Podcast artwork thumbnail for Based on a True Story

Based on a True Story

Dan LeFebvre

Booking Overview

This is a history and film-analysis interview show that regularly brings on historians, authors, military specialists, academics, and other subject-matter experts to assess the historical accuracy of movies and television. Agencies could credibly pitch published historians, professors, authors, documentary filmmakers, military veterans, and experts on specific historical events or eras; booking difficulty is likely low because the show favors accessible niche experts over major celebrities.

Metrics

Episodes: 392

Frequency: Irregular

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Estimated listeners: 10,000 - 100,000

Listener location: USA

YouTube: 18.7k subscribers

Instagram: 1.5k followers

Contact Information

Publicly listed emails

dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

Host

Dan LeFebvre - Creator and host focused on comparing movies and television productions with the historical events and people that inspired them.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

low
Typical Credentials:  
Subject-matter expertise demonstrated through academic credentials, military or professional experience, published books or articles, documentary work, or an established history-focused show. Guests should be able to compare a specific film or television portrayal with the underlying historical record.
Required Achievements:  
Published books, Academic or professional subject-matter expertise, Documentary or research experience, Established educational or history-focused media work

Recent Guest Discussions

Captain Michael Makatura - The Historical Accuracy Of Top Gun, Cold War Fighter Pilot Training And Rivalry, Real-world Aviation Dangers, And The 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

Ben Railton - The Historical Background Of Barnstorming Baseball Teams, The Negro Leagues, Labor Activism, And The Real-life Figures Reflected In The Bingo Long Traveling All-stars & Motor Kings.

Neil Laird - The Historical And Mythological Foundations Of The Odyssey, Homeric Tradition, The Trojan War, And The Film's Treatment Of Monsters, Gods, And Legendary Episodes.

Joshua Donohue - The Real Memphis Belle Missions, World War II Bomber Operations, The 25th Mission, Bombing Formations, And The Accuracy Of The Film Memphis Belle.

Rich Napolitano - The Historical Record Behind Amc's The Terror, The Franklin Expedition, HMS Erebus And HMS Terror, Arctic Survival, And The Search For The Northwest Passage.

Recent Topics

History, Film History, Historical Accuracy, Military History, Ancient History

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on
Based on a True Story
:

Top Gun with Captain Michael Makatura

September 01, 2026

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 390) — Captain Michael "Mak" Makatura joins us to break down the historical accuracy of Top Gun (1986). Drawing from his own experience in Central Europe during the Cold War, Mak explains what the movie gets right about fighter pilot culture, competition, and danger — including a real-world parallel to Goose's tragic death. The conversation also covers his book The Fightin' Tenth: Cold War to Desert Storm, chronicling the experiences of the 10th Tactical Fight...

The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings with Ben Railton

August 11, 2026

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 389) — Are you a baseball fan? Today we're digging into some baseball history as it was depicted in the 1976 movie "The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings." Learn about the history of barnstorming baseball teams with Ben Railton, Professor of American Studies at Fitchburg State University. We'll discuss how the movie's characters mirror real legends like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Jackie Robinson. Ben is the host of the podcast Baseball...

The Odyssey with Neil Laird

July 31, 2026

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 388) — Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey (2026) brings Homer’s epic journey to the screen as we follow Matt Damon’s Odysseus from the Trojan War through monsters, sirens, and a long road home. In this episode, we'll learn from author and former documentary filmmaker Neil Laird about the historical accuracy of the movie and how well it ties into Homer’s Odyssey.Guest LinksPrime Time Troy: https://links.boatspodcast.com/388troyPrime Time Pompeii: https://link...

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Frequently asked questions

Here's some frequently asked questions for
Based on a True Story
:

How do I get in touch with Based on a True Story?

Based on a True Story is hosted by Dan LeFebvre. Its publicly listed email is dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for Based on a True Story?

The publicly listed email for Based on a True Story: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com.

How many listeners does Based on a True Story have?

Podseeker estimates Based on a True Story reaches 10,000 to 100,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for Based on a True Story?

Based on a True Story typically books working professionals with real expertise. Typical guest background: Subject-matter expertise demonstrated through academic credentials, military or professional experience, published books or articles, documentary work, or an established history-focused show. Guests should be able to compare a specific film or television portrayal with the underlying historical record. Common among recent guests: Published books; Academic or professional subject-matter expertise; Documentary or research experience. Recent guests include Captain Michael Makatura, Ben Railton, and Neil Laird.

How hard is it to get booked on Based on a True Story?

Low. A guest with relevant expertise and a clear angle for its audience has a realistic chance.

What topics does Based on a True Story cover?

Recent episodes cover History, Film History, Historical Accuracy, Military History, and Ancient History. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.

Publicly listed emails

dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.com

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

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