Our American Stories

Dick Bong, Ace of Aces: The Greatest Fighter Pilot in American History Feb 21, 2025

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.

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Mr. 60s: A Baby-Boomer’s Story of Trials, Triumphs... and Redemption Feb 21, 2025

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

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Two American Heroes—Martin Luther King, Jr. and Booker T. Washington—Who Overcame Injustice With a Zero-Victim Attitude Feb 21, 2025

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.

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The Billy Graham Story Feb 21, 2025

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.

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Doc Holliday: Outlaw Gentlemen, Shady Ladies, and Tombstone Feb 20, 2025

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.

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"I Was Wayne Gretzky’s Hungover Linemate" Feb 20, 2025

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.

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"Dark Horse & Dead Ringer" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 7) Feb 20, 2025

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.

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The Story of Apollo 8's Message from the Moon...Heard by 1 Billion People Feb 20, 2025

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.

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The Most Famous Partnership in Showbiz History—The Real Story of Colonel Parker and Elvis Presley Feb 19, 2025

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.

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The Vincent van Gogh of Acting? HINT: He Played "Fredo" Feb 19, 2025

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.

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A Surprise Gift from a Late-Wife to Her Widowed Husband Feb 19, 2025

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.

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[President's Day] The Story of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation Feb 18, 2025

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.

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[President's Day Special] The Rise of Lincoln Feb 18, 2025

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.

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[President's Day Special] The Sleeping Sentinel Who Received the Death Penalty, But Was Saved By President Lincoln Feb 18, 2025

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.

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[President's Day Special] How George Washington's Bible Survived 9/11 Feb 18, 2025

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…

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[President's Day Special] George Washington: America's First True Superhero Feb 17, 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, veteran Vince Benedetto delivers the awe-inspiring story of our first president.

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The Inventor of the Machine Gun Became Deaf—So His Son Invented the Silencer Feb 17, 2025

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.

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The Shocking Story Behind the Diamond Engagement Ring Feb 17, 2025

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.

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What I Learned from A Dying Patient Feb 17, 2025

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.

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How Samuel Clemens Headed West and Became Mark Twain Feb 17, 2025

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.

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The Confederate Mystery Ship? Feb 17, 2025

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.

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The True Story of Valentine's Day Feb 14, 2025

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?

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G-Man: The Life and Times of J. Edgar Hoover Feb 14, 2025

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.

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In His Father's Village, Nobody Could Read...So He Moved to America and Became an Engineer Feb 14, 2025

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.

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“Hey Kid, catch!”: How Coca-Cola and “Mean” Joe Greene Launched a Legend Feb 14, 2025

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.

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From Fired High School Dropout...To Owning D.C.'s Best Taco Chain! Feb 14, 2025

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.

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MIT's Basketball Coach: "Those Nerds Can Only Handle One Play" Feb 14, 2025

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.

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The Story of a Gang Leader Turned Death Row Chaplin Feb 13, 2025

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.

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"All She Needs Is A Prescription For A Good Friend" Feb 13, 2025

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.

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The Story of "Trader Joe's": The Small Grocery Store That Beats the Big Guys Feb 13, 2025

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.

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Accordionist Nancy 3 Hoffman—Yes, That's Her Middle Name—Tells the Story of Her...Umbrella Cover Museum Feb 13, 2025

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.

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He Survived WWII and Felt Guilty—So He Invented CPR Feb 12, 2025

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.

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The Baseball Team That Fought For Equality Before Jackie Robinson Hit The Majors Feb 12, 2025

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.

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Walter Isaacson: The Innovators That Created the Computer...And The Internet Feb 12, 2025

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.

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The Glorious 25th of November, Evacuation Day Feb 12, 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk brings us the tale of the day British forces evacuated New York City after the Revolutionary War... a full 2 years after the British Army surrendered.

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Tom Landry: A Story From “America’s Coach” Feb 12, 2025

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.

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Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer Feb 11, 2025

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.

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A Listener's Advice to His Son—Be More Sociable Feb 11, 2025

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.

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Thomas Jefferson: The Story of A Man Who Was Super...Human Feb 11, 2025

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.

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America Builds Up to Fight WWII: The Story of The Bremerton Naval Yards Feb 11, 2025

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.

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Heart-Washing: My Antidote to 14 Years of Brainwashing in a Communist Prison Feb 10, 2025

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.

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Fighting Crime in Downtown Los Angeles with Love, Respect, and God Feb 10, 2025

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."

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How Cornelius Vanderbilt Caused the Panic of 1869 ('Black Friday') and Then Personally Rescued the American Economy Feb 10, 2025

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.

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“Knock on Wood & Kick the Bucket” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 11) Feb 10, 2025

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.

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The Story of Steve Jobs: A Man at the Intersection of Art and Science Feb 10, 2025

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.

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Hollywood Goes to War: Tim McCoy's Story of Service Feb 07, 2025

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.

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Remembering the Gold Star Father Whose Story Inspired the Hit Country Song "I Drive Your Truck" Feb 07, 2025

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.

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The Most Important Children's Book Artist of the 20th Century—Maurice Sendak & "Where The Wild Things Are" Feb 07, 2025

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.

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The Teen CEO of the Clean Teeth Candy Feb 06, 2025

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.

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The Man Who Witnessed the Assassination of Abe Lincoln Feb 06, 2025

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.

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A Manifest Destiny Hit: The Story of Saturday Night Live Feb 06, 2025

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.

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The Untold Story of Christopher Columbus Feb 05, 2025

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.

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A Texas Boy vs. an Air Traffic Control Bully Feb 05, 2025

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.

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The Gospel of Gettysburg: The Story Behind the Story of the Gettysburg Address Feb 05, 2025

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.

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The Story of America: Reconstructing the Nation After Our Deadliest Man Man Disaster—The Civil War Feb 05, 2025

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.

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A Little Brother's Prayer to Be As Big As His Very Big Brother Feb 05, 2025

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."

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How Hawking Hot Dogs in the MLB Changed My Life Feb 04, 2025

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.

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I Picked Up "Tex" Watson Hitchhiking AFTER the Manson Murders Feb 04, 2025

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.

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Rod Serling and "The Twilight Zone": The Story of a Television Prophet Feb 04, 2025

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.

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The 17-Year-Old Student Who Designed the Current US Flag for A School Project...and Got a B- Feb 04, 2025

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!

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Impresario: The Life and Times of Ed Sullivan Feb 03, 2025

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.

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The Story of The Pigeon Who Received a Medal of Bravery During WWI Feb 03, 2025

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.

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"True Colors & Soap Opera" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 20) Feb 03, 2025

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.

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Why My Mother Forced Me to Play Piano...Even Though I had No Fingers Feb 03, 2025

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.

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She Went from Running Banks...to Sweeping Floors Jan 31, 2025

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!

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"The First Guy Cannot Fail": The Jackie Robinson Story Jan 31, 2025

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.

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Josephine Earp: The Woman Who Shaped the Story of Her Beloved Husband—the Most Famous Lawman of the Old West Jan 31, 2025

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.

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On Fire: John O'Leary Shares His Story of Survival Against All Odds After Being Burnt on Nearly 100 Percent of His Body Jan 31, 2025

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.

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Lesson Learned: Clean Hog Manure Off Boots Before Going to School Jan 31, 2025

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.

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A Grave Escape? Jan 30, 2025

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.

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How a Group of Daring Bootleggers Created NASCAR Jan 30, 2025

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.

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Danny Elfman Had "No Propensity for Music" Yet Became One of Film's Greatest Composers Jan 30, 2025

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.

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Trapped Inside a Tube: The Story of The Iron Lung Jan 30, 2025

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.

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A President, a Preacher, and a Giant Block of Cheese Jan 29, 2025

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.

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Life Before Digital Photos: The Last Days of Kodachrome Jan 29, 2025

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.

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How Windmills Won The West Jan 29, 2025

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.

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Walt Whitman Served The Union...And The Confederate! Jan 29, 2025

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.

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Ruth Handler: The "Gambling" Woman Who Created Barbie and Launched a Marketing Revolution Jan 29, 2025

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.

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The Story of The Manhattan Project...Through a Camera Lens Jan 28, 2025

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.

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The Story of Why Led Zeppelin Pays Royalties to a Southern Bluesman Jan 28, 2025

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.

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The Story of a Severely Wounded Army Ranger Inspiring Men Jan 28, 2025

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.

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The Story of A Real-Life “Rosie the Riveter” Jan 27, 2025

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.

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The Story of Andrew Jackson's Wild Inauguration Party Jan 27, 2025

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!

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The Story of Captain Kangaroo Jan 27, 2025

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.

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The God and Divinity Roots of America's Most Famous College—Harvard. Jan 27, 2025

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.

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The Best Storyteller in Abilene, Texas Shares the Story of His Hero—a Vietnam Veteran With an Eyepatch Jan 24, 2025

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.

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General Colin Powell: The Story of the Man Behind the Stars Jan 24, 2025

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.

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"All Hell Broke Loose" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 1) Jan 24, 2025

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.

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The Story of Mario Andretti: A Refugee from Communism to the Heights of Auto Racing Jan 24, 2025

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!

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The Baylor Basketball Incident: An Eyewitness Tells the Story of One of the Biggest Scandals (and Turnarounds) in NCAA History Jan 23, 2025

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.

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The Union Colonel Who Showed Mercy on Confederate POWs During the Civil War Jan 23, 2025

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.

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The Story of the Last Man to Die In WWI Jan 23, 2025

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.

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The Story of How Star Wars Toys Revolutionized Movie Merchandising (Part 2) Jan 23, 2025

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.

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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. Jan 22, 2025

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.

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How Coach “Bear” Bryant, and the Packers, Transformed My Life Jan 22, 2025

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.

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President Kennedy's Greatest Speech You've Never Heard Jan 22, 2025

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.

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The Forgotten Bond: A Story About a Father with Dementia—and His 100-Year-Old Girlfriend Jan 22, 2025

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.

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The Father Whose Life Story Inspired the Son Who Wrote "Braveheart" Jan 22, 2025

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.

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The Short, Happy Life of Abraham Lincoln: His Final Days Jan 21, 2025

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.

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The Con Man Who Managed to Get Pardoned by Abe Lincoln and Jeff Davis Jan 21, 2025

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.

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Salmon and Salt: Remembering Fishing with Grandfather Jan 21, 2025

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.

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Doug Williams—The First Black Quarterback to Win The Superbowl Jan 21, 2025

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.

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The Story of the Richest Pirate in History: Black Sam Bellamy Jan 21, 2025

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.

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I Invented the Modern Age: The Story of Henry Ford Jan 20, 2025

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.

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Al Capone: The Man in The Era [Born on This Week in History, 1899] Jan 20, 2025

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.

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A Father’s Note to His “Timeless” Daughter…Who Functions at a Toddler Level Jan 20, 2025

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

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Before Mary Kay, There Was Madam C.J. Walker—The First Self-Made Female Millionaire Jan 17, 2025

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.

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Why Cincinnati is Named After George Washington...and a Roman Farmer Jan 17, 2025

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.

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The Tone Deaf, Bad Poet Who Wrote the National Anthem Jan 17, 2025

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.

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Rosa Parks, In Her Own Words: The Woman Who Challenged Segregation and Changed the World Jan 17, 2025

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.

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Guitar Virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel: I Came To America Because Everything Here Is Better Jan 16, 2025

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.

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The Pastor Who Tried To Kill Hitler: Bonhoeffer Jan 16, 2025

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.

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When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi [TWIH Green Bay Wins First Superbowl] Jan 16, 2025

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.

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Michael Powell’s Final Thoughts For His Father, General Colin Powell Jan 15, 2025

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.

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Chef Boyardee: American Hero Jan 15, 2025

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!

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The Story Behind The Navy's Unofficial Motto: "Don't Give Up the Ship" Jan 15, 2025

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.

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The Story of a Saxophone Playing Sasquash Named...SAXSquatch Jan 15, 2025

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.

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The 1946 Escape from Alcatraz That Turned into a Battle With... Marines? Jan 15, 2025

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.

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The Great Emancipators: How The Civil War Openly Became About Slavery Jan 15, 2025

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.

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The Hairdresser Who Led Druglord/Dictator Manuel Noriega to God Jan 15, 2025

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.

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When People Sent Their Children Through the Mail Jan 14, 2025

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.

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Before There Was Rosa Parks There Was Elizabeth Jennings: The Story of America's First Freedom Rider Jan 14, 2025

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.

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The Patch and the Stream Where the American Fell: Finding POW Dave Dinan—Years After His Death in Vietnam Jan 14, 2025

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.

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The Green Beret That Other Green Berets Look Up To Jan 13, 2025

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.

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The Story of Bad and Boring History Has Been Taught in Our Schools—and the Cure For It (w/ David McCullough) Jan 13, 2025

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.

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President Reagan's Greatest Speech You've Never Heard: His July 4 Speech in NY Harbor Jan 13, 2025

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.

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...My Love Could Kill Her—A Mother's Reflection on Her Kids (And A Baby Eagle) Jan 13, 2025

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.

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John Moses Browning: The Mormon Inventor Whose Firearms Changed the World Jan 10, 2025

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.

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“Peeping Tom” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 14) Jan 10, 2025

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.

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The Black Pitcher and White Catcher That Made the 1964 World Series Unforgettable Jan 10, 2025

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.

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The Story of the Four Immortal Chaplains Jan 10, 2025

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.

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The Story of How Star Wars Toys Revolutionized Movie Merchandising (Part 1) Jan 10, 2025

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.

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How 2 Engineers Created the Highest-Rated Gag Gift on Amazon Jan 09, 2025

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.

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A Man Recounts Surviving a Mass Shooting Jan 09, 2025

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.

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How Boston Embraced the Brothers of John Wilkes Booth Following Lincoln's Assassination Jan 09, 2025

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.

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The Story of How British Aristocrats Turned Benjamin Franklin into an American Patriot—In Less Than an Hour Jan 09, 2025

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.

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From Animal House to Belushi and Seinfeld: Mark "Neidermeyer" Metcalf's Story Jan 08, 2025

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.

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The Story of the Youngest Soldier To Serve In The Civil War—John Clem Jan 08, 2025

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.

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What Happened When an American Armored Car Battled Nazi Germany's Largest Tank Jan 08, 2025

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.

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The UFO Incident at Exeter Jan 08, 2025

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.

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One Mother’s Escape From A Sudanese Death Sentence...to America Jan 07, 2025

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.

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The Late, Great Stephen Ambrose on the Boys Who Flew B-24s in WWII Jan 07, 2025

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.

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A Deal with the Devil: FDR’s WWII Pact With Stalin Jan 07, 2025

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.

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The House Built By Chewing Gum? Jan 06, 2025

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.

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He Was Elvis' Biggest Competitor in the '50s: Pat Boone on His Two Loves, Music and His Late Wife, Shirley Jan 06, 2025

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.

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When Character Stood Tall: How My Fraternity Brothers Put Their Reputations On The Line to Fight Hatred Against Me Jan 06, 2025

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.

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How One Man Went From Unknown Shirt Salesman to The Oval Office: The Story of Harry S. Truman Jan 06, 2025

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.

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The Redemptive True Story of a Cocaine Drug Lord Jan 03, 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, after running the North American cocaine trade for the cartel in his early 20s, Jorge Valdes found salvation rather than death. Here he is to tell his remarkable story.

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The Olympic Marathon Where Drinking Water Was Banned Jan 03, 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Professor Susan Brownell shares how the Olympics ended up in St. Louis in the first place—and culminated in an absolute disaster of a marathon.

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The One Book I Never Thought I Would Write Jan 03, 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, regular contributor to OAS, and author Leslie Leyland Fields tells her story of how she came to write her own memoir.

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The B-25 In My Dad's Backyard Jan 02, 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Wally Soplata tells the story of his eccentric union carpenter father who collected rare and vintage WWII aircraft for pennies on the dime—and stored them in his backyard.

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What To Do When Your Grandfather Is a World-Famous Songwriter Jan 02, 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Albert Brumley wrote classic hymns like “I’ll Fly Away” and “Turn Your Radio On,” but he left behind much more. His son Bob carried the legacy – and Bob’s daughters did the same. Here is the Brumley family story.

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How One Man's Faith Moved Him to Fight for A Wrongly Imprisoned Man Jan 02, 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim McCloskey grew up in church, but as he got older, he wanted nothing to do with his childhood faith. After a successful business career, Jim found himself feeling empty. He decided to return to church, and—to his surprise—began considering seminary, which would lead him to a jail cell with an innocent man in it.

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Yogi Berra: An American Success Story (by George Will) Jan 02, 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Will's volume on baseball is one of the most acclaimed sports books ever written. Here he is to tell the story of Yankee's star, Yogi Berra.

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Otter Box’s CEO: One of Our Employees Got More Applause Than Peyton Manning Jan 01, 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, and that’s not a knock-on Peyton. It’s a testament to ethics being lived out heroically at this great American company.

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Basketball Legend "Pistol Pete" Maravich Shares His Life Story... Just Days Before His Death Jan 01, 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, just days before his death, the 40-year-old Maravich shared his story to a small audience about his life pursuing success and fame—until that pursuit brought him to his knees. This is the story of him coming to Christ.

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The Man Who Was a Founder AND Mascot: KFC's Colonel Sanders Jan 01, 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colonel Sanders did something no other restaurant founder dared to do — he became his company’s mascot and brand ambassador! Here to share the story of KFC and a little about who Colonel Sanders was is Adam Chandler, author of Drive Thru Dreams.

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A Museum Dedicated To...Mustard? Dec 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, find out how Barry Levinson went from arguing cases in front of the Supreme Court to operating the largest museum dedicated to mustard in the world.

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I Was Detached About My Family's Holocaust Story....Until I Went to Buchenwald Dec 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dana Mitch tells the story of her trip to Buchenwald, the largest concentration camp on German soil, and how she reconnected with her family because of it.

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A Marine Mourns the Death of His Tough-as-Nails Marine Father Dec 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in this episode of the Mclalan Files, Bob brings us the story of his father’s death.

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How a Fake Doctor Ran Carnival Sideshows and Saved Thousands of Infants and Changed Medical History Dec 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Martin Couney carried a secret with him, but the results are unimpeachable. It was Coney Island in the early 1900’s. Beyond the Four-Legged Woman, the sword swallowers, and “Lionel the Lion-Faced Man,” was an entirely different exhibit: rows of tiny, premature human babies living in glass incubators. Here to tell the story is Dawn Raffel, author of The Strange Case of Dr. Couney.

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Uncle Nearest: The Former Slave Who Taught Jack Daniels How to Make Whiskey Dec 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Fawn Weaver happened upon the story of Uncle Nathan "Nearest" Green, the former slave who taught Jack Daniels how to make whiskey. Here she is to tell it.

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Dwayne “The Rock" Johnson's Eulogy to His Father Dec 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rocky 'Soulman' Johnson was a WWE Professional Wrestling Hall of Famer and the father of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Here’s Dwayne paying tribute to his father who taught him so much about life.

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The Story of the Western Movie Star Who Quit Hollywood to Bomb Tokyo During WWII Dec 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in a career spanning more than four decades and appearing in 149 movies, Western star Tim Holt could be seen on the big screen in films such as Stagecoach, My Darling Clementine, and Swiss Family Robinson. Here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath.

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One Cop's Take on Mental Illness, Homelessness, and Crime Dec 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph shares vivid, compelling stories of one constant struggle for police, and for communities: The care and safety of those with mental health battles.

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My Battles in Fallujah to the Battle for My Soul: The Good, the Bad, and the Ultimate Victory of an American Hero Dec 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from a veteran of the U.S. Army. He served with the 82nd Airborne Division in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Here’s Fernando Arroyo.

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Theodore Roosevelt: That Damn Cowboy Dec 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, it was the West that molded Theodore Roosevelt into a man. Also, it was here where he learned to "carry a big stick." Roger McGrath and Michael Blake are here to tell the story.

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From Golden Gloves to Priesthood: The Story of Father Stu Dec 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Father Stu is a motion picture starring Mark Wahlberg (who plays Father Stu) and Mel Gibson. It is based on the true life story of Father Stuart Long, the Golden Gloves Heavyweight Boxing Champion-turned-Catholic priest. We want to thank the Diocese of Helena, MT, for providing the footage you are about to hear of Father Stuart Long who will be sharing his story with us.

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The Day a Soviet Nuclear Attack Submarine Rammed an American Aircraft Carrier Dec 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1984, during a period of Cold War tension, a Soviet submarine collided with a United States aircraft carrier. Here’s The History Guy with the story of the USS Kitty Hawk collision.

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50 Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy: The iPhone, RADAR, and TV Dinners Dec 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, did you know "radar" is actually an acronym? It stands for RAdio, Detection, And Ranging—created in 1940 by our Navy. 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.

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Zuzu’s “Wonderful Life”: The Story of the Child Actress Who Starred in Frank Capra's," It's A Wonderful Life" Dec 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next storyteller has the privilege of being in one of the most beloved movies of all time (It's a Wonderful Life)—while, at the same time, and from the same movie—also has one of the most famous lines in movie history. Her story is as wonderful as both of these accomplishments.

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The Real Stories Behind Our Cherished Christmas Traditions Dec 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, before it became a Federal Holiday—June 26, 1870—the way we celebrated Christmas would be unrecognizable to us. Here's the story of how Christmas as we know it came to be.

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A Family Man's Search for the Perfect Christmas Tree Dec 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, OAS listener Jim Johnson shares the story of his search for the perfect Christmas tree.

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Christmas, 1776 Dec 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, it's called the first “American” Christmas because the Declaration of Independence was created the previous summer, essentially “divorcing” America from England and declaring our country an independent nation. Brian Benjamin shares the story from his book, Christmas, 1776.

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How "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Almost Didn't Happen Dec 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dealing with a small budget and with a short deadline, A Charlie Brown Christmas was released to critical acclaim on December 9th, 1965. While audiences loved it, there were many doubters behind the scenes at CBS. Our host, Lee Habeeb, tells the story.

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A Bible Reading 200,000 Miles from Earth Dec 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the crew of Apollo 8 and Steve Kates (AKA Dr. Sky) tell the story of the Christmas time mission to the moon—and the reading of Genesis over its surface.

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How Elvis Was Coaxed into Recording a Christmas Album—As Told by a Man Who Was There Dec 24, 2024

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 ‘50s. Here’s Greg with a Colonel and Elvis Christmas story.

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Karl Marlantes: How I Came to Terms with my Navy Cross Dec 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Karl Marlantes, the award-winning author of Matterhorn and What It Is Like To Go To War, tells the story of how he received his medals in Vietnam—and how he grappled with them when so many had done more and gotten less than him.

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The Day a Teenage Boy Met Elvis and the Colonel and Began Working with Them for the Rest of His Life Dec 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, doing maintenance in mansions, you could meet anyone, talk about anything - even find your career as an agent!

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ILLEGAL: Shooting Bunnies from a Motorboat...The Story of Weird Laws. Dec 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, regular contributor to the show and author Winter Prosapio dives into some of the strange laws we have....and why we have them. You can find her book on weird laws HERE.

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Why the Nativity? (w/ Dr. David Jeremiah) Dec 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in his book-turned-docudrama Why the Nativity? Dr. David Jeremiah looks in detail at the people and events that surround the Christmas story and why each of them was chosen for their specific purpose. Here's the story of the nativity!

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Getting Prepared to Go Face-to-Face with the Toughest Admiral in Navy History Dec 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Toti, former captain of the USS Indianapolis submarine, tells the story of his experience with Admiral Hyman Rickover—the father of the nuclear navy.

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The Frederick Douglass Story Dec 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Frederick Douglass escaped slavery when he was 20 and went on to become one of the most important Americans to fight for emancipation and the equality of all people. He was the most photographed American of the 19th century, sitting for more portraits than even Abraham Lincoln. But this famed abolitionist’s story is even more fascinating than what many of us have learned in school. Here to tell the story is Frederick Douglass impersonator, Kyle Taylor

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The Most Important Churchill Speech You've Never Heard: His Christmas Address to Congress Weeks After Pearl Harbor Dec 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, only weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made an all-important stop in the United States to visit with President Roosevelt and to address Congress about the hard path before them...as he knew more than anybody else in the world what that path looked like. He'd been walking it alone for a while.

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“Son of a Gun & Steal My Thunder” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Dec 20, 2024

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.

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Memorable Christmas Stories in U.S. Military History Dec 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers the forgotten stories from U.S. military history. You won't want to miss this one!

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Hess Trucks: The Holiday Tradition That Started at a Gas Station Dec 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, for nearly 60 years, Hess trucks have brought smiles to children, and adults, up and down the East Coast. They were also the kind of gift the energy entrepreneur who created them wished he could have gotten growing up. Hess Toy Truck Director, Justin Mayer, and superfan, Mike Roberto, tell the story.

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An Aussie Discovers American Wings Dec 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colin Bettles loves buffalo wings, which isn't that odd—many people do. However, the thing that makes his story unique is that he's many many many miles removed from Buffalo, New York in Australia. Here he is to share his story of how he came to adore buffalo wings.

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Davy Crockett Died at the Alamo, But the Story of How He Lived Remains Dec 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, for more than 150 years the story of Davy Crockett has captured our imaginations and inspired us to celebrate his image in song, story, and cinema. Here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath.

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The Real Story of U2 Spy Pilot Gary Powers—As Told by His Son Dec 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, on May 1st, 1960, spy pilot Gary Powers was shot down over Soviet Russia resulting in massive controversy....and many questions. Did he defect? Did he have a flameout? Why didn't he kill himself? Did he spill his guts to the Soviets? When he returned from captivity to some, he was a hero—to others, he was a villain. But to Gary Powers, Jr....he was just dad.
Here's Gary Powers Jr. to tell the true story of his father. Be sure to check out Gary's phenomenal books (and Cold War tours) on his website!

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The Story of How George Washington Surprised the British Army, the Hessians, and the World on Christmas 1776 Dec 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, tells the remarkable story of how George Washington turned the tides of war at Trenton and Princeton in the most important year in our country's history—1776 by surprising a bunch of hungover Germans.

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The Backstory of Robert E. Lee—America's Most Controversial General Dec 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, most people's knowledge of Robert E. Lee starts with his decision to reject command of the Union Army and ends at Appomattox—but there's so much more to his story than that. Dr. Allen C. Guelzo, author of Robert E. Lee: A Life, tells the story of a complicated man whose decision-making was heavily influenced by where his house was and where his family was. We thank the great folks at the Bill of Rights Institute for allowing us to use this remarkable audio—originally part of their Scholar Talks Series on YouTube.

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The Woman Who Voiced Rudolph Dec 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Billie Mae Richards is a Canadian actress best known for voicing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the 1964 stop-motion television classic. The special first aired on December 6, 1964, on NBC. Here’s Billie Mae to share her story.

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The Chicago Maintenance Man Who Wrote a Hallmark Christmas Movie Dec 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rikk Dunlap has always been a writer, but he never dreamed that his work would eventually become a regular feature film on the biggest holiday movie channel around—Hallmark. Here he is to share his astonishing story.... just in time for the holidays.

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The Man Who Spent All of His Christmas Savings Building Beds for Needy Children Dec 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, tells how a meeting in his church turned into a Boy Scouts project, a Christmas tradition, and 50,000 free beds for needy families every year.

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"I Was in A Wheelchair—So I Started Buying Cars Sight Unseen from The Public" Dec 17, 2024

Mom died, the dog died, the wife took off, and John Clay Wolfe became paralyzed all in the short span of about a year. Then came the worst news: someone had been stealing his company's money, and he was millions in debt. John Clay Wolfe, the founder of GiveMeTheVin.com and the host of the John Clay Wolfe Show, tells his astonishing story of recovery—both in business and life.

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“Put A Sock in It” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 18) Dec 17, 2024

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.

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"Bless You" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 6) Dec 16, 2024

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.

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My Hero-Father Needed No Star and No Cape Dec 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a son's story about his father, from our regular listener/contributor Roger Latham, from Fort Worth, Texas.

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President Reagan's Greatest Speech You've Never Heard: His July 4 Speech in NY Harbor Dec 16, 2024

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.

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A Young Lady’s Run-in with Frank Sinatra Dec 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener Patty Kingsbaker shares this "knockout" Frank Sinatra story.

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Hollywood Goes to War: How Acting Legend Eddie Albert Served Our Country in WWII Dec 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, he was twice nominated for the Academy Award for his 1954 performance in Roman Holiday, and the second in 1973 for The Heartbreak Kid. He also starred as Oliver Wendell Douglas in the 1960s television sitcom Green Acres. But his greatest role was the one he played in WWII. As part of our ongoing 'Hollywood Goes to War' series, Roger McGrath tells the story.

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The History of the Christmas Tree Dec 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy recalls the forgotten history of Christmas trees.

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The Story of the Mason-Dixon Line: The Colonial-Era Border Battle That Defined the Civil War Dec 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Mason-Dixon Line defined the American "house divided" between antislavery and pro-slavery. Yet this border war was pre-dated by another battle—a colonial-era quarrel that ended only when the area separating Pennsylvania and Maryland’s border was surveyed and mapped in the 1760s by the Englishmen Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon. Here to tell the story is Dakota Bricker who hosts the YouTube channel, What In The History?

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Silent Night: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Christmas Carol Dec 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, from its humble beginnings in an Austrian chapel in 1818, 'Silent Night' has become one of the most popular Christmas hymns ever. Here’s the History Guy with the story of the song.

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The Baileys' Story: A Daughter, a Drug Dealer, and a Miracle Dec 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, after Mike and Deborah Bailey lost their daughter to a drug overdose, what they did next is nothing short of a miracle.

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Zuzu’s “Wonderful Life”: The Story of the Child Actress Who Starred in Frank Capra's," It's A Wonderful Life" Dec 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next storyteller has the privilege of being in one of the most beloved movies of all time (It's a Wonderful Life)—while, at the same time, and from the same movie—also has one of the most famous lines in movie history. Her story is as wonderful as both of these accomplishments.

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The Story of Alvin York: The Tennessee Farm Boy Who Went from Pacifist to One of America's Greatest War Heroes Dec 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of Sgt. Alvin York is a celebrated chapter in American history. Though he tried to avoid war for religious reasons, York became one of the most notable heroes of World War I. Elliott Drago, the Jack Miller Center's editorial officer and historian, is here to tell the story.

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Everett’s Last Christmas Carol Dec 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener and regular contributor Jim Johnson finds peculiar friends wherever he goes. This story is about one such friend—Everett Motl.

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As Watergate Separated Americans, This Speaker of The House United Them Dec 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Carl Albert was known as the Little Giant from Little Dixie. He would become the Speaker of the House during the Watergate years. Here's the story of how he put principle over politics.

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"Gung-ho & Cheesy Smile" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 8) Dec 12, 2024

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.

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The Story of America's Alliance with Stalin—And How It Brought About the Downfall of Hitler (w/ Stephen Ambrose) Dec 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the late great Stephen Ambrose shares a WWII story that begins in January 1943 and ends with the Allied solution of unconditional surrender.

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Remembering The Day Steve Jobs Gave Us The iPhone Dec 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, on January 9, 2007, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs—already a legendary pitchman—put on what many consider the best business presentation in corporate history and unveiled a new product that would cement Apple’s comeback.... the iPhone. Here's the story.

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Acting Legend Jimmy Stewart Goes to War Dec 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, despite all his Hollywood fame and acting acclaim, Jimmy Stewart always said the greatest honor of his life was serving his country in WWII. As part of our Hollywood Goes to War Series, Dr. Roger McGrath tells the story of Jimmy's service and sacrifice.

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When America's Greatest (And Last) Bareknuckle Boxer Challenged America to A Fight Dec 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1893 John L. Sullivan's "Knockout Tour" traveled America. The challenge? Could any man in America last 12 minutes in the ring with the champ?

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The Stories You've Never Heard About Your Favorite Christmas Songs Dec 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ace Collins, the author of Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas tells the stories of people you’ve never met, stories you’ve never heard, and meanings you’d never have imagined of some of the most beloved songs of Christmas.

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The Race that Forever Sealed Secretariat's Legacy: The Story of the 1973 Belmont Stakes Dec 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, no horse had won the Triple Crown in horse racing in a quarter century. Heading into the third race of the Triple Crown - the Belmont Stakes - Secretariat was the oddsmaker's favorite, and America's, too. Here's the story.

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"No! No! No! Who the Hell Boos Santa Claus?!" The Story of the Time Eagles Fans Pelted Santa with Snowballs Dec 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1968 19-year-old Frank Olivo decided to attend a Philadelphia Eagles game dressed as Santa. Instead of being met by good holiday cheer as one might expect, he was booed and pelted with snowballs cementing his legacy in sports lore. Here to tell the story is Frank’s first cousin and best friend, Richard Monastra.

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Were All Japanese Americans In Internment Camps? One Woman's Story Dec 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mary Mikami was a Japanese American born in Alaska. Here's her story of what happened to her when World War II broke out.

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The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Major League Baseball’s Legendary Slugger—Darryl Strawberry Dec 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, he made eight consecutive all-star game appearances and captured four World Series championships, but his talent was overshadowed by his destructive life outside the ballpark. Here's Darryl to share his story.

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16, Addicted, Pregnant: My Motherhood Story Dec 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, drug culture—the kind where your parent is a dealer—wrecked Teri Neal's life. Hear how her son inspired and encouraged her to build her life back by serving others.

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An Our American Stories Listener Remembers His Jazz Playing Father Dec 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, one of our listeners, George Gozzard, shares the story of his big band trumpeter father, Harry Gozzard

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Final Thoughts: Justice Kagan Remembers Her SCOTUS Colleague, Justice Scalia Dec 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, for our 'Final Thoughts' series, Justice Elena Kagan, who viewed the Constitution differently than Justice Antonin "Nino" Scalia, speaks about her friend.

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Stephen Ambrose: 1941 and the Steps Leading Up to the U.S. Entering WWII Dec 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in honor of the anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor, the late great historian Stephen Ambrose tells the story of 1941—the year that would bring America into WWII.

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The Fascinating Origins of The Salvation Army Dec 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Salvation Army's Christmas Red Kettle has been an American icon for 125 years. But for many Americans, this is all they know about the Salvation Army… until now. We’d like to thank the folks at Vision Video for giving us access to their wonderful documentary, Our People: The Story of William and Catherine Booth.

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He Wrote "The Giving Tree" and Johnny Cash's "A Boy Named Sue": The Shel Silverstein Story Dec 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, we all know Shel Silverstein's children's book, The Giving Tree, but did you know he wrote one of America's most famous country songs? Here's the story!

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How the Tow Truck Came to Be Dec 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, commitment to serve others better is a hallmark of American life. Add a sensible new design, honest pricing, and the never-ending journey of mechanical engineering - and we now have another key player in the forces behind public safety. Here's the story of how the tow truck as we know it came to be.

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Why Playing Cards in a Dumpster Changed My Life Dec 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories regular contributor and listener, Paul Kotz, shares the story of what happened when hopped into a dumpster with a homeless man to play cards with him.

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He Flew Nukes, Captured World Records, and Saved His Way to Wealth... Dec 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, ...and gave much of it away. Here's the story of a man you might not know.... but will be glad to meet—Orville Rogers.

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"Pray for Us!": Father Receives Daughter's Text during Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre Dec 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kengor's daughters were across the street while a tragedy unfolded at the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27, 2018. Here he is with his story.

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WWII’s Most Decorated Soldier Was a Teenager: The Audie Murphy Story Dec 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Audie Murphy's story is one of the quintessential American stories; yet, chances are, many Americans have never even heard of his name. Here's Roger McGrath with another Hollywood Goes to War story.

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The Hollywood Star That Left the Silver Screen to Become a Real-Life Spy in WWI Dec 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story is about the man who played Captain McCluskey in “The Godfather,’’ the crooked cop who breaks Michael Corleone’s jaw—later receiving a bullet through the throat and forehead as comeuppance. Here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath.McGrath is the author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier. A U.S. Marine and former history professor at UCLA, Dr. McGrath has appeared on numerous History Channel documentaries and is a regular contributor here at Our American Stories.

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The Untold Story Charles Lindbergh Dec 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Charles Lindbergh got his start performing in aerial circuses—and as a glorified mailman. He also made the daring decision to fly solo across the Atlantic, despite everyone else choosing to have a wingman. Kirk Higgins of the Bill of Rights Institute tells the story.

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The Story Behind the Curse of the Bambino—And How It Was Broken Dec 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, generations of Red Sox fans came and went before any modicum of success came to the team—some blamed it on a curse cast upon them by Babe Ruth himself. Here's the story of how the curse was broken.

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Robert E. Lee's Favorite Job Was... Being a College President? Dec 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Allen Guelzo, author of Robert E. Lee: A Life, tells the story of one of the most consequential and controversial generals in American history—and why he might have had the most success at the end of his life at the university that still bears his name. We'd like to thank the folks at the Bill of Rights Institute for allowing us to use this audio—originally part of their 'Scholar Talks' series on YouTube.

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The Great Vowel Shift and the Making of Modern English Dec 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, “The Great Vowel Shift” was the single greatest change in the history of the English language that has now become the official language in over 75 countries. Here’s the History Guy with the story of “The Great Vowel Shift” and the making of modern English.

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Ponzi's Scheme: The True Story of the Legendary Scam Artist Dec 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Charles Ponzi may not have invented the Ponzi Scheme, but he certainly lent his name to it. Here to tell the story is Jonathan Small of the podcast Write About Now.

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The Boys of Milo: Ted Godlove Dec 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, remaining effective and calm under fire, from the undergrowth of the Vietnamese jungle to the rivers and skies, Ted Godlove concerned himself not with the hopelessness of a situation or who would get the credit for a victory, but rather with fighting the enemy and protecting his brothers in arms. Michael Williams, author of The Boys of Milo, tells the story of one man, among several from his hometown, who volunteered to face this fight.

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The Atomic Marine Dec 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener Richard Muniz tells the story of his boss who participated in atomic bomb testing in Nevada in the 1950s.

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The Story of the Man the Mountain is Named After—Pike's Peak Dec 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the story of explorer, accused spy, and American military hero, Zebulon Pike is Craig du Mez of the Grateful Nation Project.

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Lincoln: 1864 Dec 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, outside of 1776, 1864 is perhaps the most consequential year in American history. Here's the story of how Abraham Lincoln almost wasn't re-elected.

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The Oakland Raiders Stunk—So Fans Created Fantasy Football Dec 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, fantasy football is a 13-billion-dollar empire and 29 million Americans play it—but it wasn't always this way. Here to tell the story about its origins is Peter Funt, author of Inside Fantasy Football.

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The Strange Story of How the Lobotomy Led to Modern Brain Science Dec 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Theodore Schwartz, A neurosurgeon as well as a professor of neurosurgery at Weill Cornell Medicine—and the author of Grey Matters, shines some light into the dark history of the lobotomy—and how it led to innovation and modern-day brain surgery.

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The Cabbage Patch Kids Caused...a Riot? Dec 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jonathan Alexandratos is a toy historian whose knowledge was featured in the film, Billion Dollar Babies: The True Story of the Cabbage Patch Kids. Here’s Jonathan with the story of the Cabbage Patch Kids and how they set the wheels in motion for modern-day Black Friday.

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The Inventor Extraordinaire Who Gave Us the Safety Pin Dec 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, some of Walter Hunt's inventions include a saw, a steamer, inkstands, the nail-making machine, a rifle, a revolver, bullets, bicycles, a shirt collar, a boot heel, and a ceiling-walking circus device....but his most successful invention was designed in just three hours to settle a $15 debt to one of the many draftsmen he tasked with drawing up his patents. Here’s Ashley Hlebinsky with the story.

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The Real Santa Dec 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener Roger Latham shares a story he wrote entitled "The Real Santa".

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How the NFL Went from Bush-League to Bigtime Dec 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, professional football began on the factory clock and bank loans, and the first teams were bought for hundreds of dollars. John Eisenberg, author of The League, tells how the pioneers of American sports culture, win or lose, went all-in to make American Football the best and most dramatic game it could be.

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A Family Lived in the New York Public Library? Dec 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, author Kristin O'Donnell Tubb tells the riveting story of the family that lived in the New York Public Library.

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Balloons Over Broadway: The American Visionary Who Created the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons Nov 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our next story is about the man who first invented these "upside-down puppets”—Tony Sarg. Here to tell the story is Deborah Sorensen, Curator of Exhibitions at the Nantucket Historical Association where their exhibition, “Tony Sarg: Genius at Play” is the first comprehensive exhibition exploring the life of Tony Sarg.

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The Great Thanksgiving Cranberry Scare of 1959 Nov 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, 400 million pounds of cranberries are consumed by Americans each year. Twenty percent of that is during the week of Thanksgiving. That's 80 million pounds! And 5,062,500 gallons of jellied cranberry sauce are consumed by Americans every holiday season. Here’s the History Guy to share the story of the Great Cranberry Scare of 1959.

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The Real Story of the First Thanksgiving Nov 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thanksgiving is the only American holiday that has remained relatively innocent—it’s not something we've been able to commercialize. But something is happening here more than feasting, family, and football. Robert Tracy McKenzie, professor of history at Wheaton College and author of The First Thanksgiving, tells the story of this quintessentially American holiday.

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The Woman Who Wrote "Mary Had A Little Lamb" Is the Godmother of Thanksgiving? Nov 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thanksgiving used to be one of many days—"If you planned your itinerary carefully, you could have a good Thanksgiving dinner every day between Election Day and Christmas Day." That all changed when a songwriter worked long and hard to crystallize American culture as distinct from that of Britain - including by a new official holiday in the midst of the Civil War.

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Remembering the Worst Naval Disaster in American History (The USS Indianapolis)—A Story Featured in the Movie "Jaws" Nov 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Shaw's "Quint" told the world about what happened to the USS Indianapolis in the hit movie "Jaws." The late Edgar Harrell, the last surviving Marine from the downed ship, tells the real-life story of that fateful day. It's a story you won't soon forget.

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“Black Harry” Hoosier: The Story Behind Indiana’s Namesake Nov 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, how did Indiana get its nickname “The Hoosier State?” And how did people from Indiana come to be called “Hoosiers?” Here to answer these questions and tell the story is Dr. Stephen Flick.

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They Call Her "The Stomach" Nov 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener, Lindsey Gallant, tells her story of the time she was challenged to an eating contest by a boy at her church.

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One Man's Mission to Find Work, Purpose, and Meaning for Millions Nov 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, before Bob Funk founded Express Employment Professionals, he wanted to be an actual minister, but his real calling in helping people find work (and hope) has likely had a much bigger impact—with over 800 franchises around the world. The purpose of the business? Connect workers to work.

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Balloons Over Broadway: The American Visionary Who Created the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons Nov 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our next story is about the man who first invented these "upside-down puppets”—Tony Sarg. Here to tell the story is Deborah Sorensen, Curator of Exhibitions at the Nantucket Historical Association where their exhibition, “Tony Sarg: Genius at Play” is the first comprehensive exhibition exploring the life of Tony Sarg.

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A Thanksgiving Evening with Refugees in Small Town Iowa Nov 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Iowa listener Joy Neal Kidney's church took in refugees from war torn Bosnia, her family took it upon themselves to provide one of the families in the group with their first American Thanksgiving.

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Pastor of the Pilgrims, John Robinson: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Nov 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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 who is the author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith.

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The Real Story of the First Thanksgiving Nov 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thanksgiving is the only American holiday that has actually remained relatively innocent—it’s not something that we have been able to commercialize. But there’s something going on here more than feasting, family, and football. Robert Tracy McKenzie is a professor of history at Wheaton College and is the author of The First Thanksgiving. He’s here to tell us the story of this quintessentially American holiday.

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Fannie Farmer: The Mother of Level Measurements Nov 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, cooking in the late 1800s was unpredictable, tiresome, and difficult. Recipes were passed down in families but often contained vague—if any—actual measurements. Fannie Farmer changed all that in 1896. We are joined by Ken Albala, professor of history and food studies at University of the Pacific in California.

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How a Master Chef Lost the Thanksgiving Turkey Nov 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, according to the National Turkey Federation, each year Americans gobble down on 46 million turkeys for Thanksgiving...but out of that number, how many have gone "missing"? "Master Chef" Steve Reed tells his story on the turkey that got away...at least for a little while.

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An Empty Nester Helps a Lonely Lost Senior in a Nursing Home Find His Purpose Nov 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this story comes to us from Paul (a.k.a. the "empty nester"), a listener from Minneapolis, MN

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Is Die Hard a Xmas Movie? The Story and the Definitive Answer! Nov 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to settle this question once and for all is Stephen Follows. Stephen is an established data researcher in the film industry and wrote the widely circulated answer to this hotly debated question on his website, StephenFollows.com.

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The Great Thanksgiving Cranberry Scare of 1959 Nov 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, 400 million pounds of cranberries are consumed by Americans each year. Twenty percent of that is during the week of Thanksgiving. That's 80 million pounds! And 5,062,500 gallons of jellied cranberry sauce are consumed by Americans every holiday season. Here’s the History Guy to share the story of the Great Cranberry Scare of 1959.

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A Cop Recalls the Wreck that Changed Him Nov 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells the story of the night he would never forget while working as a deputy for the Conejos County Sheriff's Department.

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The Man Who Rescued Over 10,000 Stranded Motorists Nov 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Weller, also known as 'The San Diego Highwayman,' shares the story of why he dedicated his time to helping people on the side of the road.

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A Father's Love: Capone's Lawyer "Easy" Eddie and WWII Ace "Butch" O'Hare Nov 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the unlikely story of redemption and bravery behind two Chicago legends: Al Capone's lawyer "Easy" Eddie and O'Hare Airport's namesake, WWII Ace pilot-hero, Butch O'Hare.

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The Bible: The Best-Selling Book of All Time Nov 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, let’s take a listen to The History Guy as he tells the history of the Bible.

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Auto CEO Guts His Private Jet And Flies Across the World to Deliver an Apology to Mercedes Nov 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, auto CEO Roger Penske ripped the seats out of his private jet to give Mercedes Benz a personal apology because of a business failure.

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Why Did This Pittsburgh Steelers Legend—Owner Art Rooney—Attend the Funeral of Someone He Didn’t Know? Nov 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim O'Brien describes Pittsburgh Steelers founding owner Art Rooney, Sr. as "the grandfather he needed." Rooney taught O'Brien the importance of always attending funerals, including the story of Rooney attending a funeral for a man he barely knew.

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Jesse James: The Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw Nov 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, after a century and a half, Jesse James remains one of the most iconic and romanticized figures in American history. Here to tell the story of America’s most notorious outlaw is Roger McGrath.

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Balloons Over Broadway: The American Visionary Who Created the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons Nov 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our next story is about the man who first invented these "upside-down puppets”—Tony Sarg. Here to tell the story is Deborah Sorensen, Curator of Exhibitions at the Nantucket Historical Association where their exhibition, “Tony Sarg: Genius at Play” is the first comprehensive exhibition exploring the life of Tony Sarg.

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Big Nose Kate, more than Doc Holliday's Woman Nov 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, she is remembered in history as Doc Holliday’s on-and-off girlfriend-turned wife. But Big Nose Kate was much more than that. Here's the History Guy with the story.

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The Penguin Who Wore Shoes Nov 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, an elderly penguin named Enrique lived at the St. Louis Zoo. After being diagnosed with arthritis in his feet, the zoo began trying to find ways to make him comfortable. Marija Elden, the Zoological Manager of Birds, shares Enrique’s journey to owning a pair of pretty cool kicks.

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The Story of America: The First Frontiersman President—Andrew Jackson Nov 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 22nd episode of our Story of America Series, Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story of the first President to appeal to the popular sensibilities of Americans in The West.

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A Family Remembers Their WWII Hero-Father—Who Survived The Deadliest March (Bataan) and the Worst Defeat in American History Nov 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Estel Myers joined the military after an argument with his father and found himself on the frontlines of the Phillipines—and captured by the Japanese. His children tell the story of the man they knew after the war...and why they consider him their hero.

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The Story Behind the Story of The Salem Witch Trials and The American Puritans Nov 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, historical truths often emerge with time. Early on, a hush descended over 1692-1693 Salem Witch Trials for generations. Then came playwright Arthur Miller, who made off with the story, or at least his version of it. Since 1953, The Crucible has become the culturally-accepted storyline that has come to define American Puritans and the city of Salem itself. Dr. Stephen Nichols is president of Reformation Bible College, chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries. He’s here to tell the story of the Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials.

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A Thanksgiving Evening With Refugees in Small Town Iowa Nov 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Iowa listener Joy Neal Kidney's church took in refugees from war torn Bosnia, her family took it upon themselves to provide one of the families in the group with their first American Thanksgiving.

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Pastor of the Pilgrims, John Robinson: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Nov 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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 who is the author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith.

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The Factory That Manufactures One Million Kazoos A Year Nov 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, from African musical craftsmanship to the American South - and to the sounds of every animal in Minecraft - the story of the Kazoo will amaze you. Sarah Barnwell from the Kazoobie Kazoo Factory shares the story behind the kazoo, one of the few American-made instruments.

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The Billionaire and Miami Dolphins Owner-Who Was Fired Twice and Decided He Was Unemployable Nov 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross tells the stories about the lessons in ethics that changed his life.

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Pat Boone: In A Metal Mood Nov 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our series with music legend Pat Boone goes off the rails into his Heavy Metal classics. It appeared to many, at first, that the Christian and American music stalwart was no longer straight-laced - though there were still laces. Lots of laces.

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How Nike Took a Bet on A College Basketball Player From North Carolina and Won Nov 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, no one knew for sure just how great Michael Jordan would be in the NBA. One underdog sneaker company - yes, Nike was an underdog then - took a bet on him. But the turning point came when they zeroed in on a fledgling director - Spike Lee. The rest is history.

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The Story of How One Jewish Soldier Survived the Battle of The Bulge... In The Most Extraordinary Way Possible Nov 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Milton Nadler probably accumulated more stories by the time he was 30 than most people do in a lifetime. Here's Milt telling his extraordinary story of fighting against Hitler's army as a Jewish man in an American uniform.

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The Best Lawyer in a One-Lawyer Town Nov 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk knows when to start a case on behalf of others... and has learned when to rest.

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The Story of America—The Death of Lincoln and the Rebirth of America Nov 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 32nd episode of our Story of America Series, Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story of how Lincoln's assassination derailed the rebirth of a more free and radically different nation—and explains why his successor wasn't up to the massive job at hand.

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He Went to Work at Ford for Lee Iacocca... and Got More Than He Bargained For Nov 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim Leuliette began his career at Ford Motor Company under the leadership of Lee Iacocca and Henry Ford II. He got more than he bargained for... and was thankful for it.

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The 1913 Storm Nov 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ric Mixter of Lake Fury tells the story of the historic 1913 storm on the Great Lakes

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Burt Young’s Story: The Man Who Played Paulie in Rocky Opens Up About His Family and His Craft Nov 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Burt Young is an immediately recognizable character actor whose half-muttered voice and flinty gaze made him the perfect fit for "Rocky" as Sylvester Stallone's ill-mannered brother-in-law, Paulie. Here’s Burt Young with his story.

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The Sleeping Sentinel Who Received the Death Penalty, But Was Saved By President Lincoln Nov 19, 2024

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.

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The Origins of America's Religious Liberty...Birthed in Queens, NYC? Nov 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Larry Reed tells the story of the Flushing Remonstrance, an all-important document that helped inform the 1st Amendment.

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Where Do Your Family Photos Go After a Tornado? Everywhere. Here's The Man Whose Mission is to Return Them. Nov 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, where would our photos go if our house were to be hit by a tornado? The answer is everywhere. But for Thad Beeler's neighbors, that question wasn't a hypothetical...it was grounded in harsh reality after the deadly May 2011 Joplin Tornado...and Thad decided to do something about it.

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Bob Munden: “The Fastest Gun Who Ever Lived” Nov 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, we’ve all heard of gunslingers “Wild” Bill Hickok, Doc Holliday, and Billy The Kid. These quick-draw legends had nothing on Bob Munden.

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Our American “Odyssey”: Stephen Ambrose on Lewis & Clark Nov 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose shares some stories from his #1 New York Times bestseller, Undaunted Courage.

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The Woman Who Wrote "Mary Had a Little Lamb" Is the Godmother of Thanksgiving? Nov 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thanksgiving used to be one of many days—"If you planned your itinerary carefully, you could have a good Thanksgiving dinner every day between Election Day and Christmas Day." That all changed when a songwriter worked long and hard to crystallize American culture as distinct from that of Britain - including by a new official holiday in the midst of the Civil War.

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I Lived Through The Depression And Didn't Even Know It Nov 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Donald Sturm tells his story of growing up during The Great Depression without knowing it because of the powerful influence of his parents...here's his remarkable story.

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“Propose a Toast” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 17) Nov 18, 2024

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.

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The Story of the Real—and Mostly Unknown—Author of the U.S. Constitution, Gouverneur Morris Nov 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story is about a Founding Father who wrote the most famous seven words in American history: “We the People of the United States.” Professor of political science at Syracuse, Dennis C. Rasmussen is also the author of The Constitution's Penman: Gouverneur Morris and the Creation of America's Basic Charter—he is also a Jack Miller Center Fellow.

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The Story of Putting the Customer In Charge Nov 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike with a story about how he learned to put his customers in charge.

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The Great Thanksgiving Cranberry Scare of 1959 Nov 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, 400 million pounds of cranberries are consumed by Americans each year. Twenty percent of that is during the week of Thanksgiving. That's 80 million pounds! And 5,062,500 gallons of jellied cranberry sauce are consumed by Americans every holiday season. Here’s the History Guy to share the story of the Great Cranberry Scare of 1959.

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The Irish Immigrant Whose Life Was So Large, NYPD Shut Down the City for Him Nov 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jimmy Neary was an Irish immigrant who boarded a ship to America in the 1950s and went on to open a namesake restaurant in Manhattan that has for more than a half century been a famed canteen in the heart of New York City. Here to tell his story is Jimmy’s daughter, Una.

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The Watchmaker's Secret Room: Corrie ten Boom, The Holocaust Rescuer Behind "The Hiding Place" Nov 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, all in all, it is estimated that around 800 Jews were saved by Corrie ten Boom and her family. Hear Corrie tell her story!

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The Story of How "Women and Children First" Came to Be Nov 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers the Birkenhead Disaster and explains where the protocol "women and children first" was first used.

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The Real Story of the First Thanksgiving Nov 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thanksgiving is the only American holiday that has actually remained relatively innocent—it’s not something that we have been able to commercialize. But there’s something going on here more than feasting, family, and football. Robert Tracy McKenzie is a professor of history at Wheaton College and is the author of The First Thanksgiving. He’s here to tell us the story of this quintessentially American holiday.

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How Patrick Henry Saved America from Its First Civil War Nov 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington led America's army to independence. He needed help to avoid leading it into our first civil war.

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The Story of a Mother Who Destroys the Perfect Mom Myth Nov 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, popular social media influencer and mother Tiffany Jenkins talks about her secret to being a mother.... (hint: it's not what you post on social media!)

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The Harvard Country Boys Who Shaped America Nov 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of how two country boys rose to the highest heights of Harvard Yard, yet their lives would have two dramatically different fates. Here to tell the story Andrew Porwancher. He is a professor at Arizona State University and is also a Jack Miller Center Fellow.

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"You're Getting Shot At"—The Story of My First Combat Mission in Afghanistan Nov 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Peter Braxton brings an eye-opening perspective on service to America in war-torn skies.

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Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians Nov 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, one of the most successful blackjack teams in America is made up entirely of Christians. Here to tell the story are two of the winningest players, Colin Jones, founder of BlackJackApprenticeship.com. And the player dubbed “the most notorious card counter in America,” David Drury.

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Surviving Hanoi: Larry Spencer's Story Nov 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Larry Spencer tells the story of being one of the first POWs of the Vietnam war and surviving until war's end in both "The Zoo" prison and in the infamous Hanoi Hilton.

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A Medal of Honor Recipient Through The Eyes of His Father Nov 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Monti drives his son Jared's truck, an act which inspired the hit country song "I Drive Your Truck" by Lee Brice...but the story is much more than that of a song. Here's the story of Jared Monti, a true hero who died in service of our country trying to save a fellow soldier in the mountains of Afghanistan.

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Karl Marlantes: Why I Chose to Go to Vietnam Nov 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the late 1960s, Karl Marlantes was presented with a choice. Serve in a war that he saw as unjust, desert to Algeria or Sweden, or stay at Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship and hide behind that privilege as his high school friends fought and died in the jungle of Vietnam. Marlantes chose to serve. But why?

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George Washington: America's First True Superhero Nov 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vince Benedetto delivers the awe-inspiring story of our first president.

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A Listener's Story About a Humble Local Hero -- Her Uncle Nov 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares her uncle, Donald Wilson's, war story.

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We're Holding Our Own: The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Nov 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, as big freighters go, she was bigger than most with a crew and captain well-seasoned...but on November 10th, 1975, she and her 29-man crew were sent to the bottom of Lake Superior. Ric Mixter of Lake Fury tells the story.

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Empathy is Not Optional: The Story of Mike Leven's Brutal Law Professor Nov 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike with a story about what he learned from an uncaring college law professor.

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How Wild West Sharpshooter Annie Oakley Made It in a Man’s World Nov 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Annie Oakley was a shooting star. In her personal life she was a sharpshooter as well. She was devoted to her marriage and to her faith. It’s no wonder that Annie Oakley inspired scores of books and movies and the Broadway musical Annie Get Your Gun.

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The Story of the Jews Who Fought in the Revolution Nov 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Adam Jortner, the author of A Promised Land: Jewish Patriots, the American Revolution, and the Birth of Religious Freedom, sits down with Lee Habeeb to discuss the vital role Jews played in the fight for religious freedom in the formative years of the United States.

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The Untold Story of Steve McQueen Nov 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, we are about to hear the untold story of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen told by a McQueen expert, Marshall Terrill. Steve McQueen died this day in history in 1980.

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Unmasking Black Bart: The Untold Story of the Gentleman Stagecoach Bandit Nov 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ralphie’s fantasy encounter with Black Bart in A Christmas Story leads one to believe that Black Bart was some desperado. In the 1870′s there was a dime novel that was loosely based on the true story. A Christmas Story author Jean Shepherd read this novel as a kid and included Ralphie’s reincarnation of Black Bart as a desperado. But Black Bart’s real story is far more fantastical than Ralphie’s imagination. Here to tell the story of America’s most successful and eccentric stagecoach robber is one of America’s greatest Old West storytellers, Roger McGrath.

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The First Martyr of the Abolition Movement: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Nov 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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, who is the author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith.

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How The Lincoln-Douglas Debates Over Slavery Shaped America And Made Lincoln a Star From New Orleans to New York Nov 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Douglas was the greatest debater of his day. Lincoln was an unknown trial lawyer from Illinois. Allen Guelzo tells the story of how the days-long debates between them would lead Lincoln to the Presidency and make America what it is today. Allen is the author of Lincoln and Douglas: The Debates that Defined America. A special thanks to the Bill of Rights Institute for allowing us to use this audio, originally part of their Scholar Talks series.

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The Football Team That Broke Baltimore's Heart Nov 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the team broke hearts and left its city under the cover of night in moving vans - but the memory of the Baltimore Colts, and legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas, burns bright in the hearts of its fans.

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"Big Bucks, No Whammies!": The Man Who Cracked the Code of "Press Your Luck" And Won $110,000 Nov 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Matt Parker, a comedian and mathematician from Australia, tells the story of the time Michael Larson surprisingly beat the game show, Press Your Luck, and gives a look into why computers can’t be random.

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The Gun Designed to End All Wars: Richard Gatling & His Gun Nov 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Gatling hoped that the tremendous power of his new Civil War weapon would discourage large-scale battles and show the folly of war. Here to tell the story is Ashley Hlebinsky.

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My Hitch In Hell—A Soldier Recounts the Bataan Death March In WWII Nov 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, after the fall of the Philippines, over 70,000 Americans and Filipinos were taken captive by Japanese forces on the Bataan Peninsula. The death rate of these POWs was well over 30 percent. By contrast, the allies' POWs endured a death rate of three percent. Here to tell his harrowing story of surviving Japanese military savagery is Dr. Lester Tenney, author of My Hitch In Hell. A special thanks to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans for allowing us to use this audio.

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The Story of the Pilot Who Fell from an SR-71 Blackbird—the Fastest Plane in History Nov 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1966, an SR-71 "Blackbird" disintegrated at 78,000 feet. The pilot's first thought was "No one could live through what just happened". Therefore, I must be dead."

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One Man's Case of Mistaken Identity and His Long Road to Justice Nov 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in this "Rule of Law" Story, James King and his lawyer Patrick Jaicomo from the Institute for Justice tell the story of an extreme case of mistaken identity that led them down a long road to achieve justice.

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The Remarkable Life of Abe's Son, Robert Todd Lincoln—Lost In His Father’s Shadow Nov 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers the 16th President’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Because of his father, Abraham Lincoln, Robert Todd's life has been largely forgotten—but it deserves to be remembered.

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Chuck Colson’s (Watergate’s “Evil Genius”) Fall From the Center of Power into Prison... and His Redemption Nov 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of Chuck Colson's Watergate fallout—told by Chuck himself, who served as Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon. This was the last interview Chuck Colson granted before passing at 80 years of age in 2012.

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The Story of Roosevelt’s D-Day Prayer—The World's Largest Mass Prayer Nov 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, on June 6, 1944, FDR delivered a prayer to the nation at 9:57PM ET. It would last 6 minutes long and be heard by over 100 million Americans—and millions more in Europe. Written with help from his daughter and his daughter's husband, it was the largest mass prayer in American (and world) history.

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America's WWII Pacific Theather Comeback: The Battle of Midway Nov 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Claire tells the story of the Battle of Midway, America's "make or break" moment in World War II.

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Stalin’s Daughter Became an American Citizen... and Wisconsin Cheesehead? Nov 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when 85-year-old Lana Peters passed away in 2011 from complications due to colon cancer, the nation seemed to have forgotten the woman who had become a sensation during the Cold War. The History Guy recalls the extraordinary life of the woman whose defection to the United States represented a seminal moment in history.

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How My Daughter's Schizophrenia Led Us to Open a Business Run by Special Needs Employees Nov 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Donna’s daughter, Cassie, was diagnosed with Chronic Paranoid Schizophrenia as a teenager, their daily jobs became more difficult. So they dropped everything and opened a resale shop.

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Her Career is a Tribute to Her Great Uncle, A D-Day Hero Nov 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Heather McPherson became the Curator of History at the South Carolina Military Museum. Hear her inspiring reason for her career.ReplyReply allForward

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The Man Who Spent $35M Fighting A $400k Fake Wine Fraud Nov 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, sometimes it's the principle of the thing. When you experience fraud, you can "wine" about it - or you can get the grapes of wrath involved.

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How An Ex-Slave and His White Abolitionist Sidekick Rescued Slaves, Taunted Slavers, and Gave The "Underground Railroad" Its Name Nov 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the story is Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist, Scott Shane. Shane is the author of "Flee North: A Forgotten Hero and the Fight for Freedom in Slavery’s Borderland."

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Caring For My Dying Husband Made Life Worth Living Nov 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tracy Grant, the former managing editor at the Washington Post, shares the story of why the days taking care of her dying husband were the best 7 months of her life.

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50 Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy—The Plow, Barbed Wire, and Google Search Nov 04, 2024

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.

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One of the Last Navajo Code Talkers Remembers WWII’s “Unbreakable Code” Nov 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, many Americans have heard of the famous Navajo Code Talkers who used their traditional language to transmit secret Allied messages in the Pacific Theater of combat during World War II. Our next story is told to us by one of these Marines. Peter MacDonald is the President at Navajo Code Talkers Association.

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Harlan Lebo: The Making of The Godfather Nov 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the director was a renegade filmmaker who'd never made a profitable picture. The producer was hired because he could stay below 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.

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The Missionary Who Returned with Her Toddler to the Cannibal Tribe That Killed Her Husband Nov 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Elisabeth Elliot was a missionary who returned to Ecuador with her toddler daughter to preach the Gospel to the Indian tribe that had killed her husband. Here's Elisabeth Elliot to tell us her story.

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Thomas Bennett: The Man Behind the Winchester Brand Nov 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Bennett was a master salesman and businessman who helped, along with John Moses Browning, create the iconic American firearms brand Winchester.

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How Horse Racing and the Triple Crown Brought a Father and Son Together Nov 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a former high-powered media executive shares the story of how the 37-year horse racing Triple Crown drought broken in 2015 brought back a flood of memories of Sundays at the track with his Dad.

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“Wild Bill" Donovan, America’s Top Spymaster Nov 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, “Wild Bill" Donovan was one of America’s most exciting and secretive generals—the man President Franklin Roosevelt made his top spy in World War II. “Wild” Bill was the director of the Office of Strategic Services (the country’s first national intelligence agency). He is known as the founding father of both the CIA and the military's Special Operations Forces—along with being credited as the father of psychological and cyber warfare. Here to tell the story is Douglas Waller. He is the author of the bestseller, Wild Bill Donovan: The Spymaster Who Created the OSS and Modern American Espionage.

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King Solomon: The Story of the Grave Digging Drunk-Turned Hero Nov 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, King Solomon was a gravedigger who may have saved the town of Lexington during the Cholera epidemic of 1833. Kentucky journalist Sam Terry tells the story of the man they called “King Solomon.”

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Did Lizzie Borden Get Away With Murder? Oct 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the brutal double-murder that happened in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1892 has long been considered an unsolved mystery. Cara Robertson, author of the The Trial Of Lizzie Borden, tells the story.

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Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed The World Oct 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the origin of this conflict flowed from a deceptively simple question—a riddle of sorts that a Catholic monk named Martin Luther wrestled with for years. The question he asked himself was this: Am I a good person? Here to tell the story is Eric Metaxas, bestselling author of Martin Luther.

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The Man in the Glass Coffin Oct 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin is in a glass coffin...but so is an American man along the shores of Lake Michigan. Chris Siriano tells this curious story about the coffin, the man inside of it, and the harebrained scheme to steal his diamond necklace.

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Halloween Haunted House History Oct 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Halloween expert Lisa Morton is going to be unpacking the history of the Halloween Haunted House, which is directly tied into today’s practice of Trick-or-Treating. Lisa is the author of Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween. By the turn of the 20th century, Halloween in America was nothing more than a day of pranking—kind of like April Fools' Day.

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The Secret History Inside of Cracker Barrel Oct 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, with its classic “old country” theme, Cracker Barrel has been an American favorite for many decades. But many people don’t know that the decor you find on the walls and throughout the stores are all authentic pieces of American history.

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An Air Force Pilot's Post-Retirement Career Dilemma: A Job at a Big Bank or the Pilot of Air Force 2 Oct 30, 2024

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. It was his first day on the job. Not long after that, he flew multiple combat tours in the Middle East and then retired from the Air Force. Here’s Peter with the story about the phone call he received shortly after his retirement: "Do You Still Have Your Uniform?

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The History of Our Favorite Horror Movies Oct 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, from Nosferatu and Dracula to Friday the 13th and Saw, Matt Castro brings us the full history of all your favorite horror films. Check out his YouTube channel for more.

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2x Oscar Nominee Volunteers for WWII at 37: The Story of Robert Montgomery Oct 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Montgomery was one of the first movie stars to volunteer for service in World War II and when Dwight D. Eisenhower ran for the Presidency in 1952, Montgomery was his television coach. When General Eisenhower became President, Montgomery stayed on in his role as television advisor to become the first show-business professional to occupy an office in the White House. Here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath.

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The Story of the One-Ton Pumpkin Oct 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2017, Rhode Islander Joe Jutras broke the record for the largest giant green squash ever grown- it came in at 2,118 lbs. Today Joe shares all that goes into growing these giant fruits.

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Halloween: The History of an American Holiday Oct 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, why do we participate in these strange celebrations every Halloween? Lesley Bannatyne is the author of Halloween: An American Holiday, An American History, and Lisa Morton is the author of Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween.

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The History of Our Favorite Horror Movies Oct 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, from Nosferatu and Dracula to Friday the 13th and Saw, Matt Castro brings us the full history of all your favorite horror films. Check out his YouTube channel for more.

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Paul Westhead on The Speed Game Oct 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Westhead, former coach of the L.A. Lakers, shares his life story with Lee.

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America Strikes Back: The Doolittle Raids and the Battle of the Coral Sea Oct 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Claire tells the story of America's first two responses to Pearl Harbor: The Doolittle Raids and the Battle of the Coral Sea.

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From Darkness to Light: The Story Of The Man Who Invented the Maglite Flashlight Oct 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, escaping the horrors of World War II in Croatia, Tony Maglica's flashlights are proudly made in America—and his dreams were too.

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The Story of Alexander Hamilton Oct 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, uncover the true story of Alexander Hamilton, a man of brilliance, contradictions, and enduring influence on American history. Here to tell the story is Ron Chernow, author of Alexander Hamilton.

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Last Men Out of Vietnam: Evacuating Saigon Oct 25, 2024

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.

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How My Short Term Mission Trip Changed Me Oct 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, regular contributor 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.

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Franklin: America's Lost State Created by Appalachian Mountain Men Oct 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, territorial ambition as old as the ages gave us the complicated history of North Carolina and Tennessee. In fairness, the grass and trees are remarkably green on both sides. Hear deep insight into what matters to people, and the lengths to which leaders have gone to effect their designs.

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Andrew Jackson—The President Who Shot Second (And Won) Oct 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, dueling was close to Andrew Jackson's heart. Here to tell us just how close is Keith Hardison, former director of Interpretation at The Hermitage in Nashville, TN - Jackson's home. Keith starts by explaining a code of honor that culminated from 1750 to 1850.

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A Black Cowboy is the Inspiration for the Lone Ranger? Oct 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Lone Ranger, with his cry of “Hi-Ho Silver!” has become an American institution ranking with Paul Bunyan in the realms of folklore and legend. The History Guy remembers Bass Reeves, John Reynolds Hughes, and forgotten history of the Wild West.

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The Native American Who Fought Alongside George Washington—Daniel Nimham Oct 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Native Americans of the inhabitants of Manhattan served with George Washington at Valley Forge, and many battles besides. Hear stories of family, and of historic valor. Here is Craig Du Mez, president of the Grateful Nation Project.

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John Deere—The Man Who Tamed America's Heartland Oct 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, has your neighbor ever had a crazy idea? John Deere did. Let's dig right into it.

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The Time 800 Irish-Americans Invaded Canada to Liberate Ireland Oct 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes from our regular contributor, Christopher Klein. Klein is the author of four books and is a frequent contributor to the History Channel. Here’s Christopher Klein with the story of when the American Irish invaded Canada.

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The Story of an Escaped Slave Who Hijacked a Confederate Ship and Sailed it to Freedom Oct 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s The History Guy with the story of Robert Smalls, an escaped slave-turned Civil War legend.

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King Solomon: The Story of the Grave Digging Drunk-Turned Hero Oct 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, King Solomon was a gravedigger who may have saved the town of Lexington during the Cholera epidemic of 1833. Kentucky journalist Sam Terry tells the story of the man they called “King Solomon.”

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The Story of America—Fredricksburg, Gettysburg, and Appomattox Oct 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in Our 31st episode of The Story of America Series, Professor Bill McClay conveys in mercifully short order the brutal fight, and the haunting pronouncements, of the American Civil War.

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The Story Behind America's Mascot—Uncle Sam Oct 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, America's mascot has always been specific, and always evolving. The common themes are provision and a call to serve.

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Ford v Ferrari II: The Making of the Ford GT Oct 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, s a part of its 100th anniversary celebration, Ford wanted a new supercar to showcase its heritage and future. Jon Elfner brings us this new Faerrari-slayer's story through the eyes of industry legends Neil Ressler, Scott Ahlman, and Mark McGowan.

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Willie Kennard: Colorado's First Black Lawman Oct 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells the story of Willie Kennard...Colorado's first black lawman.

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"In the Lap of the Gods" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Oct 23, 2024

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.

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Have Pool Cue, Will Travel Oct 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mark O'Brian tells the story of "St. Louie Louie"...one of the best pool players to ever grace the scene.

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The Night 2 H-Bombs Fell on North Carolina (Told By the Man Who Dismantled Them) Oct 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, on January 23, 1961, a B-52 bomber crashed in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Two H-bombs—each 250 times more powerful than the bombs dropped on Japan, fell to the ground. Earl Smith dismantled those bombs and he's here to tell us the story!

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The Antiwar Presidential Candidate—Who Was a Pilot-Hero in WWII Oct 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, historian Stephen Ambrose tells us the unlikely World War II story of George McGovern, the antiwar presidential candidate who was defeated by President Nixon in 1972.

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My Family Went From 2 to 10! Oct 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jaimie Scott tells the story about how through a simple DNA test he found countless family members he had no idea about in his hometown.

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The Sunday Night Dinners That Kept Our Family Close Oct 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story behind the story of Holiday Inn is all about family. Here's Kemmons Wilson, Jr.

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The Only Car Ever Made To Honor God Oct 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Barry Meguiar tells the compelling story of his rare 1901 Duryea car.

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The Man Who Wrote 'I'll Fly Away' Oct 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the granddaughters of Albert E. Brumley share the story of how their grandpa entered this world as the son of penniless sharecroppers and left it as the writer of the most recorded Gospel music song in history.

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The Loyal(ist) Son: The Story of Ben Franklin's Son Taking Britain's Side During the Revolutionary War Oct 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the war in Ben Franklin's home was not one a loving family could have ever expected.

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How a Hollywood Blockbuster Inspired America’s Most Famous Robbery and Shootout—in North Hollywood Oct 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, often, art imitates life; this time, life imitated art. Two of America's most famous actors (Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino in the movie Heat) inspired the most famous bank robbery in American history.

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From Rags to Riches: The Story of the Silver Rush Kings and the "Big Bonanza" Oct 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, straight out of a Horatio Alger novel, the Silver Kings (John Mackay, James Fair, William O'Brien, and James Flood) epitomized the rags-to-riches American dream story. Roger McGrath tells the story of the richest mineral discovery in American history - the Comstock Lode.

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Saving Monticello: One Family's Struggle to Make Sure History was Remembered Oct 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Jefferson’s impact on our country cannot be overstated. He fought for religious liberty, states rights, and the expansion and strengthening of America as an up-and-coming nation. His legacy is memorialized in many locations across the country, not the least of which is his own residence in Charlottesville, Virginia… Monticello.

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The Story of the American Japanese Who Fought Against the Japanese in WWII Oct 21, 2024

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 US Army division. General “Mook” is the author of Faith, Family & Flag: Memoirs of an Unlikely American Samurai Crusader. Here he is to tell the story of the Japanese who fought for the United States in WWII.

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Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Career Growth and Leadership Oct 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, you can delegate authority - yet responsibility remains with you, the leader. Hear lessons that make a difference from Former U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, author of Risks and Returns: Creating Success in Business and Life. His career flourished thanks to hard work, mentorship, and many other blessings worthy of study.
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Pathway to God: 2,000 Miles on the Appalachian Trail Oct 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Carter Momsen-Hudson from Hillsborough, North Carolina, started walking on the Appalachian Trail not knowing if he could actually finish the 2,000 mile trek. The encounters he had along the way spawned a spiritual journey that would take him to a place that he would have never imagined.

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The Bible Reading 200,000 Miles From Earth Oct 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the crew of Apollo 8 and Steve Kates tell the story of their Christmas time mission to the moon--and the reading of Genesis over its surface.

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The First Pilot At Ground Zero Recalls His First Jobs Oct 18, 2024

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. It was his first day on the job. Here’s Peter sharing some stories from a few of his first jobs including his first job after serving in the Air Force.

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Zero Victim: One Black Man's Story of Transformation Oct 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, author James Ward (Zero Victim: Overcoming Injustice With a New Attitude) describes the pivotal moment in third grade that transformed his life.

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Horse Jumping Was Dull -- So They Jumped Mules Oct 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, everyone knows that a horse can jump a good-sized fence - but the folks in Pea Ridge, Arkansas thought whether a mule could do it was much more interesting. Here's the story of how their unique competition started.

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Hollywood Goes to War: Merian Cooper, the Man Who Created "King Kong" Oct 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, from the time he was a boy, Merian C. Cooper wanted to be an adventurer, a wish that propelled him into journalism, the National Guard, military aviation, and two world wars. Amid these, he became a movie producer and writer, working on some cinematic classics, including King Kong in 1933. He even played one of the pilots in the film. Here again, to tell this "Hollywood Goes to War" story is Roger McGrath.

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Abercrombie & Fitch: The Story Behind the Story of an Iconic American Brand Oct 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Abercrombie and Fitch clothing apparel 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 whole 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 the co-Founder of the University of Wyoming College of Law’s Firearms Research Center.

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How VHS Beat Betamax Oct 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Bill “Engineer Guy” Hammack telling the story of how Betamax was defeated by the VHS tape.

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She Buried Over 60 Unclaimed People, Including Many Veterans Oct 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Lanae Strovers was given the job of figuring out what to do with unclaimed urns at the funeral home she worked at, she took it personally...but that would make sense for someone who got into the mortuary business for personal reasons. Give her story a listen!

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The Poverty of Fatherlessness: Blair Linne's Story Oct 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, like so many fatherless children, Blair Linne had a hole in her heart. She had a loving mom, but went from home to home to home (25 in all) in her search for stability and a family she could call her own. Here's her story of ending a generational curse.

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The Man in the Glass Coffin Oct 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin is in a glass coffin...but so is an American man along the shores of Lake Michigan. Chris Siriano tells this curious story about the coffin, the man inside of it, and the harebrained scheme to steal his diamond necklace.

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The Twin Brothers Who Brought America EMTs, 911 Dispatchers - and Saved Millions of Lives Oct 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of how identical twin brothers—a doctor and a lawyer—collaborated with scores of unsung heroes to modernize emergency medical services, help create the physician assistant profession, help write the model law for organ donation and develop other programs that save thousands of lives every year. Here’s Alfred and Blair Sadler with their story.

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The Story of How Texas Joined the United States Oct 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the second part of his Texas anthropology series is Monte Monroe, the official Texas State Historian. Today Monte shares with us how Texas joined the Union, and how the spirit of Texan "independence" became a thing.

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The Story of the One-Ton Pumpkin Oct 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2017, Rhode Islander Joe Jutras broke the record for the largest giant green squash ever grown- it came in at 2,118 lbs. Today Joe shares all that goes into growing these giant fruits.

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Halloween: The History of an American Holiday Oct 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, why do we participate in these strange celebrations every Halloween? Lesley Bannatyne is the author of Halloween: An American Holiday, An American History, and Lisa Morton is the author of Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween.

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Bob Munden: “The Fastest Gun Who Ever Lived” Oct 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, we’ve all heard of gunslingers “Wild” Bill Hickok, Doc Holliday, and Billy The Kid. These quick-draw legends had nothing on Bob Munden.

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James K. Polk: The Best President Americans Don't Know Oct 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, official Texas State Historian Monte Monroe, as well as Rachel Halversen and Anne Clare, tell the story of President James K. Polk, and why his one term in office managed to beat out most presidents who served two.

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How Faith, Family, and Hockey Saved a Man After Being Kidnapped and Thrown In a Syrian Prison Oct 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sam Goodwin had traveled to 180 countries, and Syria was to be number 181. Two hours into his adventurous visit there, a total transformation of his life began. His book is Saving Sam, and his website is https://www.samrgoodwin.com — Here's Sam with his story.

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Inside Fantasy Football: America's Favorite Non-Contact Sport Oct 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Peter Funt shares the enthralling growth of a billion-dollar business. Hear the journey from the early GOPPPL days to an integral part of the NFL marketing plan. Peter's book is Inside Fantasy Football: America's Favorite Non-Contact Sport

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Miles C. Collier: Cars Can Grab You by the Throat! Oct 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, going Ga-Ga for automobiles happened to Miles Collier as to so many - in an instant. Now Miles runs the world's best car museum, and wrote The Archaeological Automobile, a book about American material culture, the material remnants we leave behind as we travel through time.

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How Pat Boone Became Famous Oct 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, many know that Elvis grew up singing in his church choir - and he would lead the charts with hit songs through many years. Hear from another music legend, Pat Boone - who grew musically by leading a large church choir, a capella - and would top the charts for an even longer stretch than Elvis.

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Wayne Gretzky Memorializes His Father Oct 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Walter Gretzky died at the age of 82. His death prompted an avalanche of tributes for a genuine, approachable, authentic person who nurtured the unsurpassed hockey talents of his son, Wayne Gretzky, on the family's famed backyard rink in Brantford, Ontario. The 60-year-old NHL legend-turned-American citizen spoke shortly after laying his father to rest.

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Brett Favre on His Miraculous Monday Night Game after His Father Died (Pt. 3) Oct 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in part 3 of our 5-part series, we hear Favre get very personal about his miraculous Monday Night Football game immediately following his father’s passing.

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A Texas Boy vs. an Air Traffic Control Bully Oct 11, 2024

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.

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A Marine's Story About Finding Peace After the Loss of His Mentor Oct 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sgt. Joe L. Wrightsman was not only Lance Cpl. (Ret.) Tom Morton's mentor, he was a hero of the highest caliber who died trying to save an Afghani Police Officer from drowning in the Helmand River. Here's Tom to tell the story of the worst day of his life, and how he came to find peace after it.

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The Story of Pinball Oct 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, pinball is an iconic game. Jeremy Saucier of the Strong Museum of Play shares the surprising story--from pinball's origins in French parlor games, to its prohibition, to its emergence as the popular game that it is today.

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How a College Student Sued the National Government and Saved Grant's Tomb Oct 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the National Park Service in New York City was not taking measures to protect and preserve the tomb of General Ulysses S. Grant. Fortunately, Frank Scattoro had the initiative and the intensity to change that, against all obstacles.

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A Former German Soldier...Who Helped Build America's Arsenal of Democracy In WWII Oct 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Frohlich tells the story of his grandfather, a German-born immigrant who handled warhorses as a World War I conscript - and helped the United States win World War II.

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He Made Paper Airplanes His Full Time Job Oct 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, since John Collins was young, he has loved paper airplanes. This obsession helped him achieve the Guinness World Record for the farthest flight by a paper aircraft at 226 feet and 10 inches.

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Caring For My Dying Husband Made Life Worth Living Oct 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tracy Grant, the former managing editor at the Washington Post, shares the story of why the days taking care of her dying husband were the best 7 months of her life.

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"It's Me or The Guest": How Pat Boone Stood Up for Henry Belafonte and Challenged Apartheid Oct 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, hear the opportunities Pat Boone had to do something more important than his television show, and perhaps even his life - insisting, come what may, to not perpetuate bigotry.

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The Story of Sergeant York: The Religious Pacifist Who Became One of America’s Greatest War Heroes Oct 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sgt. Alvin York— the reluctant World War I infantryman who became an American legend—has stood as a symbol of courage and sacrifice for over a century. The Tennessee mountaineer whose religious convictions at first kept him from fighting became the recipient of the Medal of Honor and nearly 50 other decorations for single handedly capturing (132) or killing (28) an entire German machine‐gun battalion. Here to tell the story is JD Phillips, who runs the popular YouTube channel, The Appalachian Storyteller.

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The Fateful Night During WWII Cecil Wax Met God Oct 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Marilyn Jensen tells the harrowing story of when her father went on a supply run amidst a German bombing.

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The Great Chicago Fire—and the Even Greater Chicago Recovery Oct 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this largely lost story is rekindled by Chicago historian Tim Samuelson, the first cultural historian of Chicago.

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The Double Agent Spy Who Helped Win D-Day (w/ Stephen Ambrose) Oct 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, defeating the Nazi menace would take more than strength and tactics. It required the Allies giving them lots of completely accurate Allied secrets, for years. The late great Stephen Ambrose tells the story.

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A Doolittle Raider’s Story of War & Forgiveness Oct 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, two enemies: One led Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor; the other was an American Doolittle Raider who bombed Tokyo. Here to tell the story is Carol Aiko DeShazer Dixon—the daughter of Doolittle Raider Jacob DeShazer. She is the author of Return of the Raider: A Doolittle Raider’s Story of War & Forgiveness.

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"I Came Here Not To Talk, But To Die": The Story of Outlaw Cherokee Bill Oct 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Art Burton, the author of countless books on African Americans in the West, tells the story of one of the most feared outlaws in the Indian Territory.

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The Untold Story of a Civil War Cemetery Oct 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nancy Bro of the GAR Cemetery in Miami, Oklahoma shares the stories of the unique and colorful characters buried within it...including a rodeo star, veterans of the Union and Confederate armies, and a few British pilots.

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The “LA Speed Check”: A Story from a Pilot of the Fastest Plane in the World Oct 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Major Brian Shul with his legendary story known today as the “LA Speed Check.”

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The Life of Duke Ellington: An American Original Oct 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, some believe he was the most important composer of the 20th century, in or out of jazz. Terry Teachout, one of America's best culture writers and author of Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington, tells the story of the jazz legend, his music, his struggles, his triumphs and so much more.

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Three Stories Guaranteed to Make You Laugh About The King of Rock & Roll—From the Man Who Was There Oct 07, 2024

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 ‘50s. Here’s Greg with the stories.

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Halloween Haunted House History Oct 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Halloween expert Lisa Morton is going to be unpacking the history of the Halloween Haunted House, which is directly tied into today’s practice of Trick-or-Treating. Lisa is the author of Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween. By the turn of the 20th century, Halloween in America was nothing more than a day of pranking—kind of like April Fools' Day.

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The "Slap Shot" Story with Dave Hanson Oct 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the choice of three then-minor league hockey players to play the Hanson Brothers in "Slap Shot" starring Paul Newman was a casting hat-trick. When Dave "Killer" Hanson—was drafted for the movie, the Hanson brothers were born. This is his story.

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“Red Tape” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 19) Oct 07, 2024

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.

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A Father Wanted A Clean Hotel For His Family... So He Created Holiday Inn Oct 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kemmons Wilson Jr. tells the story of how his father (Kemmons Wilson) created a hotel chain that established the modern hotel industry.

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Triumph and Disaster: The Life of Rudyard Kipling Oct 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the life of the youngest-ever winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, Rudyard Kipling, was filled with tragedy. He survived a difficult childhood to go on to become one of the most celebrated authors of his day, penning such classics as "The Jungle Book" and "Just So Stories.” Here’s The History Guy with the story of Rudyard Kipling.

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“A Ph.D. Who Can Win A Bar Fight”—WWII’s Most Incredible Spy Was Also a Hollywood Heartthrob: The Story of Peter Ortiz (Hollywood Goes to War) Oct 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1944, Peter Ortiz parachuted into Nazi-occupied France, where the Gestapo offered a reward of half a million francs for his capture. The actor—who appeared in many classic John Ford Westerns was also a two-time recipient of the Navy Cross.

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Treating the Cause, Not the Symptoms: A Listener's Life-Changing Lifestyle Story Oct 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, "On the outside I looked pretty good, but inside, I felt like I was dying." Tim Hennessey was appalled at his late 30s experience and went to a doctor, and came home with a big decision to make.

