On this episode of Our American Stories, Ruger is the largest gun manufacturer in the U.S., and it’s not by accident. Here to tell this story is Logan Metesh. Logan is a firearms historian and museum professional who runs High Caliber History LLC. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Union soldiers at Andersonville Prison were near starvation and dehydration when prayer saved thousands of lives. To understand the history of America, it is essential to recognize the significant role the Bible has played in shaping our country. Our Founding Fathers, both Christian and non-Christian, were heavily influenced by the Bible. Here to share another story is Robert Morgan, author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Ilene Hall enlisted in the Army WAC in 1943, she was following her husband, Edward “Ken” Hall, to war. After marrying in March 1943, and with her husband completing his training and preparing to ship overseas, the young woman from Canton, Ohio, decided not to let an ocean separate them. Here she is to tell her story! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the barcode, technically known as the UPC (Universal Product Code), is a small invention that plays a big role in everyday life. Here’s the History Guy with the story behind it. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vincent “Rocco” Vargas shares his unique perspective on becoming a Border Patrol agent after his own grandmother came to America illegally. He is now an actor best known for his role as Gilberto “Gilly” Lopez on Mayans M.C., a spinoff of the FX original hit series Sons of Anarchy. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Arizona State University President Michael Crow shares the inspiring story of how he helped transform ASU into one of the most innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking public universities in the country. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Frohlich, a regular contributor to the show, shares the remarkable story of his grandfather—a German-born immigrant who once handled warhorses as a World War I conscript and later helped build America’s "Arsenal of Democracy" during World War II. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, he was the dashing lead in The Mark of Zorro and one of Hollywood’s biggest stars during its Golden Era. But at the height of his fame, Tyrone Power gave it all up to serve as a Marine pilot in World War II. Roger McGrath shares the story of how this silver screen icon became a real-life hero in the latest installment of our Hollywood Goes to War series. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, born into slavery during the Civil War, Ida B. Wells is best remembered as an American journalist who fought tirelessly against lynching during the Jim Crow era. What most people don’t know is that she also defended the right of African Americans to own firearms. Our regular contributor, Ashley Hlebinsky, shares her story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, on the morning of September 11, 2001, Peter Braxton was the first military pilot in the air over the burning Twin Towers—and it was his first day on the job. Peter shares the story of that historic and dark day. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tracy Grant, former managing editor at The Washington Post, shares why the days spent caring for her dying husband were the best seven months of her life. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, a listener from Colorado shares her remarkable Elvis story—about the time she met the King not once, but twice in an eight-hour span! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George Will tells the story of Ted Williams. He also tells the story of a San Francisco fisherman’s son, Joe DiMaggio—his “streak” of 56 consecutive games with a hit, and his steely determination. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, between the Korean and Vietnam Wars, U.S. Navy Captain Royce Williams flew more than 220 missions. One mission, however, was classified as Top Secret—and for over 50 years, Captain Williams didn’t tell a soul, not even his wife. No one knew what this 27-year-old South Dakotan did that day in the skies over Korea—until now. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Tennessee officials told Doug and Mary Ketchum they couldn’t run their liquor store in Memphis, they took their case to the Supreme Court—and won. Here they are with their story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, PEZ found great success in its native Austria but struggled when it first entered the American market. Shawn Peterson, author of PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon, shares the fascinating story of how this quirky manual candy dispenser evolved into a beloved pop culture phenomenon. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bruce may be Chinese born, but as you’re about to hear, he’s all American. Here he is with his unique story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1800s, body snatching was surprisingly common, but stealing the body of a U.S. president was not. Historian Louis Picone shares the incredible true story of the harebrained scheme to steal Abraham Lincoln’s remains and hold them for ransom. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brian Jay Jones, author of Jim Henson: The Biography, tells the story of how some of America’s most beloved characters—the Muppets—got their start in advertising and television commercials. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Eisenhower once said that D-Day would never have happened without this man's boat, born out of the swamps of Louisiana. This is the story of Andrew Higgins—the brash and bold Irishman whose boat-building plants employed one out of every five Louisianans during the war and helped seal the fate of both the Third Reich and Imperial Japan. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in this dramatic reading, American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalizes Old North Church and Paul Revere in American folklore, cementing their place in the nation’s history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, after a career in the Marines, Mike Jones went on to work for some of the most successful animation studios, including Hanna-Barbera and Marvel Productions. He later left Marvel to produce and direct McGee and Me! and animate Adventures in Odyssey. After 30 years of work, his long-awaited project, Theo Presents, was finally released. Here’s Mike with his inspiring story of faith and creativity. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Burt Young is an instantly recognizable character actor, known for his half-muttered voice and flinty gaze—traits that made him the perfect fit for Rocky as Sylvester Stallone’s ill-mannered brother-in-law, Paulie. Here’s Burt Young with his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, historian Roger McGrath returns with another installment of his “Hollywood Goes to War” series. We've already heard the wartime stories of Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, and Tyrone Power. This time, it’s the tale of Wayne Morris—a strapping, steely-eyed leading man who traded movie sets for the skies in World War II. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, was George Washington really America’s first president? Perhaps not. Historian and bestselling author Christopher Klein, a regular contributor to History.com and Smithsonian Magazine, shares the little-known story of John Hanson, the man some consider the nation’s first president under the Articles of Confederation. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, former state politician Duncan Scott shares the hilarious true story of how he pranked the New Mexico State Legislature, resulting in one of the strangest amendments ever proposed in American history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, an undercover agent infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1940s, gathering secrets that would later be exposed to millions through the Superman radio show. This unusual alliance between pop culture and espionage helped undermine one of America’s most notorious hate groups. Here's the astonishing and forgotten story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, he grew up in poverty. His first job was at McDonald’s—and he would go on to become the CEO of 7-Eleven. Here’s the inspiring story of Jim Keyes, in his own words. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, like many others, Miles C. Collier fell in love with automobiles in an instant. Today, he runs the world-renowned Revs Institute—widely considered the best car museum in the world—and is the author of The Archaeological Automobile, a book that explores American material culture through the lens of the vehicles and artifacts we leave behind. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Acitelli, author of Pilsner: How the Beer of Kings Changed the World, tells the fascinating story of how a revolutionary brew from the Austrian Empire became one of America’s most popular beers. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener and regular contributor Joy Neal Kidney, from Des Moines, Iowa, shares the war story of her uncle, Donald Wilson. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, American history hasn’t been kind to King George III. Branded a tyrant in the Declaration of Independence and dismissed as unfit to lead a free people, his legacy has long been misunderstood. British historian Andrew Roberts, author of The Last King of America: The Misunderstood Reign of George III, shares the true story of America’s last king and why we might just have the story all wrong. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, defeating the Nazi menace took more than strength and tactics—it required feeding the Germans a steady stream of “accurate” Allied secrets for years. The late, great Stephen Ambrose tells the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, at 2:47 AM on August 3, 1923, Calvin Coolidge was administered the oath of office by his father, lit by a kerosene lamp in the small town where he was born: Plymouth Notch, Vermont. It was the culmination of a life well lived. Here to tell the story of our 30th President are Matthew Denhart and Tracy Messer, widely regarded as the world’s greatest Coolidge impersonator. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeremy Swick of the College Football Hall of Fame shares the incredible true story of Sgt. Stubby—a stray dog who became a soldier, war hero, and beloved military mascot during World War I. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, for over 100 years, the Miss America pageant has been a fixture of American culture, shaping ideas of beauty, femininity, and patriotism. But staying relevant hasn’t been easy. Amy Argetsinger, author of There She Was: The Secret History of Miss America, shares the surprising origins, cultural impact, and evolution of the iconic competition. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, P.J. Hill, rancher and co-author of The Not So Wild, Wild West: Property Rights on the Frontier, explains the misconceptions about the American West. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Laura Sangster shares the love story between her and her husband. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nancy Ball shares a story she wrote titled “Being an Ole Miss Fan Is, in and of Itself, a Lesson in Humility.” Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Major Buang-Ly was a pilot working with the United States military during the Vietnam War. When the U.S. began evacuating, he knew he had to get his family out. Historian Hill Goodspeed from the National Naval Aviation Museum brings us this incredible story of a father doing whatever it took to save his family. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Richard Hood takes us back to the Battle of Fredericksburg to share a story of compassion amid America’s deadliest war. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, American progress, with all its tragedies and enduring hope, can perhaps be seen as clearly through the Irish-American experience as any other. Karen Kaufmann shares the story of one man, Matthew Kerry, who never tired of calling Americans, again and again, to the high aspirations of the Declaration of Independence. We'd like to thank the Jack Miller Center for turning us on to this story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, invented in 1897, Jell-O quickly worked its way into the hearts—and stomachs—of Americans. In war and peace, in sickness and in health, from Greek houses to inflatable pools, Jell-O was there. Here to tell the story is Simon Whistler, host of the Today I Found Out YouTube channel and its sister podcast, The Brain Food Show. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Bennett was a master salesman and visionary businessman who, alongside legendary gun designer John Moses Browning, helped build Winchester into one of the most iconic firearms brands in American history. Here's the story of this forgotten, but all-important, man Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, it may be one of the most eloquent defenses of religion in American life—and of free nations—in U.S. history. “Where freedom of religion has been attacked, the attack has come from sources opposed to democracy,” FDR explained. “Where democracy has been overthrown, the spirit of free worship has disappeared.” Our host, Lee Habeeb, shares the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, for 50 years, John Clauson believed his father was just a simple salesman—until, near his deathbed, his father revealed a shocking secret: he had lived a double life tied to America’s top-secret nuclear missile program. John shares the incredible true story, based on his book Missileman. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tommy Dew’s walking tour of Charleston, South Carolina, has been praised and recommended by outlets like The Wall Street Journal and TripAdvisor. Here’s Tommy with the story of Charleston—from the American Revolution to today. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sergeant Bob Alaniz still carries the weight of the morning he fingerprinted Richard Ramirez, knowing he was holding the hands of one of California’s most notorious serial killers, the “Night Stalker.” Here's Bob to tell the story, alongside firearms historian and regular contributor Ashley Hlebinsky.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Shiloh Carozza McCall shares how, in the worst of circumstances, she came to realize that the man she was dating was the rare kind of person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gail Halvorsen was a young pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps assigned to the Berlin Airlift, where American forces flew vital supplies into a war-torn, Soviet-blockaded Berlin after WWII. While carrying out his missions, Lt. Halvorsen noticed German children gathering at the fences of Tempelhof Air Base. Wanting to bring them hope and a little joy, he came up with an idea: drop candy from his plane. And so, the “Candy Bomber” was born. Here’s the late Gail Halvorsen in his own words. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Laura Ingalls Wilder turned her frontier childhood into one of the most iconic book series in history—Little House on the Prairie. It makes sense why it was so popular...it captured the brutal hardships and lofty hopes of pioneer life on paper, and inspired a hit television show that brought her words to millions. Scholars Dedra Birzer and Pamela Smith Hill share the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Pilgrim’s Progress is the second most popular book in world history, after the Bible. Its author, John Bunyan, was a preacher in Bedford, England, who wrote the book in 1676 while imprisoned for “preaching without a license.” The book quickly made its way onto ships bound for the New World. In America, it became so popular that familiarity with it was said to be “the mark of being a good American.” Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 34th episode of our Story of America series, Hillsdale College professor and Land of Hope author Wilfred McClay tells the story of how the railroads fundamentally transformed American life—from the way we handle finance, to how we receive mail, to how we tell time. Or, as he puts it, “Suddenly, we were on the clock.” Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1967, Johnny Cash stumbled into Nickajack Cave in Tennessee, intent on ending his life. Struggling with a relentless addiction to amphetamines, he was canceling shows and recordings while spending time in and out of hospitals and jail cells. Greg Laurie, author of Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon, shares the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Civil rights lawyers Hugh Eastwood and Bevis Schock of St. Louis share the story of how they filed three separate lawsuits—all heard by the Missouri Supreme Court in a single landmark morning session, that led to the end of the dreaded red-light ticket cameras in the Show-Me State. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has stayed between the goalposts. So, Greg Hengler sat down with him at his home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where Brett shared stories about humility, aging, and faith—part four of a five-part series. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim Harford, author of the bestselling book 50 Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy, shares the stories of three inventions that changed the way we live today—this time: barbed wire, the plow, and Google Search. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Denver’s songs have become part of the American bloodstream. His melodies and lyrics are heard all over the world. His music is simple and honest—no auto-tune, no flashy outfits—just a man and his guitar. Our own Greg Hengler tells the story of this cultural icon. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the word "hero" is often overused in today’s culture, but not when it comes to Megan McClung. Here's why her tombstone reads: "Be Bold. Be Brief. Be Gone." Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Major General "Mook" Mukoyama volunteered and served in both Korea and Vietnam. In 1986, he became the youngest general in the U.S. Army at the time. Soon after, he was promoted to Major General and commanded the 70th Training Division during Desert Storm. Now retired, he devotes his time to serving our veterans. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Karl Marlantes, a Vietnam War veteran and the award-winning author of Matterhorn and What It Is Like to Go to War, shares how he earned the Navy Cross—and why he struggled with the recognition, knowing others had done more and received less. You won't want to miss this powerful story for our Memorial Day Special.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Shaw’s “Quint” told the world what happened to the USS Indianapolis in the hit movie Jaws. For our Memorial Day Special, the late Edgar Harrell, the last surviving Marine from the downed ship, shares the real-life story of that fateful day—one you won’t soon forget. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Arlington National Cemetery is the nation’s most iconic military burial ground, but its origins are more surprising than you might think. Elliott Drago of the Jack Miller Center shares the little-known story behind its founding, rooted in the Civil War, and what it means for the country today—a powerful reminder around Memorial Day. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our host, Lee Habeeb, shares a very personal Memorial Day story about the uncle he never knew. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the late Paul Monti often drove his son Jared’s truck—an act that inspired the hit country song “I Drive Your Truck” by Lee Brice. But the story is about much more than a song. It’s the story of Jared Monti, a true hero who sacrificed his life trying to save a fellow soldier during close-quarters combat in the mountains of Afghanistan. For his actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. It’s also the story of a father dedicated to keeping his son’s memory alive after his ultimate sacrifice. Paul Monti shares the story himself—in an interview he gave to Our American Stories shortly before his passing in 2022. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Lanae Strovers was tasked with deciding what to do with unclaimed urns at the funeral home where she worked, she took it personally, which makes sense for someone who entered the mortuary business for deeply personal reasons. Here's Lanae with her story of devotion and dedication to America’s fallen veterans. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, formerly enslaved people in Charleston, SC, decided to honor the Union soldiers who had perished at a racecourse converted into a POW camp. Then, as Dan Welch of the Gettysburg Foundation puts it: "A procession at a gravesite, a procession with 9,000 spectators - was all but forgotten in just two years.". Here's the story of the real first Memorial Day. We'd like to thank the Gettysburg NPS for allowing us access to this wonderful audio. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Abraham Lincoln was asked on a questionnaire to describe his education, he wrote just one word: "defective." But that didn’t stop him from becoming one of the premier thinkers of his time—and the only U.S. President to ever hold a patent. David J. Kent, author of Lincoln: The Fire of Genius, shares the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, everyone knows a horse can jump a good-sized fence—but the folks in Pea Ridge, Arkansas, thought it was much more interesting to see if a mule could do the same. Here’s the story of how their unique competition got started. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, most people know Amelia Earhart for the mystery surrounding her disappearance over the Pacific Ocean—but far fewer know the incredible accomplishments she achieved during her lifetime. In this astonishing story, we'll tell the story of the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, the first woman to fly solo coast to coast across the United States, and the first person, man or woman, to fly solo from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, on May 22, 2011, Joplin, Missouri, took a direct hit from the deadliest and costliest tornado in U.S. history, an EF-5 that left a devastating scar on the community. But in the years since, Joplin has rebuilt in extraordinary ways. Former KSNF Channel 16 weatherman Jerimiah Cook, and reporter Gretchen Bolander share a powerful story of loss, love, resilience, and hope in the face of disaster. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mark O'Brian, a listener of Our American Stories, shares the story of St. Louie Louie—one of the greatest pool players to ever grace the scene—from his rise to his rather untimely fall. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Marcia Taylor went from being a pregnant teenager to running one of the largest trucking companies in America, Bennett International Group. In this episode, Marcia shares how she pulled the fat from the fire and became one of the most influential female business leaders in the nation today. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1965, California Senator George Murphy started a sweet tradition, literally. He began stocking his desk on the Senate floor with candy to share with his co-workers. That desk, now known as the “Senate Candy Desk,” remains a Capitol Hill tradition today. Jesse Edwards shares the history, mystery, and origins behind one of the Senate's most interesting traditions. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, to Southerners, he was a dangerous villain. To many Northerners, a fanatic. But to himself, he was an instrument of God, sent to end slavery. Bestselling author David S. Reynolds (John Brown, Abolitionist) tells the powerful story of the man who helped ignite the Civil War and laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Michael Lella shares the incredible true story of his father, Pino Lella—a teenage hero of the Italian resistance during World War II who helped Jews escape Nazi-occupied Italy and later infiltrated the German High Command. We'd like to thank FEE.org for turning us onto this story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in just a few centuries, the lawn went from being a status symbol for kings and nobles to a hallmark of the American Dream—and eventually, to something many of us barely think about, aside from when it’s time to mow. The History Guy tells the story of how lawn care came to be. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Bryan pays tribute to his older brother, John Bryan, a business leader who ran the Sara Lee Corporation and played a key role in creating Chicago’s Millennium Park. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Saje Hellstern was the fastest runner on his cross-country team and consistently finished near the top. After doctors discovered a tumor in his brain, he endured over a year of radiation and chemotherapy. But that didn’t stop him from running—or finishing his races. Here to share Saje’s story is his stepfather, Roger—a regular contributor to Our American Stories. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, as part of our "This Week in History" series, we tell the story of an immigrant whose name you probably know—but whose story you likely don't. Levi Strauss left Germany in 1847 in pursuit of the American Dream—and stitched that dream into a pair of blue jeans that changed American culture and fashion forever. Lynn Downey, the official historian of Levi Strauss & Co., tells his remarkable story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mitch Felderhoff, co-owner of Muenster Milling in Muenster, Texas, decided to put his mouth where his money is eating nothing but dog food for 30 days to raise awareness for his brand. It worked. Here's Mitch with the story of his wild PR stunt. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen shares the story behind his “Freedom Rocks”—giant, unique, hand-painted boulders honoring veterans in all 99 counties across Iowa. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, after moving from the bright lights of Tampa, Florida, to a farm in the small college town of Oxford, Mississippi, Jake Keiser didn’t know what to expect. Thankfully, her neighbors had her back. Here's Jake with her story of recovery in small-town America. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, some interesting facts about the typewriter: The QWERTY layout was originally designed to slow typists down. Mark Twain was the first author to submit a manuscript written on a typewriter. Tom Hanks is a collector of typewriters—and yes, there is indeed a list of 99 reasons why a typewriter is better than a computer. Our American Stories listener Bert Rosica is just the man to deliver it. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, a wrench slipped. A rocket leaked, lost fuel pressure, collapsed, and exploded. A nuclear warhead was launched out of its silo and landed in a ditch—at the intersection of fate and American journalism. Randy Dixon, a young journalist at the time, shares the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in honor of Jackie Kennedy, who died this week in history in 1994, we tell the story of the preservation of an American icon. Before becoming the face of "Camelot" and a fashion icon of the ’60s, former First Lady Jackie Kennedy was a born-and-raised New Yorker. In 1975, after returning to live full-time in Manhattan, she took on a new cause: saving Grand Central Terminal from demolition. Natasha Wing, author of When Jackie Saved Grand Central, shares the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Pearl Harbor was attacked, FDR's speechwriting team was out of town. So Roosevelt, with the help of a few aides, penned the most important speech of his presidency—and one of the most important in American history. Here's the story behind the story of a speech that defined an era. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, they say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree— but Appleton Oaksmith landed on another planet. His mother was a feminist who knew top abolitionists; his father, a cartoonist admired across party lines. Appleton? He was hunted internationally for presumed slave trading and a failed kidnapping in Cuba that may have threatened Lincoln’s reelection. Yet he later fought for Black voting rights. Jonathan W. White, author of Shipwrecked, shares the story—courtesy of the U.S. National Archives. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, a former high-powered media executive shares how the 37-year Triple Crown drought, finally broken in 2015, brought back a flood of memories of Sundays at the track with his dad Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when German guilds told him they didn’t need another piano manufacturer, Henry Steinway moved to America and founded Steinway & Sons, establishing a global standard of excellence embraced by everyone from Irving Berlin to Billy Joel. Here’s the story of how one man’s pursuit of the American Dream reshaped the sound of music forever. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, oftentimes, when the topic of professional wrestling (think Hulk Hogan) comes up, it’s almost guaranteed that someone will scoff and say it’s “fake.” Here’s Riley Evans, sportswriter and CEO of RealPodcasting.com, with the real story behind professional wrestling. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the origins of Chick-fil-A’s “my pleasure” catchphrase trace back to 2001. According to Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy, it began when he visited a Ritz-Carlton luxury hotel, co-founded by his friend Horst Schulze. Here's Horst with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy shares the remarkable story of Robert Smalls, an escaped slave who stole a Confederate ship, rescued his family, and delivered freedom to many others. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Professor Christopher Oldstone-Moore makes the case that today’s bearded renaissance is part of a centuries-long cycle in which facial hairstyles have shifted in response to changing ideals of masculinity. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, aside from the cherry tree legend, which, of course, isn't true, most of us don't know much about George Washington. To many, he's just a man peering at us from a dollar bill or a figure carved in marble. Here's the definitive story of the most important man in American history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, for a time, a near-mint Colt Walker held the distinction of being the most expensive gun ever sold, fetching $1.8 million at auction in 2018. Here to tell the story of the legendary Colt Walker revolver is Logan Metesh. Logan is the founder of High Caliber History LLC and has over a decade of experience working for the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, it was one of the oddest—and best—musical collaborations of the 20th century. Old-school pop crooner Bing Crosby partnered with British glam rocker David Bowie to create one of the most cherished Christmas songs of all time. But it almost didn’t happen. Here's the story of what went on behind the scenes to make sure it did. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Abercrombie & Fitch clothing stores conquered malls in the late ’90s and early ’00s with gorgeous models, pulsing dance beats, and a fierce scent. What most people don’t know is that the company was founded in 1892 in New York City as an outfitter for elite outdoorsmen. Here to tell the full story is Ashley Hlebinsky, former co-host of Discovery Channel’s Master of Arms, former curator in charge of the Cody Firearms Museum, and co-founder of the University of Wyoming College of Law’s Firearms Research Center. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. His book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Margie Siegal was a teenager, she had a boyfriend with a motorcycle. The boyfriend was forgettable—the motorcycle wasn’t. Since then, she has written extensively about motorcycle history and is the author of Harley-Davidson: A History of the World’s Most Famous Motorcycle. Here she is with the story of Harley-Davidson. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when the brand-new Saturday Night Live first took the airwaves by storm, it was Chevy Chase’s clumsy impression of Gerald R. Ford—an All-American athlete turned commander-in-chief—that changed how Americans saw their president. The sketch also shaped the future of political satire, presidential impersonations, and even the 1976 election itself. Peter Funt, author of Playing POTUS: The Power of America's 'Acting Presidents', tells the story behind one of comedy’s most consequential impressions. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Greg McDonald got his start in show business as a teenager after meeting Elvis Presley and his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, shortly after Parker began managing Elvis in the 1950s. Here’s Greg with the stories. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1851, Olive Oatman was a thirteen-year-old pioneer traveling west with her Mormon family. Within a decade, she was a white Indian with a chin tattoo, caught between cultures. Here to tell the story is the executive of True West magazine, Bob Boze Bell. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, he wasn’t an NBA star - he was a sneaker salesman who helped popularize the sport of basketball and the iconic shoes that now bear his name. Our host, Lee Habeeb, shares his life story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, climb aboard! The late, great historian Stephen Ambrose shares the epic story of how Americans laid 1,900 miles of track from Omaha to Sacramento to complete one of our nation’s greatest infrastructure achievements—the Transcontinental Railroad. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2018, the hashtag #FreeCyntoiaBrown went viral, making her one of the most well-known inmates in the world. Here's Cyntoia with her story of trauma, incarceration, and redemption. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Brooklyn Bridge, with its unprecedented length and two stately towers, was dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World" after its completion. The connection it forged between the massive population centers of Brooklyn and Manhattan forever changed the course of New York City. Here’s The History Guy with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nathaniel Gordon of Portland, Maine, holds the distinction of being the only American ever executed for the crime of slave trading. Although many were caught in the act, sentences were often lenient, and most slave traders knew they had little to fear—until Abraham Lincoln. Jonathan W. White, author of Shipwrecked: A True Civil War Story of Mutinies, Jailbreaks, Blockade-Running, and the Slave Trade, shares the story of the man Lincoln refused to pardon—and explains why. Special thanks to the U.S. National Archives for this audio, taken from an online lecture Dr. White gave. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice from his guide to unraveling the baffling mini mysteries of the English language. His book, Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases, explores where our favorite sayings come from—and what they really mean. Be sure to check it out! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, you’ve probably heard that during his famous midnight ride through the Massachusetts countryside to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock of the impending British occupation of Lexington and Concord, Paul Revere shouted, “The British are coming!” But that’s not quite true. Sabrina Bhattacharjya, a 14-year-old history enthusiast and founder of Lex250, shares the real story—and brings to life the first day of the American Revolution. We'd like to thank Constituting America for turning us on to this story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor from Kodiak Island, Alaska, Leslie Leyland Fields, shares the heartbreaking story of her relationship with her father—and it’s not what you’d expect. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Scott Jones, a regular contributor to Our American Stories and author of Growing Up Rural, shares the story of a boy named Leo and the special letters he wrote to his family during the war. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Karla Duerson shares what it was like to be pregnant with—and give birth to—her daughter Wylie. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our host, Lee Habeeb, opens up about his mother’s life and legacy in the patch of earth in Northern New Jersey she cared for and influenced with her love, grace, and class. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, popular social media influencer and Mother Tiffany Jenkins shares her secret to being a mom… (Hint: It’s not what you post on social media!) Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, for our Mother's Day Special, Alan Brown, a listener of Our American Stories, shares a story about him and his strong-willed mother, and how they both battled and survived poverty and an abusive marriage, coming out the other side better and closer than ever. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, for our Mother's Day Special, Our American Stories regular contributor, writer, and Mother Winter Prosapio shares a touching story about a mundane, often-repeated event: washing her daughter's curly hair. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, at the turn of the 21st century, tornadoes were still one of nature’s greatest mysteries—ripping through the American heartland more than a thousand times a year, with scientists no closer to understanding their inner workings. Most had given up trying—until Tim Samaras came along. Brantley Hargrove, author of The Man Who Caught the Storm, shares the story of the storm chaser who risked everything to unlock the secrets of the skies. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney, a regular contributor to Our American Stories from Des Moines, Iowa, shares her mother’s story of how she became an officer’s wife in the middle of World War II. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, six months after its introduction in 1985, the Yugo was a punchline; within a year, it had become a staple of late-night comedy. By 2000, NPR’s Car Talk declared it “the worst car of the millennium.” For most Americans, that’s where the story ends. Jason Vuic, author of The Yugo: The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History, tells the rest.