Breakthrough: An Epic Quest for Freedom

While the World Trade Center in Manhattan was burning fiercely, what was the leader of the United States of America? Join me for a segue on this episode of Breakthrough as I relay to you what George W. Bush Jr. was doing on September 11th.

As Jyoti, Alfredo, and Florence were hurrying down the stairwell, Joe Pfieffer, the Chief Battalion of the New York City Firefighters, was sending his men up the stairs. And Mike and John were still helping the woman in the wheelchair down as well. Would they make it in time? Neil and Peter were still going down as well. And what would happen...when they all saw the buildings on fire? Find out with me on this episode of Breatkthrough.

This time on Breakthrough, join me as we learn what happened to the Network Plus employees, how Joe Pfeiffer would lead his battalion, and what the people in the South Tower would do when they saw One World Trade Center....on fire.

This season on Breakthrough, we explore freedom through a different lens: through what it means to be resilient. And how that very resiliency can lead to our freedom. Come along with me as I guide you through the most devastating 24 hours of recent American history, by examining the perspectives of the people who were actually there on September 11, 2001.

What would Susan figure out when she really delved into the case of the Zodiac killer and Gary's claims? Would there be others who would question his story? And what would Sal and Ken find at Donner Pass?

Gary Stewart had just published his book. Detectives Sal and Ken were just learning a new name. And Susan Mustafa...was in for a surprise. Let's find out the truth on this episode of Breakthrough.

What exactly was the connection between Rotea Gilford, Judy, and Earl Van Best Junior? Would Gary be vindicated once his book was published? And what would happen when a fresh set of eyes looked at the case of the Zodiac killer... nearly 50 years later? Let's find out together

Let's delve a little deeper into our story and find out who Earl Van Best Junior really was. What was happening in 1971 when Paul Avery was covering these stories? And what kind of strange connection would we find between Gary Stewart....and the investigation of the Zodiac killer?

Join me this time on Breakthrough as we learn what Paul Avery discovered from an anonymous tip and how Gary Stewart convinced acclaimed author Susan Mustafa to ghost-write his book on Earl Van Best Jr., Gary's father...who may have been the Zodiac killer.

Gary Stevens was starting to think the worst about his father, Earl Van Best Jr. But when we dig into the past, what do we really find? And what did a journalist discover about the Lake Herman Road and the Blue Rock Springs murders when a mysterious letter showed up in the newsroom?

Does the truth really set us free? What if the truth was painful? What if you couldn't face the truth? Or what if, no matter what you did, you simply could not figure out the truth of the matter? On Season 5's premiere of Breakthrough, come along with me as we recount the horrific tale of a set of murders that has eluded the most brilliant minds for decades...and a set of codes and letters sent directly from the killer...straight to the press. Are you curious? Then let's decode...the Zodiac Speaking.

House Romanov had fallen. But, what happened to Russia afterwards? And what would the world think when one woman claimed to be one of the Romanov daughters in 1922? Find out with me as we finally close the book on this season's story.

Join me for the epic conclusion of The Fall of House Romanov, and let's find out what happened to the royal family after Nicholas' devastating decision. Can things get any worse?

The trap was set. Would Rasputin fall for it? And what happens when the people say enough is enough? Could Tsar Nicholas II survive yet another protest? And what would be the fate of the Romanovs if he couldn't? And, if you're curious, have a listen to this (Rasputin - Boney M. 1978): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl_Eo2QzqU4 Edit: Audio File has been fixed!

Now that Rasputin was the closest to Tsar Nicholas II, what would happen to his reign? And just how bad was Rasputin's reputation becoming? Find out with me on Episode 4 of The Fall of House Romanov.

The events of the Russo-Japanese war were a complete and total failure for Czar Nicholas II. How can you lead when your people start to question your authority? And what happens when you lose your closest advisors? Find out with me this week on Breakthrough.