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Curly (of "The Three Stooges") Was My Grandfather... But My Family Kept It a Secret from Me Oct 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brad Server grew up watching The Three Stooges on TV, not knowing he was related to one of the greatest comics of all time. Every day after school, Brad, his brother, and their friends would pile in front of the television to watch their idol, Jerome Howard, best known as “Curly.” Then, one day, the secret about their unknown grandfather was unveiled. Here’s Brad Server (aka “Curly G”) with the story.

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"If You Act Like a Lady, Men Will Always Treat You as One": Gold Rush Queen, Nellie Cashman Oct 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, relatively few women went with the initial stampedes to new mineral discoveries throughout the American frontiers. None went unescorted to so many remote, perilous places as Nellie Cashman—or until the age 80, as Nellie did.

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The Time I Nearly Died in Pilot Training Oct 03, 2024

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. It was his first day on the job. Here’s one harrowing story from Peter's Air Force pilot training.

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Legendary Founder of The Ritz Carlton: My Employees Are My Closest Neighbor Oct 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze has 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. Horst is a Christian who lives out his faith in both his business and personal life.

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California Softens Criminality—Skid Row Police Officer Deon Responds with "Ladies Night" Oct 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph shares this vivid story about how he helped the ladies who lived on LA's notorious Skid Row.

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Bruce Wang, All-American: The Chinese Cowboy With A Southern Accent Oct 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bruce may be Chinese-born, but as you are about to hear, he’s all American.

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A One Man (Abridged) History of the Big Apple Oct 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you’re curious enough, the familiar can become fascinating. Bill Bryk briefly recounts how New York City became the city it is today, as well as his love for its past.

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The Only Woman to be Awarded the Medal of Honor Oct 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the History Guy remembers a truly extraordinary Civil War heroine, Mary Edwards Walker. She was the only woman in U.S. history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

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How American History Created the American Superhero Oct 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeffery Johnson, author of Super-History: Comic Book Superheroes and American Society, tells the story of how the events that shaped America over the course of the 20th century intersected with comic books.

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“Wild Bill" Donovan, America’s Top Spymaster Oct 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, “Wild Bill" Donovan was one of America’s most exciting and secretive generals—the man President Franklin Roosevelt made his top spy in World War II. “Wild” Bill was the director of the Office of Strategic Services (the country’s first national intelligence agency). He is known as the founding father of both the CIA and the military's Special Operations Forces—along with being credited as the father of psychological and cyber warfare. Here to tell the story is Douglas Waller. He is the author of the bestseller, Wild Bill Donovan: The Spymaster Who Created the OSS and Modern American Espionage.

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John Eliot, The Apostle to the Indians (100 Bible Verses that Changed America) Oct 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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The Story of the Brooklyn Bridge—The 8th Wonder of the World Oct 01, 2024

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.” The connection it provided between the massive population centers of Brooklyn and Manhattan changed the course of New York City forever. Here's the History Guy with the story.

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"Bring Home the Bacon" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 5) Oct 01, 2024

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.

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Weapons of WWII with Stephen Ambrose: Bombers and Fighters Oct 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose was one of America’s leading biographers and historians. Ambrose passed away in 2002 but his epic storytelling accounts can now be heard here at Our American Stories thanks to those who run his estate. Our next story is the story of weapons used in WWII.

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The Story of How One Bad Employee Harmed a Bank's Reputation (Told by the Ritz-Carlton Founder) Oct 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ritz-Carlton founder Horst Schulze reshaped how service and hospitality are defined in business. He tells a short story about how great service wins - excellence wins - and bad service kills businesses.

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Lincoln's Perilous 13-Day Train Ride to DC--For His First Inaugural Sep 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ted Widmer sits down with Lee Habeeb to discuss his book, Lincoln on the Verge: 13 Days to Washington.

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The Little Boy Who Saved His Family Sep 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kathy Cooley shares the story of how her late son, Christopher, led his family to faith and founding their organization: The Christopher Foundation.

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The Time a County Seceded From a State: The Story of McDonald County, Missouri Sep 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1961, McDonald County, Missouri found a unique way to show their dissatisfaction with their state government. Dwight Pouge, who saw it all from the ground, tells the story.

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A Daughter Discovers Her Long Passed Father Through His War Letters Sep 27, 2024

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.

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Nellie Bly's Record-Breaking Trip Around the World Sep 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nellie Bly was a writer, industrialist, inventor, and a charity worker who was widely known for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days in 1890.

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Butch Cassidy: The Man Who Brought Organization to Unorganized Crime in the West Sep 26, 2024

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 organization to a world of unorganized crime. Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath.

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Adolph Coors: The German Immigrant Who Brought Us Banquet Beer Sep 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Coors Banquet is really good...no, really good, and its story began with a German immigrant living in a Colorado mining town. Pete Coors tells the story.

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The Man Who Milks Snakes for a Living Sep 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, at the age of 6, Nathaniel Frank became intrigued with reptiles and dreamt of working with them one day. Today, Nathaniel is the CEO of MToxins Venom Lab. MToxins produces high volumes of snake and scorpion venom for the production of antivenom, which saves lives.

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When America Tried to Deport Its Radicals: The Story of the Palmer Raids Sep 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Larry Reed tells the story of one of the worst violations of the rule of law in our nation's history.

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Weapons of WWII With Stephen Ambrose: Poison Gas and Transportation Sep 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose was one of America’s leading biographers and historians. Ambrose passed away in 2002 but his epic storytelling accounts can now be heard here at Our American Stories thanks to those who run his estate. Our next story is the story of weapons used in WWII.

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"Wild Goose Chase" & "Wrong End of The Stick" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 25) Sep 26, 2024

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.

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Brett Favre’s Tribute to His Father Sep 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brett Favre, during his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech in 2016, takes us back to the day after his dad, Irvin, died in December, 2003—a day the Green Bay quarterback threw for 399 yards and four touchdowns in an unforgettable win over the Oakland Raiders.

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"White Elephant" & "Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 24) Sep 26, 2024

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.

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The Story of The First Man To Die In an Airplane Crash Sep 25, 2024

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 machine as one of the world's first test pilots. Craig Du Mez of The Grateful Nation Project tells the story.

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The LLC, Concrete, and the Index Fund: Fifty Things That Shaped the Modern Economy Sep 25, 2024

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.

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Valerie Habeeb's Story: From Sexual Abuse to Salvation Sep 25, 2024

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.

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Sgt. Stubby: The Most Decorated War Dog of WWI Sep 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeremy Swick of the College Football Hall of Fame recounts the remarkable story of the street dog turned soldier turned mascot.

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Ches McCartney: The Goatman of Appalachia Sep 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, JD Phillips tells the story of Ches McCartney, the man who traversed the United States in a ramshackle wagon drawn by a herd of Goats. His mission was to travel the country, spread the word of God, and have a few adventures (and misadventures) along the way.

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Weapons of World War II with Stephen Ambrose: Shermans, Tigers, and Panthers Sep 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, tank strategists involved with winning World War I favored a supporting role for tanks. In the 1930s, the losers were about to get aggressively creative. Hear from Stephen Ambrose about the "Queen of the Battlefield," and the realities of war and victory.

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Going Postal: How The USPS Came to Be Sep 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the United States Postal Service was established in 1792. It’s hard to believe that a service that was created over two centuries ago is still used by everyone every day. But what’s even more shocking is that there was actually a lot of debate about whether there should even be a federal post office in the first place… Here’s Daniel Piazza of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum with the story.

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Being Imprisoned with Leprosy Patients Changed His Life Sep 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, for much of his early life, success and status were the driving factors of Neil White's life. This mindset led him to being imprisoned for a white-collar crime in Carville, Louisiana. But this wasn't any normal prison...

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One of the Great Men of American Business Started Out as a… Paperboy Sep 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jerre Stead, who's been the CEO of 10 publicly traded companies and has served on 37 corporate boards, shares with us how his lofty business career began at the age of 9, delivering newspapers in the early morning hours in Iowa.

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My Life Changing Encounter With a Real Life WWII Hero Sep 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jay Moore tells us an emotional story of meeting a real life World War II hero before going to see Saving Private Ryan for a second time in theaters.

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The Untold Stories of Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax" and "The Grinch" Sep 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Seuss was raised as a Lutheran and had a strong religious background. His books often included strong moral messages… but, he was always very careful with how he went about it. Here to share a bit about Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax” and “The Grinch” is Brian Jay Jones, author of Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination.

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The Story of Cabbage Patch Kids and the 1983 Retail Riots Sep 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jonathan Alexandratos is a toy historian whose knowledge was featured in the film, Billion Dollar Babies: The True Story of the Cabbage Patch Kids. Here’s Jonathan with the story of the Cabbage Patch Kids and how they set the wheels in motion for modern-day Black Friday.

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The 1926 Race to the South Pole Sep 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers when explorers raced to go where no one had gone before, Amundsen, Byrd, and the future of aviation.

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A Son Discovers His Deceased Mother's Hidden Talent Sep 23, 2024

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.

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The Story of Brain Surgery Sep 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Theodore Schwartz is an attending neurological surgeon and professor of neurological surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine in NYC, one of the busiest and highest ranked neurosurgery centers in the world. His book, "Gray Matters: A Biography of Brain Surgery" is part memoir and part medical history and tells a compelling story of the life of a neurosurgeon, alongside a compelling history of brain surgery itself.

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The Story Behind FDR's Day of Infamy Speech Sep 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, FDR's speechwriting team wasn't in Washington. Roosevelt, with the help of a few aides, penned the most important speech of his presidency, and one of the most important speeches in American history.

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The Inventor of the Machine Gun Became Deaf—So His Son Invented the Silencer Sep 20, 2024

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.

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The Titanic’s Last Hero Sep 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lowell Lytle has been one of the privileged few who has 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 is 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.

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The Heiress of "America's Billionaire King" Who Joined Her Terrorist-Abductors: The Story of Patty Hearst Sep 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1974, Patricia Hearst—heiress of the William Randolph Hearst newspaper empire—was abducted by an American far-left militant organization… but she eventually joined their cause.

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Winston Churchill on Education and What It Means for All of Us Sep 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College and a Churchill scholar, tells the story of Winston Churchill on Education.

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The WWII Story of a Black Man Who Rescued White Sailors by Swimming 6 Hours in Shark-Infested Waters Sep 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bruce Wigo—the former CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame—is here to share a story of an unknown American WWII hero.

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The Marine-Turned Saturday Morning Cartoonist: "My Calling from God is to be an Animator" Sep 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, after a career in the Marines, Mike Joens worked for some of the most successful animation studios (Hanna Barbera and Marvel Productions). He left Marvel to produce and direct “McGee and Me" and animated “Adventures in Odyssey.” Finally, after 30 years, “Theo Presents” was released. Mike tells his story.

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The Story of One of the Most Decorated Veterans of All Time: The Col. David Hackworth Story Sep 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, most know the now 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!

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How One Black Woman Led in the Redemption of "The Most Dangerous Racist In America": The Story of George Wallace and Shirley Chisholm Sep 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a tragic event brought a racist (Wallace) and a radical (Chisholm) together and forged an unlikely alliance.

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Before Kevin Costner's "Yellowstone" was Richard King's "King Ranch" Sep 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of Richard King and his "King Ranch" has much to tell us about America. Here is the pulse of the national epic of cattle and cowboys, ranchers and horses, a vast fortune created out of the oldest source of wealth there is, land and cattle. Roger McGrath brings us the story along with William Yancey from Texas A&M University, Kingsville.

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"Apple of Your Eye" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 2) Sep 19, 2024

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.

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The Constitution's First Test—Washington's First Term: The Story of America [Ep. 14] Sep 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the new Constitution was an experiment—a unplayed sheet of music— and we wouldn't know what it would look like in actuality until people picked up their instruments. Here to tell the story of the first real test is Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope.

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David McCullough: The Founding Fathers Were Not Like Us? Sep 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, renowned historian David McCullough answers the question - about a most extraordinary group of men at a most extraordinary time in world history.

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Dr. Larry Arnn Explains the Constitution and Declaration in Six Minutes Sep 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here is Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, with your daily briefing on the foundational claims - and the founding stakes - of the American system of government.

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How the Constitution Came to Be: The Story of America [Ep. 12] Sep 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories,The Constitution didn't just become the law of the land overnight—it took some convincing. Here to tell the story of the work that most influenced the Founders - The Federalist Papers - is Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope.

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Justice Scalia on Why The Constitution is Unique Sep 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a bill of rights depends on a government that actually manifests restraint. Otherwise, Justice Scalia suggests, it is just a bill of goods.

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The Man Who Led America's "Miracle on Ice": The 1980 US Men's Olympic Hockey Team Sep 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Eruzione recounts the unlikely circumstances that led to his amazing career on ice, the legendary upset against the Soviets, his game-winning goal, and winning the gold medal.

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Weapons of WWII with Stephen Ambrose: Barbed Wire, Mines, Guns, and Artillery Sep 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose was one of America’s leading biographers and historians. Ambrose passed in 2002, but his epic storytelling accounts can now be heard here at Our American Stories thanks to those who run his estate. Our next story is the story of weapons used in WWII.

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One of America's Great Business Leaders Tells The Story of Why Bureaucracy Size Matters Sep 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike Leven with the story: The bigger the bureaucracy, the smaller the customer.

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The Civil War's Moses Moment at Providence Spring—100 Bible Verses That Changed America Sep 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Union Soldiers at Andersonville Prison were near starvation, and dehydration, when prayer saved thousands of lives. If you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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Jedediah Smith: The Mountain Man Who Opened the American West Sep 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, just decades following the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, trailblazers called “mountain men” headed west. These adventurers gave rise to new American heroes… and new enemies. Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath.

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The Story of America—Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation Sep 16, 2024

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.

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A Listener's Story About His Uncle Bud's Last Days Sep 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener and regular contributor Brent Timmons tells the story of spending time with his Uncle Bud in the final days of his life.

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The Story of the 1st Black Woman to Join the U.S. Coast Guard Sep 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Olivia Hooker tells the story of how and why she joined the U.S. Coast Guard.

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The Story of Air Conditioning, the Barcode, and the Elevator Brake! Sep 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim Harford, an economist and best selling author of Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy, tells the story of these three underappreciated inventions in history.

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The American Chocolatier: Milton Hershey's Story Sep 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, an American candy store in 1900 looked very different than it does today. Candy was a special treat sold almost exclusively in candy stores. Even though there were plenty of sweets to choose from, Milton Hershey knew one thing was missing: chocolate—a rarity outside of Europe. Here to tell the story is Don Papson, President and Executive Director at The M.S. Hershey Foundation, and Amy Zeigler, Sr. Director of The Hershey Story Museum.

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Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon Sep 13, 2024

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 the way he lived. Pastor Greg Laurie is here to tell the story from his recent book/documentary, Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon. Cash died on September 12th, 2003.

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The Cold War On TV: Anti-Communist Crusader Senator Joseph McCarthy vs. CBS Reporter Edward R. Murrow Sep 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kirk Higgins, the Senior Director of Content at the Bill of Rights Institute, tells the story of the prime time showdown between anti-communist senator Joseph McCarthy and CBS reporter Edward R. Murrow.

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The Story of How a Dog Walked a Couple Through Their Infertility Struggle Sep 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Rusiniak shares the story about his four legged family member that helped him and his wife through their struggle with infertility.

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The Story of the Capture of California's Serial Killer—the "Original Nightstalker"—Told by the Man Who Arrested Him Sep 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, one thing that cannot be downplayed is the emotion Sergeant Bob Alaniz carries to this day knowing that the morning he fingerprinted Richard Ramirez’s hands, he was holding the hands of a serial killer. Here's Bob to tell the story, along with regular contributor Ashley Hlebinsky.

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How an Iowa Waitress Became an Officer's Wife in Texas Sep 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener, Joy Neal Kidney, shares her mother's story about how she became the wife of an officer during World War II.

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The Unlikely Relationship Between Two of NYC's Finest Sep 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, 9/11 firefighter Niels Jorgensen and billionaire David Koch, and the tragedies that brought them together.

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What I Learned About Faith and Friendship After 9/11 Sep 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener Jocelyn Green tells the story of what she learned about faith and friendship after coming in contact with the devastation at the Pentagon—not far from her home.

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Calling All Boats: How FDNY Fireboats Helped During 9/11 Sep 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, on September 11th, 2001, more people were evacuated from Lower Manhattan than Dunkirk on FDNY fireboats, tugboats, and pleasure boats. Here's the story of that remarkable response.

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The CEO of The Company That Lost More Lives Than Any Other—658, Including His Brother—Remembers 9/11 Sep 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, tells the story of the company's worst tragedy..and their remarkable response after.

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They Will Be Remembered: A Letter For All Those Who Served Sep 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, President Ronald Reagan's Chief Speechwriter and Pulitzer Prize Winning journalist Tony Dolan pays tribute to America's fallen soldiers.

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9/11 As The News Reported It Sep 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the crew at Our American Stories assembled a vast array of news reports of 9/11 as it unfolded. Here are those accounts.

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How the Football Rivalry Between Michigan and Ohio State Began Sep 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio actually dates back to before the days of football. Tedd Long, curator and founder of Holy Toledo History, tells the story of how war broke out between Michigan and Ohio over a small mapping error.

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Down Cemetery Row Sep 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener Bill Bryk gives us a tour of his local cemetery in Antrim, New Hampshire—and paints a picture of people buried there, and their lives well lived.

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The Goo Goo Cluster: Nashville's "Official" Candy? Sep 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, it's a family story, a business story, and a regional story; It's the story of how the Goo Goo cluster became the official candy of Nashville!

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Paul Revere's Ride Sep 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in this dramatic reading, American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized Old North Church and Paul Revere in American folklore and cemented their place in American history.

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The 1st Air Force Pilot at Ground Zero—and the Last to Know What Happened Sep 11, 2024

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. It was his first day on the job. Peter’s here to tell his story.

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A Museum Dedicated to Bad Art? Sep 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Museum of Bad Art is one of a kind...here to tell the story is one of its founding members.

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"Tie the Knot" & "Black Balled" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 23) Sep 11, 2024

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

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Danny Wilson—The Soldier Who Was Buried Three Times Sep 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, A favorite listener of the show from Des Moines, Joy Neal Kidney, tells the story of why her uncle, Danny Wilson, was buried three times.

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Wandering Worker: The American Hobo Sep 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the term "hobo" is often confused with "homeless" or "beggar", but the truth is, wandering through life was what they preferred. Connecticut Shorty of The Hobo Museum shares the story of the American hobo and how they are still celebrated today.

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"Take the Cake" & "The 3rd Degree" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 22) Sep 10, 2024

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.

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The Queen of the Mountain Moonshiners: The Story of Maggie Bailey Sep 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, she started selling moonshine at 17, and spent the rest of her very long life (she lived to 101) perfecting her business model and putting several local kids through college. She was so popular local juries wouldn't convict her! J.D. Phillips, the Appalachian Storyteller, tells the story of Maggie Bailey.

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A Thread Across the Ocean: The Story of the Transatlantic Cable Sep 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, miles and miles of wire placed on ships and thrown into the ocean connected the world like never before and would help determine the outcomes of World Wars and beyond. John Steele Gordan tells the story of how the Transatlantic Cable came to be.

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James Madison: Founding Father and Lawgiver Sep 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, President of Hillsdale College, Dr. Larry Arnn, tells the story of our fourth president, James Madison.

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The Story of Bing Crosby and David Bowie's "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth" Sep 09, 2024

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 make one of the most cherished Christmas songs of all time. But it almost didn't happen.

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How the Tow Truck Came to Be Sep 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, commitment to serve others better is a hallmark of American life. Add a sensible new design, honest pricing, and the never ending journey of mechanical engineering - and we now have another key player in the forces behind public safety.

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The Gettysburg Soldier Who Received The Medal of Honor 151 Years After His Death Sep 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here's the story of Alanzo Cushing as told by those who fought to have him recognized long after he fell at Gettysburg.

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Were the Irish the First Slaves in America? Sep 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, slavery is one of the oldest profit-making endeavors, and the Irish were a special target for a thousand years. Colin D. Heaton, a military veteran and a host of the YouTube channel, "Forgotten History," tells us the story.

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"On The Wagon" & "Once In A Blue Moon" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 16) Sep 09, 2024

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.

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Brett Favre on Humility, Aging, and Faith (Pt. 4 of 5) Sep 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler sat down with Brett Favre in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home where Brett shared stories about humility, aging, and faith, in this fourth part of his five part series.

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A 12-Year-Old Girl's Eight-Hour Car Chase to Get Elvis' Photo at a Gas Station Sep 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a listener from Colorado tells her remarkable Elvis story about the time she met the King not once but twice in an 8 hour period!

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How a UCLA Student in the 70s Saved the Marx Brothers Sep 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve Stoliar grew up as the ultimate Marx Brothers fan. Little did he know that he would lead the charge to save one of their long-lost movies.

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The Story of Secretariat’s Owner, Penny Chenery (As Told by the Director of “Secretariat,” Randall Wallace) Sep 06, 2024

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. Here he is to share a story about Penny Chenery, owner of the 1973 Triple Crown winner—a Thoroughbred named Secretariat.

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The First Martyr of the Abolition Movement: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Sep 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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, who is the author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith.

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Prohibition: Smashing Saloons and Breaking Barriers Sep 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, while in modern times, we often view prohibition as a failure and even a misstep by fanatics, it’s far more complex than that. Travis Spangenburg, Creative and Production Manager for the American Prohibition Museum in Savannah, GA tells the story of this complex time in America’s past.

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America Had A President Before George Washington? Sep 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington was not our first President? Here’s Christopher Klein with the story.

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What I Learned From A Dying Patient Sep 06, 2024

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.

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What Happened to Saturday Morning Cartoons? Sep 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mark McCray is the author of The Best Saturdays of Our Lives. Here he is to tell us the story of Saturday morning cartoons... and answer the all-important question: what happened to them?

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Snowflake Bentley Sep 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Jerry Bergman tells the story of a teenage boy who became interested in snow. On January 15, 1885, at 20 years of age, he became the first person in the world to photograph a snowflake.

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Moral Injury: the Invisible Epidemic Affecting American Veterans Sep 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Major General "Mook" Mukoyama volunteered and served in Korea and Vietnam. In 1986, he became the youngest General in the Army at that time. Soon after he was promoted to Major General, commanding the 70th Training Division during Desert Storm. Retired now, he spends his time serving our Veterans

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Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, and the Summer of ‘41 (by George Will) Sep 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Will tells the story of Ted Williams. He also tells the story of a San Francisco fisherman, Joe DiMaggio, his “Streak” of a hit in 56 consecutive games, and his steely determination.

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Left for Dead: A Soldier's Second Life After Vietnam Sep 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in Vietnam, the armored personnel carrier Jon Hovde was driving hit an anti-tank mine. The 20-year-old soldier made three promises to God if He would let him live. Linda from Jon’s hometown of Fertile, MN, is here to tell the story.

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Indians, a Jew, and a Hotel Partnership Sep 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp... one of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike telling the story about how he—a Jew—started the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.

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The USS Lexington: The Oldest Working Carrier in the Navy Sep 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor, Anne Clare, tells the story of a unique aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington.

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The World's First Action Figure Museum Sep 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em - you've just got to love them. Here is a story of a unique American dream - and unexpected healing.

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A Teen Remembers Her Hero Father Killed In The Line of Duty Sep 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Shelby Houston, 18, delivered a sermon for her father—Richard Houston, a 21-year TX cop—killed in the line of duty.

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The Improbable Story of How the Wright Brothers Changed World History Sep 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, much was at stake in this first race to space. Nations and top scientists across the globe pursued the elusive goal of powered flight, but two bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio - brothers with their own scant resources - made it happen. This is their story.

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Abigail Adams and Her 7-Year-Old Son John Quincy Witnessed First-hand The Battle of Bunker Hill: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Sep 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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Café du Monde Sep 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, travel to New Orleans to hear the rich story of a world-famous coffee and beignets destination.

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To Mow or Not to Mow: The History of Lawn Care Sep 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy tells the story of how lawn care came to be.

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The Woman Who Snuck Into George Washington's Army Sep 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Deborah Sampson became a hero of the American Revolution when she disguised herself as a man and joined the Patriot forces. Here to tell her story is the author of Deborah Sampson: The Girl Who Went to War.

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A Surprise Gift From a Late Wife to Her Widowed Husband Sep 04, 2024

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 it was her voice that 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.

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A Grave Escape Sep 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, as if spending the night in a funeral parlor wasn't scary enough! Tom Ryan brings us a chilling tale from the family funeral parlor.

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Brett Favre (Pt. 5 of 5): Playing in Green Bay, Rehab, and the Shocking Thing That Happened to Him Twice—Which Nobody Ever Knew! Sep 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler sat down with Brett in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home for this part 5 of our 5-part series.

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The Day a Soviet Nuclear Attack Submarine Rammed an American Aircraft Carrier Sep 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1984, during a period of Cold War tension, a Soviet submarine collided with a United States aircraft carrier. Here’s The History Guy with the story of the USS Kitty Hawk collision.

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A Listener Recounts Spotting Satellites In The Sky With His Father in The Mountains of New Mexico Sep 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells the story of his first time seeing a satellite in the sky during a trip into the mountains of New Mexico.

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A Museum Dedicated to Southern Jewish Heritage Sep 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a visitor to this museum today would never guess that it began with a single closet of donated records - truly growing from the ground floor! Longtime archivist Sandy Berman and Founding Executive Director Jane Leevi tell the story of their museum.

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The Unlikely Story of How "Georgia on My Mind" Came To Be Sep 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lee Habeeb tells the story of how "Georgia on My Mind" came to be, and how it became a song the world would come to know and love.

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Robert Redford's "Jeremiah Johnson”: The Real Story of a Hollywood Mountain Man Sep 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the lore and legend of the American Mountain Man is a story that seems to only grow with time. In 2015, Leonardo DiCaprio played the legendary Mountain Man, Hugh Glass in The Revenant. And in 1972, Robert Redford starred as the title character in Jeremiah Johnson. And like Hugh Glass, Johnson too was a real-life fur trapper. Here to separate fact from fiction is Ashley Hlebinsky.

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“Nest Egg” & "No Dice" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 15) Sep 03, 2024

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.

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How A Losing Football Team Brought a Family Together Sep 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nancy Ball shares a story she wrote, “Being an Ole Miss Fan Is, in and of Itself, a Lesson in Humility.”

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Hollywood Goes To War: Henry Fonda Sep 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another one of Roger McGrath’s “Hollywood Goes To War” stories. Here’s the story of Henry Fonda.

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Paychex Founder: No One Was Serving Small Businesses... So I Did! Sep 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Golisano and his team serve over 680,000 businesses with payroll, HR, and benefits support.

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Beauty in Brokenness: A Couple that Rebuilt their Marriage... and Now Dilapidated Cities Sep 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, meet John and Ashely Marsh. Amidst addiction, infidelity, divorce, pending bankruptcy, and suicidal thoughts, John and Ashely miraculously healed their relationship together and now restore dilapidated cities.

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Her Mother Always Told Her She Was Strong... But Strength Isn't Always Enough Sep 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Edie Hand was always told by her mother that she was strong... but strength isn't always enough.

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Ruger Firearms: The Story of a Great American Company Aug 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ruger is the biggest 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.

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Reconnecting With My Absent Father Who Was Presumed Dead Aug 30, 2024

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 on in life.

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The Story of a Miracle from the Man who Brought Us the World's Hottest Pepper Aug 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, “Smokin” Ed Currie is an American chili pepper breeder who is the founder and president of the PuckerButt Pepper Company. He is best known for breeding the hottest chili pepper in the world, the Carolina Reaper and now Pepper X, as recognized by Guinness World Records. A former addict, Ed is now a man with a strong faith. Here’s Ed sharing a story involving him and his wife.

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The South Vietnamese Pilot Who Stole a Plane to Save His Family Aug 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Major Buang-Ly worked as a pilot with the United States military during the Vietnam War. When the US began evacuating, he knew he had to get his family out. Historian Hill Goodspeed from the Naval Aviation Museum brings us this amazing story of a father doing whatever he could to save his family.

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A Brief History of Toilet Paper Aug 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, everything you've ever wanted to know, and more, about toilet paper. Here's The History Guy with the story.

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Accordionist Nancy 3 Hoffman—Yes, That's Her Middle Name—Tells the Story of Her....Umbrella Cover Museum Aug 30, 2024

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.

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She Was Abandoned as a Child... Now She Saves Abandoned Babies Aug 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Monica Kelsey took her own traumatic story and turned it into something truly beautiful.

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Las Vegas Must See: The Neon Museum Aug 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, executive director of the Neon Museum, Aaron Berger, shares some of the history of Las Vegas and the iconic signage associated with it.

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A Story About Motherhood From Listener Winter Prosapio - "Curls" Aug 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, author and regular contributor of Our American Stories Winter Prosapio shares a story from motherhood and why a difficult task—combing out her daughter's beautiful, curly hair—is a gift.

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The Story of the Runaway Slave That Helped End the Fugitive Slave Act Aug 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Fugitive Slave Act made all Americans accomplices in the practice of slavery. This story marks the beginning of its end.

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How A Mother's Grit Built One of the Worlds Largest Moving Companies—And Led Her Son to God Aug 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brig Sorber tells the story of Two Men in a Truck—and his remarkable life.

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A Police Chaplain Remembers His Mentor... And the Oklahoma City Bombing Aug 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a ministry of presence is what police chaplain service means to Greg Giltner. His response to the terrorist attack on the Murrah Federal Building was characteristic of his service—and that of his comrades and mentors.

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Thomas Mundy Peterson: The Story of the 1st Black Voter in the United States Aug 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of what happened shortly after the ratification of 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.” Here to tell another great American story is the Jack Miller Center's Editorial Officer and historian, Elliott Drago.

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Life Beyond My Wildest Dreams: Professional Dog Walker Aug 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ryan Stewart went most of his life unsure of his purpose... But, there was one thing that kept him going -- dogs. He shares his story of how canines have helped him.

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Did The Father of The Blues Really Sell His Soul to The Devil? Aug 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, legend has it that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads to learn how to play the guitar. According to Steve Johnson, Robert's grandson, that's the furthest thing from the truth. Here he is with the true story of the king of the Delta Blues.

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I Lived Through The Depression And Didn't Even Know It Aug 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Donald Sturm tells his story of growing up during The Great Depression without knowing it because of the powerful influence of his parents...here's his remarkable story.

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ILLEGAL: Shooting Bunnies From A Motorboat Aug 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Winter Prosapio dives into some of the strange laws we have....and why we have them.

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The Story of a Military Man-Turned Missionary Who Carries a Gun... In War-Torn Burma (And Sudan and Iraq) Aug 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, whether armed or unarmed, the medics and defenders of the Free Burma Rangers stand with those trapped in the middle of war zones - and stand their ground. Telling of this intense mission is founder and former Green Beret, Dave Eubank.

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The Story of One of West Point’s Greatest Graduation Speeches—to Graduating Jewish Cadets in 2023 Aug 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dara Horn is an accomplished American writer, winning accolades and prizes for her fiction and non-fiction alike. She was approached to give a graduation speech to Jewish cadets at West Point in 2023. Here is Dara to tell the story of how her speech came to be—and the recorded copy of the speech she delivered. It's one of the most beautiful ever given at any graduation at any college—at any time. The subject: being uncomfortable and uncool.

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The Story of Charleston: The Way Life Used to Be, And Perhaps, Is Supposed to Be Aug 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tommy Dew’s Walking Tour of Charleston, SC, has been praised and recommended by the likes of The Wall Street Journal and TripAdvisor. Tommy is here to share the story of Charleston—from the American Revolution to today.

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President Truman’s Visit to Tiny Dexter, Iowa—And How It Helped Him Win Reelection Aug 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1948 President Harry Truman decided to attend a plowing match in the small town of Dexter, Iowa. It turned out to be an event that would help re-elect him to the Presidency.

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The Story of Saxsquatch Aug 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Saxsquatch plays music that you might well enjoy - but his family and those closest to him gave him feedback at first that - "I don't think you should do this." Yet, as you can now hear, there is Saxsquatch out there - somewhere.

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How Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece Influenced the Founders Aug 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, what do dead Romans and dead Greeks have to do with America? A lot, actually. Here's Dr. Kenneth Calvert of Hillsdale College to explore why the Founders thought the way they did and fought the way they did.

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How George Washington's Bible Survived 9/11: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Aug 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington’s Bible was on loan to a famous Revolutionary War tavern just blocks from the World Trade Center on 9/11. Just as the search for bodies ended, the search for the Bible began…

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The Frankie Avalon Story: The Man Who Influenced Music and Film for Three Decades Aug 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, not many teen idols are able to carve a successful career for themselves as they mature, but Frankie Avalon is one of these exceptions. Avalon had 31 Billboard singles, including number one hits, "Venus" and "Why" in 1959. Avalon is also well-known for his role in the musical film Grease as Teen Angel, in which he sings "Beauty School Dropout." He appeared on American Idol to sing for Simon Cowell on his birthday. Here's Frankie Avalon to tell his story!

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The Story of The Infamous University of Wisconsin Stampede Aug 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when a stadium full of excited sports fans pressed downhill against poor crowd control, tragedy mounted terribly in a moment. Hear from Michael Brin, then a player on the field and now an emergency physician, about a harrowing ordeal and its aftermath.

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The Story of the 1st Medal of Honor Recipient (1861) Aug 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1863 Bernard John Dowling Irwin received the first Medal of Honor by date-of-conflict—for his heroism during the Apache War. The History Guy tells the story.

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"Long Shot" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Aug 23, 2024

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.

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The Story of America’s Most Famous Metaphor: “A City Upon A Hill”: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Aug 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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 who is the author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith.

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Kobe Bryant, Remembered Aug 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, on February 24th, 2020, more than 20,000 individuals gathered in the Los Angeles Staples Center to remember the life of Kobe Bryant. From his mentors to his mentees, all shared their own personal, heart-moving stories about his dedication and character.

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The Two Men Who Ended Red Light Camera Tickets Aug 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hugh Eastwood and Bevis Schock are civil rights lawyers in St. Louis. They filed suit in three separate cases. All three cases were heard by the Missouri Supreme Court in one mammoth morning argument. Here they are to tell their story.

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Titanic Thompson: The Greatest Cheat of All Time Aug 22, 2024

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 of Titanic Thompson, the greatest cheat of all time.

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Bankrupt and Dying from Cancer, Ulysses S. Grant Waged His Greatest Battle Aug 22, 2024

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.

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From Sea....to a Siberian Gulag: A Listener Recounts Being Captured by The Soviets Aug 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Charles Burrall 'retired' early from his teaching gig and hitchhiked out West in search of adventure, he never expected he'd sail as close as he did to Siberia...or, for that matter, a Soviet gulag. Here's Charles to tell his story of adventure, how the fishing boat he was on sparked an international incident on a T-shirt run, and the courage he found to share his faith. His book is Captured by the Russians: A True Story

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The Story of Chuck Taylor, the Billy Graham of Basketball Aug 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, he wasn't an NBA star: He was a sneaker salesman that helped popularize the sport of basketball, and the sneakers that now bear his name. This is his story.

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The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt Aug 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt, T.J. Stiles tells the dramatic story of Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt’s humble birth during the presidency of George Washington to his death as one of the richest men in American history. The Commodore helped to launch the transportation revolution, propel the Gold Rush, reshape Manhattan, invent the modern corporation, and create the modern American economy.

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How Johnny Carson Saved Twister Aug 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Milton Bradley game was about to be pulled from the shelves. Author Christopher Klein tells the story of how the late night talk host saved this iconic brand.

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Fannie Farmer: The Mother Of Level Measurements Aug 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, cooking in the late 1800s was unpredictable, tiresome, and difficult. Recipes were passed down in families, but often contained vague—if any—actual measurements. Fannie Farmer changed all that in 1896. We are joined by Ken Albala, professor of history and food studies at University of the Pacific in California.

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The Story of America: The House Divides Aug 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 28th Episode of our Story of America Series with Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, Bill tells the story of the frantic first few months of America's bloodiest conflict—the Civil War—and how Abraham Lincoln, a man with no executive experience, fought to preserve the Union he so desperately loved.

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Pastor of the Pilgrims, John Robinson: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Aug 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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 who is the author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith.

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My First Job: Being Groucho Marx's Assistant Aug 20, 2024

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.
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"Fair Game" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Aug 20, 2024

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.
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Why Cincinnati is Named After George Washington...and a Roman Farmer Aug 20, 2024

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.
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The Unknown Story of the the Greatest Sports Moment of the 20th Century—The 1980 Miracle On Ice Aug 20, 2024

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. We are about to do what we always strive to do with our storytelling here at Our American Stories: add new details to our heart's familiar pictures.

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Samuel Colt and the Birth of the Revolver Aug 19, 2024

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 the story is Ashley Hlebinsky, 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.
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My Son Wanted to Be a Green Beret—And Nothing Else Aug 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob McLalan, a listener and regular contributor, reflects on the moment his son decided to go to military school, revealing the polarizing goals of parents to both protect their children but also prepare them to make their own decisions.
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Forgiving The Unforgivable: Lisa Romesburg's Story Aug 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lisa Romesburg, leader of an international ministry, shares her story of overcoming assault and betrayal through forgiveness and faith.
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The Great Thanksgiving Cranberry Scare of 1959 Aug 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, 400 million pounds of cranberries are consumed by Americans each year. Twenty percent of that is during the week of Thanksgiving. That's 80 million pounds! And 5,062,500 gallons of jellied cranberry sauce are consumed by Americans every holiday season. Here’s the History Guy to share the story of the Great Cranberry Scare of 1959.
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My Encounter with God... While Piloting a Chopper in Vietnam Aug 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dick Erickson, a Marine helicopter pilot who served in Vietnam, tells the story of the time he lost contact with his base but came into contact with God during combat.
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The Story of America: Lincoln's First Inaugural Aug 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 28th episode of our Story of America Series, Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story of Lincoln's First Inaugural Address...and how the newly minted president sought to keep a nation already splitting apart at the seams together, through his own rhetoric.
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A Wife's Letter of Thanks to Her Husband After Losing Her Baby During Pregnancy Aug 16, 2024

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.
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Why Is It Called a Crapper? (And Other Astonishing Facts About Your Toilet) Aug 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our own Greg Hengler, and others, tell the splinter-free story of the toilet—and other toilet accessories. You're going to want to be sitting down for this one!
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How Automobiles "Saved the World" Aug 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Miles C. Collier tells the story of how horses continued to play a central role in the urban fabric of America even after the advent of the automobile...and why the car was seen as a godsend when it came into widespread use.

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The Woman Who Voiced Rudolph Aug 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Billie Mae Richards is a Canadian actress best known for voicing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the 1964 stop-motion television classic. The special first aired on December 6, 1964, on NBC. Here’s Billie Mae to share her story.
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How the USA Almost Went to War Over a Pig Aug 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor, Anne Claire, tells the story of the time the United States almost went to war with the United Kingdom over the untimely death of a pig in what is now Washington State.
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The 'Forrest Gump' of Drummers: The Story of Zoro Aug 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, rarely does artistic rhythm rest as it does in Zoro the drummer. Hear from the man behind Maria's Scarf how his talent and temerity ultimately equipped him for a mountain of fun for everyone.
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The Man Who Was a Founder AND Mascot: KFC's Colonel Sanders Aug 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colonel Sanders did something that no other restaurant founder dared to do — he became his company’s own mascot and brand ambassador! Here to share the story of KFC and a little about who Colonel Sanders was is Adam Chandler, author of Drive Thru Dreams.
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Irish Need Not Apply: The Story of How The Irish Went From Pariahs to Patricians Aug 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, American progress, with all its tragedies and yet enduring hope, can be seen perhaps as clearly through the Irish-American experience as any other. Karen Kauffman is here to tell us how one man, Mathew Carey, never tired of calling Americans again and again to the high aspirations of the Declaration of Independence.
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The Grass and the Furious: Ladies, Start Your Lawnmower Engines! Aug 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Julie Tynmann is here with her story about the greatest show on turf.
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Ben Franklin: Chess Can Make You A Better Person? Aug 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ben Franklin has the distinction of many "firsts": He invented the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, bifocals, the catheter, swim fins and the odometer. He started the first public library, the first volunteer fire company, the first American fire insurance company, the first hospital and was the first postmaster general. Chess.com also reminds us that Franklin was also the first known chess player as well as the first chess author in America. Here again to tell us the story is the Jack Miller Center's Editorial Officer and historian, Elliott Drago.
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He Became a POW in Vietnam Two Days Before His Baby Was Born Aug 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ken Wells always knew what he wanted to do: fly fast. But when that dream became a reality, it landed him as a prisoner of war at the Hanoi Hilton in Vietnam... Two days before his wife, Candy, gave birth to their child. Joining us with their story are both Ken and Candy.
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A Baby-Boomer’s Battle with Insanity and Fitness Aug 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul, our regular contributor from Minnesota, is here to tell us his weight-loss resolution story.
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The Story of a Bathroom Drug Deal Interrupted by Jesus Aug 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Pastor Greg Laurie tells a success story of profoundly helping a man who was going astray. The call could not be clearer, and Pastor Greg did his duty despite less than comfortable environs.
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My Conversations With Two Fraternity Brothers Before They Died Aug 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick tells the story of two college friendships that would impact him for the rest of his life.
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The Wizard Hat Amendment of New Mexico Aug 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Duncan Scott tells us his story of pranking the New Mexico State Legislature.
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Centerline: The Surprising History of Lane Markings Aug 13, 2024

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 on the saving lives front has to be painted lane lines on roads.
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"On The Wagon" & "Once In A Blue Moon" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 16) Aug 13, 2024

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.
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My Family Spent 4 Months Playing Battleship in a Cornfield Aug 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story itself is the stuff of legends...a sunken steamboat, buried treasure, and the drive of a group of AC repairmen to become "rich beyond rich" even if it meant going into over a million dollars worth of debt. Matt Hawley tells the story of his family's quest to dig up the steamboat Arabia from the middle of a corn field.
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Jack Marucci Created a Baseball Bat For His Son in His Backyard—Now He Runs The Biggest Bat Company in America Aug 13, 2024

What started as a singular wood bat for his son led to the most popular and respected bat company in our country. Here's Jack Marucci with the story of how he got from point A to point B.
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The TV Show That's Taking Over the World: The Chosen Aug 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hollywood giants are ramping up new "faith limbs" - and this tectonic shift has begun with an amazing success story of crowdfunding and a creative culture grounded in the Bible.
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Possom for Supper? Aug 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of what her family ate during the Great Depression.
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The Story Behind The Story of The Salem Witch Trials and The American Puritans Aug 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, historical truths often emerge with time. Early on, a hush descended over 1692-1693 Salem Witch Trials for generations. Then came playwright Arthur Miller, who made off with the story, or at least his version of it. Since 1953, The Crucible has become the culturally-accepted storyline that has come to define American Puritans and the city of Salem itself. Dr. Stephen Nichols is president of Reformation Bible College, chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries. He’s here to tell the story of the Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials.

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A Black Cowboy is the Inspiration for the Lone Ranger? Aug 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Lone Ranger, with his cry of “Hi-Ho Silver!” has become an American institution ranking with Paul Bunyan in the realms of folklore and legend. The History Guy remembers Bass Reeves, John Reynolds Hughes, and forgotten history of the Wild West.
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"In a Nutshell" & "In the Doghouse" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Aug 12, 2024

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.

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He Was A Black Man Man Who Hated Cops Until He Became One—On LA's Notorious Skid Row Aug 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph shares his journey from being indoctrinated to hate and fear police, to becoming one of LAPD's best in blue.

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How Piggly Wiggly Created the Modern Supermarket Aug 09, 2024

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.
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The Shocking Story Behind the Diamond Engagement Ring Aug 09, 2024

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.
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The Story of How George Strait's "Love Without End, Amen" Came to Be Aug 09, 2024

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 song. An event that brought him to his knees to pray. And play his guitar.

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“God Drilled the Hole”: The American Who Rescued the 33 Chilean Miners Aug 09, 2024

The 33, starring Antonio Banderas and Juliette Binoche, recounts the extraordinary true story of the 2010 Chilean mining disaster that buried 33 miners 2300 feet underground for 69 days before their unprecedented rescue. The world was riveted by the story, but the name of the man whose plan — and drilling equipment — made the rescue possible, wasn’t even mentioned in the film; his character is conflated with one of his employees, a driller named Jeff Hart played in the film by James Brolin. And as you are about to hear, that’s alright with business owner and Catholic Deacon, Greg Hall.

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The Most Famous Actor In The World Enlists In WWII: The Story of Clark Gable Aug 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Clark Gable was beyond the draft age when the U.S. entered World War II, but the 41-year-old enlisted as a private in the Army Air Corps. He said: “I just want to be sent where the going is rough.” Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath.
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A Fake Ring, Real Temptation, and a Golden Marriage Aug 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, she nearly wrecked her family with a marital affair... Here's Sarah Wells, author of American Honey: A Field Guide to Resisting Temptation, to tell her story.

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The Story of How Jackie Kennedy Saved New York's Grand Central Station Aug 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, before she was an iconic First Lady, Jackie Kennedy was a born-and-raised New Yorker. By 1975—when she settled full-time back into Manhattan—Grand Central Train Station seemed doomed. The story begins there.

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Ketchup King: The H.J. Heinz Story Aug 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, his legacy is probably in your fridge right now. Though Heinz Ketchup is one of the most recognized corporate symbols in the world, few people know anything at all about its creator, H.J. Heinz. His hard work, innovation, and obsessive kindness proved one of his favorite sayings: “To do a common thing uncommonly well brings success.”

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The Story of America: The Rise of Lincoln Aug 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 27th episode of The Story of America Series with Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, Bill tells the story of how a deal struck to get the transcontinental railroad to run through the North (The Kansas-Nebraska Act) directly led to the rise of Abraham Lincoln and...the Civil War.

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Why Are There So Many Types of Screws? Aug 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the differing fates of the Robertson and the Phillips head screwdrivers demonstrate that innovation is intimately tied to historical events. Here’s The History Guy with the story of the screwdriver wars.

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I Came to New York City Dead: The Story of Sarah Gonzalez's Redemption Aug 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, coping with the loss of her father as a child, total rebellion could not stop God from pursuing Sarah Gonzalez—even after spending her time partaking in activities designed to instill hatred towards others. Sarah is here to share her story.

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Snowflake Bentley Aug 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Jerry Bergman tells the story of a teenage boy who became interested in snow. On January 15, 1885, at 20 years of age, he became the first person in the world to photograph a snowflake.

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Vietnam Vets Wouldn’t Sell Their Story to Hollywood, But They Sold “We Were Soldiers” to the Writer of “Braveheart” Aug 07, 2024

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. Randall's here to tell the story.

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The Late, Great Stephen Ambrose: WWII and Getting Down to Business (The Italian Campaign) Aug 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Even before the U.S. and British victory in the North African campaign in May 1943, there was disagreement among the Allies on the best strategy to defeat the Axis. Eventually, the U.S. and British political leadership reached a compromise in which both would commit most of their forces to an invasion of France in early 1944, but also launch a relatively small-scale Italian campaign. Here’s Stephen Ambrose with the story.

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The Apollo 8 Crew’s Message from the Moon... Heard by 1 Billion People: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Aug 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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Aimee Semple McPherson and The Origins of The Megachurch Aug 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, seeing Los Angeles beginning to bustle, Aimee Semple McPherson built a 5,000-seat church building with stained-glass windows to bring a Four-Square gospel to the people there. From radio broadcasting to illustrated sermons, this first megachurch was just the home base of this vibrant preacher and just the beginning of a movement. Dr. Matthew Sutton, the author of Aimee Semple McPherson and The Ressurection of Christian America, tells the story.

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“On Skid Row” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 15) Aug 06, 2024

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.

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The Story "Of Beards and Men" and How They Define Masculinity in Culture Aug 06, 2024

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 varied in response to changing ideals of masculinity.

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From Willy Wonka to Matilda: The Story of One of the Greatest Storytellers For Children of the 20th Century—Roald Dahl Aug 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Roald Dahl was a British author of popular children's books which have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide. He has been called "one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century.” Dahl worked in Washington DC during WWII. He married American actress Patricia Neal in 1953, and together they had 5 children. Hollywood made five of his children’s books into movies: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (twice), Matilda, The Witches, James and the Giant Peach, and The BFG.

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The Angel Of The Battlefield: Clara Barton Aug 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kaela Rider—a former civics and history teacher from Jacksonville, Florida, who now serves as Education Programs Coordinator at the Bill of Rights Institute, tells the story of the founder of the American Red Cross—Clara Barton.

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Karl Marlantes: Turning Ghosts into Ancestors Aug 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vietnam Veteran and best-selling author Karl Marlantes shares his story of war, memory, and loss.

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Indians, a Jew, and a Hotel Partnership Aug 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp... one of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike telling the story about how he—a Jew—started the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.

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MIT's Basketball Coach: "Those Nerds Can Only Handle One Play Aug 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, hear leadership lessons that Bill Koch took with him for the rest of his life!

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Jack London's "To Build a Fire" Aug 02, 2024

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.

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My Daughter, Out There... On The Beam Aug 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Stephen Rusiniak became a father of a daughter, he had worries. When she became a high school gymnast, his worries increased.

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Fighting Founders: The Alien and Sedition Acts Aug 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Alien and Sedition Acts are one of America's most controversial laws ever passed. Dr. Adam Carrington of Hillsdale College tells the story.

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The Man Who Hung Out With Astronauts: Craig Sumner, NASA Engineer Aug 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Craig Sumner worked at NASA from the time of the Apollo missions to the days of the space shuttle, helping to build the lunar rover in the process. This is his story.

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A Listener's Story: A Man, a Knife, and a Unforgettable Encounter Aug 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rich Muniz recounts what many others have experienced, and suffer from. He kept his cool and violently saved a life under intense danger - and his life after that day was not the same as before. His message is one of steadfast, workmanlike hope.

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Submarine Commander “Fearless Freddie" Warder: The Story of a Noble Torpedo Sniper in WWII Aug 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, America won the Second World War because of men like Rear Admiral “Fearless” Freddie Warder. Here's his story.

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The Story of The Wright Brothers Aug 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, On a winter day in 1903, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, two brothers—bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio—changed history. But it would take the world some time to believe that the age of flight had begun, with the first powered machine carrying a pilot. Here to tell the story from his bestselling biography, The Wright Brothers, is David McCullough. Let’s take a listen to the story of Wilbur and Orville Wright.

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Meeting the Mother of My Foster Child Changed My Life Jul 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Christina Dent shares how her life was forever changed after she became a foster mother.

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The Story of South Carolina's Revolutionary War Heroine Jul 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor from South Carolina, Dennis Peterson, shares the story of Dicey Langston...an American Revolutionary War heroine who saved her family and fellow patriots from one of the most notorious gangs of Tory outlaws at the time.

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The True Story Harrison Mayes—God's Advertiser From Appalachia Jul 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Harrison Mayes was destined for a life in the coal mines of Kentucky from a young age—though he wanted to be a preacher. After he survived a one-ton minecart smashing nearly every bone in his body, however, he would dedicate one of his two shifts in the mine to another way of spreading the gospel—becoming God's advertiser. J.D. Phillips, otherwise known as the 'Appalachian Storyteller', tells the story.

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How Gettysburg Influenced D-Day Through Eisenhower Jul 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if there was a single moment in American history—and a single man—that Dwight D. Eisenhower looked to for guidance and inspiration drawn from history, it was Gettysburg and Abraham Lincoln. Gettysburg NPS Ranger Daniel Vermilya tells the story of this meaningful connection.

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Burrito Restaurant Owner Offers Job to Burglar Jul 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Diablos Southwest Grill in Georgia was broken into, and rather than seeking justice, the owner Carl Wallace made a Facebook post with a job offer for the perpetrator.

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A Father’s Note to His “Timeless” Daughter…Who Functions At A Toddler Level Jul 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richmond radio host Jeff Katz shares a note that his daughter won't ever read, but will surely impact your life for the better.

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A Grave Escape Jul 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, as if spending the night in a funeral parlor wasn't scary enough! Tom Ryan brings us a chilling tale from the family funeral parlor.

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The Civil War General Who Took His Dates to See His Severed Leg at the Smithsonian Museum Jul 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gettysburg National Park Service Ranger Matt Atkinson tells the story of the Civil War general who created the "temporary insanity" plea, got his leg shot off by General Longstreet, and helped form the Gettysburg National Military Park—Dan Sickles.

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I Picked Up "Tex" Watson Hitchhiking AFTER the Manson Murders Jul 30, 2024

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.

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The One College Football Run That Changed My Life Jul 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, T.C. Stallings is known for making one of the biggest runs in Louisville Cardinal football history. It was the game-winning run in overtime against the University of Kentucky. To this day, he’s known for that play. He calls it “one of the most significant events in my life.” But what people don't know is the story behind that run.

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The Time A Kid Sued Pepsi for A Harrier Jet Jul 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the harrier jet is the pride and joy of the US Marine Corps, but it was also at the center of a lawsuit between Pepsi and John Leonard.

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The Story of the Barcode Jul 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a barcode on most products, properly called a UPC, or “Universal Product Code,” is a necessity for everyday life. Here’s the History Guy with the story.

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Chef Boyardee: American Hero Jul 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Chef “Hector” Boiardi was just 16 years old when he arrived at Ellis Island. What happens after his landing is remarkable!

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"Hunky Dory" & "Hedge Your Bets" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 9) Jul 29, 2024

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.

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Ralph Cox: Last Guy Cut from 1980 U.S. Olympic "Miracle" Hockey Team Jul 29, 2024

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 to share the moment that changed his life forever.

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How A Hollywood-Style Production Team (Known as the "Ghost Army") Duped and Helped Defeat Hitler's Army Jul 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1943, the US Army came up with a daring plan to trick Hitler’s Army. They created a unit of artists, sound engineers, and prop builders who fooled the German army into seeing the US army in places it wasn’t. Rick Beyer, Author of the book The Ghost Army of World War II, brings us the story of this top-secret unit.

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Hollywood Goes to War: The Story of Wayne Morris, the Brad Pitt of His Day Jul 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another one of Roger McGrath’s “Hollywood Goes To War” stories. So far we’ve heard the stories of Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, and Tyrone Power. Today McGrath will be treating us to the story of Hollywood’s strapping, steely-eyed leading man, Wayne Morris.

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Pepsi Had the 6th Largest Navy in the World? Jul 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, as odd it may seem, the History Guy tells the story of how Pepsi came to own a fleet of Soviet naval ships.

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“Put A Sock In It” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 18) Jul 26, 2024

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.

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A Mom and Son Run a Marathon in Every State Jul 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, 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

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A Teen Remembers Her Hero Father Killed In The Line of Duty Jul 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Shelby Houston, 18, delivered a sermon for her father—Richard Houston, a 21-year TX cop—killed in the line of duty.

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"True Colors" & "Soap Opera" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 20) Jul 25, 2024

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.

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Yogi Berra: An American Success Story (by George Will) Jul 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Will's volume on baseball is one of the most acclaimed sports books ever written. He's here to tell the story of Yankee star, Yogi Berra.

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The Story of "Wild" Bill Hickok: Lawman & Legendary Gun Fighter Jul 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Old West legend “Wild” Bill Hickok—his name conjures up an image of an out-of-control gunslinger. What’s the truth? Here to tell the story of “Wild” Bill is Roger McGrath.

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A Media Titan Shares Stories of Mentors Who Impacted His Life Jul 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Citadel Communications President and former ABC Board of Governors Director Ray Cole shares the stories of the people who impacted him the most over his long career.

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The Heart of America: Texas Grocery Store Loses Power, Lets Customers Leave Without Paying Jul 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Tim Hennessey talks about his viral Facebook post that exemplifies the everyday goodness in this country.

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"Dark Horse & Dead Ringer" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 7) Jul 24, 2024

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.

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A Little Brother's Prayer to Be As Big As His Very Big Brother Jul 24, 2024

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."

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The Men Who Built the Most Expensive and Most Powerful Gun Jul 24, 2024

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 after it was auctioned for $1.8 million in 2018. Here to tell the story of the legendary Colt Walker revolver is Logan Metesh. Logan founded and runs High Caliber History LLC and has more than a decade of experience working for the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service.

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A Presidential-Sized Comeback: The Story of Ulysses S. Grant Jul 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. John Marszalek and Eddie Rangel of the Grant Presidential Library tell the story about how Grant went from selling firewood on a street corner, to leading the US Army to victory in the Civil War.

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The Surprising Story of the Dimaggio Brothers Jul 23, 2024

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. He will be sharing stories from his book, The DiMaggios.

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The Day a Teenage Boy Met Elvis and the Colonel and Began Working with Them the Rest of His Life Jul 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, doing maintenance in mansions, you could meet anyone, talk about anything - even find your career as an agent!

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The God and Divinity Roots of America's Most Famous College—Harvard: 100 Bible Verses that Changed America Jul 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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“What’s Up, Doc?” Mel Blanc: The Man Behind 3,000 Cartoon Voices Jul 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you added up all the hours from your childhood, chances are, the voice of Mel Blanc made up the majority of dialogue spoken to you. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, Sylvester, Yosemite Sam, Foghorn Leghorn, Marvin the Martian, Pepé Le Pew, Speedy Gonzales, Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner, Elmer Fudd, Barney Rubble, Tom and Jerry, Woody Woodpecker, and the Tasmanian Devil—to name just a few of Blanc’s voice contributions.

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Buck O'Neil's Lesson on Dealing With Defeat Like a Man Jul 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2021, former Negro Leauge Baseball player Buck O'Neil finally made it into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, years after being rejected, to the surprise of his friends, by one vote. Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, tells the story of how Buck handled this loss, in Bob's words, "like a man".

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Brett Favre (Pt. 5 of 5): Playing in Green Bay, Rehab, and the Shocking Thing That Happened to Him Twice—Which Nobody Ever Knew! Jul 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler sat down with Brett in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home for this part 5 of our 5-part series.

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A Black Man (Jesse Owens) and a Nazi: A Friendship Forged in Competition & Courage Jul 22, 2024

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.

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I Fell in Love at Lambeau Field (Home of the Green Bay Packers) Jul 22, 2024

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—he also fell in love.

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From Hangtime to Primetime Jul 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 50s and 60s, the NBA was barely a professional league. Today it is a powerhouse worth billions. Here is the story of how that happened w/ author Pete Croatto.

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Suffering Fueled His Greatness: John Hannah on What It Took to Become the Best NFL Offensive Lineman of All Time Jul 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from the guy Sports Illustrated said was the greatest offensive lineman of all time. Here's John Hannah sharing two moments in his life that pushed him towards excellence: One with his dad, the other with Bear Bryant.

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The Sleeping Sentinel Who Received the Death Penalty, But Was Saved By President Lincoln Jul 19, 2024

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.

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Lincoln: 1864 Jul 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Abraham Lincoln knew his presidency would go the way of the war. Hear how, even through the year 1864, the war was not going well.

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Lincoln's Greatest Speech Americans Have Never Heard: Cooper Union Jul 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vince Benedetto, founder of Bold Gold Media Group, tells the story of the Cooper Union address-the greatest speech of Lincoln's that Americans have never heard, and the speech that made him President.

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The Fire of Genius: How Lincoln Overcame Poverty and Gained an Education Jul 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Lincoln was asked on a questionnaire to describe his education he only wrote one word: defective. That didn't stop him from becoming one of the premier thinkers of his time.

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Abraham Lincoln: Our First "Wired" President Jul 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Christopher Klein with the story of how Abraham Lincoln used the telegraph to help win the Civil War.

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Jack Poe on The Oklahoma City Bombing and 9/11 Jul 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, stories of survival and of loss echoed through communities and the world after the Oklahoma City bombing... and after 9/11. Jack Poe shares a police chaplain's perspective on faith, resilience and hope - and how people wracked by one disaster spoke into the lives of other victims.

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The Woman Who Snuck Into George Washington's Army Jul 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Deborah Sampson became a hero of the American Revolution when she disguised herself as a man and joined the Patriot forces. Here to tell her story is the author of Deborah Sampson: The Girl Who Went to War.

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The Story of How Railroads Created America's Time Zones Jul 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, China runs on just a single time zone; in America, we have four: Pacific, Mountain, Central and Eastern, but we used to have thousands!

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Meet The Foster Parent To Over 60 Children Jul 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. John DeGarmo has had over 60 foster children come through his home. Here he shares some of the joys and the heartaches of being a foster parent.

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What Is Spam? The Story of an American Meat Icon Jul 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, author of The Book of Spam: A Most Glorious and Definitive Compendium of the World’s Favorite Canned Meat, Dustin Black, tells the story of this often-speculated household name.

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Midnight at the Live Fire Exercise Jul 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor Richard Muniz tells the story of an unforgettable accident at Ft. Irwin, California.

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The Boys of Milo: Ted Godlove Jul 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, remaining effective and calm under fire, from the undergrowth of the Vietnamese jungle to the rivers and skies, Ted Godlove concerned himself not with the hopelessness of a situation or who would get the credit for a victory, but rather with fighting the enemy and protecting his brothers in arms. Michael Williams, author of The Boys of Milo, tells the story of one man, among several from his hometown, who volunteered to face this fight.

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This Log Cabin Led to the “Great Awakening”—Which Led to the American Revolution Jul 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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The President Whose Greatness Came From His Restraint: The Story of President Calvin Coolidge Jul 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, at 2:47 AM on August 3rd, 1923 Calvin Coolidge was administered the oath of office by his father in the light of a kerosene lamp in the small town in which he was born; Plymoth Notch, Vermont. It was the culmination of a life well lived. Here to tell the story of our 30th President is Matthew Denhart and Tracy Messer—the world's greatest Coolidge impersonator—with the story.

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"All Hell Broke Loose" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 1) Jul 17, 2024

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.

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How a Bad Christmas and Bad Parents Led Me Down a Bad Path Jul 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of Carl Montgomery, a man who turned his life around after being part of a gang and spending much of his life in prison.

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How The Pilsner Arrived, Survived, and Thrived in America Jul 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Acitelli, author of "Pilsner: How The Beer of Kings Changed The World" tells the story of how an experimental drink in the Austrian Empire became America's favorite drink.

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Abigail Adams and Her 7-Year-Old Son John Quincy Witnessed First-hand The Battle of Bunker Hill: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Jul 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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The Story Behind the Story of the Lone Ranger Jul 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty 'Hi-Yo Silver'... it's the story of the Lone Ranger! Stephen Eoannu, author of Yesteryear, tells the story of how a tenacious scriptwriter out of Buffalo and a shrewd businessman out of Detroit managed to create one of America's most endearing cultural figures.

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The Story of the Runaway Slave That Helped End the Fugitive Slave Act Jul 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Fugitive Slave Act made all Americans accomplices in the practice of slavery. This story marks the beginning of its end.

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The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn: More Americans Died in the Revolutionary War on this British Prison Ship Than in Combat Jul 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert P. Watson, author of The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn, tells this untold story of the American Revolution.

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The Father Whose Life Story Inspired the Son Who Wrote "Braveheart" Jul 15, 2024

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 which embody Randall’s very heart were exemplified throughout his life through his father. Here’s Randall to tell the story.

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The Lincoln Assassination Conspirator Who Became The 1st Woman Ever Hanged By The U.S. Government Jul 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Wilkes Booth did not act alone; eight people were eventually indicted as co-conspirators in Lincoln's murder. One of them was a woman, Mary Surratt. Here to tell the story is Kate Clifford Larson, author of The Assassin’s Accomplice: Mary Surratt and the Plot to Kill Abraham Lincoln.

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The Story of Louis Armstrong Jul 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Louis Armstrong was the founding father of jazz and one of this century's towering cultural figures who forever changed the face of American music. Here to tell the story is Laurence Bergreen, who wrote the definitive biography on the man known as Pops: Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life.

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A Listener's Story: I Admit It, I Sew Quilts Jul 12, 2024

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.

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To Mow or Not to Mow: The History of Lawn Care Jul 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy tells the story of how lawn care came to be.

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The Story of How Star Wars Toys Revolutionized Movie Merchandising (Part 2) Jul 12, 2024

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.

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Eli Whitney and His Fake Interchangeable Gun Parts Demo (Ashley Hlebinsky) Jul 11, 2024

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. Here’s Ashley.

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“Knock on Wood" & "Kick the Bucket” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 11) Jul 11, 2024

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.

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The Man Who Witnessed the Assassination of Abe Lincoln Jul 11, 2024

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.

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Stephen Ambrose on 1942: The Doolittle Raid and Midway Jul 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Stephen Ambrose telling the story of America’s payback for Pearl Harbor—Jimmy Doolittle’s raid on Tokyo—and the Japanese response, the Battle of Midway.

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Black Sam Bellamy: The Story of the Richest Pirate in History Jul 11, 2024

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.

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Captain John Smith: American Hero Jul 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, many people know John Smith as the man who was saved by Pocahontas. What you may not know is that he led a life full of adventure.

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Couple Adopts 7 Siblings Separated Throughout 4 Foster Homes Jul 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of how one childless married couple of 13 years became a family of 9, literally overnight.

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The Story of How Chick-fil-A Borrowed “My Pleasure” from a Luxury Hotel Jul 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the origins of Chick-fil-A’s “my pleasure” catchphrase began in 2001. Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy’s version of the story begins with him visiting a Ritz-Carlton luxury hotel—a hotel his friend Horst Schulze co-founded. Here's Horst with the story.

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Brett Favre on Humility, Aging, and Faith (Pt. 4 of 5) Jul 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler sat down with Brett Favre in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home where Brett shared stories about humility, aging, and faith, in this fourth part of his five part series.

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The MLB Pitcher Who Survived a Lightning Strike and Finished the Game Jul 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ray Caldwell put on a Cleveland Indian uniform for the first time—and none of the 20,000 fans at League Park had any idea that they were about to see something that defies belief. This story comes to us from Nick Ragone, host of the popular YouTube Channel “This Date in History with Nick Ragone.”

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Are Professional Wrestlers Athletes? Jul 09, 2024

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 that it’s “fake.” Here’s Riley Evans, sports writer and CEO of RealPodcasting.com, to tell the real story about professional wrestling.

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The Power of Encouraging Words To Save a Life Jul 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, even though the working-class African-American community around Eric often couldn’t read or write, they could tell a story. To Eric, there was no honor higher than having the stories he would learn retold by the men around him.

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The Story of an Escaped Slave Who Hijacked a Confederate Ship and Sailed it to Freedom Jul 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s The History Guy with the story of Robert Smalls, an escaped slave-turned Civil War legend.

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How Elvis Was Coaxed Into Recording a Christmas Album—As Told By a Man Who Was There Jul 09, 2024

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 ‘50s. Here’s Greg with a Colonel and Elvis Christmas story.

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Valley Forge: Cold-Hard Training and the Key to America’s Independence Jul 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, bestselling authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin share the story of the Continental Army’s six-month transformation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; one of the most inspiring —and under-appreciated — chapters in American history.

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The Story of the White Union Commander of the All-Black Civil War Regiment—Made Famous by the Movie Glory Jul 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw's life was permanently altered when he read Uncle Tom's Cabin, and 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 (a.k.a. Ferris Bueller) in the hit 1989 movie Glory. Here to tell the story is Kirk Higgins of the Bill of Rights Institute.

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The Story of The Last Slave Ship To America Jul 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the recently enslaved people on the last, law-defying slave ship to arrive in America would build their own town, and give many freed black Americans a gift beyond measure: freedom. Here to tell the story is Nick Tabor, author of Africatown.

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Ponzi's Scheme: The True Story of the Legendary Scam Artist Jul 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Charles Ponzi may not have invented the Ponzi Scheme, but he certainly lent his name to it. Here to tell the story is Jonathan Small of the podcast Write About Now.

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“He Was Closer To Death Than We Knew” Jul 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, an Our American Stories listener, Stephen Rusiniak, tells the story of his brother’s close encounter with death.

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She Was Carrying A Secret—Her Addiction to Alcohol— And Recovered By Charting Her Own Path Jul 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, people worldwide have found sobriety through the AA program - but Roseanne Forte relied on faith and found a different way.

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President Reagan's Greatest Speech You've Never Heard: His July 4 Speech in NY Harbor Jul 05, 2024

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.

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JFK’s 1962 Fourth of July Speech Jul 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, during some of the most tense 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.

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David McCullough: The Founding Fathers Were Not Like Us? Jul 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, renowned historian David McCullough answers the question - about a most extraordinary group of men at a most extraordinary time in world history.

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Pyromaniac's Paradise: Summer Adventures Running a Fireworks Tent Jul 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joel Wegener and his wife have 10 kids, and because he worked in education, they had to find ways during the summers to make a little extra money. Here's Joel with one of the more explosive ventures the Wegeners took on.

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Calvin Coolidge on the Real Heart of American Government Jul 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1926, In 1926, President Calvin Coolidge exhorted Americans to remember and rekindle the moral source of their last 150 years of freedom and prosperity. As the 250th birthday of America approaches, Vince Benedetto and Tracy Messer present an Independence Day speech for the ages.

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Independence Day, 1907 Jul 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of how Sherd and Laura Goff, and all ten of their children who survived into adulthood, celebrated Independence Day in 1907.

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Ryan Stewart: Overcoming Addiction by Letting Others Help Me Jul 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ryan Stewart struggled with addiction for a majority of his life, and it was only through the help of others that he was able to come out on the other side.

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Gerald Ford, Willis Ward, & the Michigan-Georgia Tech Football Game of 1934 Jul 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gerald Ford, an often-overlooked president, made a significant impact on civil rights. That story began while he was a football player at the University of Michigan and his friendship with a man named Willis Ward. Here is a story of sports, racism, and overcoming adversity, all coming together in a remarkable friendship.

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Billy The Kid: The Story Behind the Legend and the Myth Jul 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1870s, the American West was a refuge for outcasts as the nation recovered from the Civil War. In fact, life was so hard that 80 percent of the population was under 30. It was in this harsh and lawless place that a legend was forged. Roger McGrath tells the story of Billy The Kid.

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From Mafia to Ministry Jul 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Borelli wanted to be a gangster when he grew up. Thanks to the persistent faith of others across his multiple stints in prison, a faith Robert eventually himself took up - his childhood wish was not the last door he would ultimately find open to him.

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Lesson Learned: Clean Hog Manure Off Boots Before Going to School Jul 03, 2024

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.

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How Did Daisy Golf Balls End Up on the Moon? Jul 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, although never publicly stated (the brands of anything brought to the moon were kept quiet), there is a good chance that the golf balls hit on the moon were "Daisy" golf balls. Joe Murfin tells the story of an estate sale, a photo, and a story that you won't forget.

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He Created The Largest Museum In The World For...Small Electrical Appliances Jul 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, from toasters to waffle irons to coffee pots, Richard Larrimore of Diamond, Missouri has a penchant for all things small and electric. He keeps all 8000 electrical appliances in a museum behind his Western store. Here's his story.

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Swift Boat Vietnam Vet with a "Life Changing" Family Secret Jul 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Oliver Halle shares stories from service in the Navy during the Vietnam War, and also about his family, who resisted the Nazis and fled to America. And, ultimately: a secret that would forever change his life. The Veterans' History Project at the Atlanta History Center provides unedited first-person interviews from men and women who served our great country.

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Grant's Greatest Battle Jul 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Louis Picone tells the story of how Grant's Memoirs came to be.

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His Mother Worked Miracles During the Holocaust Jul 02, 2024

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.

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“Peeping Tom” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 14) Jul 02, 2024

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.

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Hollywood's Golden Era Movie Star Had It All, But Left It All To Fight In WWII Jul 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, he starred in “The Mark of Zorro” and many other movies, but his greatest role—at the height of his acting career—was serving his country during World War II as a Marine. Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath.

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The Turning Point in Abe’s Life: A Wrestling Match Jul 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lincoln is one of the greatest leaders in US history, but prior to his being elected the 16th 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, Mike Chapman.

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From Disgrace to Amazing Grace: The Story of John Newton Jul 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, during his lifetime, John Newton’s story was renowned as one of the most sensational, sinful, spiritual, and historically-important sagas of the 18th century. And we’re telling this story because on this day in 1725, John Newton—the author of "Amazing Grace"—was born.

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From Porn to Reborn: Crissy's Story Jun 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2006, Crissy Moran—who was, at the time, one of the biggest porn stars in the world—fled the industry. Today, the married Crissy Outlaw helps other women do the same.

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The Bible: The Best-Selling Book of All Time Jun 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, let’s take a listen to The History Guy as he tells the history of the Bible.

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"Back to Square One" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 3) Jun 28, 2024

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.

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Ida B. Wells: Fighter for the Civil Rights of Blacks to Own Arms Jun 28, 2024

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 defended the right of blacks to own arms.

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Asbestos: The Story of The Mineral That Used to Be In Everything Jun 27, 2024

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.

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Andrew Jackson’s Cursing Parrot Jun 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, history professor Mark Cheathem tells us why Andrew Jackson’s pet parrot had to be removed from his funeral.

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Ilene Hall Joined the Army to Find Her Husband in the Middle of WWII Jun 27, 2024

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. When her husband, to whom she was married in March 1943, finished his training and was about to be shipped overseas, the young Canton, Ohio girl decided not to put an ocean between them. Here she is to tell her story!

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234 Marines vs. 10,000 Chinese Communists: The Last Stand of Fox Company Jun 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the Fall of 1950 it looked as though the Korean War would be over. But shortly after General Douglas MacArthur pushed his forces deep into North Korea, his ten thousand First Division Marines found themselves surrounded and hopelessly outnumbered by 100,000 Chinese soldiers. Their only chance for survival was to fight their way south through a narrow gorge. It needed to be held open at all costs. The mission was handed to Captain William Barber and the 234 Marines of Fox Company.Here to tell the story is Tom Clavin, author of The Last Stand of Fox Company.

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The Atomic Marine Jun 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells the story of Toby Madrid and his experience of partaking in the testing of an atomic bomb in Nevada.

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The Story of the Pilot Who Fell from an SR-71 Blackbird—the Fastest Plane in History Jun 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1966, an SR-71 "Blackbird" disintegrated at 78,000 feet. The pilot's first thought was "No one could live through what just happened". Therefore, I must be dead."

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The Story of Bing Crosby and David Bowie's "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth" Jun 26, 2024

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 make one of the most cherished Christmas songs of all time. But it almost didn't happen.

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Empathy is Not Optional: The Story of Mike Leven's Brutal Law Professor Jun 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike with a story about what he learned from his unseemly college law professor.

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How a Fake Doctor Ran Carnival Sideshows, Saved Thousands of American Infants, and Changed Medical History Jun 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Martin Couney carried a secret with him, but the results are unimpeachable. It was Coney Island in the early 1900’s. Beyond the Four-Legged Woman, the sword swallowers, and “Lionel the Lion-Faced Man,” was an entirely different exhibit: rows of tiny, premature human babies living in glass incubators. Here to tell the story is Dawn Raffel, author of "The Strange Case of Dr. Couney."

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Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America Jun 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in his biography on George Armstrong Custer, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, T.J. Stiles, casts surprising new light on one of the best-known figures of American history, a subject of seemingly endless fascination.

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The Story of Justice Scalia: From His Immigrant Roots to the Highest Court in the Land (Pt. 1) Jun 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, 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.

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One Cop's Take on Mental Illness, Homelessness, and Crime Jun 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph shares vivid, compelling stories of one constant struggle for police, and for communities: The care and safety of those with mental health battles.

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The Hollywood Star That Left the Silver Screen to Become a Real-Life Spy in WWII Jun 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story is about the man who played Captain McCluskey in “The Godfather,’’ the crooked cop who breaks Michael Corleone’s jaw—later receiving a bullet through the throat and forehead as comeuppance. Here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath.McGrath is the author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier. A U.S. Marine and former history professor at UCLA, Dr. McGrath has appeared on numerous History Channel documentaries and is a regular contributor here at Our American Stories.

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The Great Vowel Shift and the Making of Modern English Jun 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, “The Great Vowel Shift” was the single greatest change in the history of the English language that has now become the official language in over 75 countries. Here’s the History Guy with the story of “The Great Vowel Shift” and the making of modern English.

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A Change in Seasons: Caring for Her Father the Way he Once Cared for Her Jun 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Debra Freeberg joins us with an abridged version of the beautiful and heartwarming story she wrote about caring for her father in his time of need.

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How Spam and Chocolate Moved American Troops in WWII Jun 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the amazing story of Spam, Hershey, and how those two companies fed the spirit and morale of American G.I.s overseas, becoming part of our "arsenal of Democracy."

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How An Unlikely Alliance Between Thomas Jefferson and Christian Fundamentalists Brought About Religious Freedom Jun 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, religious persecution had become the norm by the time of the American Revolution. It took the unorthodox Thomas Jefferson and Christian Fundamentalists to bring about a change.

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A Nephew Remembers His What His Vietnam Vet Uncle Couldn't Forget Jun 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Michael Williams remembers his best friend and uncle (who was 1 year older than him) Dan Reeves—a "gun guy" in Vietnam who survived a harrowing night in the jungle, and countless near brushes with death defending his camp from the enemy.

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Did Lizzie Borden Get Away With Murder? Jun 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the brutal double-murder that happened in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1892 has long been considered an unsolved mystery. Cara Robertson, author of the The Trial Of Lizzie Borden, tells the story.

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Sports Were Taken Away From Him in High School... So He Became a Coach Jun 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Herzog tells how sports raised him from a heavy-handed home, constant fighting, and the complex cultural temptations of the area surrounding New Orleans.

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The Untold Story Charles Lindbergh Jun 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Charles Lindbergh got his start performing in aerial circuses—and as a glorified mailman. He also made the daring decision to fly solo across the Atlantic, despite everyone else choosing to have a wingman. Kirk Higgins of the Bill of Rights Institute tells the story.

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How Elvis Invented Las Vegas Jun 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Zoglin tells the story of how the "King of Rock & Roll" reinvented the Las Vegas show into what it is today.

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1945 Empire State Building B-25 Crash Jun 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in July 1945, a U.S. B-25 Mitchell got lost in heavy fog over Manhattan. Here’s The History Guy remembering the B-25 Empire State Building Crash.

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The Story of America: Our Manifest Destiny Jun 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 26th episode of our Story of America Series, Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story of a growing nation—and a divided nation—on the precipice of greatness and destruction from within.

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"Separate, but Equal": The Story of Supreme Injustice Jun 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1896, a case was brought before the Supreme Court that would solidify segregation for over five and a half decades. Homer Plessy's descendant, Keith Plessy, tells us the story of the Plessy v. Ferguson case, as well as what he and Judge Ferguson's descendants are doing about it now.

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Receiving Wylie: A High Risk Pregnancy Story Jun 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Karla Duerson shares the story of what it was like being pregnant with and giving birth to her daughter Wylie.

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Arm Wrestling: A Professional Sport Jun 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dustin Tomlinson tells the story of how he discovered arm wrestling and decided to take his skill off of the hood of a truck and into the competitive arena.

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Ronald Reagan's D-Day Speech Jun 19, 2024

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."

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Final Thoughts: Cheering on My Dad's Life of Service Jun 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Russel Bitcon presents the eulogy he delivered for his father.

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100 Bible Verses That Changed America: The Most Famous Prayer of The American Revolution Jun 19, 2024

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.

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The Amazon Army: Women Who Fought For Better Working Conditions Jun 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, hear the story of American immigrants - men and women - who helped haul up standards of decent work from dark coal seams beneath Kansas.

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"Pray for Us!": Father Receives Daughter's Text during Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre Jun 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kengor's daughters were across the street while a tragedy unfolded at the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27, 2018.

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Why Are Bananas So Cheap? (History Guy) Jun 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you think of the quintessential American fruit, it would probably have to be the apple. But apples are not our cheapest fruit—bananas are! Here’s the History Guy with the story of the banana.

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The Woman Who Holds 13 World Records for Running... On One Leg! Jun 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Amy Palmiero-Winters holds 13 world records for running... and happens to have one prosthetic leg.

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"The Streets Were My Father" Jun 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, meet Carlos Colon, a Chicago man who joined a gang as a teenager, murdered a man, found salvation in prison, and now has a family and a new life.

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Brett Favre on His Miraculous Monday Night Game after His Father Died (Pt. 3) Jun 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, part 3 of our 5-part series we hear Favre get very personal about his miraculous Monday Night Football game immediately following his father’s passing.

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Forgiving My Worthless Father Jun 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Leslie Leyland Fields tells us about the heart-breaking relationship between her and her father. And it's not what you'd expect.

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Dad With Cancer Tells Kids: “You Are My Best Investments” Jun 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Storyteller Shiloh Carozza remembers her father in a moving portrait of his love, steadfastness, and faith.

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My Hero-Father Needed No Star and No Cape Jun 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a son's story about his father, from our regular listener/contributor Roger Latham, from Fort Worth, Texas.

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Two For The Road: A Son's Eulogy for His Biker Father Jun 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Taylor Brown shares the eulogy he wrote in Garden and Gun for his biker dad.

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"Leader of The Band": Dan Fogelberg's Love Song to His Father Jun 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in a canon of personal songs, “Leader of the Band” stands out as Dan Fogelberg’s most treasured. It’s a loving tribute to his musician father, Lawrence Fogelberg.

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Helping, Helping, Helping: Frank Cone's Story Jun 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rona Simmons tells the story of Frank Cone, a horse-mounted battle surgeon in the Philippines who went from champagne dinners to the Bataan Death March.

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A Family Lived in the New York Public Library? Jun 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our audience loved Kristin O'Donnell Tubb’s wonderful story from her historical fiction book John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy. So we asked if she would share another story with us. Here she is telling the story of the family that lived in the New York Public Library.

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A Crooked Cop, an Innocent Man, and an Unlikely Journey of Forgiveness and Friendship Jun 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, it all went down in the city of Benton Harbor, Michigan, in 2006. Andrew Collins was a narcotics officer. Jameel McGee was a new father of a baby boy. This is a story about forgiveness, brokenness, and true reconciliation from two guys who should have been hardened, bitter enemies.

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Were All Japanese Americans In Internment Camps? One Woman's Story Jun 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mary Mikami was a Japanese American born in Alaska. Learn about her acceptance and achievements.

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A Divorced Father Living with His Marine Son Jun 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if Bob McLalan knew his father would be living with him for 18 months, he would have thrown him out that first night. A collision of cultures like no other! The latest story with Bob McLalan.

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The Auto Outsider vs. Detroit: The Studebaker Story Jun 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Miles outside of 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.

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“Black Harry” Hoosier: The Story Behind Indiana’s Namesake Jun 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, how did Indiana get its nickname “The Hoosier State?” And how did people from Indiana come to be called “Hoosiers?” Here to answer these questions and tell the story is Dr. Stephen Flick.

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The FBI's First Deaf Agent: Sue Thomas' Story of Faith and Character Jun 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sue Thomas' story became the basis for the TV series Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye. She's here to share the story that Hollywood wouldn't touch!

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The Story of The Highest-Ranking Female Marine and First Female Annapolis Graduate to be Killed in Action Jun 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the word "hero" has been much misused in our present culture, but not when it comes to Megan McClung. You are about to hear why her tombstone reads: "Be Bold. Be Brief. Be Gone."

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“Propose a Toast” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 17) Jun 12, 2024

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.

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Dick Bong, Ace of Aces: The Greatest Fighter Pilot in American History Jun 12, 2024

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.

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"The First Guy Cannot Fail": The Jackie Robinson Story Jun 12, 2024

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.

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The Civil War Soldier Who Risked His Life to Give Water To His Enemies Jun 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Richard Hood takes us to the Battle of Fredericksburg and tells a story about compassion in the midst of America's deadliest war.

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I Was Gretzky’s Hungover Linemate Jun 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sean Pronger always dreamed of being and playing with Wayne Gretzky. Find out what happens when his dream meets his hangover.

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The Men Who Tried to Steal Lincoln's Corpse Jun 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when most people die, the story is over—but not in Lincoln's case. Louis Picone tells the story of the plot to steal Lincoln's body and hold it for ransom in the sand dunes of Indiana.

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A Police Chief's Mission to Serve with Love and Compassion Jun 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Police Chief of Oxford, Mississippi—a small town where Our American Stories broadcasts from—had good reasons behind choosing to overhaul his department. Here's Chief Jeff McCutchen with the story.

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The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty Jun 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, author Neal Thompson explores the inspiring story of the poor Irish refugee couple who escaped famine, created a life together in a city hostile to Irish immigrants and Catholics - and launched the Kennedy dynasty.

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He Wrote "The Giving Tree" and Johnny Cash's "A Boy Named Sue": The Shel Silverstein Story Jun 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, we all know Shel Silverstein's children's book, "The Giving Tree," but did you know he wrote some of America's most famous country songs? This is one unforgettable story!

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He Escaped a Mass Shooting Jun 10, 2024

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.

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The Unlikely Story of How "Georgia on My Mind" Came To Be Jun 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lee Habeeb tells the story of how "Georgia on My Mind" came to be, and how it became a song the world would come to know and love.

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The Late, Great Stephen Ambrose on the Boys Who Flew B-24s in WWII Jun 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Stephen Ambrose to tell us a short story from The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys who Flew the B-24s Over Germany.

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The Story of James Best (AKA Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane) of "The Dukes of Hazzard" Jun 07, 2024

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. He's here to tell his story!

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The Story of Roosevelt's D-Day Prayer Jun 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, on June 6, 1944, FDR delivered a prayer to the nation at 9:57PM ET. It would last 6 minutes long, and be heard by over 100 million Americans—and millions more in Europe. Written with help from his daughter and his daughter's husband, it was the largest mass prayer in American (and world) history.

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The Story of America's Alliance With Stalin—And How It Brought About The Downfall of Hitler Jun 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose shares a WWII story beginning in January of 1943 and ending with the Allied solution of Unconditional Surrender. Let’s jump right in with the Soviet victory over the Nazis at the Battle of Stalingrad.

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He Flew Nukes, Captured World Records, and Saved His Way to Wealth... Jun 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, hear the story of Orville Rogers and how he gave much of his wealth away.

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The Story of How "Women and Children First" Came to Be Jun 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers the Birkenhead Disaster and explains where the protocol "women and children first" was first used.

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How Coach Bear Bryant Saved and Changed My Life Jun 06, 2024

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.

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"Cat Got Your Tongue?" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Jun 06, 2024

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.

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The Founding Fathers Said, No Bible—No America: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Jun 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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Coach John Wooden: A Lifetime Masterpiece Jun 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Wooden compiled the greatest legacy of any coach in history. How he defined success was unique and central to his philosophy. This story is told by Coach Wooden himself, his family, friends, and players. Coach Wooden died at age 99 on June 4, 2024.

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The Man Who Played Boss Hogg Was a Genius and American Hero? Jun 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Boss Hogg, played by long-time actor Sorrell Booke, had a much wider range of skill and talents than the bumbling Boss would have some believe. Here to tell the story is Nick Ragone, host of the popular YouTube channel, "This Date in History with Nick Ragone."

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Brett Favre on Tough Love, Parenting, and Telling the Truth (Pt. 2 of 5) Jun 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brett Favre's father coached the legendary QB on many subjects - most of which informed his training, practice, and play. The passing game, not so much; but life itself? Absolutely.

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My Father Was Friends With Castro...Until He Wasn't Jun 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, "If We Get Called Back..." Mike Gonzalez tells this story of his family escaping the clutches of Castro's communist dictatorship.

