Humanity Matters TV celebrated the release of its 250th podcast during its inaugural awards ceremony at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County in Glen Cove, where South Shore Press columnist Rich Acritelli received the evening’s highest accolade.
Acritelli, host of The Fog of War and Humanity podcast, was presented with the Outstanding Host Award in recognition of his 59 episodes since February, the most of any hmTV contributor. In addition to his podcasting, Acritelli is well-known to local readers for his "History Lessons" column in the South Shore Press.
The award was presented by hmTV founder Bernie Furshpan, who credited the platform’s rapid growth to the dedication of its hosts. “They show up with heart, with research, with carefully chosen guests, and with a sense of responsibility that goes far beyond the microphone,” Furshpan said. Since its launch earlier this year, hmTV has built a following across YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms.
A Wading River resident, Acritelli teaches history at Rocky Point High School and Suffolk County Community College. He draws on his service as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserves and the New York Air National Guard, often featuring guests who highlight the peace missions of the military. “It’s a good platform to discuss our history, especially here on Long Island,” he said. He also serves as a curator at the military museum in Rocky Point.
Suffolk Life Reporter Robert Chartuk taped three episodes with the podcast host on local history bringing his count for the year so far to 62.