The Manhattan Project in Oppenheimer with Alice Lovejoy

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 383) — Did the Oppenheimer movie get the Manhattan Project right? Today, we'll dig into the film's portrayal of the project. From the Los Alamos we see in the movie to what we don't see in the movie such as Oak Ridge's massive factories, Hanford's plutonium production, and more that you don't ever see in the movie.Get Alice's bookAlice Lovejoy is the author of Tales of Militant Chemistry, film scholar, and a professor at the University of Minnesota. She'll join us today to unravel the true story behind the Manhattan Project in the movie.Find more of Alice's workArmy Film and the Avant GardeRemapping Cold War MediaVisit Alice's websiteFollow Alice on BlueskyFollow Alice on InstagramListen to the other BOATS episode on OppenheimerChapters00:00 Manhattan Project Overview04:50 Uranium vs. Plutonium Bombs09:45 Scale of the Project15:28 Einstein's Role20:42 Trinity Test Depiction25:04 Radiation Concerns30:51 Project's End & Legacy33:52 Post-War ImpactsSupport my workSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS ProducerEmail me: [email protected] 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. 382) — Join me in this throwback style BOATS episode without any guests. It'll just be you and I learning about the true story behind 2023's Oppenheimer. Was the poisoned apple scene real? How well was the Trinity Test portrayed on screen? What does the movie leave out from Oppenheimer's life? If you've seen the movie and wondered what really happened, this episode is your guided tour through the history behind the film.Chapters0:00 Intro, synopsis & Two Truths and a Lie3:30 Prometheus myth and poisoned apple story10:15 Oppenheimer’s education in Europe and early career18:40 Relationships with Jean Tatlock and Kitty Oppenheimer28:20 FBI surveillance, communism fears, and the Manhattan Project scale39:10 Trinity Test, “I am become Death,” and bombing Japan51:00 Meeting President Truman and the Strauss feud1:01:30 Oppenheimer’s fall, later life, and modern reevaluation1:08:00 Two Truths and a Lie answers & closingResourcesAmerican PrometheusTales of Militant Chemistry109 East PalaceRobert Oppenheimer: A Life Inside the CenterJ. Robert Oppenheimer: A LifeAn Atomic Love Story: The Extraordinary Women in Robert Oppenheimer's LifeThe Ruin of J. Robert OppenheimerIf your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, you can also find all the links at https://links.boatspodcast.com/382Support My WorkSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: [email protected] 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. 381) — My love of history started with the legend of King Arthur. While there are many King Arthur movies to pick from, today we'll learn about the one that marketed itself as being more historically accurate than the others.Dorsey Armstrong on The Great Courses PlusHistorian Dorsey Armstrong breaks down the historical accuracy of the 2004 film King Arthur. Learn the true story behind the legends of Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin, the Round Table, and more.Chapters0:00 Intro2:30 Movie's Historical Claims5:10 Sarmatians and Lancelot10:45 Merlin's Real History15:20 Woads, Picts, and Round Table22:00 Christianity and Pelagius28:15 Final Mission and Freedom34:50 Guinevere and Ice Battle40:30 Battle of Badon Hill45:15 Sword in the Stone49:00 Legend Surprises53:30 BOATS Update for 2026 and OutroSupport My WorkSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: [email protected] 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. 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 BeckcomFind where to watch the movieChapters0:00 Intro3:38 Today's Movie: Captain Phillips5:19 The True Context of Somali Piracy12:17 Why Captain Phillips Made His Fateful Decision15:46 Security Protocols vs. Hollywood Drama19:42 The First Pirate Attack24:43 Pirates Board the Maersk Alabama30:18 The Crew's True Heroism in the Engine Room34:29 Captain Phillips' Role in the Crisis40:35 The Navy Enters the Picture43:22 The Truth Behind the Rescue Operation49:47 Captain Phillips' Escape Attempt (Fact vs. Fiction)54:51 The Final Navy Seal Operation57:31 About Brian Beckcom's Podcast59:03 Two Truths and a Lie AnswerSupport 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 classNote: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/380See 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 EwaChapters0:00 Intro & Two Truths and a Lie Game3:16 From Here to Eternity: Life Before the Attack10:20 The Global Scope of Japan's Offensive12:40 Wake Island Under Siege20:04 Oahu's Airfields and Widespread Attacks28:23 American Aircraft in the Air During the Attack43:20 Civilian Casualties and Friendly Fire58:23 American Morale and the Movies' Coverage1:05:02 Pilots Beyond Pearl Harbor1:11:13 The Final Countdown: What If Scenario1:22:32 Two Truths and a Lie Answer RevealSupport 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 classNote: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/379See 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 PsychiatristLearn 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 NewspaperChapters0:00 Intro2:35 Movie Overview - Nuremberg and Main Characters5:45 Historical Grade and Book Comparison9:10 Goering's Capture by Allied Forces14:20 Douglas Kelley's Role as Psychiatrist18:55 Goering and Rudolf Hess Relationship23:45 Goering's Narcissism and Motivations29:00 Concentration Camp Films and Kelley's Turning Point33:15 Reporter Character and Kelley's Departure37:00 Howie Trieste's Story as German-Jewish Translator41:45 Kelley Handing Over Research to Prosecutors45:15 Goering's Cyanide Pill and Suicide48:00 Final Lessons and Democracy Warnings50:30 Behind-the-Scenes Film Production Story52:15 Two Truths and a Lie Answer RevealSupport My WorkSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: [email protected] 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 bookWhere 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.