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Last Days explores the final days of some of the biggest icons in sports and entertainment, breaking down precisely what led to the passing of figures who were larger than life but somehow even bigger in death. Derek Kaufman and Jason Beckerman debunk the myths, unpack the tragedies, and tell the real stories behind the most fascinating celebrity deaths.
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Fortress On A Hill (FOH) Podcast

Fortress On A Hill (FOH) Podcast

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The United States has become synonymous with empire and endless war, American troops sit in 70% of the world's countries, and yet, most Americans don't know that. The military is joined disproportionately by a 'warrior caste’ whom carry this enormous burden, making a less diverse force and ensuring most of society doesn't see their sacrifice. And American tax dollars, funding hundreds of billions in unnecessary spending on global hegemony, are robbed from the domestic needs of ordinary Ameri ...
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On January 27, 1993, André René Roussimoff -- the 7'4", 520-pound Frenchman who dominated professional wrestling during the 70s and 80s -- passed away in his sleep after an evening with friends. Although best known for his immense size and epic battles in the ring with Hulk Hogan and other bright stars of his era, it was Andre's brilliant performan…
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On January 14, 2016, Alan Rickman died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite a reputation as one of the kindest men in Hollywood, Rickman made his name portraying some of the great bad guys in cinema history - from Hans Gruber, to the Sheriff of Nottingham, to Severus Snape - and in the process forever changed what it means to be a m…
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On April 10, 2024, OJ Simpson — one of the most decorated football players and controversial figures of the last half of the 20th century — passed away after a brief battle with prostate cancer. His football and acting legacies were forever eclipsed by his criminal trial and eventual acquittal for the vicious double murder of his ex-wife Nicole Bro…
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On May 2, 2012, Junior Seau -- an NFL legend who redefined the linebacker position during his career -- took his own life, shocking his friends, family, and many fans. Known for his fierce playing style and leadership on the field, Seau's impact on football forever changed and modernized the sport, but it was his untimely death that sparked a cruci…
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Thirty years ago this week, on April 5, 1994, Kurt Cobain - the Nirvana frontman whose raw, angst-ridden lyrics made him the voice for Gen X - killed himself in his Seattle home. Cobain’s death, brought on by years of drug use, physical pain, and depression, though tragic, cannot overshadow a singularly remarkable career that transformed American m…
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On March 29, 2024, Lou Gossett Jr. – who rose to fame with his Emmy-award-winning portrayal of Fiddler in the miniseries Roots and an Academy Award-winning turn as drill sergeant Emil Foley in An Officer and a Gentlemen – died after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer of African-American actors, and as one of the kindest and most b…
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On December 5, 2022, Kirstie Alley -- best known for her iconic role as Rebecca Howe on Cheers and her memorable performances in movies like Look Who's Talking -- passed away from colorectal cancer at the age of 71. Alley's legacy was complicated by her public struggles with weight loss and personal views on various social and political issues, but…
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Jovanni and Keagan join About Face folks Jack Tucker, Rachell Tucker, and Ramon Mejia to discuss the self-immolation of Aaron Bushnell, the historical context of self-immolation as a form of protest, and the mainstream media’s pathological reaction to it. Main website: https://www.fortressonahill.com Let me guess. You’re enjoying the show so much, …
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On December 11, 1964, Sam Cooke – the singer and songwriter of some of the most recognizable soul and pop songs every written – including “Twisting the Night Away,” “You Send Me,” “Wonderful World,” “A Change is Gonna Come,” and so many more – was shot and killed in a Los Angeles motel. Cooke’s killing was perhaps the first modern true-crime story,…
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On July 2, 2004, Marlon Brando -- perhaps the most iconic film actor of the 20th century for his roles in classics like On the Waterfront and The Godfather -- passed away from a mysterious lung condition at the age of 80. Despite his personal troubles, Brando's groundbreaking and unconventional approach to acting ushered in a new era in Hollywood t…
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Jovanni sits down with independent journalist Olesya Orlenko, a Russian historian, who provides on-the-ground perspectives from Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. They discuss the roots of the conflict tracing back to the 2014 coup in Ukraine, the role of Western media in shaping narratives, and the views from both Russian and Ukrainian sides. Olesya Orle…
