We sit down with Terry Allen Helm — historian, author, genealogist, Cherokee Nation member, and lifelong storyteller — for a powerful conversation that spans Revolutionary War heritage, American commerce, family legacy, and the surprising ways technology and history collide. This interview is packed with stories that stretch from 1066 England to Roman Caesars, from flat boats on the Arkansas River to data governance in the modern enterprise, and from Patrick Henry’s iconic speech to the dawn of AI. US Revolutionary War Roots Terry traces seven family lines who fought in the Continental Army and state militias — including: Captain Nathaniel Terry, 10th Virginia Regiment, served 8 years Captain William Gosse, wounded at Brandywine Benjamin Merrill, executed during the Regulator Movement Nathaniel Terry Sr., present for Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death.” These aren’t just names — Terry brings them to life through emotional, first‑person narrative history. 🚢 The Flat Boat Men We explore Terry’s book Flat Boat Men, chronicling his grandfather and great‑uncle’s five‑month winter journey (1900–1901) down the Spring, Grand, and Arkansas rivers. You’ll hear about: How flat boats were built Their role in early American commerce Real logbook entries from the trip Why flat boats still matter today 📚 Terry’s Other Works A 100‑page Revolutionary War cartoon book for kids Data Governance Warriors — a medieval‑kingdom metaphor for enterprise data governance A writing style that blends historical accuracy with cinematic storytelling 👤 Terry’s Background & Heritage 27 years at AT&T, 3 years at Spectrum/Charter Banking roles at Wells Fargo & Citigroup Two master’s degrees in Information & Telecommunication Management BA in History from the University of Texas Former public school teacher in a district with 50+ spoken languages Cherokee Nation member with deep Oklahoma roots Member of Sons of the American Revolution and multiple hereditary societies Traces lineage to three Roman Caesars and to the Helm family, who came with William the Conqueror 🖋️ Writing Philosophy Terry’s research draws from: Family Bibles Courthouse records Digitized archives Volunteer work with the U.S. National Archives Readers often tell him his stories move them to tears. All four books were written while working 10‑hour days, often sparked by dreams he’d wake up to write down. ⚙️ Technology, Change & AI We dive into: How transportation evolved from horses to steam to flight Why Roman roads still outperform modern ones The Battle of New Orleans was fought after peace was declared How AI mirrors past disruptions like photography and automobiles Why AI still can’t replace human imagination 🌍 Personal Life & Family Lives in Orlando, exploring communities before buying Upgraded his podcast mic setup since our first attempt Backpacking Europe in 1974 Mediterranean cruise honeymoon in 1995 Son hosts an international Bitcoin podcast Father lived from horse‑drawn wagons to the moon landing and served in WWII 📦 Books & Availability All of Terry’s books are available on Amazon and Goodreads in paperback and Kindle. He recommends physical copies as family heirlooms for the 250th anniversary. 🎙️ Special Note This episode includes a paid endorsement from Terry Helm to promote his books through The Human Journey. He sent this after the interview, "Thanks for watching! You can learn more about my books, Not Sunshine Patriots and The Flatboat Men, here.": https://www.amazon.com/stores/Terry-Allen-Helm/author/B0GX6J3632?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=13e1768a-98be-4199-a74c-80d4bb5bc623. If you enjoy deep history, family legacy, and the human stories behind America’s past — this is an episode you won’t forget.