This time on Breakthrough, we continue the tale of Tsar Nicholas II and the Romanov Family. But can Nicholas accomplish the necessary duties of a Tsar? Or will there be unforeseen obstacles that even he wouldn't have the power to control? And who was the mysterious man named Grigori Rasputin? Find out this week as we continue our story of The Fall of House Romanov.

On the season 4 premiere of Breakthrough, we learn about the ultimate power of autocracy as I introduce you to the Romanov family, their wealth, their authority, and the 300 year reign as Tsars over the Russian Empire. But, is all the power in the world really all it's cracked up to be? Find out with me on the season premiere of Breakthrough as I describe the events leading up to the Fall of House Romanov.

What could you do with power? To what lengths would you go to have it and hold onto it? And what if everyone around you wanted a piece of it? Join me as I introduce the concept and the story for Season 4 of Breakthrough, as we explore freedom through power.

After years of planning, Leonardo and the School of Turin had executed their heist. But had they made a mistake along the way? Find out with me on the season finale of The Antwerp Diamond Heist.

Leonardo and the School of Turin had made it inside the vault at the Antwerp Diamond Center. But, would they be able to make it out without getting caught? ...And what was really in those safe deposit boxes?

This week on Breakthrough, join me as Leonardo and the School of Turin make the final preparations for their epic heist that would lead them to immeasurable wealth. Or...would it? Find out with me on Episode 3 of the Antwerp Diamond Heist.

Join me this week on Breakthrough to learn how the School of Turin came to be and the kinds of men who belonged to it as we continue to crack open the Antwerp Diamond Heist, the biggest diamond heist in human history.

On the season premiere of Season 3 of Breakthrough, we explore freedom in the form of wealth. What could you do with all the wealth you could ever dream of? And what would you do to gain it? Join me as I introduce to you Leonardo Notarbartolo, a man who thought he was daring enough, brilliant enough, and patient enough to pull off the biggest diamond heist in human history.

At long last, we discover the fate of Frederic Bourdin. But is the mystery solved yet? Let's find out together on the Finale of Season 2 of Breakthrough: The Taking of Nicholas Barclay.

Frederic Bourdin finally realized just how big his con was. Charlie Parker and Agent Nancy Fisher finally come to a conclusion. Join me on this weeks episode on the Taking of Nicholas Barclay.

When two authority figures begin to catch on to Frederic's game, one will follow the law to a T while another...won't. Join me for Episode 3 of Season 2 as the authorities scratch away at the surface of an inconceivable mystery and begin to unfold the Taking of Nicholas Barclay.

Join me this time on our epic quest for freedom, as we continue with the Taking of Nicholas Barclay. Carey had gone to Spain to get her little brother back, after he'd been missing for over three years. But, who was she really meeting?

What does identity mean to you, and how does it relate to our freedom in this world? If you're curious, then join me for Episode 1 of Season 2: The Taking of Nicholas Barclay, where I recount to you the unusual story of a boy who went missing, and turned up years later with a dark secret.

Join me for the conclusion of Vail and Morgan's quest for freedom, and the aftermath of their escape from Elmira Correctional Facility.

Vail and Morgan were on the outside, but getting away from the prison yard would prove to be a challenge that they were not prepared to overcome. Would they be able to make it far enough before the guards noticed they were gone? Join me as we reach the climax of our story, when two convicted murderers escape from Elmira Correctional Facility

Timothy Vail and Timothy Morgan were ready to climb through the hole. But what obstacles would they face in the prison attic and how would they deal with getting down a 46 foot wall, evading detection from the tower guards? Join me as we continue our epic quest for freedom by escaping Elmira Correctional Facility.

Timothy Vail and Timothy Morgan had overcome the first obstacle. But there would be many more to come. Join me as I detail to you the sheer brilliance and inventiveness that these two inmates had and the lengths they would go to regain their autonomy by escaping from Elmira Correctional Facility.

Autonomy is just one of the many ways in which humans can express their freedom. But what happens to a person when their autonomy is totally stripped away? Join me for Episode 1 as I guide you through the United States prison system and introduce you to two, convicted murderers and their epic attempt to escape from the Elmira Correctional Facility in New York State.