What if the most fascinating stories of the American Revolution aren't the ones you learned in school?

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, Life in Jest explores the people behind the history with her special guest, award-winning historical author Beth Anderson.

Most of us know the names George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Marquis de Lafayette. But how many of us know the stories behind them? What did Washington do when smallpox threatened to destroy the Continental Army before America could even become a nation? Why did a wealthy nineteen-year-old French aristocrat risk everything to fight for American independence? How did ordinary women step forward when the men went off to war? And what can the Revolution still teach us about courage, loyalty, trust, sacrifice, and freedom?

Selene and Beth discuss the remarkable true stories behind their historical books, including:

• George Washington's battle against smallpox in The Patriots and the Pox

• The extraordinary friendship between Washington and Lafayette in Revolutionary Friends

• Prudence Wright and the women who defended their community during the Revolution

• Deborah Sampson's daring decision to disguise herself as a man and serve as a soldier

• Benedict Arnold's betrayal, John André's tragic fate, and the complicated humanity behind both heroes and traitors

. The pair of spectacles that George Washington donned and saved democracy

Along the way, they explore why history is so often taught as names and dates instead of human experiences, why children's books can reveal truths that textbooks miss, and how understanding the people of the past helps us better understand ourselves.

Funny, thoughtful, and packed with fascinating historical discoveries, this conversation reveals that the American Revolution was never just about battles. It was about ordinary people making extraordinary choices—and the cost of freedom itself.

Whether you're a history buff, educator, parent, librarian, writer, or simply curious about America's founding, you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the real people who shaped a nation.

Find out more about Beth Anderson's books:

The Patriots and the Pox

https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/the-patriots-and-the-pox-9781662681240/

Cloaked in Courage

https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/cloaked-in-courage-9781635926101/

Revolutionary Prudence Wright

https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/revolutionary-prudence-wright-9781644720578/

Find out more about Selene Castrovilla's books:

Revolutionary Friends

https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/revolutionary-friends-9781590788806/

Revolutionary Rogues

https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/revolutionary-rogues-9781629793412/

George Washington's Spectacular Spectacles

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/763620/george-washingtons-spectacular-spectacles-by-selene-castrovilla-illustrated-by-jenn-harney/

Why does Juneteenth matter—and why should every American understand its story?

Pascale is away this week, but Life in Jest welcomes award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan for a powerful, heartfelt conversation about the meaning of Juneteenth, the long struggle for freedom, and the people who refused to give up hope in the face of injustice.

Together, Selene and Alice Faye explore the true history behind Juneteenth, why freedom was delayed for enslaved people in Texas for more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and why Juneteenth has become a celebration not just of emancipation, but of perseverance, resilience, democracy, and human dignity.

The conversation goes far beyond dates and facts. Alice Faye shares the inspiring story behind her acclaimed book Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, introducing listeners to the woman known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, whose determination helped make Juneteenth a federal holiday. She.also discusses her book Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968. The workers' struggle eventually drew the attention of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who traveled to Memphis to support the peaceful protests. He delivered his famous "I've Been to the Mountaintop" sermon at Mason Temple. Tragically, he was assassinated the following day. Despite this devastating loss, the book showcases the community's resilience as they continued to march and fight for their rights until they achieved victory.

Selene also discusses her own award-winning books, Twice Enslaved: Liberty & Justice for Henrietta Wood and Seeking Freedom, which uncover extraordinary true stories of freedom seekers whose courage helped end enslavement in America and paved the way for Juneteenth.

Along the way, they discuss:

• the true meaning and history of Juneteenth

• Opal Lee's remarkable campaign to make Juneteenth a national holiday

• Henrietta Wood's fight for freedom and reparations

• why children's books can build empathy and understanding

• the importance of teaching difficult history honestly

• hope, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice in America

Thought-provoking, moving, and ultimately uplifting, this episode reminds us that history is not just about events—it's about people. And as Alice Faye beautifully argues, Juneteenth is a celebration for everyone because the promise of freedom belongs to everyone.

Whether you're looking to understand Juneteenth, discover remarkable stories from American history, or explore how books can change hearts and minds, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

What happens after we die—and is someone guiding us while we’re here?

In this fascinating and deeply personal episode of Life in Jest, cousin besties Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest welcome EMT, mother, and lifelong medium Samantha Difronzo for a conversation about mediumship, spirit guides, angels, soul tribes, reincarnation, grief, surrender, and the mysteries of the afterlife.

Samantha shares how she has communicated with spirits since childhood, what it feels like when spirits come through, and why she sees her work as a responsibility—not to “prove” her abilities, but to help both the living and the dead feel heard. Selene and Pascale ask the questions so many people wonder about: Are spirit guides assigned to us? Can loved ones become guides after death? Do angels walk among us? What are signs from the other side? And if we have guides, why do terrible things still happen?

The conversation moves from funny and curious to raw and profound, as Selene speaks openly about communicating with her son Casey after his death and wrestles with anger, faith, surrender, and the painful search for meaning after unimaginable loss. Samantha offers a compassionate perspective on grief, energy, love, and the idea that death may not be an ending, but a transition we still don’t fully understand.

Part spiritual deep dive, part grief conversation, part classic Life in Jest banter, this episode explores the biggest questions of all: Where do we go? Who stays with us? And is love the thing that carries us through every world?

You can find Samantha Difronzo on Instagram:

@itsjustme2389

Join her Facebook Community:

A Wish is Granted

You can email her at Awishisgranted4@gmail.com

You can reach her by phone: (516) 776-3324