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, a tragic event brought a racist (George Wallace) and a radical (Shirley Chisholm) together, forging an unlikely alliance. Special thanks to the Jack Miller Center for bringing this story to our attention. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, after Diablo's Southwest Grill in Georgia was broken into, owner Carl Wallace took an unexpected approach—posting a job offer to the perpetrator on Facebook instead of pressing charges. Here's Carl with his story of why. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in Durham, North Carolina, there’s a bridge that trucks just can’t stop hitting—“The Can Opener.” Jesse Edwards shares the story behind the internet’s most famous overpass. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Montgomery was a two-time Oscar nominee and one of the first major Hollywood stars to volunteer for service in World War II. Later, he became a trusted television advisor to Dwight D. Eisenhower during his 1952 presidential campaign—and went on to serve in the White House, becoming the first showbiz professional to hold an official role there. Historian Roger McGrath brings us this remarkable story of patriotism and Hollywood's role in wartime America. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, did Lincoln believe in God? Yes—but his faith walk was more complicated and messier than you probably know. Here to tell the story of Lincoln's faith is Richard Carwardine, a Lincoln Prize-winning historian and Emeritus Rhodes Professor of American History at Oxford University in England. We'd like to thank the Bill of Rights Institute for allowing us to use this audio, originally a part of their Scholar Talks series on YouTube.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeromy Clark had a rough upbringing, losing his father and suffering abuse at the hands of authority figures. After believing he would spend the rest of his life in prison, Jeromy was set free by grace...and the support of many people. Today, he is a living picture of redemption. Here's Jeromy to share his powerful story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brent Timmons, an Our American Stories listener from Delaware, shares the story of a lesson in risk that his son learned while riding his cherished bicycle. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, how could a man who wrote the words "all men are created equal" in the Declaration of Independence go to his grave without freeing his slaves? Cara Rogers Steven, author of Thomas Jefferson and the Fight Against Slavery, tells the messy story of a man who was both a product of his times... and ahead of them. A special goes out to the Bill of Rights Institute for allowing us access to this audio, originally part of their Scholar Talks series on YouTube. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Martin Lisius, founder of Tempest Tours, and Kim George, Customer Relations Manager, talk about the company's origins and what it's like being on the road intentionally during some of the most extreme weather the world has to offer.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, J.D. Wininger, owner of the Cross-Dubya Ranch in Northeast Texas and a listener of Our American Stories, tells the story of a man named John who mostly kept to himself. When J.D. offered him a helping hand, Mr. John ended up helping him just as much. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, she was just a teenager, carrying her infant son, when she joined the most daring expedition in American history—and without her, Lewis and Clark might never have made it. Dr. Dedra Birzer of Hillsdale College brings us the incredible story of Sacagawea, the young woman who made America's most daring road trip possible. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, for decades, Major League Baseball’s reserve clause bound players to their teams indefinitely, denying them the freedom to negotiate salaries or choose where to play. Curt Flood, a three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, decided to challenge that system, risking his career to fight for fairness. Despite facing racial discrimination and industry backlash, Flood’s stand reshaped the business of sports and helped usher in modern free agency. Columnist George Will tells the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, most museums showcase the finer things in history, culture, and the arts—but not the aptly named Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) in Boston, Massachusetts, where you’ll find masterpieces like A Mariachi in Tiananmen Square, Sunday on the Pot With George, and Self-Portrait as a Bird. Louise Reilly Sacco, the museum’s curator, shares the tale of how it all came to be.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the late Major Brian Shul shares his legendary “LA Speed Check” story—an absurd and unforgettable moment from the cockpit of the fastest plane in the world, the SR-71 Blackbird. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, after the fall of the Philippines in World War II, more than 70,000 American and Filipino soldiers were captured by Japanese forces and forced to endure the brutal Bataan Death March. Over 30 percent of these POWs died in captivity, compared to just three percent of Allied POWs held by the Germans. In his powerful firsthand account, Dr. Lester Tenney recounts one of WWII’s darkest chapters and his miraculous survival against all odds. A special thanks to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans for providing this archival audio. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Phil Anschutz writes in Out Where the West Begins: “Samuel Colt’s life was the American story written in capital letters.” Here to tell that story is Ashley Hlebinsky—former co-host of Discovery Channel’s Master of Arms, former curator in charge of the Cody Firearms Museum, and president of The Gun Code, LLC. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, as strange as it sounds, Pepsi (yes, the cola manufacturer) once owned a fleet of Soviet warships, briefly making it the sixth-largest navy in the world. Here's The History Guy with the story of how a soft drink company found itself in the middle of Cold War politics and an international trade deal gone sideways. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, they say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree—but that wasn’t true for Ben Franklin and his only son. While Franklin became one of America’s most celebrated founding fathers, his son William remained loyal to the British Crown. In one of the most dramatic father-son divides in history, king and country collided with revolution and independence—the costs were massive. Here’s the astonishing story of how Ben Franklin and his son ended up on opposite sides of history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Flannery O’Connor wanted to shake her readers awake. Her mother wanted her to write the next Gone with the Wind. Here to tell her story is Jonathan Rogers, author of The Terrible Speed of Mercy: A Spiritual Biography of Flannery O’Connor. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tony Mandarich’s story became immortalized by two Sports Illustrated covers—one hailing him as “The Incredible Bulk” heading into the 1989 draft, and another in 1992 labeling him “The NFL’s Incredible BUST” as his four-year career in Green Bay came to an end. Here’s Tony Mandarich himself, with his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sophia and Deshaun Olds were married in 2004 but didn’t immediately think about starting a family. They were busy serving overseas and pursuing their education. That all changed when, after 13 years without children, they became a family of nine—literally overnight. Here they are with their story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1938, many Americans were scared. As the news from Europe grew increasingly grim, radio listeners had grown accustomed to urgent bulletins about a crisis that threatened to plunge the world into another war. Sensing an opportunity, Orson Welles—not yet a household name—seized on the public's anxiety and, on Halloween night, delivered a broadcast that gave America a scare it would never forget. It was a dramatic adaptation of a science fiction novel about an alien invasion. The fallout from that night would forever change the way news was presented. Here to share the story is A. Brad Schwartz, author of Broadcast Hysteria: Orson Welles's War of the Worlds and the Art of Fake News. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ben Franklin holds the distinction of many "firsts" in American history. He invented the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, bifocals, the urinary catheter, swim fins, and the odometer. He also founded America's first public library, the first volunteer fire company, fire insurance company, and hospital, and became the nation's first Postmaster General. As Chess.com notes, Franklin was also America's first known chess player and the first American to write about the game. Elliott Drago, a historian and the Editorial Officer at the Jack Miller Center, shares the story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Professor Jeff Bloodworth tells the story of John McCormack, who rose from humble beginnings in South Boston to become a masterful legislator and the first Catholic Speaker of the House. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Britney Ruby Miller is the CEO of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, where she leads a team of more than 500 employees across seven luxury steakhouses in Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. She’s also the author of 5-Star Life: The Faithful Fight to Overcome Obstacles and Pursue Excellence. Here she is with her story! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when a stadium full of excited sports fans pressed downhill against inadequate crowd control, tragedy struck in an instant. Michael Brin—a player on the field that day and now an emergency physician—shares his harrowing story of the infamous University of Wisconsin stampede and its aftermath. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Marovich, a writer for the Journal of Gospel Music, shares the story of Thomas A. Dorsey and how the tragic loss of his wife and newborn child in 1932 led him to write the gospel classic "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"—a hymn that would later become a favorite of Martin Luther King Jr. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Theodore Schwartz, a neurosurgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine and best-selling author of Gray Matters: A Biography of Brain Surgery, shares how he approaches the difficult task of delivering bad news to patients with terminal and late-stage brain cancer. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jill Duggar and her husband, Derick, share the unedited truth behind TLC’s hit television show that captivated the nation, 19 Kids and Counting. Their story has become a New York Times instant bestseller with their memoir, Counting the Cost. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when it comes to infrastructure that helps keep us safe while we drive, perhaps the greatest cost-to-benefit ratio in terms of saving lives is painted lane lines on roads. Here's the story of how they came to be. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Canada is an independent nation, not part of the United States. A lot of that has to do with smallpox. Here to tell the story is William Federer, president of AmeriSearch. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in part three of our five-part series, Brett Favre gets very personal about his miraculous Monday Night Football game, which occurred immediately after his father’s passing. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, we all have a Billy Graham story—Ruth Graham, Billy's daughter, shares hers in the touching eulogy she gave at her father's funeral as part of our ongoing Final Thoughts series.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose wrote the definitive biography of Dwight Eisenhower. Ike was born in a small rented shack beside the railroad tracks in Denison, Texas. He was raised in a family of Mennonites—fundamentalists in their Christian faith who were also committed pacifists. Here's the late Ambrose himself with the story of our 34th president. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, today, the Super Bowl is the most-watched event on television—between 90 and 110 million people tune in to the "big game" each year. Americans consume 1.45 billion chicken wings (enough to circle the Earth three times), eat 28 million slices of pizza, and drink 325 million gallons of beer on this unofficial holiday. But it wasn’t always this way. Dennis Deninger, author of The Football Game That Changed America, tells the story of how the Super Bowl as we know it came to be—from nothing. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Latin is the dead language of the Romans—but to David P. Hardy, it was exactly what inner-city kids needed to thrive in school and become good citizens. Here's David with the story of how he founded Boys' Latin—and fell in love with being an educator in the worst neighborhood Philadelphia had to offer.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers a truly extraordinary Civil War heroine, Mary Edwards Walker. She is the only woman in U.S. history to receive the Medal of Honor. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Presidential historian and author of Grant's Tomb: The Epic Death of Ulysses S. Grant and the Making of an American Pantheon, Louis Picone, shares the story of the creation, degradation, and revitalization of the former president's final resting place in New York City. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, author Louis Picone tells the story of how Grant's memoirs came to be while the former president was bankrupt and dying of cancer. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. John Marszalek and Eddie Rangel of the Grant Presidential Library share the story of how Ulysses S. Grant went from selling firewood on a street corner to leading the U.S. Army to victory in the Civil War. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Professor David Babcock shares his inspiring and quirky story of how he earned a Guinness World Record for knitting the longest scarf while running a marathon. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, from bifocals and the cotton gin to the automobile and the iPhone, America has a long history of inventions that changed the world. But not every invention was born from necessity—some were created simply for fun. In this episode, author Natascha Biebow joins us to share the colorful true story of Edwin Binney, the inventor of Crayola crayons, as told in her children's book The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Pastor Greg Laurie tells the story of his life—from growing up in the tumult of the ’60s, to finding God, and ultimately making peace with his family Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, to some, they were heroes. To others, they were villains. But when the Barrow Gang rolled into Dexter, Iowa, they were simply strangers. Rod Stanley of the Dexter Museum tells the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Caleb Bailey's father wanted nothing more than to be a firefighter. But just 10 days after Caleb was born, his father died in the line of duty while responding to a structure fire at a pet food factory in Los Angeles in 1998, leaving behind a young wife and two sons. It was the first line-of-duty fatality the L.A. Fire Department had seen in decades. Here's Caleb with his family’s story of hope and redemption after such a devastating loss. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, "White Christmas" and "God Bless America" are both standards of American popular music, and both were written by an immigrant. An astonishing fact—but more astonishing is that they were written by the same man: Irving Berlin. Here to tell Berlin’s story is bestselling author Laurence Bergreen, who wrote the definitive biography As Thousands Cheer: The Life of Irving Berlin. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Major General James Mukoyama rose from his blue-collar Chicago neighborhood to become the first Asian American to command a U.S. Army division. General “Mook” is the author of Faith, Family & Flag: Memoirs of an Unlikely American Samurai Crusader. Here he is with the story of the Japanese Americans who fought for the United States in WWII. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Alexander Hamilton is one of the most controversial and misunderstood Founding Fathers in American history. A brilliant yet complex figure, his ideas helped shape the nation’s financial system, government, and legacy. Historian Ron Chernow—author of the New York Times bestselling biography Alexander Hamilton, which inspired the hit Broadway musical—shares the true story behind the man, the myth, and the musical. We want to thank the Library of Congress for allowing us and our nation access to this wonderful audio, originally from a book talk back in 2018. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the river town of Hannibal, Missouri, spared Mark Twain from nothing, exposing him to poverty, death, racism, and the need to make decisions for himself. Here's Richard Garey, a Mark Twain aficionado, with the story of this all-important town. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, OAS listener from South Carolina, Dennis Peterson, shares the spellbinding story of his grandfather, "Paw" Summers. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, many countries have mascots. Canada has Johnny Canuck, Israel has Srulik, the U.K. has John Bull—and the United States has Uncle Sam. But how did he come to be? It turns out it wasn’t the work of an intrepid cartoonist or a government initiative, but barrels full of meat during the War of 1812 that gave the USA its persona. Here’s the story of everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the man in red, white, and blue. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, for the longest time, the NBA was a financially unstable, mostly regional, and hard-to-sell property—at one point, they were nearly forced off of CBS. But thanks to business-savvy individuals like David Stern, the NBA became a money-making machine. The question was: would CBS re-up with them or cut them loose? David Stern decided to draw a hard line. Pete Croatto, author of From Hang Time to Prime Time, tells the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gettysburg National Park Service Ranger Matt Atkinson tells the story of Dan Sickles—the man who pioneered the “temporary insanity” plea after murdering his wife's lover, had his leg shot off by Longstreet's cannon fire in a peach orchard, and later helped establish Gettysburg National Military Park. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, working remotely meant she could live remotely, too... so Emma decided to buy a sailboat and go to Florida. Here she is to explain why she made the unorthodox decision to set her sights on the high seas. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in July 1945, a U.S. B-25 Mitchell bomber got lost in heavy fog over Manhattan. Here’s The History Guy with the forgotten—and astonishing—story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, “Smokin’” Ed Currie is an American chili pepper breeder and the founder and president of the PuckerButt Pepper Company. He’s best known for creating the world’s hottest chili peppers—the Carolina Reaper and now Pepper X—as recognized by Guinness World Records. A former addict, Ed is now a man of strong faith. Here’s Ed sharing a story about him and his wife. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp.—one of the great hoteliers of all time and a legend in his business. He’s also what you might call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike telling the story of how he—a Jew—helped start the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, format wars are nothing new—Edison and Berliner battled it out over phonograph methods, and 8-tracks and cassettes clashed in the ’60s and 70s—but those battles took place away from the public eye. The fight between VHS and Betamax played out in living rooms across America. Here to tell the story of how VHS came out victorious is Bill “Engineer Guy” Hammack. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Harriet Tubman is one of the giants of American history—a pistol-packing, fearless, and inspiring visionary who led scores of her fellow slaves to freedom. Here to tell her story is Kate Clifford Larson, author of Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, Portrait of an American Hero. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, bestselling author Ace Collins reveals the stories behind the events and traditions that shaped Easter, introducing stories you've likely never heard and offering a deeper appreciation for the holiday’s familiar hallmarks. You won't want to miss this one! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story was made into a 2014 motion picture directed by Angelina Jolie and based on the 2010 non-fiction book by Laura Hillenbrand, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. While some of the most remarkable parts of Louis Zamperini’s story were left out of the film, you'll hear them in this piece—from the man himself. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our own Greg Hengler—and others—tell the splinter-free story of the toilet and its many accessories. You're going to want to be sitting down for this one! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the iconic Hanson Brothers from Slap Shot weren’t actors—they were real minor league hockey players. When Dave "Killer" Hanson was cast in the 1977 cult classic alongside Paul Newman, the unforgettable trio was born. Here's David himself with the true story behind one of the most legendary roles in sports movie history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. His book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sgt. William H. Carney became the first Black American to earn the Medal of Honor after protecting one of the United States' greatest symbols during the Civil War—the American flag. Here to tell the story is Elliott Drago, historian and editorial officer at the Jack Miller Center. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. His book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Check it out! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose was one of America’s leading biographers and historians. Although he passed away in 2002, his epic storytelling can now be heard here on Our American Stories, thanks to the efforts of those who manage his estate. Today, Stephen examines Allied aerial might—and how we figured out how to take the fight to Germany effectively over the skies of Europe. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Braveheart continues to capture the hearts of moviegoers around the world. The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards and won five. Writer/director Randall Wallace (Braveheart, We Were Soldiers, The Man in the Iron Mask, Heaven Is for Real, Pearl Harbor, and more) shares the story of his journey that began in rural Tennessee—and led him to become one of the bravest men in Hollywood. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Ross, a former Green Beret and intelligence officer during the Vietnam War, shares his powerful story of American service in 1968 South Vietnam. As part of a Special Forces “A” Detachment—an elite Green Beret unit—Ross witnessed the realities of war firsthand. Today, he's the President and CEO of The Ross Jewelry Company in Atlanta, Georgia, and the author of Privileges of War: A Good Story of American Service in Vietnam, a memoir that explores sacrifice, service, and life after combat. We'd like to thank the Atlanta History Center for allowing us access to this audio, originally part of their Veterans History Project. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeremiah Castille played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was on the last team coached by the legendary “Bear” Bryant. Here's Jeremiah—who went on to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Denver Broncos in the NFL—sharing how his coach not only improved his game, but also saved his life. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy tells the story of the dramatic 1926 race to the North Pole—featuring legendary explorers Roald Amundsen and Richard Byrd, and how their daring journeys helped shape the future of aviation and polar exploration. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sports Illustrated called him the greatest offensive lineman of all time, but he certainly wasn't born with that title—it took a lot of hard work. Here's John Hannah himself sharing the story of the two moments in his life that pushed him toward excellence: one with his dad, the other with legendary Alabama football coach Bear Bryant. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the differing fates of the Robertson and Phillips-head screwdrivers demonstrate that innovation is intimately tied to historical events. Here’s the History Guy with the story of the screwdriver wars. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Fugitive Slave Act made all Americans accomplices in the practice of slavery. Here's the story of how its end began. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the late Tony Dolan, President Ronald Reagan's chief speechwriter and a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, pays tribute to America's fallen soldiers. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to understand the history of America, it's imperative to recognize the role the Bible played in shaping our country. Our Founding Fathers—both Christian and non-Christian—were deeply influenced by its teachings. Here to share another story is Robert Morgan, author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in a big and memorable way, P.T. Barnum changed how all Americans lived. He gave them something to talk about—and dream about. Our movies, television, and entertainment-saturated culture are what they are today because of what he started. He seems almost like a fable now—but then again, he did in his own time as well. Here to tell the story is Kathy Maher, Executive Director of the P.T. Barnum Museum. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, for most of his life, James Armistead Lafayette was known simply as James—not Lafayette. That last name came later, and from none other than the Marquis de Lafayette of the American Revolution. But why would an enslaved man take the last name of a French military officer? Here's Kirk Higgins of the Bill of Rights Institute with the story of one of America's most important, underappreciated, and little-known spies during the American Revolution. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our own Greg Hengler tells the story of a worship band on a mission trip to Thailand—where an impromptu gig at a brothel led to one of the most recognizable songs in Contemporary Christian Music. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mary Sparks exhibited strength and conviction throughout her life, but it all started with an affair, a stolen baby, and her Catholic Faith. Here's Mary's son, Sparky, to recount his mother's tale—and the story of his family.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany, was dominated by Mark Spitz, a Jewish American swimmer who won seven gold medals for the United States. It was also the Olympics where Palestinian terrorists massacred 11 Israeli athletes. This incident was televised across America and prompted President Nixon to establish plans to avert terrorism in the United States. Here's the story of the attacks, Israel's response to them, and the world's reaction. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you think of the quintessential American fruit, it’s probably the apple. But apples aren’t our cheapest fruit—bananas are! Here’s the History Guy with the story of the banana. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Faith and sports go hand in hand. Quarterbacks quote Bible verses in interviews, star players host team Bible studies, and a last-ditch attempt to win a game is called a “Hail Mary.” But it isn’t just the players who are indebted to faith—sometimes, the sports themselves are. Paul Putz, author of The Spirit of the Game: American Christianity and Big-Time Sports, shares the unusual origin story of basketball: a game initially designed to bring people to Christ that took on a life of its own. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, sergeant Bob Alaniz, formerly of the LAPD and the cop who helped catch the infamous “Night Stalker,” explains how our two coasts developed entirely different styles of police work.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Titanic was a marvel of her time—883 feet long, 175 feet tall, and over 52,000 tons. She stood at the cutting edge of naval architecture and symbolized British national pride. Technologically advanced, she carried a Marconi wireless set for near-instant ship-to-shore communication, run by two young "computer nerds" of their day. Their job? Send passengers’ personal messages to land. But on the night of April 14, 1912, that changed. They were suddenly tasked with something unimaginable: trying to save over 2,000 lives in the middle of the North Atlantic. William Hazelgrove, author of One Hundred and Sixty Minutes: The Race to Save the Titanic, tells the story of the Titanic’s sinking through the eyes of the men behind the wireless. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1926, President Calvin Coolidge strongly encouraged Americans to remember and rekindle the moral foundation behind 150 years of freedom and prosperity. Here's Vince Benedetto and Coolidge interpreter Tracy Messer with the story of an Independence Day speech for the ages. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, it may be hard to believe today, but Catholics faced widespread discrimination and persecution in colonial America. Many future states barred Catholics from holding office—some even went so far as to ban Catholics altogether. Yet Charles Carroll defied the odds. He became one of the wealthiest men in America, helped secure American independence, and became not only the last living signer of the Declaration of Independence, but also the only Catholic to sign the document. Dr. Bradley J. Birzer, author of American Cicero: The Life of Charles Carroll, shares the story of this overlooked and underappreciated Founding Father. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ritz-Carlton founder Horst Schulze reshaped how service and hospitality are defined in business. Here's Horst with a short story on how great service wins, excellence prevails, and bad service can ruin a business.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lee Marvin made a name for himself as a Hollywood "tough guy"—starring in films such as The Professionals, The Dirty Dozen, and The Killers. He was initially typecast in imposing roles, but Marvin's tough character wasn't just a product of the silver screen. He was, fundamentally, a Marine—taking part in over 21 assaults on Japanese-held islands in the Pacific and receiving the Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation for his service to his country. Here to tell Lee's story, as part of our ongoing Hollywood Goes to War series, is Roger McGrath. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 31st episode of the Story of America Series, Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story of the nadir of our nation's worst man-made disaster—and takes us through to its somber conclusion at a courthouse in Virginia.   Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, no, Al Gore did not invent the internet, but no one man did either. Critically acclaimed biographer and author of The Innovators, Walter Issacson, shares how the internet came to be with his audience at a book talk at the U.S. Library of Congress.   Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Winston Churchill earned his reputation on the battlefield long before he became the man who led Britain through the darkest days of World War II. He dodged bullets, willingly put himself in harm’s way time and again, and even escaped from a prison camp far from British shores. Churchill understood the brutal realities of war—and he despised it. Churchill scholar and Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn tells the story of how that hard-won understanding shaped Britain’s stand against Nazi tyranny. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Jefferson is America’s “everyman” because he has been embraced at one time or another by nearly everyone. Historian and acclaimed author of American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson, Joseph E. Ellis, shared the story of Jefferson’s journey through American history at the U.S. Library of Congress. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz, our regular contributor from Colorado, shares the story of a coffee incident aboard the USS Enterprise. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Benjamin Franklin was a printer, an inventor, a politician, and an all-around Renaissance man—but did he believe in God? Dr. D.G. Hart, author of Benjamin Franklin: Cultural Protestant, alongside Dr. Thomas Kidd, courtesy of the Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University, tells the story of this remarkably complicated man—and why he may have also invented the most common form of religiosity in the Western world today. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Harrier jet might be the pride of the U.S. Marine Corps, but in the 1990s, it became the crux of one of the most bizarre lawsuits in American history. What had started as a joke in an ad turned into a serious battle over fine print. Journalist Sean Kernan shares the wild story of John Leonard vs. Pepsi—and explains why the court's findings still matter today. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in honor of Coppola's birthday, we tell the story of how The Godfather came to be—against all odds. At the time, Coppola was just a renegade filmmaker who had never made a profitable picture. The producer was hired because he could stay under budget. The star had a reputation for being difficult. A formula for disaster? No—the makings of one of the greatest films of all time. Here to tell the story is Harlan Lebo, author of The Godfather Legacy. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, believe it or not, the Milton Bradley game was about to be pulled from the shelves! Author and Our American Stories regular Christopher Klein tells the story of how the late-night talk host saved this iconic brand. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, coping with the loss of her father as a child, Sarah Gonzalez couldn't outrun God's pursuit—even during a period of total rebellion and involvement in activities meant to instill hatred toward others. Here's Sarah with her remarkable and redeeming story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our host, Lee Habeeb, tells his wife's story. Decades after years of sexual abuse and crisis, Valerie leaned on her faith to forgive her abuser and to powerfully heal. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ralph Cox is a former college hockey star who was squeezed out of arguably the greatest moment in sports history. Here's Ralph himself to share the moment that changed his life forever.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, he was separated from his mother, never knew his father, and was forced to compete with dogs for food—but through illicit education and sheer determination, Frederick Douglass broke the mental bonds of slavery before breaking free from his physical chains and forging a path that would change American history forever. Douglass interpreter and poet Nathan Richardson, along with Dr. Joey Baretta of the Civitas Institute at UT Austin, tell the story of this remarkable man—and explain how he became his own man. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the night game on June 4, 1974, between the Texas Rangers and the Cleveland Indians was one for the record books. To say there was a "buzz" in the crowd would be an understatement. Here to tell the story is the History Guy. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brett Favre's father coached the legendary QB on many subjects—most of which shaped his training, practice, and play. The passing game? Not so much. But life itself? Absolutely. Here's Brett himself with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, renowned historian David McCullough explains why the most extraordinary group of men at the most extraordinary time in world history were simply made of different stuff than we are today.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Pony Express is synonymous with speed, endurance, and the American spirit of getting things done. While the name is recognized not just across the United States but around the world, it’s not widely known that the Pony Express was part of a larger corporation—or that it lasted only 18 months—or that it was never meant to last in the first place. Here to tell the story of the Pony Express is Jim DeFelice, author of West Like Lightning: The Brief, Legendary Ride of the Pony Express. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bryan Dawson went from being a typical suburban high school football player to becoming such a notorious and dangerous fugitive that world-famous bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman refused to pursue him. Here's Bryan with his astonishing story of redemption. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener Karen Thomson and her son, Joe Meilink, are the definition of determination. Here they are, along with Joe’s wife, Vicky, to share their story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, simply stated, the Hope Diamond is the world’s most famous diamond, and it's got some lore behind it. The blue gem is widely believed to be cursed, with stories of misfortune and tragedy befalling those who owned or simply touched it. The Smithsonian's Richard Kurin, author of Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem, tells the remarkable story of its history. We'd like to thank the Library of Congress for allowing us to use this audio.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1980s, the Packers stadium had a kids-only section for kids between the 5th and 8th grades. During Jon Elfner’s 8th grade year, he not only saw every game...but also fell in love. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin give Chief Red Cloud the recognition he deserves, sharing the story from their New York Times bestseller, The Heart of Everything That Is. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Texas boys don’t write poetry, and certainly don’t cry. Roger Latham did, though, after discovering a poem written by his deceased mother. Here's Roger with the story...and the poem.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in its heyday, "All in the Family" was watched by nearly one-third of all Americans. Throughout its nine seasons and 212 episodes, the show delivered six of the top 50 highest-rated television programs of all time. Here’s our own Greg Hengler with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in honor of Apple's founding this week in history in 1976, Walter Isaacson, author of the biography on Steve Jobs, tells the story of the man who created the 21st century and shares how the glass screen on the iPhone (along with other design quirks of his products) showed his intense and unwavering idealism in creating them. We want to thank the Library of Congress for this wonderful audio.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener Tim Hennessey talks about his viral Facebook post that exemplifies the everyday goodness in this country.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of United States Olympic legend Jesse Owens' and Nazi long jumper Luz Long’s friendship demonstrates how sports can unite people even in the toughest circumstances. Here to tell the story is the Jack Miller Center’s editorial officer and historian, Elliott Drago. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, China runs on just a single time zone—but in America, we have four: Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern. But we used to have thousands! Here's our own Greg Hengler with the story of how our time zones came to be. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, America was woefully unprepared for World War II. Our army was about the size of Portugal's, our navy was outdated, and our "air force" was roughly equivalent to what the German Luftwaffe flew on a near-daily basis across Europe. Not only that, but nobody in America wanted war—or expected it to come to us. FDR was under no such delusion. We needed weapons, and we needed them fast. But how could we get it done? A.J. Baime, author of The Arsenal of Democracy: FDR, Detroit, and an Epic Quest to Arm an America at War, tells the remarkable story of how, through free enterprise, we became the strongest military power in the world. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Christina Dent shares how her life was forever changed after she became a foster mother. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nicholas Biddle died broke, never received a pension, and was never officially recognized as a Union soldier because of his age and the color of his skin—but he was treated as a soldier by his company and was the first to shed blood in the Civil War, just days after the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Williams remembers his best friend and uncle (who was just one year older than him) as a "gun guy", and a Vietnam veteran who survived a harrowing night in the jungle after a helicopter crash. Here's Mike with the story of Dan Reeves.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the world was changing, and Aimee Semple McPherson certainly took note, becoming one of the first evangelizers to harness the power of national radio to spread the word of her mission. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Gideon was just a gearhead who loved working on cars and restoring classics (something he thought he could retire on). But God had other plans... Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in honor of Jim Thrope, who passed away this week in history in 1953, Sally Jenkins, author of The Real All-Americans, and Steve Sheinkin, author of Undefeated: Jim Thrope and the Carisle Indian School Football, tell the story of the man who changed the sporting world forever.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story is told by Dennis C. Rasmussen, a professor of political science at Syracuse University and a Jack Miller Center Fellow. He’s also the author of The Constitution's Penman: Gouverneur Morris and the Creation of America's Basic Charter. Rasmussen tells the story of a Founding Father who wrote seven of the most famous words in American history: “We the People of the United States.” Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, rarely does artistic rhythm rest as it does in Zoro the drummer. Hear from the man behind the great book Maria's Scarf how his talent and temerity ultimately equipped him for a mountain of fun for everyone. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Drew Newman, of JC Newman Cigars, tells the story of cigars in the United States Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in a thrilling, moment-by-moment narrative based on a wealth of recently declassified documents and in-depth interviews, authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin tell the remarkable story of the evacuation of Saigon in Last Men Out: The True Story of America's Heroic Final Hours in Vietnam. This closing chapter of the war would become the largest-scale evacuation ever carried out, as improvised by a small unit of Marines. Bob Drury is here to tell the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Neil Young has "Old Black", Willie Nelson plays "Trigger", and Elvis worked with "The Dove", but perhaps the most famous nickname for a guitar is what B.B. King named his Gibson ES-355...Lucille. Here to tell the fiery story of how she got her name is B.B. King's longtime friend, Myron Johnson, and Daniel de Vice, author of King of The Blues. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gettysburg Military National Park Ranger Matt Atkinson examines the postwar life of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. We'd like to thank the Gettysburg National Park Service for allowing us to use this wonderful audio. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio dates back long before the days of football. Tedd Long, curator and founder of Holy Toledo History, shares the story of how a small mapping error sparked the Toledo War—a real conflict that laid the groundwork for one of college football’s greatest rivalries. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose was one of America’s leading biographers and historians. While he passed away in 2002, his epic storytelling can now be heard here on Our American Stories, thanks to the efforts of those who manage his estate. Today, Stephen shares the stories of some of the most important weapons in WWII—barbed wire, mines, guns, and artillery. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Olivia Juliette Hooker (1915–2018) was born far from the sea—in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to be exact—but she made history in a branch of the U.S. military closely tied to it. She became the first African American woman to enlist in the United States Coast Guard. Here's Olivia sharing her inspiring story of why she chose to serve. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry P. Arnn, author of The Founders' Key and the President of Hillsdale College explains the ins and outs of our nation's two most important documents in 6 minutes. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the President of Hillsdale College, Dr. Larry Arnn, tells the story of our fourth president, James Madison. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Walter Gretzky passed away at the age of 82, prompting an outpouring of tributes for a genuine, approachable, and authentic man who nurtured the unparalleled hockey talents of his son, Wayne Gretzky, on the family's famed backyard rink in Brantford, Ontario. The 60-year-old NHL legend, now an American citizen, spoke shortly after laying his father to rest. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, with its classic “old country” theme, Cracker Barrel has been an American favorite for many decades. However, many people don’t know that the decor on its walls and throughout its stores consists of authentic pieces of American history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, at the time, no one knew just how great Michael Jordan would be in the NBA, but one underdog sneaker company—yes, Nike was an underdog then—decided to take a chance on him. However, the true turning point came when they focused on a rising director: Spike Lee. The rest is history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve McQueen expert, Marshall Terrill, tells the story of the life of the undisputed "King of Cool".  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Dennis Sempebwa shares how his faith propelled him from war-torn Uganda to America—and beyond.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the story of the DiMaggio brothers is the 4-times New York Times bestselling author, Tom Clavin—author of The DiMaggios. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Randall Wallace is the writer and director of films such as Braveheart, We Were Soldiers, The Man in the Iron Mask, Heaven Is for Real, Pearl Harbor, and Secretariat. Today, he shares a story about Penny Chenery, the owner of the 1973 Triple Crown winner—a Thoroughbred named Secretariat. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ray Caldwell put on a Cleveland Indians uniform for the first time that fateful day—and none of the 20,000 fans at League Park had any idea they were about to witness something beyond belief. We'd like to thank Nick Ragone, host of the popular YouTube channel This Date in History with Nick Ragone, for sharing this incredible story with us. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, long before Chris Kyle wrote American Sniper—later adapted into Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-nominated film—Carlos Hathcock had already cemented his status as a legendary marksman. Known for his efficiency and fearlessness during the Vietnam War, Hathcock wore a white feather on his gear, boldly challenging Communist forces to find him. Here's his remarkable story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, much was at stake in this first space race. Nations and top scientists across the globe pursued the elusive goal of powered flight, but two bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio - brothers with their scant resources...made it happen. This is their story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Shipley always sprang into action to defend black men and women from abuses and professional kidnappers. He infiltrated murderous mobs, warned would-be victims, and testified against ringleaders throughout his life. Here's his remarkable story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2007, Yeonmi Park fled North Korea with her family to South Korea—before moving to the United States in 2014. Here's Yeonmi speaking about her experience at a YAF event in California.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, his name? Jesse Leroy Brown. There's a movie dedicated to him called "Devotion," based on the book of the same name by our regular contributor, Adam Makos. The story is also about Thomas Hudner, who received the Medal of Honor for trying to save Jesse's life. Here to share the story of the man is Jesse's granddaughter, Jessica Leroyce Knight Henry. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lincoln was one of the greatest leaders in US history, but before he was elected President of the United States, he used his skills as a wrestler to win approval from the masses. Here to tell the story is wrestling historian (and Our American Stories listener) Mike Chapman. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Louise Borden, author of The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey shares the story of how one of the most iconic children's book characters in history escaped from the clutches of the Third Reich and into the arms of America.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, you must know the role the Bible played in shaping our country. Our Founding Fathers, Christian and non-Christian—were heavily influenced by the Bible. Here to share another story is Robert Morgan author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Melvin Cole, the headmaster of PURE Youth Athletics Alliance in Memphis, tells his astonishing story of going from running cocaine rings to running a boarding school dedicated to helping kids who grew up just like he did. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Annie Oakley was a shooting star, a magician whose magic wand was a gun. Right-handed, left-handed, on a horse, through a mirror—she couldn’t miss. At a time when women were only expected to fire up the oven, Annie Oakley fired her way to fame as the world’s greatest sharpshooter. In her personal life, she was a sharpshooter as well. She was devoted to her marriage and her faith. Here to tell the story is Ashley Hlebinsky. Ashley is the former co-host of Discovery Channel’s “Master of Arms,” the former curator in charge of the Cody Firearms Museum, and president of The Gun Code, LLC. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy tells the story of everything you've ever wanted to know—and more—about toilet paper.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, shortly after ratifying the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibiting a citizen’s right to vote “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude", Thomas Mundy Peterson made history and became our nation's first black voter.  Here to tell this great American story is the Jack Miller Center's Editorial Officer and historian, Elliott Drago. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor from Kodiak Island in Alaska, Leslie Leyland Fields, shares the story of the heart-breaking relationship between her and her father...and it's not what you'd expect. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, you must know the role the Bible played in shaping our country. Our Founding Fathers, Christian and non-Christian—were heavily influenced by the Bible. Here to share another story is Robert Morgan author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor and listener Paul Bauer from Minneapolis, MN brings us a story entitled “Lessons from Gizmo” ...about his best friend—his dog.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the sport of Snowboarding skyrocketed when a young East Coast college graduate made some innovative designs that have lasted to this very day. Here’s our own Greg Hengler to tell us the story of Jake Burton and the sport that became a worldwide phenomenon. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, aided by Mark Twain, the former president and Civil War hero raced to complete a literary masterpiece that saved his wife from destitution. Christopher Klein is here with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, buried beneath the St. Patrick’s Day symbols of shamrocks, leprechauns, and green beer, lies the story of a man determined to share a message with a people who made him a slave. Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, today, the word "Puritan" is often used as an insult—but who were the Puritans? Our own Greg Hengler (and others) tell the story of the men and women who tamed the wilderness and shaped what would become America in their own image—and in the image of their God.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw's life was permanently altered when he read Uncle Tom's Cabin. He would soon find himself leading one of the Union's first all-black regiments to see combat in the Civil War. Shaw would later be played by Matthew Broderick (I.E Ferris Bueller) in the hit 1989 movie Glory. Here to tell the story is Kirk Higgins of the Bill of Rights Institute. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, James Smithson was never accepted by his father, the Duke of Northumberland. He never married, had no children, and spent his life studying minerals—but his parting gift to the world upon his death was to a country he never set foot in or even spoke about during his lifetime. Wyatt Hensley, a history education major at Pittsburgh University and a two-time winner of Constituting America’s We the Future contest, tells the remarkable story of the outcast who created America’s premier museum, which now bears his name. We’d like to thank Constituting America for sharing this wonderful tale with us. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, although President Eisenhower’s name is forever etched upon our interstate highway system, Charles Zug wanted to know if this was true. Zug is an Assistant Professor of Constitutional Democracy and Political Science at the University of Missouri, a Jack Miller Center fellow, and the author of Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Federal Highway Act. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, before he was a television star, James Best was orphaned at the age of three. During WWII he served with the Military Police in war-torn Germany. He became one of the hottest acting coaches in Hollywood training the likes of Clint Eastwood, Burt Reynolds, Glen Campbell, Quentin Tarantino, and Regis Philbin.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Young Army Rangers scaled Normandy cliffs under rifle fire and grenade blasts. Why did they do it? Hear President Reagan celebrate the surviving Rangers at the site, near the monument to the daggers they drove in to top the walls of Hitler's "Fortress Europe." Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the rock band Boston has sold over 75 million albums with classic hits like "More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” “Rock and Roll Band,” “Smokin',” and “Don't Look Back.”  Here’s Greg Hengler with the story about a Home Depot employee and his favorite rock n roll band. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to understand the history of America, it is essential to recognize the Bible's role in shaping our country. Our Founding Fathers—both Christian and non-Christian—were deeply influenced by it. Here to share another story is Robert Morgan, author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kit Carson is one of the most complex characters in American history. The good and the bad that come with the great conquest of the American West are summed up in this one man’s unaccountable life. Our regular contributor Roger McGrath tells the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Wild Bill Donovan penned a letter to President Roosevelt expressing the need for the United States to have special forces units in WWII (which would eventually become the OSS and later the CIA), he looked back at America’s first modern conflict—the Civil War—and the group that attempted the first color revolution in history: the Confederate Secret Service. Patrick K. O'Donnell, author of The Unvanquished, tells the story of this secretive group that could have easily altered the course of the Civil War. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Oliver Hazard Perry sailed into battle on Lake Erie in September of 1813, the words "don't give up the ship" were stitched into his battle flag—honoring the late Captain James Lawrence. Perry won—and won decisively. Here to tell the story of Perry—and his astonishing victory—is Craig Du Mez of the Grateful Nation Project.