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:39 TV series synopsis00:03:16 Two truths and a lie00:04:07 Interview01:19:11 Two truths and a lie answerAlso mentioned in this episodeJoan Crawford: A Woman's Face by Scott EymanSupport 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 classNote: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/377See 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. 376) — This special three-in-one episode is a thorough exploration of the true story behind the U.S. government's top secret program investigating UFOs called Project Blue Book. In 2019, the History Channel released a dramatized version of Project Blue Book's reports starring Aidan Gillen as Dr. J. Allen Hynek.Ufologist Rob Kristoffersen will help us uncover the true story behind each episode of the twenty episodes in the TV series. Then, the third part of our episode today is to talk to David O'Leary (Creator of Project Blue Book) and Sean Jablonski (Showrunner of Project Blue Book) to go behind what it took to make a series about UFOs that is based on true events.Where to watch Project Blue BookListen to Rob's awesome podcast, Our Strange SkiesRead the U.S. Air Force fact sheet on Project Blue BookAnswer this question from the episode: What do you think people are seeing when they report UFOs? Share your opinion in the BOATS DiscordChapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:24 Synopsis00:03:47 Rob Kristoffersen on Project Blue Book season one01:25:48 Rob Kristoffersen on Project Blue Book season two02:41:26 David O'Leary and Sean Jablonski on creating Project Blue BookSupport my workBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Great deals from my sponsorsJoin the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: [email protected] my video podcasting classNote: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: https://links.boatspodcast.com/376See 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. 375) — Donald Rumsfeld served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense twice in his career, including during the 9/11 attacks. Today, we'll learn how the movies "Vice", "W." bring a fictional portrayal of Rumsfeld. We'll also look into the accuracy of the documentary "The Unknown Known" which interviews Rumsfeld himself.⁠Get William's book⁠Separating fact from fiction for us today is William Cooper, whose new historical fiction novel "The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld" is available now.⁠Where to watch Vice⁠⁠Where to watch W.⁠⁠Where to watch The Unknown Known⁠Answer this question from the episode: What impact do you think Rumsfeld has had in U.S. politics today?⁠Share your opinion in the BOATS Discord⁠Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:15 Movie synopsis00:02:13 Two truths and a lie00:03:27 Interview01:09:02 Two truths and a lie answerAlso mentioned in this episode⁠Follow William on Bluesky⁠⁠(BOATS EP. 196) — Moneyball with William Cooper⁠⁠(BOATS EP. 335) — Vice with William Cooper⁠⁠Search Rumsfeld's archive at Rumsfeld.com⁠⁠William's Non-Fiction Book: "How America Works . . . and Why It Doesn’t"⁠Support my work⁠Become a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)⁠⁠Great deals from my sponsors⁠⁠Join the BOATS Discord⁠⁠Get the BOATS email newsletter⁠⁠Email me: [email protected]⁠⁠Get my video podcasting class⁠Note: If your podcast app doesn't support clickable links, copy/paste this in your browser to find all the links: ⁠https://links.boatspodcast.com/375See 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. 375) — Donald Rumsfeld served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense twice in his career, including during the 9/11 attacks. Today, we'll learn how the movies "Vice", "W." bring a fictional portrayal of Rumsfeld. We'll also look into the accuracy of the documentary "The Unknown Known" which interviews Rumsfeld himself. Get William's book Separating fact from fiction for us today is William Cooper, whose new historical fiction novel "The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld" is available now. Where to watch Vice Where to watch W. Where to watch The Unknown Known Answer this question from the episode: What impact do you think Rumsfeld has had in U.S. politics today? Share your opinion in the BOATS Discord Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:15 Movie synopsis 00:02:13 Two truths and a lie 00:03:27 Interview 01:09:02 Two truths and a lie answer Also mentioned in this episode Follow William on Bluesky (BOATS EP. 196) — Moneyball with William Cooper (BOATS EP. 335) — Vice with William Cooper Search Rumsfeld's archive at Rumsfeld.com William's Non-Fiction Book: "How America Works . . . and Why It Doesn’t" Support my work Become a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes) Great deals from my sponsors Join the BOATS Discord Get the BOATS email newsletter Email me: [email protected] Get 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/375 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices