Forbidden Diary: True WWII Prison Survival Story Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:23:21 -0400 http://www.storiestovoice.com en-us © 2026 Forbidden Diary: True WWII Prison Survival Story yes Support this Podcast 6adcfa31-25c0-5631-81d1-9e3efd3ade61 Sai Mun Gani Productions serial false Audio-drama based on a WWII diary written by Natalie Crouter during her internment in a Japanese prison camp in the Philippines. 

Three weeks after the first bombings of the Philippines on December 8, 1941, Natalie, her family, and 500 civilians were marched at gunpoint to a deserted U.S. military post (Season One: 1941). Thus began their survival of body and mind from 1942 to 1945. Natalie’s story is a fascinating, real-life view of wartime captivity and a gripping tale of courage, tenacity, and hope.


Included are interviews with Jim Zobel, historian and archivist at the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, VA, and Curt Brooks who was interned in a civilian prison in Manila during WWII. 

The cover art incorporates a sketch entitled, "The Double Fence," by Fern Harrington Miles. To read about Fern and other prison artists interned with Natalie, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-artist-credits.


Original artifacts, prison art and Natalie's original diary entry, can be viewed by going to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen and clicking on See Pictures. You can also see the Forbidden Diary cast by going to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast. 






]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Forbidden Diary, Stories to Voice, Natalie Crouter, Audio Drama, WWII, survival, Sai Mun Gani Productions https://storage.buzzsprout.com/qno1p2kdr346wpuasffgujr1svfy?.jpg Forbidden Diary: True WWII Prison Survival Story http://www.storiestovoice.com 1944, Part 1 - Episode 27: The Wise Prince (SEASON FINALE) 1944, Part 1 - Episode 27: The Wise Prince (SEASON FINALE) Natalie hosts Japanese class in her underground cubicle. Mr. Tomibe struggles to stop the name calling in Camp. The Crouters fight over food. Natalie helps Nida. High Command punishes Mr. Tomibe.

The audio of children singing A Sailor Went to Sea is courtesy of the 14th Henrietta Street Museum, Dublin, Ireland.  https://14henriettastreet.ie.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Natalie hosts Japanese class in her underground cubicle. Mr. Tomibe struggles to stop the name calling in Camp. The Crouters fight over food. Natalie helps Nida. High Command punishes Mr. Tomibe.

The audio of children singing A Sailor Went to Sea is courtesy of the 14th Henrietta Street Museum, Dublin, Ireland.  https://14henriettastreet.ie.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-18207425 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0500 2953 4 full false 1944, Part 1 - Episode 26: Going Underground 1944, Part 1 - Episode 26: Going Underground Natalie pitches a very public fit over people rejecting family living and finds herself having to explain why to Bedie. The Crouters and other families dig living spaces under the barracks. Mr. Tomibe reads a story to Miss McKim’s Japanese class.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Natalie pitches a very public fit over people rejecting family living and finds herself having to explain why to Bedie. The Crouters and other families dig living spaces under the barracks. Mr. Tomibe reads a story to Miss McKim’s Japanese class.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-18121669 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0500 2313 4 full false 1944, Part 1 - Episode 25: Consequences 1944, Part 1 - Episode 25: Consequences The Kempeitai interrogate and torture three internees (Gene, Bill and Jim) whom they suspect of helping Wick and Ritchie escape. Mr. Tomibe intercedes and rescues them. Nida, Auntie and Jorge talk about Filipinos being tortured in town. Mr. Tomibe gives Jim a poignant gift.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> The Kempeitai interrogate and torture three internees (Gene, Bill and Jim) whom they suspect of helping Wick and Ritchie escape. Mr. Tomibe intercedes and rescues them. Nida, Auntie and Jorge talk about Filipinos being tortured in town. Mr. Tomibe gives Jim a poignant gift.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-18042496 Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400 2636 4 full false 1944, Part 1 - Episode 24: No Good Deed 1944, Part 1 - Episode 24: No Good Deed Mr. Tomibe allows a couple to get married in Camp and tries to improve life for prisoners while following High Command’s draconian rules. Japanese soldiers are upset about the prisoners’ bad manners, and Mr. Tomibe implores prisoners not to escape. 

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Mr. Tomibe allows a couple to get married in Camp and tries to improve life for prisoners while following High Command’s draconian rules. Japanese soldiers are upset about the prisoners’ bad manners, and Mr. Tomibe implores prisoners not to escape. 

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-17965830 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0400 2282 4 full false 1944, Part 1 - Episode 23: Internment-itus 1944, Part 1 - Episode 23: Internment-itus Mr. Tomibe tries to help prisoners get food from the outside and allows married couples to live together. Natalie is dumbstruck that half of the Camp is against Mr. Tomibe's Family Unit Plan. Letters from home finally arrive, and Peg gets a special surprise.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Mr. Tomibe tries to help prisoners get food from the outside and allows married couples to live together. Natalie is dumbstruck that half of the Camp is against Mr. Tomibe's Family Unit Plan. Letters from home finally arrive, and Peg gets a special surprise.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-17861504 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0400 1968 4 full false 1944, Part 1 - Episode 22: Back to the Bad Old Days 1944, Part 1 - Episode 22: Back to the Bad Old Days Prisoner escapes and worries about MacArthur returning to the Philippines and has High Command clamping down on internment camps, sending new rules that Mr. Tomibe must enforce. Prisoners learn more about Mr. Tomibe. Nida hears news about her husband Ismael. 

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Prisoner escapes and worries about MacArthur returning to the Philippines and has High Command clamping down on internment camps, sending new rules that Mr. Tomibe must enforce. Prisoners learn more about Mr. Tomibe. Nida hears news about her husband Ismael. 

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-17781796 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0400 2645 4 full false 1944, Part 1 - Episode 21: Heroic Medicine 1944, Part 1 - Episode 21: Heroic Medicine June becomes deathly ill. More Red Cross packages are distributed, including medical packages with a new medical supply called plasma which Camp doctors try on June. A new invention saves the day, an internee dies, and Mr. Tomibe expressed his deep condolences.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> June becomes deathly ill. More Red Cross packages are distributed, including medical packages with a new medical supply called plasma which Camp doctors try on June. A new invention saves the day, an internee dies, and Mr. Tomibe expressed his deep condolences.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-17593438 Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:00:00 -0400 2668 4 full false 1944, Part One - BINGE Season Four (Episodes 21 - 27) 1944, Part One - BINGE Season Four (Episodes 21 - 27) Includes all seven episodes in Season Four, Part One, without the recaps.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Includes all seven episodes in Season Four, Part One, without the recaps.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-18392019 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0400 16967 4 full false 1943 - Episode 20 Epilogue: Interview with MacArthur Memorial Archivist 1943 - Episode 20 Epilogue: Interview with MacArthur Memorial Archivist  

Archivist and historian Jim Zobel tells riveting stories about what was going on outside of Camp Holmes during the last half of 1943. Jim talks about MacArthur’s covert operations to rescue civilians, keep Filipinos on the side of the Americans, and destroy the Japanese occupation economy. Zobel offers insights into why the guards at Camp Holmes thought Japan was losing the War as early as 1943 and which rumors circulating around Camp were actually true. 


You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

Support the show

]]>  

Archivist and historian Jim Zobel tells riveting stories about what was going on outside of Camp Holmes during the last half of 1943. Jim talks about MacArthur’s covert operations to rescue civilians, keep Filipinos on the side of the Americans, and destroy the Japanese occupation economy. Zobel offers insights into why the guards at Camp Holmes thought Japan was losing the War as early as 1943 and which rumors circulating around Camp were actually true. 


You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-17384806 Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:00:00 -0400 986 3 full false 1943 - Episode 20: Red Cross Rescue 1943 - Episode 20: Red Cross Rescue The Camp hospital runs out of beds for dysentery patients. Bedie is discharged too early from the hospital causing Natalie and Jerry to question his health care. Food shortages reduce good pickings from the garbage as prisoners pray that the Red Cross Christmas kits will arrive from Manila. Nida’s world is turned upside down, and Camp Holmes gets a new commandant.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> The Camp hospital runs out of beds for dysentery patients. Bedie is discharged too early from the hospital causing Natalie and Jerry to question his health care. Food shortages reduce good pickings from the garbage as prisoners pray that the Red Cross Christmas kits will arrive from Manila. Nida’s world is turned upside down, and Camp Holmes gets a new commandant.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-15658104 Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:00:00 -0400 2408 3 full false 1943 - Episode 19: Gaining and Losing Ground 1943 - Episode 19: Gaining and Losing Ground America is gaining ground in the Pacific. The prisoners have more money for food, but it’s becoming scarcer and more expensive. Everyone’s health is declining. Natalie’s vitamin injection goes wrong. Carl returns from an inspection tour of internment camps in Manila with good news. Peg thinks that her husband will be transferred to Camp Holmes, and the Camp’s shop produces an unexpected little surprise.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> America is gaining ground in the Pacific. The prisoners have more money for food, but it’s becoming scarcer and more expensive. Everyone’s health is declining. Natalie’s vitamin injection goes wrong. Carl returns from an inspection tour of internment camps in Manila with good news. Peg thinks that her husband will be transferred to Camp Holmes, and the Camp’s shop produces an unexpected little surprise.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-15469560 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2168 3 full false 1943 - Episode 18 Epilogue: Internment Survivor Interview, Part 2 1943 - Episode 18 Epilogue: Internment Survivor Interview, Part 2 In the second of three parts, 96-year-old Curt Brooks talks about life at Santo Tomas, a civilian internment camp in Manila which housed 3700 prisoners. In this segment, Curt describes his boyhood memories of imprisonment and survival—of sickness, starvation, friendship, life-saving Red Cross packages and looking down the barrel of a Japanese soldier’s rifle. (Part One can be heard by listening to the Episode 6 Epilogue.) 

Support the show

]]> In the second of three parts, 96-year-old Curt Brooks talks about life at Santo Tomas, a civilian internment camp in Manila which housed 3700 prisoners. In this segment, Curt describes his boyhood memories of imprisonment and survival—of sickness, starvation, friendship, life-saving Red Cross packages and looking down the barrel of a Japanese soldier’s rifle. (Part One can be heard by listening to the Episode 6 Epilogue.) 

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-16645691 Sat, 20 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0400 1592 3 full false 1943 - Episode 18: Our Camp 1943 - Episode 18: Our Camp The prisoners are finally allowed to send letters. As Natalie types for them, people pour their hearts out to loved ones at home. The increased clampdown on guerrilla activity affects Nida and Ismael living in Baguio. Peg misses her husband. A guard steps out of bounds at the women’s barracks. A friend dies. The Camp puts on two plays.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> The prisoners are finally allowed to send letters. As Natalie types for them, people pour their hearts out to loved ones at home. The increased clampdown on guerrilla activity affects Nida and Ismael living in Baguio. Peg misses her husband. A guard steps out of bounds at the women’s barracks. A friend dies. The Camp puts on two plays.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-15430866 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400 2018 3 full false 1943 - Episode 17: We're in the Money! 1943 - Episode 17: We're in the Money! With Japanese occupation money losing value and food shortages, internees take out promissory loans for American dollars after the war. It’s “spend it while you got it” around Camp, and those with money throw elaborate parties while other internees raise money by selling homemade goods at a Camp fair. The guards worry about their fates as they hear news of American advancements in the Pacific.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> With Japanese occupation money losing value and food shortages, internees take out promissory loans for American dollars after the war. It’s “spend it while you got it” around Camp, and those with money throw elaborate parties while other internees raise money by selling homemade goods at a Camp fair. The guards worry about their fates as they hear news of American advancements in the Pacific.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-15400136 Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400 2442 3 full false 1943 - Episode 16 Epilogue: Interview with MacArthur Memorial Archivist 1943 - Episode 16 Epilogue: Interview with MacArthur Memorial Archivist Historian and archivist, Jim Zobel talks from the MacArthur Memorial Library about the events in the first half of 1943 as General MacArthur inches closer to Japan. Find out what happened to the two generals in the Clark Field fiasco and hear how the larger-than-life personalities fighting WWII clashed to America’s advantage. Zobel tells larger-than-life stories about guerrillas, clandestine submarine landings and civilian rescues.

NEW! You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Historian and archivist, Jim Zobel talks from the MacArthur Memorial Library about the events in the first half of 1943 as General MacArthur inches closer to Japan. Find out what happened to the two generals in the Clark Field fiasco and hear how the larger-than-life personalities fighting WWII clashed to America’s advantage. Zobel tells larger-than-life stories about guerrillas, clandestine submarine landings and civilian rescues.

NEW! You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-16254193 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400 2412 3 full false 1943 - Episode 16: Social Studies 1943 - Episode 16: Social Studies Natalie takes a closer look at everyone’s behavior in camp. New internees share unforgettable stories of heroism and evil. Peg hears word about her husband. The Crouters learn disturbing news about Nida and don’t like Bedie’s reaction to it. Natalie plays a curious round of bridge with Lt. Kira, and the Camp’s new Court of Appeals hears its first criminal trial.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Natalie takes a closer look at everyone’s behavior in camp. New internees share unforgettable stories of heroism and evil. Peg hears word about her husband. The Crouters learn disturbing news about Nida and don’t like Bedie’s reaction to it. Natalie plays a curious round of bridge with Lt. Kira, and the Camp’s new Court of Appeals hears its first criminal trial.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-15357922 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0400 2442 3 full false 1943 - Episode 15: Surrender and Suffrage 1943 - Episode 15: Surrender and Suffrage The Japanese order Arthur to hunt down an American hiding in the mountains. Newly captured Americans tell harrowing stories about their life on the run. Nida worries about Ismael. Lt. Mukibo and Mr. Nagatomi get their just rewards. Everyone speculates if Mr. Hayakawa will be replaced, and the women in Camp want the right to vote.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> The Japanese order Arthur to hunt down an American hiding in the mountains. Newly captured Americans tell harrowing stories about their life on the run. Nida worries about Ismael. Lt. Mukibo and Mr. Nagatomi get their just rewards. Everyone speculates if Mr. Hayakawa will be replaced, and the women in Camp want the right to vote.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-15117875 Wed, 22 May 2024 13:00:00 -0400 2041 3 full false 1943 - Episode 14: Going Bananas 1943 - Episode 14: Going Bananas Another year of close quarters has prisoners getting on each other’s nerves as they deal with new waves of dysentery. Stories are filtering in from captured internees who had been hiding in the mountains from the Japanese. Mr. Hayakawa is intimidated by a new guard who may be Kempeitai. Phil's brilliant, new invention keeps peace in the dining hall.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Another year of close quarters has prisoners getting on each other’s nerves as they deal with new waves of dysentery. Stories are filtering in from captured internees who had been hiding in the mountains from the Japanese. Mr. Hayakawa is intimidated by a new guard who may be Kempeitai. Phil's brilliant, new invention keeps peace in the dining hall.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-14994845 Wed, 01 May 2024 22:00:00 -0400 1824 3 full false 1943 - BINGE Season Three (Episodes 14 - 20) 1943 - BINGE Season Three (Episodes 14 - 20) Includes all seven episodes in Season Three without the recaps.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Includes all seven episodes in Season Three without the recaps.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1943.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-15970523 Fri, 05 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0400 14869 3 full false 1942 - Episode 13 Epilogue: Interview with MacArthur Memorial Archivist 1942 - Episode 13 Epilogue: Interview with MacArthur Memorial Archivist In this last interview, Jim Zobel shares fascinating insights about MacArthur’s first steps to liberate the Philippines—from the campaign in Papua New Guinea to making early radio contact with guerrillas in the Philippines. Zobel shares true, but unbelievable stories about guerrilla heroes and discusses the brutal Kempeitai, Imperial Japan’s military police. Larger-than-life stories, fascinating WWII history.

On September 30, 2023 the MacArthur Memorial Museum, in Norfolk, VA, will open a military and civilian POW exhibit entitled, The Price of Unpreparedness: POWs in the Philippines during World War II. For more information go to www.macarthurmemorial.org.

Support the show

]]> In this last interview, Jim Zobel shares fascinating insights about MacArthur’s first steps to liberate the Philippines—from the campaign in Papua New Guinea to making early radio contact with guerrillas in the Philippines. Zobel shares true, but unbelievable stories about guerrilla heroes and discusses the brutal Kempeitai, Imperial Japan’s military police. Larger-than-life stories, fascinating WWII history.

On September 30, 2023 the MacArthur Memorial Museum, in Norfolk, VA, will open a military and civilian POW exhibit entitled, The Price of Unpreparedness: POWs in the Philippines during World War II. For more information go to www.macarthurmemorial.org.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-13672096 Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0400 1258 2 full false 1942 - Episode 13: Better and Lesser Angels 1942 - Episode 13: Better and Lesser Angels The holidays are celebrated in bittersweet, internment style. True friends come through. A little boy teaches the camp a lesson. Dysentery returns, and Dr. Hall is not sure how the internees will survive 1943.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> The holidays are celebrated in bittersweet, internment style. True friends come through. A little boy teaches the camp a lesson. Dysentery returns, and Dr. Hall is not sure how the internees will survive 1943.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-13255057 Wed, 19 Jul 2023 20:00:00 -0400 2393 2 full false 1942 - Episode 12: Lovers and Guerrillas 1942 - Episode 12: Lovers and Guerrillas  Bullets fly around Baguio and Camp Holmes as Filipino and Igorot guerrillas attack the Japanese. Natalie worries about Jerry’s depression. Additional co-mingling restrictions increase sexual tensions.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]>  Bullets fly around Baguio and Camp Holmes as Filipino and Igorot guerrillas attack the Japanese. Natalie worries about Jerry’s depression. Additional co-mingling restrictions increase sexual tensions.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-13090777 Thu, 22 Jun 2023 16:00:00 -0400 2246 2 full false 1942 - Episode 11: Close Calls 1942 - Episode 11: Close Calls  As typhoon season begins Jerry is brought in for questioning. Nida and Ismael talk about guerrilla insurgencies. Natalie gets a tour of the camp's shop, a special gift, and called to the guard house.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]>  As typhoon season begins Jerry is brought in for questioning. Nida and Ismael talk about guerrilla insurgencies. Natalie gets a tour of the camp's shop, a special gift, and called to the guard house.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12887730 Sun, 21 May 2023 02:00:00 -0400 1913 2 full false 1942 - Episode 10 Epilogue: Interview with MacArthur Memorial Archivist 1942 - Episode 10 Epilogue: Interview with MacArthur Memorial Archivist Jim Zobel describes how General Douglas MacArthur escaped to Australia and Japan took Corregidor. In a lively discussion the archivist explains how shortly after all of these defeats Americans and Filipinos started the fight to take back the Philippines. Hear compelling stories about the Fall of Singapore, the Doolittle Raid, Midway and Guadalcanal. Zobel ties it all together making you want to hear more.

On September 30, 2023 the MacArthur Memorial Museum, in Norfolk, VA, will open a military and civilian POW exhibit entitled, The Price of Unpreparedness: POWs in the Philippines during World War II. For more information go to www.macarthurmemorial.org.

Support the show

]]> Jim Zobel describes how General Douglas MacArthur escaped to Australia and Japan took Corregidor. In a lively discussion the archivist explains how shortly after all of these defeats Americans and Filipinos started the fight to take back the Philippines. Hear compelling stories about the Fall of Singapore, the Doolittle Raid, Midway and Guadalcanal. Zobel ties it all together making you want to hear more.

On September 30, 2023 the MacArthur Memorial Museum, in Norfolk, VA, will open a military and civilian POW exhibit entitled, The Price of Unpreparedness: POWs in the Philippines during World War II. For more information go to www.macarthurmemorial.org.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-13584560 Wed, 10 May 2023 10:00:00 -0400 2251 2 full false 1942 - Episode 10: Auld Lang Syne 1942 - Episode 10: Auld Lang Syne Nida and Ismael offer the Crouters more help. The prisoners get to know the soldiers who cycle through the camp. A secret radio is installed in the camp hospital. June addresses inequities among prisoners. Nakamura gives the prisoners parting gifts.
 