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Len Bias was among the greatest basketball players ever who lived until his life was cut short by a lethal batch of cocaine. The true crime story of Bias’s death gripped the nation, but it left behind one of the most culturally destructive legacies in the history of sport. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Vis…
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John Denver -- one of the most successful singer-songwriters of the 70s -- tragically died in a plane crash in 1997 off the coast of California. Despite his untimely death, Denver's musical legacy continues to resonate with timeless hits like Take Me Home, Country Roads and Annie's Song, which remain cherished anthems to this day. But perhaps his m…
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On January 10, 2016, David Bowie - the visionary iconoclast who blended rock, glam, and avant-garde styles to revolutionize music - died of liver cancer in his NYC apartment. Bowie's evolving musical styles and various persona over a five decade career have been emulated by generations of musicians - from Madonna to Prince, Lady Gaga to Kanye West,…
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ClandesTime host Tom Secker joins Henri to discuss the 1998 World War 2 film, “Saving Private Ryan.” We spend ample time discussing that “horrific” opening scene and whether it’s as honest as Steven Spielberg would like it to be, as well as Spielberg’s tendency to sanitize and simplify so much of the combat. We cover the actual history of that sect…
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Jovanni hosts political analyst K.J. Noh for a deep dive into the historic decision by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un not to pursue reconciliation with South Korea, the escalating tensions involving Pyongyang, Seoul, and Washington, and the impact of international geopolitics on North Korea’s future. They also weigh in on the recent International …
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On September 28, 2022, Coolio -- the iconic rapper best known for hits like Gangsta's Paradise and C U When You Get There -- died from an accidental drug overdose at a home in Los Angeles. With his trademark braids and laid back style, Coolio left a profound mark on the music industry with his unique blend of simple and sincere lyrics set against c…
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On September 7, 2018, Mac Miller – one of the brightest and most beloved young musicians in the world – died after taking counterfeit opioid pills laced with fentanyl. Three men accused of distributing the pills have since been brought to justice, but that is little solace to his family and friends who mourn his loss, and for his legion of fans who…
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Jovanni, Shiloh, and Monisha share an insightful look back at 2023 and share their hopes and predictions for 2024. The massive ongoing shift to multi-polarity, the view of Ukraine and Palestine as the year ends, and understanding how to pursue and maintain revolutionary optimism in a pessimistic world are all touched on. Thank you to everyone who h…
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On February 2, 2024, Carl Weathers -- the man who brought Apollo Creed to life on the big screen in four Rocky movies -- passed away at the age of 76. Although most associated with his role as Stallone's foil-then-friend in that film franchise, Weathers left behind a rich and varied legacy in Hollywood, bringing his trademark charisma and wit to ev…
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On October 10, 2004, Christopher Reeve -- the man who ushered in the modern wave of comic book heroes on the big screen with his Superman movies -- died from heart failure due to complications from a blood infection. Reeve burst on the Hollywood scene in the late 70s, bringing boyish good looks, effortless charm, and real acting chops from Juilliar…
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On August 10, 2019, Jeffrey Epstein - one of the most notorious criminals in recent American history - was found dead of what was initially reported to be suicide by hanging. But over the next several weeks fissures emerged in the official story of Epstein's death with the revelation that prison guards and officials engaged in a cover-up to conceal…
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Jovanni is joined by Colonel Ann Wright, former diplomat and retired U.S. Army colonel who resigned from the U.S. government in opposition to Bush’s war on Iraq. Jovanni and Ann discuss the lack of interest for diplomacy, the detrimental effects of transferring weapons into conflict areas, and Ann’s recent appearance at the UN, stressing the toll o…
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In late December 2016, one of the brightest starts from Hollywood's Golden Age Debbie Reynolds and her multi-talented daughter and Star Wars legend Carrie Fisher passed away within 24 hours of each other. Their lives and careers charted very different courses in entertainment, but the personal hardships and difficult battles never broke their endur…
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George Michael - the Wham! frontman turned legendary solo performer - died on Christmas day, 2016, from heart failure brought on by years of substance abuse. Michael's life was derailed by his 1998 arrest for a lewd act, which made him the butt of jokes and subjected the famously-private star to unwanted media scrutiny. But in death he finally foun…