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of how Monopoly came to be often goes like this: Charles Darrow, an out-of-work salesman, sat down amid the Great Depression and created the board game after watching his friends play a game involving the buying and selling of properties. He'd bring the game to the Parker Brothers and the rest is history. The truth, however, is far more complicated. Here to tell the true story of how Monopoly came to be is Mary Pilon, author of The Monopolists.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, miles outside of the motor city in South Bend, Indiana, one of America’s most iconic classic car companies battled for survival against the ever-increasing tides against it. Automotive historian Patrick Foster brings us the story of Studebaker. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener and regular contributor Paul Kotz gives a touching tribute to his father for our' This Week in History' series. At a time when Paul needed a great deal of encouragement, his father turned to an American novelist to cheer him up. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Today, getting the flu (for most people) means a few days on the couch—or in the worst case—a visit to the hospital. In 1918, however, it was a potential death sentence, and the treatments might have been even worse. Dr. Jeremy Brown, author of Influenza: The Hundred-Year Hunt to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History, tells the story at the U.S. National Archives back in 2019 of how we went from bloodletting—to a few days in bed.   Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, most know the famous line from the film Apocalypse Now, which showed Robert Duvall standing in a bombed-out field saying: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning!” The man who actually said that was Colonel David Hackworth. Here's his story! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in honor of the late justice's birth, Author James Rosen tells the story of Antonin Scalia's unlikely but inevitable rise to the U.S. Supreme Court. His family, his faith, and his immigrant roots were the drivers.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Elizabeth Smith Friedman's accomplishments were as many as they were vital to national security—so crucial that it took until the 2000s to declassify what she was doing in WWI and WWII. Hillsdale College student and substitute panelist on Constituting America’s podcast "Constitutional Chats" Lindsey Larkin tells the unknown story of this remarkable decoder. We'd like to thank Constituting America for turning us onto this tale.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, storyteller Shiloh Carozza remembers her father in a moving portrait of his love, steadfastness, and faith. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, they were serious people undertaking the very serious task of saving the new nation in a stuffy little room in Philadelphia. The late great David McCullough tells this remarkable story at a Constitution Day event at the National Archives in Washington D.C. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Boss Hogg, played by long-time actor Sorrell Booke, had a much wider range of skills and talents than the bumbling Boss would have some believe. Here to tell the story is Nick Ragaon, host of the popular YouTube channel, "This Date in History with Nick Ragone." Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor Lorna Jean shares the story of her first Christmas dinner without her dad—and the secret about turnips her mother carried with her for years to not break his heart. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vince Benedetto of Bold Gold Media Group shares the remarkable story of George Washington's letter to a Hebrew congregation in Newport, Rhode Island that laid the groundwork for religious liberty in America. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, have you ever seen a buffalo race horses and win? Harvey Wallbanger did—and on real racetracks against real racehorses. Francie Berg of Buffalo Tales and Trails tells this remarkable...and wacky story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from a listener, Paul Bauer—a regular contributor out of the Great White North, Minneapolis, MN. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the late Judah Samet tells the harrowing story of how he and his family managed to survive the Holocaust. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Iceland's strategic location made it difficult to remain neutral during World War II. Here’s the History Guy with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, as mysterious as it is sacred, the Code is an unwritten set of rules—the Bible of hockey sportsmanship, if you will—that has been handed down from generation to generation. Ross Bernstein, author of The Code: The Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retaliation in the NHL, spent two years researching this story and is here to share it with you. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, former Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton rocked the world of professional cycling—and exposed the doping culture surrounding the sport and its most iconic rider, Lance Armstrong. As one of the world’s top-ranked cyclists—and a member of Lance Armstrong’s inner circle, Hamilton has quite an amazing story and is here to share it with us. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, it wasn't until Karen Olson's school held a father-daughter dance that the question entered her mind: "Wait, who is my dad?" After asking her mother, she told her he had died before she could meet him. But years later, after a chance encounter, she found that wasn't true. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Titanic Thompson led a wild life, always chasing the next big score, including cheating the infamous mobster Al Capone. Here’s "The History Guy" with the story o Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, fear, and determination, filled the room as delegates to the first Continental Congress besought God for a speedy peace, the flourishing of justice and truth, and above all things, wisdom. Here to tell the story is Robert Morgan, the author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, today we know asbestos to be a health hazard. But the natural mineral was not simply an artifact of the industrial age. Here’s the History Guy telling the story of asbestos. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, you must understand the role that the Bible played in shaping our country. Our Founding Fathers—both Christian and non-Christian—were heavily influenced by the Bible. Here to share another story is Robert Morgan, author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, a legend in the hotel world, Horst Schulze reshaped how service and hospitality are defined in business—standards that have become world famous. Throughout the years he worked for both Hilton Hotels and Hyatt Hotels Corporation before becoming one of the founding members of the luxury hotel chain, The Ritz Carlton in 1983. Here's Horst with his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Benjamin Rush is America’s Forgotten Founding Father; perhaps because many historians don’t know what to do about his outspoken faith. Rush was the one who encouraged Thomas Paine to write “Common Sense,” which fueled the American Revolution. Here's Harlow Giles Unger presenting a book talk at the Library of Congress on the man. Unger is a New York Times bestselling author of twenty-eight books including Dr. Benjamin Rush: The Founding Father Who Healed a Wounded Nation. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the song has been recorded by Harry Belafonte, Johnny Cash, Andy Williams, Johnny Marks, and Frank Sinatra, to name a few. Here to tell the story is Robert Morgan, author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, King George III was not "the mad king who lost the colonies," says renowned historian David McCullough. "He was a king and did lose the most prosperous land on Earth just as the British Empire was building up steam.". Here's the late great McCullough with the story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Apple founder Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone to the public in 2007, he used multiple iPhones. If one crashed or had another issue, he secretly swapped it for another one. He had to show off a specific set of functions in a certain order, called the “golden path.” But way back in 1801, another young inventor named Eli Whitney–already known for his invention of the cotton gin in 1794–seized an opportunity to try to make his fortune.  Here to tell the story is Ashley Hlebinsky. Ashley is the former co-host of Discovery Channel’s “Master of Arms,” the former curator in charge of the Cody Firearms Museum, and president of The Gun Code, LLC.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Gonzalez tells this story of his family escaping the clutches of Castro's communist dictatorship. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the late-great historian Stephen Ambrose tells us the unlikely World War II story of George McGovern, the antiwar presidential candidate defeated by President Nixon in 1972. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert P. Watson, author of The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn, tells this previously untold story of the American Revolution. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, We Were Soldiers is a motion picture about the Vietnam War from writer/director Randall Wallace and starring Mel Gibson. Here's Randall Wallace himself to tell the story of how the film came to be. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Roy “Dusty” Rogers was one of 9 children raised by Roy Rogers (“King of the Cowboys”) and Dale Evans (“Queen of the West”). He shares his story of growing up with two of the most iconic parents in American cultural history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Loretto M. Thompson recounts her significant yet distant memories of her father - and how she grew to know him so much better by reading his letters from his service in World War Two. Her book is called An Unexpected Coddiwomple: The Story of a Father's Sudden Death, a Box of WWII Letters, and a Daughter's Life Transformed. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you’ve never been to a Buc-ee’s, it’s a good bet that you will soon enough. Beaver Aplin built his massive convenience chain into a Texas empire and his tactics are translating outside the state. Here to tell the story is Eric Benson, the man who wrote the definitive story for Texas Monthly about Buc-ee’s and its founder, Arch “Beaver” Aplin. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, James, a retired fire captain, shares his story of firefighting and the emotions that came along with his high-stakes job. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kevin Briggs' job is talking people off a ledge....or, more specifically, the Golden Gate Bridge's ledge. Here's Kevin to talk about how he's saved over two hundred people from taking their lives by asking them a simple question—"how are you doing".  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor Stephen Rusiniak shares the story about his four-legged family member who helped him and his wife through their struggle with infertility. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lowell Lytle is one of the privileged few who have seen Titanic first-hand. Lowell has played the part of Captain Smith at Titanic events all over the globe and has been entertaining guests at the Titanic Museum for more than fifteen years. He's also the author of the inspiring read, Diving Into The Deep. Here’s Lowell Lytle to tell his story and the story of The Titanic’s Last Hero. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when people think of Butch Cassidy they often imagine Paul Newman’s characterization from the famous movie in 1969. But the real story of Butch Cassidy is the story of a western Godfather of sorts who brought the organization to a world of unorganized crime. Our regular contributor, Roger McGrath, is here to tell the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, becoming masters of the skies has come at a cost. Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge stepped up for service against enemies, nature, and machines as one of the world's first test pilots. Craig Du Mez of the Grateful Nation Project is here to tell the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Dr. David Berry lost his newborn daughter, he turned to alcohol—then to coconut-flavored cough syrup—then to stealing prescriptions from the patients he served. He'd soon find himself homeless, divorced, and out of the profession he loved. It took a radical change in his life to turn his fortunes around. Here's Dr. Berry himself with his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, regular contributor and OAS listener Stephen Rusiniak has a special story written by his daughter. She shares how helping those in need can help bring a little perspective to our lives. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jack London’s most famous works include The Call of the Wild and White Fang, both set in the Klondike Gold Rush, and so is this story. Here to narrate the gripping finale of Jack London’s masterpiece, To Build a Fire, is Roger McGrath. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, songwriter Aaron Barker tells the story of a life-altering event in his life as a father that birthed one of country music's greatest songs. An event that brought him to his knees to pray. And play his guitar. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Paine’s powerful words inspired revolution across the world—rallying George Washington’s troops on the battlefield, fueling the French Revolution, and provoking British disdain for America’s fight for independence. In Thomas Paine and the Clarion Call of American Independence, historian Harlow Giles Unger explores the life of the man John Adams called "the first man of the revolution.". Here's the author himself with the story—audio courtesy of the U.S. National Archives.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Stephen Rusiniak became a father of a daughter he had worries, and when she became a high school gymnast, his worries only increased. Here's Stephen to share his story of fatherhood.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Johnny Cash is an American original, and this story is an insider’s look at the man whose music sprang from how he lived. Pastor Greg Laurie is here to tell the story from his recent book/documentary, Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in college, Steve Stoliar’s dad wanted him to get a job, but Steve didn’t want to work at Taco Bell… so he called up Groucho Marx Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Megan Bayer shares her touching letter of gratitude and healing to her constant companion through a struggle they will never forget. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, grabbing a basket while grocery shopping may seem second nature today, but the idea was once groundbreaking. And that was far from the only thing that changed when Piggly Wiggly—the first modern American supermarket—opened over 100 years ago. Mike Freeman is the author of Clarence Saunders & the Founding of Piggly Wiggly: The Rise and Fall of a Memphis Maverick. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, meet Ron Brown, a man who grew up in a rough area of Chicago, was practically abandoned by his father, and would mend their relationship later in life. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Navy commissioned a destroyer on April 1, 2017, and named it after a man who deliberately crash-landed a perfectly good aircraft behind enemy lines. But the man who became the first American serviceman in the Korean War to receive the Medal of Honor—and the man who lent his name to the USS Thomas Hudner had a darn good reason, perhaps the best of reasons. Here’s the History Guy with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, was "Buffalo Bill" Cody a real-life hero, or was he a fake? Tune in to find out! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s known as the greatest sports moment of the 20th Century. But no matter how familiar you are with the story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team’s Lake Placid “Miracle on Ice,” you will soon see that this event seems even more unlikely now than it felt decades ago.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard “Dick” Bong was a hero in an era of heroes. Here’s the History Guy with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from a listener in West Virginia. Here’s Joe Quinn with his story Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, James Ward, author of Zero Victim: Overcoming Injustice With A New Attitude, tells the story of two other black men in American history who have inspired his zero victim mentality. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Billy Graham took the role of evangelist to a new level, lifting it from the sawdust floors of canvas tents in small-town America to the podiums of packed stadiums in the world’s major cities.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what America and the world know about Doc Holliday comes from movies and television. But historians agree that no movie portrayal has ever done justice to the real Doc Holliday—until now. Here to tell the story of Doc Holliday is Roger McGrath, author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sean Pronger always dreamed of being and playing with Wayne Gretzky. Here's his story of what happened when his dream met his hangover.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know the Bible's role in shaping our country. Our Founding Fathers—Christian and non-Christian—were heavily influenced by the Bible. Here to share another story is Robert Morgan, author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, ingrained lore has it that Parker took advantage of "poor country boy" Elvis to sign the singer who became "The King". For the first time, Colonel Parker's story is told by an insider, Greg McDonald, who worked under Parker and Elvis for years. Greg's never-before-heard stories of Parker's collaboration with Elvis reveal the man behind the legend. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s a well-known bit of movie trivia that all 5 films in which actor John Cazale appeared were nominated for Best Picture, and three of them received the Oscar. John Cazale played one of the most iconic characters in film history: Fredo Corleone from The Godfather. Yet today, most people don’t know his name. Here to tell this story is Jonjo Powers, author of A Small Perfection: John Cazale and the Art of Acting. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom and Lillian Lyons married in 1946. They lived a long and loving life raising a family on the south side of Chicago.  Lillian was singing opera professionally when she and Tom met, and her voice first made Tom fall in love.  After Lillian’s death, an unexpected discovery would reunite Tom with Lillian’s voice on Tom’s 97th birthday for one last song. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 30th Episode of our Story of America Series with Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, Bill reads and explains one of President Lincoln's greatest accomplishments—The Emancipation Proclamation. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 27th episode of our Story of America Series with Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, Dr. McClay tells the remarkable story of how a little-known trial lawyer from Illinois who had lost an election against the most famous politician in America became President of the United States.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Civil War soldier, William Scott, fell asleep at his post, at the time a transgression punishable by execution. What happened next changed military history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington’s Bible was on loan to a famous Revolutionary War tavern mere blocks from the World Trade Center on 9/11. Just as the search for bodies ended, the search for the Bible began… Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, veteran Vince Benedetto delivers the awe-inspiring story of our first president. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1902, the first successful, commercially available gun silencer was invented by Hiram Percy Maxim. He also developed mufflers for internal combustion engines using much the same technology. Maxim was an American inventor, graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and son of Sir Hiram Stevens Maxi—inventor of the first portable, fully automatic machine gun. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Zoellner purchased a diamond engagement ring and proposed. His girlfriend said "yes," and then suddenly walked out of his life, making Tom the owner of a used engagement ring. Instead of hitting the self-help shelves of his local bookstore, he hit the road to discover the true worth of this shining gem. He then wrote The Heartless Stone. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. E. Wesley Ely of Vanderbilt University Medical Center shares intensely meaningful experiences, spiritual and all, from a patient's suddenly shortened last days in this life. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Old West historian Roger McGrath is here to tell the story of a time before the world knew Samuel Clemons by his pen name, Mark Twain. His time in the American West helped Clemens develop a distinctive Western voice and provided him with material that would make him America’s first celebrity author. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Confederates didn't have the industrial might to build their own ships. As a result, cash crops proved king once again....or at least for a little while. Here's the story of a mystery 'blockade runner' and how it met its demise.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Valentine’s Day began as a feast to celebrate the decapitation of a third-century Christian martyr. So, how did we get from beheading to betrothing?  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Beverly Gage, author of the definitive biography of J. Edgar Hoover, G-Man, J. Edgar Hoover, and The Making of the American Century, tells the story of the most important lawman of the 20th century—and how he created an entire government agency in his own image.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kevin Samy, the son of Indian-American immigrants who appeared on Forbes' 30 under 30 for law & policy in 2016, tells the story of how he was molded by his upbringing and playing football.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s been multiple decades since a 9-year-old kid shared his Coca-Cola with Pittsburgh Steelers star “Mean” Joe Greene in one of the most famous commercials in history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Osiris Hoil lost his construction job in 2008, he thought his American dream was over—but through his fantastic cooking, a generous neighbor, and the high standards he learned from his mother in Mexico, he started District Taco—D.C.'s best taco chain. This is his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Koch tells the stories of leadership lessons he took with him for the rest of his life. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Earl Smith shares his story, warts and all. Earl survived a violent youth and eventually served as a Chaplain in San Quentin Prison. Then he came face to face with his past once again. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lorna Jean, the woman who needed that prescription, tells the story of how the wife of the doctor helping her with her mental health struggles filled that prescription and changed her life.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our own Greg Hengler (and others) tell the story of a grocery store founded in Los Angeles in 1967 that expanded to hundreds of locations across 42 states and revolutionized how we shop for groceries. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, meet Nancy 3 (that's the numeral '3' not the word 'three') Hoffman, an accordionist, world traveler, and owner of the world's only Umbrella Cover Museum in Peak's Island, Maine. That's umbrella covers, not umbrellas. Nancy shares the story of how she came to open such a specific museum, what her museum is like, and how her museum taught her to find joy in the mundane aspects of life. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, it might surprise you to hear that CPR was only invented in 1960. Here to tell the story of the man who invented it, Peter Safar, is Kevin Hazzard, author of American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America's First Paramedics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Chris Siriano tells the story of a baseball team formed out of a religious commune in Benton Harbor, MI. The long-haired men played anywhere and with anybody-including those who had been excluded from major league venues because of the color of their skin. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, renowned biographer and author of The Innovators, Walter Isaacson, tells the story of the teams that created the internet—and the computer.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, He was one of the greatest coaches of the 20th century. Behind a stone face and beneath his trademark fedora was a brilliant football mind. As head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for 29 years, Tom Landry compiled an impressive record of 13 division titles, five Super Bowl appearances, and two championships. The Cowboys would eventually be dubbed "America's team" and Landry became a coaching legend. Here he is with his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, James Swanson, the NYT Bestseller of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer, shares the story of the frantic and determined search for John Wilkes Booth. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kent Nerburn, author of Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Life, and Love, shares how one friend changed his life forever by simply telling him to be more sociable. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jon Meacham, the bestselling author of Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, shares with an audience at the Library of Congress the story of Thomas Jefferson...and explains why his life mirrors the lives of many Americans today. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, teacher, organist, choir director, Our American Stories listener, and World War II history buff Anne Clare shares the story of how a small town on the West Coast changed the course of history.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1948, Richard Wurmbrand publicly stated Communism and Christianity were incompatible. As a result, he was imprisoned and tortured by the Communist régime of Romania. After serving a total of fourteen years, he and his wife Sabina—who had also been imprisoned— were ransomed for $10,000 and immigrated to America. Richard Wurmbrand founded the international organization Voice of the Martyrs and spoke throughout the United States. Here's one of those talks.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph recounts how he built community connections and relationships—and changed police perceptions with one profound phrase: "I love you." Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, by 1869, the 'Commodore’s' wealth had grown so much that his private interests intersected with the general public's. T.J. Stiles, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography The First Tycoon, shares the story of Cornelius Vanderbilt at his most skillful—and chilling.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. His book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Walter Isaacson, author of the biography of Steve Jobs, tells the story of the man who created the 21st century—and shares the story of how the glass screen on the iPhone showed his intense and unwavering idealism in making his products. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim McCoy was a major film star most noted for his roles in Western films. He was so popular with youngsters as a cowboy star that he appeared on the cover of Wheaties cereal boxes. As part of our ongoing 'Hollywood Goes to War' series, Roger McGrath shares the story of his acts of service overseas.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Monti was able to keep - and drive - a meaningful memorial of his son Jared, who was killed in action defending his comrades. Here's Paul—and our own Lee Habeeb—with the story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, “Genius,” wrote poet Charles Baudelaire, “is only childhood recalled at will.” Few people have given more credence to this notion than Maurice Sendak, who was—in the words of The New York Times—“widely considered to be the most important children’s book artist of the 20th century.” Here’s Greg Hengler with the story of children's book author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, she was the youngest person ever to be featured on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine. Alina Morse, CEO of Zolli Candy, is here to tell the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ford's Theater reenactor Mike Robinson tells the full unknown story through the eyes of A.C. Richards, Washington's Superintendent of Police. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Scot Bertram and Christian Schneider of the podcast Wasn't That Special: 50 Years of SNL tell the story of how a reserved Canadian and a rag-tag group of unknown comedians from across the country created one of the longest-lasting and most important shows of all time.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, for generations, students in American elementary schools were taught Christopher Columbus “sailed the ocean blue” to discover America in 1492. Today, that lesson is changing in schools across the suburbs and country. Here to tell the story of Christopher Columbus is Laurence Bergreen, who wrote the definitive biography Columbus: The Four Voyages. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, you've heard that you, "Don't Mess with Texas." This story from our regular listener/contributor Roger Latham, from Fort Worth, Texas, exemplifies that statement. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our host, Lee Habeeb shares the story behind the story of Lincoln's most important words—the Gettysburg Address. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 33rd episode of "The Story of America" series, Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story of what happened after the guns fell silent across America following our deadliest man-made disaster to date—the Civil War—and how despite massive gains in bringing "liberty and justice to all", not all was well in transforming and healing the nation. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, A listener, Paul Bauer, tells the story of his prayer to be as tall as his very big brother, "Moose." Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim Johnson, a listener of Our American Stories from Minnesota, tells the story of when he sold hotdogs for the Minnesota Twins as a young boy.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, following the Charles Manson murders, Manson's lead henchman, Tex Watson, stayed in Los Angeles for almost two months before fleeing to Texas where he was arrested. But it’s those two months following the Manson murders, where this story from our listener (Patty Kingsbaker) picks up. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rod Serling was the most prestigious writer in American television. As creator, host, and primary writer for The Twilight Zone, Serling became something more: an American icon. Here to tell the story is Nick Parisi, author of Rod Serling: His Life, Work, and Imagination. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story is about a 17-year-old kid named Bob Heft who designed the 50-star American flag we fly proudly to this very day!  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, we talk to author and journalist James Maguire on everything from Ed Sullivan's early child to the legacy he left. It's a deep dive into the pursuit and price of fame.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, experience the gripping drama of the front lines as a valiant pigeon becomes the last hope to stop a brutal friendly-fire barrage! Historian Frank Blazich, from the National Museum of American History, shares the story of the use of homing pigeons during WWI. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, John O'Leary, the bestselling author of On Fire tells the story of why his mother forced him to eat on his own and play the piano despite having no fingers after having been burned on 100% of his body as a nine-year-old. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, ...and then running her own business and helping others find work! Suazo Center founder Gladys Gonzalez shares how her American Dream began by losing her job running banks in Colombia to cleaning floors in America! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Baseball Leagues Museum, tells the story of a man who started in Kansas City, made his way to Brooklyn, and swept across the nation. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, for nearly fifty years, Josephine Earp was married to the most famous lawman of the Old West, Wyatt Earp. Ann Kirschner, author of Lady at the O.K Corral: The True Story of Josephine Marcus Earp, is here to tell her story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, John O'Leary is the bestselling author of On Fire. Today he shares the story of how after being burnt on nearly 100% of his body, faith, family, and a hall-of-fame radio broadcaster named Jack Buck got him through some of the darkest times in his life when he was only nine years old. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Scott Jones, author of Growing Up Rural, shares the story of one of the most embarrassing moments of his time in elementary school, and the lessons he learned from it. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, ...as if spending the night in a funeral parlor wasn't scary enough! Our American Stories listener Tom Ryan brings us a chilling tale from the family funeral parlor. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, long before NASCAR’s rampant commercialism lurks a not-so-distant history that has been carefully hidden from view—until now. Here to tell the true story behind NASCAR’s hardscrabble, moonshine-fueled origins is Neal Thompson, author of Driving with the Devil: Southern Moonshine, Detroit Wheels, and the Birth of NASCAR. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Danny Elfman came to prominence as the lead vocalist and songwriter for the new wave band Oingo Boingo in the early 1980s —as seen in the Rodney Dangerfield comedy, Back to School. Since scoring his first studio film in 1985, Elfman has composed over 100 feature film scores like Batman, Beetlejuice, Men in Black, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Good Will Hunting—to name just a few, as well as compositions for television like The Simpsons, stage productions, and concert halls. Here to share his story is the man himself, Danny Elfman. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medical Museum in Mobile, Alabama tells the story of the iron lung, an antiquated device used to keep people with advanced polio alive in the first half of the 20th century.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Jefferson was known for championing religious freedom in our nation's infancy—but not many people know the story of how a preacher thanked him for this in the most unusual way...gifting him a giant block of cheese.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dwayne's Photo in Parson's, Kansas is truly a family affair, and for a while, it was an extraordinarily rare family affair...so rare that people from across the globe rushed there to get their Kodachrome photos processed before the last chemicals in the world required to do it ran out. Here's the family with the story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, that old windmill on the side of the highway might be fun to look at, but without it, the great westward expansion would have been nearly impossible. Jessie Edwards shares the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hillsdale professor Kelly Scott Franklin tells the story of how one of America's foremost literary figures was a volunteer on both sides of our nation's Civil War. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, her parents were poor Jewish immigrants and she was raised by her sister—spending her most developmental years behind a deli counter. Eventually, she'd marry a toy designer, change his name, and bet all of her company's money on an idea: that little girls just wanted to play with big girls. Robin Gerber, author of Barbie and Ruth tells the story of Ruth Handler—the creator of the Barbie Doll. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1943 a quiet stretch of farmland in Tennessee transformed into a bustling secret city of 75,000 people on a mission to build the most powerful weapon known to man—the atomic bomb. Richard Cook tells the extraordinary story of Oak Ridge—the birthplace of the Manhattan Project...and how one man, Ed Westcott, captured this hidden world with his camera.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Davis, author of Hammer of the Gods, and Kirby Furgeson of the podcast "Everything a Remix" tell the story of how Led Zeppelin found themselves in a courtroom over a few of their songs...and why there are so many "copycats" and so-called "rip-offs" in the music industry. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Michael Schlitz enlisted in March 1996 and served in several positions including Rifleman and Platoon Sergeant. While in Baghdad, Iraq on February 27, 2007, Mike and his crew were on a road-clearing mission when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). Here's his story of tragedy—and overcoming.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, while the men served in WWII, women also served by filling the spots in factories that men left behind. Unmatched in their value, these women provided an essential service that would help bring us to victory and make America the most powerful country in the world. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Jackson's inauguration says a lot about what he represented at the time to many—a changing of the guard from the established Virginian 'elite' to the rough and tumble of the frontier, and his party afterward certainly drove that point home...literally. Here's the story!  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, on October 3, 1955, a television program debuted that would eventually produce nearly nine thousand shows over 40 years. Here’s the History Guy with the story of Captain Kangaroo. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know the Bible's role in shaping our country. Our Founding Fathers—Christian and non-Christian—were heavily influenced by the Bible. Here to share another story in our '100 Bible Verses that Changed America' series, is Robert Morgan.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor Jay Moore tells the story of an ordinary man he considers his personal hero—Dennis Holt. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, General Colin Powell was the youngest and the nation's first black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest position in the US Military. He was also the first black man appointed Secretary of State, the world's leading diplomat. To friends and family, he was so much more. Leslie Lautenslager, the author of My Time with General Colin Powell: Stories of Kindness, Diplomacy, and Protocol, shares his remarkable story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mario Andretti shares how his family lost everything in WWII, came to America, and how he then launched his career as the greatest auto racer in history! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, next we have a story about one of the biggest scandals in college basketball history and one of its biggest turnarounds. Here to tell the story is one of the members of that Baylor basketball team, Matt Sayman, author of The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Boston’s Fort Warren housed Confederate POWs during the Civil War, but it was no Andersonville. Only 13 Confederate prisoners out of the more than 2,000 rebels who were imprisoned within its walls died during the Civil War. That was largely thanks to the fort’s commander, Justin Dimick. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, on the 11th hour of the 11th month of the 11th day in 1918, all guns fell silent across Europe...16.1 million people across the world lay dead—but who was the last to fall in battle? Craig Du Mez of the Grateful Nation Project tells the story of Henry Gunther, the last man to die in WWI. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the "Nostalgia Awakens" is a Star Wars action figure exhibit from enthusiast and museum curator Jarrod Roll. He's here to share how Star Wars toys revolutionized movie merchandising, licensing, and even how children play. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, as the great-granddaughter of Booker T. Washington, the former slave-turned-famous educator, and founder of Tuskegee University, Sarah Washington O’Neal Rush has been influenced by her great-grandfather’s rise above slavery, his relentless stand on inner strength, and his principles on personal development. Here she is to tell her story (from her book Rising Up From the Ashes), and her great grandfather’s. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rich Wingo shares the story of how his time under the legendary Alabama coach refashioned his character, and how his time with the Green Bay Packers redefined his faith.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, during some of the tensest moments of the Cold War, President Kennedy on July 4th, 1962, visited Independence Hall to give a motivating speech highlighting the importance of democracy and free enterprise around the world. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gina Ramsey tells the story of the highs—and lows—of managing her father's dementia...and tells the story of his nursing home bond with a 100-year-old woman. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Randall Wallace is the writer/director of films such as "Braveheart", "We Were Soldiers", "The Man in the Iron Mask", "Heaven is For Real", "Pearl Harbor", and "Secretariat"—movies rooted in courage, sacrifice, and faith. These traits embodied Randall’s father. Here’s Randall himself to tell the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Civil War was over, the city of Washington was in celebration and President Lincoln's life was about to take a happy and hopeful turn. His short, happy life was thwarted by John Wilkes Booth. Lee Habeeb tells the story live you've never heard it told before.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, he was so good that he got both the Union and the Confederate presidents to pardon him; yet, so bad that an NYC woman offered a $50k reward to find him—dead or alive. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Karl Marlantes, author of What It Is Like to Go to War and Matterhorn, tells the story of salmon fishing with his grandfather during his formative years in the small town of Seaside, Oregon. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, African Americans could be running backs, wide receivers, linebackers...but in the eyes of many coaches and team owners not quarterbacks—that was a "thinking man's" position. John Eisenberg, author of Rocketmen: The Black Quarterbacks Who Revolutionized Pro Football tells the story of how Doug Williams—put that racist notion to rest once and for all in 1989 with the Redskin's victory over the Elway-led Denver Broncos.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Samuel Bellamy was a pirate who operated off the coast of New England and throughout the Caribbean. Later known as "Black Sam,” he became one of the wealthiest pirates before his untimely death in 1717. Here to tell the story, is Ashley Hlebinsky. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, while Henry Ford didn't invent the automobile, he fundamentally changed the world's relationship with the automobile to what it is today. Here's the story of the man who claimed to have invented the modern age. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, America’s fascination with mob boss Al Capone is a century old. Here to tell his story is the biographer of the definitive work on Al Capone—Laurence Bergreen.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richmond, VA radio host Jeff Katz shares a note that his daughter won't ever read, but will surely impact your life for the better Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, born on the land of the former plantation where her parents were enslaved, Madam C.J. Walker married young, had a child young, became a widow young, and got a divorce young. She also created, out of necessity, a revolutionary hair care product that changed the world, and her life. Here's her great-great-great-granddaughter, A'lelia Bundles, with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, King George III, upon hearing that George Washington planned to resign from his military commission and return to his plow stated; "If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world." George Washington wasn't the first man to do this though—he was simply following in the footsteps of another farmer, statesman, and victorious general from ancient Rome—Cincinnatus. Here's Professor Kenneth Calvert of Hillsdale College to tell the story of how these two men connect and why Cincinnati is named in honor of both of them. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Francis “Frank” Scott Key was not someone you would have picked to write our national anthem… but he did...right after one of America’s great military victories. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of the woman who said "no" to giving up her seat on a segregated Alabama bus is widely known. But here to tell the raw, real story, is Rosa Parks herself. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, born in Australia, Tommy Emmanuel fell in love with American country guitar legend, Chet Atkins. The rest, as they say, is history—Tommy explains. We'll be playing his music throughout this story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dietrich Bonhoeffer left the safety of American soil to oppose Hitler—at any cost. Eric Metaxas, the New York Times best-selling author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy joins us to tell Bonhoeffer's remarkable life story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, during this week in 1967, the Green Bay Packers won the first NFL-AFL championship game (now called the Superbowl) under head coach Vince Lombardi. More than any other sports figure, Vince Lombardi transformed football into a metaphor for the American experience. Our guest David Maraniss (author of When Pride Still Mattered), captures all of Lombardi: the myth, the man, his game, and his God. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, a funeral service was held on Nov. 5, 2021, for General Colin Powell at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Powell died from COVID-19 complications amid an ongoing battle with cancer. He was 84. Here’s his son Michael speaking at his father’s funeral service. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Chef “Hector” Boiardi was just 16 when he arrived at Ellis Island. What happens after his landing is remarkable! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, America’s Cup winner and entrepreneur Bill Koch tells the story of the intersection of America’s history with his own family’s. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, he was a sax player for one of the world's great touring bands, The Marcus King Band. But he was called to do something different. Something that could allow him to pursue his own musical and creative ambitions. Many artists go by one name: Bono, Sting, Madonna, and Prince, to name a few. Here's Saxsquatch with his story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy shares the story about an escape attempt in the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in San Francisco, California, that led to a standoff. The penitentiary the inmates called "the Rock,” was supposed to be escape-proof, but that did not keep some prisoners from trying. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Abraham Lincoln is often referred to as "the Great Emancipator"... but that's not the entire truth. Our regular contributor Jon Elfner and Dr. Kate Masur, author of "Until Justice Be Done," tell the rest of the story that begins with three runaway slaves. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, she had no idea that her customer on that fateful day was the Panamanian dictator's daughter. Joe Garmen, founder of ARM Prison Ministries, tells the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, taking an interesting twist on our “Rule of Law” series, Christopher Warren shares the history of the U.S. Postal Service and a time when people mailed their children… and in one instance, an entire bank. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, 100 years before Rosa Parks refused to leave her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Elizabeth Jennings refused to leave hers in New York City. Jerry Mikorenda, author of America's First Freedom Rider, tells the remarkable story of the event desegregating NYC transportation before the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the abolition of slavery. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ed Sykes tells the remarkable story of his unbreakable bond with his compatriot Dave Dinan and the unrelenting and ultimately successful task of recovering his remains from the jungles of Vietnam.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in six hours, Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez saved 8-plus men while enduring 7 major gunshot wounds, 28 shrapnel wounds, and major bayonet slash wounds. Hear his Medal of Honor story from President Reagan and the man himself. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, historian David McCullough brings generational talent to those studying the wild realities of America's independence. After all, no one has ever lived in the past, but in the present. At the National Archive, McCullough names and thanks his own teachers, and hands down the important right way to teach and study our history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, just moments before the biggest fireworks display in American history, President Ronald Reagan spoke in front of the Statue of Liberty aboard the USS John F. Kennedy. Reagan understood the profound nature of what the founders did back in 1776. We take you back to New York Harbor in 1986. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, ...and a reflection on the sparrow she tried to kill for tapping on her window. Our American Stories' regular contributor Leslie Leyland Fields, tells this heartwarming story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Moses Browning invented the mechanism used in virtually all modern pistols, created the most popular hunting rifles and shotguns, and conceived the machine guns introduced in World War I. Here's his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1964 World Series the St. Louis Cardinals played the mighty NY Yankees. On the pitcher's mound for the Cardinals was Bob Gibson and his catcher was Tim McCarver. Here's Jeff Bloodworth, a professor of American history at Gannon University and a Jack Miller Center fellow, with the story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, on February 3rd, 1943 the USS Dorchester sank into the icy waters of the North Atlantic within 20 minutes—it was the single deadliest loss of American troops in a convoy in our nation's history. But in this tragedy, there was also heroism and selfless acts of faith. Craig Du Mez of the Grateful Nation Project tells the story of four chaplains of different faiths who paid the ultimate sacrifice.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the "Nostalgia Awakens" is a Star Wars action figure exhibit from enthusiast and museum curator Jarrod Roll. He's here to share the story of how Star Wars toys revolutionized movie merchandising, licensing, and even how children play. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, since the company’s inception in 2005, Liquid Ass has been a popular product amongst pranksters across the world. The two-pack on Amazon currently has an unprecedented 36,000-plus reviews with a 4 1/2-star rating! [BTW: Read the ratings if you want a good laugh.] So who goes about creating such a spray? Well, a teenager, obviously. Here to tell the story are the co-founders of Liquid Assets, Andrew Masters and Allen Wittman. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, a mass shooting took place on November 7, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, California, at the Borderline Bar & Grill, a country-western bar frequented by college students. 13 people were killed. Tyler Spady is here to share his story of survival and hope. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Wilkes Booth wasn't the only famous member of his family when he assassinated President Lincoln—his brothers were also famous in their own right. Here’s Christopher Klein with the story of how the city of Boston embraced the Booth brothers after their family name became synonymous with the events of April 20th.   Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, on January 29, 1774, Benjamin Franklin was called to appear in Britain before a select group of the King's advisors—in an octagonal-shaped room in a Palace called 'the Cockpit'. Though Franklin entered the room as a dutiful servant of the British crown, he left as a budding American revolutionary. This event ultimately pitted Franklin against his son, suggesting that the Revolution was, in no small part, also a civil war. Here to tell the story is renowned Franklin historian Sheila Skemp, author of The Making of a Patriot: Benjamin Franklin at the Cockpit. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mark Metcalf is best known for his role as the sadistic ROTC officer Douglas C. Neidermeyer in the 1978 comedy Animal House. He is also known for playing the role of “The Maestro” on the hit sitcom Seinfeld as well as for his recurring role as “The Master” on the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Mark's life story is as large as the characters he portrays. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Lincoln Clem was just 12 years old when he picked up a drum and marched into battle becoming the youngest non-commissioned officer in Army history. Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, author of John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy, tells the remarkable story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy tells the story of one of the most extraordinary David vs. Goliath tank battles of WW2, which involved a little American M8 armored car and Hitler's enormous King Tiger tank. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story has been considered one of the most spectacular and best-corroborated UFO close encounters of all time. Ashley Hlebinsky is here to tell the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mariam Ibrahim lives in Virginia—but her story begins far from there and under very different, and dire, circumstances. Here she is to tell her remarkable story of survival and freedom. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the late historian Stephen Ambrose tells a short story from his terrific book The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the subject of FDR’s relationship with Joseph Stalin during WWII is for many observers, a puzzle. How could the leader of the free world and the face of American capitalism have had a working relationship—let alone something resembling a friendship—with a person who embodied the complete opposite? A brutal, ruthless, totalitarian dictator who perpetrated mass atrocities on a scale difficult even to quantify. This is the story of one of the 20th century’s unlikeliest alliances. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, William Wrigley, Jr. was a brilliant businessman, but his ingenuity was outshined by his love for his wife. Here's the story of how he made his fortune and then spent it on the one he loved. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Pat Boone got engaged on a Saturday and married the next day (by his high school principal)—at 19! Here he is with the story of how he balanced fame and fortune with faith and family. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, despite being generally liked by the fraternity he was rushing, some boys' parents expressed their dismay at Eric Motley wanting to join the group. His would-be fraternity brothers put their enjoyment and reputations on the line to fight the unjustified hate. Here he is to tell his story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Harry S. Truman was never supposed to be President—but that's exactly what happened when Franklin Roosevelt passed away following a stroke in the early days of his fourth term in office. Here's the story of how a man who grew up in rural Missouri went from the farmhouse to closing out WWII and building the world that would exist afterward.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.