You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Nida and Ismael offer the Crouters more help. The prisoners get to know the soldiers who cycle through the camp. A secret radio is installed in the camp hospital. June addresses inequities among prisoners. Nakamura gives the prisoners parting gifts.
 
You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12786827 Thu, 04 May 2023 20:00:00 -0400 2068 2 full false 1942 - Episode 9: Home Sweet Holmes 1942 - Episode 9: Home Sweet Holmes Nakamura pontificates about American women, and the women make observations about him. All but one of the imprisoned missionaries are released. The Camp John Hay internees move to Camp Holmes. A Chinese internee is tortured.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Nakamura pontificates about American women, and the women make observations about him. All but one of the imprisoned missionaries are released. The Camp John Hay internees move to Camp Holmes. A Chinese internee is tortured.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-12611853 Sat, 08 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0400 2162 2 full false 1942 - Episode 8 Epilogue: Interview with MacArthur Memorial Archivist 1942 - Episode 8 Epilogue: Interview with MacArthur Memorial Archivist Jim Zobel, archivist at the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial, talks about the museum’s fascinating civilian POW artifacts. The MacArthur historian and author explains why Natalie believed that America was coming to the rescue and what was really happening--why MacArthur's troops retreated to Bataan and MacArthur went to Corregidor. In this fascinating interview, Zobel also describes what life was like under Japanese occupation, how soldiers were treated in Japan’s military, and why Filipinos sided with America.

On September 30, 2023 the MacArthur Memorial Museum, in Norfolk, VA, will open a military and civilian POW exhibit entitled, The Price of Unpreparedness: POWs in the Philippines during World War II. For more information go to www.macarthurmemorial.org.

Support the show

]]> Jim Zobel, archivist at the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial, talks about the museum’s fascinating civilian POW artifacts. The MacArthur historian and author explains why Natalie believed that America was coming to the rescue and what was really happening--why MacArthur's troops retreated to Bataan and MacArthur went to Corregidor. In this fascinating interview, Zobel also describes what life was like under Japanese occupation, how soldiers were treated in Japan’s military, and why Filipinos sided with America.

On September 30, 2023 the MacArthur Memorial Museum, in Norfolk, VA, will open a military and civilian POW exhibit entitled, The Price of Unpreparedness: POWs in the Philippines during World War II. For more information go to www.macarthurmemorial.org.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-13497955 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0400 1781 2 full false 1942 - Episode 8: Life Goes On 1942 - Episode 8: Life Goes On Babies are born in the Camp John Hay barracks. Nida and Ismael persevere in Baguio under Imperial Japanese rule. The prisoners put on a show ending with surprise gifts from Nakamura. Interned missionaries are taken into Baguio for interrogation by the dreaded Kempeitai.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Babies are born in the Camp John Hay barracks. Nida and Ismael persevere in Baguio under Imperial Japanese rule. The prisoners put on a show ending with surprise gifts from Nakamura. Interned missionaries are taken into Baguio for interrogation by the dreaded Kempeitai.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-12493291 Wed, 22 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0400 2126 2 full false 1942 - Episode 7: High Crimes and Misdemeanors 1942 - Episode 7: High Crimes and Misdemeanors Natalie and her family are interned in Camp John Hay. The Imperial Army appoints a local carpenter to camp commandant. Japanese soldiers and civilians steal from the prisoners. As hunger and dysentery spread through the camp, the internees find ways to survive.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Natalie and her family are interned in Camp John Hay. The Imperial Army appoints a local carpenter to camp commandant. Japanese soldiers and civilians steal from the prisoners. As hunger and dysentery spread through the camp, the internees find ways to survive.

