss David Irving’s career as an author, his legacy in historical debate, and what it means for Adam to balance family ties with the responsibilities of running a publishing house. Disclaimer: David Irving remains a deeply controversial figure. This conversation is presented for its historical and family perspective and should not be taken as an endorsement of his views.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Behind the Laughs of "Airplane!" with Lorna Lembeck
In this episode of Eyewitness History, Josh Cohen welcomes actress Lorna Lembeck, who played Randy in the legendary comedy Airplane!. Lorna shares her memories from the set, what it was like to be part of a film that redefined parody, and why the movie continues to resonate with audiences more than forty years later.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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I've Written a Book!
In this special episode of Eyewitness History, Josh Cohen shares the story behind his new book, William F. Buckley Jr.'s Guide to Friendship in a Polarized Era. He explores how Buckley built lasting friendships across deep political divides and why his example of decency, humor, and faith matters in today’s polarized world. Pre-order now - https://www.amazon.com/William-Buckley-Guide-Friendship-Polarized/dp/1956454926See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Eyewitness to India: Art, Culture, and a Life Transformed
In this episode of Eyewitness History, Josh Cohen speaks with Dr. Stephen P. Huyler — art historian, cultural anthropologist, photographer, and author of the new memoir Transformed by India: A Life. For more than five decades, Huyler has traveled across nearly every corner of India, documenting its crafts, rituals, and people while forging lifelong bonds with the communities he encountered. In this conversation, Huyler reflects on his remarkable journey — from pedaling a rickshaw into India on his twentieth birthday, to curating major exhibitions around the world, to writing a memoir with a foreword by the Dalai Lama and a preface by Dr. Shashi Tharoor. Together, we explore how India transformed his life, the lessons he learned along the way, and what his story can teach us about culture, connection, and humanity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What was it like to hear about the JFK assassination? Or America’s triumph over Hitler? Or seeing Queen at Live-Aid? Our past is a collection of stories that bring us to now. Welcome to the Eyewitness History podcast, where we view history through the eyes of the people that watched the events that shaped our world. If you have a story from history that you would like to share, I would love to hear it! Please reach out to me using my Contact form at https://www.jeremystalnecker.com
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