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Henri hosts Stephen Russell, a veteran and comic book author, who shares his upcoming memoir ‘Troublemakers: The Greatest Dog and Pony Show in Iraq’. The memoir details Russell’s deployment to Iraq in 2006 during the Surge with Bravo Company, 112th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd BCT, where Stephen details the huge losses his unit suffered. They discuss the …
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Keagan and Jovanni have a awesome short discussion on a few very pertinent topics, including some stats on anti-war veteran participation, understanding military hierarchy through Army combat arms, and a bit on military and veteran ideas of masculinity and conformity. Main website: https://www.fortressonahill.com Let me guess. You’re enjoying the s…
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On August 9, 2008, Bernie Mac -- star of countless movies and one of The Original Kings of Comedy -- died in a Chicago hospital after a lengthy battle with a rare lung disease. Although he only found mainstream success later in life, Mac left an indelible mark on the comedy world with his brash style that blended his often shockingly provocative ta…
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Special Update: Matthew Perry's Cause of Death - The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has released the autopsy report revealing Matthew Perry's official cause of death, providing answers to the questions surrounding his sudden and tragic passing. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice…
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On January 12, 2023, Lisa Marie Presley - the daughter and later the wife of, respectively, perhaps the two most famous entertainers of the 20th century - died from complications of a small bowel obstruction tied to weight loss surgery she'd undergone years before. Lisa Marie was a singer and a performer, a devoted mother, and the candle-bearer for…
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On December 5, 2023, Norman Lear -- the man responsible for revolutionizing television in the 70s with a string of hit sitcoms, including All in the Family and Good Times -- passed away in his Los Angeles home at the age of 101. Already a television legend by his mid-50s, Lear could have spent the remainder of his incredible life basking in the glo…
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On March 4, 2019, Luke Perry died from a stroke at a Los Angeles hospital. Though Perry enjoyed a remarkable career renaissance near the end of his life, he will always be remembered for his portrayal of brooding heartthrob Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210 - the breakout star from the iconic show that changed television forever. Hosts: Jason Bec…
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On April 10, 1992, Sam Kinison -- who turned screaming rants in small comedy clubs into a burgeoning career in Hollywood -- died after drunk driver crashed into his car on a California highway. Although remembered for his indulgent lifestyle, Kinison's tragic death at the age of just 38 had nothing to do with his vices and cut short one of the most…
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On September 14, 2021, Norm Macdonald -- the legendary SNL alum and one of the greatest stand-up comedians of his generation -- passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer that he had waged privately for many years. His death shocked even some of his closest friends in the comedy world, but his fearless and wholly unique voice left behind a lega…
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Henri is joined by Suzanne Gordon from the Health Care Policy Institute to delve into issues concerning the privatization of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the future of healthcare in rural areas. Suzanne warns against the slow dismantling of the VA system due to privatization and outsourcing to the private sector, and how it disproportio…
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On October 5, 2011, Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder who revolutionized personal computing and transformed the way we listen to music, watch movies, and communicate over the phone, died of pancreatic cancer. Jobs's legacy is complex - he was both a relentless innovator and a workplace tyrant, an unmatched visionary and someone who often took credit…
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Judith Norman joins Jovanni and Monisha to discuss her work and experience with Palestinian liberation movements and the current situation there on the ground. Judith Norman has been engaged with community organizing for 20 years. She has worked with movements for economic justice, anti-militarization, educational justice, decarceration, and the li…
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On September 4, 2006, Steve Irwin -- the global sensation best known as "The Crocodile Hunter" from his countless nature shows -- was killed in a freak accident while filming near the Great Barrier Reef. Despite the inherent danger of his profession, the sudden tragedy shocked the world and shattered the lives of his wife and two young children, wh…
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