You can view artifacts as well as paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-12110997 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 14:00:00 -0500 1687 2 full false 1942 - BINGE Season Two (Episodes 7 - 13) 1942 - BINGE Season Two (Episodes 7 - 13) Includes all seven episodes in Season Two without the openings and recaps. Does not include epilogues.

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under this episode's description at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Includes all seven episodes in Season Two without the openings and recaps. Does not include epilogues.

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under this episode's description at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen-1942.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-15808065 Fri, 01 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0400 14119 2 full false 1941 - Episode 6 Epilogue: Internment Survivor Interview, Part 1 1941 - Episode 6 Epilogue: Internment Survivor Interview, Part 1 From age 13 to 16, Curt Brooks and his family were interned in Manila at Santo Tomas prison. In this first of three interviews, 96-year-old Curt gives a first-hand account of living in Manila during the pre-war years of the 1930s, December 8, and the events leading up to his family’s internment. 

Support the show

]]> From age 13 to 16, Curt Brooks and his family were interned in Manila at Santo Tomas prison. In this first of three interviews, 96-year-old Curt gives a first-hand account of living in Manila during the pre-war years of the 1930s, December 8, and the events leading up to his family’s internment. 

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-16444260 Wed, 30 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -0400 1641 1 full false 1941 - Episode 6: Banzai! 1941 - Episode 6: Banzai! The Imperial Japanese Army has raised the Rising Sun flag over Baguio City Hall. Soldiers are freeing Japanese civilians and capturing Americans and Allies. At Brent School, the Crouters and other civilian prisoners are forced onto the school’s tennis court to hear relocation orders from a freed Japanese civilian standing on a table with a machine gun at his side.

You can view Natalie's original diary entry and a sketch drawn by a woman who was interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under this episode's description at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> The Imperial Japanese Army has raised the Rising Sun flag over Baguio City Hall. Soldiers are freeing Japanese civilians and capturing Americans and Allies. At Brent School, the Crouters and other civilian prisoners are forced onto the school’s tennis court to hear relocation orders from a freed Japanese civilian standing on a table with a machine gun at his side.

You can view Natalie's original diary entry and a sketch drawn by a woman who was interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under this episode's description at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Stories to Voice Productions Buzzsprout-10325279 Sun, 27 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0400 1512 1 full false 1941 - Episode 5: How to Pack a Suitcase 1941 - Episode 5: How to Pack a Suitcase The invasion phase has begun. Nida leaves Baguio while the Crouters move to Brent School and wait for the enemy to arrive. During the turmoil, Ismael and Jerry have a heart-to-heart talk, and Natalie honors a vow.

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at  www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> The invasion phase has begun. Nida leaves Baguio while the Crouters move to Brent School and wait for the enemy to arrive. During the turmoil, Ismael and Jerry have a heart-to-heart talk, and Natalie honors a vow.

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at  www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Stories to Voice Productions Buzzsprout-10124372 Fri, 25 Feb 2022 18:00:00 -0500 1426 1 full false 1941 - Episode 4 Epilogue: Is Help Coming? 1941 - Episode 4 Epilogue: Is Help Coming? While Natalie is hopeful that the U.S. will arrive any day to rescue the Philippines, a much different scenario is playing out in Washington, DC. 

Support the show

]]> While Natalie is hopeful that the U.S. will arrive any day to rescue the Philippines, a much different scenario is playing out in Washington, DC. 

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-13486325 Tue, 15 Feb 2022 16:00:00 -0500 328 1 full false 1941 - Episode 4: Hobson's Choice 1941 - Episode 4: Hobson's Choice Eighty Japanese warships have reached Lingayen Gulf only 18 miles away! Natalie and Jerry watch their last source of income go up in smoke. Carl calls in the early morning to tell the Crouters that they have two hours to decide whether to stay or leave Baguio.

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at  www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Eighty Japanese warships have reached Lingayen Gulf only 18 miles away! Natalie and Jerry watch their last source of income go up in smoke. Carl calls in the early morning to tell the Crouters that they have two hours to decide whether to stay or leave Baguio.