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The Paul Harvey Story Jun 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, born in small-town Oklahoma in 1918—Oklahoma had only been a state for 10 years—his rural roots would shape his career as would the murder of his father, a police officer.

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Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, and the Summer of ‘41 (by George Will) Jun 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Will tells the story of Ted Williams. He also tells the story of a San Francisco fisherman, Joe DiMaggio, his “Streak” of a hit in 56 consecutive games, and his steely determination.

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The Forgotten Story of the Black Man Who Was the First to Shed Blood In the Civil War Jun 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nicholas Biddle died broke, never received a pension, and was never officially a soldier for the Union Army because of his age and the color of his skin—but he was treated by his company as a soldier and was the first to shed blood in the Civil War days after the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter.

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A President, a Preacher, and a Giant Block of Cheese Jun 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Jefferson is often known for championing religious freedom in our nation's infancy, but not many people know about how a preacher thanked him in the most unusual way.

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Wayne Gretzky Memorializes His Father Jun 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Walter Gretzky died at the age of 82. His death prompted an avalanche of tributes for a genuine, approachable, authentic person who nurtured the unsurpassed hockey talents of his son, Wayne Gretzky, on the family's famed backyard rink in Brantford, Ontario. The 60-year-old NHL legend-turned-American citizen spoke shortly after laying his father to rest.

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"Fair Game" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Jun 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Playing Cards in a Dumpster? Jun 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here's the story of why Paul Kotz hopped into a dumpster with a homeless man to play cards with him.

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The Story of Legendary Storm Chaser, Tim Samaras Jun 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, at the turn of the twenty-first century, the tornado was one of the last true mysteries of the modern world. It was a monster that ravaged the American heartland a thousand times each year, yet science’s every effort to divine its inner workings had ended in failure. Researchers all but gave up, until the arrival of an outsider. Brantley Hargrove is the author of The Man Who Caught the Storm: The Life of Legendary Tornado Chaser Tim Samaras.

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Two American Heroes—Martin Luther King, Jr. and Booker T. Washington—Who Overcame Injustice With a Zero-Victim Attitude Jun 03, 2024

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.

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The Man Who Changed The West: Gunfighter/Lawman/Gambler Bat Masterson May 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, to Bat Masterson, gunslingers were hoodlums who killed for fun. He used guns to enforce the law or defend a friend. In the end, he’d achieved a feat almost none of the Old West legends had attained: he lived to see old age. Here to tell the story of Bat Masterson is the best Old West storyteller in the country, Dr. Roger McGrath.

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The Story of America: The Tragedy of King Cotton May 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 25th Episode of The Story of America Series, Dr. Bill McClay tells the story of how the South became beholden to a system that brought massive wealth to a select few and enormous suffering to many others.

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What I Learned About Faith and Friendship After 9/11 May 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener Jocelyn Green tells the story of what she learned about faith and friendship after coming in contact with the devastation at the Pentagon—not far from her home.

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Guitar Virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel: I Came To America Because Everything Here Is Better May 30, 2024

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.

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Mr. 60s: A Baby-Boomer’s Story of Trials, Triumphs... and Redemption May 30, 2024

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.

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How Horse Racing and the Triple Crown Brought a Father and Son Together May 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a former high-powered media executive shares the story of how the 37-year horse racing Triple Crown drought broken in 2015 brought back a flood of memories of Sundays at the track with his Dad.

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Slavery Slayer: The Story of William Wilberforce May 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the man who stirred the conscience of the world to see the evil of slavery was William Wilberforce. His efforts helped bring liberty to untold millions, and changed the history of the world. Eric Metaxas is the New York Times best-selling author of Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce. He's here to tell the story!

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How the Constitution Came to Be: The Story of America [Ep. 12] May 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Constitution didn't just become the law of the land overnight—it took some convincing. Here to tell the story of the work that most influenced the Founders - The Federalist Papers - is Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope.

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Final Thoughts: Justice Kagan Remembers Justice Scalia May 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, honoring her colleague's legal integrity and effectiveness as well as his personal kindness and dynamism, Justice Elena Kagan speaks about her friend, Justice Antonin "Nino" Scalia.

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Remembering the Gold Star Father Whose Story Inspired the Hit Country Song "I Drive Your Truck" May 29, 2024

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. Hear the true experiences that became a powerful song.

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The Forgotten First Memorial Day: Freed Slaves Honoring Fallen Union Soldiers In Charleston May 29, 2024

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."

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Who Does This Medal of Honor Belong To? May 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sergeant Ryan Pitts earned our nation’s highest award for valor for his extraordinary actions during one of the bloodiest battles in Afghanistan. Hear him celebrate his brothers in arms, because, as he says about the Medal: “It is ours, not mine.”

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A Letter From a Widow of the Black Hawk Down Mission to Her Daughters May 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, "For now I must take the responsibility for keeping his life entwined with yours." Carmen Gordon remembers her husband Gary for their two children, sharing with them who he was - a responsible father.

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Remembering the Worst Naval Disaster In American History (The USS Indianapolis)—A Story Featured in the Movie "Jaws" May 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Shaw's "Quint" told the world about what happened to the USS Indianapolis in the hit movie "Jaws." The late Edgar Harrell, the last surviving Marine from the downed ship, tells the real-life story of that fateful day. It's a story you won't soon forget.

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The Gettysburg Soldier Who Received The Medal of Honor 151 Years After His Death May 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here's the story of Alanzo Cushing as told by those who fought to have him recognized long after he fell at Gettysburg.

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Why Memorial Day Matters to Me: The Story the Uncle That Lee Habeeb Never Knew—He Was Killed in Action in WWII May 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lee Habeeb shares a very personal Memorial Day story.

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A Medal of Honor Recipient Through The Eyes of His Father May 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Monti, father of Medal of Honor recipient Jared Monti, tells his son's story.

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She's Seen It All: The Story of Mayor, Liquor Store Owner, Garbage Woman, and Teacher Cubby Hall May 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Cubby Hall has been a mayor, a garbage woman, a liquor store owner, a pioneer in the Women's Army Corps (WAC), and a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse. In her words, she's "seen it all." Here's her story.

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Life Beyond My Wildest Dreams: Professional Dog Walker May 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ryan Stewart went most of his life unsure of his purpose... But, there was one thing that kept him going -- dogs. He shares his story of how canines have helped him - in manageable doses.

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The Sidney Poitier Story May 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sidney Poitier's elegant bearing and principled onscreen characters made him Hollywood's first black movie star and the first black man to win the best actor Oscar. Sidney Poitier: Man, Actor, Icon was the first full biography of legendary actor Sidney Poitier written by Aram Goudsouzian, professor of history at the University of Memphis.

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The Scout Never Called: Growing Up in Competitive Sports May 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Roger Rench shares with us some memories of his time playing various competitive sports throughout his life that are sure to put a smile on your face.

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How Duke’s Coach K Was Almost Fired in 1983 May 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Feinstein is a sportswriter of 42 books, 23 of them New York Times bestsellers. He is also the friend of Duke University’s legendary basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski (also known as “Coach K”). John tells the story of how Coach K’s five national titles at Duke almost never happened.

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The Life of Duke Ellington: An American Original May 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, some believe he was the most important composer of the 20th century, in or out of jazz. Terry Teachout, one of America's best culture writers and author of Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington, tells the story of the jazz legend, his music, his struggles, his triumphs and so much more.

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The Union Colonel Who Showed Mercy on Confederate POWs During the Civil War May 23, 2024

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 thanks in large part to the fort’s commander, Justin Dimick.

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Making Peace With My Sister's Killer May 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeanne Bishop tells us the story of the brutal murders of her beloved family members… and how a change of heart changed her life and so many others. Read her book for the full story.

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How a Major League Baseball Game Turned Into the “Ten Cent Beer Night” Riot May 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the June 4, 1974 night game 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.

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The Nuclear Mishap in Arkansas That "Created" CNN May 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a wrench fell; a rocket leaked, lost fuel pressure, collapsed, and exploded. A nuclear warhead soared out of the silo and into a ditch... at the intersection of Arkansas' fate and American journalism.

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The Woman Who Snuck Into George Washington's Army May 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Deborah Sampson became a hero of the American Revolution when she disguised herself as a man and joined the Patriot forces. Here to tell her story is the author of Deborah Sampson: The Girl Who Went to War.

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Fighting Crime in Downtown Los Angeles with Love, Respect, and God May 23, 2024

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 with one profound phrase: "I love you."

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The Girls Next Door: How Serving Coffee and Donuts in World War I Led To Women Gaining the Right to Vote May 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kara Dixon Vuic tells this remarkable story of service.

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The Goo Goo Cluster: Nashville's "Official" Candy? May 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, it's a family story, a business story, and a regional story; It's the story of how the Goo Goo cluster became the official candy of Nashville!

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Bears Compete to be the Fattest During Fat Bear Week May 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lian Law is a ranger at Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park and Preserve, and she’s here to share about Fat Bear Week, the March-Madness style bracket where bears compete to be the “Fat Bear Champion.”

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Michael Powell’s Final Thoughts For His Father, General Colin Powell May 22, 2024

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.

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The Town of Joplin was Destroyed by an EF-5 Tornado This Day in 2011: This is Joplin's Story—a Story of Loss, Love, and Hope May 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, on March 22, 2011 Joplin, Missouri, took a direct hit from the costliest tornado in American history. Though the scar remains, Joplin has recovered in truly amazing ways. Former KSNF Channel 16 Weatherman Jerimiah Cook and reporter Gretchen Bolander tell the story of love, and loss, in Joplin.

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Levi Strauss: The Jewish Immigrant Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World (On This Day in 1873) May 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of how one man got his American Dream stitched into a pair of blue jeans. Lynn Downey (Levi Strauss & Co. historian) is here to tell the story.

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Surviving Hanoi: Larry Spencer's Story May 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Larry Spencer tells the story of being one of the first POW's of the Vietnam war and surviving until war's end in both "The Zoo" prison and in the infamous Hanoi Hilton.

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The Truth Behind the “Cursed” Millionaire Heiress, Sarah Winchester May 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the mansion she built is world-renowned, as much for its many design curiosities and innovations as it is for the reported paranormal activity. Here to tell the story is Ashley Hlebinsky, 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.

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The USS Lexington: The Oldest Working Carrier in the Navy May 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor, Anne Clare, tells the story of a unique aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington.

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A Family Speaks At Their Fallen Hero's Funeral: Colorado Deputy Micah Flick May 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, for National Police Week, we feature the funeral of Colorado Deputy Micah Flick who was killed in action on February 5th, 2018. Micah's brother-in-law and widow celebrate his life with both tears and laughter.

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One Man's Walk Across America—His Stories and His "Why?" May 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Ranger Kielak set out across America, many of his friends and family were concerned about the people he'd encounter along the way. It turns out, their concerns were unfounded. Here's Ranger with the story of the good and beautiful people he's encountered along the way, and why exactly he chose to do the walk in the first place.

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An Air Force Pilot's Post-Retirement Career Dilemma: A Job at a Big Bank or the Pilot of Air Force 2 May 20, 2024

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. It was his first day on the job. Not long after that, he flew multiple combat tours in the Middle East and then retired from the Air Force. Here’s Peter with the story about the phone call he received shortly after his retirement: "Do You Still Have Your Uniform?

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The Most Heard Guitarist You’ve Never Heard Of: The Wrecking Crew's Tommy Tedesco May 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tommy Tedesco is probably the most recorded guitarist in history having played on thousands of recordings from the 1960s-1980s ( Many of them top 20 hits). Tommy's son, filmmaker Denny Tedesco, produced The Wrecking Crew, the highly-acclaimed documentary about his father and the other musicians who made up The Wrecking Crew, and is here to tell us the story!

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A Widow and Police Partner Celebrate The Life Of Washington Officer Diego Moreno May 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Diego Moreno was a fun-loving, high-intensity police officer, trainer, and father. Hear from his wife - and from his patrol partner - about the legacy he leaves for his children, and all of us, to remember and carry on.

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Did You Ever Think Your Life Would Be a Movie? The Story Behind 'Unsung Hero' May 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Helen Smallbone is a mother of seven - a family devoted to a generation of Christian music. Here's her story of globetrotting and overcoming her homlessness upon moving to America from Australia.

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A Texas Boy vs. an Air Traffic Control Bully May 17, 2024

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.

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The American Sniper Other American Snipers Look Up To May 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, long before Chris Kyle penned "American Sniper,” which became Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-nominated movie masterpiece — Carlos Hathcock was already a legend. Hathcock was so efficient and fearless during the Vietnam War, that he wore a white feather on his gear—taunting the Communists to come find him.

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Left for Dead: A Soldier's Second Life After Vietnam May 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in Vietnam, the armored personnel carrier Jon Hovde was driving hit an anti-tank mine. The 20-year-old soldier made three promises to God if He would let him live. Linda from Jon’s hometown of Fertile, MN, is here to tell the story.

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Burt Young’s Story: The Man Who Played Paulie in Rocky Opens Up About His Family and His Craft May 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Burt Young is an immediately recognizable character actor whose half-muttered voice and flinty gaze made him the perfect fit for "Rocky" as Sylvester Stallone's ill-mannered brother-in-law, Paulie. Here’s Burt Young with his story.

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Dennis Peterson: Makin' Do May 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dennis Peterson's father had an interesting way of saving money. He called it 'Makin' Do'. Dennis tells the story.

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Honoring Our Fallen Heroes: A Police Officer's Wife Delivers His Heartbreaking Eulogy May 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dominique Rivera eulogizes her husband, Detective Jason Rivera, with raw emotion and compelling everyday detail.

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Robert Redford's "Jeremiah Johnson”: The Real Story of a Hollywood Mountain Man May 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the lore and legend of the American Mountain Man is a story that seems to only grow with time. In 2015, Leonardo DiCaprio played the legendary Mountain Man, Hugh Glass in The Revenant. And in 1972, Robert Redford starred as the title character in Jeremiah Johnson. And like Hugh Glass, Johnson too was a real-life fur trapper. Here to separate fact from fiction is Ashley Hlebinsky.

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The “LA Speed Check”: A Story from a Pilot of the Fastest Plane in the World May 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Major Brian Shul with his legendary story known today as the “LA Speed Check.”

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True Love Has No Limit: The Eulogy of Officer Jonathan Diller May 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, "My husband died a hero, but he also lived as one." Stephanie Diller remembers her husband Jonathan as a connector and friend of all. Hear about his honesty and courage as a man, a father, and a police officer.

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General Colin Powell: The Story of the Man Behind the Stars May 16, 2024

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. The world saw him as a military leader, a diplomat, a senior statesman, and an advocate for young people. To friends and family, he was so much more. Leslie Lautenslager is the author of My Time with General Colin Powell: Stories of Kindness, Diplomacy, and Protocol.

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"High and Dry" & "Let the Cat Out of the Bag" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions May 16, 2024

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.

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I Didn't Want To Have Kids... Then I Met Police Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller May 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, for National Police Week, Favi Gutzwiller’s powerful eulogy to her husband who was killed in the line of duty.

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The 1913 Storm May 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ric Mixter of Lake Fury tells the story of the historic 1913 storm on the Great Lakes.

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The Story of the American Japanese Who Fought Against the Japanese in WWII May 15, 2024

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 US Army division. General “Mook” is the author of Faith, Family & Flag: Memoirs of an Unlikely American Samurai Crusader. Here he is to tell the story of the Japanese who fought for the United States in WWII.

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The Mennonite Who Won the Tour de France May 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Floyd Landis grew up in Farmersville, Pennsylvania, in a Mennonite family. Like the Amish, some Mennonites avoid modern technology. Though his family had electricity, there was no radio or television to occupy young Landis’s time. So he rode his bike. Here's Floyd to share his story!

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How Samuel Clemens Headed West and Became Mark Twain May 14, 2024

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. The time he spent 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.

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"It's Me or The Guest": How Pat Boone Stood Up For Henry Belafonte and Challenged Apartheid May 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, hear major occasions to which Pat Boone rose, to do something more important than his television show, and perhaps even his life. The music legend insisted, come what may, to not perpetuate bigotry.

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The Story of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's American Descendants May 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy unpacks the largely forgotten saga of the Bonapartes who came to America. The story illustrates the pretensions and complexity of Napoleon's attempts to create a lasting dynasty.

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Sgt. Richard Mendez Eulogy May 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, hear the legacy of a Philadelphia police officer killed in the line of duty - a call to overcome fear and remember what matters most. Here is Mia Mendez - his daughter.

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Abercrombie & Fitch: The Story Behind the Story of an Iconic American Brand May 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Abercrombie and Fitch stores conquered malls in the late '90s and early '00s with gorgeous models, pulsing dance beats and a fierce scent. What people don't know is the story of the company that was founded in 1892 in New York City.

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The First Pilot At Ground Zero Recalls His First Jobs May 14, 2024

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. It was his first day on the job. Here’s Peter sharing some stories from a few of his first jobs including his first job after serving in the Air Force.

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Why They Forgave the Drunk Driver Who Killed Their Daughter May 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Laura Treppendahl’s life was one worth remembering. After she was killed in a drunk driving accident, Laura’s family told the judge that they completely forgave the young man, Greg, who hit her.

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How VHS Beat Betamax May 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Bill “Engineer Guy” Hammack telling the story of how Betamax was defeated by the VHS tape.

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Winston Churchill: He Hated War, But He Was Great At It May 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, tells the story of how Winston Churchill, despite hating war, was great at it...and what that meant for Britain during her darkest hours.

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Churchill: Walking With Destiny May 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sir Andrew Roberts' landmark biography of Winston Churchill is a brilliant feat of storytelling that is enjoyable and easy to understand. Winston Churchill became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on May 10, 2024.

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Winter Prosapio "Curls" and Dennis Peterson "Mother's Crafting Hands" May 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dennis Peterson of South Carolina shares the story of his crafty mother, and Winter Prosapio of Texas shares a story about motherhood.

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Mother's Day Means More When You Don't Know If You'll See Her Again May 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Scott Jones, the author of Growing Up Rural, shares the story of a boy named Leo and some special letters from war that he wrote to his family.

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My Mother Had Me At 16: She's My Superhero May 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener Alan Brown shares the story of him and his mother.

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A Son Discovers His Deceased Mother's Hidden Talent May 10, 2024

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.

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The Eulogy Lee Never Gave For His Mother May 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, 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.

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The Story of a Mother Who Destroys the Perfect Mom Myth May 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, popular social media influencer and mother Tiffany Jenkins talks about her secret to being a mother....(hint: it's not what you post on social media!)

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How Faith, Infidelity, and Forgiveness Grew a Family Not Once, but Twice May 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in a 30-year span, a family confronts its sins twice and tells a story of role reversal and forgiveness.

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Why It Took One Man 7 Years to Get His Car Back (From The Government) May 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Elyia Somin tells the story of Timbs v. Indiana and the 7 year game of court pingpong it took for one man to get his Land Rover back.

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Lightning in a Bottle: The Early Years of Coke May 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, why were Coke bottles green? How do Delta Airlines and Coca-Cola relate? How did a syrup that was originally sold as medicine end up as the South's greatest export? Larry Jorgensen, author of The Coca-Cola Trail, tells the story of this sugary soft drink - first brought to market this day in 1886.

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A Dad's Gift to His Children with Down Syndrome: An Ice Cream Truck? May 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joel Wegener and his wife are blessed with 10 children, 2 of which were diagnosed with Down Syndrome. In his quest to find a fun way to teach them life skills, Joel happened upon the idea of running an ice cream truck. Here he is to tell the rest of the story.

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The True Story Of The Invention of Crayola Crayons May 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, from the bifocals to the cotton gin to the automobile to the iPhone, this country has produced creations that make our lives better… but sometimes, we invent things with recreation, and not productivity, in mind. Natascha Biebow, author of The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons, is here to tell us the story of Edwin Binney.

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From Steel Town to Tinsel Town: The Life of Composer Henry Mancini May 08, 2024

Today, Henry Mancini is recognized as one of Hollywood's greatest composers, creating the 'Pink Panther Theme' and 'Moon River' from Breakfast at Tiffany's among other pieces. Lesser known, however, is that Henry's life started in a steel town outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here to tell his story, and the story of their life together, is Henry's wife, Virginia Mancini.

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Caring For My Dying Husband Made Life Worth Living May 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tracy Grant, the former managing editor at the Washington Post, shares the story of why the days taking care of her dying husband were the best 7 months of her life.

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ILLEGAL: Shooting Bunnies From A Motorboat May 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Winter Prosapio dives into some of the strange laws we have....and why we have them.

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The Story of Sergeant York: The Religious Pacifist Who Became One of America’s Greatest War Heroes May 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sgt. Alvin York— the reluctant World War I infantryman who became an American legend—has stood as a symbol of courage and sacrifice for over a century.The Tennessee mountaineer whose religious convictions at first kept him from fighting became the recipient of the Medal of Honor and nearly 50 other decorations for single-handedly capturing (132) or killing (28) an entire German machine‐gun battalion.Here to tell the story is JD Phillips, who runs the popular YouTube channel, The Appalachian Storyteller.

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The Story of America: The Declaration of Cultural Independence May 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 24th episode of our Story of America series with Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, Bill tells the story of how through the efforts of a few men in Concord, Massachussetts, America became culturally unique from our mother country—Britain.

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The Story of a Mob and the KKK vs. the Freedom Riders of 1961 May 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kirk Higgins, the Senior Director of Content at the Bill of Rights Institute, tells the story of one of the most harrowing bus journeys of all time, the courageous men and women who went on it, and the mob that attacked them for wanting to ride as equals to each other.
To find out more about the Bill of Rights Institute, click this link HERE

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“On Skid Row” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 15) May 07, 2024

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.

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A Listener's Touching Story On His Father—and Jack Kerouac May 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kotz gives a touching tribute to his father. At a time when Paul needed a great deal of encouragement, his father turned to an American novelist to cheer him up.

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Rattlesnakes and Vinegar: A Journey to the General Store May 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Cecil Wax grew up in a different age. Listen to his and his brother's journey into town which will transport you back to a simpler time.

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Cy Walter: The Art Tatum of Cocktail Pianists May 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our storyteller's father was more than a virtuoso of the American Songbook. He was a circumspect, gentle, and incredibly generous man.

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The Short, Happy Life of Abraham Lincoln: His Final Days May 06, 2024

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.

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The Religious Magna Carta of the New World May 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Larry Reed tells the story of the Flushing Remonstrance, an all important document that helped inform the 1st Amendment.

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Thomas Bennett: The Man Behind the Winchester Brand May 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Bennett was a master salesman and businessman who helped, along with John Moses Browning, create the iconic American firearms brand Winchester.

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A Former German Soldier...Who Helped Build America's Arsenal of Democracy In WWII May 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Frohlich tells the story of his grandfather, a German-born immigrant who handled warhorses as a World War I conscript - and helped the United States win World War II.

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Satchel Paige: The Story of One of The Greatest Pitchers of All Time May 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, tells the story of a man who became bigger than the game he played—and only thew fastballs...the Midnight Creeper, the Bat Dodger, and the Jump Ball...the list goes on. The astounding thing, though, is that he did this every day for five decades with no relief pitcher.

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Batman Through the Years May 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Batman is a household name. His list of comic issues, let alone live-action movies, animated films, and TV shows, video games, you name it, is nothing short of astounding… but this wasn’t always the case. Andrew Farago, Curator at the Cartoon Art Museum and author of Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond, is here to tell us the story of the Caped Crusader.

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The Tone Deaf, Bad Poet Who Wrote The National Anthem May 03, 2024

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, and right after one of America’s great military victories.

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The Untold Story of a Civil War Cemetery May 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nancy Bro of the GAR Cemetery in Miami, Oklahoma shares the stories of the unique and colorful characters buried within it...including a rodeo star, veterans of the Union and Confederate armies, and a few British pilots.

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A Young Lady's Run-in with Frank Sinatra May 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colorado listener Patty Kingsbaker shares this "knock out" Frank Sinatra story.

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The South Vietnamese Pilot Who Stole a Plane to Save His Family May 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Major Buang-Ly worked as a pilot with the United States military during the Vietnam War. When the US began evacuating, he knew he had to get his family out. Historian Hill Goodspeed from the Naval Aviation Museum brings us this amazing story of a father doing whatever he could to save his family.

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Phillis Wheatley: The Enslaved Poet Who Met with George Washington May 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Phillis Wheatley, the first published black poet, has the remarkable distinction of being invited to meet with King George III and George Washington. Leslie Johnson of the American Village tells her story.

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How Boston Embraced The Brothers of John Wilkes Booth Following Lincoln's Assassination May 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, 26-year-old actor John Wilkes Booth was killed just 12 days after assassinating Abraham Lincoln. Here’s Christopher Klein with the story of how the city of Boston embraced the Booth brothers.

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"Bring Home the Bacon" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 5) May 02, 2024

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.

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The Surprising History of PEZ Candy May 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, PEZ had great success where it was invented, but changed its course after initially failing in America. Shawn Peterson, author of “PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon”, shares the story of how this manual candy dispenser came to be.

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The Story of Why "The Wild, Wild West" Wasn't Actually Wild May 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, as part of our rule of law series, P.J. Hill, rancher and co-author of “The Not So Wild, Wild West: Property Rights on the Frontier,” explains the misunderstanding behind the American West.

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Life Lessons From A Dairy Farm May 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener and Contributor Katrina Hine shares a personal story from one of her first jobs out of high school, entitled: “Cow Patty“.

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America's Comeback: The Battle of Midway May 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Claire tells the story of the Battle of Midway, America's "make or break" moment in World War II.

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John Clem, Civil War Boy-Soldier May 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the story of John Lincoln Clem—the youngest non-commissioned officer in Army history—is Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, author of John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy.

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The Man Who Rescued Over 10,000 Stranded Motorists May 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Weller, also known as 'The San Diego Highwayman,' shares the story of why he dedicated his time to helping people on the side of the road.

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The Only Woman to be Awarded the Medal of Honor May 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers a truly extraordinary Civil War heroine, Mary Edwards Walker. She was the only woman in U.S. history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

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The First Real-Time Tragedy: The Sinking of the RMS Titanic Apr 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, William Hazelgrove tells the story of one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century-the sinking of the RMS Titanic.

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My First Job: Being Groucho Marx's Assistant Apr 30, 2024

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.

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The 1926 Race to the South Pole Apr 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers when explorers raced to go where no one had gone before, Amundsen, Byrd, and the future of aviation.

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"You're Getting Shot At"—The Story of My First Combat Mission in Afghanistan Apr 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Peter Braxton brings an eye-opening perspective on service to America in war-torn skies.

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He Broke His Father's Heart When He Reached The Highest Levels of Street Life—But Rescued It Through His Fall Apr 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brewel Curry tells us the story of how he was saved from gang culture just days before his father's death.

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Chuck Colson’s (Watergate’s “Evil Genius”) Fall From the Center of Power into Prison... and His Redemption Apr 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of Chuck Colson's Watergate fallout—told by Chuck himself, who served as Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon. This was the last interview Chuck Colson granted before passing at 80 years of age in 2012.

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JFK’s 1962 Fourth of July Speech Apr 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, during some of the most tense 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.

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The Story of How Star Wars Toys Revolutionized Movie Merchandising (Part 1) Apr 29, 2024

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.

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John Adams and the Boston Massacre Trial: The Moment That Defined A Man And A Nation Apr 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, what we are about to do now is precise. Instead of telling the all-encompassing story of John Adams, we are going to dial it in on one specific moment in his life; one that best captures this man’s humanity and ideals more than any other. And as you will soon learn, Adams himself will agree with our selection.

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Moral Injury: the Invisible Epidemic Affecting American Veterans Apr 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Major General "Mook" Mukoyama volunteered and served in Korea and Vietnam. In 1986, he became the youngest General in the Army at that time. Soon after he was promoted to Major General, commanding the 70th Training Division during Desert Storm. Retired now, he spends his time serving our Veterans.

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The Story of a Woman Who Found Her Long Lost (And Presumed Dead) Father Just Blocks From Her Home Apr 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, it wasn't until Karen Olson's school was holding 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 was not true.

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Indians, a Jew, and a Hotel Partnership Apr 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp... one of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike telling the story about how he—a Jew—started the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.

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50 Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy: The iPhone, Radar, and TV Dinners Apr 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, did you know "radar" is actually an acronym? It stands for RAdio, Detection, And Ranging—created in 1940 by our Navy. 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.

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Hollywood's Golden Era Movie Star Had It All, But Left It All To Fight In WWII Apr 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, he starred in “The Mark of Zorro” and many other movies, but his greatest role—at the height of his acting career—was serving his country during World War II as a Marine. Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath.

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"Cat Got Your Tongue?" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Apr 25, 2024

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.

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One of the Most Decorated Veterans of All Time: The Col. David Hackworth Story Apr 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, General Mukoyama served as a company commander under Colonel David Hackworth in Vietnam. Hackworth was one of the most highly-decorated Infantry Officers in the history of the United States Army. Here’s the General with the story of the legendary Col. David Hackworth.

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Benedict Arnold: Both the Greatest of Heroes and the Darkest of Villains Apr 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, few stories are as compelling, as complex, or as mystifying as that of Benedict Arnold. After all, it is a story ripe with moral ambiguity: He was both the greatest of heroes and the darkest of villains.

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JJ's Story: From Homelessness to Helping Build and Design Home Furniture Apr 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a story from our hometown, Oxford, Mississippi—and one that's near and dear to our hearts. J.J. Jones tells the story of how we went from scraping dollars together to buy his daughter Wendy's to eat in their car (where they lived)—to finding good mentors, God, and a special talent.

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The Story of America: The Frenchman Who Wrote About America Better Than Any American Apr 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 23rd episode of our ongoing 'Story of America' Series, Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story of Alexis de Tocqueville—a Frenchman who came to America to write a book on the "wave of the future" as he saw it—Democracy.

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Dwayne “The Rock" Johnson's Eulogy to His Father Apr 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rocky 'Soulman' Johnson was a WWE Professional Wrestling Hall of Famer and the father of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Here’s Dwayne paying tribute to his father who taught him so much about life.

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My Hero-Father Needed No Star and No Cape Apr 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a son's story about his father, from our regular listener/contributor Roger Latham, from Fort Worth, Texas.

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Valerie Habeeb's Story: From Sexual Abuse to Salvation Apr 24, 2024

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.

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The Story of The Horse Racing Buffalo: Harvey Wallbanger Apr 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, have you ever seen a buffalo race horses and win? Harvey Wallbanger did—and on real race tracks against real race horses. Francie Berg tells this remarkable story.

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As Watergate Separated Americans, This Speaker of The House United Them Apr 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Carl Albert was known as the Little Giant from Little Dixie. He would rise to become the Speaker of the House during the Watergate years. Here's the story of how he put principle over politics.

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Legendary Founder of The Ritz Carlton: My Employees Are My Closest Neighbor Apr 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze has 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. Horst is a Christian who lives out his faith in both his business and personal life.

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The "Slap Shot" Story with Dave Hanson Apr 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the choice of three then-minor league hockey players to play the Hanson Brothers in "Slap Shot" starring Paul Newman was a casting hat-trick. When Dave "Killer" Hanson—was drafted for the movie, the Hanson brothers were born. This is his story.

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How Nike Took A Bet On A College Basketball Player From North Carolina and Won Apr 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, no one knew for sure just how great Michael Jordan would be in the NBA. One underdog sneaker company - yes, Nike was an underdog then - took a bet on him. But the turning point came when they zeroed in on a fledgling director - Spike Lee. The rest is history.

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The Story of the First Asian American To Control an Army Division Apr 23, 2024

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 US Army division. General “Mook” is the author of Faith, Family & Flag: Memoirs of an Unlikely American Samurai Crusader—a book printed under retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink’s publishing company.

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G-Man: The Life and Times of J. Edgar Hoover Apr 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Beverly Gage, author of the new definitive biography on 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.

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When "Neutral" America Occupied "Neutral" Iceland During WWII Apr 22, 2024

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.

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The Story of Alvin York: The Tennessee Farm Boy Who Went From Pacifist to One of America's Greatest War Heroes Apr 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of Sgt. Alvin York is a celebrated chapter in American history. Though he tried to avoid war for religious reasons, York became one of the most notable heroes of World War I. Here to tell the story is the Jack Miller Center's editorial officer and historian, Elliott Drago.

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A Presidential-Sized Comeback: The Story of Ulysses S. Grant Apr 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. John Marszalek and Eddie Rangel of the Grant Presidential Library tell the story about how Grant went from selling firewood on a street corner, to leading the US Army to victory in the Civil War.

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The World's First Action Figure Museum Apr 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em - you've just got to love them. Here is a story of a unique American dream - and unexpected healing.

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Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women Apr 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1898, the chemical element that glows in the dark was discovered. Years later, young women began working in radium factories, which was viewed as a very glamorous, upscale job. Kate Moore, author of “Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women”, shares the story of these women.

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What I Learned From A Dying Patient Apr 19, 2024

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.

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1776: The Antidote to Boring American History Apr 19, 2024

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.

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The Woman Who Stood Up To George Washington Apr 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, during the Revolutionary War, Esther Reed decided the Patriot troops needed a morale boost. Reed, along with other Patriot Women, began a campaign to raise money for the cause. When she brought her idea to General Washington, he had another idea.

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Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer Apr 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our storyteller is James Swanson, the NYT Bestseller of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer

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The First Successful Submarine Attack In History Apr 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the CSS Hunley's sinking of the Housatonic was only a partial success, but represents the first time a submarine managed to sink an enemy vessel...and it happened in Charleston Harbor during the Civil War.

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"Chairman of the Board:" The Story of B.B. King Apr 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, he came up out of the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta and into the bright lights of the stage worldwide. Here's the story of the “Chairman of the Board” himself, B.B. King…whose unique style of guitar playing and voice changed the music industry forever. Here to tell the story is Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Daniel de Visé…author of the first in-depth biography of B.B. in almost 30 years: King of the Blues: The Rise and Reign of B.B. King.

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Dad With Cancer Tells Kids: “You Are My Best Investments” Apr 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, storyteller Shiloh Carozza remembers her father in a moving portrait of his love, steadfastness, and faith.

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The Story of Justice Scalia: From His Immigrant Roots to the Highest Court in the Land (Pt. 2) Apr 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, 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.

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1776: Our Colony and Britain Apr 17, 2024

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.

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Joy Neal Kidney: Dreaded Diseases of the Great Depression Apr 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when you stop and think about it, we've come a long way in the past 100 years...especially when it comes to medicine. Joy Neal Kidney tells the story of a time not far removed from our own, but drastically different. A story of heartbreaking loss - and how much we depend on modern inoculations.

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Pat Boone: In A Metal Mood Apr 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our series with music legend Pat Boone goes off the rails into his Heavy Metal classics. It appeared to many, at first, that the Christian and American music stalwart was no longer straight-laced - though there were still laces. Lots of laces.

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The Remarkable Life of Abe's Son, Robert Todd Lincoln—Lost In His Father’s Shadow Apr 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers the 16th President’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Because of his father, Abraham Lincoln, Robert Todd's life has been largely forgotten—but it deserves to be remembered.

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From Tech-Startup to Making a Wooden Pen with His Dad: The Story of Allegory Apr 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, for Chad and Jess Schumacher, life seemed to be going really well and as "according to plan" as life could... and then life took a number of sharp and unexpected turns. What resulted shaped their family and career for the next decade.

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“Soft and Weak” Americans Try Stopping Nazis in 1943 Apr 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story from Stephen Ambrose begins in early 1943—With America's first major defeat during the Second World War.

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Why Led Zeppelin Pays Royalties to a Southern Bluesman Apr 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Davis, author of Hammer of the Gods, and Kirby Furgeson of "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" in the music industry.

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"The Records Were Closed, But The Story Was Open" Apr 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Eddie Willis always knew he was adopted. And, he was fine with not knowing where he came from... That is, until he had his children of his own. He tells the story of the search for his birth parents and an outcome he never could've imagined.

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The Loyal(ist) Son: The Story of Ben Franklin's Son Taking Britain's Side During the Revolutionary War Apr 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the war in Ben Franklin's home was not one a loving family could have ever expected.

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How 2 Engineers Created the Highest-Rated Gag Gift on Amazon Apr 15, 2024

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 (wearing the hat in photo).

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The Day Steve Jobs Gave Us The iPhone Apr 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, on January 9, 2007, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs—already a legendary pitchman—put on what many consider the best business presentation in corporate history. Jobs unveiled a new product that would cement Apple’s comeback.

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I Was Detached About My Family's Holocaust Story....Until I Went to Buchenwald Apr 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dana Mitch tells the story of her trip to Buchenwald, the largest concentration camp on German soil, and how she reconnected with her family because of it.

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Rosa Parks, In Her Own Words: The Woman Who Challenged Segregation and Changed the World Apr 15, 2024

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.

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From the "Jump Around" Anthem to "The Outsiders" House Museum: The Story of Danny Boy O'Connor Apr 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, since being released in 1983, Francis Ford Coppola’s film adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s coming-of-age novel The Outsiders has found continued popularity and has achieved official cult status. And now, in what is surely one of the most interesting pop culture intersections of all time, hip-hop artist Danny Boy O’Connor from the rap group House of Pain—best known for their iconic 1992 anthem “Jump Around”—purchased the Tulsa, Oklahoma home where much of The Outsiders’ film was shot. Here to tell this story is Danny Boy O’Connor himself.

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The First Martyr of the Abolition Movement: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Apr 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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, who is the author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith.

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Ex-Slave Bass Reeves: Lawman and Hero of the Wild West Apr 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, for Art Burton, the story of Bass Reeves seemed almost too good to be true. After all, how could somebody who history essentially forgot have such a strong lore? Art decided to dive in headfirst determined to shed some light on the man who was the first black deputy US marshal west of the Mississippi River.

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One Mother’s Escape From A Sudanese Death Sentence... to America Apr 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from Mariam Ibrahim, who lives in Virginia. But the story begins far from there.

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From Rags to Riches: The Story of the Silver Rush Kings and the "Big Bonanza" Apr 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, straight out of a Horatio Alger novel, the Silver Kings (John Mackay, James Fair, William O'Brien, and James Flood) epitomized the rags-to-riches American dream story. Roger McGrath tells the story of the richest mineral discovery in American history - the Comstock Lode.

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The Sleeping Sentinel Who Received the Death Penalty, But Was Saved By President Lincoln Apr 11, 2024

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.

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Hedy Lamarr: The 40s “Bombshell” Actress Behind GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth Apr 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hedy Lamarr set a high standard for more than screen performance. She negotiated for fair contract terms - and in her spare time, applied her mind to solve a torpedo guidance problem for the U.S. Navy in wartime.

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The Story of Johnsonville Sausage—From Its Founder's Son Apr 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Johnsonville Sausage started as a small butcher shop in Wisconsin. Today, it's the #1 brand in its category, but they got there by putting integrity over profit. Here's their story told by their former CEO and Board Chairman, Ralph Stayer.

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The Great Emancipators: How The Civil War Openly Became about Slavery Apr 10, 2024

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.

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The Story of the Quiet Cowboy Apr 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, J.D. Wininger, owner of the Cross-Dubya Ranch, tells the story of a man named John who kept to himself most of the time. J.D. lent him a helping hand, and in the end, Mr. John helped him just as much.

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Why The Civil War Could Have Started In New Mexico... in 1850 Apr 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gettysburg NPS Ranger Matt Atkinson tells the story of the fateful Compromise of 1850—and why our nation's bloodiest conflict could easily have started in the desert of New Mexico due to a forgotten border dispute.

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The Story of How Texas Joined the United States Apr 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the second part of his Texas anthropology series is Monte Monroe, the official Texas State Historian. Today Monte shares with us how Texas joined the Union, and how the spirit of Texan "independence" became a thing.

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What To Do When Your Grandfather is a World Famous Songwriter Apr 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Albert Brumley wrote classic hymns like “I’ll Fly Away” and “Turn Your Radio On,” but he left behind much more. His son Bob carried the legacy – and Bob’s daughters did the same. Here is the Brumley family story.

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David McCullough: The Story of 1776—The Year of Our Birth Apr 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, bestselling historian and two-time Pulitzer winner David McCullough is the author of 1776. In this masterful book, he tells the intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence—beginning in 1775.

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Audie Murphy: America's Most Decorated Soldier Apr 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Audie Murphy's story is one of the quintessential American stories; yet, chances are, many Americans have never even heard of his name. Here's his story.

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“Nest Egg” & "No Dice" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 15) Apr 08, 2024

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.

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Were the Irish the First Slaves in America? Apr 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, slavery is one of the oldest profit-making endeavors, and the Irish were a special target for a thousand years. Colin D. Heaton, a military veteran and a host of the YouTube channel, "Forgotten History," tells us the story.

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The Story of How Chick-fil-A Borrowed “My Pleasure” from a Luxury Hotel Apr 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the origins of Chick-fil-A’s “my pleasure” catchphrase began in 2001. Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy’s version of the story begins with him visiting a Ritz-Carlton luxury hotel—a hotel his friend Horst Schulze co-founded. Here's Horst with the story.

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Big Nose Kate, More than Doc Holliday's Woman Apr 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, she is remembered in history as Doc Holliday’s on-and-off girlfriend-turned wife. But Big Nose Kate was much more than that. Here's the History Guy with the story.

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A Surprise Gift From a Late Wife to Her Widowed Husband Apr 08, 2024

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 it was her voice that 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.

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Brett Favre Tells His Story of Family, Faith, and Football Apr 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler took the three and a half hour long drive south from here in Oxford, Mississippi—where we broadcast our show—and sat down with Brett Favre in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home. Part 1 out of a 5 part series!

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How One Man's Dog Taught Him New Tricks Apr 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from our regular contributor Paul Bauer from Minneapolis, MN. Today, Paul brings us a story he’s titled: “Lessons from Gizmo.”

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He Was Elvis' Biggest Competitor in the '50s: Pat Boone on His Two Loves, Music and His Wife Apr 05, 2024

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's the story of how he balanced fame and fortune with faith and family.

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King Solomon: The Story of the Grave Digging Drunk-Turned Hero Apr 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, King Solomon was a gravedigger who may have saved the town of Lexington during the Cholera epidemic of 1833. Kentucky journalist Sam Terry tells the story of the man they called “King Solomon.”

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The Short Ride of The Pony Express (Beginning This Day in 1860) Apr 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Pony Express is synonymous with speed, endurance, and the American spirit to just get things done. While the name is recognizable not just throughout the States, but also all over the world, it’s not widely known that the Pony Express was part of a larger corporation.. or that it only lasted for 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.

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The Antiwar Presidential Candidate—Who Was a Pilot-Hero in WWII Apr 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Historian Stephen Ambrose tells us the unlikely World War II story of George McGovern, the antiwar presidential candidate who was defeated by President Nixon in 1972.

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Hitler Called Him "The New Noah": Andrew Higgins and the Boats That Won WWII Apr 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Eisenhower said D-Day never would have happened without this man's boat that came out of the swamps of Louisiana. Here's the story of Andrew Higgins, the brash and bold Irishman whose boat building plants employed 1 out of every 5 Louisianans during the war and helped seal the fate of the Third Reich and Imperial Japan.

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Suffering Fueled His Greatness: John Hannah on What It Took to Become the Best NFL Offensive Lineman of All Time Apr 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from the guy Sports Illustrated said was the greatest offensive lineman of all time. Here's John Hannah sharing two moments in his life that pushed him towards excellence: One with his dad, the other with Bear Bryant.

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The Story of America: The First Frontiersman President—Andrew Jackson Apr 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 22nd episode of our Story of America Series, Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story of the first President to appeal to the popular sensibilities of Americans in The West.

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"If You Act Like a Lady, Men Will Always Treat You As One": Gold Rush Queen, Nellie Cashman Apr 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, relatively few women went with the initial stampedes to new mineral discoveries throughout the American frontiers. None went unescorted to so many remote, perilous places as Nellie Cashman—or until age 80, as Nellie did.

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The Story of The Russian Immigrant Who Created America's Most Beloved Music—Irving Berlin Apr 03, 2024

"White Christmas" and "God Bless America" are both standards of American popular music—both were written by an immigrant, an astonishing fact.... but even more astonishing is that they were written by the same man—Irving Berlin. Here to tell the story of Berlin is bestselling author Laurence Bergreen who wrote the definitive biography, "As Thousands Cheer: The Life of Irving Berlin."

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This Log Cabin Led to the “Great Awakening”—Which Led to the American Revolution Apr 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, If you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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How a Hollywood Blockbuster Inspired America’s Most Famous Robbery and Shootout—in North Hollywood Apr 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, often, art imitates life; this time, life imitated art. Two of America's most famous actors (Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino in the movie Heat) inspired the most famous bank robbery in American history.

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America Had A President Before George Washington? Apr 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Geroge Washington was not our first President? Here’s Christopher Klein with the story.

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How George Washington's Bible Survived 9/11: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Apr 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington’s Bible was on loan to a famous Revolutionary War tavern just blocks from the World Trade Center on 9/11. Just as the search for bodies ended, the search for the Bible began…

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When America's Greatest (And Last) Bareknuckle Boxer Challenged America To A Fight Apr 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1893 John L. Sullivan's "Knockout Tour" traveled America. The challenge? Could any man in America last 12 minutes in the ring with the champ?

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The Story of the Western Movie Star Who Quit Hollywood to Bomb Tokyo During WWII (Hollywood Goes to War) Apr 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in a career spanning more than four decades and appearing in 149 movies, Western star Tim Holt could be seen on the big screen in films such as Stagecoach, My Darling Clementine, and Swiss Family Robinson. Here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath.

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The Story of Chuck Taylor, the Billy Graham of Basketball Apr 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, he wasn't an NBA star: He was a sneaker salesman that helped popularize the sport of basketball, and the sneakers that now bear his name. This is his story.

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How Cornelius Vanderbilt Caused the Panic of 1869 (“Black Friday”) and Then Personally Rescued the American Economy Apr 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes from T.J. Stiles’ Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, The First Tycoon, is one that portrays Cornelius Vanderbilt at his most skillful, and yet, at the same time… it is chilling. The Commodore’s personal wealth had grown so much by 1869, that his private interests intersected with the public interests.

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The Great Chicago Fire—and the Even Greater Chicago Recovery Apr 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this largely lost story is rekindled by Chicago historian Tim Samuelson, the first cultural historian of Chicago.

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The Careful Art of Caring for Your Horse Apr 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, regular contributor Bill Bryk brings us another adventure in riding and teaches us just how meticulous the grooming routine can be.

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A Police Chaplain Remembers His Mentor... And the Oklahoma City Bombing Apr 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a ministry of presence is what police chaplain service means to Greg Giltner. His response to the terrorist attack on the Murrah Federal Building was characteristic of his service—and that of his comrades and mentors.

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The Greatest Tank Duel of WWII Apr 01, 2024

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 between a little American M8 armored car and Hitler's enormous German King Tiger tank.

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The Inventor Extraordinaire Who Gave Us the Safety Pin: Walter Hunt Apr 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Walter Hunt is known as the Yankee mechanical genius. His hundreds of inventions include a saw, a steamer, ink stands, a nail-making machine, a rifle, a revolver, bullets, bicycles, a shirt collar, a boot heel, and a ceiling-walking circus device. Hunt’s most successful invention was designed in just three hours to settle a $15 debt to one of the many draftsmen he tasked with drawing up his patents. Here’s Ashley Hlebinsky with the story.

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Graduate Works For General Motors Remotely—On A Sailboat? Apr 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, working remotely meant that she could live remotely, too...so Emma decided to buy a sailboat and go to Florida.

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The Story of a Military Man-Turned Missionary Who Carries a Gun... In War-Torn Burma (And Sudan and Iraq) Mar 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, whether armed or unarmed, the medics and defenders of the Free Burma Rangers stand with those trapped in the middle of war zones - and stand their ground. Telling of this intense mission is founder and former Green Beret, Dave Eubank.

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Easter with My Grandson: The Best Day Ever Mar 29, 2024

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. Here’s Paul with a story about a very special Easter Day he had with his grandson. He’s titled it, “The Best Day Ever!”

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The Story of The Man Who Built One of the Largest Prison Ministries in the World Mar 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joe Garman wanted to minister to people - on his own terms, and certainly not in the prison setting. As he tells it: God had other plans. He would end up forming ARM, one of the largest prison ministries in the world.

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The Stories Behind Our Easter Traditions Mar 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, bestselling author Ace Collins is here to reveal the events and backgrounds that shaped the best-loved customs of Easter, introducing you to stories you’ve never heard and a deeper appreciation for the holiday’s familiar hallmarks.

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The History of Human Mobility: The Story of the Inventions That Changed the Way We Move Mar 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Miles C. Collier – founder of the Revs Institute – tells the story of inventions that took us from our own legs to wheels, horses, bikes and cars.

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President Truman’s Visit to Tiny Dexter, Iowa—And How It Helped Him Win Reelection Mar 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1948 President Harry Truman decided to attend a plowing match in the small town of Dexter, Iowa. It turned out to be an event that would help re-elect him to the Presidency.

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The Story of Army Ranger-Turned Border Patrol Agent, Vincent "Rocco" Vargas Mar 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vincent “Rocco” Vargas shares his unique perspective of becoming a Border Patrol Agent after his own grandmother came to America illegally. He is now an actor who has played the role of Gilberto “Gilly" Lopez on Mayans MC, a spinoff of the FX original hit series, Sons of Anarchy.

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America Strikes Back: The Doolittle Raids and the Battle of the Coral Sea Mar 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Claire tells the story of America's first two responses to Pearl Harbor: The Doolittle Raids and the Battle of the Coral Sea.

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The Man Who Built Hollywood: The Story of Cecil B. DeMille Mar 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when you think of the parting of the Red Sea, you probably think of movie director Cecil B. DeMille, who turned Bible stories he turned into epic films like "The Ten Commandments," starring Yul Brenner and Charlton Heston. But there is much more to the story of this man who helped turn Los Angeles into the film capital of the world.

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The Story of How The Muppets Began as a TV Commercial Mar 27, 2024

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 commercials!

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Killed On Independence Day Mar 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Joy Neal Kidney, recipient of the 2021 Great American Storyteller Award from our staff, tells the story of several Civil War soldiers from Iowa and the lasting impact they have today.

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The Story of America: A Revolution For the Common Man Mar 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 21st episode of our series with Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, Bill tells the story of how a dueler and brawler from the frontier upended American political life and formed a new political party—the Democratic Party—by the sheer force of his will alone. We're of course talking about Andrew Jackson.

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The Civil War's Moses Moment at Providence Spring—100 Bible Verses That Changed America Mar 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Union Soldiers at Andersonville Prison were near starvation, and dehydration, when prayer saved thousands of lives. If you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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What Happened to Bonnie and Clyde When They Came to Small-Town Iowa Mar 26, 2024

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 strangers. Rod Stanley of the Dexter Museum tells the story.

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"Big Bucks, No Whammies!": The Man Who Cracked the Code of "Press Your Luck" And Won $110,000 Mar 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Matt Parker, a comedian and mathematician from Australia, tells the story of the time Michael Larson surprisingly beat the game show, Press Your Luck, and gives a look into why computers can’t be random.

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Accordionist Nancy 3 Hoffman—Yes, That's Her Middle Name—Tells the Story of Her....Umbrella Cover Museum Mar 26, 2024

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.

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Basketball Legend "Pistol Pete" Maravich Shares His Life Story... Just Days Before His Death Mar 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, just days before his death, the 40 year-old Maravich shared his story to a small audience about his life pursuing success and fame—until that pursuit brought him to his knees. This is the story of him coming to Christ.

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A Listener Recounts Spotting Satellites In The Sky With His Father in The Mountains of New Mexico Mar 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells the story of his first time seeing a satellite in the sky during a trip into the mountains of New Mexico.

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he Surprising Story of the World's 1st Billionaire—John D. Rockefeller Mar 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, John D. Rockefeller had a very unusual childhood. His father, dubbed “Devil Bill,” was a smooth-talking snake oil salesman, while his mother was a very devoted and disciplined Christian who taught John to work, to save, and to give to charities. This often-demonized, so-called Robber Baron reshaped America, creating an industry centered around the world’s most important resource: oil.

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The Baseball Team That Fought For Equality Before Jackie Robinson Hit The Majors Mar 25, 2024

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.

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Andrew Jackson’s Cursing Parrot Mar 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, history professor Mark Cheathem tells us why Andrew Jackson’s pet parrot had to be removed from his funeral.

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"Long Shot" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Mar 25, 2024

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.

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I Picked Up "Tex" Watson Hitchhiking AFTER the Manson Murders Mar 25, 2024

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.

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What Happened to Saturday Morning Cartoons? Mar 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mark McCray is the author of The Best Saturdays of Our Lives. Here he is to tell us the story of Saturday morning cartoons... and answer the all-important question: what happened to them?

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The Improbable Story of How the Wright Brothers Changed World History Mar 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, much was at stake in this first race to space. Nations and top scientists across the globe pursued the elusive goal of powered flight, but two bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio - brothers with their own scant resources - made it happen. This is their story.

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The Gettysburg Soldier Who Received The Medal of Honor 151 Years After His Death Mar 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here's the story of Alanzo Cushing as told by those who fought to have him recognized long after he fell at Gettysburg.

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The Story of the Sneaker: A Walk Through American History Mar 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nicholas Smith, author of Kicks: The Great American Story of Sneakers, takes us for a journey through American history... through the lens of the sneaker!

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The Woman Behind "Locks of Love": The Nonprofit That Donates Hair to Kids Mar 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, it's likely you know someone who's grown out their hair to donate to the nonprofit charity, Locks of Love. Here to tell the story of how LOL got started, is none other than the founder, Madonna Coffman.

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The Holiday Inn Founder Who Gave Salesmanship A Good Name Mar 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of one of America's greatest salesmen—and some of his interactions with our greatest icons.....Muhammad Ali, Sam Walton, Sam Phillips, and McIlhenny's Tabasco to name a few.

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The Most Famous Abolitionist You Never Heard Of: The Story of Thomas Shipley Mar 21, 2024

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.

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The Story of America: Thomas Jefferson's Dying Words On Slavery Mar 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 20th episode of "The Story of America" series, Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story of a changing America—and an America on the brink of a collision of opinions on the very nature of freedom and liberty themselves.

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Abandoned at Birth in a Garbage Dump... But Love Found Me Mar 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, only hours old, Jackie Darby was found in a garbage dump in Korea, her tiny body being eaten by rats. Through the love of her adoptive parents and God, she came to see the light at the end of her dark tunnel. Pick up her book, "Whose Am I?" wherever you buy books, or on Amazon, here.

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How My First Job—A Summer Job—Changed My Life Mar 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, first jobs are important and often our first real taste of adult responsibility. At the Fenwick Crab house, though, Brent Timmons learned much more than just how to cut a cucumber and steam a clam.

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I Lived Through The Depression And Didn't Even Know It Mar 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Donald Sturm tells his story of growing up during The Great Depression without knowing it because of the powerful influence of his parents...here's his remarkable story.

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The Angels of Bataan: The Brave Nurses Who Served Our Soldiers in One of WWII's Worst Campaigns Mar 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Clare tells the story of a nurse who served in the Philippines during World War II, and shares the experience that she and others went through after the Japanese takeover of the island.

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Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice: The Navy’s "Jackie Robinson" (Told by His Granddaughter) Mar 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of America's first Black Naval Aviator, 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 tell the story is Jesse's granddaughter, Jessica Leroyce Knight Henry.

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The Story of America: The War of 1812 and Beyond Mar 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 19th episode of "The Story of America" series, Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story of a forgotten war that almost destroyed us—and how the fallout helped propel the nation forward into the Industrial Revolution.

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Becoming Dr. Seuss: The Making of an American Imagination Mar 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, from Green Eggs and Ham to How the Grinch Stole Christmas, we’re all familiar with the work of Dr. Seuss. But the story of how he actually became the author we know and love is far from short and simple. Brain Jay Jones, author of “Becoming Dr. Seuss”, is here with the full story of the man behind this pen name.

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The Medal of Honor Recipient Who Crashed His Plane On Purpose To Get To His Downed Wingman Mar 19, 2024

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.

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How a Group of Daring Bootleggers Created NASCAR Mar 19, 2024

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.

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Belinda Mulrooney: The Richest, Toughest Woman of the Klondike Gold Rush Mar 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, no woman figured more prominently on the Yukon and Alaskan frontiers than Belinda Mulrooney. She gained international fame as the richest woman in the Klondike and made and lost more than one fortune. She became a character in novels and her dog the inspiration for "Buck" in the Call of the Wild. Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath, author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier.

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A Black Man (Jesse Owens) and a Nazi: A Friendship Forged in Competition & Courage Mar 18, 2024

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.

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A 12-Year-Old Girl's Eight-Hour Car Chase to Get Elvis' Photo at a Gas Station Mar 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a listener from Colorado tells her remarkable Elvis story about the time she met the King not once but twice in an 8 hour period!

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From Soviet Spy to American Cold War Hero: The Whittaker Chambers Story: Mar 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the book Witness: A True Story of Soviet Spies in America and the Trial That Captivated the Nation is one of the biggest U.S. bestsellers of the 20th century, yet it is almost unknown among Americans today. Here to tell the story is Greg Forster on behalf of the Acton Institute.

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The Big Four and the Transcontinental Railroad Mar 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of the men known as “The Big Four,” who incorporated the Central Pacific Railroad and helped build the transcontinental railroad. These four individuals risked their businesses, money, time and talent in order to achieve an unprecedented feat of engineering, vision, and courage. Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath. McGrath is the author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier.

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Abigail Adams and Her 7-Year-Old Son John Quincy Witnessed First-hand The Battle of Bunker Hill: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Mar 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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How Pat Boone Became Famous Mar 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, many know that Elvis grew up singing in his church choir - and he would lead the charts with hit songs through many years. Hear from another music legend, Pat Boone - who grew musically by leading a large church choir, a capella - and would top the charts for an even longer stretch than Elvis.

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The Story of a Mother Who Destroys the Perfect Mom Mythology Mar 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, popular social media influencer and mother Tiffany Jenkins talks about her secret to being a mother....(hint: it's not what you post on social media!)

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One of America's Great CEO's Tells The Story of Why Bureaucracy Size Matters Mar 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike Leven with the story: The bigger the bureaucracy, the smaller the customer.

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Ben Franklin: Chess Can Make You A Better Person? Mar 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ben Franklin has the distinction of many "firsts": He invented the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, bifocals, the catheter, swim fins and the odometer. He started the first public library, the first volunteer fire company, the first American fire insurance company, the first hospital and was the first postmaster general. Chess.com also reminds us that Franklin was also the first known chess player as well as the first chess author in America. Here again to tell us the story is the Jack Miller Center's Editorial Officer and historian, Elliott Drago.

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Pilot Dies, Passenger Lands Plane—with His Family on Board Mar 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, experience the true story behind the movie "On a Wing and a Prayer" - When Doug White, his modicum of flying experience, and his powerful calm would determine his family's fate.

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Coach “Bear” Bryant, and the Packers, Transformed My Life Mar 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Rich Wingo with the story of how his time under the legendary Alabama coach refashioned his character, and then how his time with the Green Bay Packers redefined his faith.

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The Con Man Who Was Pardoned By Both Abe Lincoln and Jefferson Davis Mar 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story is about a con man who was so good that he got both the Union and the Confederate presidents to pardon him; yet, he was so bad that a NYC woman offered a $50k reward to find him—dead or alive.

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The Remarkable Life of Abe's Son, Robert Todd Lincoln—Lost In His Father’s Shadow Mar 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers the 16th President’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Because of his father, Abraham Lincoln, Robert Todd's life has been largely forgotten—but it deserves to be remembered.

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A Brief History of Toilet Paper Mar 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, everything you've ever wanted to know, and more, about toilet paper. Here's The History Guy with the story.

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Hollywood Goes To War: Wild Bill Wellman Mar 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath. McGrath is the author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier. A U.S. Marine and former history professor at UCLA, Dr. McGrath has appeared on numerous History Channel documentaries and is a regular contributor for us here at Our American Stories.

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Remembering the Gold Star Father Whose Story Inspired the Hit Country Song "I Drive Your Truck" Mar 13, 2024

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. Hear the true experiences that became a powerful song.

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“Son of a Gun & Steal My Thunder” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Mar 13, 2024

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.

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An Empty Nester Helps a Lonely Lost Senior in a Nursing Home Find His Purpose Mar 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this story comes to us from Paul (a.k.a. the "empty nester"), a listener from Minneapolis, MN.

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Last Men Out of Vietnam: Evacuating Saigon Mar 12, 2024

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.

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"In a Nutshell" & "In the Doghouse" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Mar 12, 2024

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.

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The Story of the Real Saint Patrick Mar 12, 2024

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.

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The Day a Soviet Nuclear Attack Submarine Rammed an American Aircraft Carrier Mar 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1984, during a period of Cold War tension, a Soviet submarine collided with a United States aircraft carrier. Here’s The History Guy with the story of the USS Kitty Hawk collision.

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The Story of How George Strait's "Love Without End, Amen" Came to Be Mar 12, 2024

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.

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The Tragedy of Friendship in the Vietnam War Mar 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Camelo Venegaz was the kind of guy you could talk to about anything. In Vietnam combat, his serving in this role left him all the more rivened each time another of his comrades, his friends, would call on him in their last moments of life.

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An Aussie Discovers American Wings Mar 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Australian Colin Bettles tells the story of discovering the buffalo wing in America.

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The Woman Who Saved The Lewis and Clark Expedition Mar 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Dedra Birzer of Hillsdale College tells the story of Sacagawea, the woman who saved the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

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Louisiana and Beyond: The Story of America Series [Ep. 18] Mar 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Jefferson took huge steps toward the American life and frame of mind built since his time. One of these steps was toward the West.

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My Conversations With Two Fraternity Brothers Before They Died Mar 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick tells the story of two college friendships that would impact him for the rest of his life.

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The Story of a Bathroom Drug Deal Interrupted by Jesus Mar 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Pastor Greg Laurie tells a success story of profoundly helping a man who was going astray. The call could not be clearer, and Pastor Greg did his duty despite less than comfortable environs.

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Reconnecting With My Absent Father Who Was Presumed Dead Mar 08, 2024

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 on in life.

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America Prepares For the Largest Land Invasion in History at Normandy (with Stephen Ambrose) Mar 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the late, great Stephen Ambrose tells the WWII story of the lead-up to Operation Overlord—the largest land invasion in history at Normandy, France, June 6, 1944.

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Superman Versus the Ku Klux Klan Mar 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, hear how an undercover agent infiltrated the KKK, and with the help of Superman, exposed them to the world.

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How the Tow Truck Came to Be Mar 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, commitment to serve others better is a hallmark of American life. Add a sensible new design, honest pricing, and the ceaseless journey of mechanical engineering - and we now have another key player in the forces behind public safety.

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The Old Upright Piano Mar 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of her old upright piano that was passed down to her from her mother.

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A Lost Boy and the Hippie Jesus Revolution: Greg Laurie's Story Mar 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Pastor Greg Laurie tells the story of his life.

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Sabin Howard on the National WWI Monument Mar 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, World War I was not about hellish artillery blasts and machine-gun barrages - or even deception and disease. The war was about people. Hear stories of a lost generation from the sculptor whose memorial to them will soon show this reality to visitors in Washington, D.C.

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Danielle Mickelson: Suing to Sell Soup Mar 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Danielle Mickelson's business was expanding until administrative rules forced her to put her dreams on hold. Thankfully, The Institute for Justice stepped in to help.

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The Spies That Saved The World (w/ Stephen Ambrose) Mar 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, counterespionage - it's what's for winners! Defeating the Nazi menace would take more than strength and tactics. It required the Allies giving them lots of completely accurate Allied secrets, for years.

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16, Addicted, Pregnant: My Motherhood Story Mar 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, drug culture - the kind where your parent is a dealer - wrecked Teri Neal's life. Hear how her son inspired and encouraged her to build a life of service and change things for the better!

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How the Supreme Court Became Supreme: The Story of America Series [Ep. 17] Mar 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when the Constitution was written, it didn't specify the exact role of the Supreme Court. It took a few undelivered letters for that to change. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story.

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I Found Out I was Adopted At 30! Mar 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Skip Reeves tells the story of how he came to find out he was adopted years after the fact.

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Like A Mosquito In The Rain: The Unsinkable USS Plunkett Mar 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Story of the USS Plunkett at Salerno.

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Iowa's Long-Lost NBA Team Who Beat the Celtics Mar 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim Harwood of Waterloo/Cedar Falls' KXEL 1540, author of Ball Hawks: The Arrival and Departure of the NBA in Iowa, tells us the story of the only professional sports team ever to play in Iowa.

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A Black Cowboy is the Inspiration for the Lone Ranger? Mar 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Lone Ranger, with his cry of “Hi-Ho Silver!” has become an American institution ranking with Paul Bunyan in the realms of folklore and legend. The History Guy remembers Bass Reeves, John Reynolds Hughes, and forgotten history of the Wild West.

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An Army Moves On Its Stomach... And Lots of Coffee Mar 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells a story that one of his friends told him: A coffee incident that took place on the USS Enterprise.

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Zero Victim: One Black Man's Story of Transformation Mar 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, author James Ward (Zero Victim: Overcoming Injustice With a New Attitude) describes the pivotal moment in third grade that transformed his life.

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My Life After Firefighting Mar 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, James, a retired fire captain, shares his story of firefighting and the emotions that come along with it.

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Alana's Birth Was Beautiful - Except That She Didn't Take Her First Breath Mar 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Samantha Durante Banerjee knew that her stillbirth would be a nightmare, but she didn't expect feeling joy, too...the joy of holding her little Alana.

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The Story of Captain Kangaroo Mar 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, on October 3, 1955, a television program debuted that would eventually produce nearly 9,000 shows over a span of 40 years. Here’s the History Guy with the story of Captain Kangaroo.

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50 Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy—The Plow, Barbed Wire, and Google Search Mar 04, 2024

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.

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She Was Attacked For Running the Boston Marathon? Mar 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, in 1967. As a result she suffered endless criticism - and an actual physical attack.

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James Madison: Founding Father and Lawgiver Mar 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, President of Hillsdale College, Dr. Larry Arnn, tells the story of our fourth president, James Madison.

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The American Surgeon Who Escaped the Viet Cong Mar 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hoat Hoang's childhood in South Vietnam was filled with family and fun times... Until the North Vietnamese communists began to ambush his village. Once Saigon fell to the communists' troops, Hoat and his family fled. Hoat tells the story of their escape, and his journey to becoming a surgeon in America.

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The Penguin Who Wears Shoes Mar 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this elderly penguin named Enrique lives at the St. Louis Zoo. After being diagnosed with arthritis in his feet, the zoo began trying to find ways to make him comfortable. Marija Elden, the Zoological Manager of Birds, shares Enrique’s journey to owning a pair of pretty cool kicks.

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The Teen CEO of the Candy that Cleans Your Teeth Feb 29, 2024

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.

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Giving Out Pizza From a Second Story Apartment Raises Over $30,000 Feb 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ben Berman, a 2nd-year grad student in Philadelphia, made the most of his time while staying at home during a global pandemic. Here's his story.

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How Patrick Henry Saved America From Its First Civil War Feb 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington led America's army to independence. He needed help to avoid leading it into our first civil war.

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The Most Divided Election in American History—The Story of America Series [Ep. 16] Feb 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, like today, our nation has always been divided. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story of a nation on the brink shortly after its founding—and how we got our first peaceful transition of power from one political party to another.

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How B.B. King's Guitar "Lucille" Got Her Name Feb 29, 2024

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.

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Las Vegas Must See: The Neon Museum Feb 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, executive director of the Neon Museum, Aaron Berger, shares some of the history of Las Vegas and the iconic signage associated with it.

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John Ford: The Greatest Director of All Time Quits Hollywood To Fight In World War II Feb 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Ford was Hollywood’s greatest director (Rio Grande and The Searchers, for example). As WWII began, the 47-year-old Ford was at the top of his game when he quit Hollywood and joined the U.S. Navy. Roger McGrath is here to tell the story.

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Winston Churchill: He Hated War, But He Was Great At It Feb 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, tells the story of how Winston Churchill, despite hating war, was great at it...and what that meant for Britain during her darkest hours.

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The Harvard Country Boys Who Shaped America Feb 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of how two country boys rose to the highest heights of Harvard Yard, yet their lives would have two dramatically different fates. Here to tell the story Andrew Porwancher. He is a professor at Arizona State University and is also a Jack Miller Center Fellow.

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The Winner Who Always Finished Last Feb 28, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Saje Hellstern was the fastest on his cross-country team and always finished in the top. After a tumor was found in his brain, he endured over a year of radiation and chemo. But, that didn't stop him from running and finishing his races. Here to share his story is his stepfather, Roger.

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He Went to Work at Ford for Lee Iacocca... and Got More Than He Bargained For Feb 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim Leuliette began his career at Ford Motor Company under the leadership of Lee Iacocca and Henry Ford II. He got more of an education than he bargained for... and was thankful for it.

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Winston Churchill on Education and What It Means for All of Us Feb 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College and a Churchill scholar, tells the story of Winston Churchill on Education.

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The Church Where They Preach in Five Different Languages Feb 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Josh and Lauren Manning needed to make a grand change in life...and they found the opportunity to do so at a church in Noel, Missouri, where an influx of immigrants and refugees necessitated a lot of adaptation, understanding, and a few translators to spread the gospel.

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How the NFL Went From Bush-League to Bigtime Feb 27, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, professional football began on the factory clock and bank loans, and the first teams were bought for hundreds of dollars. Here's John Eisenberg, author of The League, to share the story of how the pioneers of American sports culture, win or lose, went all-in to make American Football the best and most dramatic game it could be.

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The Confederate Mystery Ship Feb 27, 2024

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-at least for a little while, before the Union blockade had its way with ships coming from overseas.

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My 48 Hours with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly Feb 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, while working for Dick Cavett, Steve Stoliar met not one but two of Hollywood’s greatest dance legends.

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My Family Spent 4 Months Playing Battleship in a Cornfield Feb 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story itself is the stuff of legends...a sunken steamboat, buried treasure, and the drive of a group of AC repairmen to become "rich beyond rich" even if it meant going into over a million dollars worth of debt. Matt Hawley tells the story of his family's quest to dig up the steamboat Arabia from the middle of a corn field.

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The Fateful Night During WWII Cecil Wax Met God Feb 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Marilyn Jensen tells the harrowing story of when her father went on a supply run amidst a German bombing.

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Adolph Coors: The German Immigrant Who Brought Us Banquet Beer Feb 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Coors Banquet is really good...no, really good, and its story began with a German immigrant living in a Colorado mining town. Pete Coors tells the story.

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Her Career is a Tribute to Her Great Uncle, A D-Day Hero Feb 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Heather McPherson, Curator of History at the South Carolina Military Museum. In fact, it’s the reason she’s at the museum in the first place.

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100 Bible Verses that Changed America: John Eliot, The Missionary Who Learned America's Native Tongue Feb 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Eliot translated the Bible into the language of a people who were there before the state: the Massachusetts.

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Jack Marucci Created a Baseball Bat For His Son in His Backyard—Now He Runs The Biggest Bat Company in America Feb 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, what started as a singular wood bat for his son led to the most popular and respected bat company in our country. Here's Jack Marucci with the story of how he got from point A to point B.

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Virginia Hall: The True Story of America's Greatest Female Spy Feb 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, meet the woman the Gestapo once considered "the most dangerous of all Allied spies." Judy Pearson tells the tale of a woman whose bravery was greater than the collapsing world around her.

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The First Catholic Speaker of the House Who Bridged the Divide Between Protestant and Catholic Americans Feb 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Professor Jeff Bloodworth tells the story of John McCormack.

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The Best Lawyer In a One-Lawyer Town Feb 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk knows when to start a case on behalf of others... and has learned when to rest.

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Where Do Your Family Photos Go After a Tornado? Everywhere. Here's The Man Whose Mission is to Return Them Feb 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, where would our photos go if our house were to be hit by a tornado? The answer is everywhere. But for Thad Beeler's neighbors, that question wasn't a hypothetical...it was grounded in harsh reality after the deadly May 2011 Joplin Tornado...and Thad decided to do something about it.

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The Woman Who Buried the Veterans Others Didn't Feb 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Lanae Strovers was given the job of figuring out what to do with unclaimed urns at the funeral home she worked at, she took it personally...but that would make sense for someone who got into the mortuary business for personal reasons. Give her story a listen!

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The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn: More Americans Died in the Revolutionary War on this British Prison Ship Than in Combat Feb 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert P. Watson, author of The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn, tells this untold story of the American Revolution.

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The Untold Stories of Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax" and "The Grinch" Feb 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Seuss was raised as a Lutheran and had a strong religious background. His books often included strong moral messages… but, he was always very careful with how he went about it. Here to share a bit about Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax” and “The Grinch” is Brian Jay Jones, author of Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination.

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The Redemptive Story of an Ex-Addict-Turned Creator of World's Hottest Pepper (Carolina Reaper & Pepper X) Feb 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ed Currie is an American chili pepper breeder who is the founder and president of the PuckerButt Pepper Company. Here's his remarkable story.

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My Encounter with God... While Piloting a Chopper in Vietnam Feb 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dick Erickson, a Marine helicopter pilot who served in Vietnam, tells the story of the time he lost contact with his base but came into contact with God during combat.

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The Civil War General Who Took His Dates to See His Severed Leg at the Smithsonian Museum Feb 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gettysburg National Park Service Ranger Matt Atkinson tells the story of the Civil War general who created the "temporary insanity" plea, got his leg shot off by General Longstreet, and helped form the Gettysburg National Military Park—Dan Sickles.

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A Family Lived in the New York Public Library? Feb 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our audience loved Kristin O'Donnell Tubb’s wonderful story from her historical fiction book John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy. So we asked if she would share another story with us. Here she is telling the story of the family that lived in the New York Public Library.

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The Story of the Mason-Dixon Line: The Colonial-Era Border Battle That Defined the Civil War Feb 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Mason-Dixon Line defined the American house divided between antislavery and pro-slavery. Yet this border war was pre-dated by another border battle—a colonial-era quarrel which ended only when the area separating Pennsylvania and Maryland’s border was surveyed and mapped in the 1760s by the Englishmen Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon. Here to tell the story is Dakota Bricker who hosts the YouTube channel, What In The History?

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"Sit Down. What Do You Want to Know?": My Dad Never Spoke of His WWII Combat Until I Asked Him Feb 21, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom McManus and his dad had a sit-down talk during Tom's Jacksonville Jaguars training camp. The gridiron grind seemed much more of a privilege after learning that his father - at the same age of 24 - was shot down in his B-24 over Europe.

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The Short, Happy Life of Abraham Lincoln: His Final Days Feb 20, 2024

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.

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How Smallpox Created Canada by Destroying Washington’s Army Feb 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Canada is an independent nation—and not part of the United States—most likely, because of smallpox. Here to tell the story is the president of Ameriseach, William Federer.

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George Washington: The Man Who Refused to be King and Stunned the World Feb 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, "The Greatest Man in the World." That's what King George said George Washington would be if he resigned his military commission. Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, and author Nathaniel Philbrick share this remarkable story of America's indispensable man.

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The Constitution's First Test—Washington's First Term: The Story of America [Ep. 14] Feb 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the new Constitution was an experiment—a unplayed sheet of music— and we wouldn't know what it would look like in actuality until people picked up their instruments. Here to tell the story of the first real test is Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope.

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Lincoln's Greatest Speech Americans Have Never Heard: Cooper Union Feb 20, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vince Benedetto, founder of Bold Gold Media Group, tells the story of the Cooper Union address-the greatest speech of Lincoln's that Americans have never heard, and the speech that made him President.

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Ruger Firearms: The Story of a Great American Company Feb 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ruger is the biggest 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.

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The Shocking Story Behind the Diamond Engagement Ring Feb 19, 2024

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. Then he wrote The Heartless Stone.

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The Story "Of Beards and Men" and How They Define Masculinity in Culture Feb 19, 2024

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 varied in response to changing ideals of masculinity.

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The Intimidator: Dale Earnhardt's Life In The Fast Lane Feb 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when one thinks of basketball, one might think of Kobe Bryant or LeBron James, and when one thinks of football one might think of Tom Brady or Jerry Rice...when one thinks of NASCAR though, only one name stands above the rest. Dale Earnhardt. Here's Jay Busbee, author of Earnhardt Nation, with the story of "The Intimidator"

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A Baby Boomer’s Battle with Insanity and Fitness Feb 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul, our regular contributor from Minnesota, is here to tell us his weight-loss resolution story.

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Brett Favre (Pt. 5 of 5): Playing in Green Bay, Rehab, and the Shocking Thing That Happened to Him Twice—Which Nobody Ever Knew! Feb 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler sat down with Brett in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home for this part 5 of our 5-part series.

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Snowflake Bentley Feb 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Jerry Bergman tells the story of a teenage boy who became interested in snow. On January 15, 1885, at 20 years of age, he became the first person in the world to photograph a snowflake.

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The Apollo 8 Crew’s Message from the Moon... Heard by 1 Billion People: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Feb 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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The Untold Story of Steve McQueen Feb 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, we are about to hear the untold story of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen told by a McQueen expert, Marshall Terrill.

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Her Godmother and a Good School Changed Her Life... and She Now Changes the Lives of At-Risk Kids Feb 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Denisha Allen was born to a teenage mother into poverty in Jacksonville, Florida. Here's her story on how she overcame and succeeded.

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The Story of How One Bad Employee Harmed a Bank's Reputation (Told by the Ritz-Carlton Founder) Feb 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ritz-Carlton founder Horst Schulze reshaped how service and hospitality are defined in business. He tells a short story about how great service wins - excellence wins - and bad service kills businesses.

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Bite the Bullet to Bless You: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Feb 15, 2024

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.

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The Story of Putting the Customer In Charge Feb 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike with a story about how he learned to put his customers in charge.

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Titanic Thompson: The Greatest Cheat of All Time (History Guy) Feb 15, 2024

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 of Titanic Thompson, the greatest cheat of all time.

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Treating the Cause, Not the Symptons: A Listener's Life-Changing Lifestyle Story Feb 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim Hennessy's life was changed by what he chose to do with his deteriorating health issues.

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Did The Father of The Blues Really Sell His Soul to The Devil? Feb 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, legend has it that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads to learn how to play the guitar. According to Steve Johnson, Robert's grandson, that's the furthest thing from the truth. Here he is with the true story of the king of the Delta Blues.

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The Silver Rush Kings and the "Big Bonanza" Feb 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, straight out of a Horatio Alger novel, the Silver Kings (John Mackay, James Fair, William O'Brien, and James Flood) epitomized the rags-to-riches American dream story. Roger McGrath tells the story of the richest mineral discovery in American history - the Comstock Lode.

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Love's Protector: The Story of Valentine's Day Feb 14, 2024

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?

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Why Nine Justices? The Democrat Who Challenged FDR's Supreme Court-Packing Scheme Feb 14, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, despite being a member of President Roosevelt's New Deal team, Hatton Sumners—a name most people don't know today—put his political career on the line to prevent FDR from packing the Supreme Court. Here's Josiah Daniel with the remarkable story of why there are still 9 Supreme Court justices today.

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The Story of a Miracle from the Man who Brought Us the World's Hottest Pepper Feb 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, “Smokin” Ed Currie is an American chili pepper breeder who is the founder and president of the PuckerButt Pepper Company. He is best known for breeding the hottest chili pepper in the world, the Carolina Reaper and now Pepper X, as recognized by Guinness World Records. A former addict, Ed is now a man with a strong faith. Here’s Ed sharing a story involving him and his wife.

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The Grass and the Furious: Ladies, Start Your Lawnmower Engines! Feb 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Julie Tynmann's here with her story about the greatest show on turf.

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"Apple of Your Eye" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 2) Feb 13, 2024

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.

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The Girl Who Was Sold as a Sex Slave, Killed Her Abuser, and Got a Life Sentence... Shares Her Story Here Feb 13, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when the hashtag #FreeCyntoiaBrown went viral in 2018, Cyntoia Brown was the most popular inmate in the world. She's here to share her story.

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Enhancing Lives, One Guide Dog at a Time Feb 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Christine Benninger is the CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, the largest guide dog school in North America. She shares about the unique training process for these extraordinary animals and the special bond they share with their owner.

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Brett Favre on His Miraculous Monday Night Game after His Father Died (Pt. 3) Feb 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, part 3 of our 5-part series we hear Favre get very personal about his miraculous Monday Night Football game immediately following his father’s passing.

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I Fell in Love at Lambeau Field (Home of the Green Bay Packers) Feb 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1980s, the Packers stadium had a kid’s-only section for kids between the 5th and 8th grades. During Jon Elfner’s 8th grade year he not only saw every game—he also fell in love.

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When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi Feb 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, more than any other sports figure, Vince Lombardi transformed football into a metaphor of 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.

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Centerline: The Surprising History of Lane Markings Feb 09, 2024

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 on the saving lives front has to be painted lane lines on roads.

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"On The Wagon" & "Once In A Blue Moon" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 16) Feb 09, 2024

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.

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The Woman Who Snuck Into George Washington's Army Feb 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Deborah Sampson became a hero of the American Revolution when she disguised herself as a man and joined the Patriot forces. Here to tell her story is the author of Deborah Sampson: The Girl Who Went to War.

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The Story of How Railroads Created America's Time Zones Feb 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, China runs on just a single time zone; in America, we have four: Pacific, Mountain, Central and Eastern, but we used to have thousands!

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Tony Mandarich Was NFL’s Biggest Bust, Then He Rebuilt His Life Feb 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tony Mandarich’s story was immortalized by two Sports Illustrated covers, one hailing Mandarich as “The Incredible Bulk” heading into the ’89 draft, and one in 1992 calling him “The NFL’s Incredible BUST,” as his four-year career in Green Bay came to an end. Here’s Tony Mandarich to share his story.

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Samuel Colt and the Birth of the Revolver Feb 08, 2024

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 the story is Ashley Hlebinsky, 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.

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Why Did This Pittsburgh Steelers Legend—Owner Art Rooney—Attend the Funeral of Someone He Didn’t Know? Feb 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim O'Brien describes Pittsburgh Steelers founding owner Art Rooney, Sr. as "the grandfather he needed." Rooney taught O'Brien the importance of always attending funerals, including the story of Rooney attending a funeral for a man he barely knew.

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John Rich (of "Big & Rich") Tells the Story of His Rise in Country Music and His Redneck Riviera Brand Feb 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Rich has climbed to the top of music charts during his recent career. But like so many of our lives, he didn't get there without ups and downs. Here's John himself, sharing his remarkable story and the impact his father had on his life.

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The Story of How a Towel Made by Slaves Made It Into The American Civil War Museum Feb 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Chris Graham of the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia tells the story of a seemingly ordinary cloth that has an amazing story behind it.

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Stalin’s Daughter Became an American Citizen... and Wisconsin Cheesehead? Feb 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, when 85-year-old Lana Peters passed away in 2011 from complications due to colon cancer, the nation seemed to have forgotten the woman who had become a sensation during the Cold War. The History Guy recalls the extraordinary life of the woman whose defection to the United States represented a seminal moment in history.

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The 46-Year-Long Journey to Finding My Sisters Feb 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, years after finding out she was adopted, Traci Huguley discovered she was not the only daughter adopted out.

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Abraham Lincoln: Our First "Wired" President Feb 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Christopher Klein with the story of how Abraham Lincoln used the telegraph to help win the Civil War.

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Love's Protector: The Story of Valentine's Day Feb 07, 2024

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?

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The Story of a 5-Star Steakhouse CEO and Her NFL Linebacker Husband Feb 07, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Britney Ruby Miller is CEO of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment where she leads a team of more than 500 employees across 7 luxury steakhouses in Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Britney is the author of 5-Star Life: The Faithful Fight to Overcome Obstacles and Pursue Excellence. Let’s take a listen to her story.

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How Acting Legend Eddie Albert Served Our Country in WWII Feb 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another “Hollywood Goes to War” story from Roger McGrath. Eddie Albert played a sadistic prison warden in 1974’s The Longest Yard starring Burt Reynolds. He was twice nominated for the Academy Award for his 1954 performance in Roman Holiday, and the second in 1973 for The Heartbreak Kid. He also starred as Oliver Wendell Douglas in the 1960s television sitcom Green Acres. But his greatest role was the one he played in WWII.

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California Softens Criminality—Skid Row Police Officer Deon Responds with "Ladies Night" Feb 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph shares this vivid story about how he helped the ladies who lived on LA's notorious Skid Row.

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Jim Thorpe, All-American Native American and the Making of Modern Football Feb 06, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of Jim Thorpe, the Carlisle Indian football team, and the making of modern football.

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How the USA Almost Went to War Over a Pig Feb 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor, Anne Claire, tells the story of the time the United States almost went to war with the United Kingdom over the untimely death of a pig in what is now Washington State.

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Give Me Your Poor: The Story of How Emma Lazarus' Poem Became Eternally Connected To The Statue of Liberty Feb 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Emma Lazarus' poem "The New Colossus" is forever connected to the Statue of Liberty. Here's the surprising story of how that came to be.

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America's Cowboy: The Story of Will Rogers Feb 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Will Rogers' famous quotes ring as true today as they did in the Great Depression. "Congress opens with a prayer and ends with an investigation;" "make crime pay...become a lawyer;" and "the only difference between death and taxes is death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets." Here to tell the story of the man is Tad Jones, the director of the Will Rogers Memorial, and audio from Lux Radio Theater.

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He Became a POW in Vietnam Two Days Before His Baby Was Born Feb 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ken Wells always knew what he wanted to do--to fly fast. But when that dream became a reality, it landed him as a prisoner of war at the Hanoi Hilton in Vietnam... Two days before his wife, Candy, gave birth to their child. Joining us with their story are both Ken and Candy.

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How A Losing Football Team Brought a Family Together Feb 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nancy Ball shares a story she wrote, “Being an Ole Miss Fan is in and of Itself a Lesson in Humility.”

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Thomas Mundy Peterson: The Story of the 1st Black Voter in the United States Feb 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of what happened shortly after the ratification of 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.” Here to tell another great American story is the Jack Miller Center's Editorial Officer and historian, Elliott Drago.

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The Cat that Helped Heal a Combat Veteran After His Time at War Feb 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Combat Veteran Benjamin Sledge shares some of his experiences before and after his deployment.

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Good Neighbors, Not Fences, Make Good Neighbors Feb 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, after moving to a farm in Mississippi from Tampa, FL, Jake Keiser didn't know what to expect. Thankfully, her neighbors had her back.

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Prohibition: Smashing Saloons and Breaking Barriers Feb 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, while in modern times, we often view prohibition as a failure and even a misstep by fanatics, it’s far more complex than that. Travis Spangenburg, Creative and Production Manager for the American Prohibition Museum in Savannah, GA tells the story of this complex time in America’s past.

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Robert Ray: "The Good Governor" Feb 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, after the United States pulled out of Vietnam, its allies in Indochina were alone-faced with the prospect of slavery, torture, and death at the hands of the Communists they fought against. When the Tai Don people wrote a letter to 30 US governors asking to be resettled, only one took up the cause-Robert Ray, the governor of Iowa. Matthew R. Walsh tells the story of this remarkable man, driven by his faith and commitment to helping his fellow man.

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The Founding Father You Don’t Know Who Wrote His Name on the Declaration of Independence With His Blood Feb 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, little has been known of one of the most important figures in early American history, Dr. Joseph Warren, an architect of the colonial rebellion, and a man who would have led the country as Washington or Jefferson did had he not been martyred at Bunker Hill in 1775. Warren was involved in almost every major insurrectionary act in the Boston area for a decade, yet after his death, his life and legend faded. Here to tell the story is Jeffrey McKenna, author of Saving Dr. Warren... ”A True Patriot”.

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Ambrose on Ike Jan 31, 2024

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 pacifists.

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The Patch and the Stream Where the American Fell: Finding Dave Dinan Jan 31, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the remarkable story of an unbreakable brotherhood and one man's quest to return the remains of his fellow pilot to US soil.

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The Father Whose Life Story Inspired the Son Who Wrote "Braveheart" Jan 31, 2024

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 which embody Randall’s very heart were exemplified throughout his life through his father. Here’s Randall to tell the story.

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Lincoln's Last Trip Back to Springfield Jan 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, you've heard us tell the story of Abraham Lincoln's train ride to Washington for his inauguration. This is the story of his train ride home to his final resting place.

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"The Mechanical Horse": How the Bicycle Reshaped American Life Jan 30, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, from the modernization of medicine to the development of our country’s road systems, the bicycle has had a major impact on American life. Though its rise occurred in the nineteenth century, cycling is still something that’s very popular in our country today. Margaret Guroff, author of “The Mechanical Horse: How the Bicycle Reshaped American Life”, brings us the story.

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“Red Tape” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 19) Jan 30, 2024

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.

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Louis Zamperini: The Story of the Real-Life "Unbroken" Hero -- In His Own Words (He Was Born January 26, 1917) Jan 29, 2024

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 Zamperini’s story were left out of the film, you will be hearing them told now by the man himself. Louis Zamperini was born January 26, 1917.

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The Untold Faith Story of Abolitionist Harriet Tubman Jan 29, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Harriet Tubman is one of the giants of American history—a fearless visionary who led scores of her fellow slaves to freedom. Here to tell the story is Kate Clifford Larson, author of Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman: Portrait of an American Hero.

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David McCullough: The Founding Fathers Were Not Like Us? Jan 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, renowned historian David McCullough answers the question - about a most extraordinary group of men at a most extraordinary time in world history.

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Hollywood Movie Legend George O’Brien Left Everything to Serve His Country in WWII Jan 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath.

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Me, Pre, and the Birth of Nike Jan 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, since its start in 1972, Nike has employed nearly half a million people. Only four have outlasted our next storyteller, Steve Bence. He is the author of 1972: Pre, UO Track, Nike Shoes and My Life with Them All.

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The Story of America’s Most Famous Metaphor: “A City Upon A Hill”: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Jan 26, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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 who is the author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith.

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The Missionary Who Returned with Her Toddler to the Cannibal Tribe That Killed Her Husband Jan 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Elisabeth Elliot was a missionary who returned to Ecuador with her toddler daughter to preach the Gospel to the Indian tribe that had killed her husband. Here's Elisabeth Elliot to tell us her story.

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The Race that Forever Sealed Secretariat's Legacy: The Story of the 1973 Belmont Stakes Jan 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, no horse had won the Triple Crown in horse racing in a quarter of a century. Heading into the third race of the Triple Crown - the Belmont Stakes - Secretariat was the oddsmaker's favorite. And America's, too. Here's the story.

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The Night 2 H-Bombs Fell on North Carolina (Told By the Man Who Dismantled Them This Day in 1961) Jan 25, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, on January 23, 1961, a B-52 bomber crashed in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Two H-bombs—each 250 times more powerful than the bombs dropped on Japan, fell to the ground. Earl Smith dismantled those bombs and he's here to tell us the story!

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Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter Jan 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joe and Rose Kennedy’s strikingly beautiful daughter Rosemary Kennedy—the younger sister of President John F. Kennedy—was intellectually disabled, a secret fiercely guarded by her powerful and glamorous family. Here to tell the story is Kate Clifford Larson, author of Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter.

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Washington's Farewell to The Nation: The Story of America [Ep. 15] Jan 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope reads Washington's Farewell Address...given in the middle of our first public political divisions.

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The Story of Secretariat’s Owner, Penny Chenery (As Told by the Director of “Secretariat,” Randall Wallace) Jan 24, 2024

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. Here he is to share a story about Penny Chenery, owner of the 1973 Triple Crown winner—a Thoroughbred named Secretariat.

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How Johnny Carson Saved Twister Jan 24, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Milton Bradley game was about to be pulled from the shelves. Author Christopher Klein tells the story of how the late night talk host saved this iconic brand. We're telling this story because on January 23, 2005, Johnny Carson died.

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2x Oscar Nominee Volunteers for WWII at 37: The Story of Robert Montgomery Jan 23, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Montgomery was one of the first movie stars to volunteer for service in World War II and when Dwight D. Eisenhower ran for the Presidency in 1952, Montgomery was his television coach. When General Eisenhower became President, Montgomery stayed on in his role as television advisor to become the first show-business professional to occupy an office in the White House. Here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath.

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The Story of How Star Wars Toys Revolutionized Movie Merchandising (Part 2) Jan 23, 2024

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.

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The Story of the Man Behind Movie Classics "Braveheart," "We Were Soldiers," Secretariat," and Others—Screenwriter/Director, Randall Wallace Jan 23, 2024

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, winning five. Writer/director (Braveheart, We Were Soldiers, The Man in the Iron Mask, Heaven is For Real, Pearl Harbor, etc.) Randall Wallace shares the journey that led him to be be one of the most brave and courageous men in Hollywood.

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After Appomattox: Gen. Robert E. Lee in the Post-War Years Jan 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gettysburg Military National Park Ranger Matt Atkinson examines the post-war life of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

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He Made Paper Airplanes His Full Time Job Jan 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, since John Collins was young, he has loved paper airplanes. This obsession helped him achieve the Guinness World Record for the farthest flight by a paper aircraft at 226 feet and 10 inches.

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The Titanic’s Last Hero Jan 22, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lowell Lytle has been one of the privileged few who has 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 is 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.

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A Museum Dedicated to Southern Jewish Heritage Jan 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, a visitor to this museum today would never guess that it began with a single closet of donated records - truly growing from the ground floor! Longtime archivist Sandy Berman and Founding Executive Director Jane Leevi tell the story of their museum.

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Phillis Wheatley: The Enslaved Poet Who Met with George Washington Jan 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Phillis Wheatley, the first published black poet, has the remarkable distinction of being invited to meet with King George III and George Washington. Leslie Johnson of the American Village tells her story.

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Curly (of "The Three Stooges") Was My Grandfather... But My Family Kept It a Secret From Me Jan 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brad Server grew up watching The Three Stooges on TV, not knowing he was related to one of the greatest comics of all time. Every day after school, Brad, his brother, and their friends would pile in front of the television to watch their idol, Jerome Howard, best known as “Curly.” Then, one day, the secret about their unknown grandfather was unveiled. Here’s Brad Server (aka “Curly G”) with the story.

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The Untold Story of a Civil War Cemetery Jan 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nancy Bro of the GAR Cemetery in Miami, Oklahoma shares the stories of the unique and colorful characters buried within it...including a rodeo star, veterans of the Union and Confederate armies, and a few British pilots.

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The Only Woman to be Awarded the Medal of Honor Jan 19, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers a truly extraordinary Civil War heroine, Mary Edwards Walker. She was the only woman in U.S. history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

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The Story of An Immigrant Who Went From Onion Picking...To The Head of His Own $100 Million Company Jan 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Aaron Marquez was an immigrant who picked onions for 12-14 hours a day and went on to found an oil services company that would generate over $100 million in annual revenue. This is his story.

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The Man Who Witnessed the Assassination of Abe Lincoln Jan 18, 2024

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.

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The Privileges of War? A Green Beret's Story of American Service in Vietnam Jan 18, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1968, Tom Ross was the intelligence and operations officer of a unique Special Forces “A” Detachment in the Republic of South Vietnam—the elite unit also known as the “Green Berets.” Today, Tom Ross is the President and CEO of his own successful custom design jewelry firm, The Ross Jewelry Company, in Atlanta, Georgia, and is the author of Privileges of War: A Good Story of American Service in Vietnam.

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The Day America Doubled In Size Jan 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dedra and Brad Birzer tell the story of the Louisiana Purchase.

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The Man Who Rescued Over 10,000 Stranded Motorists Jan 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Weller, also known as 'The San Diego Highwayman,' shares the story of why he dedicated his time to helping people on the side of the road.

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"All Hell Broke Loose" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 1) Jan 17, 2024

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.

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The Redemption Story of a Fugitive Who Duane "Dog" Chapman Refused to Pursue Jan 17, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, you are about to hear the miraculous story from one of our own here at Our American Stories. Bryan Dawson went from being your local suburban high school football player to being considered such a nefarious and menacing fugitive that the world-famous bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman refused to pursue him.

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Satchel Paige: The Story of One of The Greatest Pitchers of All Time Jan 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, tells the story of a man who became bigger than the game he played—and only thew fastballs...the Midnight Creeper, the Bat Dodger, and the Jump Ball...the list goes on. The astounding thing, though, is that he did this every day for five decades with no relief pitcher.

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Batman Through the Years Jan 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Batman is a household name. His list of comic issues, let alone live-action movies, animated films, and TV shows, video games, you name it, is nothing short of astounding… but this wasn’t always the case. Andrew Farago, Curator at the Cartoon Art Museum and author of Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond, is here to tell us the story of the Caped Crusader.

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The Black Pitcher and White Catcher That Made the 1964 World Series Unforgettable Jan 16, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1964 World Series the St. Louis Cardinals played the mighty NY Yankees. On the pitchers mound for the Cardinals was Bob Gibson and his catcher was Tim McCarver. Their story is told Jeff Bloodworth is a professor of American history at Gannon University and is a Jack Miller Center fellow.

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Severely Wounded Army Ranger Michael Schlitz Now Inspires Other Men Jan 16, 2024

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).

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ReIgnite Hope: Using Welding To Change Lives Jan 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve Bunyard started Regnite Hope on Skid row in Los Angeles with the goal to help homeless people get jobs. 11 years later, and countless lives have been changed through this welding certification course.

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The Story of the Slave Who Founded the Black Baptist Church Jan 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Woody Holton of the University of South Carolina tells the story about David George, a man who would escape his bondage only to find himself with new captors, a newfound faith, and eventually...a new freedom in Canada.

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I Didn't Know My Father.. Until I Found His War Diary Jan 15, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sally Grove thought she knew everything about her father... until she found his war diary from his time serving in WWII.

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Ex-Slave Bass Reeves: Lawman and Hero of the Wild West Jan 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, for Art Burton, the story of Bass Reeves seemed almost too good to be true. After all, how could somebody who history essentially forgot have such a strong lore? Art decided to dive in headfirst determined to shed some light on the man who was the first black deputy US marshal west of the Mississippi River.

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America's Favorite Sausage Brand Whose #1 Priority Is Doing The Right Thing Jan 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Johnsonville Sausage is the #1 brand in its category, but they got there by putting integrity over profit. Here's their story told by their former CEO and Board Chairman, Ralph Stayer.

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The Great Emancipators: How The Civil War Openly Became about Slavery Jan 12, 2024

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.

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The Story of the Quiet Cowboy Jan 12, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, J.D. Wininger, owner of the Cross-Dubya Ranch, tells the story of a man named John who kept to himself most of the time. J.D. lent him a helping hand, and in the end, Mr. John helped him just as much.

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Cher Ami: The Pigeon Who Received a Medal of Bravery During WWI Jan 11, 2024

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.

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Churchill: Walking With Destiny Jan 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, English historian Andrew Roberts shares the story of this remarkable world leader.

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Bob Munden: “The Fastest Gun Who Ever Lived” Jan 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, we’ve all heard of gunslingers “Wild” Bill Hickok, Doc Holliday, and Billy The Kid. These quick-draw legends had nothing on Bob Munden.

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The Story of South Carolina's Revolutionary War Heroine Jan 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor from South Carolina, Dennis Peterson, shares the story of Dicey Langston...an American Revolutionary War heroine who saved her family and fellow patriots from one of the most notorious gangs of Tory outlaws at the time.

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He Created The Largest Museum In The World For...Small Electrical Appliances Jan 11, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, from toasters to waffle irons to coffee pots, Richard Larrimore of Diamond, Missouri has a penchant for all things small and electric. He keeps all 8000 electrical appliances in a museum behind his Western store. Here's his story.

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Father Stu: In His Own Words Jan 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Father Stu is a motion picture starring Mark Wahlberg (who plays Father Stu) and Mel Gibson. It is based on the true life story of Father Stuart Long, the Golden Gloves Heavyweight Boxing Champion-turned-Catholic priest. We’d like to thank the Diocese of Helena, MT, for providing the footage you are about to hear of Father Stuart Long who will be sharing his story with us.

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What Is Spam? The Story of an American Meat Icon Jan 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, author of The Book of Spam: A Most Glorious and Definitive Compendium of the World’s Favorite Canned Meat, Dustin Black, tells the story of this often speculated household name.

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The State of Texas Tried to Strip Away a Man's Livelihood....So He Fought Back Jan 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Wesley Hottit tells the story of Ash Patel's nearly six year legal battle stemming from the Texas Board of Cosmetology requiring his eyebrow threaders to go back to school to learn other people's jobs.

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The WWII Story of a Black Man Who Rescued White Sailors by Swimming 6 Hours in Shark-Infested Waters Jan 10, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bruce Wigo—the former CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame—is here to share a story of an unknown American WWII hero.

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From Uganda to Texas: A Story of Survival and Faith Jan 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is a story of how faith propelled Dr. Dennis Sempebwa from war-torn Uganda to America... and beyond.

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The Man Who Wrote 'I'll Fly Away' Jan 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the granddaughters of Albert E. Brumley share the story of how their grandpa entered this world as the son of penniless sharecroppers and left it as the writer of the most recorded Gospel music song in history.

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The Time McDonald County Seceded from Missouri Jan 09, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1961, McDonald County, Missouri found a unique way to show their dissatisfaction with their state government. Dwight Pouge, who saw it all from the ground, tells the story.

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A Precious Gift for a Widowed Husband Jan 08, 2024

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 it was her voice that 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.

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How Curious George Escaped the Nazis Jan 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Louise Borden is the author of "The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey."

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The Loyal(ist) Son: The Story of Ben Franklin's Son Taking Britain's Side During the Revolutionary War Jan 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the war in Ben Franklin's home was not one a loving family could have ever expected.

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Basketball Legend "Pistol Pete" Maravich Shares His Life Story... Just Days Before His Death Jan 08, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, just days before his death, the 40 year-old Maravich shared his story to a small audience about his life pursuing success and fame—until that pursuit brought him to his knees. This is the story of him coming to Christ.

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Founding Father Benjamin Rush: Father of Psychiatry, the Army Medical Corps, Veterinary Care, Biblically-Based Public Schools Jan 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Benjamin Rush is America’s Forgotten Founding Father; perhaps it’s 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. Harlow Giles Unger is a New York Times bestselling author of twenty-eight books including Dr. Benjamin Rush: The Founding Father Who Healed a Wounded Nation.

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“Put A Sock In It” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 18) Jan 05, 2024

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.

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How a College Student Sued the National Government and Saved Grant's Tomb Jan 05, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of Frank Scattoro and an American mausoleum and reliquary.

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Bankrupt and Dying from Cancer, Ulysses S. Grant Waged His Greatest Battle Jan 05, 2024

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.

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Truth Wins: The Story of Lance Armstrong’s Former Teammate, Tyler Hamilton Jan 04, 2024

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.

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“Out of the Blue” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 16) Jan 04, 2024

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.

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The Blue Collar Leader of America’s Most Innovative University Jan 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, the remarkable story of Arizona State University and its President, Michael Crow.

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Pastor of the Pilgrims, John Robinson: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Jan 04, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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 who is the author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith.

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The Story of the Brooklyn Bridge—The 8th Wonder of the World Jan 03, 2024

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.” The connection it provided between the massive population centers of Brooklyn and Manhattan changed the course of New York City forever. Here's the History Guy with the story.

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"Gung-ho & Cheesy Smile" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 8) Jan 03, 2024

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.

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Remembering the Worst Naval Disaster In American History (The USS Indianapolis)—A Story Featured in the Movie "Jaws" Jan 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Shaw's "Quint" told the world about what happened to the USS Indianapolis in the hit movie "Jaws." The late Edgar Harrell, the last surviving Marine from the downed ship, tells the real-life story of that fateful day. It's a story you won't soon forget.

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A Son Discovers His Deceased Mother's Hidden Talent—Poetry Jan 03, 2024

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.

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My Father’s Super-Secret Double Life as a Nuclear Missile Savant Jan 03, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, for 50 years, John Clauson's father was a simple "salesman," that is, until—nearing his deathbed—he revealed to his son a secret. John is here to tell the story from his book Missileman.

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Candyman: The Story of Jelly Belly Founder, David Klein Jan 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Willy Wonka's got nothing on David Klein! David's eccentric personality and peculiar sense of business led him to leave Jelly Belly. He's here to share his story of how he lost his beans, but kept his soul.

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Vietnam Vets Wouldn’t Sell Their Story to Hollywood, But They Sold “We Were Soldiers” to the Writer of “Braveheart” Jan 02, 2024

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. Randall's here to tell the story.

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The Story of the Real—and Mostly Unknown—Author of the U.S. Constitution, Gouverneur Morris Jan 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story is about a Founding Father who wrote the most famous seven words in American history: “We the People of the United States.” Professor of political science at Syracuse, Dennis C. Rasmussen is also the author of The Constitution's Penman: Gouverneur Morris and the Creation of America's Basic Charter—he is also a Jack Miller Center Fellow.

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After 50 Years of Silence, Korean War Pilot Shares His Top-Secret Mission Jan 02, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, between the Korean and the Vietnam Wars, U.S. Navy Captain Royce Williams flew over 220 missions. The following story was classified as Top Secret, and for more than 50 years Captain Williams didn’t tell a soul—not even his wife. Nobody knew what this 27-year-old South Dakotan did that day over the skies of Korea—until now.

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A Museum Dedicated To...Mustard? Jan 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, find out how Barry Levinson went from arguing cases in front of the Supreme Court to operating the largest museum dedicated to mustard in the world.

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A Thread Across the Ocean: The Story of the Transatlantic Cable Jan 01, 2024

On this episode of Our American Stories, Miles and miles of wire placed on ships and thrown into the ocean connected the world like never before and would help determine the outcomes of World Wars and beyond. John Steele Gordan tells the story of how the Transatlantic Cable came to be.

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American Freedom Machines: The Story of Harley-Davidson Jan 01, 2024

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 that time, she has written 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.

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Ralph Cox: Last Guy Cut from 1980 U.S. Olympic "Miracle" Hockey Team Jan 01, 2024

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 to share the moment that changed his life forever.

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The Town that Created Mark Twain: Hannibal, Missouri Dec 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hannibal 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.

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Hungry for Home: What It’s Like to Live in a 300-Year-Old House Dec 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, William Penn founded Pennsylvania - and left a home there. Ruth McKeaney and her husband flip houses for a living... and with high hopes for the American future.

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The Best Worst Counterfeiter in American History Dec 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Emerich Juettner was an upstanding citizen... for most of his life. Here's his story.

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Al Capone: The Man and the Era Dec 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, America’s fascination with mob boss Al Capone is a century old. Here to tell the story is the biographer of the definitive work on Al Capone, Laurence Bergreen.

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I Worked Out of Workaholism… And My Life Is Working Better Dec 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve Trice, the founder of Jasco Products, tells the story of why serving his employees is much more rewarding than serving the dollar.

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The President Whose Greatness Came from His Restraint: The Story of President Calvin Coolidge Dec 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, at 2:47 a.m. on August 3rd, 1923 Calvin Coolidge was administered the oath of office by his father in the light of a kerosene lamp in the small town in which he was born; Plymoth Notch, Vermont. It was the culmination of a life well lived. Here to tell the story of our 30th President is Matthew Denhart and Tracy Messer—the world's greatest Coolidge impersonator—with the story.

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Possom for Supper? Dec 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of what her family ate during the Great Depression.

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Three Surprising Stories About The King of Rock and Roll Dec 28, 2023

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 ‘50s. Here’s Greg with a Colonel and Elvis Christmas story.

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How Ronald Reagan Faked It 'Til He Made It: His Early Years in Radio in...Des Moines? Dec 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, before he was President, he was a strapping radio commentator at WHO in Des Moines. Here's Ronald Reagan's story in his own words.

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The Only Car Ever Made To Honor God Dec 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Barry Meguiar tells the compelling story of his rare 1901 Duryea car.

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When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi Dec 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, more than any other sports figure, Vince Lombardi transformed football into a metaphor of 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.

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How My Dad's Wounds of War Fueled My Drive to Serve Vets Dec 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Diane Hight's father was a war hero—but also an alcoholic due to his PTSD from World War II. To honor him, she founded Forever Young Veterans, an organization started on the principle of taking WWII vets to the memorial in Washington D.C.—and which became an effort to take them back to Normandy and beyond. Here's her story.

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The First Successful Submarine Attack In History Dec 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the CSS Hunley's sinking of the Housatonic was only a partial success, but represents the first time a submarine managed to sink an enemy vessel...and it happened in Charleston Harbor during the Civil War.

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Christmas, 1776 Dec 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it is called the first “American” Christmas because the Declaration of Independence was created the previous summer, essentially “divorcing” America from England and declaring our country an independent nation. Here’s Brian Benjamin sharing the story from his book, Christmas, 1776.

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How "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Almost Didn't Happen Dec 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, dealing with a small budget and with a short deadline, A Charlie Brown Christmas was released to critical acclaim on December 9th, 1965. While audiences loved it, there were many doubters behind the scenes at CBS. Our host, Lee Habeeb, tells the story.

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The Bible Reading 200,000 Miles From Earth Dec 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the crew of Apollo 8 and Steve Kates tell the story of their Christmas time mission to the moon--and the reading of Genesis over its surface.

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The Story of Elvis Presley's Christmas Recordings By a Man Who Was There Dec 26, 2023

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 ‘50s. Here’s Greg with a Colonel and Elvis Christmas story.

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How Our Christmas Traditions Came to Be Dec 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, before it became a Federal Holiday—June 26, 1870—the way we chose to celebrate Christmas would be unrecognizable to us.

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A Family Man's Search for the Perfect Christmas Tree Dec 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim Johnson’s heart-moving story, “Everett's Last Christmas Carol,” needed a follow up. Here he is again, Jim Johnson with the Christmas tree story.

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The Story of Elvis Presley's Christmas Recordings By a Man Who Was There Dec 25, 2023

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 ‘50s. Here’s Greg with a Colonel and Elvis Christmas story.

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The Chicago Maintenance Man Who Wrote a Hallmark Christmas Movie Dec 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rikk Dunlap has always been a writer, and writing has even become a way for him to come to grips with tragedy. He never dreamed, though, that his work would be a regular feature on the biggest holiday movie channel around.

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Memorable Christmas Stories in U.S. Military History Dec 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s the History Guy remembering the forgotten stories from U.S. military history.

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Doc Holliday: Outlaw Gentleman, Shady Ladies, and Tombstone Dec 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what America and the world knows 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.

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The Story of the Cabbage Patch Kids and the 1983 Retail Riots Dec 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jonathan Alexandratos is a toy historian whose knowledge was featured in the film, Billion Dollar Babies: The True Story of the Cabbage Patch Kids. Here’s Jonathan with the story of the Cabbage Patch Kids and how they set the wheels in motion for modern-day Black Friday.

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How "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Almost Didn't Happen Dec 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, dealing with a small budget and with a short deadline, A Charlie Brown Christmas was released to critical acclaim on December 9th, 1965. While audiences loved it, there were many doubters behind the scenes at CBS. Our host, Lee Habeeb, tells the story.

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The Christmas "Store" Where Everything is Free Dec 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jonathan Mattox is co-chairman of The Christmas Store, founded in 1975. Jonathan tells us about this annual event that gives out toys to families in need during Christmas.

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Girl with a Gun: The Annie Oakley Story Dec 21, 2023

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 to 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.

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The Man Who Spent All of His Christmas Savings Building Beds for Needy Children Dec 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Luke Mickelson tells how a meeting in a faith community turned into a Boy Scouts project, a Christmas tradition, and 50,000 free beds every year.

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The Fascinating Origins of The Salvation Army Dec 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Salvation Army's Christmas Red Kettle has been an American icon for 125 years. But for many Americans, this is all they know about the Salvation Army… until now. We’d like to thank the folks at Vision Video for giving us access to their wonderful documentary, Our People: The Story of William and Catherine Booth.

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Zuzu’s “Wonderful Life”: The Story of Karolyn Grimes Dec 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next storyteller has the privilege of being in one of the most beloved movies of all time (It's a Wonderful Life)—while, at the same time, and from the same movie—also has one of the most famous lines in movie history. Her story is as wonderful as both of these accomplishments.

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The Most Important Churchill Speech You've Never Heard: His Christmas Address to Congress Weeks After Pearl Harbor Dec 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, mere weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made an all-important voyage to the United States to visit with President Roosevelt and to address Congress about the hard path before them.

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How My Mom Scraped Her Way to Success in Rural Florida Dec 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, for our "True Diversity" series with Philanthropy Roundtable, Devon Westhill, President of the Center for Equal Opportunity, tells the story of how his mother managed, against all odds, to work her way to success and provide a future for her children.

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How George Washington Surprised the British Army, the Hessians, and the World on Christmas 1776 Dec 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, tells the story of how George Washington turned the tides of war at Trenton and Princeton in the most important year in our country's history—1776.

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Silent Night: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Christmas Carol Dec 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, from its humble beginnings in an Austrian chapel in 1818, 'Silent Night' has become one of the most popular Christmas hymns of all time. Here’s the History Guy with the story of the song.

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Christmas, 1776 Dec 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it is called the first “American” Christmas because the Declaration of Independence was created the previous summer, essentially “divorcing” America from England and declaring our country an independent nation. Here’s Brian Benjamin sharing the story from his book, Christmas, 1776.

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A Tornado Destroyed My Home—It Led to a Perfect Christmas Dec 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s hard to believe that something wonderful could come out of a family’s house, filled with presents, decorations, food, and memories, being completely blown away by a tornado just days before Christmas. But once you hear this story from Carla Harris, you just might be convinced otherwise. Here’s Carla with her story of “the perfect Christmas”.

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The Angels of Bataan: The Brave Nurses Who Served Our Soldiers in One of WWII's Worst Campaigns Dec 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Clare tells the story of a nurse who served in the Philippines during World War II, and shares the experience that she and others went through after the Japanese takeover of the island.

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The Man Who Bombed Berlin With....Candy? Dec 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much-needed supplies into a war-torn, Soviet-blockaded Berlin following WWII. As he performed his duties, Lt. Halvorsen began to notice the German children gathered by the fences of Tempelhof Air Base. Knowing that they had very little, an idea sprang: He would bomb Berlin with candy. Here he is to share his story!

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Why the Nativity? (w/ Dr. David Jeremiah) Dec 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in his book-turned docudrama Why the Nativity?, Dr. David Jeremiah looks in detail at the people and events that surround the Christmas story and why each of them was chosen for their specific purpose.

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Triumph and Disaster: The Life of Rudyard Kipling Dec 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the life of the youngest-ever winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, Rudyard Kipling, was filled with tragedy. He survived a difficult childhood to go on to become one of the most celebrated authors of his day, penning such classics as "The Jungle Book" and "Just So Stories.” Here’s The History Guy with the story of Rudyard Kipling.

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Why Are Bananas So Cheap? Dec 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you think of the quintessential American fruit, it would probably have to be the apple. But apples are not our cheapest fruit—bananas are! Here’s the History Guy with the story of the banana.

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Everett’s Last Christmas Carol Dec 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim Johnson finds peculiar friends wherever he goes. This story is about one such friend, Everett Motl.

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The Henry Steinway Story Dec 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Henry Steinway's story is about more than building a world-class American piano company—it is about resiliency and a German immigrant's search for freedom.

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Christmas, 1776 Dec 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it is called the first “American” Christmas because the Declaration of Independence was created the previous summer, essentially “divorcing” America from England and declaring our country an independent nation. Here’s Brian Benjamin sharing the story from his book, Christmas, 1776.

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Hollywood Goes to War: Tim McCoy Dec 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another “Hollywood Goes to War” story from Roger McGrath. 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.

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Is Die Hard a Xmas Movie? The Story and the Definitive Answer! Dec 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to settle this question once and for all is Stephen Follows. Stephen is an established data researcher in the film industry and wrote the widely circulated answer to this hotly debated question on his website, StephenFollows.com.

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Caring For My Dying Husband Made Life Worth Living Dec 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tracy Grant was the managing editor of the Washington Post. She shares the story of why the days taking care of her dying husband were the best 7 months of her life.

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The Founding Fathers Said, No Bible—No America: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Dec 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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Stephen Ambrose: The Transcontinental Railroad Dec 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, climb aboard! Here’s Stephen Ambrose to tell us a story from his bestseller, Nothing Like It In The World: The Men Who Built The Transcontinental Railroad.

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The Story of Speaker of the House Carl Albert: The Watergate Democrat Who Put the Nation and the Constitution Above His Party Dec 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, he was known as the Little Giant from Little Dixie. He would rise to become the Speaker of the House during the Watergate years. Hear his story of putting principle over politics.

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No! No! No! Who the Hell Boos Santa Claus?! Dec 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1968, the 19-year-old Frank Olivo was dressed as Santa Claus at an Eagles’ football game where he was booed and pelted with snowballs. Here to tell the story is Frank’s first-cousin and best friend, Richard Monastra. Here’s Rich starting with a little background on both him and “Snowball Santa,” Frank Olivo.

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The Real Santa Dec 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here's Roger Latham from Fort Worth, Texas, telling us a Christmas story he’s titled, “The Real Santa.”

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The Billy Graham Story Dec 12, 2023

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.

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How Our Christmas Traditions Came to Be Dec 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, before it became a Federal Holiday—June 26, 1870—the way we chose to celebrate Christmas would be unrecognizable to us.

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From Foster Care to Adoption - A Broken Hallelujah Dec 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kimberly McCullough explains the beauty and difficulties of going through the foster care and adoption process.

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The True Story of Desert Storm “Top Gun” Pilot Dec 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from Air Force fighter pilot and “Top Gun” graduate, Jim “Boots” Demarest. Demarest will tell the story from the book about his friend, Five Nickels: True Story of the Desert Storm Heroics and Sacrifice of Air Force Captain Steve Phillis.

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The Sidney Poitier Story Dec 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sidney Poitier: Man, Actor, Icon was the first full biography of legendary actor Sidney Poitier written by Aram Goudsouzian, professor of history at the University of Memphis.

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The Story Behind FDR's Day of Infamy Speech Dec 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, FDR's speechwriting team wasn't in Washington. Roosevelt, with the help of a few aides, penned the most important speech of his presidency, and one of the most important speeches in American history.

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The Unexpected Friendship with WWII Hero Joe Brown Dec 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jay Moore tells us the amazing story of meeting a WWII veteran before going to see Saving Private Ryan for the second time in theaters.

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Sunk At Pearl Harbor: The Life After the Death of The USS Oklahoma and Utah Dec 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Claire tells the story of two ships sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

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A Doolittle Raider’s Story of War & Forgiveness Dec 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, two enemies: One led Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor; the other was an American Doolittle Raider who bombed Tokyo. Here to tell the story is Carol Aiko DeShazer Dixon—the daughter of Doolittle Raider Jacob DeShazer. She is the author of Return of the Raider: A Doolittle Raider’s Story of War & Forgiveness.

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Grant's Greatest Battle Dec 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Louis Picone tells the story of how Grant's Memoirs came to be.

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Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas Dec 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ace Collins is the author of Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas. Collins is an ace at song history, and he’s here to introduce you to people you’ve never met, stories you’ve never heard, and meanings you’d never have imagined.

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Stepehen Ambrose: 1941 and the Steps Leading Up to the U.S. Entering WWII Dec 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here's Stephen Ambrose telling the story of 1941--the year that would bring America into WWII in December after the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor.

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How The Pilsner Arrived, Survived, and Thrived in America Dec 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Acitelli, author of "Pilsner: How The Beer of Kings Changed The World" tells the story of how an experimental drink in the Austrian Empire became America's favorite drink.

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Bruce Paddock’s Mission: Lowering Drug Prices & Saving Lives Dec 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the untold (and remarkable) story of generic drugs.

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The Man Who Spent $35MM Fighting A $400k Fake Wine Fraud Dec 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, sometimes it's the principle of the thing. When you experience fraud, you can "wine" about it - or you can get the grapes of wrath involved.

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The Legendary Man Known as "Babe" Dec 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the curator of the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum in Baltimore, Maryland (just outside Camden Yards) explains.

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The Con Man Who Was Pardoned By Both Abe Lincoln and Jefferson Davis Dec 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story is about a con man who was so good that he got both the Union and the Confederate presidents to pardon him; yet, he was so bad that a NYC woman offered a $50k reward to find him—dead or alive.

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The Woman Who Voiced Rudolph Dec 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Billie Mae Richards is a Canadian actress best known for voicing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the 1964 stop-motion television classic. The special first aired on December 6, 1964, on NBC. Here’s Billie Mae to share her story.

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Tom Morton Goes to Marine Boot Camp Dec 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Morton had always wanted to join the military..and finally did after trying out college twice. Here's Tom with a look into his life, and boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina.

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The Man Who Spent His Entire Christmas Fund Building Beds for Needy Children Dec 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Luke Mickelson tells how a meeting in a faith community turned into a Boy Scouts project, a Christmas tradition, and 50,000 free beds every year.

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The Making of an American Pantheon: Grant's Tomb Dec 05, 2023

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 Grant's Tomb.

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Hess Trucks, The Holiday Tradition That Started at a Gas Station Dec 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, for nearly 60 years, Hess trucks have brought smiles to children, and adults, up and down the East Coast. They were an energy entrepreneur's gift to children that he wished he could have gotten growing up. Hear the story from both a Hess Toy Truck Director, Justin Mayer, and a superfan, Mike Roberto.

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The History of Christmas Trees Dec 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, let’s take a listen to The History Guy as he recalls the forgotten history of Christmas trees.

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The Most Famous Partnership in Showbiz History—The Real Story of Colonel Parker and Elvis Presley Dec 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, get the real story of the most exciting time in 20th-century music - the loyal, riotously successful, often heartbreaking agency of a stalwart Dutchman for an American king.

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The 1946 Battle of Alcatraz Dec 01, 2023

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.

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Dred Scott in Spikes: Curt Flood Dec 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, discrimination in all the basics of life could not deter Curt Flood from excellence in professional baseball - and ultimately bringing justice to the business of sports.

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Brett Favre on His Miraculous Monday Night Game after His Father Died (Pt. 3) Dec 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, part 3 of our 5-part series we hear Favre get very personal about his miraculous Monday Night Football game immediately following his father’s passing.

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Abraham Lincoln: Our First "Wired" President Dec 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, you’ve heard Christopher Klein tell the story of “How Johnny Carson Saved Twister” and how Mark Twain helped Ulysses S. Grant complete his memoir that saved his wife from destitution. Here’s Chris with the story of how Abraham Lincoln used the telegraph to help win the Civil War.

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Jim Henson: The Story of the Man Behind the Muppets Dec 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, threatening viewers into buying Wilkins coffee was just one creative way Jim Henson mastered the television medium for the puppetry arts. Hear how advertising supported art that became education, and - good grief, the comedian is a bear!

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Destined For Greatness: The Chuck Long Story Nov 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Chuck Long tells the story of how he came to be Iowa's star quarterback in the 1980's and how he later came to like coaching more than playing.

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Shopping the Wishlists of Children in Need Nov 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jonathan Mattox is co-chairman of The Christmas Store, founded in 1975. Jonathan tells us about this annual event that gives out toys to families in need during Christmas.

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The Short, Happy Life of Abraham Lincoln: His Final Days Nov 30, 2023

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.

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The Origins of America's Religious Liberty...Birthed in Queens, NYC? Nov 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Larry Reed tells the story of the Flushing Remonstrance, an all-important document that helped inform the 1st Amendment.

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Thomas Bennett: The Man Behind the Winchester Brand Nov 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Bennett was a master salesman and businessman who helped, along with John Moses Browning, create the iconic American firearms brand Winchester.

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A Former German Soldier...Who Helped Build America's Arsenal of Democracy In WWII Nov 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Frohlich tells the story of his grandfather, a German-born immigrant who handled warhorses as a World War I conscript - and helped the United States win World War II.

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Jason Sautel Nov 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jason Sautel shares his story from his book The Rescuer: One Firefighter's Story of Courage, Darkness and the Relentless Love That Saved Him. Jason was a successful, highly competent firefighter in Oakland, California. Life for Jason seemed to be perfect on the outside… but he was struggling with a darkness in him that started when he was a kid. Take a listen to hear Jason’s story.

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Rattlesnakes and Vinegar: A Journey to the General Store Nov 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Cecil Wax grew up in a different age. Listen to his and his brother's journey into town which will transport you back to a simpler time.

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Cy Walter: The Art Tatum of Cocktail Pianists Nov 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our storyteller's father was more than a virtuoso of the American Songbook. He was a circumspect, gentle, and incredibly generous man.

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The Pretty Big Deal in West Mineral, Kansas Nov 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joe Manns tells the story of Big Brutus, an absolutely massive piece of mining equipment in West Mineral, Kansas.

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The Battle of Monocacy, The Union Loss That Saved Washington, D.C. Nov 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, on July 9, 1864, the Union army suffered a loss... that just so happened to save the United States and help solidify Lincoln's re-election.

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Liquor and The Law: Taking a Bottle of Wine to the Supreme Court Nov 28, 2023

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 it to the Supreme Court... and won.

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My Coming of Agency Moment: Staying in My School Nov 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ian Rowe took full responsibility for what he believed was right. He sized up the assumption that his public school becoming all black in one year would make it worse - and committed 100% to staying there to make it the very best.

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The Vincent van Gogh of Acting? HINT: He Played "Fredo" Nov 27, 2023

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.

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50 Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy—The Plow, Barbed Wire, and Google Search Nov 27, 2023

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.

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Zuzu’s “Wonderful Life”: The Story of Karolyn Grimes Nov 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next storyteller has the privilege of being in one of the most beloved movies of all time (It's a Wonderful Life)—while, at the same time, and from the same movie—also has one of the most famous lines in movie history. Her story is as wonderful as both of these accomplishments.

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The Woman Who Wrote "Mary Had A Little Lamb" Is the Godmother of Thanksgiving? Nov 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thanksgiving used to be one of many days—"If you planned your itinerary carefully, you could have a good Thanksgiving dinner every day between Election Day and Christmas Day." That all changed when a songwriter worked long and hard to crystallize American culture as distinct from that of Britain - including by a new official holiday in the midst of the Civil War.

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The Great Thanksgiving Cranberry Scare of 1959 Nov 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, 400 million pounds of cranberries are consumed by Americans each year. Twenty percent of that is during the week of Thanksgiving. That's 80 million pounds! And 5,062,500 gallons of jellied cranberry sauce are consumed by Americans every holiday season. Here’s the History Guy to share the story of the Great Cranberry Scare of 1959.

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The Real Story of the First Thanksgiving Nov 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thanksgiving is the only American holiday that has actually remained relatively innocent—it’s not something that we have been able to commercialize. But there’s something going on here more than feasting, family, and football. Robert Tracy McKenzie is a professor of history at Wheaton College and is the author of The First Thanksgiving. He’s here to tell us the story of this quintessentially American holiday.

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The Real Story of the First Thanksgiving Nov 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thanksgiving is the only American holiday that has actually remained relatively innocent—it’s not something that we have been able to commercialize. But there’s something going on here more than feasting, family, and football. Robert Tracy McKenzie is a professor of history at Wheaton College and is the author of The First Thanksgiving. He’s here to tell us the story of this quintessentially American holiday.

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They Call Her "The Stomach" Nov 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lindsey Gallant tells her story of when she was challenged to an eating contest by a boy at her church.

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How a Master Chef Lost the Thanksgiving Turkey Nov 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, according to the National Turkey Federation, each year Americans gobble down on 46 million turkeys for Thanksgiving...but out of that number, how many have gone "missing"? "Master Chef" Steve Reed tells his story on the turkey that got away...at least for a little while.

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The Great Thanksgiving Cranberry Scare of 1959 Nov 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, 400 million pounds of cranberries are consumed by Americans each year. Twenty percent of that is during the week of Thanksgiving. That's 80 million pounds! And 5,062,500 gallons of jellied cranberry sauce are consumed by Americans every holiday season. Here’s the History Guy to share the story of the Great Cranberry Scare of 1959.

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My First Job: Being Groucho Marx's Assistant Nov 22, 2023

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.

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Thanksgiving With Bosnian Refugees In Iowa Nov 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of two unforgettable Thanksgivings with Bosnian refugees.

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"You're Getting Shot At"—The Story of My First Combat Mission in Afghanistan Nov 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Peter Braxton brings an eye-opening perspective on service to America in war-torn skies.

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"A Dark Horse" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Nov 22, 2023

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.

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Yogi Berra, an American Success Story (by George Will) Nov 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, "I never said most of the things I said." ... Well, even if that's so, Yogi Berra's quotes are just the entrée to the man's contribution to American sports and culture. George Will is here to bring us the main course!

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They Call Her "The Stomach" Nov 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lindsey Gallant tells her story of when she was challenged to an eating contest by a boy at her church.

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Sarah Josepha Hale: The Godmother of Thanksgiving Nov 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, "If you planned your itinerary carefully, you could have a good Thanksgiving dinner every day between Election Day and Christmas Day." That all changed when a songwriter worked long and hard to crystallize American culture as distinct from that of Britain - including by a new official holiday.

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How the "Master Chef" Lost The Thanksgiving Turkey Nov 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, according to the National Turkey Federation, each year Americans gobble down on 46 million turkeys for Thanksgiving...but out of that number, how many have gone "missing"? "Master Chef" Steve Reed tells his story on the turkey that got away...at least for a little while.

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The Great Thanksgiving Cranberry Scare of 1959 Nov 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, 400 million pounds of cranberries are consumed by Americans each year. Twenty percent of that is during the week of Thanksgiving. That's 80 million pounds! And 5,062,500 gallons of jellied cranberry sauce are consumed by Americans every holiday season. Here’s the History Guy to share the story of the Great Cranberry Scare of 1959.

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The First Thanksgiving: The Real Story Nov 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thanksgiving is the only American holiday that has actually remained relatively innocent—it’s not something that we have been able to commercialize. But there’s something going on here more than feasting, family, and football. Robert Tracy McKenzie is a professor of history at Wheaton College and is the author of The First Thanksgiving. He’s here to tell us the story of this quintessentially American holiday.

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How Patrick Henry Saved America From Its First Civil War Nov 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington led America's army to independence. He needed help to avoid leading it into our first civil war.

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Karl Marlantes: Turning Ghosts into Ancestors Nov 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vietnam Veteran and best-selling author Karl Marlantes shares his story of war, memory, and loss.

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Elvis and the Colonel Meet Greg Nov 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, doing maintenance in mansions, you could meet anyone, talk about anything - even find your career as an agent!

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My Life After Firefighting Nov 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, James, a retired fire captain, shares his story of firefighting and the emotions that come along with it.

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The South Didn't Always Appreciate Its Greatest Writer: The Story of William Faulkner Nov 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, William Faulkner grew up in Oxford, Mississippi (where we broadcast), and did what few authors dared to do -- he wrote about his own hometown while living there.

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A Listener's Story: The Atomic Marine Nov 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells the story of his boss who participated in atomic bomb testing in Nevada in the 1950's.

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How An Ex-Slave and His White Abolitionist-Sidekick Rescued Slaves, Taunted Slavers, and Gave The "Underground Railroad" It's Name Nov 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the story is Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist, Scott Shane. Shane is the author of "Flee North: A Forgotten Hero and the Fight for Freedom in Slavery’s Borderland."

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The Family The Size Of A Baseball Team Nov 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Bohlender family have 10 children, 6 of which are adopted. Here's the story of their journey and how they came to found the adoption agency Zoe’s House.

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Before Mary Kay, There Was Madam C.J. Walker—The First Self-Made Female Millionaire Nov 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, born on 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—forever. Here's her great great great granddaughter with the story.

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How George Washington Surprised the British Army, the Hessians, and the World on Christmas 1776 Nov 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, tells the story of how George Washington turned the tides of war at Trenton and Princeton in the most important year in our country's history—1776.

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Nellie Bly's Record-Breaking Trip Around the World Nov 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nellie Bly was a writer, industrialist, inventor, and a charity worker who was widely known for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days in 1890.

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A Listener's Story: Uncle Bud's Last Days Nov 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener and regular contributor Brent Timmons tells the story of spending time with his Uncle Bud in the final days of his life.

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Pepsi Had the 6th Largest Navy in the World? Nov 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, as odd it may seem, the History Guy tells the story of how Pepsi came to own a fleet of Soviet naval ships.

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Paul Revere's Ride Nov 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in this dramatic reading, American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized Old North Church and Paul Revere in American folklore and cemented their place in American history.

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My Life After "19 Kids and Counting"—As Told by Jill Duggar and Her Husband Derick Nov 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jill Duggar and her husband Derick are here to share their story—the unedited truth—behind TLC’s hit television show that captivated the nation, "19 Kids and Counting." Their story has become a NYT instant bestseller: A memoir called "Counting the Cost."

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The Constitution's First Test—Washington's First Term: The Story of America [Ep. 14] Nov 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the new Constitution was an experiment—a unplayed sheet of music— and we wouldn't know what it would look like in actuality until people picked up their instruments. Here to tell the story of the first real test is Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope.

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A One Man (Abridged) History of the Big Apple Nov 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you’re curious enough, the familiar can become fascinating. Bill Bryk briefly recounts how New York City became the city it is today, as well as his love for its past.

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Lesson Learned: Clean Hog Manure Off Boots Before Going to School Nov 15, 2023

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.

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The Unlikely Story of The Godfather: How The Greatest Film Ever Made Came to Be Nov 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the director was a renegade filmmaker who'd never made a profitable picture. The producer was hired because he could stay below 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.

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“Peter Out” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 17) Nov 15, 2023

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.

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The B-25 In My Dad's Backyard Nov 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Wally Soplata tells the story of his eccentric union carpenter father who collected rare and vintage WWII aircraft for pennies on the dime.

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The Story Behind The Navy's Motto: Don't Give Up the Ship Nov 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the War of 1812 is fairly called the Second American Revolution. When American sailors were being forced into British service, every battle maneuver and moment mattered.

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The Hairdresser Who Helped Convert The Druglord/Dictator Manuel Noriega Nov 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, she didn't have any idea that her customer that day was the Panamanian dictator's daughter.

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Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon Nov 14, 2023

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 the way he lived. Greg Laurie is here to tell the story from his recent book/documentary, Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon.

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Surviving Hanoi: Larry Spencer's Story Nov 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Larry Spencer tells the story of being one of the first POW's of the Vietnam war and surviving until war's end in both "The Zoo" prison and in the infamous Hanoi Hilton.

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A Medal of Honor Recipient Through The Eyes of His Father Nov 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Monti, father of Medal of Honor recipient Jared Monti, tells his son's story.

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Karl Marlantes: Why I Chose to Go to Vietnam Nov 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the late 1960s, Karl Marlantes was presented with a choice. Serve in a war that he saw as unjust, desert to Algeria or Sweden, or stay at Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship and hide behind that privilege as his high school friends fought and died in the jungle of Vietnam. Marlantes chose to serve. But why?

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George Washington: America's First True Superhero Nov 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vince Benedetto delivers the awe-inspiring story of our first president.

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A Listener's Story About a Humble Local Hero -- Her Uncle Nov 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares her uncle, Donald Wilson's, war story.

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The First Thanksgiving: The Real Story Nov 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thanksgiving is the only American holiday that has actually remained relatively innocent—it’s not something that we have been able to commercialize. But there’s something going on here more than feasting, family, and football. Robert Tracy McKenzie is a professor of history at Wheaton College and is the author of The First Thanksgiving. He’s here to tell us the story of this quintessentially American holiday.

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We're Holding Our Own: The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Nov 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, as big freighters go, she was bigger than most with a crew and captain well seasoned...but on November 10th, 1975 she and her 29 man crew were sent to the bottom of Lake Superior. Ric Mixter of Lake Fury tells the story.

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The Story of How Jackie Kennedy Saved New York's Grand Central Station Nov 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, before she was an iconic First Lady, Jackie Kennedy was a born-and-raised New Yorker. By 1975—when she settled full-time back into Manhattan—Grand Central Train Station seemed doomed. The story begins there.

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She Gave Up Touring With Katy Perry to Serve God Nov 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, after much searching and suffering, a new opportunity arose that beggared belief - but led to something truly greater.

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The TV Show That's Taking Over the World: The Chosen Nov 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hollywood giants are ramping up new "faith arms" - and this tectonic shift has begun with an amazing success story of crowdfunding and a creative culture grounded in the Bible.

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My Mom Told Me Not to Come Home Until I Had My 1st Job Nov 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our own Russ Jones shares perhaps the best single thing his mom ever told him!

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The Greatest Showman: The Story of PT Barnum Nov 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in a big and memorable way PT Barnum changed how all Americans lived. He gave them something to talk about and dream about. Our movies, television, and whole entertainment-saturated culture is what it is today because of what he started. He seems almost a fable now; but then… he did in his own day too. Here to tell the story is the Executive Director of the PT Barnum Museum, Kathy Maher.

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A Divorced Father Living with His Marine Son Nov 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, if Bob McLalan knew his father would be living with him for 18 months, he would have thrown him out that first night. A collision of cultures like no other! The latest story with Bob McLalan.

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From Exploitation to Exultation: Escaping the Sex Industry Nov 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, as a young woman seemingly trapped in the commercial sex industry, Harmony Dust Grillo's struggle continued until a new friendship led to a change in her life.

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“Black Harry” Hoosier: The Story Behind Indiana’s Namesake Nov 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, how did Indiana get its nickname “The Hoosier State?” And how did people from Indiana come to be called “Hoosiers?” Here to answer these questions and tell the story is Dr. Stephen Flick.

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Into the Union: How Texas Joined The United States Nov 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the second part of his Texas anthropology series is Monte Monroe, the Texas State Historian. Today Monte shares with us how Texas joined the Union, and how the spirit of Texan "independence" became a thing.

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The Story of How The Bill of Rights Came to Be: The Story of America [Ep. 13] Nov 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we often forget that the Bill of Rights came after the Constitution came into effect. Here to tell the story of how they came to be is Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope.

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The Sleeping Sentinel Who Received the Death Penalty, But Was Saved By President Lincoln Nov 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Civil War soldier, William Scott, fell asleep at his post, at the time a transgression that was punishable by execution. What happened next changed military history.

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Hedy Lamarr: The 40’s “Bombshell” Actress Behind GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth Nov 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hedy Lamarr set a high standard for more than screen performance. She negotiated for fair contract terms - and in her spare time, applied her mind to solve a torpedo guidance problem for the U.S. Navy in wartime.

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John Clem, Civil War Boy Soldier Nov 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the story of John Lincoln Clem—the youngest non-commissioned officer in Army history—is Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, author of John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy.

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City Grazing: Land Management Powered by Goats Nov 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Genevieve Church, the third "Goat Lady of San Francisco", is executive director of City Grazing. Listen to her share about how this land management and fire prevention non-profit came to be.

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A Young Lady's Run-in with Frank Sinatra Nov 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colorado listener Patty Kingsbaker shares this "knock out" Frank Sinatra story.

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Nancy Kelsey: California's 1st Female Pioneer Arrives Barefoot and Pregnant and Becomes the "Betsy Ross of CA" Nov 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when the lure of a new life on the farthest edge of the frontier beckoned to Ben Kelsey, Nancy was determined to be at her husband’s side. Together they braved hunger, disaster, illness, betrayal, and death. Nancy Kelsey and her family would play a crucial role in California and American history, becoming the first wave of a great tide that would transform a nation.

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An Air Force Pilot's Post-Retirement Career Dilemma: A Job at a Big Bank or the Pilot of Air Force 2 Nov 06, 2023

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. It was his first day on the job. Not long after that, he did flew multiple combat tours in the Middle East and then retired from the Air Force. Here’s Peter with the story about the phone call he received shortly after his retirement: "Do You Still Have Your Uniform?"

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The Story of the Greatest Walk-On in College Football History Nov 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brandon Burlsworth walked on at The University of Arkansas with little chance of ever securing a starting job, let alone a scholarship... and All-SEC, All-American honors. Here is the story of the man for whom the national award for the best walk-on player is named.

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The Time I Nearly Died In Pilot Training Nov 03, 2023

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. It was his first day on the job. Here’s one harrowing story from Peter's Air Force pilot training.

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What I Learned about Freedom after Escaping North Korea Nov 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Yeonmi Park was born in 1993, and in 2007 fled from North Korea with her family to China and settled in South Korea in 2009—before moving to the United States in 2014. What we are about to hear is Yeonmi’s story she gave to a group of students at the Young America’s Foundation in Santa Barbara, California.

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How the Constitution Came to Be: The Story of America [Ep. 12] Nov 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Constitution didn't just become the law of the land overnight—it took some convincing. Here to tell the story of the work that most influenced the Founders - The Federalist Papers - is Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope.

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The First Pilot At Ground Zero Recalls His First Jobs Nov 03, 2023

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. It was his first day on the job. Here’s Peter sharing some stories from a few of his first jobs including his first job after serving in the Air Force.

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Why Fighting Exists in Hockey: The Story of Hockey's "Enforcers" Nov 02, 2023

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.

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Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed The World Nov 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, he origin of this conflict flowed from a deceptively simple question—a riddle of sorts that a Catholic monk named Martin Luther wrestled with for years. The question he asked himself was this: Am I a good person? Here to tell the story is Eric Metaxas, bestselling author of Martin Luther.

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Did Lizzie Borden Get Away With Murder? Nov 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the brutal double-murder that happened in Fall River Massachusetts in 1892 has long been considered an unsolved mystery. Cara Robertson, author of the The Trial Of Lizzie Borden, tells the story.

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The Man in the Glass Coffin Nov 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin is in a glass coffin...but so is an American man along the shores of Lake Michigan. Chris Siriano tells this curious story about the coffin, the man inside of it, and the harebrained scheme to steal his diamond necklace.

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The Story of the One-Ton Pumpkin Nov 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2017, Rhode Islander Joe Jutras broke the record for the largest giant green squash ever grown- it came in at 2,118 lbs. Today Joe shares all that goes into growing these giant fruits.

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Halloween Haunted House History Nov 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Halloween expert Lisa Morton is going to be unpacking the history of the Halloween Haunted House, which is directly tied into today’s practice of Trick-or-Treating. Lisa is the author of Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween. By the turn of the 20th century, Halloween in America was nothing more than a day of pranking—kind of like April Fools' Day.

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Halloween: The History of an American Holiday Oct 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, why do we participate in these strange celebrations every Halloween? Lesley Bannatyne is the author of Halloween: An American Holiday, An American History, and Lisa Morton is the author of Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween.

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The Man in the Glass Coffin Oct 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin is in a glass coffin...but so is an American man along the shores of Lake Michigan. Chris Siriano tells this curious story about the coffin, the man inside of it, and the harebrained scheme to steal his diamond necklace.

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Halloween Haunted House History Oct 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Halloween expert Lisa Morton is going to be unpacking the history of the Halloween Haunted House, which is directly tied into today’s practice of Trick-or-Treating. Lisa is the author of Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween. By the turn of the 20th century, Halloween in America was nothing more than a day of pranking—kind of like April Fools' Day.

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The History of Our Favorite Horror Movies Oct 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, from Nosferatu and Dracula to Friday the 13th and Saw, Matt Castro brings us the full history of all your favorite horror films. Check out his YouTube channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@MagikarpUsedFlylol

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The Story of the One-Ton Pumpkin Oct 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2017, Rhode Islander Joe Jutras broke the record for the largest giant green squash ever grown- it came in at 2,118 lbs. Today Joe shares all that goes into growing these giant fruits.

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SeaWorld's Undercover Boss Who Showed That Love Works in Business Oct 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joel Manby was on the 7th episode of the hit TV show "Undercover Boss", and his company captivated 20 million viewers with their “leading with love” culture. Here's his story of what that means.

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Buck O'Neil's Lesson on Dealing With Defeat Like a Man Oct 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2021, former Negro Leauge Baseball player Buck O'Neil was finally made it into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, years after being rejected, to the surprise of his friends, by one vote. Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, tells the story of how Buck handled this loss, in Bob's words, "like a man".

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James K. Polk: The Best President Americans Don't Know Oct 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Official Texas State Historian Monte Monroe, as well as Rachel Halversen and Anne Clare, tell the story of President James K. Polk, and why his one term in office managed to beat out most presidents who served two.

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When Wedding Photography and Storm Chasing Collide Oct 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Olbinski is an Arizona-based photographer. He photographs families and weddings, and also... chases storms. Here’s Mike with how he got into this unique career.

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Finding the Son I Never Knew in Vietnam Oct 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brent Evanhoff tells the story of how he reunited in the jungles of Vietnam with the son he never knew—and how through that experience he managed to help another veteran reconnect with his dogtags.

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If I Could Talk With Anyone (Past or Present), It Would Be My Parents Oct 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you could spend one hour talking with anyone, living or not, who would you choose? Regular contributor Stephen Rusiniak's choice is a no-brainer.

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The Man in the Glass Coffin Oct 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin is in a glass coffin...but so is an American man along the shores of Lake Michigan. Chris Siriano tells this curious story about the coffin, the man inside of it, and the harebrained scheme to steal his diamond necklace.

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The Swamp Salesmen: How Florida Was Built and Sold Oct 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jason Vuic tells the story of how the state of Florida was sold and built by innovative and driven entrepreneurs during the 1950s...before Disney and before the modern attractions of today.

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A Story of Excellence: Horst Schulze and The Ritz-Carlton Oct 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a legend in the hotel world, Horst Schulze has 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.

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Did The Constitution Support Slavery?: The Story of America [Ep. 11] Oct 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our Constitution is the oldest in the world—but did it outwardly support slavery? Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, answers this important question which is as relevant today as it was in the time of the framers.

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The Unmarried Couple Who Got Buried Together—and Why Oct 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, despite the church's refusal to annul a previous marriage, this couple spent days together for decades, all the while upholding their traditional values. And despite never exchanging vows, even death couldn't part them.

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The Black Pitcher and White Catcher That Made the 1964 World Series Unforgettable Oct 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from Jeff Bloodworth who is a professor of American history at Gannon University and is a Jack Miller Center fellow.

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The Story of Captain Kangaroo Oct 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, on October 3, 1955, a television program debuted that would eventually produce nearly nine thousand shows over a span of nearly 40 years. Here’s the History Guy with the story of Captain Kangaroo. Here’s the History Guy with the story.

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"The Business Side" of Infant Loss: A Thank You to My Husband Oct 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a wife's poignant letter of gratitude and healing - one her husband and constant companion through every struggle will never forget.

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The 1st Air Force Pilot at Ground Zero—and the Last to Know What Happened Oct 25, 2023

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. It was his first day on the job. Peter’s here to tell his story.

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A Museum Dedicated to Bad Art? Oct 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the MOBA museum is one of a kind...here to tell the story is one of its founding members.

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The Baileys' Story: A Daughter, a Drug Dealer, and a Miracle Oct 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, after Mike and Deborah Bailey lost their daughter to a drug overdose, what they did next is nothing short of a miracle.

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Thomas Hudner: The MOH Recipient Who Crashed His Plane On Purpose To Get To His Downed Wingman Oct 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it might seem like an April Fool’s joke: The Navy commissioned its newest 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.

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Moonshine Runners and the Birth of NASCAR Oct 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, long before NASCAR’s rampant commercialism lurks a distant history of dark secrets that have 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.

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The Roy Rogers Story: Family Man, American Legend Oct 24, 2023

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.

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The "Ten Cent Beer Night" Riot Oct 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear how the June 4, 1974 night game 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.

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The Nuclear Mishap in Arkansas That "Created" CNN Oct 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a wrench fell; a rocket leaked, lost fuel pressure, collapsed, and exploded. A nuclear warhead soared out of the silo and into a ditch... at the intersection of Arkansas' fate and American journalism.

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The Untold Story of a Civil War Cemetery Oct 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nancy Bro of the GAR Cemetery in Miami, Oklahoma shares the stories of the unique and colorful characters buried within it... including a rodeo star, veterans of the Union and Confederate armies, and a few British pilots.

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Fighting Crime in Downtown Los Angeles with Love, Respect, and God Oct 23, 2023

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."

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I Invented the Modern Age: The Story of Henry Ford Oct 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear the story of the man who made the claim to have invented the modern age.

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Dennis Peterson: Makin' Do Oct 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dennis Peterson's father had an interesting way of saving money. He called it 'Makin' Do'. Dennis tells the story.

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The Town of Joplin was Destroyed by an EF-5 Tornado in 2011: This is Joplin's Story—a Story of Loss, Love, and Hope Oct 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, on March 22, 2011 Joplin, Missouri, took a direct hit from the costliest tornado in American history. Though the scar remains, Joplin has recovered in truly amazing ways. Former KSNF Channel 16 Weatherman Jerimiah Cook and reporter Gretchen Bolander tell the story of love, and loss, in Joplin.

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Satchel Paige: The Story of One of The Greatest Pitchers of All Time Oct 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, tells the story of a man who became bigger than the game he played—and only thew fastballs...the Midnight Creeper, the Bat Dodger, and the Jump Ball...the list goes on. The astounding thing, though, is that he did this every day for five decades with no relief pitcher.

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Batman Through the Years Oct 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Batman is a household name. His list of comic issues, let alone live-action movies, animated films, and TV shows, video games, you name it, is nothing short of astounding… but this wasn’t always the case. Andrew Farago, Curator at the Cartoon Art Museum and author of Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond, is here to tell us the story of the Caped Crusader.

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The Men Who Built the Most Expensive and Most Powerful Gun Oct 19, 2023

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 after it was auctioned for $1.8 million in 2018. Here to tell the story of the legendary Colt Walker revolver is Logan Metesh. Logan founded and runs High Caliber History LLC and has more than a decade of experience working for the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service.

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What Happens to Children When They Age Out of the Foster Care System? Oct 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hear the answer from Paul Blavin, a man who had this cause put on his heart and wasted no time responding to it. You’ll hear the story of how he went from workaholism on Wall Street to retiring to do the kind of work that he felt could truly make a difference.

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The Woman Behind Jack London Oct 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Iris Jamal Dunkle tells the story of Charmian Kittridge London in the first full length Biography written about her, entitled Charmian Kittredge London: Trailblazer, Author, Adventurer.

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Churchill's Speech in the Heartland of America Oct 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Winston Churchill was at a low point in his career when he delivered his famous "Iron Curtain" speech at a small college in Missouri. Dr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, tells the story.

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The Story of the Sneaker: A Walk Through American History Oct 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nicholas Smith, author of Kicks: The Great American Story of Sneakers, takes us for a journey through American history... through the lens of the sneaker!

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The Girls Next Door: How Serving Coffee and Donuts in World War I Led To Women Gaining the Right to Vote Oct 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kara Dixon Vuic tells this remarkable story of service.

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The Goo Goo Cluster: Nashville's "Official" Candy? Oct 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it's a family story, a business story, and a regional story; It's the story of how the Goo Goo cluster became the official candy of Nashville!

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"High and Dry" & "Let the Cat Out of the Bag" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Oct 18, 2023

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.

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Chief Red Cloud: The Only American Indian in History to Defeat the U.S. Army in a War Oct 17, 2023

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.

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Lost and Found In Alaska Oct 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kent Nerburn, author of Letters To My Son...shares the story of a harrowing journey into Alaska, and the lessons he learned along the way.

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Honoring Our Fallen Heroes: A Police Officer's Wife Delivers His Heartbreaking Eulogy Oct 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dominique Rivera eulogizes her husband, Detective Jason Rivera, with raw emotion and compelling everyday detail.

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Halloween Haunted House History Oct 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Halloween expert Lisa Morton is going to be unpacking the history of the Halloween Haunted House which is directly tied into today’s practice of Trick-or-Treating. Lisa’s the author of Trick Or Treat: A History of Halloween. By the turn of the 20th century Halloween in America was nothing more than a day of pranking—kind of like April Fools Day.

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The Turning Point in Abe’s Life: A Wrestling Match Oct 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lincoln is one of the greatest leaders in US history, but prior to his being elected the 16th 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, Mike Chapman.

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The Story Behind FDR's Day of Infamy Speech Oct 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, FDR's speechwriting team wasn't in Washington. Roosevelt, with the help of a few aids, penned the most important speech of his Presidency, and one of the most important speeches in American history.

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Before Kevin Costner's "Yellowstone" was Richard King's "King Ranch" Oct 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of Richard King and his "King Ranch" has much to tell us about America. Here is the pulse of the national epic of cattle and cowboys, ranchers and horses, a vast fortune created out of the oldest source of wealth there is, land and cattle. Roger McGrath brings us the story along with William Yancey from Texas A&M University, Kingsville.

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A Little Brother's Prayer to Be As Big As His Very Big Brother Oct 16, 2023

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."

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Halloween: The History of an American Holiday Oct 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, why do we participate in these strange celebrations every Halloween? Lesley Bannatyne is the author of Halloween: An American Holiday, An American History, and Lisa Morton is the author of Trick Or Treat: A History of Halloween.

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The Union Colonel Who Showed Mercy on Confederate POWs During the Civil War Oct 13, 2023

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 thanks in large part to the fort’s commander, Justin Dimick.

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Mr. 60s: A Baby-Boomer’s Story of Trials, Triumphs... and Redemption Oct 13, 2023

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.

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The God and Divinity Roots of America's Most Famous College—Harvard: 100 Bible Verses that Changed America Oct 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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The Baylor Basketball Incident: An Eyewitness to One of the Biggest Scandals (and Turnarounds) in NCAA History Oct 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, next we have a story about one of the biggest scandals in college basketball history—along with 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.

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Dick Bong, Ace of Aces: The Greatest Fighter Pilot in American History Oct 12, 2023

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.

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The Truth Behind the “Cursed” Millionaire Heiress, Sarah Winchester Oct 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the mansion she built is world-renowned, as much for its many design curiosities and innovations as it is for the reported paranormal activity. Here to tell the story is Ashley Hlebinsky, 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.

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Were All Japanese Americans In Internment Camps? One Woman's Story Oct 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mary Mikami was a Japanese American born in Alaska. Learn about her acceptance and achievements.

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Billy The Kid: The Story Behind the Legend and the Myth Oct 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1870s, the American West was a refuge for outcasts as the nation recovered from the Civil War. In fact, life was so hard that 80-percent of the population was under 30. It was in this harsh and lawless place where a legend was forged. Roger McGrath tells the story of Billy The Kid.

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The Story Behind The Story of The Salem Witch Trials and The American Puritans Oct 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Historical truths often emerge with time. Early on, a hush descended over 1692-1693 Salem Witch Trials for generations. Then came playwright Arthur Miller, who made off with the story, or at least his version of it. Since 1953, The Crucible has become the culturally-accepted storyline that has come to define American Puritans and the city of Salem itself. Dr. Stephen Nichols is president of Reformation Bible College, chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries. He’s here to tell the story of the Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials.

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Empathy is Not Optional: The Story of Mike Leven's Brutal Law Professor Oct 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike with a story about what he learned from his unseemly college law professor.

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How Hawking Hotdogs in Major League Baseball Changed My Life Oct 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, as a young boy, Minnesota listener Jim Johnson sold hotdogs for the Minnesota Twins. This is his story.

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I Fell in Love at Lambeau Field (Home of the Green Bay Packers) Oct 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1980s, the Packers stadium had a kid’s-only section for kids between the 5th and 8th grades. During Jon Elfner’s 8th grade year he not only saw every game—he also fell in love.

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The Untold Story of Christopher Columbus Oct 10, 2023

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.

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One Cop's Take on Mental Illness, Homelessness, and Crime Oct 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph shares vivid, compelling stories of one constant struggle for police, and for communities: The care and safety of those with mental health battles.

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The Constitution Was Designed For Conflict: The Story of America [Ep. 10] Oct 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the framers of the Constitution took many things into account while creating the document—including our own natural instincts to fight. Dr. Bill McClay tells the story of how the Constitution was designed with our most partisan attributes in mind.

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The Story of the 1st Medal of Honor Recipient (1861) Oct 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1863 Bernard John Dowling Irwin received the first Medal of Honor by date-of-conflict—for his heroism during the Apache War. The History Guy tells the story.

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"Long Shot" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Oct 10, 2023

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.

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A Son Remembers His Special Bond With His Father—One That Included Horse Racing and The Triple Crown Oct 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a former high powered media executive shares the story of how the 37-year horse racing Triple Crown drought broken in 2015 brought back a flood of memories of Sundays at the track with his Dad.

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The One Book I Never Thought I Would Write Oct 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Leslie Leyland Fields tells the story of how she came to write her memoir.

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A Marine Mourns the Death of His Tough-as-Nails Marine Father Oct 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in this episode of the Mclalan Files, Bob brings us the story of his father’s death.

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The "Good Ol' Days" Is a Lie Oct 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we've come a long way very quickly. Johan Norberg, author of Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future tells the story of why we're living in the best moment in human history.

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Getting Prepared to Go Face-to-Face With the Toughest Admiral in Navy History Oct 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Toti tells us the story of his experience with Admiral Hyman Rickover and the impact he had in the Navy.

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"Mad" Anthony Wayne: The Story of The Revolutionary War Hero Who Defied and Defined His Nickname Oct 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Fort Wayne is named after him...and so is the county where Detroit is. There's a reason for that. Dr. Mary Stockwell, author of Mad Anthony Wayne and the Battle for America tells the story of the colorful general who helped us win our independence—and the Northwest Territories.

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How One Man's Faith Moved Him to Fight for A Wrongly Imprisoned Man Oct 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim McCloskey grew up in church, but as he got older, he wanted nothing to do with his childhood faith. After a successful business career, Jim found himself feeling empty. He decided to return to church, and to his surprise, began considering seminary—which would lead him to a jail cell with an innocent man in it.

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A Precious Gift for a Widowed Husband Oct 06, 2023

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 it was her voice that 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.

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“I Had To Be Able To Look At Myself in the Mirror”: One Man's Integrity Story Oct 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Daniels, the godfather of cable TV, shares the story of paying back bankruptcy creditors… even though he had no legal obligation to do so.

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Uncle Nearest: The Former Slave Who Taught Jack Daniels How to Make Whiskey Oct 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, at a time when she needed it most, Fawn Weaver happened upon the story of Uncle Nathan "Nearest" Green, the former slave who taught Jack Daniels how to make whiskey.

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An Immigrant's Tale: From The Tropical Island of Montserrat to Blustery Boston and Beyond Oct 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, as part of our True Diversity Series with Philanthropy Roundtable, we tell the story of Patrice Onwuka, who was born in Montserrat, moved to a town outside of Boston, and lived her American dream—from watching political pundits on TV to becoming one.

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The Littletons: The Family That Lost Their 6 Sons In The Civil War Oct 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Busbee shares the story of how an Iowa family lost all 6 of their boys during America's bloodiest conflict.

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The Heiress of "America's Billionaire King" Who Joined Her Terrorist-Abductors: The Story of Patty Hearst Oct 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1974, Patricia Hearst—heiress of the William Randolph Hearst newspaper empire—was abducted by an American far-left militant organization… but she eventually joined their cause. Here to tell the story is Ashley Hlebinsky.

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I'm The Dentist In The Wheelchair Oct 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, aHayden Perkins shares the story of his accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down—and how he chose to live his life.

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The Paul Harvey Story Oct 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, born in small-town Oklahoma in 1918—Oklahoma had only been a state for 10 years—Paul Harvey's rural roots would shape his career, as would the murder of his father, a police officer.

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The Gospel of Gettysburg: The Story Behind the Story of the Gettysburg Address Oct 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lee Habeeb with the story behind the story of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

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Life Before Digital Photos: The Last Days of Kodachrome Oct 03, 2023

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.

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A Listener's Childhood Memory: Rollerskating In The Farmhouse Oct 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, WHO Des Moines listener Joy Neal Kidney shares her memories of growing up in her family's farmhouse just outside of the small town of Dexter, Iowa.

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Men of Extraordinarily High Caliber: The Story of America [Ep. 9] Oct 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn how the framers of the Constitution were not ordinary men. Hillsdale College professor and author of Land of Hope Bill McClay tells the story of the start of the Constitutional Convention and how the men there set out to create a document meant to last.

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Suffering Fueled His Greatness: John Hannah on What It Took to Be the Best Offensive Lineman of All Time Oct 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from the guy Sports Illustrated said was the greatest offensive lineman of all time. Here's John Hannah sharing two moments in his life that pushed him towards excellence: One with his dad, the other with Bear Bryant.

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The Teacher Who Brought Him to the Heart of the Cold War -- and the Berlin Wall Itself Oct 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lawson Bader pays tribute to his late German teacher Erika for our "Final Thoughts" series.

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The Story of an American Golf Tradition: The Masters Oct 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Julie Ferris, author of The Masters A to Z, brings us the story of the classic game of golf and the world's most important tournament, The Masters.

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Horse Jumping Was Dull -- So They Jumped Mules Oct 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, everyone knows that a horse can jump a good-sized fence - but the folks in Pea Ridge, Arkansas thought whether a mule could do it was much more interesting. Here's the story of how their unique competition started.

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I Would Kill People for Money... But Then God Gave Me Life Oct 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Corum, author of The Ultimate Pardon, tells the story of how he went from being an enforcer of the Kansas City underworld—to becoming a prison minister.

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A Media Titan Shares Stories of Mentors Who Impacted His Life Oct 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Citadel Communications President and former ABC Board of Governors Director Ray Cole shares the stories of the people who impacted him the most over his long career.

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he Most Famous Abolitionist You Never Heard Of: The Story of Thomas Shipley Sep 29, 2023

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.

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He Joined the Army in His 40s... to Die Sep 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ken Scar joined the army in his 40s... more or less as a way to kill himself. He ended up finding new purpose in life.

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A Dad's Gift to His Children with Down Syndrome: An Ice Cream Truck? Sep 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joel Wegener and his wife are blessed with 10 children, 2 of which were diagnosed with Down Syndrome. In his quest to find a fun way to teach them life skills, Joel happened upon the idea of running an ice cream truck.

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The Men Who Tried to Steal Lincoln's Corpse Sep 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Lincoln was laid to rest, he certainly didn't do so in peace. Louis Picone tells the story of Lincoln's post-mortem experience.

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Centerline: The Surprising History of Lane Markings Sep 28, 2023

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 on the saving lives front has to be painted lane lines on roads.

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"On The Wagon" & "Once In A Blue Moon" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 16) Sep 28, 2023

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.

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The Woman Who Sneaked Into George Washington's Army Sep 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Deborah Sampson became a hero of the American Revolution when she disguised herself as a man and joined the Patriot forces. Here to tell her story is the author of Deborah Sampson: The Girl Who Went to War.

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The Story of How Railroads (Not Government) Created Time Zones Sep 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, China runs on just a single time zone; in America, we have four: Pacific, Mountain, Central and Eastern, but we used to have thousands!

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Lincoln's Last Trip Back to Springfield Sep 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, you've heard us tell the story of Abraham Lincoln's train ride to Washington for his inauguration. This is the story of his train ride home to his final resting place.

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I Was Bored In Grad School, So I Joined The Navy Sep 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn about the Senator who started out as a forward air controller in The Vietnam War

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The Best Lawyer In a One-Lawyer Town Sep 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk knows when to start a case on behalf of others... and has learned when to rest.

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The Civil War Soldier Who Risked His Life to Give Water To His Enemies Sep 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Richard Hood takes us to the Battle of Fredericksburg and tells a story about compassion in the midst of America's deadliest war.

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Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World Sep 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of how one man got his American Dream stitched into a pair of blue jeans. Lynn Downey (Levi Strauss & Co. historian) is here to tell the story.

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The Screwdriver Wars Sep 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the differing fates of the Robertson and the Phillips head screwdrivers demonstrate that innovation is intimately tied to historical events. Here’s The History Guy with the story of the screwdriver wars.

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Dana Mitch: I Was Detached About My Family's Holocaust Story....Until I Went to Buchenwald Sep 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dana Mitch tells the story of her trip to Buchenwald, the largest concentration camp on German soil, and how she reconnected with her family because of it.

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My Mother Had Me at 16, But That Didn't Change a Thing Sep 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear the story of Alan Brown and his mother.

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The Story of KFC & Colonel Sanders Sep 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colonel Sanders did something that no other restaurant founder dared to do — he became his company’s own mascot and brand ambassador! Here to share the story of KFC and a little about who Colonel Sanders was is Adam Chandler, author of Drive Thru Dreams.

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Heart-Washing: My Antidote to 14 Years of Brainwashing in a Communist Prison Sep 25, 2023

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. What you are about to hear is one of those talks.

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When "Neutral" America Occupied "Neutral" Iceland During WWII Sep 25, 2023

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.

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The Outsiders: House of Pain Rapper Restores House from Coppola's Movie Sep 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, since being released in 1983, Francis Ford Coppola’s film adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s coming-of-age novel The Outsiders has found continued popularity and has achieved official cult status. And now, in what is surely one of the most interesting pop culture intersections of all time, hip-hop artist Danny Boy O’Connor from the rap group House of Pain—best known for their iconic 1992 anthem “Jump Around”—purchased the Tulsa, Oklahoma home where much of The Outsiders’ film was shot. Here to tell this story is Danny Boy O’Connor himself.

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The First Martyr of the Abolition Movement: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Sep 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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, who is the author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith.

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The Story of Charleston: The Way Life Used to Be, And Perhaps, Is Supposed to Be Sep 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tommy Dew’s Walking Tour of Charleston, SC, has been praised and recommended by the likes of The Wall Street Journal and TripAdvisor. Tommy is here to share the story of Charleston—from the American Revolution to today.

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Brett Favre on Humility, Aging, and Faith (Pt. 4 of 5) Sep 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler sat down with Brett Favre in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home where Brett shared stories about humility, aging, and faith, in this fourth part of his five part series.

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The Story of How "Women and Children First" Came to Be Sep 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers the Birkenhead Disaster and explains where the protocol "women and children first" was first used.

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Ex-Slave Booker T. Washington and His Bridge Forward (Told By His Great-Granddaughter) Sep 22, 2023

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"), as well as her great grandfather’s.

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I Came to New York City Dead: The Story of Sarah Gonzalez's Redemption Sep 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, coping with the loss of her father as a child, total rebellion could not stop God from pursuing Sarah Gonzalez—even after spending her time partaking in activities designed to instill hatred towards others. Sarah is here to share her story.

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"Hunky Dory" & "Hedge Your Bets" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 9) Sep 21, 2023

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.

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How Johnny Carson Saved Twister Sep 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Milton Bradley game was about to be pulled from the shelves. Author Christopher Klein tells the story of how the late night talk host saved this iconic brand.

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1945 Empire State Building B-25 Crash Sep 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in July 1945, a U.S. B-25 Mitchell got lost in heavy fog over Manhattan. Here’s The History Guy remembering the B-25 Empire State Building Crash.

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Making Peace With My Sister's Killer Sep 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeanne Bishop tells us the story of the brutal murders of her beloved family members… and how a change of heart changed her life and so many others. Read her book for the full story.

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Bruce Wang, All-American: The Chinese Cowboy With A Southern Accent Sep 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bruce may be Chinese-born, but as you are about to hear, he’s all American.

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“Soft and Weak” Americans Try Stopping Nazis in 1943 (Stephen Ambrose) Sep 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story from Stephen Ambrose begins in early 1943—With America's first major defeat during the Second World War.

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Mike Eruzione: The Making of a Miracle Sep 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Eruzione—the captain of the 1980 U.S Men’s Olympic "Miracle on Ice" Hockey Team—recounts the unlikely circumstances that led to his amazing career on ice, the legendary upset against the Soviets, his game-winning goal, and winning the gold medal.

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Buffalo Bill Cody: A Legend in His Own Time, and in Ours Sep 20, 2023

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!

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Love and Sacrifice: The Navy’s Jackie Robinson (Told by His Granddaughter) Sep 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of America's first Black Naval Aviator, 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 Jesse's life. Here to tell the story is Jesse's granddaughter, Jessica Leroyce Knight Henry.

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"Run Amuck" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 20) Sep 19, 2023

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.

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A Family Lived in the New York Public Library? Sep 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our audience loved Kristin O'Donnell Tubb’s wonderful story from her historical fiction book John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy. So we asked if she would share another story with us. Here she is telling the story of the family that lived in the New York Public Library.

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The Untold Story of Christopher Columbus Sep 19, 2023

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.

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A Texas Boy vs. the Air Traffic Control Bully Sep 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another story from our regular listener and contributor Roger Latham, from Fort Worth, Texas.

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Robin Cook: The American Physician Who Wrote Coma Underwater Sep 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robin Cook is best known for his novel, Coma. The book was published in 1977, and premiered as a movie the next year. Robin is here to share his life story with us, including how Coma came to be… underwater, of all places.

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The Tone Deaf, Bad Poet Who Wrote The National Anthem Sep 18, 2023

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, and right after one of America’s great military victories.

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America's Comeback: The Battle of Midway Sep 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Claire tells the story of the Battle of Midway, America's "make or break" moment in World War II.

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Surviving Hanoi: Larry Spencer's Story Sep 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Larry Spencer tells the story of being one of the first POWs of the Vietnam war, and surviving until war's end in both "The Zoo" prison and in the infamous Hanoi Hilton.

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Two Men and a Truck Sep 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear about the story of faith and family behind the largest franchised moving company in America.

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The House That Was Built By Gum Sep 15, 2023

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. This is the story of how he made his fortune and then spent it on the one he loved.

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Opportunity American: "You Don't Know My Story" Sep 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gwen Boyd-WIllis committed a minor felony in 2005 but made an effort to be better even while serving her time. When her record kept her from getting ahead, Koch Industries helped her get a second chance.

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Burt Young’s Story: The Man Who Played Paulie in Rocky Opens Up About His Family and His Craft Sep 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Burt Young is an immediately recognizable character actor whose half-muttered voice and flinty gaze made him the perfect fit for "Rocky" as Sylvester Stallone's ill-mannered brother-in-law, Paulie. Here’s Burt Young with his story.

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The Streets Were My Father Sep 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, meet Carlos Colon, a Chicago man who joined a gang as a teenager, murdered a man, spent most of his life in prison, and has now found a new life.

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John Brown, Radical Abolitionist Sep 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, to southerners, he was a brave villain, to many northerners, he was a madman, but to John Brown--he was simply an instrument of God being used to end a disgusting practice. David S. Reynolds, author of John Brown Abolitionist, tells the story of his life.

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Busy Mother Of Six Befriends Retired Cop Sep 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Heidi Viars shares how her life changed when she began showing some neighborly kindness to a grumpy old cop.

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How One Black Woman Led in the Redemption of "The Most Dangerous Racist In America": The Story of George Wallace and Shirley Chisholm Sep 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a tragic event brought a racist (Wallace) and a radical (Chisholm) together and forged an unlikely alliance.

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The Famous McCartys Pottery That Comes from the Mississippi Delta Sep 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, McCartys Pottery was founded in 1954 and is known all over the world today… And it all started in the tiny Mississippi Delta town of Merigold — and still stands, over 65 years later! Here’s Stephen Smith, one of the godsons of Lee and Pup McCarty, who now runs the business with his brother.

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What Came Before The Constitution?: The Story of America [Ep. 8] Sep 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn what came before the Constitution... which was the Articles of Confederation, of course. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story of the good, the bad, and the ugly of America's first organizational document.

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Whiskey Is In Their Blood Sep 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Old Dominick Distillery story starts back in 1859 with an Italian immigrant and a fruit cart that grew to be one of the largest distribution companies in the South. Add in a Kentucky woman who didn't drink until she was 21 (Alex Castle), and you get the first whiskey distillery in Memphis as well as the first female head distiller in the state of Tennessee since Prohibition.

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Five Floors Up: The Heroic Family Story of Four Generations in the FDNY Sep 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, seen through the eyes of four generations of a firefighter family, Five Floors Up tells the story of the modern New York City Fire Department. From the days just after the horse-drawn fire truck, to the devastation of the 1970s when the Bronx was Burning, to the unspeakable tragedy of 9/11, to the culture-busting department of today, a Feehan has worn the shoulder patch of the FDNY. Here's Five Floors Up author, Brian McDonald, with the story.

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The Unlikely Relationship Between Two of NYC's Finest Sep 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, 9/11 firefighter Niels Jorgensen and billionaire David Koch, and the tragedies that brought them together.

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How George Washington's Bible Survived 9/11: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Sep 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington’s Bible was on loan to a famous Revolutionary War tavern just blocks from the World Trade Center on 9/11. Just as the search for bodies ended, the search for the Bible began…

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Enhancing Lives, One Guide Dog at a Time Sep 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Christine Benninger is the CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, the largest guide dog school in North America. She shares about the unique training process for these extraordinary animals and the special bond they share with their owner.

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Saying Hello at a Diner Led to Lifelong Friendship with a WWII Veteran and His Captured Nazi Flag Sep 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jason Porter shares with us the story of how he met WWII veteran Forrest Johnson and how “Forrie” became his best friend.

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The Not So Wild Wild West Sep 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, as part of our rule of law series, P.J. Hill, rancher and co-author of “The Not So Wild, Wild West: Property Rights on the Frontier,” explains the misunderstanding behind the American West.

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Life Lessons From A Dairy Farm Sep 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener and Contributor Katrina Hine shares a personal story from one of her first jobs out of high school entitled “Cow Patty“.

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The Story of The Man Who Built One of the Largest Prison Ministries in the World Sep 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joe Garman wanted to minister to people - on his own terms, and certainly not in the prison setting. As he tells it: God had other plans. He would end up forming ARM, one of the largest prison ministries in the world.

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President Truman’s Visit to Tiny Dexter, Iowa—And How It Helped Him Win Reelection Sep 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1948 President Harry Truman decided to attend a plowing match in the small town of Dexter, Iowa. It turned out to be an event that would help re-elect him to the Presidency.

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I Paid My Own Child Support Sep 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jason Wolfe’s father left his family when Jason was six. Here’s Jason's story of becoming the father he himself never had.

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A 12-Year Girl's Eight-Hour Car Chase To Get Elvis' Photo At A Gas Station Sep 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a listener from Colorado tells her remarkable Elvis story about the time she met the King not once but twice in an 8 hour period!

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How Acting Legend Eddie Albert Served Our Country in WWII (Hollywood Goes To War) Sep 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another “Hollywood Goes to War” story from Roger McGrath. Eddie Albert played a sadistic prison warden in 1974’s The Longest Yard starring Burt Reynolds. He was twice nominated for the Academy Award for his 1954 performance in Roman Holiday, and the second in 1973 for The Heartbreak Kid. He also starred as Oliver Wendell Douglas in the 1960s television sitcom Green Acres. But his greatest role was the one he played in WWII.

