American Heroes

From February 17, 2010: Oprah talks to Jim Jones, Jr., the son of the notorious Peoples Temple leader, about the Jonestown Massacre, why he didn’t “drink the Kool-Aid,” and how sports saved his life. Karen Kuzma opens up publicly, for the first time, about her brother serial killer John Wayne Gacy. She recalls life as they were growing up, the phone call when he was arrested and his last hours before he was executed.

From January 15, 2007: Exercise physiologist and certified personal trainer, Bob Greene discusses his #1 New York Times Bestselling book, The Best Life Diet. He talks through the three phases of the diet plan, reveals the type of food needed to maintain and lose weight more effectively, and gives tips for success on the plan. Guests share their weight loss journey and success using the Best Life Diet.

From February 21, 2007: Child abduction survivor, Todd Bequette, shares his experience of being kidnapped at age 13 and held captive for 18 months. He opens up about the abuse he suffered, the guilt he feels for recruiting other children and how this experience affected him. Elizabeth Smart’s father Ed discusses what happens when an abducted child returns home. Plus, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Ernie Allen, discusses laws that need to change. Todd Bequette died of a heart attack in 2013.

From March 22, 2000: Oprah shares stories featured in Matilda Raffa Cuomo’s book The Person Who Changed My Life, including Emmy-winning actor Martin Sheen and actor, producer, and host Jada Pinkett-Smith. Cuomo also surprises three-time Super Bowl-winning football player Emmitt Smith and actor Andrew Shue with the people who changed their lives.

From April 16, 1998: Author Wess Roberts discusses his book, Protect Your Achilles Heel, and the connection between behavior and intention. He explains the difference between behavior patterns and character flaws, the number one problem in relationships and the importance of selflessness. Oprah also talks to audience members about their biggest flaws.

From April 20, 1998: Oprah talks to mothers who are making preparations for family after their deaths. New Zealand mother Tobi Mills opens up about placing a newspaper ad seeking a new family for her 10-year-old twins as she undergoes treatment for liver cancer. Erin Kramp shares motherly advice in videos to her daughter and husband while fighting breast cancer. Rose and Al Malavolti adopted eight children from a mother who was suffering from a terminal illness. (Erin Kramp passed away on October 31, 1998; her daughter was 6 years old. Tobi Mills also passed away in 1998.)

From April 5, 2007: Oprah talks to parents and siblings of children on the autism spectrum about how this condition affects their lives. Dr. Anshu Batra, a developmental-behavioral pediatric specialist, discusses the three behavioral deficits that define autism, possible causes and early warning signs. Dr. Batra also opens up about the symptoms of her own autistic children and shares coping strategies parents can put in place.

From February 15, 2007 Television personality, author and psychic medium John Edward discusses his ability to speak to the dead. He describes how the process works, performs readings for families seeking to connect with deceased loved ones and provides tips on how the average person can be receptive to hearing from the other side. Allison DuBois, psychic, medium and author of the New York Times best-seller We Are Their Heaven: Why the Dead Never Leave Us, shares her experience working with law enforcement, which inspired the show Medium.

From January 24, 2007 Spiritual teacher and author of the #1 New York Times best-seller The Seat of the Soul, Gary Zukav shares how to transform your relationship into a spiritual partnership. He explains spiritual growth, the principle of intention and the difference between internal and external power. He also coaches couples in becoming emotionally aware and describes the importance of changing yourself before trying to change others.

Original Air Date: 4-9-2007  Oprah talks with a panel of recovering drug addicts to learn about their struggles, their lives, and how they are handling the road to recovery. They also talk about the role forgiveness has played in their healing. Throughout the episode, Oprah also spotlights the latest technology and cutting-edge treatments (in 2007) that are giving hope to millions of people that are facing similar battles.