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at  www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Stories to Voice Productions Buzzsprout-10118154 Mon, 14 Feb 2022 17:00:00 -0500 1211 1 full false 1941 - Episode 3: Early Days 1941 - Episode 3: Early Days The U.S. and Japan are at war and anything can happen. As bombings continue, the Crouters turn their radio’s dial hoping to hear news of help from the mainland. Jerry’s new air-raid shelter becomes a hub for exchanging news and rumors.

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at  www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> The U.S. and Japan are at war and anything can happen. As bombings continue, the Crouters turn their radio’s dial hoping to hear news of help from the mainland. Jerry’s new air-raid shelter becomes a hub for exchanging news and rumors.

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at  www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Stories to Voice Productions Buzzsprout-10118143 Sun, 13 Feb 2022 16:00:00 -0500 2059 1 full false 1941 - Episode 2 Epilogue: What Happened? 1941 - Episode 2 Epilogue: What Happened? On December 8, how did Japan cripple America a second time after Pearl Harbor? Listen to an intimate, hour-by-hour timeline of how General Douglas MacArthur reacted. 

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under this episode's description at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen. 

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> On December 8, how did Japan cripple America a second time after Pearl Harbor? Listen to an intimate, hour-by-hour timeline of how General Douglas MacArthur reacted. 

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under this episode's description at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen. 

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-13487780 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 21:00:00 -0500 323 1 full false 1941 - Episode 2: The Second Pearl Harbor 1941 - Episode 2: The Second Pearl Harbor Jerry and Natalie see the first bombing of the Philippines from their back door, but no one downtown seems to know about it. Soon the situation becomes all too real for everyone as the Japanese continue to bomb Baguio. Jerry hears disconcerting news about Clark Field.

You can view drawings by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the description of this episode at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Jerry and Natalie see the first bombing of the Philippines from their back door, but no one downtown seems to know about it. Soon the situation becomes all too real for everyone as the Japanese continue to bomb Baguio. Jerry hears disconcerting news about Clark Field.

You can view drawings by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the description of this episode at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Stories to Voice Productions Buzzsprout-10118132 Wed, 02 Feb 2022 15:00:00 -0500 1273 1 full false 1941 - Episode 1: On Pins and Needles in Baguio 1941 - Episode 1: On Pins and Needles in Baguio It’s December 1941, and the Philippines is in Japan’s crosshairs. They’ve invaded China, Korea, and French Indochina. Will the Philippines be next? If so, when? In the town of Baguio, nestled in the mountains on the Philippine Island of Luzon, Jerry and Natalie Crouter wait and watch along with everyone else, wondering what’s going to happen next.

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> It’s December 1941, and the Philippines is in Japan’s crosshairs. They’ve invaded China, Korea, and French Indochina. Will the Philippines be next? If so, when? In the town of Baguio, nestled in the mountains on the Philippine Island of Luzon, Jerry and Natalie Crouter wait and watch along with everyone else, wondering what’s going to happen next.

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Stories to Voice Productions Buzzsprout-10118116 Tue, 01 Feb 2022 14:00:00 -0500 1524 1 full false 1941 - BINGE Season One (Episodes 1 - 6) 1941 - BINGE Season One (Episodes 1 - 6) Includes all six episodes in Season One without the openings and recaps. Does not include epilogues.

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Includes all six episodes in Season One without the openings and recaps. Does not include epilogues.

You can view paintings and sketches drawn by people who were interned with Natalie by clicking See Pictures under the episode descriptions at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Sai Mun Gani Productions Buzzsprout-15728856 Tue, 11 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0500 8686 1 full false Prologue: The Story Behind the Story Prologue: The Story Behind the Story Listen to the prologue if you want to hear about the background of the book, "Forbidden Diary," upon which this audio drama is based.

You can view the book upon which this audio drama is based by clicking See Picture under this episode's description at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Listen to the prologue if you want to hear about the background of the book, "Forbidden Diary," upon which this audio drama is based.

You can view the book upon which this audio drama is based by clicking See Picture under this episode's description at www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen.

To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Support the show

]]> Stories to Voice Productions Buzzsprout-10118096 Fri, 07 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0500 254 1 full false