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The Banjo's Trip Through History Sep 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Johnny Baier, Executive Director of the Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City, takes us through the history of the Banjo starting from the beginning until today.

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James Madison: Founding Father and Lawgiver Sep 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, President of Hillsdale College, Dr. Larry Arnn, tells the story of our fourth president, James Madison.

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The Story of Bing Crosby and David Bowie's "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth" Sep 07, 2023

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 make one of the most cherished Christmas songs of all time. But it almost didn't happen.

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How An Unlikely Alliance Between Thomas Jefferson and Christian Fundamentalists Brought About Religious Freedom Sep 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Religious persecution had become the norm by the time of the American Revolution. It took the unorthodox Thomas Jefferson and Christian Fundamentalists to bring about a change.

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The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Major League Baseball’s Legendary Slugger—Darryl Strawberry Sep 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, he made eight consecutive all-star game appearances and captured four World Series championships, but his talent was overshadowed by his destructive life outside the ballpark. Darryl’s here to share his story!

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America's Last King: The Story of King George III Sep 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, American history hasn't been kind to our last king. He's viewed as a tyrant, and the Declaration of Independence claims he was unfit to lead a free people. The truth is more complicated. British historian Andrew Roberts tells the story of King George III.

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The Story of Pinball Sep 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Pinball is an iconic game. Jeremy Saucier of the Strong Museum of Play shares the surprising story--from pinball's origins in French parlor games, to its prohibition, to its emergence as the popular game that it is today.

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How Boston Embraced The Brothers of John Wilkes Booth Following Lincoln's Assassination Sep 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, 26-year-old actor John Wilkes Booth was killed just 12 days after assassinating Abraham Lincoln. Here’s Christopher Klein with the story of how the city of Boston embraced the Booth brothers.

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"Bring Home the Bacon" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 5) Sep 06, 2023

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.

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The Surprising History of PEZ Candy Sep 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, PEZ had great success where it was invented, but changed its course after initially failing in America. Shawn Peterson, author of “PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon”, shares the story of how this manual candy dispenser came to be.

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One of the Great Men of American Business Started Out as a…Paperboy Sep 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jerre Stead, who's been the CEO of 10 publicly traded companies and has served on 37 corporate boards, shares with us how his lofty business career began at the age of 9, delivering newspapers in the early morning hours in Iowa.

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One Man's Mission To Find Work, Purpose, And Meaning For Millions Sep 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, before Bob Funk founded Express Employment Professionals he wanted to be an actual minister, but his real calling in helping people find work (and hope) has likely had a much bigger impact—with over 800 franchises throughout the world. The purpose of the business? Connect workers to work.

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A Father Wanted A Clean Hotel For His Family ... So He Created Holiday Inn Sep 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kemmons Wilson Jr. tells the story of how his father (Kemmons Wilson) created a hotel chain that established the modern hotel industry.

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The CEO Who Grew Up Without Running Water Sep 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, he grew up in poverty; His first job was at McDonalds... And he would work his way up to become the CEO of 7-Eleven. Here's the story of Jim Keyes, in his own words.

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The Story of the Barcode Sep 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a barcode on most products, properly called a UPC, or “Universal Product Code,” is a necessity for everyday life. Here’s the History Guy with the story.

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Left for Dead: A Soldier's Second Life After Vietnam Sep 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in Vietnam, the armored personnel carrier Jon Hovde was driving hit an anti-tank mine. The 20-year-old soldier made three promises to God if He would let him live. Linda from Jon’s hometown of Fertile, MN, is here to tell the story.

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Ida B. Wells: Fighter for Black Civil Rights to Own Arms Sep 04, 2023

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 defended the right of blacks to also own arms.

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How a Fake Doctor Ran Carnival Sideshows, Saved Thousands of Infants, and Changed Medical History Sep 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Martin Couney carried a secret with him, but the results are unimpeachable. It was Coney Island in the early 1900’s. Beyond the Four-Legged Woman, the sword swallowers, and “Lionel the Lion-Faced Man,” was an entirely different exhibit: rows of tiny, premature human babies living in glass incubators. Here to tell the story is Dawn Raffel, author of The Strange Case of Dr. Couney.

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Our American “Odyssey”: Stephen Ambrose on Lewis & Clark Sep 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose shares some stories from his #1 New York Times bestseller, Undaunted Courage.

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Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, and the Summer of ‘41 (by George Will) Sep 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Will tells the story of Ted Williams. He also tells the story of a San Francisco fisherman, Joe DiMaggio, his “Streak” of a hit in 56 consecutive games, and his steely determination.

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John Ford: The Greatest Director of All Time Quits Hollywood To Fight In World War II Sep 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Ford was Hollywood’s greatest director (Rio Grande and The Seachers, for example). As WWII began, the 47-year-old Ford was at the top of his game when he quit Hollywood and joined the U.S. Navy. Roger McGrath is here to tell the story.

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Asbestos: The Story of The Mineral That Used to Be In Everything Sep 01, 2023

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.

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The Poverty of Fatherlessness: Blair Linne's Story Sep 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, like so many fatherless children, Blair Linne had a hole in her heart. She had a loving mom, but went from home to home to home (25 in all) in her search for stability and a family she could call her own. Here's her story of ending a generational curse.

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American Freedom Machines: The Story of Harley-Davidson Aug 31, 2023

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 that time, she has written about motorcycle history, and she is the author of Harley-Davidson: A History of the World’s Most Famous Motorcycle. Here she is with the story of Harley-Davidson.

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How Abigail Adams and Her 7-Year-Old Son John Quincy Lived through the Battle of Bunker Hill: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Aug 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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Curly (of "The Three Stooges") Was My Grandfather... But My Family Kept It A Secret From Me Aug 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brad Server grew up watching The Three Stooges on TV, not knowing he was related to one of the greatest comics of all time. Every day after school, Brad, his brother, and their friends would pile in front of the television to watch their idol, Jerome Howard, best known as “Curly.” Then, one day, the secret about their unknown grandfather was unveiled. Here’s Brad Server (aka “Curly G”) with the story.

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The Story of America's Uneasy Alliance With The Soviets—And How It Brought About The Downfall of Nazi Germany (w/ Stephen Ambrose) Aug 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose shares a WWII story beginning in January of 1943 and ending with the Allied solution of Unconditional Surrender. Let’s jump right in with the Soviet victory over the Nazis at the Battle of Stalingrad.

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The Story of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's American Descendants Aug 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy unpacks the largely forgotten saga of the Bonapartes who came to America. The story illustrates the pretensions and complexity of Napoleon's attempts to create a lasting dynasty.

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A Fallen Cop’s Daughter Delivers A Eulogy for the Ages Aug 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Shelby Houston, 18, delivered a sermon for her father—Richard Houston, a 21-year TX cop—killed in the line of duty.

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Ilene Hall Joined the Army to Find Her Husband in the Middle of WWII Aug 30, 2023

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. When her husband, to whom she was married in March 1943, finished his training and was about to be shipped overseas, the young Canton, Ohio girl decided not to put an ocean between them. Here she is to tell her story!

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Chuck Colson’s (Watergate’s “Evil Genius”) Fall From the Center of Power into Prison... and His Redemption Aug 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of Chuck Colson's Watergate fallout—told by Chuck himself, who served as Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon. This was the last interview Chuck Colson granted before passing at 80 years of age in 2012.

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The Twin Brothers Who Brought America EMTs, 911 Dispatchers - and Saved Millions of Lives Aug 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of how identical twin brothers—a doctor and a lawyer—collaborated with scores of unsung heroes to modernize emergency medical services, help create the physician assistant profession, help write the model law for organ donation and develop other programs that save thousands of lives every year. Here’s Alfred and Blair Sadler with their story.

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I Was Gretzky’s Hungover Linemate Aug 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sean Pronger always dreamed of being and playing with Wayne Gretzky. Find out what happens when his dream meets his hangover.

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"Cat Got Your Tongue?" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Aug 29, 2023

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.

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Ben Franklin: Chess Can Make You A Better Person? Aug 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ben Franklin has the distinction of many "firsts": He invented the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, bifocals, the catheter, swim fins and the odometer. He started the first public library, the first volunteer fire company, the first American fire insurance company, the first hospital and was the first postmaster general. Chess.com also reminds us that Franklin was also the first known chess player as well as the first chess author in America. Here again to tell us the story is the Jack Miller Center's Editorial Officer and historian, Elliott Drago.

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Brits & U.S. Unite: The Race to Defeat Germany (w/ Stephen Ambrose) Aug 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when the Brits and the U.S. decided to form the first allied command in history in order to defeat Nazi Germany, why was their first ground battle (Operation Torch) against France in North Africa? Here’s the great Stephen Ambrose with the story.

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The Story "Of Beards and Men" and How They Define Masculinity in Culture Aug 29, 2023

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 varied in response to changing ideals of masculinity.

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A Story of Loss, Discovery, and Selflessness by the Best Storyteller in Abilene, Texas Aug 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Unofficial Abilene Historian and Legend Jay Moore's family tale of loss, discovery, and selflessness will tug on your heartstrings while reinforcing the importance of intergenerational relationships.

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The Con Man Who Was Pardoned By Both Abe Lincoln and Jefferson Davis Aug 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story is about a con man who was so good that he got both the Union and the Confederate presidents to pardon him; yet, he was so bad that a NYC woman offered a $50k reward to find him—dead or alive.

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The Greatest Political Prank in American History Aug 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Duncan Scott tells us his story of pranking the New Mexico State Legislature

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Our Greatest Adventure: The Apollo Missions Aug 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when President John F. Kennedy declared at Rice University that we would put a man on the Moon by the end of the decade, the year was 1962 and, according to those in the know, America was 10 years behind the Soviet Union in terms of our capabilities to do so. Nevertheless, we managed to achieve that goal despite serious setbacks along the way. Steve Kates, AKA "Dr. Sky", and the men who went into the final frontier, tell the story of America's greatest adventure.

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A Grave Escape Aug 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, as if spending the night in a funeral parlor wasn't scary enough! Tom Ryan brings us a chilling tale from the family funeral parlor.

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The Story of One of West Point’s Greatest Graduation Speeches—to Graduating Jewish Cadets in 2023 Aug 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dara Horn is an accomplished American writer, winning accolades and prizes for her fiction and non-fiction alike. She was approached to give a graduation speech to Jewish cadets at West Point in 2023. Here is Horn to tell the story of how her speech came to be—and the recorded copy of the speech she delivered. It's one of the most beautiful ever given at any graduation at any college—at any time. The subject: being uncomfortable and uncool.

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What Happened to Saturday Morning Cartoons? Aug 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mark McCray is the author of The Best Saturdays of Our Lives. Here he is to tell us the story of Saturday morning cartoons... and answer the all-important question: what happened to them?

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The Story of How Jackie Kennedy Saved New York's Grand Central Station Aug 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, before she was an iconic First Lady, Jackie Kennedy was a born-and-raised New Yorker. By 1975—when she settled full-time back into Manhattan—Grand Central Train Station seemed doomed. The story begins there.

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Kobe Bryant, Remembered [B. TDIH 1978] Aug 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, on February 24th, 2020, more than 20,000 individuals gathered in the Los Angeles Staples Center to remember the life of Kobe Bryant. From his mentors to his mentees, all shared their own personal, heart-moving stories about his dedication and character.

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Arresting Your Boss: A Nazi Commander Aug 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Michael Lella's incredible tribute to his father Pino, and his role in the fall of fascism.

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Give Me Your Poor: The Story of How Emma Lazarus' Poem Became Eternally Connected To The Statue of Liberty Aug 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Emma Lazarus' poem "The New Colossus" is forever connected to the Statue of Liberty. Here's the surprising story of how that came to be.

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A Sister's Love and Loss of Three Brothers Aug 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Edie Hand tells us the story of her brothers, the Blackburn boys, and the tragedy that struck not once, but three times.

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The Great Chicago Fire, and the Even Greater Recovery Aug 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this largely lost story is rekindled by Chicago historian Tim Samuelson, the first cultural historian of Chicago.

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The American Cigar Making Tradition Aug 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Drew Newman, of JC Newman Cigars, tells the story of cigars in the United States

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The Billion Dollar Corporation That Cleans Water Aug 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Manny Singh, President of Koch Membrane Systems, had a childhood that shaped how he sees water. Then he joined a company that has reshaped how he sees innovation. He's not afraid to literally get dirty, and he strives to see how waste can create value.

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Cecil B. DeMille: The Man Who Built Hollywood Aug 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories when you think of the parting of the Red Sea, you probably think of movie director Cecil B. DeMille, who turned Bible stories he turned into epic films like "The Ten Commandments," starring Yul Brenner and Charleton Heston. But there is much more to the story of this man who helped turn Los Angeles into the film capital of the world.

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The Story of the Great American Jukebox Aug 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the jukebox was the greatest musical innovation of its day, changing our culture and how music was listened to and distributed. One man walks us through that history and shares his obsession with restoring these iconic machines.

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The Road To Victory & The Indispensable George Washington: The Story of America [Ep. 7] Aug 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, through General Washington, and with the aid of devoted patriots, American independence would be realized as an effectual fact. Bill McClay tells the story.

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The Improbable Story of How the Wright Brothers Changed World History Aug 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, much was at stake in this first race to space. Nations and top scientists across the globe pursued the elusive goal of powered flight, but two bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio - brothers with their own scant resources - made it happen. This is their story.

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The Gettysburg Soldier Who Received The Medal of Honor 151 Years After His Death Aug 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of Alanzo Cushing as told by those who fought to have him recognized long after his death.

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Were the Irish the First Slaves in America? Aug 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Slavery is one of the oldest profit-making endeavors, and the Irish were a special target for a thousand years. Colin D. Heaton, a military veteran and a host of the YouTube channel, "Forgotten History," tells us the story.

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"On The Wagon" & "Once In A Blue Moon" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 16) Aug 21, 2023

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.

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Nostalgia Awakens: The Star Wars Toy Empire Revolution (Part 1) Aug 21, 2023

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.

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One of the Last Navajo Code Talkers Remembers WWII’s “Unbreakable Code” Aug 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, many Americans have heard of the famous Navajo Code Talkers who used their traditional language to transmit secret Allied messages in the Pacific Theater of combat during World War II. Our next story is told to us by one of these Marines. Peter MacDonald is the President at Navajo Code Talkers Association.

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From Marriage to Addiction to Divorce... Now They Help Other People's Marriages! Aug 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, as rising seniors in college, Roane and Eva Hunter decided to get married, thinking it would fix all of their problems. A few years down the road, they realized that that wasn't the case. After going through many struggles, and even a divorce, the couple healed their once-broken relationship, and today they help others do the same.

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Spotting Satellites In The Sky Aug 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells the story of his first time seeing a satellite in the sky during a trip into the mountains of New Mexico.

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Ex-Slave Joins Union Army and Becomes the 1st Black Medal of Honor Recipient Aug 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of Army Sgt. William H. Carney, who became the first Black American to have earned the Medal of Honor for protecting one of the United States' greatest symbols during the Civil War—the American flag. Here to tell the story is the Jack Miller Center's editorial officer and historian, Elliott Drago. The Jack Miller Center is a nationwide network of scholars and teachers dedicated to educating the next generation about America’s founding principles and history. To learn more, visit jackmillercenter.org.

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Holding Hands Thrift Store Aug 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Donna’s daughter, Cassie, was diagnosed with Chronic Paranoid Schizophrenia as a teenager, their daily jobs became more difficult. So, they dropped everything and opened a resale shop.

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The Holiday Inn Founder Who Had No Shame Aug 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn about Kemmons Wilson's hilarious interactions with Muhammad Ali, Sam Walton, McIlhenny's Tabasco, and Sam Phillips.

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Miss America's Beginnings, Rise, and Everlasting Battle With Itself Aug 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Miss America Organization has been around for over a century... but through these many years, the pageant has had to conquer a seemingly constant battle to stay accepted and relevant. Amy Argetsinger is the author of There She Was: The Secret History of Miss America and is here to share the full, captivating history of Miss America.

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Lessons From Gizmo Aug 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from our regular contributor Paul Bauer from Minneapolis, MN. Today, Paul brings us a story he’s titled: “Lessons from Gizmo.”

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Hollywood Goes To War: Henry Fonda Aug 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another one of Roger McGrath’s “Hollywood Goes To War” stories. Here’s the story of Henry Fonda.

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Las Vegas Must See: The Neon Museum Aug 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Executive director of the Neon Museum, Aaron Berger, shares some of the history of Las Vegas and the iconic signage associated with it.

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"The Records Were Closed, But The Story Was Open" Aug 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Eddie Willis always knew he was adopted. And, he was fine with not knowing where he came from... That is, until he had his children of his own. He tells the story of the search for his birth parents and an outcome he never could've imagined.

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Growing Up Rural: Stinky Boots Aug 16, 2023

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.

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The Day America Doubled In Size Aug 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dedra and Brad Birzer tell the story of the Louisiana Purchase.

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Lightning In a Bottle: The Early Years of Coke Aug 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, why were Coke bottles green? How do Delta Airlines and Coca-Cola relate? How did a syrup that was originally sold as a patent medicine end up as the South's greatest export in the post-Civil War economy? Larry Jorgensen, author of The Coca-Cola Trail and the Return to the Coca-Cola Trail tells the story of this sugary soft drink.

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The South Vietnamese Pilot Who Stole A Plane To Save His Family Aug 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Major Buang-Ly worked as a pilot with the United States military during the Vietnam War. When the US began evacuating South Vietnam Major Buang-Ly knew he had to get his family out. Historian Hill Goodspeed, from the Naval Aviation Museum brings us this amazing story of a father doing whatever he could to save his family

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The Man Who Paints Rocks For Our Veterans Aug 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen tells the story of his “Freedom Rocks” project in Iowa – his painted rocks are in all of the 99 counties in the Hawkeye State.

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The USS Lexington: The Oldest Working Carrier in the Navy Aug 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor, Anne Clare, tells the story of a unique aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington.

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The Story of a Real-Life “Rosie the Riveter” Aug 15, 2023

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.

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Theodore Roosevelt: That Damn Cowboy Aug 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it was the West that molded Theodore Roosevelt into a man. Also, it was here where he learned to "carry a big stick." Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath and Michael Blake.

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The Story of the Runaway Slave That Helped End the Fugitive Slave Act Aug 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Fugitive Slave Act made all Americans accomplices in the practice of slavery. This story marks the beginning of its end.

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To Mow or Not to Mow: The History of Lawn Care Aug 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy tells the story of how lawn care came to be.

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Declaring Our Independence: The Story of America [Ep. 6] Aug 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, there was no going back...fighting had broken out in the colonies, and it was time to do what was necessary--declare independence. Bill McClay tells the riveting story of the beginning of America as we know it today.

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The Two Men Who Ended Red Light Camera Tickets Aug 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hugh Eastwood and Bevis Schock are civil rights lawyers in St. Louis. They filed suit in three separate cases. All three cases were heard by the Missouri Supreme Court in one mammoth morning argument. Here they are to tell their story.

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Robert Redford's "Jeremiah Johnson”: The Real Story of a Hollywood Mountain Man Aug 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the lore and legend of the American Mountain Man is a story that seems to only grow with time. In 2015, Leonardo DiCaprio played the legendary Mountain Man, Hugh Glass in The Revenant. And in 1972, Robert Redford starred as the title character in Jeremiah Johnson. And like Hugh Glass, Johnson too was a real-life fur trapper. Here to separate fact from fiction is Ashley Hlebinsky.

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“Nest Egg” & "No Dice" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 14) Aug 11, 2023

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.

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My Battles in Fallujah to the Battle for My Soul: The Good, the Bad and the Ultimate Victory of an American Hero Aug 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from a veteran of the U.S. Army. He served with the 82nd Airborne Division in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Here’s Fernando Arroyo.

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A Police Chaplain Remembers His Mentor...And The Oklahoma City Bombing Aug 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, "A ministry of presence" is what police chaplain service means to Greg Giltner. His response to the terrorist attack on the Oklahoma City Federal Building was characteristic of his service, and that of his comrades and mentors.

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“Knock on Wood" & "Kick the Bucket” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 11) Aug 10, 2023

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.

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Indians, a Jew, and a Hotel Partnership Aug 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp... one of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike telling the story about how he—a Jew—started the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.

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This Log Cabin Led to the “Great Awakening”—Which Led to the American Revolution Aug 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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.

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Coach “Bear” Bryant, and the Packers, Transformed My Life Aug 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, ere’s Rich Wingo with the story of how his time under the legendary Alabama coach refashioned his character, and then how his time with the Green Bay Packers redefined his faith.

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The Most Famous Actor In The World Enlists In WWII: The Story of Clark Gable (Hollywood Goes to War) Aug 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Clark Gable was beyond the draft age when the U.S. entered World War II, but the 41-year-old enlisted as a private in the Army Air Corps. He said: “I just want to be sent where the going is rough.” Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath.

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The Frankie Avalon Story: The Man Who Influenced Music and Film for Three Decades Aug 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, not many teen idols are able to carve a successful career for themselves as they mature, but Frankie Avalon is one of these exceptions. Avalon had 31 Billboard singles, including number one hits, "Venus" and "Why" in 1959. Avalon is also well-known for his role in the musical film Grease as Teen Angel, in which he sings "Beauty School Dropout." He appeared on American Idol to sing for Simon Cowell on his birthday. Here's Frankie Avalon to tell his story!

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A Mom and Son Run a Marathon in Every State Aug 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, 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

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The Pastor Who Tried to Kill Hitler Aug 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story is about a German citizen - Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who left the safety of American soil in order to sacrifice his life by opposing Hitler. Eric Metaxas is the New York Times best-selling author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.

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I Admit It, I Sew Quilts Aug 08, 2023

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.

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How Duke’s Coach K Was Almost Fired in 1983 Aug 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Feinstein is a sportswriter of 42 books, 23 of them New York Times bestsellers. He is also the friend of Duke University’s legendary basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski (also known as “Coach K”). John tells the story of how Coach K’s five national titles at Duke almost never happened.

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“ A Ph.D. Who Can Win A Bar Fight”—WWII’s Most Incredible Spy Was Also a Hollywood Heartthrob: The Story of Peter Ortiz (Hollywood Goes to War) Aug 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1944, Peter Ortiz parachuted into Nazi-occupied France, where the Gestapo offered a reward of half a million francs for his capture. The actor—who appeared in many classic John Ford Westerns was also a two-time recipient of the Navy Cross.

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The Apollo 8 Crew’s Message from the Moon... Heard by 1 Billion People: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Aug 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know 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 who is the author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith.

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Café du Monde Aug 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we travel to New Orleans to hear the rich story of a world-famous coffee and beignets destination.

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Beauty in Brokenness: A Couple that Rebuilt their Marriage... and Now Dilapidated Cities Aug 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, meet John and Ashely Marsh. Amidst addiction, infidelity, divorce, pending bankruptcy, and suicidal thoughts, John and Ashely miraculously healed their relationship together and now restore dilapidated cities.

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A Museum For Umbrella Covers? Aug 07, 2023

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.

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Gunfighter/Lawman/Gambler Bat Masterson: Forever Changed the West Aug 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, to Bat Masterson, gunslingers were hoodlums who killed for fun. He used guns to enforce the law or defend a friend. In the end, he’d achieved a feat almost none of the Old West legends had attained: he lived to see old age. Here to tell the story of Bat Masterson is the best Old West storyteller in the country, Dr. Roger McGrath.

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The Redemptive True Story of a Cocaine Drug Lord Aug 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, after running the North American cocaine trade for the cartel in his early 20s, Jorge Valdes found salvation rather than death.

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Paychex Founder: No One Was Serving Small Businesses... So I Did! Aug 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Golisano and his team serve over 680,000 businesses with payroll, HR, and benefits support.

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Mother's Day Means More When You Don't Know If You'll See Her Again Aug 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Scott Jones, the author of Growing Up Rural, shares the story of a boy named Leo and some special letters from war that he wrote to his family.

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A Black Man (Jesse Owens) and a Nazi: A Friendship Forged in Competition & Courage Aug 04, 2023

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.

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I Picked Up "Tex" Watson Hitchhiking AFTER the Manson Murders Aug 04, 2023

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.

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How a UCLA Student in the 70s Saved the Marx Brothers Aug 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve Stoliar grew up as the ultimate Marx Brothers fan. Little did he know that he would lead the charge to save one of their long-lost movies.

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I Lived Through The Depression And Didn't Even Know It! Aug 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, because of his parent's love... Donald Sturm's extraordinary American Dreamers story

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Her Mother Always Told Her She Was Strong... But Strength Isn't Always Enough Aug 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Edie Hand was always told by her mother that she was strong... but strength isn't always enough.

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The Surprising Faith Story of the World's 1st Billionaire—John D. Rockefeller Aug 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, John D. Rockefeller had a very unusual childhood. His father, dubbed “Devil Bill,” was a smooth-talking snake oil salesman, while his mother was a very devoted and disciplined Christian who taught John to work, to save, and to give to charities. This often-demonized, so-called Robber Baron reshaped America, creating an industry centered around the world’s most important resource: oil.

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Best Buy’s Founder: Serve Others, Put Yourself Last, And You’re More Likely To Win! Aug 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the hard-won leadership lessons of Dick Schulze.

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ILLEGAL: Shooting Bunnies From A Motorboat? Aug 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, author Winter Prosapio dives into some of the weird laws we have here in the U.S.

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The Irish Chieftain of American Catholicism - Dagger John Hughes Aug 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, from the 17th to 19th centuries, Catholics were some of the most persecuted people in America. Following the arrival of the Irish after the Potato Famine stood one man who would go toe to toe with hostile Protestants. This is the story of Archbishop John Hughes, the man who helped create a system for the Irish to flourish and pursue their American Dreams.

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The Time A Kid Sued Pepsi for A Harrier Jet Aug 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the harrier jet is the pride and joy of the US Marine Corps, but it was also at the center of a lawsuit between Pepsi and John Leonard.

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Otter Box’s CEO: One of Our Employees Got More Applause Than Peyton Manning... Literally! Aug 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this isn't a not a knock on Peyton. It’s a testament to ethics being lived out heroically at this great American company.

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She Was Abandoned as a Child... Now She Saves Abandoned Babies Aug 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Monica Kelsey took her own traumatic story and turned it into something truly beautiful for many.

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The Shot Heard Round The World: The Story of America [Ep. 5] Aug 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill McClay explains how a divided America found strength in Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"

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The Men Who Built the Most Expensive and Most Powerful Gun Jul 31, 2023

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 after it was auctioned for $1.8 million in 2018. Here to tell the story of the legendary Colt Walker revolver is Logan Metesh. Logan founded and runs High Caliber History LLC and has more than a decade of experience working for the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service.

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Willie Kennard: First Black Lawman in Colorado Jul 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells the story of Willie Kennard...Colorado's first black lawman.

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Receiving Wylie: A High Risk Pregnancy Story Jul 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Karla Duerson shares the story of what it was like being pregnant with and giving birth to her daughter Wylie.

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How 2 Engineers Created the Highest-Rated Gag Gift on Amazon Jul 31, 2023

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 (wearing the hat in photo).

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One of the First and Last American POWs of WWII Jul 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Judith Pierson tells us the story of Navy corpsman Estel Myers and his story of survival in the WWII's Pacific theater.

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“Wild Bill" Donovan, America’s Top Spymaster Jul 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, “Wild Bill" Donovan was one of America’s most exciting and secretive generals—the man President Franklin Roosevelt made his top spy in World War II. “Wild” Bill was the director of the Office of Strategic Services (the country’s first national intelligence agency). He is known as the founding father of both the CIA and the military's Special Operations Forces—along with being credited as the father of psychological and cyber warfare. Here to tell the story is Douglas Waller. He is the author of the bestseller, Wild Bill Donovan: The Spymaster Who Created the OSS and Modern American Espionage.

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The Man Who Had Money… And Didn’t Spend It Jul 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hank Brown's beautiful tribute to his former boss, beef pioneer Kenny Monfort.

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"We Didn't Want to Lose Two People" — A Story of Forgiveness Jul 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Laura Treppendahl’s life was one worth remembering. After she was killed in a drunk driving accident, Laura’s family told the judge that they completely forgave the young man, Greg, who hit her.

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The Only Woman to be Awarded the Medal of Honor Jul 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers a truly extraordinary Civil War heroine, Mary Edwards Walker. She was the only woman in U.S. history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

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A Divorced Father Living with His Marine Son Jul 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, if Bob McLalan knew his father would be living with him for 18 months, he would have thrown him out that first night. A collision of cultures like no other! The latest story with Bob McLalan.

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City Grazing: Land Management Powered by Goats Jul 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Genevieve Church, the third "Goat Lady of San Francisco", is executive director of City Grazing. Listen to her share about how this land management and fire prevention non-profit came to be.

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A Young Lady's Run-in with Frank Sinatra Jul 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colorado listener Patty Kingsbaker shares this "knock out" Frank Sinatra story.

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Ambrose on Ike Jul 27, 2023

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 pacifists.

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He Made Paper Airplanes His Full Time Job Jul 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Collins is known as the paper airplane guy. Since he was young, he has loved paper airplanes. This obsession helped him achieve the Guinness world record for the farthest flight by a paper aircraft at 226 feet and 10 inches.

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The Man Who Witnessed the Assassination of Abe Lincoln Jul 26, 2023

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.

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The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt Jul 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt, T.J. Stiles tells the dramatic story of Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt’s humble birth during the presidency of George Washington to his death as one of the richest men in American history. The Commodore helped to launch the transportation revolution, propel the Gold Rush, reshape Manhattan, invent the modern corporation, and create the modern American economy.

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"All Hell Broke Loose" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 1) Jul 26, 2023

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.

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The Little Boy Who Saved His Family Jul 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kathy Cooley shares the story of how her late son, Christopher, led his family to faith and founding their organization: The Christopher Foundation.

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King Solomon, Town's Grave Digging Drunk-Turned Hero Jul 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, King Solomon was a gravedigger who may have saved the town of Lexington during the Cholera epidemic of 1833. Kentucky journalist Sam Terry tells the story of the man they called “King Solomon.”

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The Only Museum Dedicated to Mustard Jul 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, find out how Barry Levinson went from arguing cases in front of the Supreme Court to operating the largest museum dedicated to mustard in the world.

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Brett Favre on Tough Love, Parenting, and Telling the Truth (Pt. 2 of 5) Jul 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brett Favre's father coached the legendary QB on many subjects - most of which informed his training, practice, and play. The passing game, not so much; but life itself? Absolutely.

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The Roots of Revolution: The Story of America [Ep. 4] Jul 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the British had good reason to want to tax the colonies after the French and Indian War...Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, explains how that was a bridge too far for the colonists, however.

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A Brief History of Toilet Paper Jul 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, everything you've ever wanted to know, and more, about toilet paper. Here's The History Guy with the story.

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He Escaped a Mass Shooting Jul 24, 2023

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.

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Ketchup King: The H.J. Heinz Story Jul 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, his legacy is probably in your fridge right now. Though Heinz Ketchup is one of the most recognized corporate symbols in the world, few people know anything at all about its creator, H.J. Heinz. His hard work, innovation, and obsessive kindness proved one of his favorite sayings: “To do a common thing uncommonly well brings success.”

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Jack London's "To Build a Fire" Jul 21, 2023

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.

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"In a Nutshell" & "In the Doghouse" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Jul 21, 2023

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.

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A Fake Ring, Real Temptation, and a Golden Marriage Jul 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, she nearly wrecked her family with a marital affair... Here's Sarah Wells, author of American Honey: A Field Guide to Resisting Temptation, to tell her story.

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The Late Great Stephen Ambrose on the Boys Who Flew B-24s in WWII Jul 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Stephen Ambrose to tell us a short story from The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys who Flew the B-24s Over Germany.

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The Late, Great Stephen Ambrose: WWII and Getting Down to Business (The Italian Campaign) Jul 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, even before the U.S./British victory in the North African campaign in May 1943, there was disagreement among the Allies on the best strategy to defeat the Axis. Eventually the U.S. and British political leadership reached a compromise in which both would commit most of their forces to an invasion of France in early 1944, but also launch a relatively small-scale Italian campaign. Here’s Stephen Ambrose with the story.

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Abraham Lincoln: Our First "Wired" President Jul 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, you’ve heard Christopher Klein tell the story of “How Johnny Carson Saved Twister” and how Mark Twain helped Ulysses S. Grant complete his memoir that saved his wife from destitution. Here’s Chris with the story of how Abraham Lincoln used the telegraph to help win the Civil War.

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From Animal House to Belushi and Seinfeld: Mark "Neidermeyer" Metcalf's Story Jul 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mark Metcalf from Animal House shares his story.

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Coach John Wooden: A Lifetime Masterpiece Jul 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Wooden compiled the greatest legacy of any coach in history. How he defined success was unique and central to his philosophy. This story is told by Coach Wooden himself, his family, friends, and players.

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The Bible: The Best-Selling Book of All Time Jul 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, let’s take a listen to The History Guy as he tells the history of the Bible.

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The Unlikely Story of "How Georgia on My Mind" Came To Be Jul 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lee Habeeb tells the story of how "Georgia On My Mind" came to be, and how it became a song the world would come to know and love.

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"Failed Experiments": The Story of America [Ep. 3] Jul 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, with plenty of land came plenty of opportunity for experimentation. Bill McClay, the author of Land of Hope, walks us through these planned "utopias", how they failed, and why that matters for us today.

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Couple Adopts 7 Siblings Separated Throughout 4 Foster Homes Jul 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of how one childless married couple of 13 years became a family of 9, literally overnight.

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"Back to Square One" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 3) Jul 18, 2023

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.

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The Day a Soviet Nuclear Attack Submarine Rammed an American Aircraft Carrier Jul 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1984, during a period of Cold War tension, a Soviet submarine collided with a United States aircraft carrier. Here’s The History Guy with the story of the USS Kitty Hawk collision.

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Treating the Cause, Not the Symptoms: A Listener's Life-Changing Lifestyle Story Jul 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Texas listener Tim Hennessey with his heath journey story.

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The Green Beret That Other Green Berets Look Up To Jul 18, 2023

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.

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A Doolittle Raider’s Story of War & Forgiveness Jul 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, two enemies: One led Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor; the other was an American Doolittle Raider who bombed Tokyo. Here to tell the story is Carol Aiko DeShazer Dixon—the daughter of Doolittle Raider Jacob DeShazer. She is the author of Return of the Raider: A Doolittle Raider’s Story of War & Forgiveness.

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The Poor Farmer Who Crafted Guitars to Serve God Jul 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ed Stilley was plowing his field when he had a heart attack—and a vision. God told him that if he made and gave away musical instruments to children, he'd see his family would be taken care of. There was only one problem....Ed had never made a musical instrument in his life.

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An Eden In The Wilderness: The Story of America [Ep. 2] Jul 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the second installment of our series, author and professor Bill McClay recounts the Puritans' vision to build their "Eden in the Wilderness." His book is Land of Hope.

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Why She Chose to Celebrate Her Pregnancy With a 50% Chance of Survival Jul 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lex Ginger was told from a young age that she probably would never have children, so she was shocked when she got pregnant. Some questioned her decision to celebrate this pregnancy that had only a 50% chance of survival. Here she is with her incredible story.

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The Importance of Balance in Motorcycle Riding...And Life Jul 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Brent Timmons shares the story of a lesson in risk that his son learned while riding his bike.

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Louis Zamperini: The Story of the Real-Life "Unbroken" Hero -- In His Own Words Jul 14, 2023

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 Zamperini’s story were left out of the film, you will be hearing them told now by the man himself.

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We're Holding Our Own: The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Jul 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, as big freighters go, she was bigger than most with a crew and captain well seasoned...but on November 10th, 1975 she and her 29 man crew were sent to the bottom of Lake Superior. Ric Mixter of Lake Fury tells the story.

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Churchill: Walking With Destiny Jul 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, English historian Andrew Roberts shares the story of this remarkable world leader.

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John Moses Browning: The Mormon Inventor Whose Firearms Changed the World Jul 13, 2023

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.

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A Listener's Story About a Humble Local Hero -- Her Uncle Jul 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares her uncle, Donald Wilson's, war story.

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She's Seen It All: The Story of Mayor, Liquor Store Owner, Garbage Woman, and Teacher Cubby Hall Jul 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Cubby Hall has been a mayor, a garbage woman, a liquor store owner, a pioneer in the Women's Army Corps (WAC), and a teacher in a one-room school house. In her words, she's "seen it all." Here's her story.

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The Crayon Man: The Story Of Crayola Jul 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the true story of the invention of Crayola crayons!

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President, A Preacher, and A Giant Block of Cheese Jul 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Jefferson is often known for championing religious freedom in our nation's infancy, but not many people know about how a preacher thanked him in the most unusual way.

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From Darkness to Light: The Story Of The Man Who Invented the Maglite Flashlight Jul 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, escaping the horrors of World War II in Croatia, Tony Maglica's flashlights are proudly made in America—and his dreams were too.

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A Place at Groucho’s Table Jul 11, 2023

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.

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My Family Spent Four Months Playing Battleship in a Cornfield Jul 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story itself is the stuff of legends...a sunken steamboat, buried treasure, and the drive of a group of HVAC repairmen to become "rich beyond rich," even if it meant going into over a million dollars worth of debt. Matt Hawley tells the story of his family's quest to dig up the steamboat Arabia from the middle of a cornfield.

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Tom Morton: Losing My Mentor, Finding Peace Jul 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sgt. Joe L. Wrightsman was not only Lance Cpl. (ret.) Tom Morton's mentor, he was a hero of the highest caliber who died trying to save an Afghani Police Officer from drowning in the Helmand River. Here's Tom to tell the story of the worst day of his life, and how he came to find peace after it.

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Good Neighbors, Not Fences, Make Good Neighbors Jul 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, after moving to a farm in Mississippi from Tampa, Florida, Jake Keiser didn't know what to expect. Thankfully, her neighbors had her back.

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How Piggly Wiggly Created the Modern Supermarket Jul 10, 2023

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.

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The Shocking Story Behind the Diamond Engagement Ring Jul 10, 2023

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. Then he wrote The Heartless Stone.

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The Untold Stories of Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax" and "The Grinch" Jul 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Seuss was raised as a Lutheran and had a strong religious background. His books often included strong moral messages… but, he was always very careful with how he went about it. Here to share a bit about Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax” and “The Grinch” is Brian Jay Jones, author of Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination.

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The Milton Hershey Story Jul 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, an American candy store in 1900 looked very different than it does today. Candy was a special treat sold almost exclusively in candy stores. Even though there were plenty of sweets to choose from, Milton Hershey knew the one thing that was missing: chocolate. Chocolate was sold in Europe, and only a very few affluent Americans had ever tried it. Here to tell the story is Don Papson, President and Executive Director at The M.S. Hershey Foundation, and Amy Zeigler, Senior Director of The Hershey Story Museum.

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How Did Fast Food Become an American Favorite? Jul 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, today, we don't think twice about pulling up at a drive-thru and grabbing a quick meal. But this idea was once unheard-of. Adam Chandler, author of Drive-Thru Dreams, brings us the story of fast food in our country and how it became a part of everyday American life.

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"Apple of Your Eye" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 2) Jul 07, 2023

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.

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Fall from an SR-71 Blackbird (History Guy) Jul 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1966, an SR-71 "Blackbird" disintegrated at 78,000 feet. The pilot's first thought was "No one could live through what just happened". Therefore, I must be dead."

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Hollywood Goes to War: Jimmy Stewart Jul 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, despite all his Hollywood fame and acting acclaim, Jimmy Stewart always said his greatest honor of his life was serving his country in WWII. Dr. Roger McGrath is here to tell the story.

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Eli Whitney and His Fake Interchangeable Gun Parts Demo Jul 06, 2023

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. Here’s Ashley.

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Burrito Restaurant Offers Job To Burglar Jul 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Diablos Southwest Grill in Georgia was broken into, and rather than seeking justice, the owner Carl Wallace made a Facebook post with a job offer for the perpetrator. To Carl’s surprise, the post quickly went viral, bringing international attention to their store.

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"The Quiet Cowboy" Jul 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, J.D. Wininger, owner of the Cross-Dubya Ranch, tells the story of a man named John who kept to himself most of the time. J.D. lent him a helping hand, and in the end, Mr. John helped him just as much.

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The Greatest Showman: The Story of P.T. Barnum Jul 06, 2023

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 whole entertainment-saturated culture is what it is today because of what he started. He seems almost a fable now; but then… he did in his own day, too. Here to tell the story is the Executive Director of the P.T. Barnum Museum, Kathy Maher.

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The Man Who Reviews Onion Rings Jul 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tyler Groenendal of Grand Rapids, Michigan has perhaps the most interesting side gig of all time... reviewing onion rings. He's been doing it for years—and has no plans to stop.

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The Grass and the Furious: Ladies, Start Your Lawnmower Engines! Jul 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Julie Tynmann is here with her story about the greatest show on turf.

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The Angels of Bataan Jul 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Clare tells the story of a nurse who served in the Phillipines during World War II, and shares the experience that she and others went through after the Japanese takeover of the island.

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The "Ten Cent Beer Night" Riot Jul 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the June 4, 1974 night game 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.

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The Long Road to Independence Jul 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, and author Nathaniel Philbrick tell the story of how we won our independence against all odds.

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Pyromaniac's Paradise: Summer Adventures Running a Fireworks Tent Jul 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joel Wegener and his wife have 10 kids, and because he worked in education, they had to find ways during the summers to make a little extra money. Here's Joel with one of the more explosive ventures the Wegeners took on.

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David McCullough: The Founding Fathers Were Not Like Us? Jul 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, renowned historian David McCullough answers the question.

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JFK’s 1962 Fourth of July Speech Jul 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, during some of the most tense 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.

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Route 66: The Most Famous Highway In The World Jul 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim Hinckley tells the story of Route 66 starting from its inception to what it has become today. Visit JimHinckleysAmerica.com for more on Route 66.

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The War In Ben Franklin's Home Jul 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the American Revolution split the nation… and Ben Franklin’s family. Join Daniel Epstein, author of “The Loyal Son,” to learn more about the father-son split between Benjamin and William Franklin.

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Bob Munden: “The Fastest Gun Who Ever Lived” Jul 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we’ve all heard of gunslingers “Wild” Bill Hickok, Doc Holliday, and Billy The Kid. These quick-draw legends had nothing on Bob Munden.

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Blue Blood to Bring Home the Bacon: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Jul 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson, the author of Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases, shares another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini-mysteries of the English language.

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Snowflake Bentley Jul 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Jerry Bergman tells the story of a teenage boy who became interested in snow. On January 15, 1885, at 20 years of age, he became the first person in the world to photograph a snowflake.

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A Precious Gift for a Widowed Husband Jul 01, 2023

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 it was her voice that 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.

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The Sidney Poitier Story Jul 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sidney Poitier: Man, Actor, Icon was the first full biography of legendary actor Sidney Poitier written by Aram Goudsouzian, professor of history at the University of Memphis.

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The Irish Immigrant Whose Life Was So Large, NYPD Shut Down the City for Him Jun 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jimmy Neary was an Irish immigrant who boarded a ship to America in the 1950s and went on to open a namesake restaurant in Manhattan that has for more than a half century been a famed canteen in the heart of New York City. Here to tell his story is Jimmy’s daughter, Una.

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Samuel Colt and the Birth of the Revolver Jun 30, 2023

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 the story is Ashley Hlebinsky, 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.

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From Sexual Abuse to Salvation—and Redemption: The Story of Valerie Habeeb, Lee's Wife Jun 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our host, Lee Habeeb, tells his wife Valerie's story. After years of abuse and crisis, Valerie and her family found the faith to forgive, and to powerfully heal.

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Robert Todd Lincoln: In His Father’s Shadow (History Guy) Jun 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers the 16th President’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Because of his father, Abraham Lincoln, Robert Todd's life has been largely forgotten—but it deserves to be remembered.

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The Hiding Place: The Story of Corrie ten Boom Jun 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, all in all, it is estimated that around 800 Jews were saved by Corrie ten Boom and her family. Hear Corrie tell her story!

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“Red Tape” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 19) Jun 29, 2023

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.

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James Madison: The Lawgiver Jun 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn tells the story of our fourth president, James Madison.

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Love Your Neighbor… My Employees Are My Closest Neighbor (Horst Schulze and The Ritz-Carlton) Jun 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze has 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. Horst is a Christian who lives out his faith in both his business and personal life.

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The Great Vowel Shift and the Making of Modern English (The History Guy) Jun 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, “The Great Vowel Shift” was the single greatest change in the history of the English language that has now become the official language in over 75 countries. Here’s the History Guy with the story of “The Great Vowel Shift” and the making of modern English.

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Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians Jun 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, one of the most successful blackjack teams in America is made up entirely of Christians. Here to tell the story are two of the winningest players, Colin Jones, founder of BlackJackApprenticeship.com... and the player dubbed “the most notorious card counter in America,” David Drury.

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Are Pro Wrestlers Athletes? Jun 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, oftentimes when the topic of professional wrestling comes up, it’s almost guaranteed that someone will scoff that it’s “fake.” Yet those who enjoy watching professional wrestling won’t disagree. What they will likely say—in one form or another—is that they enjoy the characters, their athleticism and stagecraft. They know it’s scripted and they love the storylines that are carefully crafted, the same way we all enjoy watching any other scripted (read: "fake") story on television or in the movie theatre.

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Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America Jun 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in his biography on George Armstrong Custer, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, T.J. Stiles, casts surprising new light on one of the best-known figures of American history, a subject of seemingly endless fascination.

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Tony Mandarich Was NFL’s Biggest Bust; Then He Rebuilt His Life Jun 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tony Mandarich’s story was immortalized by two Sports Illustrated covers, one hailing Mandarich as “The Incredible Bulk” heading into the ’89 draft, and one in 1992 calling him “The NFL’s Incredible BUST,” as his four-year career in Green Bay came to an end. Here’s Tony Mandarich to share his story.

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Centerline: The Surprising History of Lane Markings (The History Guy) Jun 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when it comes to the various bits of infrastructure that help keep us safe while we drive, most likely the greatest cost-and-simplicity to benefit ratio has to be painted lane lines on roads. For more stories of forgotten history, please subscribe to The History Guy's YouTube Channel, The History Guy: History Deserves to be Remembered.

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The Story Behind Bing And Bowie's Christmas Duet Jun 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bing Crosby was 73, David Bowie was 30, what happened during their encounter in 1977 is so special the video on YouTube has attained "viral" status. This is the story behind the event.

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The "Slap Shot" Story with Dave Hanson Jun 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the choice of three then-minor league hockey players to play the Hanson Brothers in "Slap Shot" starring Paul Newman was a casting hat-trick. When Dave "Killer" Hanson —was drafted for the movie, the Hanson brothers were born. This is his story.

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The Story of How Railroads (Not Government) Created Time Zones Jun 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, China runs on just a single time zone; in America, we have four: Pacific, Mountain, Central and Eastern. We used to have thousands!

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When America's Greatest (And Last) Bareknuckle Boxer Challenged America To A Fight Jun 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1893 John L. Sullivan's "Knockout Tour" traveled America. The challenge? Could any man in America last 12 minutes in the ring with the champ?

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How Smallpox Created Canada by Destroying Washington’s Army Jun 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Canada is an independent nation—and not part of the United States—most likely, because of smallpox. Here to tell the story is the president of Ameriseach, William Federer.

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The Car Club Exclusively for Kids with Special Needs Jun 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Blair and Cat Cornell found out their son was going to be born with special needs, it changed their lives for good... and they're using that experience to change people's lives for the better.

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John Quincy Adams: Militant Spirit Jun 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, he was nearly censured, recalled, and was "yesterday's news"...but the golden moment of his career came in his 70s when this last living link to the Founding Fathers stood up in the Supreme Court in support of enslaved Africans. James Traub tells the remarkable life story of John Quincy Adams, a man truly in a party of one.

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Basketball Legend "Pistol Pete" Maravich Shares His Life Story... Just Days Before His Death Jun 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, just days before his death, the 40 year-old Maravich shared his story to a small audience about his life pursuing success and fame—until that pursuit brought him to his knees. This is the story of him coming to Christ.

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The First Successful Submarine Attack In History Jun 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the CSS Hunley's sinking of the Housatonic was only a partial success, but represents the first time a submarine managed to sink an enemy vessel... and it happened in Charleston Harbor during the Civil War.

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How A Hollywood-Style Production Team (Known as the "Ghost Army") Duped and Helped Defeat Hitler's Army Jun 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1943, the US Army came up with a daring plan to trick Hitler’s army. They created a unit of artists, sound engineers, and prop builders who fooled the German army into seeing the US army in places it wasn’t. Rick Beyer, Author of the book The Ghost Army of World War II, brings us the story of this top-secret unit.

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Captain John Smith: American Hero Jun 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, many people know John Smith as the man who was saved by Pocahontas. What you may not know is that he led a life full of adventure

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The American Sniper Other American Snipers Look Up To Jun 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, long before Chris Kyle penned "American Sniper,” which became Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-nominated movie masterpiece — Carlos Hathcock was already a legend. Hathcock was so efficient and fearless during the Vietnam War, that he wore a white feather on his gear—taunting the Communists to come find him.

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In The Beginning... The Story of America [Ep. 1] Jun 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is part one of our brand new series, "The Story of America," with Bill McClay, author of the fantastic book "Land of Hope". Learn about how America could have turned out very differently had it not been for a few angry Catholics, a storm, and a very strong queen.

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Hollywood Goes to War: The Story of Wayne Morris, the Brad Pitt of His Day Jun 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another one of Roger McGrath’s “Hollywood Goes To War” stories. So far we’ve heard the stories of Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, and Tyrone Power. Today McGrath will be treating us to the story of Hollywood’s strapping, steely-eyed, leading man, Wayne Morris.

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My Father Was Friends With Castro...Until He Wasn't Jun 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, "If We Get Called Back..." Mike Gonzalez tells this story of his family escaping the clutches of Castro's communist dictatorship.

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He Became a POW in Vietnam Two Days Before His Baby Was Born Jun 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ken Wells always knew what he wanted to do, but when that dream became a reality, it landed him as a prisoner of war at the Hanoi Hilton in Vietnam... Two days before his wife, Candy, gave birth to their child. Joining us with their story are both Ken and Candy.

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Winston Churchill: He Hated War, But He Was Great At It Jun 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, tells the story of how Winston Churchill, despite hating war, was great at it...and what that meant for Britain during her darkest hours.

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Why Did This Pittsburgh Steelers Legend—Owner Art Rooney—Attend the Funeral of Someone He Didn’t Know? Jun 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim O'Brien describes Pittsburgh Steelers founding owner Art Rooney, Sr. as "the grandfather he needed." Rooney taught O'Brien the importance of always attending funerals, including the story of Rooney attending a funeral for a man he barely knew.

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"I Came Here Not To Talk, But To Die": The Story of Outlaw Cherokee Bill Jun 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Art Burton, the author of countless books on African Americans in the West, tells the story of one of the most feared outlaws in the Indian Territory.

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How An Unlikely Alliance Between Thomas Jefferson and Christian Fundamentalists Brought About Religious Freedom Jun 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, religious persecution had become the norm by the time of the American Revolution. It took the unorthodox Thomas Jefferson and Christian Fundamentalists to bring about a change.

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Zero Victim: One Black Man's Story of Transformation Jun 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, author James Ward (Zero Victim: Overcoming Injustice With a New Attitude) describes the pivotal moment in third grade that transformed his life.

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An Army Moves On Its Stomach... And Lots of Coffee Jun 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells a story that one of his friends told him: A coffee incident that took place on the USS Enterprise.

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She Was Attacked For Running The Boston Marathon? Jun 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, in 1967. As a result she suffered endless criticism - and an actual physical attack.

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Tim Leuliette Went to Business School... at Ford Motor Company Jun 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim Leuliette began his career at Ford Motor Company under the leadership of Lee Iacocca and Henry Ford II. He got more than he bargained for... and was thankful for it.

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Winston Churchill on Education and What It Means for All of Us Jun 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College and a Churchill scholar, tells the story of Winston Churchill on Education.

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The Rural Missouri Church That Preaches In Five Languages Jun 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Josh and Lauren Manning needed a change in life...and found the opportunity in Noel, Missouri...where an influx of immigrants and refugees necessitated a lot of adaptation - and a few translators in the church.

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How the USA Almost Went to War Over a Pig Jun 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor, Anne Claire, tells the story of the time the United States almost went to war with the United Kingdom over the untimely death of a pig in what is now Washington State.

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The American Surgeon Who Escaped the Viet Cong Jun 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hoat Hoang's childhood in South Vietnam was filled with family and fun times... Until the North Vietnamese communists began to ambush his village. Once Saigon fell to the communists' troops, Hoat and his family fled. Hoat tells the story of their escape, and his journey to becoming a surgeon in America.

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The Confederate Mystery Ship Jun 16, 2023

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-at least for a little while, before the Union blockade had its way with ships coming from overseas.

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Shot Down Over Belgium, This American Pilot Joined the European Resistance Against the Nazis Jun 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, being in the Army Air Corps in WWII was dangerous but necessary work, and Steve Snyder's father Howard faced the full consequences of that when his plane, the Susan Ruth, was shot down over Belgium. Steve tells the story of his survival behind enemy lines.

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Reconnecting With My Absent Father Who Was Presumed Dead Jun 15, 2023

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 on in life.

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The Fire of Genius: How Lincoln Overcame Poverty and Gained an Education Jun 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Lincoln was asked on a questionnaire to describe his education he only wrote one word: defective. That didn't stop him from becoming one of the premiere thinkers of his time.

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“Put A Sock In It” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 18) Jun 15, 2023

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.

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The Whittaker Chambers Story: From Soviet Spy to American Cold War Hero Jun 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the book Witness: A True Story of Soviet Spies in America and the Trial That Captivated the Nation is one of the biggest U.S. bestsellers of the 20th century, yet it is almost unknown among Americans today. Here to tell the story is Greg Forster on behalf of the Acton Institute.

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How a Hollywood Blockbuster Inspired America’s Most Famous Robbery and Shootout—in North Hollywood Jun 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, often, art imitates life; this time, life imitated art. Two of America's most famous actors (Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino in the movie Heat) inspired the most famous bank robbery in American history.

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The Shocking History of PEZ Candy: Smoking Alternative for Adults? Jun 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, PEZ had great success where it was invented, but changed its course after initially failing in America. Shawn Peterson, author of “PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon”, shares the story of how this manual candy dispenser came to be.

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The Unlikely WWII B-24 Combat Pilot-Hero Jun 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, historian Stephen Ambrose tells us the unlikely World War II story of George McGovern, the antiwar Democratic presidential candidate who was defeated by President Nixon in 1972.

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He Bought A Sub Shop At 17… Jersey Mike’s Now Has Nearly 2,000 Locations! Jun 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the backstory of Jersey Mike's Subs, with founder Peter Cancro and his remarkable journey.

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"The Mechanical Horse": How the Bicycle Reshaped American Life Jun 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, from the modernization of medicine to the development of our country’s road systems, the bicycle has had a major impact on American life. Though its rise occurred in the nineteenth century, cycling is still something that’s very popular in our country today. Margaret Guroff, author of “The Mechanical Horse: How the Bicycle Reshaped American Life”, brings us the story.

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A Media Titan Shares Stories of Mentors Who Impacted His Life Jun 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Citadel Communications President and former ABC Board of Governors Director Ray Cole shares the stories of the people who impacted him the most over his long career.

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Slavery Slayer: The Story of William Wilberforce Jun 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the man who stirred the conscience of the world to see the evil of slavery was William Wilberforce. His efforts helped bring liberty to untold millions, and changed the history of the world. Eric Metaxas is the New York Times best-selling author of Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce. He's here to tell the story!

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The Race that Forever Sealed Secretariat's Legacy: The Story of the 1973 Belmont Stakes Jun 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, no horse had won the Triple Crown in horse racing in a quarter of a century. Heading into the third race of the Triple Crown - the Belmont Stakes - Secretariat was the oddsmaker's favorite. And America's, too. Here's the story.

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Brett Favre (Pt. 5 of 5): Playing in Green Bay, Rehab, and the Shocking Thing That Happed to Him Twice—Which Nobody Ever Knew! Jun 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler sat down with Brett in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home for this part 5 of our 5-part series.

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"Hunky Dory" & "Hedge Your Bets" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 9) Jun 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson, the author of Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases, shares another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini-mysteries of the English language.

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Bankrupt and Dying from Cancer, Ulysses S. Grant Waged His Greatest Battle Jun 12, 2023

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.

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One Mother’s Escape From A Sudanese Death Sentence... to America Jun 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from Mariam Ibrahim, who lives in Virginia. But the story begins far from there.

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The Silver Rush Kings and the "Big Bonanza" Jun 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, straight out of a Horatio Alger novel, the Silver Kings (John Mackay, James Fair, William O'Brien, and James Flood) epitomized the rags-to-riches American dream story. Roger McGrath tells the story of the richest mineral discovery in American history - the Comstock Lode.

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"How Old Would You Be If You Didn't Know How Old You Were?": The Life of Satchel Paige Jun 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leauges Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, tells the story of perhaps the greatest pitcher in the history of baseball: Satchel Paige.

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Wayne Gretzky Eulogizes His Father Jun 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Walter Gretzky died at the age of 82. His death prompted an avalanche of tributes for a genuine, approachable, authentic person who nurtured the unsurpassed hockey talents of his son, Wayne Gretzky, on the family's famed backyard rink in Brantford, Ontario. The 60-year-old NHL legend-turned-American citizen spoke shortly after laying his father to rest.

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A Black Cowboy is the Inspiration for the Lone Ranger? Jun 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Lone Ranger, with his cry of “Hi-Ho Silver!” has become an American institution ranking with Paul Bunyan in the realms of folklore and legend. The History Guy remembers Bass Reeves, John Reynolds Hughes, and forgotten history of the Wild West.

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The Story of How One Bad Employee Harmed a Bank's Reputation (Told by the Ritz-Carlton Founder) Jun 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze has 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 reinvigorated luxury hotel chain, The Ritz-Carlton, in 1983. Here’s Horst Schulze with a short story about how excellence wins—or the lack of it will cause you and your work environment to lose.

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Bite the Bullet to Bless You: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Jun 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson, the author of Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases, continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini-mysteries of the English language.

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The Greatest Tank Duel of World War II Jun 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Nazi war machine was attacking St. Vith, Belgium to support their last-ditch offensive - The Battle of the Bulge. Would the Americans and allies hold out long enough to ultimately defeat the offensive? Moments of professionalism, courage, and initiative like this one, between an American armored car and a German Tiger tank, would make the difference.

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Brett Favre on His Miraculous Monday Night Game after His Father Died (Pt. 3) Jun 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, legendary NFL Quarterback Brett Favre gets very personal about his miraculous Monday Night Football game immediately following his father’s passing.

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A 12-Year-Old Girl's 8-Hour Car Chase to Get Elvis's Photo at a Gas Station Jun 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a listener from Colorado tells her remarkable Elvis story about the time she met the King not once, but twice, in an 8-hour period!

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The Superhero - An American Invention Jun 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the comic book superhero is an American invention. Here to tell the story is WWII historian Jeffrey Johnson, the author of Super-History: Comic Book Superheroes and American Society.

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From Hangtime to Primetime Jun 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 50s and 60s, the NBA was barely a professional league. Today it is a powerhouse worth billions. Here is the story of how that happened with author Pete Croatto.

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How George Washington's Bible Survived 9/11: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Jun 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington’s Bible was on loan to a famous Revolutionary War tavern just blocks from the World Trade Center on 9/11. Just as the search for bodies ended, the search for the Bible began…

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How The City of Boston Embraced the Booth Brothers Following Lincoln’s Assassination Jun 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, 26-year-old actor John Wilkes Booth was killed just 12 days after assassinating Abraham Lincoln. Here’s Christopher Klein with the story of how the city of Boston embraced the Booth brothers.

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The Story of How Chick-fil-A Borrowed “My Pleasure” from a Luxury Hotel Jun 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the origins of Chick-fil-A’s “my pleasure” catchphrase began in 2001. Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy’s version of the story begins with him visiting a Ritz-Carlton luxury hotel—a hotel his friend Horst Schulze co-founded. Here's Horst with the story.

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Big Nose Kate, More than Doc Holliday's Woman Jun 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, she is remembered in history as Doc Holliday’s on-and-off girlfriend-turned wife. But Big Nose Kate was much more than that. Here's the History Guy with the story.

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The “LA Speed Check”: A Story from a Pilot of the Fastest Plane in the World Jun 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Major Shul with his legendary story known today as the “LA Speed Check.”

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The Marine-Turned-Saturday Morning Cartoonist: "My Calling from God is to be an Animator" Jun 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story about Mike Joens, a Marine-turned-cartoon animator—and so much more.

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The Story of Chuck Taylor, the Billy Graham of Basketball Jun 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, he wasn't an NBA star: He was a sneaker salesman that helped popularize the sport of basketball, and the sneakers that now bear his name. This is his story.

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Did You Know Stalin’s Daughter Became an American Citizen? Jun 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when 85-year-old Lana Peters died in a rural Wisconsin village in 2011, Americans learned that one of their fellow citizens was the daughter of none other than the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.

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Adolph Coors: The German Immigrant Who Brought Us Banquet Beer Jun 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Coors Banquet is really good...no, really good, and its story began with a German immigrant living in a Colorado mining town. Pete Coors tells the story.

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"If You Act Like a Lady, Men Will Always Treat You As One:" Gold Rush Queen, Nellie Cashman Jun 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, relatively few women went with the initial stampedes to new mineral discoveries throughout the American frontiers. None went unescorted to so many remote, perilous places as Nellie Cashman—or until age 80, as Nellie did.

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The First Real Time Tragedy: The Sinking of the RMS Titanic Jun 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in April of 1912, a ship that previously mattered very little to Guglielmo Marconi pulled up to a crowd of thousands in New York Harbor. It was the Carpathia, the ship that rescued over 700 survivors from the ill-fated Titanic, in large measure due to his invention--the wireless telegraph.

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The B-25 In My Dad's Backyard Jun 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Wally Soplata tells the story of his eccentric union carpenter father who collected rare and vintage WWII aircraft for pennies on the dime.

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From Shackles to Salvation: The Story of The Slave Who Founded The First Black Baptist Church in America Jun 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Woody Holton of the University of South Carolina tells the story about David George, a man who would escape his bondage only to find himself with new captors, a newfound faith, and eventually... a new freedom in Canada.

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From Idi Amin's Uganda to America: One Man's Journey of Faith and Joy Jun 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is a story of how faith propelled Dr. Dennis Sempebwa from war-torn Uganda to America... and beyond.

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The Government Wouldn't Let Her Sell Her House for Over a Decade - So She Fought Back Jun 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Story of Paula Smith, who Challenged North Carolina's Unconstitutional Map Act - with help from the Institute for Justice. Learn about the Rule of Law, and the former North Carolina MAP Act.

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A Short History of the Big Apple Jun 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Writer Bill Bryk briefly recounts how New York City became the city it is today, as well as his love for its past.

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Ralph Cox: Last Guy Cut from 1980 U.S. Olympic "Miracle" Hockey Team Jun 02, 2023

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. What you might know about Ralph comes from the 2004 Disney movie "Miracle," which is the true story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that upset the powerful Soviets en route to the gold medal at Lake Placid. Here's Ralph to share the moment that changed his life forever.

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The Man From Independence: The Harry S. Truman Story Jun 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Doug Richardson of the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in Independence, Missouri shares the story of his state's native son, Harry S. Truman, and discusses how a shirt salesman who was barely known outside of his county until late in life made it to the Oval Office.

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The White Baseball Team Fought for Equality Before Jackie Robinson Hit the Majors Jun 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Chris Soriano tells the story of a baseball team formed out of a religious commune in Benton Harbor, Michigan. 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.

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Andrew Jackson’s Cursing Parrot Jun 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, History professor Mark Cheathem tells us why Andrew Jackson’s pet parrot had to be removed from his funeral.

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An Aussie Discovers an American Delicacy - Buffalo Wings Jun 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colin Bettles, an Australian exchange student visiting a restaurant in Buffalo, discovered the passion of his life - wings.

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When People Sent Their Children Through the Mail May 31, 2023

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.

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James King's Story: A Case of Mistaken Identity and a Long Road to Justice May 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in this "Rule of Law" Story, James King and his lawyer Patrick Jaicomo from the Institute for Justice tell the story of a extreme case of mistaken identity that led them down a long road to achieve justice.

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Sunk at Pearl Harbor: The Story of the U.S.S. Utah and Oklahoma, and the Men Aboard who Died May 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Claire tells the story of two ships sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

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The Short, Happy Life of Abraham Lincoln: His Final Days May 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, after the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln was able to begin to live and heal with his wife. At his last cabinet meeting, he shared a dream he had the night before - one he said always signaled momentous events. He and his wife were happier than at any time since the death of their son.

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The Origins of America's Religious Liberty... Birthed in Queens, NYC May 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Larry Reed tells the story of the Flushing Remonstrance, an all-important document that helped inform the 1st Amendment. It was the Religious Magna Carta of the New World.

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Thomas Bennett: The Man Behind the Winchester Brand May 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Bennett was a master salesman and businessman who helped, along with John Moses Browning, to create the iconic American firearms brand.

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A Former German Soldier... Who Helped Build America's Arsenal of Democracy in WWII May 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of one man's grandfather who fought for Germany in World War I, and helped America to victory in World War II.

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The Story of Speaker of the House Carl Albert: The Watergate Democrat Who Put the Nation and the Constitution Above His Party May 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Carl Albert served courageously in World War II... but he had already decided, in high school, to ultimately serve as a representative in Washington. This he did - and he did it right.

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How Did this Vegas Hotel Executive Use His Power to Serve His Employees and Customers? (Mike Leven) May 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike with a story about how he learned to put his customers in charge.

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Brett Favre on Aging, Humility and Faith (Pt. 4) May 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brett Favre reflects on familial love, sudden loss, and the importance of every day and opportunity.

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The Founding Fathers Said, No Bible—No America: 100 Bible Verses That Made America May 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, whatever their individual beliefs, all of America's founders studied the Bible. For many, it was their foremost guide in all things - as evidenced by George Washington's inauguration.

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Valley Forge: Cold, Hard Taining and the Key to America's Independence May 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, bestselling authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin are back with Valley Forge, the story of the Continental Army’s six-month transformation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; one of the most inspiring—and under-appreciated—chapters in American history.

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William Lenard A Marine's Journey of Loss and Grief in Fallujah May 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, William Lenard led Marines in combat - including in Fallujah. Hear stories of loss, of service... and even spots of dark humor among friends.

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"Black Hawk Down" Letter: I Shall Not Fail Those With Whom I Serve May 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a dramatic reading of a letter penned by a widow of the fatal Black Hawk Down Mission to her daughters.

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Remembering the Worst Naval Disaster In American History—A Story Featured in the Movie "Jaws" May 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Shaw's "Quint" told the world about what happened to the USS Indianapolis in the hit movie "Jaws." The late Edgar Harrell, the last surviving Marine from the downed ship, tells the real-life story of that fateful day. It's a story you won't soon forget.

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Killed on Independence Day May 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Des Moines WHO listener Joy Neal Kidney, the recipient of our 2021 Great American Storyteller Award, tells the story of several Iowa Civil War volunteers to the Union Army and their lasting impact on her community.

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Why Memorial Day Matters to Me: The Story of the Uncle Lee Habeeb Never Met May 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our host recounts his mother's memory of learning her brother, who would have been Lee's uncle, had died in the liberation of France from the Nazis. Lee also reads poignant yet stalwart letters from servicemen, some letters only recovered at war's end.

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A Medal of Honor Recipient Through The Eyes of His Father May 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Monti, father of Medal of Honor recipient Jared Monti, tells his son's story.

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The Missionary Who Returned with Her Toddler to the Tribe That Killed Her Husband May 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Elisabeth Elliot waited for a radio report from her husband and four other missionaries. The call never came, and the five men had been speared to death by the people they were trying to contact. Later, Elisabeth - and her daughter - went to live with the same people and share the Gospel.

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Nostalgia Awakens: The Star Wars Toy Empire Revolution (Part 2) May 26, 2023

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.

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Belinda Mulrooney: The Richest, Toughest Woman of the Klondike Gold Rush May 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, no woman figured more prominently on the Yukon and Alaskan frontiers than Belinda Mulrooney. She gained international fame as the richest woman in the Klondike and made and lost more than one fortune. She became a character in novels and her dog the inspiration for "Buck" in the Call of the Wild. Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath, author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier.

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Nostalgia Awakens: The Star Wars Toy Empire Revolution (Part 1) May 26, 2023

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.

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Porn to Reborn: Crissy's Story May 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2006, Crissy Moran—who was, at the time, one of the biggest porn stars in the world—fled the industry. Today, the married Crissy Outlaw helps other women do the same.

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The Story of the Brooklyn Bridge—The Eighth Wonder of The World May 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, from engineering ambition to The Bends, fraud, and ultimately one of the most beautiful walks in New York, the Brooklyn Bridge has a marvellous story. Here's The History Guy.

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How Spam and Chocolate Served American Troops Well in WWII May 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Claire tells the story of Spam and Hershey, and how those two companies fed the spirit and morale of American G.I.s overseas, becoming part of our "arsenal of Democracy"

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An Empty Nester Helps a Lonely Lost Senior In a Nursing Home Find His Purpose May 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Wilber's lifetime companion, his wife, had died... 26 years ago. Wilber was 89, his farm and money long gone, and was possibly the grumpiest soul in the assisted living home. Listener Paul shares the story of a stubborn friendship.

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The Highest-Ranking Female Marine and First Female Annapolis Graduate to be Killed in Action May 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the word "hero" has been much misused in our present culture, but not when it comes to Megan McClung. You are about to hear why her tombstone reads: "Be Bold. Be Brief. Be Gone."

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“Propose a Toast” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 17) May 24, 2023

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 Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases

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The Story Behind FDR's Day of Infamy Speech May 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, FDR's speechwriting team wasn't in Washington. Roosevelt, with the help of a few aides, penned the most important speech of his Presidency, and one of the most important speeches in American history. Here's the story.

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Africatown: The Last Slave Ship To America and The Community It Created May 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the recently enslaved people on the last, law-defying slave ship to arrive in America would build their own town, and give many freed black Americans a gift beyond measure: the memories, and ways of life, of freedom.

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A Young Officer's Wife Delivers His Heartbreaking Eulogy May 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dominique Rivera eulogizes her husband, Detective Jason Rivera, with raw emotion and compelling everyday detail.

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Heroes of the Second World War: Reflections of a Tailgunner May 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Harold E Nelson shares a poem he wrote about his experience as a tailgunner on a bomber crew in the US Army Air Corps.

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The Turning Point in Abe's Life: A Wrestling Match May 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Abraham Lincoln was very nearly without equal as he grappled with malcontents and men disrespectful of ladies, all long before he would grapple for the soul of a nation.

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Road Trips to Remember: An American Businessman's Night on the Town with a Chinese Communist Party Official May 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a worldwide voyage leads to a chance encounter with a high-ranking communist - and, very nearly, to an extended stay on a zany basis.

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The Town of Joplin was Destroyed by an EF-5 Tornado in 2011: This is Joplin's Story—a Story of Loss, Love, and Hope May 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the media came and left with the wind after Joplin was struck by an EF-5 tornado. Our American Stories came back 10 years later to tell their story of recovery with people who were there on the ground the whole time.

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The Story of Superman vs. the Ku Klux Klan May 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, how an undercover agent infiltrated the KKK and, with the help of Superman, exposed them to the world.

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How The Tow Truck Came To Be May 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nyle Vincent from the International Towing Museum shares with us the fascinating story of the tow truck.

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When A Missouri County Decided to Become Their Own State May 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1961, McDonald County, Missouri, found a unique way to protest its state government--seceding.

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He Was A Black Man Man Who Hated Cops Until He Became One—On LA's Notorious Skid Row May 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Deon Joseph transformed his thinking one time after another on his journey to serve and protect on Skid Row. He transformed the thinking, and the life outcomes, of many people there, starting when he parked his cruiser on the curb... and stayed all day.

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Have Pool Cue, Will Travel May 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mark O'Brian tells the story of St. Louie, Louie...one of the best pool players to ever grace the scene.

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How a California Nonprofit Saved This Police Officer's Life May 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, after several self-defense shootings and the death of his son, it took a nonprofit to keep officer Charles Scott from taking his own life.

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I Didn't Want To Have Kids; Then I Met Officer Damon Gutzwiller May 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, for National Police Week, Fabi Gutzwiller’s powerful eulogy to her husband, Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, who was killed in the line of duty.

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The Best Lawyer In a One-Lawyer Town May 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk knows when to start a case on behalf of others... and has learned when to rest.

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The Civil War Solider Who Risked His Life to Give Water To His Enemies May 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Richard Hood takes us to the Battle of Fredericksburg and tells a story about compassion in the midst of America's deadliest war.

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The Most Famous Abolitionist You Never Heard Of: The Story of Thomas Shipley May 18, 2023

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 added organizing work, and his full political influence, to the abolition effort, but he was infiltrating mobs, warning the would-be victims, and testifying against the ringleaders through his whole life.

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California Softens Criminality—Skid Row Officer Deon Responds with "Ladies Night" May 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, resources could not match the Skid Row crisis of sexual violence and chronic abuse. Deon Joseph led the effort to connect women with authorities and information about their rights. The ladies took the next steps.

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Auto CEO Guts Gulfstream And Flies Across The World To Deliver An Apology to Mercedes May 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Auto CEO Roger Penske ripped the seats out of his private jet to give Mercedes Benz a personal apology because of a business failure.

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A Crooked Cop, an Innocent Man, and an Unlikely Journey of Forgiveness and Friendship May 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it all went down in the city of Benton Harbor, Michigan, in 2006. Andrew Collins was a narcotics officer. Jameel McGee was a new father of a baby boy. This is a story about forgiveness, brokenness, and true reconciliation from two guys who should have been hardened, bitter enemies.

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Graduate Works For GM Remotely—On A Sailboat? May 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Emma McCormick was told she'd be working remotely in 2020...she decided to live on a sailboat in Florida.

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A Police Chief's Mission To Serve with Love and Compassion May 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Oxford, Mississippi is the small hometown of our show. Oxford police chief Jeff McCutchen has good reasons why he chose to overhaul his department.

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The Poignant Eulogy of Officer Jason Rivera May 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dominique Rivera eulogizes her husband, Detective Jason Rivera, with raw emotion and compelling everyday detail.

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The Nuclear Mishap in Arkansas That "Created" CNN May 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a wrench fell; a rocket leaked, lost fuel pressure, collapsed, and exploded. A nuclear warhead soared out of the silo and into a ditch... at the intersection of Arkansas' fate and American journalism.

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The Untold Story of a Civil War Cemetery May 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a rodeo star, veterans of the Union and Confederate armies, and a few British pilots... Nancy Bro of the GAR Cemetery in Miami, Oklahoma shares the stories of the unique and colorful characters buried within it.

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Fighting Crime in Downtown Los Angeles with Love, Respect, and God May 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph recounts community connections, police perceptions, and the world's most effective interview follow-up.

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Liquor and The Law: Taking a Wine Bottle to the Supreme Court May 16, 2023

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 it to the Supreme Court... and won.

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The CEO Who Grew Up Without Running Water May 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim Keyes grew up in poverty, got his first job at McDonald's, and became the CEO of 7-Eleven. It's a real American dream story!

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A Divorced Father Living with His Marine Son May 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, if Bob McLalan knew his father would be living with him for 18 months, he would have thrown him out that first night. A collision of cultures like no other! The latest story with Bob McLalan.

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A Fallen Cop’s Daughter Delivers A Eulogy for the Ages May 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mesquite Police Officer Richard Houston is eulogized by Police Chief David Gill and his daughter, Shelby.

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The Goo Goo Cluster: Nashville's "Official" Candy? May 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it's a family story, a business story, and a regional story... It's the story of how the Goo Goo cluster became the official candy of Nashville!

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One Cop's Take on Mental Illness, Homelessness, and Crime May 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph shares vivid, compelling stories of one constant struggle for police, and for communities: The care and safety of those with mental health battles.

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Father Stu: In His Own Words May 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Father Stu is a motion picture starring Mark Wahlberg (who plays Father Stu) and Mel Gibson. It is based on the true life story of Father Stuart Long, the Golden Gloves Heavyweight Boxing Champion turned Catholic priest. We’d like to thank the Diocese of Helena, MT, for providing the footage you are about to hear of Father Stuart Long, who will be sharing his story with us.

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The 1926 Race to the Pole: A Story of Polar Exploration May 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers when explorers raced to go where no one had gone before, Amundsen, Byrd, and the future of aviation.

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A Little Brother's Prayer to Be As Big As His Very Big Brother May 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Paul Bauer's story entitled "Moose Prayer."

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The Heart of America: Texas Grocery Store Loses Power, Lets Customers Leave Without Paying May 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Tim Hennessey talks about his viral Facebook post that exemplifies the everyday goodness in this country.

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"Long Shot" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions May 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson, the author of Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases, shares another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini-mysteries of the English language.

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Suffering Fueled His Greatness: John Hannah on What It Took to Be the Best Offensive Lineman of All Time May 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, from a father who called him to hard-fought greatness, to the most brutal Alabama scrimmages and a career of out-working his competitors, John Hannah pushed his limits often, and pushed hard.

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The Girls Next Door: How Serving Coffee and Donuts in World War I Led To Women Gaining the Right to Vote May 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kara Dixon Vuic tells this remarkable story of service.

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The Bigger the Bureaucracy, the Smaller the Customer May 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike Leven with the story: The bigger the bureaucracy, the smaller the customer.

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“High and Dry & Let the Cat Out of the Bag” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 12) May 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty May 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, author Neal Thompson explores the inspiring story of the poor Irish refugee couple who escaped famine, created a life together in a city hostile to Irish immigrants and Catholics - and launched the Kennedy dynasty.

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Hollywood Goes To War: Merian Cooper May 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, from the time he was a boy, Merian C. Cooper wanted to be an adventurer, a wish that propelled him into journalism, the National Guard, military aviation, two world wars. Amid these, he became a movie producer and writer, working on some cinematic classics, including King Kong in 1933. He even played one of the pilots in the film. Here again to tell this "Hollywood Goes to War" story is Roger McGrath.

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Abercrombie & Fitch: The Story Behind the Story of an Iconic American Brand May 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Abercrombie and Fitch clothing apparel 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 whole 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 the co-Founder of the University of Wyoming College of Law’s Firearms Research Center.

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How VHS beat Betamax May 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Bill “Engineer Guy” Hammack telling the story of how Betamax was defeated by the VHS tape.

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The Teen CEO of the Clean Teeth Candy? May 11, 2023

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.

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Churchill's Speech in the Heartland of America May 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Winston Churchill was at a low point in his career when he delivered his famous 'Iron Curtain' speech in Fulton, Missouri. Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College and Churchill scholar, tells the story.

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From Child Abuse to Helping Foster Girls Find Their Way May 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, today, Becky Shaffer helps women aging out of the foster care system with her organization called "Saving Grace", but her mission isn't just one based on selflessness, it's one based on harrowing personal experience.

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Were All Japanese Americans in Internment Camps? One Woman's Story May 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mary Mikami was a Japanese American born in Alaska. Learn about her acceptance and achievements.

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I Invented the Modern Age: The Story of Henry Ford May 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of the man who made the claim to have invented the modern age.

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She Wanted to Become a Movie Star, So She Moved to... A National Park? May 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our own Madisyn's mother shares her story of youthful ambition.

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How Faith, Infidelity, and Forgiveness Grew a Family Not Once, but Twice May 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in a 30-year span, a family dealt with its sins twice. In the end, it's a story of forgiveness.

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The Story of a Mother Who Destroys the Perfect Mom Routine May 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tiffany Jenkins tells the story of how she turned motherhood on its head.

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My Mother Had Me At 16... And That Didn't Change a Thing May 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear the story of Alan Brown and his mother.

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A Son Discovers His Deceased Mother's Hidden Talent - Poetry May 09, 2023

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.

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Tyrone Power: Hollywood Goes to War May 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, he starred in “The Mark of Zorro” and many other movies, but his greatest role – at the height of his acting career - was serving his country during World War II as a Marine. Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath.

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What To Do When Your Grandfather is a World Famous Songwriter May 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Albert Brumley wrote classic hymns like “I’ll Fly Away” and “Turn Your Radio On,” but he left behind much more. His son Bob carried the legacy – and Bob’s daughters did the same. Here is the Brumley family story.

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The Day America Doubled In Size May 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dedra and Brad Birzer tell the story of the Louisiana Purchase.

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Karl Marlantes: Turning Ghosts into Ancestors May 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vietnam Veteran and best-selling author Karl Marlantes shares his story of war, memory and loss.

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The Man Who Spent His Entire Christmas Fund Building Beds for Needy Children May 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Luke Mickelson tells how a meeting in a faith community turned into a Boy Scouts project, a Christmas tradition, and 50,000 free beds every year.

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Through a Lens: The Story of The Manhattan Project May 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Cook tells us the story of how in 1943 the town of Oak Ridge, Tennessee was established and went from 58,000 acres of farmland to a town of 75,000 people. The town's purpose? To beat Germany to the atomic bomb. Ed Westcott was the one man in Oak Ridge with a camera, and he captured it all. See his pictures HERE.

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Were the Irish the First Slaves in America? May 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, slavery is one of the oldest profit-making endeavors, and the Irish were a special target for a thousand years. Colin D. Heaton, a military veteran and a host of the YouTube channel, "Forgotten History," tells us the story.

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The Man Who Paints Rocks For Our Veterans May 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen tells the story of his “Freedom Rocks” project in Iowa – his painted rocks are in all of the 99 counties in the Hawkeye State.

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A Texas Boy Vs. the Air Traffic Control Bully May 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another story from our regular listener and contributor Roger Latham, from Fort Worth, Texas.

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The Man Who Played With Trains: The Story of Joshua Lionel Cohen May 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, he was the man behind one of the top 5 toys of the twentieth century. Bill Bryk tells the story of the man behind Lionel trains.

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The Colorful & Comical Civil War General: Dan Sickles May 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gettysburg National Park Service Ranger Matt Atkinson tells the story of the Civil War general who created the "temporary insanity" plee, got his leg shot off by General Longstreet, and helped form the Gettysburg National Military Park.

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How Johnny Carson Saved Twister May 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Milton Bradley game was about to be pulled from the shelves. Author Christopher Klein tells the story of how the late night talk host saved this iconic brand.

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Star Wars: The Multi-Billion Dollar Franchise That Never Should Have Succeeded May 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, author Chris Taylor tells the unlikely story of “Star Wars.”

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The Ultimate G-Man: How J. Edgar Hoover Built the FBI May 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Beverly Gage, the author of the new definitive biography on 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.

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Lessons From The Giving Tree May 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, author Winter Prosapio shares what it feels like to be a mother who is constantly giving.

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Why does Led Zeppelin Pay Royalties to a Southern Bluesman? May 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of How Led Zeppelin found themselves in a courtroom battle over copyright infringement with a bluesman from the South.

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The Story of Justice Scalia: From His Immigrant Roots to the Highest Court in the Land (Pt. 2) May 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, 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.

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He Flew Nukes, Captured World Records, and Saved His Way to Wealth... May 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear the story of how Orville Rogers gave his wealth away after achieving great success.

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Why The American Flag Means So Much To My Family May 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the American flag means so much to so many of us. Here is an Our American Stories listener – Joy Neale Kidney – on what the flag means to her and her family.

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The Sleeping Sentinel Who Received the Death Penalty, But Was Saved By President Lincoln May 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Civil War soldier, William Scott, fell asleep at his post, at the time a transgression that was punishable by execution. What happened next changed military history.

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Hedy Lamarr: The 40’s “Bombshell” Actress Behind GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth May 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, she was one of the most beautiful and accomplished actresses of her day. But she was also a world-class mind, behind some of America’s most cutting-edge modern technology.

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Hollywood Goes to War: Eddie Albert May 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another “Hollywood Goes to War” story from Roger McGrath. Eddie Albert played a sadistic prison warden in 1974’s The Longest Yard starring Burt Reynolds. He was twice nominated for the Academy Award for his 1954 performance in Roman Holiday, and the second in 1973 for The Heartbreak Kid. He also starred as Oliver Wendell Douglas in the 1960s television sitcom Green Acres. But his greatest role was the one he played in WWII.

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The Story of Joe Garman and One of the Largest Prison Ministries in the World May 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joe Garman wanted to minister to people - on his own terms, and certainly not in the prison setting. As he tells it: God had other plans.

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The Final Straw: The Darryl Strawberry Story May 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, after years of hard living Darryl Strawberry found his true calling.

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History Guy: The Screwdriver Wars Apr 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the differing fates of the Robertson and the Phillips head screwdrivers demonstrates that innovation is intimately tied to historical events. Here’s The History Guy with the story of the screwdriver wars.

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A Presidential-Sized Comeback: The Story of Ulysses S. Grant Apr 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. John Marszalek and Eddie Rangel of the Grant Presidential Library tell the story about how Grant went from selling firewood on a street corner, to leading the US Army to victory in the Civil War.

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The Story of Justice Scalia: From His Immigrant Roots to the Highest Court in the Land (Pt. 1) Apr 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, 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.

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When "Neutral" America Occupied "Neutral" Iceland During WWII Apr 28, 2023

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.

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He Played Your Favorite Songs in Movies, TVs, and Jukebox Machines: The "Wrecking Crew's" Tommy Tedesco Apr 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tommy Tedesco is probably the most recorded guitarist in history having played on thousands of recordings from the 1960s-1980s (Many of the them top 20 hits). Tommy's son, filmmaker Denny Tedesco, produced The Wrecking Crew, the highly-acclaimed documentary about his father and the other musicians who made up The Wrecking Crew and is here to tell us the story!

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Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer Apr 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our storyteller is James Swanson, the New York Times bestselling author of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer.

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The Jumping Mules of Pea Ridge Apr 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mule Jumping in Pea Ridge became a sport because hunters needed their mules to jump fences. Everyone knows that a horse can jump a good-sized fence - but whether a mule will do it is much more interesting.

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The Story of Mario Andretti: A Refugee from Communism to the Heights of Auto Racing Apr 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the greatest car racer in history tells us his American story.

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Mike Eruzione: The Making of a Miracle Apr 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Eruzione—the captain of the 1980 U.S Men’s Olympic "Miracle on Ice" Hockey Team recounts the unlikely circumstances that led to his amazing career on ice, the legendary upset against the Soviets, his game-winning goal, and winning the gold medal.

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The Night 2 H-Bombs Fell on North Carolina Apr 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, on January 23, 1961, a B-52 bomber crashed in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Two H-bombs—each 250 times more powerful than the bombs dropped on Japan, fell to the ground. Earl Smith dismantled those bombs, and he's here to tell us the story.

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The Mennonite Who Won the Tour de France Apr 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, like the Amish, some Mennonites avoid modern technology. Though his family had electricity, there was no radio or television to occupy young Floyd Landis' time. So he rode his bike.

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The Untold Story of Andrew Jackson Apr 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, hear who Andrew Jackson was as a public servant, as a ferocious fighter, and as a son.

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John Clem, Civil War Boy Soldier Apr 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the story of John Lincoln Clem—the youngest non-commissioned officer in Army history—is Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, author of John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy.

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A Sermon to Remember Apr 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Billy Graham's sermon in Oklahoma City in 1995, just days after the worst domestic terrorist attack in history, was one of his finest.

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One of the First and Last American POWs of WWII Apr 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Judith Pierson tells us the story of Navy corpsman Estel Myers and his story of survival in the WWII Pacific theater.

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How Samuel Clemens Headed West and Became Mark Twain Apr 24, 2023

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. The time he spent 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.

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Hank Brown on Kenny Monfort Apr 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hank Brown's beautiful tribute to his former boss and beef pioneer Kenny Monfort

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The Second American Revolution: How Texas Became a Country Apr 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the official Texas State Historian Monte Monroe tells the sweeping story of how the Texas we know and love today found its footing as a nation in response to tyranny and oppression.

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America's Last King: The Story of King George III Apr 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, American history hasn't been kind to our last king. He's viewed as a tyrant, the Declaration of Independence claims that he was unfit to lead a free people, and the musical Hamilton paints him as a brute. The truth is anything but this. English historian Andrew Roberts tells the story of King George III, and why he isn't the man he's often portrayed to be.

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From Bagatelle to Video Games: The History of Pinball Apr 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Pinball is an iconic American game. But how did it reach its iconic status? How did pinball develop? Why flippers? Listen to Jeremy Saucier of the Strong Museum of Play as he shares the long, and sometimes surprising, history of pinball--from its origins in French parlor games, to its prohibition, and then to its emergence as the immersive and popular game that it is today.

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Daniel Yergin on The New Map Apr 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, "America's most influential energy pundit," Daniel Yergin, is a bestselling author and winner of the Pulitzer Prize. The master storyteller sat down with Lee to share his newest book, The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations.

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The Storyteller Who Swayed the Oklahoma City Bombing Jury Apr 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Mooy had never before practiced his art of storytelling - for a jury. But to tell the story of Terry Nichols' cooperation with Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, John worked with prosecutors to map the entire bitter journey. This Day in History, 1995: The Oklahoma City Bombing.

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Saying Hello at a Diner Led to Lifelong Friendship with a WWII Veteran and His Captured Nazi Flag Apr 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jason Porter shares with us the story of how he met WWII veteran Forrest Johnson and how “Forrie” became his best friend.

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The Teacher Who Brought Him To The Heart Of The Cold War Apr 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lawson Bader pays tribute to his late German teacher Erika for our "Final Thoughts" series.

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"I Felt Guilty About Being Successful, Until..." Apr 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Johnsonville Sausage founder Ralph Stayer's incredible faith journey

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Dancing with a Demon Apr 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lilly Dancyger opens up about living with a father addicted to heroin.

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Stephen Ambrose on 1942: Doolittle Raid and Midway Apr 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Stephen Ambrose telling the story of America’s payback for Pearl Harbor—Jimmy Doolittle’s raid on Tokyo—and the Japanese response, the Battle of Midway.

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The Only Car Ever Made To Honor God Apr 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Barry Meguiar tells the compelling story of his rare 1901 Duryea car.

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Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross: "I Was Fired Twice and Decided I Was Unemployable" Apr 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross tells the stories about the lessons in ethics that changed his life.

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Eric Motley: The Power of the Spoken Word Apr 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, even though the community around Eric often couldn’t read or write, they could tell a story like no one else. To Eric, there was no honor higher than having the stories he would learn retold by the men around him.

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"You Can Change Your Story": Why I Wrote a Book About the Death of My Mother Apr 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, David LaBelle's last memory of his mother was seeing her washed away in a raging flood when he was a senior in high school. She would never be found. It took David years to wrestle with the loss, and eventually he decided to write a semi-fictional book about the event called Bridges & Angels as a therapeutic exercise.
David's books (and photos) can be found on his website.

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Into The Vast Unknown: The First American Ascent of Mount Everest Apr 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Broughton Coburn tells the harrowing story of the time America reached the highest peak in the world, not once, but twice, on their first expedition to it in 1963.

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Ruger Firearms: The Story of a Great American Company Apr 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ruger is the biggest 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.

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Titanic’s Last Hero Apr 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, (This Day in History: Titanic sank in 1912) - Lowell Lytle has been one of the privileged few who has 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 is 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.

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The Lincoln Assassination Conspirator Who Became The 1st Woman Ever Hanged By The U.S. Government Apr 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, (This Day in History: President Lincoln Died April 15) - John Wilkes Booth did not act alone; eight people were eventually indicted as co-conspirators in Lincoln's murder. One of them was a woman, Mary Surratt. Here to tell the story is Kate Clifford Larson, author of The Assassin’s Accomplice: Mary Surratt and the Plot to Kill Abraham Lincoln.

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Me, Pre, and the Birth of Nike Apr 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, since its start in 1972, Nike has employed nearly half a million people. Only four have outlasted our next storyteller, Steve Bence. Bence is Nike's Program Director in Global Sourcing and Manufacturing—and was an All-American runner under legendary track coach at Oregon, Bill Bowerman (who became the co-founder of Nike). Steve Bence is the author of 1972: Pre, UO Track, Nike Shoes and My Life with Them All.

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The Story Behind How B.B. King's Guitar "Lucille" Got Her Name Apr 14, 2023

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 Vicé, author of King of The Blues.

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The Founding Father You Don’t Know Who Wrote His Name on the Declaration of Independence With His Blood Apr 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, little has been known of one of the most important figures in early American history, Dr. Joseph Warren, an architect of the colonial rebellion, and a man who would have led the country as Washington or Jefferson did had he not been martyred at Bunker Hill in 1775. Warren was involved in almost every major insurrectionary act in the Boston area for a decade, yet after his death, his life and legend faded. Here to tell the story is Jeffrey McKenna, author of Saving Dr. Warren... ”A True Patriot”.

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Brett Favre: Up Close and Personal (Pt. 1 of 5) Apr 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler took the three and a half hour long drive south from here in Oxford, Mississippi—where we broadcast our show—and sat down with Brett Favre in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi home.

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Audie Murphy: America's Most Decorated Soldier Apr 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Audie Murphy's story is one of the quintessential American stories; yet, chances are, many Americans have never even heard of his name.

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The Only Woman to be Awarded the Medal of Honor (History Guy) Apr 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers a truly extraordinary Civil War heroine, Mary Edwards Walker. She was the only woman in United States history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

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The Big Four and the Transcontinental Railroad Apr 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of the men known as “The Big Four,” who incorporated the Central Pacific Railroad and helped build the transcontinental railroad. These four individuals risked their businesses, money, time and talent in order to achieve an unprecedented feat of engineering, vision, and courage. Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath. McGrath is the author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier.

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The Story of How "Women and Children First" Came to Be Apr 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the History Guy remembers the Birkenhead Disaster and explains where the protocol "women and children first" was first used.

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Pilot Dies, Passenger Lands Plane—with His Family on Board Apr 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the motion picture On a Wing and a Prayer (the perfect Easter movie inspired by a remarkable true story lands on Good Friday, April 7th) follows passenger Doug White's (played by Dennis Quaid) harrowing journey to safely land a plane and save his entire family from insurmountable danger, after their pilot dies unexpectedly mid-flight. Here to share the story is the man who lived it, Doug White.

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The "Chairman Of The Board": The Story of B.B. King Apr 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, he came up out of the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta and into the bright lights of the stage worldwide. Here's the story of the “Chairman of the Board” himself, B.B. King…whose unique style of guitar playing and voice changed the music industry forever.Here to tell the story is Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Daniel de Visé…author of the first in-depth biography of B.B. in almost 30 years: King of the Blues: The Rise and Reign of B.B. King.

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Pathway to God: 2,000 Miles on the Appalachian Trail Apr 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Carter Momsen-Hudson wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail for understanding - of the accomplishment, of the people of the Appalachian Mountains, and perhaps even of God. Hear what this religion major learned about others - and his own identity.

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The Woman Who Sneaked Into George Washington's Army Apr 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Deborah Sampson became a hero of the American Revolution when she disguised herself as a man and joined the Patriot forces. Here to tell her story is the author of Deborah Sampson: The Girl Who Went to War.

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A Young Lady's Run-In with Frank Sinatra Apr 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colorado listener Patty Kingsbaker shares this "knock out" Frank Sinatra story.

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The Surprising Story of the DiMaggio Brothers Apr 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Clavin shares some great stories of Joltin' Joe, Dom, and Vince from his book, The DiMaggios: Three Brothers, Their Passion for Baseball, Their Pursuit of the American Dream.

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This Man Grows Pumpkins That Weigh a TON Apr 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2017, Rhode Islander, Joe Jutras, broke the record for the largest giant green squash ever grown coming in at 2118lbs. Here he shares all that goes into growing these giant fruits.

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The Greatest Showman: The Story of P.T. Barnum Apr 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in a big and memorable way, PT Barnum changed how all Americans lived. Our movies, television, and whole entertainment-saturated culture is what it is today because of what he started. Here to tell this story is the Executive Director of the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, CT, Kathy Maher.

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The Stories Behind Our Easter Traditions Apr 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, bestselling author Ace Collins is here to reveal the events and backgrounds that shaped the best-loved customs of Easter, introducing you to stories you’ve never heard and a deeper appreciation for the holiday’s familiar hallmarks. Get Ace's book: Stories Behind the Traditions and Songs of Easter.

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Ryan Stewart: Overcoming Addiction by Letting Others Help Me Apr 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ryan Stewart struggled with addiction for a majority of his life, and it was only through the help of others that he was able to come out on the other side.

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Easter with My Grandson: The Best Day Ever Apr 07, 2023

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. Here’s Paul with a story about a very special Easter Day he had with his grandson. He’s titled it, “The Best Day Ever!”

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Her Career is a Tribute to Her Great Uncle, A D-Day Hero Apr 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Heather McPherson is the Curator of History at the South Carolina Military Museum. Here's her story about how she came to be at the museum in the first place.

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Curls Apr 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Winter Prosapio of Texas shares a story about motherhood.

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The Stories Behind Our Easter Traditions Apr 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, bestselling author Ace Collins is here to reveal the events and backgrounds that shaped the best-loved customs of Easter, introducing you to stories you’ve never heard and a deeper appreciation for the holiday’s familiar hallmarks. Get Ace's book here: Stories Behind the Traditions and Songs of Easter.

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I Could've Gone Either Way: Why I Chose to Become a Police Officer Apr 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeff Shaw shares his story of being lost in his career path, becoming a police officer, and the years of emotions that come along with it.

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Our Home Became Tidier After Having Four Sons Apr 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Alexandra Frost is the mother of four young, active boys, yet her home is cleaner than it was before she had kids. Alex shares her secret, which is called “The 10 Things Rule".

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It Took One Man 7 Years to get his Car Back (From The Government) Apr 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tyson Timbs found out that old habits do indeed die hard when he was arrested and convicted for selling drugs to undercover cops. He also found out what asset forfeiture was when the State of Indiana took his Land Rover and held onto it for 7 years.

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Adolph Coors: The German Immigrant Who Brought Us Banquet Beer Apr 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Coors Banquet is an icon in the beer industry and it's story began with a German immigrant living in a Colorado mining town. Pete Coors tells the story.

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Empathy is Not Optional: The Story of Mike Leven's Brutal Law Professor Apr 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike with a story about what he learned from his unseemly college law professor.

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Immigrant Audrey Gruss: “My Story Could Have Only Happened In Good Ole USA” Apr 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Lithuanian American who created the #1 depression research foundation in the country.

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I Paid My Own Child Support Apr 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jason Wolfe's father left his family at the age of 6. Here he is to tell the story of figuring out to be the father he didn't have.

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"Pray for Us!": Father Receives Daughter's Text during Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre Apr 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kengor's daughters were across the street while a tragedy unfolded at the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27, 2018.

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The Story Behind The Story of the Lone Ranger Apr 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty 'Hi-Yo Silver'... it's the story of the Lone Ranger! Stephen G. Eoannou, author of Yesteryear, tells the story of how a tenacious scriptwriter out of Buffalo and a shrewd businessman out of Detroit managed to create one of America's most endearing cultural figures.

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She Buried Over 60 Unclaimed People, Including Many Veterans Apr 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Lanae Strovers was given the job of figuring out what to do with unclaimed urns at the funeral home she worked at, she took it personally... but that would make sense for someone who got into the mortuary business for personal reasons. Give her story a listen!

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The Grass and the Furious: Ladies, Start Your Lawnmower Engines! Apr 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Julie Tynmann's here with her story about the greatest show on turf.

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In His Father's Village, Nobody Could Read...So He Moved to America and Became an Engineer Apr 04, 2023

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 in a diverse community and how football impacted him.

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The Short Lived, Yet Memorable, Story of The Pony Express Apr 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Pony Express is synonymous with speed, endurance, and the American spirit to just get things done. While the name is recognizable not just throughout the States, but also all over the world, it’s not widely known that the Pony Express was part of a larger corporation.. or that it only lasted for 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.

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A Baby Boomer’s Battle with Insanity and Fitness Apr 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul, our regular contributor from Minnesota, is here to tell us his weight-loss resolution story.

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Brett Favre on Tough Love, Parenting, and Telling the Truth Apr 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in Part 2 of our 5-part series, Greg Hengler sits down with Brett Favre where the legendary NFL quarterback gets very personal about tough love, telling the truth, and having a parenting style that’s different than his fathers.

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The Secret History Inside of Cracker Barrel Apr 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, with its classic “old country” theme, Cracker Barrel has been an American favorite for many decades. But many people don’t know that the decor you find on the walls and throughout the stores are all authentic pieces of American history. Joe Stewart, the decor manager of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, brings us the story!

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"I Worked Out of Workaholism… And My Life Is Working Better" Apr 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve Trice, the founder of Jasco Products, on serving his employees and a higher calling than money.

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The Whittaker Chambers Story: From Soviet Spy to American Cold War Hero Apr 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the book Witness: A True Story of Soviet Spies in America and the Trial That Captivated the Nation is one of the biggest U.S. bestsellers of the 20th century, yet it is almost unknown among Americans today. Here to tell the story is Greg Forster on behalf of the Acton Institute. Forster is a Whittaker Chambers expert who has earned a Ph.D. with distinction in political philosophy from Yale University.

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A Museum Dedicated to Southern Jewish Heritage Mar 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jane Leavey and Sandy Berman tell the story of the museum they created—The Breman Museum—and tell some stories of Jewish people in the American South.

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Hollywood Goes to War: Wild Bill Wellman Mar 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell another "Hollywood Goes to War" story is Roger McGrath. McGrath is the author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier. A U.S. Marine and former history professor at UCLA, Dr. McGrath has appeared on numerous History Channel documentaries and is a regular contributor for us here at Our American Stories.

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A Change in Seasons: Caring for Her Father the Way he Once Cared for Her Mar 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Debra Freeberg joins us with part of a beautiful and heartwarming story she wrote about caring for her father in his time of need.

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"Fearless Freddie" Warder Mar 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, America is great because of the men that make it up. And America won the Second World War because of men like “Fearless Freddie" Warder. A big hat-tip to Dang Linn Productions for allowing us access to their one-of-a-kind interviews from their recent documentary, Fearless Freddie. Check it out!

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How Piggly Wiggly Created the Modern Supermarket Mar 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Clarence Saunders revolutionized the way people shopped. He developed “self-service” grocery shopping in his Piggly Wiggly stores at a time when store assistants usually collected products for their customers. By introducing checkouts, clearly priced goods, and itemized receipts, he set the foundations for the supermarkets of today. Mike Freeman is the author of Clarence Saunders & the Founding of Piggly Wiggly: The Rise and Fall of a Memphis Maverick.

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My Family Spent 4 Months Playing Battleship in a Cornfield Mar 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story itself is the stuff of legends...a sunken steamboat, buried treasure, and the drive of a group of AC repairmen to become "rich beyond rich" even if it meant going into over a million dollars worth of debt. Matt Hawley tells the story of his family's quest to dig up the steamboat Arabia from the middle of a corn field.

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2x Oscar Nominee Volunteers for WWII at 37: The Story of Robert Montgomery Mar 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Montgomery was one of the first movie stars to volunteer for service in World War II and when Dwight D. Eisenhower ran for the Presidency in 1952, Montgomery was his television coach. When General Eisenhower became President, Montgomery stayed on in his role as television adviser to become the first show-business professional to occupy an office in the White House. Here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath.

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A Bible Reading 200,000 Miles From Earth Mar 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the crew of Apollo 8 and Steve Kates tell the story of their Christmas time mission to the moon... and the reading of Genesis over its surface.

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The Untold Stories of Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax" and "The Grinch" Mar 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Seuss was raised as a Lutheran and had a strong religious background. His books often included strong moral messages… but, he was always very careful with how he went about it. Here to share a bit about Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax” and “The Grinch” is Brian Jay Jones, author of “Becoming Dr. Seuss.”

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The World's First Action Figure Museum Mar 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kevin Stark of The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, tells the story of his museum, and his life in toys.

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Wandering Worker: The American Hobo Mar 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the term hobo is often confused with homeless or beggar, but the truth is, wandering through life was what they preferred. Connecticut Shorty of The Hobo Museum shares the story of the American hobo and how they are still celebrated today.

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The WWII Tragedy America Chose to Forget Mar 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, because of the devastating nature of the attack, the U.S. government chose to keep the details of this attack hushed. Grove City College political science professor Paul Kengor brings us the details through the eyes of Sergeant Frank Bryer.

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Jim Thorpe: All-American, Native American Mar 29, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2000, a poll was conducted by ABC Sports recognizing the Greatest Athlete of the Twentieth Century. The winner was not Muhammad Ali, Babe Ruth, Jesse Owens, Wayne Gretzky, Jack Nicklaus, and Michael Jordan—but a man today many have never heard of: an Indian from Oklahoma named Jim Thorpe.

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I Came to New York City Dead: The Story of Sarah Gonzalez's Redemption Mar 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, coping with the loss of her father as a child, total rebellion could not stop God from pursuing Sarah Gonzalez—even after spending her time partaking in activities designed to instill hatred towards others. Sarah is here to share her story.

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Triumph and Disaster: The Life of Rudyard Kipling Mar 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the life of the youngest-ever winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, Rudyard Kipling, was filled with tragedy. He survived a difficult childhood to go on to become one of the most celebrated authors of his day, penning such classics as "The Jungle Book" and "Just So Stories.” Here’s The History Guy with the story of Rudyard Kipling.

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Eli Whitney and His Fake Interchangeable Gun Parts Demo Mar 28, 2023

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.

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Phillis Wheatley: The Enslaved Poet Who Met with George Washington AND the King of England Mar 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Phillis Wheatley, the first published black poet, has the remarkable distinction of being invited to meet with both King George III and George Washington. Lesli Johnson of the American Village tells her story.

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Thomas Hudner: The MOH Recipient Who Crashed His Plane On Purpose To Get To His Downed Wingman Mar 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it might seem like an April Fool’s joke: The Navy commissioned its newest 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.

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The Truth Behind the “Cursed” Millionaire Heiress, Sarah Winchester Mar 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sarah Winchester was a woman of independence, drive, and courage who lives on in legend. And the mansion she built is world renowned as much for the many design curiosities and innovations as it is for the reported paranormal activity. Here to separate fact from fiction is Ashley Hlebinsky.

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“Peeping Tom” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 14) Mar 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Rebirth of a Legend: The Untold Story of Steve McQueen Mar 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we are about to hear the untold story of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, born on This Day in History in 1930, told by a McQueen expert, Marshall Terrill.

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From At-Risk Youth to Gentlemen: Reclaiming the Youth of the Mississippi Delta Mar 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Marks Youth Outreach is a nonprofit organization that all started through the work of a few men in Quitman County. These men saw a need for reaching out to and mentoring the at-risk youth of their community, and decided to do something about it. Joining us is one of those men, named Edgar Sculark, with the story of how it got started.

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"Nest Egg & No Dice" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 15) Mar 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Doc Holliday: Outlaw Gentlemen, Shady Ladies, and Tombstone Mar 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what America and the world knows 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.

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George Will on Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, and the Summer of ‘41 Mar 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Will tells the story of Ted Williams and the son of a San Francisco fisherman, his “Streak,” and steely determination.

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Hollywood Goes to War: George O'Brien Mar 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, George O'Brien was a Hollywood star, but he left the fame and fortune to fight for his country in WWI, WWII, and Korea! Roger McGrath is here with the story.

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From Crack Addict to Inventor and CEO of “My Pillow” Mar 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the inventor and CEO of “My Pillow” is here to tell the improbable tale of how a small-town guy with a dream somehow made it a reality. Mike Lindell’s story is a raw, authentic account by a man most people thought would never rise above his addiction-fueled failures.

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Last Men Out of Vietnam: Evacuating Saigon Mar 22, 2023

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.

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I Picked Up "Tex" Watson Hitchhiking AFTER the Manson Murders Mar 22, 2023

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.

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The 1946 Battle of Alcatraz Mar 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, on this day in History in 1963, Alcatraz closed... 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.

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Crazy Beautiful: The Story of a 5-Star Steakhouse CEO and an NFL Linebacker Mar 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Britney Ruby Miller is CEO of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment where she leads a team of more than 500 employees across 7 luxury steakhouses in Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Britney is the author of 5-Star Life: The Faithful Fight to Overcome Obstacles and Pursue Excellence.

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Cyntoia Brown: A Teen's Murder Sentence and Second Chances Mar 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when the hashtag #FreeCyntoiaBrown went viral in 2018, Cyntoia Brown was the most popular inmate in the world. She's here to share her story.

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How 2 Engineers Created the Highest-Rated Gag Gift on Amazon Mar 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, since the company’s inception in 2005, Liquid A** 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 A**, Andrew Masters and Allen Wittman.

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The Man Who Witnessed the Assassination of Abe Lincoln Mar 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ford's Theater re-enactor Mike Robinson tells the full unknown story through the eyes of AC Richards, Washington's Superintendent of Police.

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Candyman: The Story of Jelly Belly Founder, David Klein Mar 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the amazing true story of David Klein, an eccentric candy inventor from Los Angeles, who is the creator and founder of Jelly Belly jellybeans. David’s eccentric personality and peculiar sense of business led him to leave Jelly Belly just as it was about to explode and grow into a billion dollar enterprise. Here’s David Klein to share the story of how he lost his beans, but kept his soul.

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Forgiving My Worthless Father Mar 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Leslie Leyland Fields tells us about the heart-breaking relationship between her and her father. And it's not what you'd expect.

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"How Old Would You Be If You Didn't Know How Old You Were?" The Life of Satchel Paige Mar 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, tells the story of a man many historians consider to be the greatest pitcher in the history of baseball: Leroy "Satchel" Paige.

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Batman Through the Years Mar 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Batman is a household name. His list of comic issues, let alone live action movies, animated films and tv shows, video games, you name it, is nothing short of astounding… but this wasn’t always the case. Andrew Farago, Curator at the Cartoon Art Museum and author of Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond, is here to tell us the story of the Caped Crusader.

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A Brief History of St. Patrick's Day Mar 17, 2023

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.

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Busy Mother of Six Befriends Retired Cop Mar 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Heidi Viars shares about how her life changed when she began showing some neighborly kindness to a grumpy old cop.

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The Duke: The Life of Duke Ellington w/ Terry Teachout Mar 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, some believe he was the most important composer of the 20th century, in or out of jazz. Terry Teachout, one of America's best culture writers and author of Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington, tells the story of the jazz legend, his music, his struggles, his triumphs and so much more.

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The "10 Cent Beer Night" Mar 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, on June 4, 1974, in Cleveland, trouble was a brewin', the bleachers were loaded, and there was a distinct buzz in the air. Here's the History Guy with the story!

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How Horses Healed and Saved Not One Life But Two Mar 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dawn Newlan suffered from PTSD after witnessing her husband's suicide. William Lambert suffered from survivors' guilt after a hellish trip overseas. Both we're saved... by horses. Here they are telling their remarkable story of how equine therapy saved their lives.

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I Was Bored in Grad School-So I Joined the Navy Mar 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of Hank Brown, the Senator who began his career as a forward air controller in the Vietnam War.

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Cattle King, Richard King: Real-Life John Wayne and Rhett Butler Mar 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the cattle kings of the Old West carved empires out of the wilderness. They were larger than life characters—bold, daring, intelligent, courageous, tough. They had great strength of character and iron wills. No cattle king exhibited these characteristics more than Richard King. Roger McGrath brings us the story along with William Yancey from Texas A&M University, Kingsville.

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Salmon and Salt: Fishing With My Grandfather Mar 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Karl Marlantes, veteran and author of What It Is Like to Go to War and Matterhorn, tells the story of partaking in the dangerous profession of salmon fishing with his grandfather during his formative years in the town of Seaside, Oregon.

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Destined for Greatness: The Chuck Long Story Mar 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Chuck Long tells the story of how he came to be Iowa's star quarterback in the 1980's and how he later came to like coaching more than playing.

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Sgt. Stubby: The Most Decorated Dog of WWI Mar 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeremy Swick of the College Football Hall of Fame recounts the remarkable story of the street dog turned soldier turned mascot.

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A Sister's Love and Loss of Three Brothers Mar 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Edie Hand tells us the story of her brothers, the Blackburn boys, and the tragedy that struck not once, but three times. Learn more about Edie and her story at www.ediehand.com.

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My Mother Worked Miracles During the Holocaust Mar 15, 2023

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.

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How An Iowa Waitress Became an Officer's Wife in Texas Mar 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney share's her mother's story about how she became the wife of an officer's wife during World War II.

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The Obituary of a Man who Escaped Stalin and Hitler Mar 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Alex Berezow tells us the story of his grandfather Dimitri, the real-life, "Most Interesting Man In the World."

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Ken Kendrick: The Small Town West Virginian With a World Series Ring Mar 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the remarkable life story of Ken Kendrick, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ principal owner and general managing partner.

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The Story of the Sneaker: A Walk Through American History Mar 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nicholas Smith, author of Kicks: The Great American Story of Sneakers, takes us for a journey through American history... through the lens of the sneaker!

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Founding Father Benjamin Rush: Father of Psychiatry, the Army Medical Corps, and Veterinary Care Mar 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Benjamin Rush is America’s forgotten Founding Father; perhaps it’s because many historians don’t know what to do about his outspoken faith, after all, he wrote the essay, A Defense of the Bible as a Schoolbook. Rush is now known as the Father of Psychiatry, the Army Medical Corps, Veterinary Care, and biblically-taught Public Schools. Rush was the one who encouraged Thomas Paine to write “Common Sense,” which fueled the American Revolution. Harlow Giles Unger is a New York Times bestselling author of twenty-eight books including Dr. Benjamin Rush: The Founding Father Who Healed a Wounded Nation.

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The Man Who Spent $35MM Fighting A $400k Fake Wine Fraud Mar 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and America’s Cup winner Bill Koch doesn’t like being cheated. The latest episode for our “Rule of Law” series!

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The Harriet Tubman Story Mar 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Harriet Tubman is one of the giants of American history—a fearless visionary who led scores of her fellow slaves to freedom. Here to tell the story is Kate Clifford Larson, author of Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman: Portrait of an American Hero.

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Vietnam Special Forces Vet on the "Privileges of War" Mar 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1968, Tom Ross was the intelligence and operations officer of a unique Special Forces “A” Detachment in the Republic of South Vietnam—the elite unit also known as the “Green Berets.” Today, Tom Ross is the President and CEO of his own successful custom design jewelry firm, The Ross Jewelry Company, in Atlanta, Georgia, and is the author of Privileges of War: A Good Story of American Service in Vietnam.

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The Man Who Milks Snakes for a Living Mar 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, at the age of 6, Nathaniel Frank became intrigued with reptiles and dreamt of working with them one day. Today, Nathaniel is the CEO of MToxins Venom Lab. MToxins produces high volumes of snake and scorpion venom for the production of antivenom, which saves lives.

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"On The Wagon & Once In A Blue Moon" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 16) Mar 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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The WWII Story of a Black Man Who Rescued White Seamen by Swimming 6 Hours in Shark-Infested Waters Mar 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bruce Wigo—the former CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame—is here to share a story of an unknown American WWII war hero, Charles Jackson French.

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Ex-Slave Joins Union Army and Becomes the 1st Black Medal of Honor Recipient Mar 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of Army Sgt. William H. Carney, who became the first Black American to have earned the Medal of Honor for protecting one of the United States' greatest symbols during the Civil War—the American flag. Here to tell the story is the Jack Miller Centers’ Editorial Officer and historian, Elliott Drago. The Jack Miller Center is a nationwide network of scholars and teachers dedicated to educating the next generation about America’s founding principles and history. To learn more, visit jackmillercenter.org.

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Lightning in a Bottle: The Early Years of Coke Mar 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, why were Coke bottles green? How do Delta Airlines and Coca Cola relate? How did a syrup that was originally sold as a patent medicine end up as the South's greatest export in the post-Civil War economy? Larry Jorgensen, author of The Coca Cola Trail and the Return to the Coca Cola Trail tells the story of this sugary soft drink.

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George Will: Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, and the Summer of ‘41 Mar 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Will tells the story of Ted Williams and the son of a San Francisco fisherman, his “Streak,” and steely determination.

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Hear From One of Only 200 North Korean Escapees to America Mar 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Yeonmi Park was born in 1993 and in 2007 fled from North Korea with her family to China and settled in South Korea in 2009—before moving to the United States in 2014. What we are about to hear is Yeonmi’s story she gave to a group of students at the Young America’s Foundation in Santa Barbara, California.

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My Father’s Super-Secret Double Life as a Nuclear Missile Savant Mar 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, for 50 years, John Clauson's father was a simple "salesman," that is, until—nearing his deathbed—he revealed to his son a secret. John is here to tell the story from his book Missileman.

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Why Are Bananas So Cheap? Mar 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you think of the quintessential American fruit, it would probably have to be the apple. But apples are not our cheapest fruit—bananas are! But why? Here’s the History Guy with the story of the banana.

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"Gung-ho & Cheesy Smile" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Mar 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Alzheimer's Caregiver: “I Will Remember For The Both Of Us” Mar 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Laura Sangster shares her love story between her and her husband. All was well until her husband, Fred, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

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Stalin’s Daughter: American Citizen, Wisconsin Cheesehead?! Mar 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when 85-year-old Lana Peters passed away in 2011 from complications due to colon cancer, the nation seemed to have forgotten the woman who had become a sensation during the Cold War. The History Guy recalls the extraordinary life of the woman whose defection to the United States represented a seminal moment in history.

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The 46 Year-Long Journey to Finding My Sisters Mar 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, years after finding out she was adopted, Traci Huguley discovered she was not the only child adopted out. She then made it her mission to find her siblings.

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Abraham Lincoln: Our First "Wired" President Mar 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, you’ve heard Christopher Klein tell the story of “How Johnny Carson Saved Twister” and how Mark Twain helped Ulysses S. Grant complete his memoir that saved his wife from destitution. Here’s Chris with the story of how Abraham Lincoln used the telegraph to help win the Civil War.

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From Hangtime to Primetime: The Rise of the NBA Mar 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1950's and 60's the NBA could hardly be considered a professional sports league. Players held second jobs, played in small arenas, and no team existed west of Saint Louis. Today it's an 8.3 billion dollar entertainment and cultural icon. Pete Croatto, author of From Hang Time to Prime Time, explains how that happened.

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Me, My Dad, and the 37-Year Triple Crown Drought Mar 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2020 Gary Ginsberg retired as the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Communications at SoftBank Group Corp and he served at the highest levels at both Time Warner and News Corp. He’s here to share how the 37-year Triple Crown drought that was broken in 2015 brought with it a flood of memories of Sundays at the race track with his Dad.

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A Father Wanted A Clean Hotel For His Family... So He Created Holiday Inn Mar 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kemmons Wilson Jr. tells the story of how his father (Kemmons Wilson) created a hotel chain that established the modern hotel industry.

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The Improbable Story of How the Wright Brothers Changed World History Mar 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, much was at stake in this first race to space. Nations and top scientists across the globe pursued the elusive goal of powered flight, but two bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio - brothers with their own scant resources - made it happen. This is their story.

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The Bad Employee Who Defined Her Bank (Told by Ritz-Carlton Founder) Mar 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, a legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze has 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 Schulze with a short story about how excellence wins—or, how the lack thereof, will cause defeat.

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Truth Wins: The Story of Lance Armstrong’s Former Teammate, Tyler Hamilton Mar 06, 2023

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.

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Bankrupt and Dying from Cancer, Ulysses S. Grant Waged His Greatest Battle Mar 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, you’ve heard Christopher Klein tell the story of “How Johnny Carson Saved Twister.” He’s back with another one. Aided by Mark Twain, the former president and Civil War hero raced to complete a literary masterpiece that saved his wife from destitution.

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The Unlikely WWII B-24 Combat Pilot-Hero, George McGovern Mar 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s historian extraordinaire Stephen Ambrose to tell us a very unlikely World War II story about George McGovern, the liberal, antiwar Democratic presidential candidate from South Dakota who was soundly defeated by President Nixon in the 1972 election. This story is from The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys who Flew the B-24s over Germany.

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The American Surgeon Who Escaped the Viet Cong Mar 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hoat Hoang's childhood in South Vietnam was filled with family and fun times... Until the North Vietnamese communists began to ambush his village. Once Saigon fell to the communists' troops, Hoat and his family fled. Hoat tells the story of their escape and his journey to becoming a surgeon in the U.S.

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“Put A Sock In It” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 18) Mar 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Becoming Dr. Seuss: The Making of an American Imagination (born 1904) Mar 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, from Green Eggs and Ham to How the Grinch Stole Christmas, we’re all familiar with the work of Dr. Seuss. But the story of how he actually became the author we know and love is far from short and simple. Brain Jay Jones, author of “Becoming Dr. Seuss,” is here with the full story of the man behind this pen name.

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How a Fake Doctor Ran Carnival Sideshows, Saved Thousands of Infants, and Changed Medical History Mar 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Martin Couney carried a secret with him, but the results are unimpeachable. It was Coney Island in the early 1900’s. Beyond the Four-Legged Woman, the sword swallowers, and “Lionel the Lion-Faced Man,” was an entirely different exhibit: rows of tiny, premature human babies living in glass incubators. Here to tell the story is Dawn Raffel, author of The Strange Case of Dr. Couney: How a Mysterious European Showman Saved Thousands of American Babies. "Fascinating, mysterious and compelling...written with great style and the energy of a can't-put-down thriller." —The Chicago Tribune

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Severely Wounded Army Ranger Michael Schlitz Now Inspires Other Men Mar 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Michael Schlitz was born in Milan, IL. He 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).

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The Story of Charleston: The Way Life Used to Be, And Perhaps, Is Supposed to Be Mar 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tommy Dew’s Walking Tour of Charleston, SC, has been praised and recommended by the likes of the Wall Street Journal to TripAdvisor. Tommy is here to share the story of Charleston—from the American Revolution to today.

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A Black Man (Jesse Owens) and a Nazi: A Friendship Forged in Competition & Courage Mar 02, 2023

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.

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Patty Kingsbaker's Elvis Encounter Mar 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Patty from Colorado not only has a great Elvis story, but she is very good at telling it!

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The Story of Asbestos Mar 01, 2023

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.

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Mr. 60s: A Baby-Boomer’s Triumph Mar 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Joe Quinn, a listener from West Virginia, with his story.

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“In a Nutshell & In the Doghouse” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 10) Mar 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Stephen Ambrose: 1941 and the Path to Pearl Harbor Mar 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the great Stephen Ambrose tells the story of 1941—the year that would bring the United States into WWII after the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor.

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Chuck Colson’s (Watergate’s “Evil Genius”) Fall From the Center of Power into Prison... Feb 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of Chuck Colson's Watergate fallout—told by Chuck himself who served as Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon. We’d like to thank Chuck’s dear friends at the Acton Institute who graciously provided us with this September 2011 interview. It was the last interview Chuck Colson granted before passing at 80-years of age in 2012.

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No Star, No Cape Feb 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, regular listener/contributor Roger Latham, from Fort Worth, Texas, shares a story about his father.

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The "Slap Shot" Story with Dave Hanson Feb 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the choice of three then-minor league hockey players to play the Hanson Brothers in "Slap Shot" starring Paul Newman was a casting hat-trick. When Dave "Killer" Hanson (middle guy in pic)—was drafted for the movie, the Hanson brothers were born. This is his story.

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Roller Skating in the House Feb 28, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, long time listener Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of her childhood home...and roller skating in it.

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Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon Feb 28, 2023

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 the way he lived. Greg Laurie is here to tell the story from his recent book/documentary, Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon. Celebrating a voice unforgettable and a faith unshakable.

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Aaron Marques and the Modern American Dream Feb 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of a kid who picked onions for 12-14 hours a day and went on to found a company that would generate over $100 million in annual revenue!

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Going Postal: How The USPS Came To Be Feb 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the United States Postal Service was established in 1792. It’s hard to believe that a service that was created over 2 centuries ago, is still used by everyone every day. But what’s even more shocking, is that there was actually a lot of debate about whether there should even be a federal post office in the first place… Here’s Daniel Piazza of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum with the story.

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Dick Erickson: My Surreal Encounter in Vietnam Feb 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of Dick Erickson, a Marine helicopter pilot who served in Vietnam.

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Stephen Ambrose on Lewis and Clark Feb 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose shares some stories from his #1 New York Times bestseller, Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West.

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Gang Leader Turned Death Row Chaplain Feb 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Earl Smith is an unlikely gangbanger-turned chaplain at America's largest death row prison in San Quentin, CA.

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The Gospel of Gettysburg: The Story Behind the Story of the Gettysburg Address Feb 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lee Habeeb with the story behind the story of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

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The MiG and the B-50 Bomber Feb 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, at the height of the Cold War a Russian MiG and an American weather plane meet over the North Pole. Richard Muniz tells the rest of the story.

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How an Escaped Slave Hijacked a Confederate Ship and Sailed it to Freedom Feb 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s The History Guy with the tale of an escaped slave-turned Civil War legend named Robert Smalls.

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Lost and Found in Alaska Feb 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kent Nerburn shares the story of a harrowing journey into Alaska, and the lessons he learned along the way.

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James Maguire on Ed Sullivan and the Ed Sullivan Show Feb 23, 2023

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.

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The Patch and the Stream Where The American Fell Feb 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the remarkable story of an unbreakable brotherhood and one man's quest to return the remains of his fellow pilot to US soil.

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There's No Smell Like Home Feb 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Randall Haley shares how the scents from So Delta Candle Company helped alleviate some of her homesickness.

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The Woman Who Saved the Lewis and Clark Expedition Feb 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Dedra Birzer of Hillsdale College tells the story of Sacagawea, who was absolutely essential to the survival of Lewis and Clark during their journey into the recently acquired Louisiana Territory.

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Community Before Self: Malin Burnham Feb 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Malin Burnham has made San Diego his home, and one of the best places to work and play in America as well...but how did this Americas Cup winner do it?

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A Father's Note To Him "Timeless" Daughter Who Functions at a Toddler Level Feb 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richmond radio host Jeff Katz shares a note that his daughter won't ever read, but will surely impact your life for the better.

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When Shooting Weddings and Shooting Storms Collide Feb 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Olbinski is an Arizona based photographer. He takes family photos, shoots weddings and also... chases storms. Here’s Mike with how he got into this unique career.

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Moonshine Runners and the Birth of NASCAR Feb 22, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, long before NASCAR’s rampant commercialism lurks a distant history of dark secrets that have 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.

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The Story of John Adams Feb 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Adams is the Pulitzer Prize–winning biography of America’s founding father and second president that was the basis for the acclaimed HBO series, brilliantly told by master historian David McCullough. The John Adams story you are about to hear was given by David McCullough at The John Adams Institute in the Netherlands. The Institutes’ name commemorates the man who was the first American emissary to the Netherlands in 1780. We’d like give a heartfelt thank you to The John Adams Institute and their podcast, “Bright Minds” for allowing us to share this story with our listeners. Here’s David McCullough with the story of John Adams.

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James Madison: The Lawgiver Feb 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, tells the story of our fourth President.

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America’s First Real Life Superhero: George Washington Feb 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, former Air Force Captain and Air Force OSI Special Agent Vince Benedetto shares his story of going to a school to teach students about why we honor our veterans. But to understand why, we have to understand who made our country possible in the first place....

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George Washington At Princeton and Trenton Feb 21, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Aristotle says that the highest thing we can see is beauty and that it involves moral acts, and acts of courage. Dr. Larry Arnn of Hillsdale College tells the story of the man that exemplified that the most during the Founding Era-George Washington.

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Sean Pronger: That Day I Was Gretzky’s Hungover Linemate Feb 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sean Pronger always dreamed of being and playing with Wayne Gretzky. Find out what happens when his dream... meets his hangover.

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Ilene Hall Joined the Army to Search for Her Husband During WWII Feb 20, 2023

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. When her husband, to whom she was married in March 1943, finished his training and was about to be shipped overseas, the young Canton, Ohio girl decided not to put an ocean between them. Here she is to tell her story!

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The Intimidator: Dale Earnhardt's Life In The Fast Lane Feb 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when one thinks of basketball, they might think of Kobe Bryant or LeBron James, and when one thinks of football they might think of Tom Brady or Jerry Rice...when one thinks of NASCAR though, only one name stands above the rest. Dale Earnhardt. Here's Jay Busbee, author of Earnhardt Nation, with the story of "The Intimidator"

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How The NBA Got to NBC Feb 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1989 the NBA signed a $600 million contract with NBC to have the network air their games for four years. It was a long road to get there though. Pete Croatto, author of From Hang Time to Prime Time, tells the story.

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After 50 Years of Silence, Korean War Pilot Shares His Top-Secret Mission Feb 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, between the Korean and the Vietnam Wars, U.S. Navy Captain Royce Williams flew over 220 missions. The following story was classified as Top Secret, and for more than 50 years Captain Williams didn’t tell a soul—not even his wife. Nobody knew what this 27-year-old South Dakotan did that day over the skies of Korea—until now.

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The Salem Witch Trials and the American Puritans Feb 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, historical truths often emerge with time. Early on, a hush descended over 1692-1693 Salem Witch Trials for generations. Then came playwright Arthur Miller, who made off with the story, or at least his version of it. Since 1953, The Crucible has become the culturally-accepted story line that has come to define American Puritans (e.g., the Pilgrims) and the city of Salem itself. Dr. Stephen Nichols is president of Reformation Bible College, chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries. He’s here to tell the story of the Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials.

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Robert Redford's "Jeremiah Johnson”: The Real Story of a Hollywood Mountain Man Feb 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the lore and legend of the American Mountain Man is a story that only seems to grow with time. In 2015, Leonardo DiCaprio played the legendary Mountain Man, Hugh Glass in The Revenant. And in 1972, Robert Redford starred as the title character in Jeremiah Johnson. And like Hugh Glass, Johnson too was a real-life fur trapper. Here to separate fact from fiction 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.

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Leonard Vs. Pepsico Inc: The Time A Kid Sued Pepsi for A Harrier Jet Feb 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn about the law school classic Leonard v. PepsiCo Inc., which helps kids navigate the curious world of contract law, but in 1999 it was serious business. Sean Kernan of Medium helps us tell the story...

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Bearing Witness: One Black Troop's Trip to Buchenwald Feb 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rona Simmons, author of The Other Veterans Of World War II, Stories from Behind the Front Lines, tells the story of Bill Scott, an African American combat engineer and photographer from Alabama who became one of the "black angels" for prisoners at Buchenwald Concentration Camp.

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Lavagirl: Why She Quit Childhood Acting Feb 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, actress Taylor Dooley shares the story of when she played the role of Lavagirl at the age of 13. More than 15 years later, she has returned to acting to play the same role in the Netflix Film We Can Be Heroes. Take a listen to hear Taylor tell her story.

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The Vincent van Gogh of Acting? HINT: He Played "Fredo" Feb 16, 2023

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. Further, he appeared posthumously in archival footage in The Godfather Part III, which was also nominated for Best Picture, maintaining his perfect record. He is the only actor in history to have this distinction. John Cazale played one of the most iconic characters in film history: Fredo Corleone from The Godfather. Yet today, most people don’t even know his name. Here to tell this story is Jonjo Powers, author of A Small Perfection: John Cazale and the Art of Acting.

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My Life After Firefighting Feb 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, James, a retired fire captain, shares his story of firefighting and the emotions that come along with it.

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From Steel Town to Tinsel Town: The Life of Composer Henry Mancini Feb 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, today, Henry Mancini is recognized as one of Hollywood's greatest composers, creating the 'Pink Panther Theme' and 'Moon River' from Breakfast at Tiffany's among other pieces. Lesser known, however, is that Henry's life started in a steel town outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here to tell his story, and the story of their life together, is Henry's wife, Virginia Mancini.

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Selling Her "RedHead" Wine to Walmart Feb 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we met Marisa Sergi at Walmart's "Open Call," where she pitched her RedHead Wine that is now in over 150 Walmart stores!

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The Secret History of Valentine's Day Feb 15, 2023

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?

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South Carolina's Revolutionary Heroine Feb 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor from South Carolina, Dennis Peterson, shares the story of Dicey Langston...an American Revolutionary War heroine who saved her family and fellow patriots from one of the most notorious gangs of Tory outlaws at the time.

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The Car Repair Shop That's Changing Lives: Higher Power Garage Feb 15, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Gideon was just a gear head who loved working on cars and restoring classics (something he thought he could retire on). But, God had other plans...

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The Secret History of Valentine's Day Feb 14, 2023

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?

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Life Lessons From A Dairy Farm Feb 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Listener and Contributor, Katrina Hine, shares a personal story from one of her first jobs out of high school entitled “Cow Patty“.

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Lincoln's Greatest Speech Americans Have Never Heard: Cooper Union Feb 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vince Benedetto, founder of Bold Gold Media Group, tells the story of the Cooper Union address-the greatest speech of Lincoln's that Americans have never heard, and the speech that made him President.

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Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer Feb 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our storyteller is James Swanson, the NYT Bestseller of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer.

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Robert Todd Lincoln: In His Father's Shadow Feb 14, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers the 16th President’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Because of his father, Abraham Lincoln, Robert Todd's life has been largely forgotten—but it deserves to be remembered.

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Love and Sacrifice: The Navy’s "Jackie Robinson" (Told by Granddaughter) Feb 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of America's first Black Naval Aviator, 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 his Jesse's life. Here to tell the story is Jesse's granddaughter, Jessica Leroyce Knight Henry.

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“Soft and Weak” Americans Try Stopping Nazis in 1943 Feb 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story from Stephen Ambrose begins in early 1943—America's first battle during the Second World War.

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A Town After a Tornado Feb 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Paul Kotz shares about his service trip to Mayfield, Kentucky several months after a tornado devastated the town.

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The Interrupted Odyssey of Ulysses S. Grant and Ely Parker Feb 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Mary Stockwell, author of Interrupted Odyssey: Ulysses S. Grant and the American Indians, tells the story of how the lives of America's first Native American appointed to a cabinet level position and our 18th President intertwined.

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The Men Who Built the Most Expensive and Most Powerful Gun Feb 10, 2023

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 after it was auctioned for $1.8 million in 2018. Here to tell the story of the legendary Colt Walker revolver is Logan Metesh. Logan founded and runs High Caliber History LLC and has more than a decade of experience working for the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service.

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“Knock on Wood & Kick the Bucket” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 11) Feb 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Snowflake Bentley (born on This Day in History 1865) Feb 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Jerry Bergman’s here to tell us the story of a teenage boy who became interested in snow. On January 15, 1885, at 20-years of age, he became the first person in the world to photograph a snowflake.

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Donald Wilson Humble Hero Feb 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney Shares her Uncle Donald Wilson's war story.

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"Wild Bill" Donovan, America’s Top Spymaster Feb 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, “Wild Bill" Donovan was one of America’s most exciting and secretive generals—the man President Franklin Roosevelt made his top spy in World War II. “Wild Bill" was director of the Office of Strategic Services (the country’s first national intelligence agency). He is known as the founding father of both the CIA and the military's Special Operations Forces—along with being credited as the father of psychological and cyber warfare. Here to tell the story is Douglas Waller. He is the author of the bestseller, Wild Bill Donovan: The Spymaster Who Created the OSS and Modern American Espionage.

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A Surprise Gift for a Widowed Husband Feb 09, 2023

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 it was her voice that 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.

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A Brief History of Toilet Paper Feb 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, how ironic it is that we’ve recently seen how a product that is disposable to be the product that is most indispensable. Here’s the History Guy with the story of toilet paper.

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John Ford: Hollywood Goes to War Feb 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Ford was arguably Hollywood’s greatest director. As WWII began, the 47-year-old Ford was at the top of his game and at the top of Hollywood. So what does he do? He quits Hollywood and goes on active duty in the U.S. Navy. Roger McGrath is here to tell the story.

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Why She Chose to Celebrate Her Pregnancy With a 50% Chance of Survival Feb 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lex Ginger was told from a young age that she probably would never be able to have children. So, she was extremely shocked when she got pregnant immediately when she and her husband began trying. Some questioned her decision to celebrate this pregnancy that had only a 50% chance of survival... Here she is with her incredible story.

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The Angels of Bataan Feb 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Clare tells the story of a nurse who served in the Philippines during World War II, and shares the experience that she and others like her went through after the Japanese invasion there.

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The Henry Steinway Story Feb 08, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Henry Steinway's story is about resiliency and the search for freedom.

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Why Does Fighting Exist in Hockey? Feb 07, 2023

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.

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Aaron Burr, The Opportunistic Patriot Feb 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk tells the story of America's first practical politician, Aaron Burr, in a tale of skill, bravery, honor, deception, and memory. Burr was so much more than the man who shot Alexander Hamilton.

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"Dark Horse & Dead Ringer" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Feb 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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The Story of Chuck Taylor, the Billy Graham of Basketball Feb 07, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, he wasn't an NBA star: He was a sneaker salesman that helped popularize the sport of basketball, and the sneakers that now bear his name. This is his story.

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America's Cowboy: The Story of Will Rogers Feb 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Will Rogers' famous quotes ring as true today as they did in the Great Depression. "Congress opens with a prayer and ends with an investigation", "make crime pay...become a lawyer", "the only difference between death and taxes is death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets". Here to tell the story of the man is Tad Jones, the director of the Will Rogers Memorial and audio from Lux Radio Theatre.

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My 48 Hours with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly Feb 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, while working for Dick Cavett, Steve Stoliar met not one but two of Hollywood’s greatest dance legends.

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Virginia Hall: The True Story of America's Greatest Female Spy Feb 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, meet the woman the Gestapo once considered "the most dangerous of all Allied spies." Judy Pearson tells the tale of a woman whose bravery was greater than the collapsing world around her.

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Ugandan Street Kid to American Foster Dad Feb 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Peter Mutabazi was born on the border of Uganda and Rwanda. He escaped an abusive father by running away to the capital of Uganda, Kampala, where he lived on the streets for 4 years and never slept more than 2 hours... until one day he met a stranger that would change his life forever. For more of Peter's story visit.

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Trapped Inside a Tube: The Iron Lung Story Feb 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medical Museum tells the story of the iron lung, a device used to keep people with advanced polio alive in the first half of the 20th century.

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The Bible: The Best-Selling Book of All Time Feb 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, take a listen to The History Guy as he tells the history of the Bible.

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Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women Feb 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1898, the chemical element that glows in the dark was discovered. Years later, young women began working in radium factories, which was viewed as a very glamorous, upscale job. Kate Moore, author of “Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women”, shares the story of these women.

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The Atomic Marine Feb 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells the story of Toby Madrid and his experience of partaking in the testing of an atomic bomb in Nevada.

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Connecting People Through Salt and Pepper Shakers Feb 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, right below the Great Smoky Mountains you will find the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. Andrea Ludden, daughter of the original collector, shares the story of how this amazing collection came to be a museum.

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Two Funerals, One Steelers Legend Feb 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim O'Brien describes Pittsburgh Steelers' founding owner Art Rooney, Sr. as "the grandfather he needed." Rooney taught O'Brien the importance of always attending the funeral, whether of a friend or an acquaintance. Jim tells the incredible story of what Art Rooney, Sr. did for a man he barely even know while they were both in the middle of deep grief.

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When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi Feb 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, more than any other sports figure, Vince Lombardi transformed football into a metaphor of 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.

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She Wanted to Become a Movie Star, so She Moved to... a National Park? Feb 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, growing up in small-town Mississippi, all Donna Martin wanted to do was move to a big city and become a famous actress. When the opportunity arose to move to California for the summer, she didn't hesitate. Only one problem... there aren't many acting opportunities in Yosemite National Park.

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Robert Ray: "The Good Governor" Feb 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, after the United States pulled out of Vietnam, their allies in Indochina were all alone. Faced with the prospect of slavery, torture, and death at the hands of the Communists they fought against, many asked to be resettled in the United States. Robert Ray, the governor of Iowa, stepped up. Matthew R. Walsh, author of The Good Governor: Robert Ray and the Indochinese Refugees of Iowa, tells the story of this remarkable man who was driven by faith and a commitment to helping his fellow man.

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He Knew He'd Work for the Pittsburgh Pirates Since He Was 7 Feb 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, while he didn't have a job offer or even the skills for the job, Joe Klimchak was inspired by a Pirates legend to pursue his MLB career dream.

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Stephen Ambrose on 1943 and America’s Nazi/Soviet Conundrum Feb 01, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose shares a WWII story beginning in January of 1943 with the Soviet victory over the Nazis at Stalingrad and ending with the Allied resolution of Unconditional Surrender.

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Lincoln On The Verge Jan 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of President Abraham Lincoln's harrowing train trip to Washington, D.C., to be sworn in as the leader of a new—and divided—nation. Joining us to tell the story is Ted Widmer, author of Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington.

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When Bonnie and Clyde Came to Town Jan 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, to some they were heroes stealing from banks that had foreclosed on them during the Great Depression. To others, they were outlaws and murderers... but when the Barrow gang rolled into the small town of Dexter, Iowa, they were initially strangers. It didn't take long before they were found out though. Rod Stanley of the Dexter Museum tells the story.

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Caring For My Dying Husband Made Life Worth Living Jan 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tracy Grant is the Managing Editor at The Washington Post. She is also the author of the essay that appeared in The Washington Post, “I was my husband’s caregiver as he was dying of cancer. It was the best seven months of my life.”

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The Best Worst Counterfeiter in American History Jan 31, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Emerich Juettner was an upstanding citizen... for most of his life.

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Dick Bong, Ace of Aces: The Greatest Fighter Pilot in American History Jan 30, 2023

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.

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Fawn Weaver: A Woman's Self-Made Journey from Motown to Small Town Jan 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Fawn Weaver grew up the daughter of Motown Record royalty, Frank Wilson, but her parentage is only the beginning. From growing up, moving out young, and starting several business, she's learned lessons about equality, fitting in, fear, and much more.

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The Baylor Basketball Incident: An Eyewitness to One of the Biggest Scandals (and Turnarounds) in NCAA History Jan 30, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is a story about one of the biggest scandals in college basketball history—along with one of its biggest turnarounds. Here to tell the story is former Baylor Basketball player Matt Sayman, author of The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond.

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Richard's Rainwater Jan 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, there are over 80 bottled water companies in the United States, but one of them has changed the game forever, Richard Heinichen's company, Richard's Rainwater.

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“Son of a Gun & Steal My Thunder” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 21) Jan 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Reconnecting With My Absent Father Who Was Presumed Dead Jan 27, 2023

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 on in life.

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Louis Zamperini: In His Own Words (born 1917) Jan 27, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this story was made into a 2014 motion picture directed by Angelina Jolie 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 Zamperini’s story were left out of the film, you will be hearing them told now by the man himself.

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1945 Empire State Building B-25 Crash Jan 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in July 1945, a U.S. B-25 Mitchell got lost in heavy fog over Manhattan. Here’s The History Guy remembering the B-25 Empire State Building Crash.

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Burrito Restaurant Offers Job To Burglar Jan 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, after Diablos Southwest Grill was broken into owner Carl Wallace made a Facebook post with a job offer for the perpetrator. To Carl’s surprise, the post quickly went viral, bringing international attention to their store.

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King Solomon, Town's Grave Digging Drunk-Turned Hero Jan 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, King Solomon was a gravedigger who may have saved the town of Lexington during the Cholera epidemic of 1833. Kentucky journalist Sam Terry tells the story of the man they called “King Solomon.”

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The Life of Duke Ellington: An American Original Jan 26, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, some believe he was the most important composer of the 20th century, in or out of jazz. Terry Teachout, one of America's best culture writers and author of Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington, tells the story of the jazz legend, his music, his struggles, his triumphs and so much more.

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The Brooklyn Bridge (The History Guy) Jan 25, 2023

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.” The connection it provided between the massive population centers of Brooklyn and Manhattan changed the course of New York City forever. Here's The History Guy with the story.

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From Darkness to Light: The Story of Tony Maglica Jan 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, escaping the horrors of World War II in Croatia, Tony Maglica's flashlights are proudly made in America—and his dreams were too.

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The Man Who Created the Coors Light Silver Bullet Can: A Cuban Refugee Jan 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of Marc Barrios, a cuban refugee would make his mark on the American Advertising Industry

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Churchill: Walking With Destiny Jan 25, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Winston Churchill is the only Englishman to be honored by having a United States Navy Ship named after him. He was also half American via his mother's side. English historian Andrew Roberts, author of Churchill: Walking With Destiny, tells the story of this remarkable leader.

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How I Came to Terms With My Navy Cross Jan 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Karl Marlantes, author of Matterhorn and What Its Like To Go To War, tells the story of how he received his medals in Vietnam and how he grappled with them, when so many had done more and gotten less than him.

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America Builds Up: The Bremerton Naval Yards Jan 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, teacher, organist, choir director, and World War II history buff Anne Clare tells the story of how World War II impacted a small Navy town on the West Coast.

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John Moses Browning: The Mormon Inventor Whose Firearms Changed the World Jan 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, few people are aware that John Moses Browning—a tall, modest man born in 1855 and raised as a Mormon in the American West-- 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 which dominated air and land battles in World War II. Nathan Gorenstein (author of The Guns of John Moses Browning: The Remarkable Story of the Inventor Whose Firearms Changed the World) is here to tell the story of this little-known American legend whose impact on history ranks with that of the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford.

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“Red Tape” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 19) Jan 24, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his recurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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"Bless You" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 6) Jan 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson, the author of Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffiling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Hollywood Goes to War: Tim McCoy Jan 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another “Hollywood Goes to War” story from Roger McGrath. 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.

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The 1946 Battle of Alcatraz Jan 23, 2023

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.

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Bad Medicine: Life Before the FDAc Jan 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medical Museum tells the story of patent medicine, which didn't do much except line the pockets of their creators.

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Indians, a Jew, and a Hotel Partnership Jan 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike telling the story about how he—a Jew—started the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.

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A Texas Boy Vs. the Air Traffic Control Bully Jan 23, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we have another story from our regular listener/contributor Roger Latham, from Fort Worth, Texas.

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The Outsiders: House of Pain Rapper Restores House from Coppola's Movie Jan 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, since being released in 1983, Francis Ford Coppola’s film adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s coming-of-age novel The Outsiders has found continued popularity and has achieved official cult status. And now, in what is surely one of the most interesting pop culture intersections of all time, hip-hop artist Danny Boy O’Connor from the rap group House of Pain—best known for their iconic 1992 anthem “Jump Around”—purchased the Tulsa, Oklahoma home where much of The Outsiders film was shot.

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Moose Prayer Jan 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul moved our listeners with his story “Wilber and the Empty Nester” and “A Baby Boomer’s Battle with Insanity and Fitness.” Here he is with a story simply titled: “Moose Prayer.”

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After Appomattox: Gen. Robert E. Lee in the Post-War Years Jan 20, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, on April 9, 1865, at the Appomattox County Court House, Virginia, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his 28,000 troops to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the American Civil War. So much has been said about this legendary General in between the years of 1861 to 1865, yet very little is known about this major American historical figure after his surrender? Here to tell the story is Gettysburg National Military Park Ranger, Matt Atkinson.

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Oliver Halle: Swift Boat Vietnam Vet with a "Life Changing" Family Secret Jan 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Oliver Halle shares some stories while he was in the Navy during the Vietnam War and also about his family (who resisted the Nazis and fled to America) secret that would forever change his life. The Veteran’s History Project at the Atlanta History Center provides unedited first-person interviews from men and women who served our great country.

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Curly Was My Grandfather... But My Family Kept It A Secret From Me Jan 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brad Server grew up watching the Three Stooges on TV not knowing he was related to one of the greatest comics of all time. Every day after school, Brad, his brother, and their friends would pile in front of the television to watch their idol, Curly. Then one day, the secret about their unknown grandfather was unveiled. Brad Server (aka “Curly G”) is here to tell his story.

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"Run Amuck" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 20) Jan 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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“Black Harry” Hoosier: The Story Behind Indiana’s Namesake Jan 19, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, how did Indiana get its nickname as “The Hoosier State”? And how did people from Indiana come to be called “Hoosiers”? Here to answer these questions and tell the story is Dr. Stephen Flick.

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Jim Johnson: How Hawking Hot Dogs in the MLB Changed My Life Jan 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim Johnson wowed our listeners back in December with his story, “Everett's Last Christmas Carol.” We asked if had another story to share.

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"In My Father's Village, Nobody Could Read...He Moved to America and Became an Engineer" Jan 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, in Kevin Samy's father's village in India, they actually had to call in a person from another village to teach their children to read. Their chalkboard was the dirt floor of the building they learned in. He'd eventually move to the United States and become an engineer. Kevin Samy shares his family's remarkable American dream story.

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Levi Strauss: The Jewish Immigrant Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World Jan 18, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of how Levi Strauss got his American Dream stitched into a pair of blue jeans—the fabric of freedom. Here to tell this story is Lynn Downey. Lynn was the first in-house historian for Levi Strauss & Co. and is the author of the wonderfully readable biography, Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World.

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Bruce Wang, All-American: The Chinese Cowboy With A Southern Accent Jan 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bruce may be Chinese-born, but as you are about to hear, he’s all American.

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Pepsi Had the 6th Largest Navy in the World? Jan 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers rubles, cola and a kitchen that changed history. It is a forgotten moment during the Cold War that deserves to be remembered.

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Eric Motley: When Character Stands Tall Jan 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, despite being generally liked by the fraternity he was rushing, some parents of the boys expressed their dismay at Eric's wanting to join the group. His would-be fraternity brothers put their enjoyment and reputations on the line to fight the unjustified hate.

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Heart-Washing: My Antidote to 14 Years of Brainwashing in a Communist Prison Jan 17, 2023

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.

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“High and Dry & Let the Cat Out of the Bag” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 12) Jan 17, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his recurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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“The NOT So Wild, Wild West” Jan 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, As part of our rule of law series, P.J. Hill, rancher and co-author of “The Not So Wild, Wild West: Property Rights on the Frontier,” explains the misunderstanding behind the American West. Find his book here (https://www.amazon.com/Not-So-Wild-West-Economics/dp/0804748543)

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He Bought A Sub Shop At 17… Jersey Mike’s Now Has Nearly 2,000 Locations! Jan 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn about "The Back Story" of Jersey Mike's Subs, with founder Peter Cancro and his remarkable journey.

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The Fire of Genius: How Lincoln Overcame Poverty and Gained an Education Jan 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Lincoln was asked on a questionaire to describe his education he only wrote one word: defective. That didn't stop him from becoming one of the premiere thinkers of his time however. David Kent, author of Lincoln Lincoln: The Fire of Genius, tells the story of how Lincoln overcame poverty and rural isolation to reach those heights.

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An Army Moves On Its Stomach... And Lots of Coffee Jan 16, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells a story that one of his friends told him on a coffee incident that took place on the USS Enterpise.

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John O’Neil On The First B-17 To Bomb Berlin Jan 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it was never supposed to be them...but through an extraordinary chain of events, Lt. Bill Owen's crew managed to become the first B-17 crew to drop bombs in the heart of the Third Reich. John O'Neil, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, tells the story as his father, the tail and waist gunner on the B-17, told it.

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Buffalo Bill Cody: A Legend in His Own Time, and in Ours Jan 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the NFL team in Buffalo, New York, was named after him. But if you caught Paul Newman’s Cody in Robert Altman’s 1976 film, Buffalo Bill and the Indians, you might think Cody was a drunk, a coward, a liar and a con man. Here to tell the real story is Roger McGrath.

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Five Floors Up: The Heroic Family Story of Four Generations in the FDNY Jan 13, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, seen through the eyes of four generations of a firefighter family, Five Floors Up the story of the modern New York City Fire Department. From the days just after the horse-drawn firetruck, to the devastation of the 1970s when the Bronx was Burning, to the unspeakable tragedy of 9/11, to the culture-busting department of today, a Feehan has worn the shoulder patch of the FDNY. Here's Five Floors Up author, Brian McDonald with the story.

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Captain John Smith: American Hero Jan 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, many people know John Smith as the man who was saved by Pocahontas. But what you may not know is that he led a life full of adventure. Here to tell the story is Juliana Rogers, author of Captain John Smith: American Hero.

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The Tone Deaf, Bad Poet Who Wrote The National Anthem Jan 12, 2023

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 and right after one of America’s great military victories.

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The Church Where They Preach in 5 Different Languages Jan 12, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Josh and Lauren Manning needed a grand change in life...and they found the opportunity at Noel Community Baptist Church in Noel, Missouri...where and influx of immigrants and refugees necessitated a lot of adaptation, understanding, and a few translators in the church.

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John O’Neil On The First B-17 To Bomb Berlin Jan 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, it was never supposed to be them...but through an extraordinary chain of events, Lt. Bill Owen's crew managed to become the first B-17 crew to drop bombs in the heart of the Third Reich. John O'Neil, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, tells the story as his father, the tail and waist gunner on the B-17, told it.

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Buffalo Bill Cody: A Legend in His Own Time, and in Ours Jan 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the NFL team in Buffalo, New York, was named after him. But if you caught Paul Newman’s Cody in Robert Altman’s 1976 film, Buffalo Bill and the Indians, you might think Cody was a drunk, a coward, a liar and a con man. Here to tell the real story is Roger McGrath.

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Five Floors Up: The Heroic Family Story of Four Generations in the FDNY Jan 11, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, seen through the eyes of four generations of a firefighter family, Five Floors Up the story of the modern New York City Fire Department. From the days just after the horse-drawn fire truck, to the devastation of the 1970s when the Bronx was Burning, to the unspeakable tragedy of 9/11, to the culture-busting department of today, a Feehan has worn the shoulder patch of the FDNY. Here's Five Floors Up author, Brian McDonald with the story.

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From Tech-Startup to Making a Wooden Pen with His Dad: The Story of Allegory Jan 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, for Chad and Jess Schumacher, life seemed to be going really well and as "according to plan" as life could... and then life took a number of sharp and unexpected turns. What resulted shaped their family and career for the next decade.

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The Woman Who Stood Up To George Washington Jan 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, During the Revolutionary War Esther Reed decided the Patriot troops needed a morale boost. Reed, along with other Patriot Women began a campaign to raise money for the cause. When she brought her idea to General Washington, he had another idea of what she should do with the money.

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Arm Wrestling: A Professional Sport Jan 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dustin Tomlinson tells the story of how he discovered arm wrestling and decided to take his skill off of the hood of a truck and into the competative arena.

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The Quintessential American Story of a Classic American Song Jan 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lee Habeeb tells the story of how "Georgia On My Mind" came to be, and how it became a song the world would come to know and love.

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The Titanic’s Last Hero Jan 10, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lowell Lytle has been one of the privileged few who has 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 is also the author of the inspiring read, Diving Into The Deep.

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The History of the Barcode Jan 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, barcodes, on most products properly called a UPC, or “Universal Product Code,” are a necessity for everyday life. Here’s the History Guy with the story.

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The Transatlantic Cable: A Thread Across the Ocean Jan 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, historian John Steele Gordon tells the story of how the telegraph went from Samuel Morse to winning WWI and how one man spearheaded the effort to connect America to Great Britain and, in doing so, the rest of the world.

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The Museum Dedicated To Mustard Jan 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Barry Levenson went from arguing cases in front of the Supreme Court to having the world's largest collection of mustard....and writing a few books about the stuff as well.

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Willie Kennard, First Black Lawman in Colorado Jan 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, murder and mayhem ran unchecked in the town of Yankee Hill....things were a mess, and they needed a real life good guy to save them. Thankfully, Willie Kennard was that man. Richard Muniz tells the story of Colorado's first black lawman.

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"PEZ: From Austrian Invention To American Icon" Jan 09, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, PEZ had great success where it was invented, but changed its course drastically after initially failing in America. Shawn Peterson shares the story of how this manual candy dispenser came to be.

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George Washington: From Good Man to Great General Jan 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington is remembered in our history books, our nation's capital, and the values Americans still esteem today. He can often seem more marble than mortal. Woody Holton brings us the story of Washington wasn't always the man we celebrate today... as well as how he became the hero we know him as.

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Trapped Inside a Tube: The Iron Lung Story Jan 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medical Museum tells the story of the iron lung, a device used to keep people with advanced polio alive in the first half of the 20th century.

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How Piggly Wiggly Created the Modern Supermarket Jan 06, 2023

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.

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The Shocking Story Behind the Diamond Engagement Ring Jan 06, 2023

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 and then wrote The Heartless Stone.

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A Family Lived in the New York Public Library? Jan 06, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories,our audience loved Kristin O'Donnell Tubb’s wonderful story from her historical fiction book, John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy. So we asked if she would share another story with us. Here she is telling the story of the family that lived in the New York Public Library.

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What Happened to Saturday Morning Cartoons? Jan 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mark McCray is the author of The Best Saturday’s of Our Lives. He’s here to tell us the story of Saturday Morning Cartoons… and answer the all-important question: What happened to them?

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The Family The Size Of A Baseball Team Jan 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Bohlender family has 10 children, 6 of which are adopted. Take a listen to hear their stories of adoption and how they came to found the adoption agency Zoe’s House.

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Civil War Protector: Col. Justin Dimick Jan 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes from our regular contributor, Christopher Klein. Klein is the author of four books and is a frequent contributor to the History Channel. He’s here to share a story of an unknown Civil War hero.

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The Man Who Rescued Over 10,000 Stranded Motorists Jan 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Weller, also known as 'The San Diego Highwayman' shares the story of why he dedicated his time to helping people on the side of the road.

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"All Hell Broke Loose" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 1) Jan 05, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his recurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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The Fateful Night During WWII Cecil Wax Met God Jan 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Marilyn Jensen tells the harrowing story of when her father went on a supply run amidst a German bombing.

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To Mow or Not to Mow: History and Lawn Care Jan 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the idea of a lawn is very old, but it took a key technology to make lawns very common. Here’s “The History Guy” with the story of lawn care.

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The Littleton Brothers Jan 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Busbee of The Culture Buzz on KFMG 98.9 tells the story of the remarkable sacrifice made by one family in Iowa during the Civil War.

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How Did Fast Food Become an American Favorite? Jan 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, today, we don't think twice about pulling up at a drive-thru and grabbing a quick meal. But this idea was once unheard of. Adam Chandler, author of Drive-Thru Dreams, brings us the story of fast food in our country and how it became a part of every day American life.

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"Apple of Your Eye" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 2) Jan 04, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his recurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Couple Adopts 7 Siblings Separated Throughout 4 Foster Homes! Jan 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of how one childless married couple of 13 years became a family of 9, literally, overnight.

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How Duke’s Coach K Was Almost Fired in 1983 Jan 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Feinstein is a sportswriter of 42 books, 23 of them New York Times bestsellers. His first book, A Season on the Brink (about Indiana coach Bobby Knight), is the bestselling sports book of all time. He is also the friend of Duke University’s legendary basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski (also known as “Coach K”). John is here to tell the story of how Coach K’s five national titles at Duke as well as three consecutive gold medals as the head coach of the men’s U.S. Olympic basketball team almost never happened.

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Bob Munden: “The Fastest Gun Who Ever Lived” Jan 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, we’ve all heard of gunslingers “Wild” Bill Hickok, Doc Holliday, and Billy The Kid. These three quick-draw legends got nothing on Bob Munden.

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America’s First Real Life Superhero Jan 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, former Air Force Captain and Air Force OSI Special Agent Vince Benedetto shares his story of going to a school to teach students about why we honor our veterans. But to understand why, we have to understand who made our country possible in the first place....

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The WWII Tragedy America Chose to Forget Jan 03, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, because of the devastating nature of the attack, the U.S. government chose to keep the details of this attack hushed. Grove City College PoliSci professor Paul Kengor brings us the details through the eyes of Sergeant Frank Bryer.

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Are Professional Wrestlers Athletes? Jan 02, 2023

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 that it’s “fake.” Here’s Riley Evans, sports writer and CEO of RealPodcasting.com, to tell the real story about professional wrestling.

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"On The Wagon & Once In A Blue Moon" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 16) Jan 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Triumph and Disaster: The Life of Rudyard Kipling Jan 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the life of the youngest-ever winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, Rudyard Kipling, was filled with tragedy. He survived a difficult childhood to go on to become one of the most celebrated authors of his day, penning such classics as "The Jungle Book" and "Just So Stories.” Here’s The History Guy with the story of Rudyard Kipling.

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The Blue Collar Leader of America’s Most Innovative University Jan 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, the remarkable story of Arizona State University and its President Michael Crow.

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The Greatest Political Prank in American History Jan 02, 2023

On this episode of Our American Stories, Duncan Scott tells us his story of pranking the New Mexico State Legislature.

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American Freedom Machines: The Story of Harley-Davidson Dec 30, 2022

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 that time, she has written 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.

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From Bagatelle to Video Games: The History of Pinball Dec 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Pinball is an iconic American game. But how did it reach its iconic status? How did pinball develop? Listen to Jeremy Saucier of the Strong Museum of Play as he shares the long, and surprising, history of pinball--from its origins in French parlor games, to its prohibition, and then to its emergence as the immersive and popular game that it is today.

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Centerline: The Surprising History of Lane Markings Dec 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, when it comes to the various bits of infrastructure that help keep us safe while we drive, most likely the greatest cost-and-simplicity to benefit ratio has to be painted lane lines on roads. For more stories of forgotten history, please subscribe to The History Guy's YouTube Channel, The History Guy: History Deserves to be Remembered.

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"Bring Home the Bacon" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 5) Dec 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his recurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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The Story of Charles Jackson French: A Hero For Our Time Dec 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bruce Wigo—the former CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame—is here to share a story of an unknown American WWII war hero.

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Pete Maravich Shares His Life Story… Just Days Before His Death Dec 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, just days before his death, on January 8, 1988, 40-year-old “Pistol” Pete Maravich spoke to guests who gathered near the poolside of Jimmie Walker’s house—an NBA All-Star.

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Abraham Lincoln: Our First "Wired" President Dec 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, you’ve heard Christopher Klein tell the story of “How Johnny Carson Saved Twister” and how Mark Twain helped Ulysses S. Grant complete his memoir that saved his wife from destitution. Here’s Chris with the story of how Abraham Lincoln used the telegraph to help win the Civil War.

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"The Mechanical Horse": How the Bicycle Reshaped American Life Dec 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, from the modernization of medicine to the development of our country’s road systems, the bicycle has had a major impact on American life. Though its rise occurred in the nineteenth century, cycling is still something that’s very popular in our country today. Margaret Guroff, author of “The Mechanical Horse: How the Bicycle Reshaped American Life”, brings us the story.

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The American Bonapartes Dec 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy unpacks the largely forgotten saga of the Bonapartes who came to America. The story illustrates the pretensions and complexity of Napoleon's attempts to create a lasting dynasty.

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How Smallpox Created Canada by Destroying Washington’s Army Dec 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Canada is an independent nation—and not part of the United States—most likely, because of smallpox. Here to tell the story is the President of Amerisearch, William Federer.

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Left for Dead: A Second Life After Vietnam Dec 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, as a 20-year-old soldier in Vietnam, Jon Hovde’s armored personnel carrier he was driving was hit an antitank mine. He made three promises to God if He let him live. Linda from Jon’s hometown of Fertile, MN, is here to tell the story.
Go HERE read more about Fertile, MN, and their entry in Reader’s Digest’s “Nicest Places in America” series.

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The Old Upright Piano, Joy Neal Kidney Dec 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of her old upright piano that was passed down to her from her mother.

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Tim's Story: Better Health is a Choice Dec 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim Hennessy's life was changed by what he chose to do with his deteriorating health issue.

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How Coach “Bear” Bryant and the Packers Transformed My Life Dec 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Rich Wingo with the story of how his time under Coach Bryant and with the Green Bay Packers transformed his life.

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The Story of the 1st Medal of Honor Dec 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers a desperate attempt to rescue soldiers besieged by Apache Indians which results in the first Medal of Honor by date of action, and starts the Apache War.

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"Cat Got Your Tongue?" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 4) Dec 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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How Johnny Carson Saved Twister Dec 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s history geek Christopher Klein to tell the story of how Johnny Carson saved Twister.

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The Story of Excellence: Horst Schulze and The Ritz-Carlton Dec 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, a legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze has 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 the story.

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Why The Nativity? Dec 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. David Jeremiah looks in detail at the people and events that surround the Christmas story and why each of them was chosen for their specific purpose in his book-turned docudrama Why the Nativity?

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A Bible Reading 200,000 Miles From Earth Dec 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the crew of Apollo 8 and Steve Kates tell the story of their Christmas time mission to the moon--and the reading of Genesis over it's surface.

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The Real Santa Dec 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here's Roger Latham from Fort Worth, Texas, telling us a Christmas story he’s titled, “The Real Santa.”

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The Real Stories Behind Our Cherished Christmas Traditions Dec 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the first half of the 19th century, Christmas was a very different kind of holiday than it is today. By the time it was established as a federal holiday—on June 26, 1870—the ways they chose to celebrate Christmas would almost be completely foreign to what we practice today. Here’s Greg Hengler with the real story of our cherished Christmas holiday.

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Is “Die Hard” a Xmas Movie? The Story and the Definitive Answer! Dec 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to settle this question once and for all is Stephen Follows. Stephen is an established data researcher in the film industry and wrote the widely circulated answer to this hotly debated question on his website, StephenFollows.com.

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Memorable Christmas Stories in U.S. Military History Dec 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, popular YouTube historian "The History Guy" shares stories from across the decades.

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Hess Trucks, The Holiday Tradition That Started at a Gas Station Dec 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, for nearly 60 years, Hess trucks have brought smiles to children, and adults, up and down the East Coast. They were an energy entrepreneurs gift to children that he wished he could have gotten growing up. Hear the story from both a Hess Toy Truck Director, Justin Mayer, and a superfan, Mike Roberto.

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"To Hear the Angels Sing" Dec 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Kent was just 9 years old, he had a very special experience that, many years later, he can’t seem to shake.

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Shopping the Wishlists of Children in Need Dec 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jonathan Mattox is co-chairman of The Christmas Store, founded in 1975. Jonathan tells us about this annual event that gives toys to families in need during Christmas.

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The Importance of Giving During Christmas Time Dec 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, once arriving back home from a mission trip, Ashley Freeman realized service work could be done right in her own community.

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Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas Dec 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ace Collins is the author of Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas. Collins is an ace at song history, and he’s here to introduce you to people you’ve never met, stories you’ve never heard, and meanings you’d never have imagined.

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Zuzu’s “Wonderful Life”: The Story of Karolyn Grimes Dec 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next storyteller has the privilege of being in one of the most beloved movies of all time—while, at the same time, and from the same movie—also has one of the most famous lines in movie history. Her story is as Wonderful as both of these accomplishments.

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The Candy Bomber Dec 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much-needed supplies into a war-torn Soviet-blockaded Berlin following WWII. As he performed his duties, Lt. Halvorsen began to notice the German children gathered by the fences of Tempelhof Air Base. Knowing that they had very little, an idea sprang: He would bomb Berlin with candy.

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Christmas, 1776 Dec 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, it is called the first “American” Christmas because the Declaration of Independence was created the previous summer, essentially “divorcing” America from England and declaring our country an independent nation. Here’s Brian Benjamin sharing the story from his book, Christmas, 1776.

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How a Tornado Destroying Her Home Gave Her the Perfect Christmas Dec 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s hard to believe that something wonderful could come out of a family’s house, filled with presents, decorations, food, and memories, being completely blown away by a tornado just days before Christmas. But once you hear this story from Carla Harris, you just might be convinced otherwise. Here’s Carla with her story of “the perfect Christmas”.

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George Washington at Trenton and Princeton Dec 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Larry Arnn tells the story of how George Washington turned the tides of war in favor of the US at Trenton and Princeton.

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A Loss was the Answer to Prayer I Didn't Know I Needed Dec 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Leslie Leyland Fields, who’s been on our show before joins us with another great story. Today, Leslie shares with us a story she’s entitled “The Miracle of Sir Nick”.

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Everett's Last Christmas Carol Dec 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim Johnson finds peculiar friends wherever he goes. This story is about one such friend, Everett Motl.

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Salvation Army: The Story of William and Catherine Booth Dec 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Salvation Army's Christmas Red Kettle has been an American icon for 125 years. But for many Americans, this is all they know about the Salvation Army… until now. We’d like to thank the folks at Vision Video for giving us access to their wonderful documentary, Our People: The Story of William and Catherine Booth.

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Leland Klassen’s Christmas Comedy Dec 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Comedian Leland Klassen is here to share stories from his Christmas past.

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The Story (and Family) Behind Yuengling, America's Oldest Brewery Dec 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jennifer Yuengling is one of the four 6th generation sisters who are carrying on their great-great-great grandfather's legacy in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and across 26 states. She shares about working with family, the secret to the company's success, and a whole lot more.

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I Picked Up "Tex" Watson Hitchhiking AFTER the Manson Murders Dec 19, 2022

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.

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The Chicago-area Maintenance Man Who Wrote a Hallmark Christmas Movie Dec 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rikk Dunlap has always been a writer, and writing has even become a way for him to come to grips with tragedy. He never dreamed, though, that his work would be a regular feature on the biggest holiday movie channel around.

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One of the 1st and Last American POWs of WWII Dec 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Judith Pierson tells us the story of Navy corpsman Estel Myers and his story of survival in the WWII's Pacific theater.

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How Boston Embraced the Booth Brothers Following Lincoln’s Assassination Dec 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes from our regular contributor, Christopher Klein. Klein is the author of four books and is a frequent contributor to the History Channel. 26-year-old actor, John Wilkes Booth, was killed just 12 days after he assassinated Abraham Lincoln. Here’s Christopher Klein with the story of how the city of Boston embraced the Booth brothers.

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Love Your Neighbor… My Employees Are My Closest Neighbor Dec 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, a legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze has 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.

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America's Comeback: The Battle of Midway Dec 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Claire tells the story of the Battle of Midway, America's "make or break" moment in World War II.

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Churchill's All Important Address to Congress Dec 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, mere weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made an all important stop to the United States to visit with President Roosevelt and to address Congress about the path before them.

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No! No! No! Who the Hell Boos Santa Claus?! Dec 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1968, the 19-year-old Frank Olivo was dressed as Santa Claus at an Eagles’ football game where he was booed and pelted with snowballs. Here to tell the story is Frank’s first-cousin and best friend, Richard Monastra. Here’s Rich starting with a little background on both him and “Snowball Santa,” Frank Olivo.

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The First Successful Submarine Attack Dec 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the CSS Hunley's sinking of the Housatonic was only a partial success, but represents the first time a submarine managed to sink an enemy vessel...and it happened in Charleston Harbor during the Civil War.

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Jim Johnson’s Christmas Tree Story Dec 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim Johnson’s heart-moving story, “Everett's Last Christmas Carol,” needed a follow up. Here he is again, Jim Johnson with the Christmas tree story.

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Shopping the Wishlists of Children in Need Dec 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jonathan Mattox is co-chairman of The Christmas Store, founded in 1975. Jonathan tells us about this annual event that gives out toys to families in need during Christmas.

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A Capitalist, Some Communists, and a Car: The Story of the Yugo Dec 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, six months after its American introduction in 1985, the Yugo was a punchline; within a year, it was a staple of late-night comedy. By 2000, NPR's "Car Talk" declared it "the worst car of the millennium." And for most Americans that's where the story begins and ends.

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Salvation Army: The Story of William and Catherine Booth Dec 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Salvation Army's Christmas Red Kettle has been an American icon for 125 years. But for many Americans, this is all they know about the Salvation Army… until now. We’d like to thank the folks at Vision Video for giving us access to their wonderful documentary, "Our People: The Story of William and Catherine Booth."

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The Founding Fathers Were Not Like Us—We MUST Know Our History (Told by David McCullough) Dec 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Adams is the Pulitzer Prize–winning biography of America’s founding father and second president that was the basis for the acclaimed HBO series, brilliantly told by master historian David McCullough. The John Adams story you are about to hear was given by David McCullough at The John Adams Institute in the Netherlands. The Institutes’ name commemorates the man who was the first American emissary to the Netherlands in 1780. We’d like give a heartfelt “thank you” to The John Adams Institute and their podcast, “Bright Minds” for allowing us to share this story with our listeners. Here’s David McCullough with a short story about our Founding Fathers.

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The Story of How Chick-fil-A Borrowed “My Pleasure” from a Luxury Hotel Dec 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ritz-Carlton co-founder Horst Schulze on one of the few other American companies that’s committed to excellence.

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The History of Christmas Trees (History Guy) Dec 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we take a listen to The History Guy as he recalls the forgotten history of Christmas trees.

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Samuel Colt and the Birth of the Revolver Dec 13, 2022

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 the story is Ashley Hlebinsky, 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.

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Why We Love "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Dec 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, dealing with a small budget and with a short deadline, A Charlie Brown Christmas was released to critical acclaim on December 9th, 1965. While audiences loved it, behind the scenes at CBS there were many doubters. Lee Habeeb tells the story of how one of our most beloved Christmas specials came to be.

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The Confederate Mystery Ship Dec 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Confederate's didn't have the industrial might to build their own ships. As a result, cash crops proved king once again-at least for a little while before the Union blockade had their way with ships coming overseas.

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Strength for the Fight: The Faith That Led Jackie Robinson to Integrate the MLB Dec 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The integration of Major League Baseball in 1947 was a triumph. But it was also a fight. As the first Black major leaguer since the 1880s, Jackie Robinson knew he was not going to be welcomed into America’s pastime with open arms. Dr. Gary Scott Smith, author and professor emeritus of history at Grove City College, shares the story of what gave Robinson the "strength for the fight."

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The DiMaggios Dec 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Clavin shares some great stories of Joltin' Joe, Dom, and Vince from his book, The DiMaggios: Three Brothers, Their Passion for Baseball, Their Pursuit of the American Dream.

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Memorable Christmas Stories in U.S. Military History Dec 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers forgotten military history that took place around the Christmas holiday from different time periods and conflicts. This episode is dedicated to those whose service keeps them far from home over the holiday.

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Fall from an SR-71 Blackbird Dec 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, In 1966, an SR-71 "Blackbird" disintegrated at 78,000 feet. The pilot's first thought was "No one could live through what just happened". Therefore, I must be dead." For more stories of forgotten history, please subscribe to his YouTube Channel, The History Guy: History Deserves to be Remembered.

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Everett's Last Christmas Carol Dec 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim Johnson finds peculiar friends wherever he goes. This story is about one such friend, Everett Motl.

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The Story of FDR's "Day of Infamy" Speech Dec 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, on December 7th, 1941, America was attacked by the sovereign nation of Japan in the midst of a war the United States had not entered. On December 8th, the following day, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was tasked with giving the country a speech that would take their fear and anger and direct it towards fighting fascism and tyranny in not one, but two fronts. This is the story of that speech.

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Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas Dec 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ace Collins is the author of Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas. Collins is an ace at song history, and he’s here to introduce you to people you’ve never met, stories you’ve never heard, and meanings you’d never have imagined.

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Is “Die Hard” a Xmas Movie? The Story and the Definitive Answer! Dec 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to settle this question once and for all is Stephen Follows. Stephen is an established data researcher in the film industry and wrote the widely circulated answer to this hotly debated question on his website, StephenFollows.com.

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The Real Santa Dec 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here's Roger Latham from Fort Worth, Texas, telling us a Christmas story he’s titled, “The Real Santa.”

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The Real Stories Behind Our Cherished Christmas Traditions Dec 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the first half of the 19th century, Christmas was a very different kind of holiday than it is today. By the time it was established as a federal holiday—on June 26, 1870—the ways they chose to celebrate Christmas would almost be completely foreign to what we practice today. Here’s Greg Hengler with the real story of our cherished Christmas holiday.

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Wichita Wings: The Story of Learjet and Cessna Dec 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, when you think of cars, you think of Detroit. When you think of steel, you think of Pittsburgh. When you think of airplanes, you should think of Wichita. Here to tell the story of Cessna and Learjet, two companies that made a tremendous impact on the city, is Logan Daugherty and Ben Sauceda of the Kansas Aviation Museum

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The WWII Tank Duel at St. Vith Dec 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy tells of the story during the Battle of St. Vith, Belgium, on 18 December 1944, where one of the most extraordinary David Vs. Goliath tank actions of the war took place between a little American M8 armored car and Hitler's enormous German King Tiger tank.

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The Day a Soviet Nuclear Attack Submarine Rammed an American Aircraft Carrier Dec 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1984, during a period of Cold War tension, a Soviet submarine collided with a United States aircraft carrier. Here’s The History Guy with the story of the USS Kitty Hawk collision.

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Silent Night: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Christmas Carol Dec 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, from its humble beginnings at an Austrian chapel in 1818, Silent Night has become one of the most popular Christmas hymns in history. Here’s the History Guy with the story of Silent Night.

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The Bad Employee Who Defined Her Bank (Told by Ritz-Carlton Founder) Dec 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Horst Schulze with a short story about how excellence wins—or the lack of it will cause you and your work environment to lose.

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Celebrating Billy Graham on His Birthday, 1918 Dec 08, 2022

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.

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Robin Cook: The American Physician Who Wrote Coma Underwater Dec 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robin Cook is best known for his novel, Coma. The book was published in 1977, and premiered as a movie the next year. Robin is here to share his life story with us, including how Coma came to be… underwater of all places.

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Teen Angel: The Frankie Avalon Story Dec 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, not many teen idols are able to carve a successful career for themselves as they mature, but Frankie Avalon is one of these exceptions. Avalon had 31 charting U.S. Billboard singles from 1958 to late 1962, including number one hits, "Venus" and "Why" in 1959. Avalon is also well known for his role in the 1970s musical film Grease as Teen Angel, in which he sings "Beauty School Dropout" to Frenchy. He’s recently appeared on American Idol to sing for Simon Cowell on his birthday. Here's Frankie Avalon to tell his story!

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Tyrone Power: Hollywood Goes to War Dec 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, We’ve heard the stories of Clark Gable and Jimmy Stewart. Today McGrath will be treating us to the story of Hollywood legend, Tyrone Power.

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The Bible Reading 238,900 Miles From Earth Dec 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the crew of Apollo 8 and Steve Kates tell the story of their Christmas time mission to the moon--and the reading of Genesis over its surface.

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The Woman Who Voiced Rudolph Dec 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Billie Mae Richards is a Canadian actress best known for voicing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the 1964 stop-motion television classic. The special first aired on December 6, 1964, on NBC. Here’s Billie Mae to share her story.

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Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon Dec 06, 2022

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 the way he lived. Greg Laurie is here to tell the story from his recent book/documentary, Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon.

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How Curious George Escaped the Nazis?! Dec 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, did you know that author-illustrators Hans and Margret Rey fled Nazi-occupied France on handmade bicycles with the manuscript to the first Curious George book among their meager possessions? Louise Borden is here to tell the story. She is the author of The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey.

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The Quiet Cowboy Dec 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, J.D. Wininger, owner of the Cross-Dubya Ranch, tells the story of a man named John who kept to himself most of the time. J.D. lent him a helping hand, and in the end, Mr. John helped him just as much.

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The First Real Time Tragedy: The Sinking of the RMS Titanic Dec 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, on April 18th, 1912, New York Harbor was packed with reporters, onlookers, and family members of those who had been on the RMS Titanic who didn't know whether or not their loved ones had made it. All of them were waiting on the Carpathia, a ship that had mattered very little up to this point. At the front of the crowd was Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of radio and founder of the Marconi Company. On board was his surviving wireless operator-Harold Bride. William Hazelgrove, author of One Hundred and Sixty Minutes: The Race to Save the RMS Titanic tells the story of both men and the technology that helped save over 700 people.

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Kemmons Wilson Jr: Business Is Important, But It's #6 On The List! Dec 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, for our "Faith in Action" series, we hear from a wise leader out of Memphis, the son of Holiday Inn's founder.

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“The 5th Circuit Four” Who Ushered In Desegregation Dec 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the fascinating subject of 14-year-old Max Grinstein's winning paper at the National History Day competition!

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Girl with a Gun: The Annie Oakley Story Dec 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, 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 to her faith.

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The Art of Being a Good Neighbor: The National Disaster Photo Rescue Organization Dec 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, where would our photos go if our house were to be hit by a tornado? The answer is everywhere. But for Thad Beeler's neighbors, that question wasn't a hypothetical...it was grounded in harsh reality after the deadly May 2011 Joplin Tornado...and Thad decided to do something about it.

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Brits & U.S. Unite in ’42 to Defeat Germany First Dec 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, when the Brits and the U.S. decided to form the first allied command in history in order to defeat Nazi Germany (and not the Japanese who just bombed Pearl Harbor), why was their first ground battle (Operation Torch) against France in North Africa? Here’s the great Stephen Ambrose with the story.

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Edie Hand: Strength in Loneliness is Still Loneliness Dec 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Edie Hand was always told by her mother that she was strong... but strength isn't always enough.

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Hannibal, Missouri: The Town that Created Mark Twain Dec 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we listen to Richard Garey, Mark Twain aficionado, talk about the gateway to the West, Hannibal. This town spared Mark Twain from nothing, exposing him to poverty, death, racism, and the ability to make decisions for himself.

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Nostalgia Awakens: The Star Wars Toy Empire Revolution (Part 2) Dec 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, “The Nostalgia Awakens" is an exhibit featuring EVERY action figure toy made by Kenner from 1978-1985 based on the original three Star Wars movies. The Star Wars toys on display are from Jarrod Roll, enthusiast and museum curator from Wisconsin, and he's here to share the story of how Star Wars toys revolutionized movie merchandising, licensing, and even how kids play.

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The Untold Story of Red Cloud, an American Legend Nov 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob Drury and Tom Clavin have finally given the little-known Red Cloud the recognition he deserves and share with us the story from their New York Times bestseller, The Heart of Everything That Is: The Untold Story of Red Cloud, an American Legend.

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I Worked Out of Workaholism… And My Life Is Working Better Nov 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve Trice, the founder of Jasco Products, on serving his employees and a higher calling than money.

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How a Fake Doctor Ran Carnival Sideshows and Saved Thousands of Infants and Changed Medical History Nov 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Martin Couney carried a secret with him, but the results are unimpeachable. It was Coney Island in the early 1900’s. Beyond the Four-Legged Woman, the sword swallowers, and “Lionel the Lion-Faced Man,” was an entirely different exhibit: rows of tiny, premature human babies living in glass incubators. Here to tell the story is Dawn Raffel, author of The Strange Case of Dr. Couney: How a Mysterious European Showman Saved Thousands of American Babies.

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Lightning In a Bottle: The Early Years of Coke Nov 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn how Delta Airlines and Coca-Cola relate. What exactly is Georgia Green? How did a syrup that was originally sold as a patent medicine end up as the South's greatest export in the post-Civil War economy? Larry Jorgensen, author of The Coca Cola Trail and The Return to the Coca Cola Trail answers these questions in our latest story on America's favorite sugary drink.

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The Story Behind the Brooklyn Bridge Nov 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn about the Brooklyn Bridge, with its unprecedented length and two stately towers, was dubbed the “eighth wonder of the world.” The connection it provided between the massive population centers of Brooklyn and Manhattan changed the course of New York City forever. Here's the History Guy with the story.

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Butch Hartman Drew My Childhood Nov 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, while many know the shows created by one of the 2000s most influential artists, not many people know the man behind the drawing board. Meet Butch Hartman, creator of Fairly Odd Parents, Danny Phantom, and so much more and hear how he went from the snowy shores of Michigan to the sunny coast of SoCal.

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The South Vietnamese Pilot Who Stole A Plane To Save His Family Nov 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learned how Major Buang-Ly worked as a pilot with the United States military during the Vietnam War. When the U.S. began evacuating South Vietnam, Major Buang-Ly knew he had to get his family out. Historian, Hill Goodspeed, from the Naval Aviation Museum brings us this amazing story of a father doing whatever he could to save his family.

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"A Light In Our Small Town": Milton James' Story Nov 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear how on March 4, 2022, Milton James passed away far too young, at only 58 years old. Two of his colleagues from FNC, a great homegrown company, pay tribute to the man that they, and many others, loved.

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“Black Harry” Hoosier: The Story Behind Indiana’s Namesake Nov 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn how Indiana got its nickname as “The Hoosier State.” And how did people from Indiana come to be called “Hoosiers”? Here to answer these questions and tell the story is Dr. Stephen Flick, head of the Christian Heritage Fellowship.

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Separate, but Equal": The Story of Supreme Injustice Nov 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, on May 18, 1896, the decision on a case brought before the Supreme Court would solidify segregation for over five and a half decades. Homer Plessy's descendant, Keith Plessy, tells us the story of the Plessy v. Ferguson case, as well as what he and Judge Ferguson's descendant are doing about it now.

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Out of Mental Health Hospitals and Into Motherhood: A Story of Overcoming Nov 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Randi Wilson is a 28 year old New mother in Charlotte, North Carolina. For nearly 10 years, she struggled with a severe eating disorder that affected her heart and left her apparently infertile. Listen to hear Randi's amazing testimony and the hope that carried her through all of her struggles.

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"We Didn't Want to Lose Two People": A Story of Forgiveness Nov 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Laura Treppendahl’s life was one worth remembering. After being killed in a drunk driving accident, Laura’s family told the judge that they completely forgave the young man who hit her.

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A Father's Love: Capone's Lawyer "Easy" Eddie and WWII Ace "Butch" O'Hare Nov 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the unlikely story of redemption and bravery behind two Chicago legends: Al Capone's lawyer "Easy" Eddie and O'Hare Airport's namesake, WWII Ace pilot-hero, Butch O'Hare.

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A Woman Willing to Put Her Life on the Line for the Patriot Cause Nov 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dennis Peterson tells the story of Dicey Langston, a woman willing to put her life on the line for the patriot cause.

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The Glorious 25th of November, Evacuation Day (2 Years After the American Revolution?!) Nov 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk brings us the tale of the day British forces evacuated New York City after the Revolutionary War... a full 2 years after the British Army surrendered.

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George Will: Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, and the Summer of '41 Nov 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Will tells the stories of Ted Williams and the son of a San Francisco fisherman, his “Streak,” and steely determination.

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Star Wars: The Multi-Billion Dollar Franchise That Never Should Have Succeeded Nov 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, before he brought us to a galaxy far, far away, George Lucas made two other, often forgotten, movies. His first film THX 1- 1-3-8 was produced by friend and Godfather director, Francis Ford Coppola, but despite the talent behind it, was anything but a box office success. His second film, American Graffiti, was a surprise success, and led to the opportunity to begin his third film… Star Wars. Chris Taylor, author of How Star Wars Conquered the Universe: The Past, Present, and Future of a Multibillion Dollar Franchise, brings us the story behind why Star Wars never should have been the success it was.

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A Place at Groucho’s Table Nov 24, 2022

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.

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The Tale of the Texas Nov 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jackson McQuigg of the Atlanta History Center tells the story of the principle pursuit locomotive of the Great Railroad Chase...but the story goes much deeper than just that...

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The First Thanksgiving: The Real Story Nov 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thanksgiving is the only American holiday that has actually remained relatively innocent—it’s not something that we have been able to commercialize. But there’s something going on here more than feasting, family, and football. Robert Tracy McKenzie is a professor of history at Wheaton College and is the author of The First Thanksgiving. He’s here to tell us the story of this quintessentially American holiday.

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Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter Nov 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joe and Rose Kennedy’s strikingly beautiful daughter Rosemary Kennedy—the younger sister of President John F. Kennedy—was intellectually disabled, a secret fiercely guarded by her powerful and glamorous family. Here to tell the story is Kate Clifford Larson, author of Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter.

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Aaron Burr, The Opportunistic Patriot Nov 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk tells the story of America's first practical politician, Aaron Burr, in a tale of skill, bravery, honor, deception, and memory. Burr was so much more than the man who shot Alexander Hamilton.

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The Incredible Story Of SPAM Nov 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Author of The Book of Spam: A Most Glorious and Definitive Compendium of the World’s Favorite Canned Meat, Dustin Black, tells the story of this often speculated household name product.

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The Tone Deaf, Bad Poet Who Wrote The National Anthem Nov 22, 2022

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 and right after one of America’s great military victories.

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Ilene Hall Joined the Army to Search for Her Husband During WWII Nov 22, 2022

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. When her husband, to whom she was married in March 1943, finished his training and was about to be shipped overseas, the young Canton, Ohio girl decided not to put an ocean between them.

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Our Greatest Adventure: The Apollo Missions Nov 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, when President John F. Kennedy declared at Rice University that we'd put a man on the Moon by the end of the decade, the year was 1962 and, according to those in the know, America was 10 years behind the Soviet Union in terms of our capabilities to do so. Nevertheless, we managed to achieve that goal despite serious setbacks along the way. Steve Kates, AKA "Dr. Sky", and the men who went into the final frontier, tell the story of America's greatest adventure.

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The President, The Preacher, and the Giant Block of Cheese Nov 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Jefferson is often known for championing religious freedom in our nation's infancy, but not many people know about how a preacher thanked him in the most unusual way.

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From Exploitation to Exultation: Escaping the Sex Industry Nov 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, as a young woman seemingly trapped in the commercial sex industry, Harmony Dust Grillo's struggle continued until a new friendship led to a change in her life.

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How to Properly Brag About the World's Fastest Plane Nov 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Major Shul with his legendary story known today as the “LA Speed Check.”

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The Two Men Who Ended Red Light Camera Tickets in Missouri Nov 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hugh Eastwood and Bevis Schock are civil rights lawyers in St. Louis. They filed suit in three separate cases against the red light cameras. All three cases were heard by Missouri Supreme Court in one mammoth morning argument.

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A One Man (Abridged) History of the Big Apple Nov 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you’re curious enough, the familiar can become fascinating. Bill Bryk briefly recounts how New York City became the city it is today, as well as his love for its past.

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Tale of the Tapes: Engineer Guy Explains How VHS Beat Betamax Nov 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Bill “Engineer Guy” Hammack (check him out on YouTube) telling the story of how Betamax was defeated by the VHS tape.

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103-Year-Old WWII Veteran John Defoore's Story Nov 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Defoore went to war at nineteen years old. He earned …Today, at 103 years old, he shares some of his stories from war and how they still affect him today.

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Screwdriver Wars Nov 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the differing fates of the Robertson and the Phillips head screwdrivers demonstrates that innovation is intimately tied to historical events. Here’s The History Guy with the story of the screwdriver wars.

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Buffalo Bill Cody: A Legend in His Own Time, and in Ours Nov 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the NFL team in Buffalo, New York, was named after him. But if you caught Paul Newman’s Cody in Robert Altman’s 1976 film, Buffalo Bill and the Indians, you might think Cody was a drunk, a coward, a liar and a con man.

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Eli Whitney and His Fake Interchangeable Gun Parts Demo Nov 17, 2022

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.

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"Back to Square One" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 3) Nov 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his recurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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How Faith, Infidelity, and Forgiveness Grew a Family Not Once, but Twice Nov 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, in a 30-year span, a family has to deal with its sins twice and tell a story of role-reversal and forgiveness.

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Child Soldier, John Clem Nov 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the story of John Lincoln Clem—the youngest non-commissioned officer in Army history—is Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, author of John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy.

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Clark Gable: Hollywood Goes to War Nov 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, although Clark Gable (who was the most famous actor in the world at the time) was beyond the draft age at the time the U.S. entered World War II, the 41-year-old enlisted as a private in the Army Air Force. He said: “I just want to be sent where the going is rough.”

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Return of the Raider: A Doolittle Raider’s Story of War & Forgiveness Nov 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, this story begins where the movie Pearl Harbor left off. Two enemies: One led Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor; the other, an American Doolittle Raider who bombed Tokyo. Here to tell the story is Carol Aiko DeShazer Dixon—the daughter of Doolittle Raider, Jacob DeShazer. She is the author of Return of the Raider: A Doolittle Raider’s Story of War & Forgiveness.

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The Bible: The Best-Selling Book of All Time Nov 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, take a listen to the History Guy as he tells the history of the Bible.

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The Moment I Learned My Business Is Best Served When I Serve My Customers and Employees Nov 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike with a story about what he learned from his unseemly college law professor.

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“Hunky Dory & Hedge Your Bets” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 9) Nov 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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The Angels of Bataan Nov 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Clare tells the story of a nurse who served in the Philippines during World War II, and shares the experience that she and others like her went through after the Japanese invasion there.

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The Heart of America: TX Grocery Store Lets Customers Leave Without Paying Nov 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, when there was a break in the deep freeze that swept across Texas in February 2021, Tim Hennessy and his wife Deb piled into his Jeep and headed for H.E.B., a beloved grocery store chain for many Texans. Tim shared what happened at the grocery store on Facebook and it immediately went viral.

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Titanic Thompson: The Greatest Cheat of All Time Nov 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here a story you won't soon forget from a man none simply as... The History Guy.

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“Propose a Toast” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 17) Nov 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Stephen Ambrose on 1942: Doolittle Raid and Midway Nov 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose tells the story of America’s payback for Pearl Harbor—Jimmy Doolittle’s raid on Tokyo—and the Japanese response, the Battle of Midway.

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A Young Ladie's Run-in with Frank Sinatra Nov 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colorado listener Patty Kingsbaker shares this "knock out" Frank Sinatra story.

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Rediscovering What I Lost in the Military Nov 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, in a very modern fashion, Brent Evanoff discovers a secret he’d been unaware of for over 25 years. Through that process, he manages to help another veteran reconnect with something they lost as well.

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Jimmy Stewart: Hollywood Goes to War Nov 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, despite all his Hollywood fame and acting acclaim, Jimmy Stewart always said his greatest honor of his life was serving his country in WWII.

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Child Soldier, John Clem Nov 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the story of John Lincoln Clem—the youngest non-commissioned officer in Army history—is Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, author of John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy.

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America’s First Real Life Superhero Nov 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, former Air Force Captain and Air Force OSI Special Agent Vince Benedetto shares his story of going to a school to teach students about why we honor our veterans. But to understand why, we have to understand who made our country possible in the first place.

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The Stars of Blue and Gold Nov 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor Anne Clare tells the story of some of our most revered Veterans Day symbols...and how the day itself came about.

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The Heavyweight Boxer Turned Catholic Priest, Father Stu Nov 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Father Stu is a motion picture starring Mark Wahlberg (who plays Father Stu) and Mel Gibson. It is based on the true life story of Father Stuart Long, the Golden Gloves Heavyweight Boxing Champion-turned-Catholic priest. We’d like to thank the Diocese of Helena, MT, for providing the footage you are about to hear of Father Stuart Long.

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My Dad the Firefighter, My Dad the Hero Nov 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Caleb Bailey shares his family’s story of hope and redemption after loss.

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We're Holding Our Own: The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Nov 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, as big freighters go, the Edmund Fitzgerald was bigger than most with a crew and captain well seasoned...but on November 10th, 1975, she and her 29 man crew were sent to the bottom of Lake Superior. Ric Mixter of Lake Fury tells the story.

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A Sign of Greatness: Offering To Resign Because You’re Accountable For A Failure, Brad Anderson Nov 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, former Best Buy CEO Brad Anderson on this rare response to an ethical dilemma.

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Harvard's President Believed Books, Not Schooling, Were the Key To Education Nov 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, believe it or not, Charles Eliot said all a man needs for a good education is a 5-foot bookshelf. Here's the story behind his claim and what came to be known as "The Harvard Classics."

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The Infamous 1913 Storm Nov 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ric Mixter of Lake Fury tells the story of the historic 1913 storm on the Great Lakes.

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Our Home Became Tidier After Having Four Sons Nov 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Alexandra Frost is a mother of four young, active boys, yet her home is cleaner than it was before she had kids. Alex shares her secret, which is called “The 10 Things Rule.”

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People Sent Their Children Through the Mail?! Nov 10, 2022

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 on one instance, an entire bank.

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A Right to the Rails: America's First Freedom Rider Nov 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, 100 years before Rosa Parks refused to leave her seat on a bus in Montgomery, there was Elizabeth Jennings, who refused to leave hers in New York City. Jerry Mikorenda, author of America's First Freedom Rider, tells the remarkable story of the event that would desegregate NYC transportation before the Civil War, Civil Rights Movement, and abolition of slavery.

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Karl Marlantes: Why I Chose to Go to Vietnam Nov 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the late 1960s Karl Marlantes had a decision to make. He could serve in a war that he saw as unjust, desert to Algeria or Sweden, or stay at Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship as his high school friends fought and died in Vietnam. Marlantes decided to serve. But why?

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Wandering Worker: The American Hobo Nov 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the term hobo is often confused with homeless or beggar, but the truth is, wandering through life was what they preferred. Connecticut Shorty of The Hobo Museum shares the story of the American hobo and how they are still celebrated today.

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Enrique the Penguin Who Wears Shoes Nov 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, this elderly penguin named Enrique lives at the St. Louis Zoo. After being diagnosed with arthritis in his feet, the zoo began trying to find ways to make him comfortable. Marija Elden, the Zoological Manager of Birds, shares Enrique’s journey to owning a pair of pretty cool kicks.

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He Travels the Country Reviewing... Onion Rings? Nov 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tyler Groenendal of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has perhaps the most interesting side gig of all-time... reviewing onion rings—and he's been doing it for years and has no plans to stop.

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The Great Emancipators: How The Civil War Openly Became about Slavery Nov 09, 2022

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.

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MIT's Basketball Coach: "Those Nerds Can Only Handle One Play" Nov 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear about the leadership lessons that Bill Koch took with him the rest of his life!

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A Black Troop's Experience with the Horror of a Concentration Camp Nov 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rona Simmons, author of The Other Veterans Of World War II, Stories from Behind the Front Lines, tells the story of Bill Scott, an African American combat engineer and photographer from Alabama who became one of the "black angels" for prisoners at Buchenwald Concentration Camp.

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"Why It Took So Long To Get To Know My Neighbor... And Why It Was Worth It." Nov 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Heidi Viars shares about how her life changed when she began showing some neighborly kindness to a grumpy old cop.

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Why Are Bananas So Cheap? Nov 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you think of the quintessential American fruit, it would probably have to be the apple. But apples are not our cheapest fruit—bananas are! But why? Here’s The History Guy with the story of the banana.

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A Tuskegee Airman's Story of Heroism and Service Nov 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lt. Col. Harry Stewart fought for his country in WW2, and faced discrimination and worse along the way. But he said he'd do it all over again for the country he loves.

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Booker T. Washington’s Bridge Forward (Told By His Great-Granddaughter) Nov 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ss 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"), as well as her great grandfather’s.

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Shot Down: The Amazing Story of The B-17 Susan Ruth and Howard Snyder Nov 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, flying for the United States in WWII was dangerous work, and the numbers show for it. In the Eighth Air Force alone, 26,000 men paid the ultimate sacrifice—one half of the casualties in the entire U.S. Army Air Force. It was only by sheer grit and a little bit of luck that Steve Snyder's father, Howard, managed to return from Europe alive, as he and his crew had been shot down over Belgium. Here's Steve to tell the story.

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Don't Wear Slippers to a Job Interview Nov 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, it takes some time to find what we enjoy AND what we're good at. Joshua Texidor definitely found that out when he moved to Nashville.

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Robert Todd Lincoln: In His Father's Shadow Nov 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers the 16th President’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Because of his father, Abraham Lincoln, Robert Todd's life has been largely forgotten—but it deserves to be remembered.

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A Museum Dedicated to Southern Jewish Heritage Nov 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, many people wrongfully think that Jews are only city folk. The Breman Museum of Jewish History proves that wrong. Longtime archivist Sandy Berman and Founding Executive Director Jane Leevi tell the story of their museum.

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Hollywood Goes to War: Wild Bill Wellman Nov 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath. McGrath is the author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier. A U.S. Marine and former history professor at UCLA, Dr. McGrath has appeared on numerous History Channel documentaries and is a regular contributor for us here at Our American Stories.

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When Your Losing Football Team Brings Your Family Together Nov 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nancy Ball shares how “Being an Ole Miss Fan is in and of Itself a Lesson in Humility.”

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"The Peanut Man": The Story of George Washington Carver Nov 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, chances are that you've heard of George Washington Carver before, or that he invented peanut butter. While you might be surprised to find out that he didn't invent it (that honor goes to Canadian Marcellus Gilmore Edson), that doesn't make him any less remarkable a figure in American history. Here to tell his story is National Park Service ranger Curtis Gregory at the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri.

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Into the Union: How Texas Joined The United States Nov 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Monte Monroe, the Texas State Historian, shares with us how Texas joined the Union after becoming it's own nation... and how the spirit of Texan "independence" became a thing.

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My Musician Father, Harry Gozzard Nov 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, one of our listeners, George Gozzard, shares the story of his big band trumpeter father, Harry Gozzard.

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Ralph Cox: Last Guy Cut from 1980 U.S. Olympic "Miracle" Hockey Team Nov 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, What you might know about Ralph comes from the 2004 Disney movie "Miracle," which is the true story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that upset the powerful Soviets en route to the gold medal at Lake Placid. Here's Ralph to share the moment that changed his life forever.

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How the USA Almost Went to War Over a Pig Nov 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor, Anne Claire, tells the story of the time the United States almost went to war with the United Kingdom over the untimely death of a pig in what is now Washington State.

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City Grazing: The Landscape Management Company Powered by Goats Nov 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Genevieve Church, the third "Goat Lady of San Francisco", is executive director of City Grazing. Listen to her share about how this land management and fire prevention non-profit came to be.

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The Only Woman to be Awarded the Medal of Honor Nov 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers a truly extraordinary Civil War heroine, Mary Edwards Walker. She was the only woman in United States history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

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Saving Monticello: One Family's Struggle to Make Sure History was Remembered Nov 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Jefferson’s impact on our country cannot be overstated. He fought for religious liberty, states rights, and the expansion and strengthening of America as a up-and-coming nation. His legacy is memorialized in many locations across the country, not the least of which his own residence in Charlottesville, Virginia… Monticello.

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Bankrupt and Dying from Cancer, Ulysses S. Grant Waged His Greatest Battle Nov 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, you've heard Christopher Klein tell the story of “How Johnny Carson Saved Twister.” He’s back with another one. Aided by Mark Twain, the former president and Civil War hero raced to complete a literary masterpiece that saved his wife from destitution.

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The Man In The Glass Coffin?! Nov 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin is still in a glass coffin... but so is an American man along the shores of Lake Michigan. Chris Siriano tells this curious story about the coffin and the robbery of it.

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The Spooky History Behind Haunted Houses Nov 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Halloween historian Lisa Morton is going to be unpacking the history of Haunted Attractions (AKA: Halloween Haunted House) which is directly tied into today’s practice of Trick-or-Treating.

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This Man Grows Pumpkins That Weigh a TON Nov 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear how in 2017, Rhode Islander, Joe Jutras, broke the record for the largest giant green squash ever grown coming in at 2118lbs. Here he shares all that goes into growing these giant fruits.

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Halloween: The History of an American Holiday Nov 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we explore why we participate in these strange celebrations every Halloween season. Lesley Bannatyne is the author of Halloween: An American Holiday, An American History and Lisa Morton is the author of Trick Or Treat: A History of Halloween.

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The Second American Revolution: How Texas Became a Country Oct 31, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the official Texas State Historian Monte Monroe tells the sweeping story of how the Texas we know and love today found its footing as a nation in response to tyranny and oppression.

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A Fake Ring, Real Temptation, and a Golden Marriage Oct 31, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, this next story comes to us from Sarah Wells, author of "American Honey: A Field Guide to Resisting Temptation."

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The Crayon Man: How Crayola Crayons Made Creativity Accessible Oct 31, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, from the bifocals to the cotton gin to the automobile to the iPhone, America country has produced creations that make our lives better… but sometimes, we invent things with recreation, and not productivity, in mind. Natascha Biebow, author of "The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons," is here to tell us the story of Edwin Binney.

Order her book here: https://www.nataschbiebow.com/books" at the end of the description for "The Crayon Man

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Mom and Son Run a Marathon Together in Every State Oct 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, 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

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"Gung-ho & Cheesy Smile" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 8) Oct 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his recurring series is "Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases" author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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The Great Vowel Shift and the Making of Modern English Oct 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, “The Great Vowel Shift” was the single greatest change in the history of the English language that has now become the official language in over 75 countries.

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Theodore Roosevelt: That Damn Cowboy Oct 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Theodore Roosevelt was just 42-years-old when he took office in 1901—the youngest president ever. It was the West that molded Roosevelt into a man and it was here where he learned to “carry a big stick.” Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath and Michael Blake.

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"I Admit It, I Sew Quilts" Oct 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, this next story comes to us from a listener, Paul Bauer—a regular contributor out of Minneapolis, MN.

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Wayne Gretzky Eulogizes His Father Oct 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, known as “Canada's hockey dad,” Walter Gretzky died at the age of 82. His death prompted an avalanche of tributes for a genuine, approachable, authentic person who nurtured the unsurpassed hockey talents of his son Wayne Gretzky on the family's famed backyard rink.

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The Shocking Story Behind the Diamond Engagement Ring Oct 27, 2022

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 and then wrote The Heartless Stone.

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Me, My Dad, and the 37-Year Triple Crown Drought Oct 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2020 Ginsberg retired as the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Communications at SoftBank Group Corp, and he served at the highest levels at both Time Warner and News Corp. He’s here to share how the 37-year Triple Crown drought that was broken in 2015 brought with it a flood of memories of Sundays at the race track with his Dad.

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The Story of Asbestos Oct 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, 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.

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Our American “Odyssey”: Ambrose on Lewis & Clark Oct 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose shares some stories from his #1 New York Times bestseller, Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West.

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Gunfighter/Lawman/Gambler Bat Masterson: Forever Changed the West Oct 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, to Bat Masterson, gunslingers were hoodlums who killed for fun. He used guns to enforce the law or defend a friend. In the end, he’d achieved a feat almost none of the Old West legends had attained: he lived to see old age.

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Mike Eruzione: The Making of a Miracle Oct 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Eruzione—the captain of the 1980 U.S Men’s Olympic Hockey Team—recounts the unlikely circumstances that led to his amazing career on ice, the legendary upset against the Soviets, and his game-winning gold medal goal.

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Blair Linne: Finding My Father Oct 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Blair Linne’s personal story of growing up without a father at home reflects the experiences of millions of Americans. Blair beautifully tells her story in her book, Finding My Father and is here to share it with us.

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Hollywood Goes To War: Merian Cooper (born 1893) Oct 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Merian C. Cooper wanted to be an adventurer. It was a wish that propelled him into journalism, the National Guard, military aviation, two world wars, and a movie producer and writer, working on some cinematic classics, including King Kong in 1933. He even played one of the pilots in the film. Here again to tell this "Hollywood Goes to War" story is Roger McGrath.

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Tyler Spady on Escaping the Borderline Massacre Oct 25, 2022

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’s here to share his story of survival and hope.

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Couple Adopts 7 Siblings Separated Throughout 4 Foster Homes! Oct 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear the story of how one childless married couple of 13 years became a family of 9, literally, overnight.

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"The First Guy Cannot Fail": The Jackie Robinson Story (died 1972) Oct 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Baseball Leauges Museum, tell the story of a man who started in Kansas City, made his way to Brooklyn, and swept across a nation.

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History Guy: The Story of the Lone Ranger Oct 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Lone Ranger, with his cry of “Hi-Ho Silver!” has become an American institution ranking with Paul Bunyan in the realms of folklore and legend. The History Guy remembers Bass Reeves, John Reynolds Hughes, and the forgotten history of the Wild West.

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“In a Nutshell & In the Doghouse” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 10) Oct 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his recurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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The Story of Las Vegas Through Neon Signs Oct 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, executive director of the Neon Museum, Aaron Berger, shares some of the history of Las Vegas and the iconic signage Associated with it.

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Bob Huff: Ohio Born, American Made Oct 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob Huff was born just outside of Dayton, Ohio, in the blue-collar factory town of Moraine City. Bob’s early life was anything but easy… but that clearly didn’t stop Bob.

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My Battles in Fallujah to the Battle for My Soul: The Good, the Bad and the Ultimate Victory of an American Hero Oct 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story come to us from a veteran of the U.S. Army. He served with the 82nd Airborne Division in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Here’s Fernando Arroyo.

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How Did Fast Food Become an American Favorite? Oct 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, pulling up at your favorite drive-thru and grabbing a quick, familiar meal is a part of everyday American life… But this idea was once unheard of. So how did fast food and drive-thru restaurants come to be such appealing and significant aspects of American culture? Here’s Adam Chandler, author of “Drive-Thru Dreams: A Journey Through the Heart of America’s Fast-Food Kingdom”, with the full history and evolution of fast food in our country.

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Good Neighbors, Not Fences, Make Good Neighbors Oct 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, after moving to a farm in Mississippi from Tampa, FL, Jake Keiser didn't know what to expect. Thankfully, her neighbors had her back.

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The Unlikely WWII B-24 Combat Pilot-Hero, George McGovern Oct 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, historian extraordinaire Stephen Ambrose tells us a very unlikely World War II story about George McGovern, the liberal, antiwar Democratic presidential candidate from South Dakota who was soundly defeated by President Nixon in the 1972 election. This story is from The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys who Flew the B-24s over Germany.

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James K. Polk: The Best President Americans Have Never Heard Of Oct 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Monte Monroe, Rachel Helvering, and Anne Claire tell the story of President James K. Polk and why his one term in office managed to beat out most Presidents who served two.

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Zuzu’s “Wonderful Life”: The Story of Karolyn Grimes Oct 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next storyteller has the privilege of being in one of the most beloved movies of all time—while, at the same time, and from the same movie—also has one of the most famous lines in movie history. Her story is as Wonderful as both of these accomplishments.

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The Cloud-Juicing Entrepreneur Who Bottles Rainwater Oct 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, there are over 80 bottled water companies in the United States, but one of them has changed the game forever, Richard Heinichen's company, Richard's Rainwater.

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These Brothers Created Multiple Podcasts with Millions of Listeners... Just to Stay in Touch Oct 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, after a career that spanned from Best Buy security to founder of a video game journalism site, Justin McElroy found his true calling by returning to his roots.

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The Gettysburg Soldier Who Received The Medal of Honor 151 Years After His Death Oct 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of Alanzo Cushing as told by those who fought to have him recognized long after his death.

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The Life of Duke Ellington: An American Original Oct 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, some believe he was the most important composer of the 20th century, in or out of jazz. Terry Teachout, one of America's best culture writers and author of Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington, tells the story of the jazz legend, his music, his struggles, his triumphs and so much more.

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ReIgnite Hope: The Company Who Teaches the Homeless How to Weld?! Oct 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve Bunyard started ReIgnite hope on Skid row in Los Angeles with the goal to help homeless people get jobs. 11 years later and countless lives have been changed through this welding certification course.

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The Secret History Inside of Cracker Barrel Oct 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, with its classic “Old Country” theme, Cracker Barrel has been an American favorite for many decades. But many people don’t know that the decor you find on the walls and all throughout the restaurants are all authentic pieces of American history.

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A Family Lived in the New York Public Library? Oct 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, our audience loved Kristin O'Donnell Tubb’s wonderful story from her historical fiction book, John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy. So we asked if she would share another story with us. Here she is telling the story of the family that lived in the New York Public Library.

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The Man Who Milks Snakes for a Living Oct 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, at the age of 6, Nathaniel Frank became intrigued with reptiles and dreamt of working with them one day. Today, Nathaniel is the CEO of MToxins Venom Lab. MToxins produces high volumes of snake and scorpion venom for the production of antivenom, which saves lives.

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The Swamp Peddlers: How Florida Was Built and Sold Oct 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jason Vuic tells the story of how the state of Florida was sold and built by innovative and driven entrepreneurs during the 1950s...before Disney and before the modern attractions of today.

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John Wooden: First NBA Hall of Fame Player AND Coach Oct 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Wooden compiled the greatest legacy of any coach in history. How he defined success was unique and central to his philosophy. This story is told by Coach Wooden himself, his family, friends, and players.

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Enhancing Lives, One Guide Dog at a Time Oct 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Christine Benninger is the CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, the largest guide dog school in North America. She shares about the unique training process for these extraordinary animals and the special bond they share with their owner.

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The Sacrifices of the Littleton Brothers During the Civil War Oct 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Busbee of The Culture Buzz on KFMG 98.9 tells the story of the remarkable sacrifice made by one family in Iowa during the Civil War.

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The Legendary Stephen Ambrose on the Legendary Dwight D. Eisenhower Oct 17, 2022

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 pacifists.

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Civil War Protector: Col. Justin Dimick Oct 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, this story comes from our regular contributor, Christopher Klein. Klein is the author of four books and is a frequent contributor to the History Channel. He’s here to share a story of an unknown Civil War hero.

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The Twin Brothers Who Helped Change The Medical Practices We Now Take For Granted Oct 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn about the story of how identical twin brothers—a doctor and a lawyer—collaborated with scores of unsung heroes to modernize emergency medical services, help create the physician assistant profession, help write the model law for organ donation and develop other programs that save thousands of lives every year. Here’s Alfred and Blair Sadler with their story.

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Miss America's Everlasting Battle With Itself Oct 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Miss America Organization has been around for over a century... but through these many years, the pageant has had to conquer a seemingly constant battle to stay accepted and relevant. Here's Amy Argetsinger, author of "There She Was: The Secret History of Miss America", with the full, untold story of Miss America.

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Abigail Adams: Revolutionary Woman Oct 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Professor Woody Holton of the University of South Carolina tells the life story of First Lady Abigail Adams from his award winning biography Abigail Adams.

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George Washington: From Good Man to Great General Oct 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington is remembered in our history books, our nation's capital, and the values Americans still esteem today. He can often seem more marble than mortal. Woody Holton brings us the story of Washington wasn't always the man we celebrate today... as well as how he became the hero we know him as.

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Trapped Inside a Tube: The Iron Lung Story Oct 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medical Museum tells the story of the iron lung, a device used to keep people with advanced polio alive in the first half of the 20th century.

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Ketchup King: The H.J. Heinz Story Oct 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn how Heinz food products have been a part of American culture for more than a century. Though Heinz Ketchup is one of the most recognized corporate symbols in the world, few people know anything at all about its creator, H.J. Heinz. His hard work, innovation, and obsessive kindness proved one of his favorite sayings: “To do a common thing uncommonly well brings success.”

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The History of the Barcode Oct 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, barcodes, on most products properly called a UPC, or “Universal Product Code,” are now a necessity for everyday life, making it possible for the massive and complex trade networks and supply systems of the modern world to function. The History Guy remembers its humble beginnings. It is history that deserves to be remembered.

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Willie Kennard, The First Black Lawman in Colorado Oct 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, murder and mayhem ran unchecked in the town of Yankee Hill....things were a mess, and they needed a real life good guy to save them. Thankfully, Willie Kennard was that man.

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My Family Spent 4 Months Playing Battleship in a Corn Field Oct 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, this story itself is the stuff of legends...a sunken steamboat, buried treasure, and the drive of a group of AC repairmen to become "rich beyond rich" even if it meant going into over a million dollars worth of debt. Matt Hawley tells the story of his family's quest to dig up the steamboat Arabia from the middle of a corn field.

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The Candy Bomber??? Oct 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much-needed supplies into a war-torn Soviet-blockaded Berlin following WWII. As he performed his duties, Lt. Halvorsen began to notice the German children gathered by the fences of Tempelhof Air Base. Knowing that they had very little, an idea sprang: he would bomb Berlin with candy.

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The Fateful Night During WWII Cecil Wax Met God Oct 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Marilyn Jensen tells the harrowing story of when her father went on a supply run amidst a German bombing.

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How Duke’s Coach K Was Almost Fired in 1983 Oct 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Feinstein is a sportswriter of 42 books, 23 of them New York Times bestsellers. His first book, A Season on the Brink (about Indiana coach Bobby Knight), is the bestselling sports book of all time. He is also the friend of Duke University’s legendary basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski (also known as “Coach K”). John is here to tell the story of how Coach K’s five national titles at Duke as well as three consecutive gold medals as the head coach of the men’s U.S. Olympic basketball team almost never happened.

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The Baylor Basketball Incident: An Eyewitness to One of the Biggest Scandals (and Turnarounds) in NCAA History Oct 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is a story about one of the biggest scandals in college basketball history—along with one of its biggest turnarounds. Here to tell the story is former Baylor Basketball player Matt Sayman, author of The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond.

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Thomas Hudner: The MOH Recipient Who Crashed His Plane On Purpose To Get To His Downed Wingman Oct 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Navy commissioned its newest destroyer 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.

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Brett Favre’s Shocking Revelation During Stardom, Addiction, and Rehab Oct 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts... but not this story.

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The Boy Scout Leader that Stretched the Truth... for Fun!! Oct 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Jaimie Scott tells the whimsical story of an infamous snipe hunt he partook in at Camp Tolochee in Georgia.

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The REAL Sue Thomas F.B.Eye: Nothing But the Truth Oct 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sue Thomas became the first deaf person to work as an undercover specialist doing lip-reading of suspects for an elite FBI surveillance team. Her story became the basis for the TV series Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye. She's here to share her more unbelievable story, the one that Hollywood wouldn't touch!

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A Baby Boomer’s Battle with Insanity and Fitness Oct 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul from Minnesota moved our listeners with his story, “Wilber and the Empty Nester.” We asked him if he had any more.

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Brett Favre on Tough Love, Parenting, and Telling the Truth Oct 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brett Favre, the legendary NFL quarterback, gets very personal about tough love, telling the truth, and having a parenting style that’s different than his fathers.

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The Unlikely WWII B-24 Combat Pilot-Hero, George McGovern Oct 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, historian extraordinaire Stephen Ambrose tells us a very unlikely World War II story about George McGovern, the liberal, antiwar Democratic presidential candidate from South Dakota who was soundly defeated by President Nixon in the 1972 election. This story is from The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys who Flew the B-24s over Germany.

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From Animal House, to Belushi, and Seinfeld: Mark “Neidermeyer” Metcalf’s Story Oct 06, 2022

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.

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Sean Pronger: That Day I Was Gretzky’s Hungover Linemate Oct 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sean Pronger always dreamed of being and playing with Wayne Gretzky. Find out what happens when his dream... meets his hangover.

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Nostalgia Awakens: How Star Wars Toys Revolutionized Everything (Pt. 1) Oct 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, “The Nostalgia Awakens" is an exhibit featuring EVERY action figure toy made by Kenner from 1978-1985 based on the original three Star Wars movies. The Star Wars toys on display are from Jarrod Roll, enthusiast and museum curator from Wisconsin, and he's here to share the story of how Star Wars toys revolutionized movie merchandising, licensing, and even how kids play.

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What Happened to Saturday Morning Cartoons? Oct 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mark McCray is the author of The Best Saturday’s of Our Lives (his website is tbsool.com). He’s here to tell us the story of Saturday Morning Cartoons… and answer the all-important question: What happened to them?

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How Former Slave Robert Smalls Seized a Confederate Ship and Sailed it to Freedom Oct 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s The History Guy with the tale of an escaped slave-turned legend named Robert Smalls.

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"Apple of Your Eye" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 2) Oct 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his recurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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How the West Turned Samuel Clemens Headed Into Mark Twain Oct 05, 2022

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. The time he spent 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.

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Patty Kingsbaker's Elvis Encounter Oct 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Patty from Colorado not only has a great Elvis story, but she is very good at telling it!

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How My Dog Changed My Life Oct 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, regular contributor Paul Bauer reflects on a pivotal moment involving his canine companion.

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To Mow or Not to Mow: The History of Lawn Care Oct 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the idea of a lawn is very old, but it took a key technology to make lawns very common. Here’s “The History Guy” with the story of lawn care.

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Brett Favre on His Miraculous Monday Night Game after His Father Died Oct 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear Favre get very personal about his miraculous Monday Night Football game immediately following his father’s passing.

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"All Hell Broke Loose" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Oct 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Connecting America From Shore to Shore, The Transcontinental Railroad Oct 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose is here to tell us the story from his bestseller, Nothing Like It In The World: The Men Who Built The Transcontinental Railroad.

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Connecting People... Through Salt and Pepper Shakers?! Oct 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, right below the Great Smoky Mountains you will find the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. Andrea Ludden, daughter of the original collector, shares the story of how this amazing collection came to be a museum.

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Virginia Hall: The True Story of America's Greatest Female Spy Oct 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, meet the woman the Gestapo once considered "the most dangerous of all Allied spies." Judy Pearson tells the tale of a woman whose bravery was greater than the collapsing world around her.

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The Man Behind America's Sweet Tooth, Milton Hershey Oct 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, an American candy store in 1900 looked very different than it does today. Candy was a special treat sold almost exclusively in candy stores. Chocolate was sold in Europe and only a very few affluent Americans had ever tried it. Here to tell the story is Don Papson, President and Executive Director at The M.S. Hershey Foundation and Amy Zeigler, Sr. Director of The Hershey Story Museum.

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How Did Daisy Golf Balls End Up On The Moon? Sep 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, although never publicly stated (the brands of anything brought to the moon were kept tight-lipped), there is a good chance that the golf balls hit on the moon were "Daisy" golf balls. Joe Murfin tells the story of an estate sale, a photo, and a story that you won't forget.

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The Silver Kings and the "Big Bonanza" Sep 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Mackay, James Fair, William O'Brien, and James Flood epitomized the rags-to-riches American dream. Roger McGrath, author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes is here to tell us the story of the richest mineral discovery in American history, the Comstock Lode.

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The 13 Days Before Lincoln Almost Wasn't President Sep 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of President Abraham Lincoln's harrowing train trip to Washington, D.C., to be sworn in as the leader of a new—and divided—nation. Joining us to tell the story is Ted Widmer, author of Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington.

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Hollywood Goes to War: Eddie Albert Sep 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Eddie Albert starred in Roman Holiday opposite Audrey Hepburn and also played a sadistic prison warden in 1974’s The Longest Yard starring Burt Reynolds. Albert starred in the Green Acres sitcom opposite Eva Gabor as the couple who move from New York City to a country farm. But his greatest role was commanding the landing craft set to invade Japanese-occupied Tarawa on Betio Island in the Pacific.

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Moving From The City To The Country Saved Her Life Sep 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jake Keiser was living the life in Tampa, Florida, running a high-powered PR firm and juggling drink dates, shopping sprees, and charity galas. But at age thirty-eight, following a failed marriage, a series of miscarriages, and a still-blistering breakup, she began to suffer from extreme anxiety. Hit with the realization that no amount of Botox could fill the hole in her heart, she decided to make the impulse purchase of a lifetime and bought a farm in the middle of nowhere, Mississippi.

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Jack London's "To Build a Fire" Sep 29, 2022

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, as well as his short story, To Build a Fire. Here to narrate the gripping finale of Jack London’s masterpiece, To Build a Fire is Roger McGrath.

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The Difficulty, and Importance, of Finding Balance Sep 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brent Timmons shares the story of a lesson in risk.

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America Strikes Back: The Doolittle Raids and the Battle of the Coral Sea Sep 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Claire tells the story of America's first two responses to Pearl Harbor: The Doolittle Raids and the Battle of the Coral Sea

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Serving the Widow of My Childhood Hero, Baseball Legend Roberto Clemente Sep 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, while he never got to meet the Pittsburgh sports icon, Duane Rieder had the unique opportunity to not only commemorate his legacy using photos but also to eventually create a museum to honor and preserve his memory.

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“Black Harry” Hoosier: The Story Behind Indiana’s Namesake Sep 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear how Indiana got its nickname as “The Hoosier State” and how the people from Indiana came to be called “Hoosiers.” Here to answer these questions and tell the story is Dr. Stephen Flick.

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She Wanted to Become a Movie Star, so She Moved to... a National Park? Sep 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, growing up in smalltown Mississippi, all Donna Martin wanted to do was move to a big city and become a famous actress. When the opportunity arose to move to California for the summer, she didn't hesitate. Only one problem... there aren't many acting opportunities in Yosemite National Park.

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America's Comeback: The Battle of Midway Sep 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, America was down, but not out after Pearl Harbor...we needed a major victory though. That victory would come at a small sandy island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Writer Anne Clare tells the story.

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How The NBA Got to NBC Sep 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1989 the NBA signed a $600 million contract with NBC to have the network air their games for four years. It was a long road to get there though. Pete Croatto, author of From Hang Time to Prime Time, tells the story.

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Bad Medicine: Life Before the FDA Sep 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medical Museum tells the story of patent medicine, otherwise known as "snakeoils", which didn't do much except line the pockets of their creators with money.

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Weifield Group Hires “At Risk” Individuals and with Good Reason! Sep 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, it's hard to believe that a company who has hired over 100 “at risk” individuals would be competing for the title as the top electrical contracting company in Colorado AND also the U.S. Let Karla Nugent and Curt Andersen convince you otherwise.

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The Salem Witch Trials and the American Puritans Sep 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, early on, a hush descended over 1692-1693 Salem Witch Trials for generations. Then came playwright Arthur Miller, who made off with the story, or at least his version of it. Since 1953, The Crucible has become the culturally-accepted storyline that has come to define American Puritans (e.g., the Pilgrims) and the city of Salem itself.

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The War In Ben Franklin's Home Sep 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the American Revolution split the nation… and Ben Franklin’s family. Join Daniel Mark Epstein, author of “The Loyal Son,” to learn more about the father-son split between Benjamin and William Franklin.

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Dennis Peterson: Makin' Do Sep 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dennis Peterson's father had an interesting way of saving money. He called it 'Makin' Do'. Dennis tells the story.

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Fawn Weaver: A Woman's Self-Made Journey from Motown to Small Town Sep 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Fawn Weaver grew up the daughter of Motown Record royalty, Frank Wilson, but her parentage is only the beginning. From growing up, moving out young, and starting several business, she's learned lessons about equality, fitting in, fear, and much more.

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The Mormon Inventor Whose Firearms Changed the World Sep 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, few people are aware that John Moses Browning—a tall, modest man born in 1855 and raised as a Mormon in the American West-- 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 which dominated air and land battles in World War II. Nathan Gorenstein (author of The Guns of John Moses Browning: The Remarkable Story of the Inventor Whose Firearms Changed the World) is here to tell the story of this little-known American legend whose impact on history ranks with that of the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford.

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The Confederate Mystery Ship Sep 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, on July 9th, 1864, the Union army suffered a loss... that just so happened to save the United States and help solidify Lincoln's re-election.

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Samuel Colt and the Birth of the Revolver Sep 23, 2022

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 the story is Ashley Hlebinsky, 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.

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One of the 1st and Last American POWs of WWII Sep 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Judith Pierson tells us the story of Navy corpsman Estel Myers and his story of survival in the WWII's Pacific theater.

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My Boss is 160" Tall and Weighs 9.3 Million Lbs. Sep 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joe Manns tells the story of Big Brutus, an absolutely massive peice of mining equipment in West Mineral, Kansas.

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Batman Through the Years Sep 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Batman is a household name. His list of comic issues, let alone live action movies, animated films and tv shows, video games, you name it, is nothing short of astounding… but this wasn’t always the case. Andrew Farago, Curator at the Cartoon Art Museum and author of Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond, is here to tell us the story of the Caped Crusader.

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A Plane Crashed into the Empire State Building in 1945?! Sep 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, in July of 1945, a U.S. B-25 Mitchell got lost in heavy fog over Manhattan. Here’s The History Guy remembering the B-25 Empire State Building Crash.

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The Civil War General Involved in Numerous Scandals: Dan Sickles Sep 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gettysburg National Park Service Ranger Matt Atkinson tells the story of the Civil War General who claimed to be insane in court, got his leg shot off by General Longstreet's artillery, and helped form the Gettysburg National Military Park.

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A Texas Boy Vs. the Air Traffic Control Bully Sep 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another story from our regular listener/contributor Roger Latham, from Fort Worth, Texas, on why the old adage "Don't Mess with Texas" is worth taking heed of.

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The Pony Express was an Early Attempt at Viral Marketing?! Sep 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Pony Express is synonymous with speed, endurance, and the American spirit to just get things done. While the name is recognizable not just throughout the States, but also all over the world, it’s not widely known that the Pony Express was part of a larger corporation.. or that it only lasted for 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.

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From Small Town Texas To Ministering To Millions: The Story of Cindy Cruse Ratcliff Sep 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff shares her story of how her music career got started.

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JoyRide, The Car Club Exclusively for Kids with Special Needs Sep 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Blair and Cat Cornell found out their son was going to be born with moderate to severe special needs, it changed their lives for good... and they are now using that to change people's lives for the better.

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The Untold Story of Steve McQueen Sep 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, you are about to hear the untold story of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, told by McQueen expert, Marshall Terrill.

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Facing Adversity with Dignity: The Sidney Poitier Story Sep 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sidney Poitier: Man, Actor, Icon was the first full biography of legendary actor Sidney Poitier written by Aram Goudsouzian, professor of history at the University of Memphis. In it, he explores the hard, but admirable journey Poitier travelled, and why we view him today as a legend.

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Ambrose: WWII and Getting Down to Business: The Italian Campaign Sep 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, even before the U.S./British victory in the North African campaign in May 1943, there was disagreement among the Allies on the best strategy to defeat the Axis. Eventually the U.S. and British political leadership reached a compromise in which both would commit most of their forces to an invasion of France in early 1944, but also launch a relatively small-scale Italian campaign. Here’s Stephen Ambrose with the story.

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The First Successful Submarine Attack Sep 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the first successful submarine attack didn't happen in the Atlantic Ocean or Europe, but in Charleston Harbor during the Civil War. John Freeman of the South Carolina Military Museum tells the story of the CSS Hunley and her one and done mission against the Union blockade.

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Orville Rogers: Flying A-Bombs, Capturing World Records, and Growing Bolder Sep 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Orville’s story is one where the good guy finishes first. Yet his is a life story of challenge and risk, marked by tragic losses and remarkable successes.

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“Nest Egg” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 14) Sep 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Constitution Day: The Road From the Articles of Confederation to our Constitution Sep 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, tells the story of how we managed to completely change our nation's governing document from a broken one, to a beautiful one.

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Constitution Day: James Madison, Lawgiver Sep 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, tells the story of our fourth President, the main hailed as the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.

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Constitution Day: Lincoln's Greatest Speech Americans Have Never Heard Sep 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vince Benedetto, founder of Bold Gold Media Group, tells the story of the Cooper Union address-the greatest speech of Lincoln's that Americans have never heard, and the speech that made him President.

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The Candy That Cleans Your Teeth... and the Teen CEO Who Founded it! Sep 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Alina Morse is the youngest person ever to be featured on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine. As CEO of Zolli Candy, she has created a delicious candy that actually cleans your teeth!

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The First Person to Ever Photograph a Snowflake Sep 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Jerry Bergman’s here to tell us the story of a teenage boy who became interested in snow. On January 15, 1885, at 20-years of age, he became the first person in the world to photograph a snowflake.

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“Red Tape” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 19) Sep 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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Salvation Army: The Story of William and Catherine Booth Sep 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Salvation Army's Christmas Red Kettle has been an American icon for 125 years. But for many Americans, this is all they know about the Salvation Army… until now. We’d like to thank the folks at Vision Video for giving us access to their wonderful documentary, Our People: The Story of William and Catherine Booth.

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Bryan Dawson's Story: From Hell's Highway to the Valley of Vision Sep 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, you are about to hear the miraculous story from one of our own here at Our American Stories. Bryan Dawson went from being your local suburban high school football player to being considered such a nefarious and menacing fugitive that the world-famous bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman refused to pursue him.

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Hollywood Goes to War: Wayne Morris Sep 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another one of Roger McGrath’s “Hollywood Goes To War” stories. So far we’ve heard the stories of Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, and Tyrone Power. Today McGrath will be treating us to the story of Hollywood’s strapping, steely-eyed, leading man, Wayne Morris.

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The Man Who Wouldn't Give in: The Story of Winston Churchill Sep 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Winston Churchill is the only Englishman to be honored by having a United States Navy Ship named after him. He was also half American via his mother's side. English historian Andrew Roberts, author of Churchill: Walking With Destiny, tells the story of this remarkable leader.

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Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians Sep 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, one of the most successful blackjack teams in America is made up entirely of Christians. Here to tell the story are two of the winningest players, Colin Jones, founder of BlackJackApprenticeship.com, and the player dubbed “the most notorious card counter in America,” David Drury.

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From One End of Law Enforcement to the Other: Becoming a Police Officer Sep 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeff Shaw shares his story of being lost in his career path, becoming a police officer, and the years of emotions that come along with it.

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The Winner... Who Always Finished Last?! Sep 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Saje Hellstern was the fastest on his cross-country team and always finished in the top. After a tumor was found in his brain, he endured over a year of radiation and chemo. But, that didn't stop him from running and finishing his races. Here to share his story is his stepfather, Roger.

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The Man Who Wrote 'I'll Fly Away' Sep 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Albert E. Brumley is recognized as one of the most important Gospel music composers of all time. Writing over 800 songs, including "I'll Fly Away" and "Turn Your Radio On", and with countless awards to his name, he truly is an American music icon. But how did this son of Oklahoma sharecroppers end up where he did? Here to tell the story is Betsy and Elaine, his granddaughters.

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I Picked Up "Tex" Watson Hitchhiking AFTER the Manson Murders Sep 13, 2022

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.

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The Irish Immigrant Whose Life Was So Large, NYC Shut Down for Him Sep 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jimmy Neary was an Irish immigrant who boarded a ship to America in the 1950s and went on to open a namesake restaurant in Manhattan that has for more than a half century been a famed canteen in the heart of New York City. Here to tell his story is Jimmy’s daughter, Una.

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Calling All Boats: The Fireboats of 9/11 Sep 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, on September 11th, 2001, more people were evacuated from Lower Manhattan than Dunkirk, and all thanks to FDNY fireboats, tugboats, and pleasure boats.

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My Sister Was On Flight 93 on 9/11 Sep 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vaughn Lohec’s sister, Lauren, was on United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Vaughn shares about her sister’s life and the ways in which her family has dealt with the events of that day.

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A First Responder's Memories of Flight 93 Sep 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, many of us know the story of Flight 93 because of the heroic actions of the people in the airplane. But do we know the stories of those who responded to it on the ground? ATC controlman Dennis Fritz and Christian Boyd, a paramedic and volunteer firefighter share the story of what they saw in and around Shanksville.

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An Eyewitness Account of the Crash of Flight 93 Sep 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Linda Shepley reflects on the heroics that took place on United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001.

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The Unlikely Relationship Between Two of NYC's Finest Sep 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear about 9/11 firefighter Niels Jorgensen and billionaire David Koch, and the tragedies that brought them together.

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"Joy Came in the Morning": How Faith and Friendship Got Me Through 9/11 Sep 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ash was still rising from Jocelyn Green’s yard as she mowed a week after 9/11. Her house was mere miles from the Pentagon. She felt the attacks and experienced the fallout from them first hand. For our 9/11 Special, Jocelyn tells us about how she learned to live after the events of that day.

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A Billion Dollar Corporation... That's CLEANING Water? Sep 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Manny Singh, President of Koch Membrane Systems, had a childhood that shaped how he sees water. Then he joined a company that has reshaped how he sees innovation. He's not afraid to literally get dirty and strives to see how waste can create value.

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The Union Loss That Saved Washington, D.C. Sep 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, while lost battles can sometimes be devastating, this Civil War loss actually helped give the Union just enough time to prepare for what could have been an even more disastrous defeat.

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"Busy Leading His Quiet Life": The Story of Pop Pop Timmons Sep 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor Brent Timmons tells the story of his grandfather. An everyday man who made the most out of his farm in Delaware...but not in the way that you'd expect.

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“Son of a Gun & Steal My Thunder” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Sep 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his recurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

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The Investing Legend Giving Away ALL His Money Sep 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Leon Cooperman grew up in a rough neighborhood of New York City and would become one of the most successful investors in history. Join us for Leon’s life story, and why he’s giving away all his wealth.

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Why Did a Preacher Give Thomas Jefferson a Giant Block of Cheese?! Sep 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Jefferson is often known for championing religious freedom in our nation's infancy, but not many people know about how a preacher thanked him in the most unusual way.

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From Exploitation to Exhultation: Escaping the Sex Industry Sep 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, as a young woman seemingly trapped in the commercial sex industry, Harmony Dust Grillo's struggle continued until a new friendship led to a change in her life.

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How to Properly Brag About the World's Fastest Plane Sep 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, bragging is often seen as unsportsmanlike... but when you're flying the world's fastest plane, maybe you can get a pass.

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John Wooden: First NBA Hall of Fame Player AND Coach Sep 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Wooden compiled the greatest legacy of any coach in history. How he defined success was unique and central to his philosophy. This story is told by Coach Wooden himself, his family, friends, and players.

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The First B-17 To Bomb Berlin Sep 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, it was never supposed to be them...but through an extraordinary chain of events, Lt. Bill Owen's crew managed to become the first B-17 crew to drop bombs in the heart of the Third Reich.

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The 1913 Storm: When Tragedy Struck the Great Lakes Sep 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, it was a blizzard with hurricane-force winds that devastated the Great Lakes Basin in the Midwestern United States and Southwestern Ontario, Canada, from November 7 to 10, 1913. Here to tell the tale is Ric Mixter.

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Inspiration from My Dad and Author Jack Kerouac Sep 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, regular contributor Paul Kotz gives a touching tribute to his father. At a time when Paul needed a great deal of encouragement, his father turned to an American novelist to cheer him up.

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The 1974 "Ten Cent Beer NIght" Riot in Cleveland, Ohio Sep 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, on June 4, 1974, in Cleveland, Ohio trouble was a brewin', the bleachers were loaded, and there was a distinct buzz in the air. Here's The History Guy with the story!

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Escaping WWII in Croatia to Founding Maglite: Tony Maglica's Story Sep 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tony Maglica's family escaped the horrors of World War II and left their homeland of Croatia; however, his flashlights are proudly made in America—and his dreams were too.

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The Making of an American Pantheon: Grant's Tomb Sep 06, 2022

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 L. Picone, shares the story of the creation, degradation, and revitalization of Grant's Tomb.

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"You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!": The Story of Daisy B.B. Guns Sep 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, relatively few women went with the initial stampedes to new mineral discoveries throughout the American frontiers. None went unescorted to so many remote, perilous places as Nellie Cashman, or persisted until they were pushing age 80, as Nellie did. This is her story as told to us by Roger McGrath. Chances are you know what Daisy is. Based out of Arkansas, but founded in Michigan, this company is first of mind when someone mentions B.B. guns. Joe Murfin tells the story of this truly American company.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Gold Rush Queen: Nellie Cashman, "If You Act Like A Lady, Men Will Always Treat You Like One"

23:00 - "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!": The Story of Daisy B.B. Guns

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"Wild" Bill Donovan, Super Spy Extraordinaire Sep 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Drew Newman, of JC Newman Cigars, tells the story of cigars in the United States, a story his family played a big part in. “Wild Bill" Donovan was one of America’s most exciting and secretive generals—the man President Franklin Roosevelt made his top spy in World War II. “Wild Bill" was director of the Office of Strategic Services (the country’s first national intelligence agency). He is known as the founding father of both the CIA and the military's Special Operations Forces—along with being credited as the father of psychological and cyber warfare.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The History of Cigars in America

10:00 - "Wild" Bill Donovan, Super Spy Extraordinaire

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Elliot Lurie: From Brooklyn to "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" Sep 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Elliot Lurie wrote one of the most recognizable songs of the early 70s, and he eventually went on to a "real job"... as a senior executive at 20th Century Fox.

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Spearhead: An American Tank Gunner, His Enemy, and a Collision of Lives in WWII Sep 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Best-selling author Adam Makos tells the story of two tank crewmen from opposite sides of the conflict (Corporal Clarence Smoyers and Nazi tanker Gustav Schaefer) who endure the grisly nature of tank warfare.

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Ugandan Street Kid to American Foster Dad Sep 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, in Kevin Samy's father's village in India, they actually had to call in a person from another village to teach their children to read. Their chalkboard was the dirt floor of the building they learned in. He'd eventually move to the United States and become an engineer. Kevin Samy shares his family's remarkable American dream story. Peter Mutabazi was born on the border of Uganda and Rwanda. He escaped an abusive father by running away to the capital of Uganda, Kampala, where he lived on the streets for 4 years and never slept more than 2 hours... until one day he met a stranger that would change his life forever. You can find more of Peter's story at https://nowiamknown.com/pages/book.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - "In My Father's Village, Nobody Could Read...He Moved to America and Became an Engineer"

10:00 - Ugandan Street Kid to American Foster Dad

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Milka Bamond: The Real-Life “Rosie the Riveter” Sep 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Veteran's History Project in Atlanta brings us the story of Milka, an actual WWII “Rosie the Riveter,” and how she also has the stories to match her iconic legend.

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The Runaway Slave Who Founded the Black Baptist Church Sep 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Woody Holton of the University of South Carolina tells the story about David George, a man who would escape his bondage only to find himself with new captors, a newfound faith, and eventually...a new freedom in Canada. The late Gini Mancini, wife of American composer Henry Mancini, tells the story of his life in music and their life together.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Runaway Slave Who Founded the Black Baptist Church

23:00 - From Steel Town to Tinsel Town: The Life of Composer Henry Mancini

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Why Led Zeppelin Pays Royalties to a Southern Bluesman Aug 31, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Captain Jim "Boots" Demarest tells story of Captain Steve Phillis, a decorated Air Force A-10 fighter pilot killed under heroic circumstances while trying to save his downed wingman on their thirtieth Desert Storm combat mission. Stephen Davis, author of Hammer of the Gods, and Kirby Ferguson of "Everything a Remix" tell the story of how Led Zeppelin found themselves in a courtroom over a few of their songs...and explain why there are so many "copycats" in the music industry.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The True Story of Desert Storm “Top Gun” Pilot

35:00 - Why Led Zeppelin Pays Royalties to a Southern Bluesman

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How the USA Almost Went to War Over a Pig Aug 31, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Monti drives his son Jared's truck, an act which inspired the hit country song "I Drive Your Truck" by Lee Brice...but the story is much more than that of a song. Here's the story of Jared Monti, a true hero who died in service of our country trying to save a fellow soldier in the mountains of Afghanistan. Our regular contributor, Anne Clare, tells the story of an overlooked event in American history that started with the untimely death of a pig and ended and ended with the United States and the United Kingdom finally figuring out their northern borders.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Medal of Honor Recipient Behind The Song "I Drive Your Truck"

35:00 - How the USA Almost Went to War Over a Pig

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Into The Vast Unknown: The First American Ascent of Mount Everest Aug 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brot Coleman tells the harrowing story of the time America reached the highest peak in the world not once, but twice, on their first expedition to it in 1963.

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Tony Mandarich Was NFL’s Biggest Bust, Then He Rebuilt His Life Aug 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tony Mandarich’s story was immortalized by two Sports Illustrated covers, one hailing Mandarich as “The Incredible Bulk” heading into the ’89 draft, and one in 1992 calling him “The NFL’s Incredible BUST,” as his four-year career in Green Bay came to an end. Here’s Tony Mandarich to share his story.

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The Pistol-Packing Conductor of the Underground Railroad: Harriet Tubman Aug 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, many of us know the name "Harriet Tubman," but we may not know the struggles that she went through to become the recognizable figure we know in American History today.

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How Did SPAM Come to Be?! Aug 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, author of The Book of Spam: A Most Glorious and Definitive Compendium of the World’s Favorite Canned Meat, Dustin Black, tells the story of this often speculated household name product. Elisabeth Elliot tells the story of Operation Auca, an attempt by five American missionaries to reach the Auca tribe (considered the most dangerous in the world) of eastern Ecuador. All five of the men (including her husband) were killed by the tribe. What happened next is nothing short of miraculous.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - How Did SPAM Come to Be?!

23:00 - Elisabeth Elliot: Through the Gates of Splendor

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A Real Family Love: The Roy Rogers Story Aug 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear how the only natural born son of Roy Rogers, Roy "Dusty" Rogers, Jr., was raised by Roy and his wife Dale Evans along with their 8 other children. Roy and Dale were known to millions of Americans through TV, radio, and dozens of beloved Western movies, but most don't know about the couples strong faith and many adoptions.

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The Story And Family Behind Steinway Pianos Aug 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn how Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg (Or Henry Steinway), a subject born of the Holy Roman Empire, would eventually make his way to the shores of America and create a legacy that is synonymous with the word "piano" itself.

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The Woman Who Saved 800 Jews: Corrie ten Boom Aug 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language. All in all, it is estimated that around 800 Jews were saved by Corrie ten Boom and her family. Hear Corrie (who moved to and is buried in the United States) tell her story!

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Time Codes:

00:00 - “Put A Sock In It” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions

10:00 - The Woman Who Saved 800 Jews: Corrie ten Boom

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The Greatest Showman: How PT Barnum Changed American Entertainment Aug 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, In a big and memorable way, PT Barnum changed how all Americans lived. Our movies, television, and whole entertainment-saturated culture is what it is today because of what he started. Here to tell this story is the Executive Director of the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, CT, Kathy Maher.

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Lincoln's Greatest Speech Americans Have Never Heard Aug 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vince Benedetto, founder of Bold Gold Media Group, tells the story of the Cooper Union address-the greatest speech of Lincoln's that Americans have never heard, and the speech that made him President. Also, Mariam Ibraheem is a mother who lives in Virginia, but her story begins in Sudan with a death sentence.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Lincoln's Greatest Speech Americans Have Never Heard

23:00 - One Mother’s Escape From A Sudanese Death Sentence to America

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Frank Sinatra Wrote ME a Letter Aug 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Frank Sinatra wrote a young fan a personal letter after having to track down her address. Audie Murphy's story is one of the quintessential American stories; yet, chances are, many Americans have never even heard of his name.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Frank Sinatra Wrote ME a Letter

10:00 - Audie Murphy: One of America's Most Decorated Soldiers/Actors/Songwriters

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The Night 2 H-Bombs Fell on North Carolina Aug 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn how on January 23, 1961, a B-52 bomber crashed in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Two H-bombs—each 250 times more powerful than the bombs dropped on Japan, fell to the ground. Earl Smith dismantled those bombs and he's here to tell us the story! Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, tells the story of a man many historians consider to be the greatest pitcher in the history of baseball-Leroy "Satchel" Paige.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Night 2 H-Bombs Fell on North Carolina

35:00 -

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What Happened When a Kid Sued Pepsi for a Harrier Jet? Aug 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sean Kernan of Medium helps us tell the story of how Leonard v. PepsiCo Inc. is a law school classic that helps kids navigate the curious world of contract law, but in 1999 it was serious business. When the lure of a new life on the farthest edge of the frontier beckoned to Ben Kelsey, Nancy was determined to be at her husband’s side. Together they braved hunger, disaster, illness, betrayal, and death. Nancy Kelsey and her family would play a crucial role in California and American history, becoming the first wave of a great tide that would transform a nation.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - What Happened When a Kid Sued Pepsi for a Harrier Jet?

10:00 - California's 1st Female Pioneer, Nancy Kelsey, Arrives Barefoot and Pregnant and Becomes "Betsy Ross of CA"

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The Boy Who Had a Seat at Groucho Marx’s Table Aug 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the man behind Holiday Inn, Kemmons Wilson, had some hilarious interactions with Muhammad Ali, Sam Walton, McIlhenny's Tabasco, and Sam Phillips. 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.

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Time Codes:

00:00 -

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A Sister's Love and Loss of Three Brothers Aug 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, James Sullivan, author of Unsinkable: Five Men and the Indomitable Run of the USS Plunkett, tells the story of the men who fought in one of the most harrowing naval battles of World War II. Edie Hand tells us the story of the her brothers, the Blackburn boys, and the tragedy that struck not once, but three times.

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American Freedom Machines: The Story of Harley-Davidson Aug 19, 2022

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 that time, she has written about motorcycle history and is the author of Harley-Davidson: A History of the World’s Most Famous Motorcycle. Aristotle says that the highest thing we can see is beauty and that it involves moral acts, and acts of courage. Dr. Larry Arnn of Hillsdale College tells the story of the man that exemplified that the most during the Founding Era-George Washington.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - George Washington: Man of Beauty?!

10:00 - American Freedom Machines: The Story of Harley-Davidson

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Ford v. Ferrari 2: The Rematch Aug 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Caleb Bailey shares his family’s story of hope and redemption after the loss of his father at 10 years old. As a part of its 100th anniversary celebration, Ford wanted a new supercar to showcase its heritage and future. Jon Elfner brings us this new Ferrari-slayer's story through the eyes of industry legends Neil Ressler, Scott Ahlman, and Mark McGowan.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Raising Children In The Midst Of Tragedy

23:00 - Ford v. Ferrari II: The Making of the Ford GT

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How 911 At Ease International Saved This Police Officer’s Career Aug 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Charles Scott was working as a Police Officer in the Central Valley of California. Things were going well. But things took a turn when he was a part of an officer involved shooting.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - How 911 At Ease International Saved This Police Officer’s Career

35:00 - The World's First Action Figure Museum?!

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An Aussie's Obsession with American Buffalo Wings Aug 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Professor Art T. Burton tells us how hefirst found out about Bass Reeves and he didn't think much about him. It wasn't until later in life, and after hearing stories that sounded almost too good to be true, that he decided to dive into the life of one of the first black deputy U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi River.

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Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America Aug 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Armstrong Custer, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, T.J. Stiles, casts surprising new light on one of the best-known figures of American history, a subject of seemingly endless fascination. Perhaps no name looms bigger in sports history, or American culture, than Babe Ruth. Here’s Mike Gibbons, Director Emeritus and Curator of the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum to tell us why.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America

35:00 - Legendary Man Known as "Babe"

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The Baltimore Colts: The Team that Helped Shape the NFL and Broke a City's Heart Aug 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. Here’s Mike with a story about what he learned from his unseemly college law professor. While ultimately a team that broke hearts and left its city under the cover of night, the memory of the Baltimore Colts, and legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas, burns bright in the hearts of its fans.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Empathy is Not Optional: The Story of Mike Leven's Brutal Law Professor

23:00 - The Baltimore Colts: The Team that Helped Shape the NFL and Broke a City's Heart

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Moonshine Runners and the Birth of NASCAR Aug 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, long before NASCAR’s rampant commercialism lurks a distant history of dark secrets that have been carefully hidden from view—until now. Audrey Gruss is a Lithuianian American who created the #1 depression research foundation in the country.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Moonshine Runners and the Birth of NASCAR

35:00 - Immigrant Audrey Gruss: “My Story Could Have Only Happened In Good Ole USA”

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Walt Whitman Served the Union... And the Confederacy! Aug 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Marshall Field's favorite gift wasn't the one that caused his name to be forever associated with Chicago's premiere museum, or even his massive chain of department stores he built after years of trial, error, and fire--but a small library bearing his name in the small town of Conway, Massacussets--the hometown he left in search of prosperity. 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.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Marshall Feild, The Birth of the Modern Department Store, and a Small Town Library

35:00 - Walt Whitman Served the Union... And the Confederate!

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The Shocking History of PEZ Candy: Smoking Alternative for Adults?! Aug 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, PEZ had great success where it was invented, but changed its course drastically after initially failing in America. Shawn Peterson shares the story of how this manual candy dispenser came to be. First jobs are often our first taste in real adult responsibility, they teach us important skills, and they teach us how to deal with people. Brent Timmons shares the story of his first job at a crab house in Delaware.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Shocking History of PEZ Candy: Smoking Alternative for Adults?!

23:00 - The Importance of a First Job

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Edgar Allen Poe, Father of Modern Horror… Detective, Science Fiction, and Treasure Hunt Stories Aug 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Edgar Allen Poe is known for his scary short stories and poems, and when we look at his life, early tragedies explain a lot of his stories… but what we don’t often think of when we consider Poe are his comedic writings, his detective stories, and even… a bit of early Science Fiction. Chris Semtner, Curator at the Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia pulls back the curtain on Poe.

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They're One of the Youngest Couples in Their Community and Doing Aerobics... at 90?! Aug 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, author Richard Rhodes shares the amazing story of Austria-born turned Hollywood movie star, Hedy Lamarr. She was known for her beauty, but her accomplishments go far beyond her appearance, including inventing what would become WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth. David and Zela Flor give us a look at what "Blue Zone" living in Loma Linda, California, is really like and how there way of clean living produces results you'd never imagine.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Hedy Lamarr: The 40s "Bombshell" Mind Behind Secure WiFi, GPS And Bluetooth

35:00 - They're One of the Youngest Couples in Their Community and Doing Aerobics... at 90?!

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The Transatlantic Cable: How ONE Underwater Cable Changed the World Aug 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, historian John Steele Gordon tells the story of how the telegraph went from Samuel Morse to winning WWI and how one man spearheaded the effort to connect America to Great Britain and, in doing so, the rest of the world. Former CEO of 7-Eleven, Jim Keyes, tells the story of how their company has led countless immigrants to the American Dream.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Transatlantic Cable: How ONE Underwater Wire Changed the World

35:00 - How 7-Eleven Has Helped People Pursue Their American Dream

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A Store Named "Piggly Wiggly" Created the Modern Supermarket Aug 11, 2022

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 on in life. Clarence Saunders developed “self-service” grocery shopping in his Piggly Wiggly stores at a time when store assistants usually collected products for their customers. By introducing checkouts, clearly priced goods, and itemized receipts, he set the foundations for the supermarkets of today.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Reconnecting With My Absent Father Who Was Presumed Dead

23:00 - A Store Named "Piggly Wiggly" Created the Modern Supermarket

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The Woman Who Stood Up To George Washington Aug 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, during the Revolutionary War, Esther Reed decided the Patriot troops needed a morale boost. Reed, along with other Patriot Women began a campaign to raise money for the cause. When she brought her idea to General Washington, he had another idea of what she should do with the money. 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 both her marriage and to her faith.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Woman Who Stood Up To George Washington

23:00 - Annie Oakley: The Woman Who NEVER Missed Her Shot

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Stalin’s Daughter: American Citizen, Wisconsin Cheesehead?! Aug 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and America’s Cup winner Bill Koch doesn’t like being cheated. Tom Acitelli, author of Pilsner: How The Beer of Kings Changed The World, tells the story of how America's favorite drink came here and stayed here despite a world war and Prohibition. When 85-year-old Lana Peters passed away in 2011 from complications due to colon cancer, the nation seemed to have forgotten the woman who had become a sensation during the Cold War. The History Guy recalls the extraordinary life of the woman whose defection to the United States represented a seminal moment in history.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Man Who Spent $35MM Fighting A $400k Fake Wine Fraud

10:00 - How The Pilsner Arrived, Survived, and Thrived in America

35:00 - Stalin’s Daughter: American Citizen, Wisconsin Cheesehead?!

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One of the Last Navajo Code Talkers Remembers WWII’s “Unbreakable Code” Aug 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, many Americans have heard of the famous Navajo Code Talkers who used their traditional language to transmit secret Allied messages in the Pacific Theater of combat during World War II. This story is told to us by one of these Marines, Peter MacDonald, the President at Navajo Code Talkers Association.

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When Shooting Weddings And Chasing Storms Collide Aug 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. John Marszalek and Eddie Rangel of the Grant Presidential Library tell the story about how Grant went from selling firewood on a street corner, to leading the US Army to victory in the Civil War. Mike Olbinski is an Arizona based photographer. He takes family photos, shoots weddings and also... chases storms.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Presidential Sized Comeback: The Story of U.S Grant

35:00 - When Shooting Weddings And Chasing Storms Collide

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The WWII Attack America Chose to Forget Aug 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, because of the devastating nature of the attack, the U.S. government chose to keep the details of the HMT Rhona hushed. Grove City College PoliSci professor Paul Kengor brings us the details through the eyes of Sergeant Frank Bryer. T.J. Stiles tells the dramatic story of Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt’s humble birth during the presidency of George Washington to his death as one of the richest men in American history. The Commodore helped to launch the transportation revolution, propel the Gold Rush, reshape Manhattan, invent the modern corporation, and create the modern American economy.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The WWII Attack America Chose to Forget

10:00 - The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt

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The Greatest Fighter Pilot in American History, Dick Bong Aug 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, after the United States pulled out of Vietnam, their allies in Indochina were all alone. Faced with the prospect of slavery, torture, and death at the hands of the Communists they fought against, many asked to be resettled in the United States. Robert Ray, the governor of Iowa, stepped up. Here again with his reoccurring series is Andrew Thompson as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language. Richard “Dick” Bong was a hero in an era of heroes. Here’s the History Guy with the story.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Robert Ray: "The Good Governor"

23:00 - “Knock on Wood & Kick the Bucket” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 11)

35:00 - Dick Bong, Ace of Aces: The Greatest Fighter Pilot in American History (History Guy)

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A Crooked Cop, An Innocent Man, And An Unlikely Journey Of Forgiveness And Friendship Aug 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language. It all went down in the city of Benton Harbor, Michigan, in 2006. Andrew Collins was a narcotics officer. Jameel McGee was a new father of a baby boy. This is a story about forgiveness, brokenness, and true reconciliation from two guys who should have been hardened, bitter enemies.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - “Peeping Tom” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions

10:00 - A Crooked Cop, An Innocent Man, And An Unlikely Journey Of Forgiveness And Friendship

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Ilene Hall Joined the Army to Search for Her Husband During WWII Aug 05, 2022

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. When her husband, to whom she was married in March 1943, finished his training and was about to be shipped overseas, the young Canton, Ohio girl decided not to put an ocean between them. Art Burton, author of countless books on African Americans in the West, tells the story of one of the most feared outlaws of the Indian Territory...and the story of his side-crossing father.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Ilene Hall Joined the Army to Search for Her Husband During WWII

23:00 - "I Came Here Not To Talk, But To Die": The Story of Cherokee Bill

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When Pride Still Mattered: The Life of Vince Lombardi Aug 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, more than any other sports figure, Vince Lombardi transformed football into a metaphor of the American experience. David Maraniss (author of "When Pride Still Mattered"), captures all of Lombardi: the myth, the man, his game, and his God.

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City Grazing: The Landscape Management Company Powered by Goats Aug 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Clare tells the story of a nurse who served in the Philippines during World War II, and shares the experience that she and others like her went through after the Japanese invasion there. Genevieve Church, the third "Goat Lady of San Francisco", is executive director of City Grazing. She shares about how this sustainable land management and fire prevention non-profit organization came to be. At the start of the 1948 election cycle, President Truman was down and out in the polls. His opponent, Thomas Dewey, turned down an invitation to appear at the National Plowing Match in Dexter, Iowa. Truman would instead go and eventually win the state and another term in office.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The WWII Nurses who Cared for their Fellow POWs

10:00 - City Grazing: The Landscape Management Company Powered by Goats

35:00 - How the National Plowing Match in Iowa Won Truman the Election

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The ONLY Time You Want Just One Lawyer in Your Town Aug 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, what started as a quest to find black fans for a brother-in-law morphed into a lifelong mission to find anything small, electric, and an appliance. Here's the story of "The World's Largest Small Electrical Appliance Museum" in Missouri, and the man behind it all. Some people don’t have the highest view of lawyers, but not every lawyer is an ambulance chaser. At least, Bill Bryk isn't. Stephen Ambrose tells us a very unlikely World War II story about George McGovern, the liberal, antiwar Democratic presidential candidate from South Dakota who was soundly defeated by President Nixon in the 1972 election.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Largest Small Electrical Appliance Museum in the World

23:00 - Bill Bryk Puts His Lawyering Skills to Good Use

35:00 - The Unlikely WWII B-24 Combat Pilot-Hero

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"You Can Change Your Story": Why I Wrote a Book About the Death of My Mother Aug 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, David LaBelle's last memory of his mother was seeing her washed away in a raging flood when he was a senior in high school. She would never be found. It took David years to wrestle with the loss, and eventually he decided to write a semi-fictional book about the event called Bridges & Angels as a therapeutic exercise. No woman figured more prominently on the Yukon and Alaskan frontiers than Belinda Mulrooney. She gained international fame as the richest woman in the Klondike and made and lost more than one fortune. She became a character in novels and her dog the inspiration for "Buck" in the Call of the Wild.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - "You Can Change Your Story": Why I Wrote a Book About the Death of My Mother

23:00 - Belinda Mulrooney: The Richest, Toughest Woman of the Klondike Gold Rush

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Why a Prisoner of War Forgave the Enemies Who Tortured Him Aug 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Carol, the Daughter of Doolittle Raider Jacob DeShazer, shares the story of her father being taken captive by the Japanese as a prisoner of war, and how he chose to forgive the torturers.

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Sports Were Taken Away From Him in High School... So He Became a Coach Aug 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, World War II history buff, Anne Clare, tells the story of how World War II impacted a small Navy town on the West Coast. Richard Herzog shares the story of an unlikely relationship formed between himself and his high school teacher, which became abusive and caused him to surrender the one thing he loved most: sports. After years of confusion and shame, he became a head football coach and led his team to win 3 state championships.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - America Builds Up: WWII and the Bremerton Naval Yards

23:00 - Sports Were Taken Away From Him in High School... So He Became a Coach

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John Newton: From Disgrace to "Amazing Grace" Aug 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brian Edwards tells the story of America's most popular hymn that actually didn't come from America. It was based on the life of English slave trader, John Newton.

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The First Radio Broadcast of a Parachute Jump Aug 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Roger Brucker shares the story of radio pioneer, "Skeets" Miller, and the surprising story of the first time a parachute jump was broadcast on live radio. Matthew Denhart and Tracy Messer of the Coolidge Foundation tell the story of America's 30th President, a man molded by his rural hometown of Plymouth Notch, Vermont.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The First Radio Broadcast of a Parachute Jump

10:00 - From The Farm House to the White House: The Story of Calvin Coolidge

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The Story of William Wilberforce and His Campaign to End Slavery Jul 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Eric Metaxas tells the story of the man who, perhaps more than any other, stirred the conscience of the world to see the horror and evil of slavery, William Wilberforce.

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The Surprising Origin of Pinball Jul 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeremy Saucier of the Strong Museum of Play shares the history of pinball--from its origins in French parlor games, to its prohibition, and then to its emergence as the immersive and popular game that it is today. Liz Williams, founder of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, tells the story of whisky, bourbon, absinthe, and pink elephants... done Cajun style. Kelly and Donna Mulhollan tell the story of their friend Ed Stilley, a poor Ozarks farmer who managed to create some of the most inquisitive folk art guitars out of what he had laying around, in an effort to please God.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Surprising Origin of Pinball

10:00 - The Stories Behind Whiskey, Bourbon, And More

35:00 - The Poor Farmer Who Created Folk Art Guitars to Please God

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How a UCLA Student in the 70s Saved the Marx Brothers Jul 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, A man named Paul shares the moving story of his older brother and some special prayers he prayed, in hopes of being just like him. Bill Bryk briefly recounts how New York City became the city it is today, as well as his love for its past. Steve Stoliar grew up as the ultimate Marx Brothers fan. He shares his story of how he led the charge to save one of their long-lost movies.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - When Prayers Are Answered

10:00 - A One Man (Abridged) History of the Big Apple

23:00 - How a UCLA Student in the 70s Saved the Marx Brothers

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The Time a Kid Sued Pepsi for a Harrier Jet Jul 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sean Kernan of Medium tells the story of Leonard v. PepsiCo Inc. (which is now a law school classic that helps kids navigate the curious world of contract law). Nell Chennault Calloway shares the story of her grandfather, Claire Chennault, who was the leader of the "Flying Tigers" in WWII.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Time a Kid Sued Pepsi for a Harrier Jet

10:00 - The American Fighter Pilot Who Fought the Japanese in China

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They Trapped Polio Patients Inside of Tubes to Save Them Jul 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medical Museum tells the story of the iron lung, a device used to keep people with advanced polio alive in the first half of the 20th century. Heather McPherson, Curator of History at the South Carolina Military Museum, shares the story of why she chose her career to honor her great uncle. Roger McGrath tells another "Hollywood Goes to War" story of American screenwriter, Merian C. Cooper. Cooper worked on various cinematic classics, including "King Kong". He also served our country in WWI as a U.S. Air Force and Polish Air Force officer.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Literary Masterpiece That Saved Ulysses S. Grant's Family

10:00 - The American Surgeon Who Escaped the Viet Cong

35:00 - Buck O'Neil's 15 Years of Rejection Before the Hall of Fame

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Buck O'Neil's 15 Years of Rejection Before the Hall of Fame Jul 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Christopher Klein tells the story of how our 18th President and Civil War hero, aided by Mark Twain, raced to complete a literary masterpiece that saved his wife from destitution. Hoat Hoang shares the story of his family fleeing Vietnam after Saigon fell to the communists' troops, and how it helped him become an American surgeon. Legendary baseball player, Buck O'Neil, was rejected for 15 years before making it into the Hall of Fame. You'll hear the story of how he handled that defeat and ultimately became the first African American coach in Major League Baseball.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Literary Masterpiece That Saved Ulysses S. Grant's Family

10:00 - The American Surgeon Who Escaped the Viet Cong

35:00 - Buck O'Neil's 15 Years of Rejection Before the Hall of Fame

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The NBA: How a Regional Fascination Became an International Obsession Jul 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers a truly extraordinary Civil War heroine, Mary Edwards Walker. She was the only woman in United States history to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Pete Croatto, author of From Hang Time to Prime Time, explains how the NBA became an 8.3 billion dollar entertainment and cultural icon.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Only Woman to be Awarded the Medal of Honor?!

10:00 - How a Regional Fascination Became an International Obsession

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The ONLY Photographer Allowed to Photograph the Making of the Atomic Bomb in Oak Ridge, TN Jul 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Cook tells us the story of how in 1943 the town of Oak Ridge, Tennessee was established and went from 58,000 acres of farmland to a town of 75,000 people to beat Germany to the atomic bomb.

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The Heavy-Drinking, Congress-Rejected Spendthrift Who Served America to the Fullest Jul 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mary Stockwell, author of Unlikely General: "Mad" Anthony Wayne and the Battle for America tells the story of "Mad" Anthony Wayne and why he is remembered.

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The Story of America's Pastor, Billy Graham Jul 22, 2022

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.

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Shot Down: A B-17 Pilot's Survival Behind Enemy Lines Jul 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Emerich Juettner tells us how he was an upstanding citizen... for most of his life. Here is the story of how the choice to choose three then-minor league hockey players to play the Hanson Brothers in "Slap Shot" starring Paul Newman was made. Steve Snyder tells us how his father, Howard, managed to return from Europe alive during WWII after he and his crew had been shot down over Belgium.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Best Worst Counterfeiter in American History

10:00 - The Story Behind One of the Most Iconic Sports Films, "Slap Shot"

23:00 - Shot Down: A B-17 Pilot's Survival Behind Enemy Lines

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The Angel of the Battlefield: Clara Barton, Founder of the American Red Cross Jul 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Frohlich, author of Aimless Life, Awesome God, tells the story of his German born grandfather William Burtner- a man who helped build the "Arsenal of Democracy" in World War II. Professor Emily Thomas from Nickols College Massachusets tells us the story of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The German-born Man Who Helped the United States Fight His Own Country

10:00 - The Angel of the Battlefield: Clara Barton, Founder of the American Red Cross

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Reuniting With My POW Father After Thinking He Was Dead For 3 Years Jul 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, writer Anne Clare remembers the loss of the USS Utah and Oklahoma and the men who served on them on December 7th, 1941 at Pearl Harbor. Genevieve Church, the third "Goat Lady of San Francisco", is the executive director of City Grazing. Listen to her share about how this sustainable land management and fire prevention non-profit organization came to be. Retired US Navy Captain Mike McDaniel takes us back to when he was just a boy in the 3rd grade and about to learn that his dad was shot down on his 81st combat mission over Vietnam.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - USS Oklahoma and Utah: Two of the Ships Destroyed at Pearl Harbor

10:00 - City Grazing: The Landscape Management Company Powered by Goats

35:00 - Reuniting With My POW Father After Thinking He Was Dead For 3 Years

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He Gave Out Pizza From Second Story Apartment and Raised Over $30,000 Jul 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ben Berman 2nd year grad student in Philadelphia made the most of his time while staying at home during the pandemic. Madonna Coffman, founder of Locks of Love, shares how her company helps those who struggle with hair loss.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - He Gave Out Pizza From Second Story Apartment and Raised Over $30,000

25:00 - The Woman Behind "Locks of Love"

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Valley Forge: The 6-Months That Turned Chaos into the Key to America's Independence Jul 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bestselling authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin the story of the Continental Army’s six-month transformation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; one of the most inspiring—and under-appreciated—chapters in American history.

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I Was There For The Birth of Nike... With Steve Prefontaine Jul 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of her great grandmother's periwinkle quilt, a beautiful family heirloom she inherited while in college. Nike's Program Director, Steve Prefontaine, tells us how Nike began.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - One of My Most Important Family Heirlooms is a Periwinkle Quilt

10:00 - I Was There For The Birth of Nike... With Steve Prefontaine

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The Great Emancipators: How The Civil War Openly Became about Slavery Jul 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Emma McCormick tells us how she was told she'd be working remotely in 2020, so she decided to live on a sailboat in Florida. Regular contributor Jon Elfner and Dr. Kate Masur, author of "Until Justice Be Done," tell the story behind Abraham Lincoln that begins with three runaway enslaved people. P.J. Hill, rancher and co-author of “The Not So Wild, Wild West: Property Rights on the Frontier,” explains the misunderstanding behind the American West.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - When Her Work Went Remote... So She Moved Onto a Sailboat

10:00 - The Great Emancipators: How The Civil War Openly Became about Slavery

35:00 - Why "The Wild, Wild West" Wasn't Actually So Wild

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The Titanic Reenactor Who Actually Dove The Wreck and The Woman Who Was Mayor, Garbage Woman, Liquor Store Owner, Teacher, AND Member of the WAC Jul 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lowell Lytle, who witnessed the Titanic in person, tells his story and the story of The Titanic’s Last Hero. Rebecca Cubbyhall shares her life story and how the people in her life led her to live to the fullest.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Titanic Reenactor Who Actually Dove The Wreck

25:00 - The Woman Who Was Mayor, Garbage Woman, Liquor Store Owner, Teacher, AND Member of the WAC

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The Green Beret Medic Gary Beikirch Who Had to Come to Terms with Himself Jul 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, special forces medic, Gary Beikirch, shares how he faced more than his fair share of battles—and overcame them through perseverance and faith.

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Lesson Learned: Clean Hog Manure Off Your Boots Before Going to School, He Didn't Know Where He Came From Until His 40s and The Story of Las Vegas Through Neon Signs Jul 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Scott Jones, author of Growing Up Rural: Lessons Learned For a Lifetime, tells the story of the time he stunk up his classroom with hog manure-covered boots...and how a gracious teacher really helped him out. Eddie Willis tells the story of the search for his birth parents and an outcome he could've never imagined. Executive director of the Neon Museum, Aaron Berger, shares some of the history of Las Vegas and the iconic signage associated with it.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Lesson Learned: Clean Hog Manure Off Your Boots Before Going to School

10:00 - He Didn't Know Where He Came From Until His 40s

35:00 - The Story of Las Vegas Through Neon Signs

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The Last of the Tuskegee Airman's Story of Heroism and Service and The Fateful Night During WWII That Cecil Wax Met God Jul 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lt. Col. Harry Stewart shares how he fought for his country in WW2, and faced discrimination and worse along the way. Marilyn Jensen tells the harrowing story of when her father went on a supply run amidst a German bombing.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Last of the Tuskegee Airman's Story of Heroism and Service

35:00 - The Fateful Night During WWII That Cecil Wax Met God

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The Woman Who Holds 13 World Records for Running... And with a Prosthetic Leg and "I Was Fired Twice and Decided I Was Unemployable for Life" Jul 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Amy Palmiero-Winters, founder of the One Step Ahead Foundation, shares how an unexpected accident changed her career path. Dolphins owner, Stephen Ross, tells the story of the setbacks that unexpectedly presented him... his greatest opportunity.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Woman Who Holds 13 World Records for Running... And with a Prosthetic Leg

35:00 - "I Was Fired Twice and Decided I Was Unemployable for Life"

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The 6 Littleton Brothers: A Civil War Story of Bravery and Loss and He Found Out in His Teens that His Grandfather Was One of the 3 Stooges Jul 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Busbee of The Culture Buzz on KFMG 98.9 tells the story of the remarkable sacrifice made by one family in Iowa during the Civil War. Brad Server (aka “Curly G”) shares how he grew up watching the Three Stooges on TV not knowing he was related to one of the greatest comics of all time.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The 6 Littleton Brothers: A Civil War Story of Bravery and Loss

23:00 - He Found Out in His Teens that His Grandfather Was One of the 3 Stooges

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Winston Churchill: Walking With Destiny, Uncle Bud's Last Days and The Man Who Milks Snakes for a Living Jul 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, English historian Andrew Roberts, author of Churchill: Walking With Destiny, tells the story of this remarkable leader. Our regular contributor from Delaware, Brent Timmons, shares the story of spending time with his Uncle Bud in his last days. Nathaniel Frank, CEO of MToxins Venom Lab, tells us how he produces high volumes of snake and scorpion venom for the production of antivenom, which saves lives.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Winston Churchill: Walking With Destiny

23:00 - Uncle Bud's Last Days

35:00 - The Man Who Milks Snakes for a Living

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The USS Lexington, The Naval Juggernaut, The Shocking Story Behind the Diamond Engagement Ring and How Piggly Wiggly Created the Modern Supermarket Jul 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, regular contributor, Anne Clare, tells the story of a unique aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington. 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 and then wrote The Heartless Stone. Mike Freeman, author of Clarence Saunders & the Founding of Piggly Wiggly: The Rise and Fall of a Memphis Maverick, tells us how Clarence Saunders revolutionized the way people shopped by developing “self-service” grocery shopping.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The USS Lexington, The Naval Juggernaut

10:00 - The Shocking Story Behind the Diamond Engagement Ring

23:00 - How Piggly Wiggly Created the Modern Supermarket

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The Unlikely Pair Who Share A Liver and Homestead Laws Saving Women From Homelessness Jul 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vic Billingsley shares how Kara French's organ transplant unexpectedly led to a unique friendship. Dr. Jean Stuntz from West Texas A&M University gives us some history on what it was like before women could own property or make any money of their own.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Unlikely Pair Who Share A Liver

35:00 - Homestead Laws Saving Women From Homelessness

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Hillsdale College Students' Roles in Preserving the Union Jul 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hillsdale college professor, Peter Jennings, tells the history of Hillsdale College and its role during the civil war as an abolitionist college.

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Robert Todd Lincoln: In His Father's Shadow and Roane and Eva Hunter: A Story of Love Lost, Then Rediscovered Jul 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the History Guy tells us about the 16th President’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Roane and Eva Hunter share how they came to realize that marriage is not the solution to a relationship and that they had to love themselves before they could love each other.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Robert Todd Lincoln: In His Father's Shadow

10:00 - Roane and Eva Hunter: A Story of Love Lost, Then Rediscovered

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The Glorious 25th of November, Evacuation Day and A Father Wanted A Clean Hotel For His Family ... So He Created Holiday Inn Jul 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk brings us the tale of the day British forces evacuated New York City after the Revolutionary War... a full 2 years after the British Army surrendered. Kemmons Wilson Jr. tells the story of how his father (Kemmons Wilson) created a hotel chain that established the modern hotel industry.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Glorious 25th of November, Evacuation Day

25:00 - A Father Wanted A Clean Hotel For His Family ... So He Created Holiday Inn

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Ilene Hall Joined the Army to Search for Her Husband During WWII and The 1st "Disneyland" on Lake Michigan's Shore, and The Man Behind It Jul 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ilene Hall tells us the story of when her husband, to whom she was married in March 1943, finished his training in the Army and was about to be shipped overseas and she decided not to put an ocean between them. Chris Siriano of the House of David Museum in Saint Joe, MI, tells the story of how a band of religious misfits ended up in along the shores of Lake Michigan and used their massive amounts of wealth to invent everything from the waffle cone, to food taken up into outer space by astronauts—all while creating an amusement park that even Walt Disney would take inspiration from.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Ilene Hall Joined the Army to Search for Her Husband During WWII

25:00 - The 1st "Disneyland" on Lake Michigan's Shore, and The Man Behind It

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The First Real Time Tragedy: The Sinking of the RMS Titanic Jul 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, William Hazelgrove, author of One Hundred and Sixty Minutes: The Race to Save the RMS Titanic tells the story of Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of radio and founder of the Marconi Company, as well as his surviving wireless operator-Harold Bride and how both men and their technology helped save over 700 people.

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Two Funerals, One Steelers Legend: THE Art Rooney, Sr., Dreaded Diseases of the Great Depression and She Quit Her High Paying Job To Make Crafts Jul 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, sports journalist, Jim O'Brian, tells us the story of the founding owner of the Steelers, Legend Art Rooney, Sr. Joy Neal Kidney, author of Leora's Letters, tells us the story of the many diseases people contracted during the great depression and how they carried on. Keycap artist, known as Tiny Makes Things, shares her story of when she decided that she wanted to quit her job and start her own business making artisan keycaps for mechanical keyboards.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Two Funerals, One Steelers Legend: THE Art Rooney, Sr.

25:00 - Dreaded Diseases of the Great Depression

35:00 - She Quit Her High Paying Job To Make Crafts

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The Humble Potato: Idaho's Superstarch and The Four Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad Jul 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tish Dahmen, Executive Director of the Idaho Potato Museum, tells the story of the worlds largest potato chip, a massive baked potato, and the potato innovations that put Idaho on the map. Roger McGrath, author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier, tells us the story of the men known as “The Big Four,” who incorporated the Central Pacific Railroad and helped build the transcontinental railroad.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Humble Potato: Idaho's Superstarch

10:00 - The Four Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad

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How A Stray Cat Exposed a Mother's Heart, These Guys Use Dungeons and Dragons as a Break-through Therapy Tool and A Brief History of Toilet Paper Jul 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brent Timmons tells us how an unlikely cat revealed a deep love inside of him. Adam Davis and Adam Johns tell us how they met in grad school at Antioch University, and how they've been using table-top games as a tool to encourage personal growth, teamwork, and problem solving. The History Guy gives us the story of toilet paper.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - How A Stray Cat Exposed a Mother's Heart

10:00 - These Guys Use Dungeons and Dragons as a Break-through Therapy Tool

35:00 - A Brief History of Toilet Paper

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The Interrupted Odyssey of US Grant and Ely Parker and Visiting a Devastated Town After a Tornado... and Lending a Hand Jul 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Mary Stockwell, author of Interrupted Odyssey: Ulysses S. Grant and the American Indians, tells the story of how the lives of America's first Native American appointed to a cabinet level position and our 18th President intertwined. Listener Paul Kotz shares about his service trip to Mayfield, Kentucky several months after a tornado devastated the town.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Interrupted Odyssey of US Grant and Ely Parker

35:00 - Visiting a Devastated Town After a Tornado... and Lending a Hand

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How Duke’s Coach K Was Almost Fired in 1983 and The Unexpected Visitors of Toledo Jul 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Feinstein tells us the story of how Duke University's legendary basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski almost didn't become who he is today. Tedd Long of Holy Toledo History tells the story of three famous and unexpected visitors to Toledo, Ohio.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - How Duke’s Coach K Was Almost Fired in 1983

35:00 - The Unexpected Visitors of Toledo

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The Confederate Soldier Who Risked His Life to Aid Union Wounded, The Angel of St. Marye's Heights and Boyhood Dream Turns into Career, Joe Klimchak KNEW He'd Work for the Pittsburgh Pirates Since He Was 7 Jul 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Hood from Valencia, California, takes us back in time to the Battle of Fredericksburg and tells a story about compassion in the midst of America's deadliest war. Joe Klimchak tells us how he was inspired by a Pirates legend to pursue his MLB career dream.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Confederate Soldier Who Risked His Life to Aid Union Wounded, The Angel of St. Marye's Heights

25:00 - Boyhood Dream Turns into Career, Joe Klimchak KNEW He'd Work for the Pittsburgh Pirates Since He Was 7

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Pyromaniac's Paradise: Running a Fireworks Tent, The Long Road to Victory and American Independence and The Declaration of Independence Jul 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we continue our 4th of July celebration. Joel Wegener and his wife who have 10 kids tell us how they found an explosive way during the summer to make a little extra money. Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, and author Nathaniel Philbrick tell the story of how we won our independence against all odds. Our production team comes together to read the document that made America, well, America.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Pyromaniac's Paradise: Running a Fireworks Tent

10:00 - The Long Road to Victory and American Independence

35:00 - The Declaration of Independence

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Celebrating 4th of July with Newly Minted American Citizens, JFK on the 4th of July and OAS Listener tells his life story in 4th of July Jul 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we’re celebrating the 4th of July. The Our American Stories team attended a naturalization ceremony in Memphis, Tennessee and got to hear the personal stories of new U.S. citizens. The famous 4th of July speech at Independence Hall by John F. Kennedy in 1962 when the it was discovered that the Soviet Union planned to instal missiles in Cuba to attack the United States. We hear from long time listener, Dennis Peterson, about his experiences and memories of Independence Day.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Celebrating 4th of July with Newly Minted American Citizens

25:00 - JFK on the 4th of July

35:00 - OAS Listener tells his life story in 4th of July

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King Solomon, Town's Grave Digging Drunk Turned Hero, Wandering Worker: The American Hobo and America Strikes Back After Pearl Harbor Jul 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kentucky journalist Sam Terry tells the story of the man they called “King Solomon.” Connecticut Shorty of The Hobo Museum shares the story of the American hobo and how they are still celebrated today. Teacher, choir director, organist, and history buff Anne Clare tells the story of the first two major American responses to the Japanese after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - King Solomon, Town's Grave Digging Drunk Turned Hero

10:00 - Wandering Worker: The American Hobo

35:00 - America Strikes Back After Pearl Harbor: The Battle of the Coral Sea and the Doolittle Raids

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How a Corporate Lawyer Found His Mission-Driven Path (Bob Norton) Jul 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob Norton tells the story of his adventures from picking up nuts and bolts with dad at work, to being a very successful corporate lawyer, to now serving as the General Counsel of Hillsdale College.

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JoyRide, The Car Club Exclusively for Kids with Special Needs and North Carolina Wouldn't Let Paula Smith Sell Her House For Over A Decade Jul 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Blair Cornell tells us how his family navigated raising their neuordivergent son and how they created a non-profit car club to help people with autism. Craig Richardson, Matthew Bryant and Paula Smith tells us about the story of Winston-Salem, North Carolina's unconstitutional MAP Act.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - JoyRide, The Car Club Exclusively for Kids with Special Needs

23:00 - North Carolina Wouldn't Let Paula Smith Sell Her House For Over A Decade

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A Father’s Note to His “Timeless” Daughter, Ladies, Start Your Lawnmower Engines! and When People Sent Their Children Through the Mail Jun 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richmond radio host Jeff Katz shares a note that his daughter won't ever read, but will surely impact your life for the better. Julie Tynmann's here with her story about the greatest show on turf. Christopher Warren shares the history of the U.S. Postal Service and a time when people mailed their children… and on one instance, an entire bank.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Father’s Note to His “Timeless” Daughter…Who Functions At A Toddler Level

10:00 - The Grass and the Furious: Ladies, Start Your Lawnmower Engines!

35:00 - When People Sent Their Children Through the Mail

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Gerald Ford, Willis Ward, & the Michigan-Georgia Tech Football Game of 1934 and Tennessee's Most Famous Grocer Jun 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Buddy Morehouse tells us about the childhood of President Gerald Ford and how a football game changed him and his friend Willis Ward's lives forever. Dennis Peterson tells the story of the legendary Cass Walker and his remarkable life... from the grocery empire that he built from scratch, to an unforgettable political run, a TV show, and much more.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Gerald Ford, Willis Ward, & the Michigan-Georgia Tech Football Game of 1934

35:00 - Tennessee's Most Famous Grocer

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Moonshine Runners and the Birth of NASCAR and “The Union is coming! The Union is coming!” Jun 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Neal Thompson, author of Driving with the Devil: Southern Moonshine, Detroit Wheels, and the Birth of NASCAR tells the true story behind NASCAR’s hardscrabble, moonshine-fueled origins. Horst Schulze tells us the difference between “management” and “leadership.”

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Moonshine Runners and the Birth of NASCAR

35:00 - “The Union is coming! The Union is coming!”

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When Character Stands Tall, Suing the Government Just to Sell Soup and The 1946 Battle of Alcatraz Jun 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Eric Motley shares his experience joining an all-white fraternity. Danielle Mickelson's business 'Mickelson Tiny Plants' was expanding and bringing fresh homemade food to the people of Rolla, North Dakota...but the state health department had other ideas. 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.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - When Character Stands Tall

10:00 - Suing the Government Just to Sell Soup

35:00 - The 1946 Battle of Alcatraz

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How a Magic SideShow Became My Full-Time Job and She Wanted to Become a Movie Star, so She Moved to... a National Park? Jun 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve Thomas, Oxford, Mississippi's local magician and balloon artist, shares his story with us. Donna Martin tells us how she wanted to do was move to a big city and become a famous actress and when the opportunity arose to move to California for the summer, she didn't hesitate.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - How a Magic SideShow Became My Full-Time Job

23:00 - She Wanted to Become a Movie Star, so She Moved to... a National Park?

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Louis Zamperini, Olympian and WWII P.O.W., In His Own Words Jun 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear about Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, and how this story was made into a 2014 motion picture directed by Angelina Jolie based on the 2010 non-fiction book by Laura Hillenbrand, While some of the most remarkable parts of Louis Zamperini’s story were left out of the film, you will be hearing them told now by the man himself.

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The Turning Point in Abe’s Life: A Wrestling Match and From Small Town Texas To Ministering To Thousands Jun 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, wrestling historian, Mike Chapman, tells us how Lincoln is one of the greatest leaders in US history, but prior to his being elected the 16th President of the United States, he used his skills as a wrestler to win approval from the masses. Cindy Cruz Radcliffe tells us how as a preachers daughter and worship leader she was able to find forgiveness after her husband left her.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Turning Point in Abe’s Life: A Wrestling Match

23:00 - From Small Town Texas To Ministering To Thousands

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The Town Where Everything Revolves Around... Turkey and Braille Atlas: Writing Music to Overcome Grief Jun 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jennie Badger tells us her story of growing up in the Turkey Capital of the World, Cuero, Texas. Cody Johnston shares how his love for music helped him cope with his mothers declining health and how it not only inspired him, but many others.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Town Where Everything Revolves Around... Turkey

10:00 - Braille Atlas: Writing Music to Overcome Grief

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1943 and America’s Nazi/Soviet Conundrum and Standing Proudly On Deformed Feet Jun 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Ambrose shares a WWII story beginning in January of 1943 with the Soviet victory over the Nazis at Stalingrad and ending with the Allied resolution of Unconditional Surrender. Chloe Howard, Author of Stand Beautiful: A Story Of Brokenness, Beauty and Embracing It All, shares her story of what it was like growing up with a club foot.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - 1943 and America’s Nazi/Soviet Conundrum

23:00 - Standing Proudly On Deformed Feet

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Brent Timmons on the Importance of Balance, The Story (and Family) Behind America's Oldest Brewery and Why I Chose to Go to Vietnam Jun 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor Brent Timmons shares the story of a lesson in risk. Jennifer Yuengling is one of the four 6th generation sisters of Yuengling Beer shares about working with family, the secret to the company's success, and a whole lot more. Karl Marlantes tells us about his decision to serve in the Vietnam war that he saw as unjust.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Brent Timmons on the Importance of Balance

10:00 - The Story (and Family) Behind America's Oldest Brewery

35:00 - Why I Chose to Go to Vietnam

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What I Learned from The Quiet Cowboy, The Great Chicago Fire and the Even Greater Recovery and Tim Leuliette Went to Business School... at Ford Motor Company Jun 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, J.D. Wininger, owner of the Cross-Dubya Ranch, tells the story of a man named John who kept to himself most of the time. Chicago's very best local historian, Tim Samuelson, tells the story of the great Chicago fire of 1871. Tim Leuliette tells us how he began his career at Ford Motor Company under the leadership of Lee Iacocca and Henry Ford II.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - What I Learned from The Quiet Cowboy

12:30 - The Great Chicago Fire and the Even Greater Recovery

37:00 - Tim Leuliette Went to Business School... at Ford Motor Company

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"Fearless Freddie" Warder and This Jewelry Store Provides More Value Than Just Jewelry Jun 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn how America won the Second World War because of men like Rear Admiral “Fearless” Freddie Warder. 4th-generation jeweler, John Henne, in Pittsburgh tells the story of how his family's shop, Henne Jeweler, has grown since 1887, how it's seeking to impact the marriages it furnishes, and how it has shaped his philosophy on job satisfaction.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - "Fearless Freddie" Warder

37:00 - This Jewelry Store Provides More Value Than Just Jewelry

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The Church in Missouri Where They Preach in 5 Different Languages and The Woman Behind Jack London, Charmian Kittridge London Jun 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Josh and Lauren Manning share how they needed to make a grand change in life...and how they found the opportunity to do so at a church in Noel, Missouri...where and influx of immigrants and refugees necessitated a lot of adaptation, understanding, and a few translators to spread the gospel. Iris Jamahl Dunkle tells the story of Charmian Kittredge London in the first full length Biography written about her titled Charmian Kittredge: London Trailblazer Author Adventurer.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Church in Missouri Where They Preach in 5 Different Languages

25:00 - The Woman Behind Jack London, Charmian Kittridge London

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Batman Through the Years and What My Dad Meant By "Makin' Do" Jun 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Farago, curator at the Cartoon Art Museum and author of Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond tells us the story of Batman. Dennis Peterson shares how his father's motto of, "Making Do" meant going to extreme lengths to save a dime...sometimes to his detriment.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Batman Through the Years

37:00 - What My Dad Meant By "Makin' Do"

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Lincoln on the Verge Jun 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we have the story of President Abraham Lincoln's harrowing train trip to Washington, D.C., to be sworn in as the leader of a new—and divided—nation. Joining us to tell the story is Ted Widmer, author of Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington.

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A Medal of Honor Recipient Through The Eyes of His Father and A Legendary Man Known as "Babe" Jun 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Monti shares the story of his son Jared Monti, who was a true hero who died in service of our country trying to save a fellow soldier in the mountains of Afghanistan. Mike Gibbons, Director Emeritus and Curator of the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum to tell us why he is so highly revered.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Medal of Honor Recipient Through The Eyes of His Father

37:00 - A Legendary Man Known as "Babe"

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"In My Father's Village, Nobody Could Read...He Moved to America and Became an Engineer", A Client Was Disrespecting My Employees, So I Fired Them and Superman Versus the Ku Klux Klan Jun 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kevin Samy shares his family's remarkable American dream story. Kathryn Minshew, the founder of career platform The Muse tells us about an early ethical dilemma she faced while building her business. Rick Bowers tells us an undercover agent infiltrated the KKK, and with the help of Superman exposed them to the world.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - "In My Father's Village, Nobody Could Read...He Moved to America and Became an Engineer"

12:30 - A Client Was Disrespecting My Employees, So I Fired Them

25:00 - Superman Versus the Ku Klux Klan

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The Man Who Spent $35MM Fighting A $400k Fake Wine Fraud, Rediscovering What I Lost in the Military and Mom and Son Run a Marathon Together in Every State Jun 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and America’s Cup winner Bill Koch tells us how he fought against fake wine fraud. Brent Evanoff discovers a secret he’d been unaware of for over 25 years and ends up helping another veteran reconnect with something they lost as well. Karen Thomson and her son Joe Meilink along with his wife, Vicky, share how they are the definition of determination.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Man Who Spent $35MM Fighting A $400k Fake Wine Fraud

12:30 - Rediscovering What I Lost in the Military

37:00 - Mom and Son Run a Marathon Together in Every State

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Reconnecting With My Absent Father Who Was Presumed Dead, Daughter's Schizophrenia Led to Opening a Business and "How Old Would You Be If You Didn't Know How Old You Are?": The Life of Satchel Paige Jun 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ron Brown, a man who grew up in a rough area of Chicago, shares how he was practically abandoned by his father, but would mend their relationship later on in life. Donna shares how her daughter, Cassie, was diagnosed with Chronic Paranoid Schizophrenia as a teenager and their daily jobs became more difficult so, they dropped everything and opened a resale shop. Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, tells the story of a man many historians consider to be the greatest pitcher in the history of baseball-Leroy "Satchel" Paige.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Reconnecting With My Absent Father Who Was Presumed Dead

25:00 - Daughter's Schizophrenia Led to Opening a Business

37:00 - "How Old Would You Be If You Didn't Know How Old You Are?": The Life of Satchel Paige

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"The Good Governor" Who Welcomed Asian Refugees to Iowa and The Story of Charleston: The Way Life Used to Be, And Perhaps, Is Supposed to Be Jun 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Matthew R. Walsh, author of The Good Governor: Robert Ray and the Indochinese Refugees of Iowa,tells the story of this remarkable man who was driven by faith and a commitment to helping his fellow man. Tommy Dew shares the story of Charleston, NC—from the American Revolution to today.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - "The Good Governor" Who Welcomed Asian Refugees to Iowa

25:00 - The Story of Charleston: The Way Life Used to Be, And Perhaps, Is Supposed to Be

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Careful Art of Caring for Your Horse, Escaping the Sex Industry and He Travels the Country Reviewing... Onion Rings? Jun 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, regular contributor Bill Bryk brings us another adventure in riding and teaches us just how meticulous the grooming routine can be. Harmony Dust Grillo shares how she was seemingly trapped in the commercial sex industry and struggled until a new friendship led to a change in her life. Tyler Groenendal of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has perhaps the most interesting side gig of all-time... reviewing onion rings—and he's been doing it for years and has no plans to stop.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Careful Art of Caring for Your Horse

12:30 - Escaping the Sex Industry

37:00 - He Travels the Country Reviewing... Onion Rings?

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EP349: There's No Smell Like Home and The Inventor of Jelly Belly Jun 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Randall Haley shares how the scents from So Delta Candle Company helped alleviate some of her homesickness. Here is the amazing true story of David Klein, an eccentric candy inventor from Los Angeles, who is the creator and founder of Jelly Belly jelly beans.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - There's No Smell Like Home

12:30 - The Inventor of Jelly Belly

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EP348: The Time A Kid Sued Pepsi for A Harrier Jet, Escaping the Viet Cong and Treating More than Cancer Jun 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sean Kernan of Medium helps us tell the story of Leonard v. PepsiCo Inc. A law school classic that helps kids navigate the curious world of contract law, but in 1999 it was serious business. Hoat Hoang tells the story of his family's escape from South Vietnam when North Vietnamese communists began to ambush his village and his journey to becoming a surgeon in the U.S. Loma Linda University Health has sought to not see patients as customers, but as individuals, through a focus on whole person care.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Time A Kid Sued Pepsi for A Harrier Jet

12:30 - Escaping the Viet Cong

37:00 - Treating More than Cancer

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EP347: Making Peace with My Sister’s Killer and John O’Neil On The First B-17 To Bomb Berlin Jun 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeanne Bishop tells us the story of the brutal murders of her beloved family members and how a change of heart changed her life and so many others. John O'Neil, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, tells the story of his father, the tail and waist gunner on the B-17.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Making Peace with My Sister’s Killer

37:00 - John O’Neil On The First B-17 To Bomb Berlin

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EP346: Ketchup King: The H.J. Heinz Story Jun 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Greg Hengler tells us how Heinz food products have been a part of American culture for more than a century. Though Heinz Ketchup is one of the most recognized corporate symbols in the world, few people know anything at all about its creator, H.J. Heinz. His hard work, innovation, and obsessive kindness proved one of his favorite sayings: “To do a common thing uncommonly well brings success.”

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EP345: Grant and Twain Christopher Klein, The 46 Year-Long Journey to Finding My Sisters and Buck O'Neil's Lesson on Dealing With Defeat Like a Man Jun 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Christopher Klein tells the story of the former president and Civil War hero, Ulysses S. Grant, and how he raced to complete a literary masterpiece that saved his wife from destitution with the aid of Mark Twain. Years after finding out she was adopted, Traci Huguley discovered she was not the only child adopted out. Bob Kendrick tells the story of former Negro Leagues Baseball player Buck O'Neil and how Buck handled being rejected from the National Baseball Hall of Fame "like a man".

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Grant and Twain Christopher Klein

12:30 - The 46 Year-Long Journey to Finding My Sisters

37:00 - Buck O'Neil's Lesson on Dealing With Defeat Like a Man

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EP344: Possum for Supper, The Day a Soviet Nuclear Attack Submarine Rammed an American Aircraft Carrier and From Tech-Startup to Making a Wooden Pen with His Dad Jun 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney, our regular contributor and recipient of our 'Great American Storyteller Award' tells the story of what her family ate during the Great Depression years. The History Guy gives us the story of the 1984 USS Kitty Hawk collision. Chad and Jess Schumacher tell us how their lives seemed to be going really well and as "according to plan" as life could... and then life took a number of sharp and unexpected turns.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Possum for Supper

12:30 - The Day a Soviet Nuclear Attack Submarine Rammed an American Aircraft Carrier

25:00 - From Tech-Startup to Making a Wooden Pen with His Dad

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EP343: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions, The Museum Dedicated to Bad Art and The Opportunistic Patriot Jun 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, author, Andrew Thompson shares another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language. tells us about the museum in Somerville, Massachusetts with a collection of over 600 examples of bad art. Bill Bryk tells the story of America's first practical politician, Aaron Burr, in a tale of skill, bravery, honor, deception, and memory.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions

12:30 - The Museum Dedicated to Bad Art

25:00 - The Opportunistic Patriot

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EP342: Strength in Loneliness is Still Loneliness, Jason Wolfe Paid His Own Child Support and When Truman Came to Town Jun 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Edie Hand was always told by her mother that she was strong... but strength isn't always enough. Jason Wolfe tells the story of figuring out to be the father he didn't have. Rod Stanley of the Dexter Museum tells the story of how President Truman won the state of Iowa and another term in office in 1948.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Strength in Loneliness is Still Loneliness

12:30 - Jason Wolfe Paid His Own Child Support

37:00 - When Truman Came to Town

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EP341: The Angels of Bataan, Tempest Tours: A Stormy, Sightseeing Vacation and More Than Just a Summer Job Jun 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Clare tells the story of a nurse who served in the Philippines during World War II, and shares the experience that she and others like her went through after the Japanese invasion there. Martin Lisius, founder of Tempest Tours, and Kim George, Customer Relations Manager, talk about the companies origins and what it's like being on the road in midst of extreme weather. Brent Timmons shares the story of his first job at a crab house in Delaware.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Angels of Bataan

12:30 - Tempest Tours: A Stormy, Sightseeing Vacation

25:00 - More Than Just a Summer Job

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EP340: The WWII Tragedy America Chose to Forget, Indians, a Jew, and a Hotel Partnership, "The First Guy Cannot Fail": The Jackie Robinson Story and Couple Adopts 7 Siblings Separated Throughout 4 Foster Homes Jun 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kengor, PoliSci professor at Grove City College, brings us the details of the devastating nature of an attack the U.S. government chose to keep details hidden about. Mike Leven tells the story about how he—a Jewish person—started the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, tells the story of how Jackie Robinson got his start in Kansas City, broke the MLB's color barrier in Brooklyn, and began a movement nationwide. Sofia and Deshawn tells us how they went from being achildless married couple of 13 years to a family of 9, literally, overnight.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The WWII Tragedy America Chose to Forget

12:30 - Indians, a Jew, and a Hotel Partnership

25:00 - "The First Guy Cannot Fail": The Jackie Robinson Story

37:00 - Couple Adopts 7 Siblings Separated Throughout 4 Foster Homes

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EP339: Inspiration from Dad and Kerouac and From Hangtime to Primetime: The Rise of the NBA Jun 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kotz gives a touching tribute to his father with reference to a time when Paul needed a great deal of encouragement and his father turned to an American novelist. Pete Croatto, author of From Hang Time to Prime Time, explains how the NBA became an 8.3 billion dollar entertainment and cultural icon.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Inspiration from Dad and Kerouac

12:30 - From Hangtime to Primetime: The Rise of the NBA

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EP338: The Banjo's Trip Through History, “He Was Closer To Death Than We Knew” and The Man In The Glass Coffin Jun 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Johnny Baier, Executive Director of the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City, takes us through the history of the Banjo starting from the beginning until today. Regular Contributor Stephen Rusiniak tells the story of his brother’s close encounter with death. Chris Siriano tells us about an American man in a glass coffin along the shores of Lake Michigan.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Banjo's Trip Through History

25:00 - “He Was Closer To Death Than We Knew”

37:00 - The Man In The Glass Coffin

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EP337: "I'm The Dentist In The Wheelchair" and One Night in the Family Funeral Home Jun 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hayden Perkins shares the story of his horrible accident and how he chose to live his life in response to such a tragedy. Tom Ryan brings us a chilling tale from his families funeral parlor.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - "I'm The Dentist In The Wheelchair"

37:00 - One Night in the Family Funeral Home

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Enrique the Penguin Who Wears Shoes, 3...2...1...You're It and Through the Gates of Splendor Jun 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Marija Elden, the Zoological Manager of Birds, shares Enrique the penguin's journey to owning a pair of pretty cool kicks. Robert Frohlich tells the story of his bad road trip while volunteering to bring trucks to impoverished communities in Appalachia. Elisabeth Elliot tells us the story of Operation Auca, an attempt by five American missionaries to reach the Auca tribe (considered the most dangerous in the world) of eastern Ecuador.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Enrique the Penguin Who Wears Shoes

12:30 - 3...2...1...You're It

25:00 - Through the Gates of Splendor

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EP335: The Town Where Everything Revolves Around... Turkey, Donald Didn't Know He Lived Through the Depression and Tina Ramirez Fights for Religious Freedom at Home and Abroad Jun 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jennie Badger tells us her story of growing up in the Turkey Capital of the World, Cuero, Texas. Donald Sturm shares how his extraordinary American Dreamers story is thanks to the love of his parents. Tina Ramirez shares how she brought her passion for religious freedom around the world.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Town Where Everything Revolves Around... Turkey

12:30 - Donald Didn't Know He Lived Through the Depression

25:00 - Tina Ramirez Fights for Religious Freedom at Home and Abroad

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EP334: Inspiration from my Dad and American author Jack Kerouac, Danielle Mickelson Had to Sue Just to Sell Soup and The Man In The Glass Coffin Jun 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kotz gives a touching tribute to his father by reflecting on a time when Paul needed a great deal of encouragement and his father turned to an American novelist to cheer him up. Danielle Mickelson tells us how her business 'Mickelson Tiny Plants' was expanding and bringing fresh homemade food to the people of Rolla, North Dakota...but then the state health department had other ideas. Chris Siriano tells this curious story about Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin being placed in a glass coffin.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Inspiration from my Dad and American author Jack Kerouac

12:30 - Danielle Mickelson Had to Sue Just to Sell Soup

37:00 - The Man In The Glass Coffin

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EP333: Lavagirl: Why She Quit Childhood Acting and The Salem Witch Trials and the American Puritans Jun 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, actress Taylor Dooley shares the story of when she played the role of Lavagirl and how now 15 years later, she has returned to acting to play the same role in the Netflix Film We Can Be Heroes. Dr. Stephen Nichols, president of Reformation Bible College, chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries tells us the story of the Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Lavagirl: Why She Quit Childhood Acting

25:00 - The Salem Witch Trials and the American Puritans

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EP332: Butch Hartman: Renowned Nickelodeon Cartoonist and George Will: Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, and the Summer of '41 Jun 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Butch Hartman, creator of Fairly Odd Parents, Danny Phantom, and so much more shares how he went from the snowy shores of Michigan to the sunny coast of SoCal. George Will tells the stories of Ted Williams and the son of a San Francisco fisherman, his “Streak,” and steely determination.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Butch Hartman: Renowned Nickelodeon Cartoonist

37:00 - George Will: Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, and the Summer of '41

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EP331: The Winner Who Always Finished Last, From Farm Boy to Founder and The Day President Truman Came to Town Jun 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Roger tells the story of his stepson, Saje Hellstern, and how a tumor was found in his brain but, that it didn't stop him from running and finishing his races. Ken Austin shares how he grew from a humble farm boy with insecurities into the man who would established the 2nd largest dental equipment manufacturing company in the world. Rod Stanley of the Dexter Museum tells the story of how President Truman won the state of Iowa and another term in office after his opponent, Thomas Dewey, turned down an invitation to appear at the National Plowing Match in Dexter, Iowa in 1948.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Winner Who Always Finished Last

12:30 - From Farm Boy to Founder

37:00 - The Day President Truman Came to Town

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EP330: PEZ: From Austrian Invention To American Icon and The Woman Behind Jack London May 31, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Shawn Peterson shares the story of how the PEZ manual candy dispenser came to be. Iris Jamahl Dunkle tells the story of Charmian Kittredge London in the first full length Biography written about her titled Charmian Kittredge: London Trailblazer Author Adventurer.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - PEZ: From Austrian Invention To American Icon

25:00 - The Woman Behind Jack London

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EP329: Thad Beeler on The National Disaster Photo Rescue, How Smallpox Created Canada by Destroying Washington's Army and Have Pool Que, Will Travel: The Story of Saint Louie Louie May 31, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thad Beeler shares how after the deadly May 2011 Joplin Tornado he created The National Disaster Photo Rescue Organization after helping his neighbors when they lost their photos in the disaster. The President of Amerisearch, William Federer, tells us why Canada is an independent nation—and not part of the United States—most likely, because of smallpox. Mark O'Brian tells the story of St. Louie, Louie...one of the best pool players to ever grace the scene.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Thad Beeler on The National Disaster Photo Rescue

25:00 - How Smallpox Created Canada by Destroying Washington's Army

37:00 - Have Pool Que, Will Travel: The Story of Saint Louie Louie

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EP328: The Story Of Benjamin Franklin's Longest Lasting Persona and The Cleveland Indians' The “Ten Cent Beer Night” Riot May 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear about how the 25-year publication started out of a need when someone pulled their publication and turned into an international phenomenon... which Mark Twain HATED! The History Guy tells how on June 4, 1974, in Cleveland, trouble was a brewin', the bleachers were loaded, and there was a distinct buzz in the air.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Story Of Benjamin Franklin's Longest Lasting Persona

37:00 - The Cleveland Indians' The “Ten Cent Beer Night” Riot

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EP327: The Day British Troops Finally Left America's Shores following the Revolution and Overcoming the Loss of Both My Arms at 10 May 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk brings us the tale of the day British forces evacuated New York City after the Revolutionary War... a full 2 years after the British Army surrendered. Madysen Acey’s life took an unexpected turn when she was 10-years-old but, she wouldn't trade any of it for the person she's become.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Day British Troops Finally Left America's Shores following the Revolution

25:00 - Overcoming the Loss of Both My Arms at 10

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EP326: The Incredible Story Of SPAM and Enhancing Lives One Guide Dog at a Time May 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Author of The Book of Spam: A Most Glorious and Definitive Compendium of the World’s Favorite Canned Meat, Dustin Black, tells the story of this often speculated household name product. Christine Benninger, CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, the largest guide dog school in North America, shares about the unique training process for these extraordinary animals and the special bond they share with their owner.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Incredible Story Of SPAM

25:00 - Enhancing Lives One Guide Dog at a Time

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EP325: The Acting Legend Whose Grace and Skill Transcended Race May 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sidney Poitier's elegant bearing and principled onscreen characters made him Hollywood's first black movie star and the first Black man to win the best actor Oscar. Sidney Poitier: Man, Actor, Icon was the first full biography of legendary actor Sidney Poitier written by Aram Goudsouzian, professor of history at the University of Memphis.

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EP324: The Time Patty Kingsbaker met Elvis and How the NBA Went from Regional League to Global Phenomenon May 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Patty Kingsbaker from Colorado not only has a great Elvis story, but she is very good at telling it! Pete Croatto, author of From Hang Time to Prime Time, explains how the NBA became an 8.3 billion dollar entertainment and cultural icon.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Time Patty Kingsbaker met Elvis

12:30 - How the NBA Went from Regional League to Global Phenomenon

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EP323: Summer Adventures Running a Fireworks Tent, The Company Without Corner Offices and Where Everyone Has a View and The Greatest Fighter Pilot in American History May 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joel Wegener and his wife have 10 kids, and because he worked in education, they had to find ways during the summers to make a little extra money. Kirk Aubry, the CEO of the supply chain services company Savage, shares the ethical principles of their 2nd generation, 75-year-old family company. The History Guy tells us how Richard “Dick” Bong was a hero in an era of heroes.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Summer Adventures Running a Fireworks Tent

12:30 - The Company Without Corner Offices and Where Everyone Has a View

37:00 - The Greatest Fighter Pilot in American History

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP322: Trapped Inside a Tube: The Iron Lung Story, Midnight Tragedy at the Live Fire Exercise and 100 Women Creating Transformation In Their Own Backyard May 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medical Museum tells the story of the iron lung, a device used to keep people with advanced polio alive in the first half of the 20th century. Our regular contributor Richard Muniz tells the story of an unforgettable accident at Ft. Irwin, California. Wendy Steele tells us how she could have never imagined that an idea for her community of Cincinnati... would have snowballed into 65 chapters across the world and over $80 million donated.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Trapped Inside a Tube: The Iron Lung Story

12:30 - Midnight Tragedy at the Live Fire Exercise

25:00 - 100 Women Creating Transformation In Their Own Backyard

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP321: Modeling Grace: Christine Handy's Story of Survival and I Retired At 50, And Was Bored....So I Served People May 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, model, motivational speaker, and author, Christine Handy tells us how she became a breast cancer and medical malpractice survivor whose life was saved by two powerful forces: friends and faith. Scott Gilbert shares the impact he has had as the president of the Roaring Fork Valley Chapter of Habitat For Humanity by teaching life skills to people in prison.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Modeling Grace: Christine Handy's Story of Survival

25:00 - I Retired At 50, And Was Bored....So I Served People

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EP320: An "Ordinary" Cloth With An Extraordinary Story, Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women and Family is at the Heart of this Brewing Icon, The Coors' May 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Chris Graham of the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia tells the story of one of their objects on display with an extraordinary story we're just now finding out. Kate Moore, author of “Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women”, shares the story of the young women who in 1898 began working in radium factories and discovered the chemical element that glows in the dark. Pete Coors and his daughter Carrie of Coors Banquet Beer tells us how his family prides itself on their commitment to faith, family, education, and servant leadership.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - An "Ordinary" Cloth With An Extraordinary Story

12:30 - Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women

37:00 - Family is at the Heart of this Brewing Icon, The Coors'

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EP319: Eilene Lyon: One Way Or Another, America’s First Real Life Superhero and Homestead Laws Saving Women From Homelessness May 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Eilene Lyon shares the story of observing two eagle families that couldn't be more diametrically opposed to one another. Former Air Force Captain and Air Force OSI Special Agent Vince Benedetto shares his story of going to a school to teach students about why we honor our veterans. Dr. Jean Stuntz from West Texas A&M University gives us some history on what it was like before women could own property or make any money of their own.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Eilene Lyon: One Way Or Another

12:30 - America’s First Real Life Superhero

37:00 - Homestead Laws Saving Women From Homelessness

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP318: Magic Side Show Becomes Full-Time Job, Wayne Gretzky Eulogizes His Father and The Dangers and Joys of Having a 'Making Do' Dad May 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve Thomas, Oxford, Mississippi's local magician and balloon artist, shares his story with us. Wayne Gretzky tells us how the death of his father, Walter Gretzky, prompted an avalanche of tributes for his genuine, approachable, authentic personhood. For Dennis Peterson's father, "Making Do" meant going to extreme lengths to save a dime...sometimes to his detriment.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Magic Side Show Becomes Full-Time Job

25:00 - Wayne Gretzky Eulogizes His Father

37:00 - The Dangers and Joys of Having a 'Making Do' Dad

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP317: How Johnny Carson Saved Twister, Drinking Done New Orleans Style and Humans are Hardwired for Freedom May 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, history geek Christopher Klein to tells the story of how Johnny Carson saved Twister. Liz Williams, founder of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, tells the story of whisky, bourbon, absinthe, and pink elephants... done Cajun style. Tina Ramirez shares her passion for religion and how she took it around the world.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - How Johnny Carson Saved Twister

12:30 - Drinking Done New Orleans Style

25:00 - Humans are Hardwired for Freedom

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EP316: The Baylor Basketball Incident: An Eyewitness to One of the Biggest Scandals (and Turnarounds) in NCAA History May 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, former Baylor Basketball player Matt Sayman, author of The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond tells the story behind one of the biggest scandals in college basketball history—along with one of its biggest turnarounds.

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EP315: The Time A Kid Sued Pepsi for A Harrier Jet and From Marine Core to Playing Chess at Marvel with THE Stan Lee May 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sean Kernan of Medium helps us tell the story of Leonard v. PepsiCo Inc. A law school classic that helps kids navigate the curious world of contract law, but in 1999 it was serious business. After a career as a U.S. Marine, Mike Joens tells us how he worked for some of the most successful animation studios such as Hanna Barbera, Filmation, Warner Brothers and Marvel Productions and eventually left Marvel to produce and direct “McGee and Me,” as well as the animated “Adventures in Odyssey.”

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Time A Kid Sued Pepsi for A Harrier Jet

12:30 - From Marine Core to Playing Chess at Marvel with THE Stan Lee

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EP314: The Woman Introducing STEM Careers to Young Girls and Harvard's President Believed Books, Not Schooling, Were the Key To Education May 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nicole Small, the former CEO of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, shares how she is now inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM. Jon Elfner helps tell the story behind Charles Eliot's claim that, "all a man needs for a good education is a 5-foot bookshelf" and what came to be known as "The Harvard Classics."

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Woman Introducing STEM Careers to Young Girls

37:00 - Harvard's President Believed Books, Not Schooling, Were the Key To Education

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EP313: The 6 Brothers Who Gave Their Lives for the Union and A Tattoo Shop with Heart May 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Busbee of The Culture Buzz on KFMG 98.9 tells the story of the remarkable sacrifice made by one family in Iowa during the Civil War. Tammy Harris was born to be an artist... it just took a while for him to figure out how to make some money doing it.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The 6 Brothers Who Gave Their Lives for the Union

25:00 - A Tattoo Shop with Heart

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EP312: The WWII Tragedy America Chose to Forget, "Run Amuck" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and The Reluctant Memoirist: Leslie Leyland Fields May 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kengor tells us how the U.S. government chose to keep the details of this WWII attack hushed. Author, Andrew Thompson, shares another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language. Leslie Leyland Fields tells the story of how she came to write her memoir.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The WWII Tragedy America Chose to Forget

12:30 - "Run Amuck" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions

25:00 - The Reluctant Memoirist: Leslie Leyland Fields

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EP311: Army Ranger Michael Schlitz Shares His Iraq Story and Harvard's President Believed Books, Not Schooling, Were the Key To Education May 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Michael Schlitz tells us how he 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). Jon Elfner helps tell the story behind Charles Eliot's claim that, "all a man needs for a good education is a 5-foot bookshelf" and what came to be known as "The Harvard Classics."

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Army Ranger Michael Schlitz Shares His Iraq Story

37:00 - Harvard's President Believed Books, Not Schooling, Were the Key To Education

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EP310: The Story of a 5-Star Steakhouse CEO and an NFL Linebacker and Oregon Told This Engineer That He Wasn't an Engineer May 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Britney Ruby Miller, CEO of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment shares with us how she leads a team of more than 500 employees across 7 luxury steakhouses in Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. When his wife got a ticket for a tiny infraction, Mats Järlström, driven by curiosity, investigated a local traffic cam system... which led to an investigation into him!

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Story of a 5-Star Steakhouse CEO and an NFL Linebacker

37:00 - Oregon Told This Engineer That He Wasn't an Engineer

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EP309: The Transatlantic Cable: The Thread that Connected the World and 7-Eleven's Commitment to the American Dream May 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, historian John Steele Gordon tells the story of how the telegraph went from Samuel Morse to winning WWI and how one man spearheaded the effort to connect America to Great Britain and, in doing so, the rest of the world. Former CEO of 7-Eleven, Jim Keyes, tells the story of how their company has led countless immigrants to the American Dream.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Transatlantic Cable: The Thread that Connected the World

37:00 - 7-Eleven's Commitment to the American Dream

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EP308: Triumph and Disaster: The Life of Rudyard Kipling, The German Immigrant Who Brought Us Banquet Beer and The Man Who Played with Trains May 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the History Guy tells us the story of the youngest-ever winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, Rudyard Kipling, and how he survived a difficult childhood to go on to become one of the most celebrated authors of his day, penning such classics as "The Jungle Book" and "Just So Stories.” Pete Coors tells the story of Coors Banquet beer and how the story began with a German immigrant living in a Colorado mining town. Bill Bryk brings us the story of the an ingenious inventor who went from inventing naval mine detonators to one of the top 5 toys of the 20th century... and all because he was unimpressed by a store's window display.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Triumph and Disaster: The Life of Rudyard Kipling

25:00 - The German Immigrant Who Brought Us Banquet Beer

37:00 -The Man Who Played with Trains

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EP307: The Most Decorated War Dog of WWI, Stay-At-Home Mom Becomes Oldest Rookie Cop and When Your Losing Football Team Brings Your Family Together May 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeremy Swick of the College Football Hall of Fame recounts the remarkable story of the street dog, Sgt. Stubby, turned soldier turned mascot. At 53 years young, Officer Wendy Caldwell made history at the Houston, Texas Police Department. Nancy Ball shares a story she wrote, “Being an Ole Miss Fan is in and of Itself a Lesson in Humility.”

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Most Decorated War Dog of WWI

12:30 - Stay-At-Home Mom Becomes Oldest Rookie Cop

37:00 - When Your Losing Football Team Brings Your Family Together

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP306: Shooting Bunnies From A Motorboat?, The 46-Year-Long Journey to Finding My Sisters and Big Lessons for a Little Boy May 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Author Winter Prosapio dives into some of the weird laws we have here in the U.S. Years after finding out she was adopted, Traci Huguley discovered she was not the only child adopted out. She then made it her mission to find her siblings. Dennis Peterson's father was hard but fair, and some of the biggest lessons Dennis learned were on the job site, doing brick work with his father.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Shooting Bunnies From A Motorboat?

12:30 - The 46-Year-Long Journey to Finding My Sisters

37:00 - Big Lessons for a Little Boy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP305: Survivor from Brigade 2506, Hometown Hero and The Best-Selling Book of All Time May 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Cuban exile, Ray Montalvo joined Brigade 2506 to fight back against Castro, leading to his imprisonment in the country he once loved. Now, he is a proud U.S. citizen and business owner. Vermont historian and journalist Mark Bushnell takes us into the life of Calvin Coolidge in his hometown. The History Guy tells us the history of the Bible.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Survivor from Brigade 2506

25:00 - Hometown Hero

37:00 - The Best-Selling Book of All Time

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP304: The Church Where They Preach in 5 Different Languages, Why Money Isn't Enough to Be a Success and The Man Who Milks Snakes for a Living May 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Josh and Lauren Manning needed to make a grand change in life...and they found the opportunity to do so at a church in Noel, Missouri...where and influx of immigrants and refugees necessitated a lot of adaptation, understanding, and a few translators to spread the gospel. Sean Smith tells us how he and his twin brother built a business that would make the two of them millionaires by age 30. Nathaniel Frank shares how he became intrigued with reptiles at the age of 6 and dreamt of working with them and became the CEO of MToxins Venom Lab.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Church Where They Preach in 5 Different Languages

25:00 - Why Money Isn't Enough to Be a Success

37:00 - The Man Who Milks Snakes for a Living

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP303: A Father’s Note to His “Timeless” Daughter and One of America's Most Decorated WWII Soldiers Turned Singer and Actor May 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, talk radio host Jeff Katz shares a note that his daughter won't ever read, but will surely impact your life for the better. Audie Murphy's story is one of the quintessential American stories; yet, chances are, many Americans have never even heard of his name.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Father’s Note to His “Timeless” Daughter

12:30 - One of America's Most Decorated WWII Soldiers Turned Singer and Actor

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP 302: How My Short Term Mission Trip Changed Me and From Start-Up to Marvel Entertainment May 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, regular contributor, Stephen Rusiniak, brings us a story written by his daughter Tracy. In this story entitled, “Please Don’t Leave,” she shares how helping those in need can often bring a little perspective to our lives. After achieving his dream of being a video gamer artist and reaching the top at Blizzard Entertainment, Josh Singh was faced with the reality of what it takes to make it: time and constantly hitting the mark.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - How My Short Term Mission Trip Changed Me

12:30 - From Start-Up to Marvel Entertainment

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP301: The “Why” Behind What We Do Matters, The World’s First Combination Candy Bar and The Story of One of Hollywood's Greatest Composers May 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, regular contributor, Paul Kotz, shares how he helped a frustrated student look past their circumstances and get to why what they were doing matters. Laurie Spradley, who now runs The Goo Goo Cluster, shares some history about the delicious candy bar and its new adventures in Nashville, TN. Virginia Mancini, the wife of one of Hollywood's greatest composers who created the 'Pink Panther Theme' and 'Moon River' from Breakfast at Tiffany's among other pieces, Henry Mancini, tells us their love story and life together.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The “Why” Behind What We Do Matters

12:30 - The World’s First Combination Candy Bar

25:00 - The Story of One of Hollywood's Greatest Composers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP300: The Memories Behind That Old Upright Piano and "The Father of American Psychiatry" May 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of her old upright piano that was passed down to her from her mother. Harlow Giles Unger, New York Times bestselling author of twenty-eight books, tells us how Dr. Benjamin Rush is known as the Father of Psychiatry, the Army Medical Corps, Veterinary Care, and biblically-taught Public Schools.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Memories Behind That Old Upright Piano

12:30 - "The Father of American Psychiatry"

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP299: Origin of the Phrase "In a Nutshell" as well as other Everyday Sayings, The Woman Who Sneaked Into George Washington's Army and The Dignity of the Individual Human Being May 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language. Marilyn Komechak, author of Deborah Sampson: The Girl Who Went to War, tells us the story of Deborah Sampson and how she became a hero of the American Revolution when she disguised herself as a man and joined the Patriot forces. Christopher Donahue shares how his family's business, Federal Investors, came to be.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Origin of the Phrase "In a Nutshell" as well as other Everyday Sayings

12:30 - The Woman Who Sneaked Into George Washington's Army

25:00 - The Dignity of the Individual Human Being - A Business Run by a Family Man

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP298: How Mark Twain Helped a Bankrupt and Dying Ulysses S. Grant, I Lived Through The Depression And Didn’t Even Know It! and Overcoming the Loss of Both My Arms May 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Christopher Klein tells the story of how Mark Twain and Ulysses S. Grant, the former president and Civil War hero, raced to complete a literary masterpiece that saved his wife from destitution. Donald Sturm tells the story of how his parents did everything they could to support him and lead him to achieve the American Dream. Madysen Acey’s life took an unexpected turn at 10-years-old, but she wouldn't trade any of it for the person she's become.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - How Mark Twain Helped a Bankrupt and Dying Ulysses S. Grant

12:30 - I Lived Through The Depression And Didn’t Even Know It!

25:00 - Overcoming the Loss of Both My Arms

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP297: Making Peace with My Sister’s Killer and The First B-17 To Bomb Berlin During WW2 May 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeanne Bishop tells us the story of the brutal murders of her beloved family member and how a change of heart changed her life and so many others. John O'Neil, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, tells us how Lt. Bill Owen's crew managed to become the first B-17 crew to drop bombs in the heart of the Third Reich.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Making Peace with My Sister’s Killer

37:00 - The First B-17 To Bomb Berlin During WW2

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My Mother's Hands, Celebrating My Mother On My Birthday, Tiffany Jenkins Destroys the Perfect Mom Routine and Celebrating the Life of Christina Lapadula (Lee's Beloved Mom) May 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we commemorate Mother's Day by hearing stories about women who exemplify what it truly means to be a mother. Roger Latham shares a poem written by his mother, read by his daughter, Candy. Stephen Rusniak shares the thoughtful way he found to celebrate his mom on his birthday. Tiffany Jenkins, wife and mother of three, shares with us her memoir: High Achiever: The Shocking True Story of One Addict's Double Life and what it means to be a good mom. 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)

Time Codes:

00:00 - My Mother's Hands

12:30 - Celebrating My Mother On My Birthday

25:00 - Tiffany Jenkins Destroys the Perfect Mom Routine

37:00 - Celebrating the Life of Christina Lapadula (Lee's Beloved Mom)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Motherhood Changed Me, My Mother Had Me At 16: She's My Superhero and Connecting Through Salt And Pepper Shakers May 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, author Winter Prosapio shares a story from motherhood. Alan Brown shares with us how his mother became pregnant with him at 15 after a terrible assault, yet despite the circumstances, and the poverty Alan lived through for most of his childhood, his mother did everything to make sure he was raised right. Andrea Ludden, daughter of the original collector of the Salt and Pepper Shakers in the Museum, shares the story of how this amazing collection came to be a museum.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - How Motherhood Changed Me

12:30 - My Mother Had Me At 16: She's My Superhero

25:00 - Connecting Through Salt And Pepper Shakers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP294: There's A Museum For Umbrella Covers? and The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer May 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nancy 3 Hoffman, the owner and curator of the world's only Umbrella Cover Museum in Peak's Island, Maine shares the story of how she came to open such a specific museum, what her museum is like, and most importantly, how her museum has taught her to find joy in the most mundane aspects of life. James Swanson, the NYT Bestseller of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer tells us the events that transpired after President Abraham Lincoln's assassination.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - There's A Museum For Umbrella Covers?

12:30 - The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP293: Better Health is a Choice, What It Was Like Escaping the Viet Cong and Body, Soul, and Spirit - Treating More than Cancer May 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim Hennessy tells us how his life was changed by what he chose to do with his deteriorating health issue. Hoat Hoang tells the story of escaping South Vietnam from the North Vietnamese communists who ambushed his village and his journey to becoming a surgeon in the U.S. Andrew Millard tells us how Loma Linda University Health has sought to not see patients as customers, but as individuals, through a focus on whole person care.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Better Health is a Choice

12:30 - What It Was Like Escaping the Viet Cong

37:00 - Body, Soul, and Spirit - Treating More than Cancer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP292: Lava Girl, Taylor Dooley and The State of Texas Tried to Take Down a Man's Livelihood: He Fought Back May 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Taylor Dooley shares the story of when she played the role of Lavagirl and how now 15 years later, she has returned to acting to play the same role in the Netflix Film We Can Be Heroes; Institute for Justice lawyer Wesley Hottot tells the story of Ash Patel's nearly six-year long legal battle stemming from the Texas Board of Cosmetology requiring his eyebrow threaders to go back to school to learn other people's jobs.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Lava Girl, Taylor Dooley

25:00 - The State of Texas Tried to Take Down a Man's Livelihood: He Fought Back

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP291: The Tale of the Stolen Texas Confederate Locomotive and The Opportunistic Patriot May 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jackson McQuigg of the Atlanta History Center tells the story of the principle pursuit locomotive of the Great Railroad Chase...but the story goes much deeper than just that. Bill Bryk tells the story of America's first practical politician, Aaron Burr, in a tale of skill, bravery, honor, deception, and memory

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP290: How Do You Brag About the World's Fastest Plane? and How Pediatric Cancer Saved Numerous Lives May 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, SR-71 Blackbird pilot, Bryan Shall, explains how much fun you can have when you're the fastest plane in the sky. Cathy Cooley shares the story of how her late son, Christopher, led his family to faith and the founding of their organization: The Christopher Foundation.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP289: The Great Vowel Shift and the Making of Modern English and Connecting People Through a Salt And Pepper Shaker Museum May 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the History Guy tells us the story of “The Great Vowel Shift” and the making of modern English. Andrea Ludden owner of the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, right below the Great Smoky Mountains shares the story of how this amazing collection came to be a museum.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP288: Craig's Lesson - "Be Sociable" and The Man Who Wrote 'I'll Fly Away' May 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kent Nerburn, author of Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Life, and Love tells the story of how one friend changed his life forever by simply telling him to be sociable. Betsy and Elaine, the granddaughters of one of the most important Gospel music composers of all time, Albert E. Brumley, tell us how he came to write over 800 songs, including "I'll Fly Away" and "Turn Your Radio On", and obtain countless awards to his name.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP287: Nanny's Hands and America's Most Decorated Soldier May 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dennis Peterson shares the story of his maternal grandmother's hands which revealed a lot about her. Audie Murphy's story is one of the quintessential American stories; yet, chances are, many Americans have never even heard of his name.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP286: When Dr. Suess Has Real Life Application, Jason Wolfe Paid His Own Child Support to Save His Father and Under My Thumb, Lessons in Parenting May 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Rusiniak shares a story about a devastating flash flood that severely damaged his Church and then the surprising response from the community. Jason Wolfe's father left his family at the age of 6 and here he is to tell the story of figuring out how to be the father he didn't have. Listener Brent Timmons tells the story of a lesson in parenting he learned while on a family trip to Kentucky.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP285: Abraham Lincoln: Our First "Wired" President, Apr 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of how President Abraham Lincoln used a telegraph to secure the win of the Civil War. Larry Reed, President Emeritus of FEE, tells the harrowing story of a dark time in American history for our "Rule of Law" series. Our regular contributor from Delaware, Brent Timmons, shares the story of spending time with his Uncle Bud in his last days. Regular contributor Bill Bryk tells about the exciting (and frightening) experience of figuring out equestrian basics after 6 decades.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Abraham Lincoln: Our First "Wired" President

12:30 - The Palmer Raids, A Dark Time in America's History

25:00 - Cherishing Uncle Bud's Last Days

37:00 - It's Never Too Late to Learn to Ride a Horse

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP284: An Aussie Discovers American Wings and "Separate, but Equal": The Story of Supreme Injustice Apr 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colin Bettles shares how he found his passion for wings in upstate New York and took it with him all the way to Sydney, Australia...even attempting to sell them in his fish and chip shop. Homer Plessy's descendant, Keith Plessy, tells us the story of the Plessy v. Ferguson case, as well as what he and Judge Ferguson's descendant are doing about it now.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - An Aussie Discovers American Wings

23:00 - "Separate, but Equal": The Story of Supreme Injustice

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP283: What's It Like to Have Possum for Supper?, A Eulogy for Richard Houston and Ulysses S. Grant's Greatest Battle Apr 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney, our regular contributor and recipient of our 'Great American Storyteller Award' tells the story of what her family ate during the Great Depression years. Mesquite Police Officer Richard Houston is eulogized by Police Chief David Gill and his daughter, Shelby. Christopher Klein tells the story of the former president and Civil War hero, Ulysses S. Grant, and how he raced to complete a literary masterpiece that saved his wife from destitution with the aid of Mark Twain.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - What's It Like to Have Possum for Supper?

10:00 - A Eulogy for Richard Houston

33:00 - Ulysses S. Grant's Greatest Battle

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP282: The Small Town Theater Company Making a Big Difference and Overcoming Addiction by Letting Others Help Me Apr 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Don Arthurs and Erich Offenburg tell the story of their special needs program that won Columbiana the title of "Nicest Place in America. Ryan Stewart struggled with addiction for most of his early life... until meeting people who would help him and want nothing in return.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Small Town Theater Company Making a Big Difference

38:00 - Overcoming Addiction by Letting Others Help Me

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP281: Invention of Time Zones, Paw Summers: Storyteller and My 48 Hours with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly Apr 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Greg Hengler tells us how time zones came to America. Dennis Peterson shares memories of his Appalachian storytelling grandfather. Steve Stoliar tells us how he met not one but two of Hollywood’s greatest dance legends while working for Dick Cavett.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Invention of Time Zones

12:30 - Paw Summers: Storyteller

25:00 - My 48 Hours with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP280: America Builds Up: The Bremerton Naval Yards and 100 Women Creating Transformation In Their Own Backyard Apr 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, teacher, organist, choir director, and World War II history buff Anne Clare, tells the story of how World War II impacted a small Navy town on the West Coast. Wendy Steele shares how she could have never imagined that an idea for her community of Cincinnati... would have snowballed into 65 chapters across the world and over $80 million donated.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - America Builds Up: The Bremerton Naval Yards

26:00 - 100 Women Creating Transformation In Their Own Backyard

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP279: Finding New Purpose By Joining the Army in my 40's and Are Pro Wrestlers Athletes? Apr 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ken Scar tells us how he decided to join the army during the War on Terror and how he left with an appreciation for life and the art of photography. Riley Evans, sports writer and CEO of RealPodcasting.com, tells us the real story about professional wrestling.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Finding New Purpose By Joining the Army in my 40's

37:00 - Are Pro Wrestlers Athletes?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP278: Robert Todd Lincoln: In His Father's Shadow, Don't Wear Slippers to a Job Interview and He Made Paper Airplanes His Full Time Job Apr 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy tells us about the 16th President’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Joshua Texidor shares how it takes some time to find what we enjoy AND what we're good at. John Collins tells us how he achieved the Guinness world record for the farthest flight by a paper aircraft at 226 feet and 10 inches.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Robert Todd Lincoln: In His Father's Shadow

13:00 - Don't Wear Slippers to a Job Interview

26:00 - He Made Paper Airplanes His Full Time Job

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP277: Selling Her "RedHead" Wine to Walmart, Life Lessons From A Dairy Farm and I Admit It, I Sew Quilts Apr 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Marisa Sergi tells the story of how she pitched her "RedHead" Wine that is now in over 150 Walmart stores! Listener and Contributor, Katrina Hine, shares a personal story from one of her first jobs out of high school entitled “Cow Patty“. Long time listener, Paul Bauer from Minneapolis, MN., tells us why he sows quilts.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Selling Her "RedHead" Wine to Walmart

13:00 - Life Lessons From A Dairy Farm

38:00 - I Admit It, I Sew Quilts

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP276: Trapped Inside a Tube: The Iron Lung Story and Benjamin Rush, Founding Father and Father of American Psychiatry Apr 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medical Museum tells the story of the iron lung, a device used to keep people with advanced polio alive in the first half of the 20th century. New York Times bestselling author, Harlow Giles Unger, of twenty-eight books including Dr. Benjamin Rush: The Founding Father Who Healed a Wounded Nation tells us how Dr. Benjamin Rush became known as the Father of Psychiatry, the Army Medical Corps, Veterinary Care, and biblically-taught Public Schools.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Trapped Inside a Tube: The Iron Lung Story

13:00 - Benjamin Rush, Founding Father and Father of American Psychiatry

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP275: Hollywood Goes to War and 99 Reasons Why A Typewriter Is Better Than A Computer!! Apr 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Roger McGrath is here with the story of Hollywood star, George O'Brien and how he left the fame and fortune to fight for his country in WWI, WWII, and Korea! Bert Rosica is here to give us his list on why a typewriter is better than a computer.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Hollywood Goes to War

35:00 - 99 Reasons Why A Typewriter Is Better Than A Computer!!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP274: The Star Wars Toy Empire Revolution and The State of Texas tried to take down a man's Livelihood: He Fought Back Apr 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jarrod Roll shares the story of how Star Wars toys revolutionized movie merchandising, licensing, and even how kids play. Institute for Justice lawyer Wesley Hottot tells the story of Ash Patel's nearly six year long legal battle stemming from the Texas Board of Cosmetology requiring his eyebrow threaders to go back to school to learn other people's jobs.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Star Wars Toy Empire Revolution

23:00 - The State of Texas tried to take down a man's Livelihood: He Fought Back

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP273: What Would My Life Be After Firefighting? and Last Men Out of Vietnam Apr 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, James, a retired fire captain, shares his story of firefighting and the emotions that come along with it. 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.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - What Would My Life Be After Firefighting?

10:00 - Last Men Out of Vietnam

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP272: Raising Children In The Midst Of Tragedy and Ford v. Ferrari: The Sequel Apr 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Caleb Bailey shares his family’s story of hope and redemption after loss. Jon Elfner brings us this new Ferrari-slayer's story through the eyes of industry legends Neil Ressler, Scott Ahlman, and Mark McGowan.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Raising Children In The Midst Of Tragedy

23:00 - Ford v. Ferrari: The Sequel

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP271: Coming Face to Face with the “Nuclear Abe Lincoln" and The 1st "Disneyland" on Lake Michigan's Shore Apr 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Toti tells us the story of his experience with Admiral Hyman Rickover and the impact he had in the Navy. Chris Siriano of the House of David Museum in Saint Joe, MI, tells the story of how a band of religious misfits ended up in along the shores of Lake Michigan and used their massive amounts of wealth to invent everything from the waffle cone, to food taken up into outer space by astronauts—all while creating an amusement park that even Walt Disney would take inspiration from.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Coming Face to Face with the “Nuclear Abe Lincoln"

23:00 - The 1st "Disneyland" on Lake Michigan's Shore

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP270: Giving Out Pizza From Second Story Apartment Raises Over $30,000 and The 15 Year Old Candy Queen Apr 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ben Berman 2nd year grad student in Philadelphia made the most of his time while staying at home during the pandemic. Alina Morse, CEO of Zolli Candy has created a delicious candy that actually cleans your teeth!

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Giving Out Pizza From Second Story Apartment Raises Over $30,000

23:00 - The 15 Year Old Candy Queen

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP269: A Family Lived in the New York Public Library?, Her Career is a Tribute to Her Great Uncle and A Fake Ring, Real Temptation, and a Golden Marriage Apr 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, author of John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy, tells the story of the family that lived in the New York Public Library. Heather McPherson tells us how her Great Uncleinspired her to become the Curator of History at the South Carolina Military Museum. Sarah Wells, author of American Honey: A Field Guide to Resisting Temptation, shares her experience overcoming temptation.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - A Family Lived in the New York Public Library?

10:00 - Her Career is a Tribute to Her Great Uncle

23:00 - A Fake Ring, Real Temptation, and a Golden Marriage

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP268: The Best Worst Counterfeiter in American History, The Woman Introducing STEM Careers to Young Girls and The Museum Dedicated to Mustard Apr 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Emerich Juettner was an upstanding citizen... for most of his life. Nicole Small, the former CEO of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, tells us how she is now inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM. Barry Levenson went from arguing cases in front of the Supreme Court to having the world's largest collection of mustard.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Best Worst Counterfeiter in American History

10:00 - The Woman Introducing STEM Careers to Young Girls

35:00 - The Museum Dedicated to Mustard

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP267: Fat Bear Week: Who Will be the Fat Bear Champion of Alaska's Katmai National Park?, The Last Days of Kodachrome and “The NOT So Wild, Wild West” Apr 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lian Law is a ranger at Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park and Preserve, and she’s here to share about Fat Bear Week, where bears compete to be the “Fat Bear Champion”. The grandsons of Dwayne Steinle, the Korean War veteran who founded Dwayne's Photo, tell us the story of the time the world descended upon Parsons, Kansas to get their Kodachrome film developed for the last time. P.J. Hill, rancher and co-author of “The Not So Wild, Wild West: Property Rights on the Frontier,” explains the misunderstanding behind the American West.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Fat Bear Week: Who Will be the Fat Bear Champion of Alaska's Katmai National Park?

10:00 - The Last Days of Kodachrome

35:00 - “The NOT So Wild, Wild West”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP266: Ilene Hall Joined the Army to Search for Her Husband During WWII and Special Neat Treats: A Dad's Gift to His Children with Down Syndrome Apr 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ilene Hall tells us the story of when her husband, to whom she was married in March 1943, finished his training in the Army and was about to be shipped overseas and she decided not to put an ocean between them. Joel Wegener and his wife are blessed with 10 children, 2 of which were diagnosed with Down Syndrome. In his quest to find a fun way to teach them life skills, Joel happened upon the idea of running an ice cream truck, and it grew beyond what he ever could have thought.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Ilene Hall Joined the Army to Search for Her Husband During WWII

23:00 - Special Neat Treats: A Dad's Gift to His Children with Down Syndrome

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP265: Emma McCormick Sails Away, Real-Life John Wayne and Rhett Butler and The Scout Never Called: Growing Up in Competitive Sports Apr 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Emma McCormick was told she'd be working remotely in 2020, so she decided to live on a sailboat in Florida. Roger McGrath and William Yancey from Texas A&M University, Kingsville bring us the story of Richard King and the cattle kings of the Old West who carved empires out of the wilderness. Roger Rench shares with us some memories of his time playing various competitive sports throughout his life that are sure to put a smile on your face.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Emma McCormick Sails Away

10:00 - Real-Life John Wayne and Rhett Butler

35:00 - The Scout Never Called: Growing Up in Competitive Sports

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP264: Art Burton on Bass Reeves, the First Black Deputy U.S. Marshal West of the Mississippi River Apr 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Professor Art T. Burton tells us about the life of Bass Reeves, one of the first black deputy U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi River.

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EP263: Life Beyond My Wildest Dreams: Professional Dog Walker and One Black Troop's Trip to Buchenwald Apr 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ryan Stewart shares his story of how canines have helped him get through life's adversities. Rona Simmons, author of T he Other Veterans Of World War II, Stories from Behind the Front Lines, tells the story of Bill Scott, an African American combat engineer and photographer from Alabama who became one of the "black angels" for prisoners at Buchenwald Concentration Camp.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Life Beyond My Wildest Dreams: Professional Dog Walker

23:00 - One Black Troop's Trip to Buchenwald

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP262: Discovering Nearest, the Former Enslaved Person Who Taught Jack Daniel How to Make Whiskey and Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross Paying Tribute To “My Greatest Mentor” Apr 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Fawn Weaver tells us the story of Uncle Nathan "Nearest" Green, the former enslaved person who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. Max Fisher shares the impact his mentor Stephen Ross had on him in ways that his wealth never could.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Discovering Nearest, the former slave who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey

35:00 - Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross Paying Tribute To “My Greatest Mentor”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP261: An Aussie Discovers American Wings and Using Welding To Change Lives Apr 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colin Bettles shares how he found his love for buffalo wings in New York and brought it back to his restaurant in Australia. Steve Bunyard started Regnite hope on Skid row in Los Angeles with the goal to help homeless people get jobs. 11 years later and countless lives have been changed through this welding certification course.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - An Aussie Discovers American Wings

23:00 - Using Welding To Change Lives

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP260: Enrique the Penguin Who Wears Shoes, Don't Wear Slippers to a Job Interview and Iowa's Long-Lost NBA Team Who Beat the Celtics Apr 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Marija Elden, the Zoological Manager of Birds, shares Enrique’s journey to owning a pair of pretty cool kicks after being diagnosed with arthritis in his feet. Joshua Texidor tells us how it takes some time to find what we enjoy AND what we're good at. Tim Harwood of Waterloo/Cedar Fall's KXEL 1540 and author of Ball Hawks : The Arrival and Departure of the NBA in Iowa tells us the story of the only professional sports team ever to play in Iowa.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Enrique the Penguin Who Wears Shoes

10:00 - Don't Wear Slippers to a Job Interview

23:00 - Iowa's Long-Lost NBA Team Who Beat the Celtics

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP259: Father Receives Daughter's Text during Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre, My Grandpa the Storyteller and Apr 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kengor's daughters were across the street while a tragedy unfolded at the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27, 2018. Dennis Peterson shares memories of his Appalachian storytelling grandfather, Paw Summers. Elisabeth Elliot, author of Through Gates of Splendor tells us the story of Operation Auca, an attempt by five American missionaries to reach the Auca tribe (considered the most dangerous in the world) of eastern Ecuador.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Father Receives Daughter's Text during Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre

10:00 - My Grandpa the Storyteller

23:00 - Through the Gates of Splendor

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP258: The Story of George Washington Carver and The House Built By Chewing Gum Apr 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, National Park Service ranger Curtis Gregory at the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri tells us the story of George Washington Carver. William Wrigley, Jr. was a brilliant businessman, but his ingenuity was out shined by his love for his wife. This is the story of how he made his fortune and then spent it on the one he loved.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Story of George Washington Carver

35:00 - The House Built By Chewing Gum

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EP257: The Team Behind Old Dominick Distillery and One Mother’s Escape From A Sudanese Death Sentence to America Apr 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Alex Castle tells us how she came to own the first whiskey distillery, Old Dominick Distillery, in Memphis as well as the first female head distiller in the state of Tennessee since Prohibition. Mariam Ibraheem tells us how she came from Sudan to living in Virginia.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Team Behind Old Dominick Distillery

23:00 - One Mother’s Escape From A Sudanese Death Sentence to America

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP256: In His Father's Shadow, From High School Dropout... To Owning D.C.'s Best Taco Chain! and Why Are Bananas So Cheap? (History Guy) Apr 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy tells us the story of the 16th President’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Osiris Hoil lost his construction job in 2008, but through his fantastic cooking, he started District Taco, D.C.'s best taco chain. The History Guy tells us the story of the banana and how it came to be the cheapest fruit.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - In His Father's Shadow

10:00 - From High School Dropout... To Owning D.C.'s Best Taco Chain!

35:00 - Why Are Bananas So Cheap? (History Guy)

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP255: Our Home Became Tidier After Having Four Sons, Burrito Restaurant Offers Job To Burglar and The Wizard of Menlo Park Apr 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Alexandra Frost shares her secret to being a mother of four young, active boys, yet her home is cleaner than it was before she had kids. After Diablos Southwest Grill was broken into owner Carl Wallace made a Facebook post with a job offer for the perpetrator. To Carl’s surprise, the post quickly went viral, bringing international attention to their store. Kathleen Carlucci and Russ Gehrum of the Thomas Edison Center at Edison, NJ, tell the story of how Edison perfected light.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Our Home Became Tidier After Having Four Sons

10:00 - Burrito Restaurant Offers Job To Burglar

35:00 - The Wizard of Menlo Park

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP254: How American History Created the American Superhero Apr 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeffrey Johnson, WWII historian at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii and author of Super-History: Comic Book Superheroes and American Society tells us how the comic book superhero was born in the country’s margins.

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Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

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EP253: Reconciling Dad the Farmer and Dad the Veteran Pilot, How The Civil War Openly Became about Slavery and Why it Took One Man 7 Years to Get His Car Back Apr 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Iowa listener Joy Neal Kidney shares her father's story. Our regular contributors Jon Elfner and Dr. Kate Masur, author of "Until Justice Be Done," tell the rest of the story that begins with three runaway enslaved people. Tyson Timbs tells us how he found out that old habits do indeed die hard when he was arrested and convicted for selling drugs to undercover cops.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Reconciling Dad the Farmer and Dad the Veteran Pilot

10:00 - How The Civil War Openly Became about Slavery

35:00 - Why it Took One Man 7 Years to Get His Car Back

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP252: This Man Grows Pumpkins That Weigh a TON and Tom Morton Goes to Marine Boot Camp Apr 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, In 2017, Rhode Islander, Joe Jutras, broke the record for the largest giant green squash ever grown coming in at 2118lbs. Tom Morton always wanted to join the military...but it took a while to get onto the yellow footprints at Parris Island.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - This Man Grows Pumpkins That Weigh a TON

23:00 - Tom Morton Goes to Marine Boot Camp

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP251: Growing Up Rural: A Tale About Stinky Boots, The Bigger the Bureaucracy, the Smaller the Customer and The Tone Deaf, Bad Poet Who Wrote The National Anthem Apr 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Scott Jones, author of Growing Up Rural: Lessons Learned For a Lifetime, tells the story of the time he stunk up his classroom with hog manure covered boots...and how a gracious teacher really helped him out. Mike Leven shares his story as past President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. Marc Leepson, author of What So Proudly We Hailed: Francis Scott Key, A Life, brings us the story of Francis “Frank” Scott Key and how he came to write the National Anthem of the United States of America.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Growing Up Rural: A Tale About Stinky Boots

10:00 - The Bigger the Bureaucracy, the Smaller the Customer

23:00 - The Tone Deaf, Bad Poet Who Wrote The National Anthem

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP250: The True Story of A Desert Storm “Top Gun” Pilot and St. Louie Louie: Have Pool Cue, Will Travel Apr 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brigadier General Jim “Boots” Demarest will be telling the heroic tale of Capt. Steve Phillis from his book, Five Nickels: True Story of the Desert Storm Heroics and Sacrifice of Air Force Captain Steve Phillis. Mark O'Brian tells the story of St. Louie, Louie...one of the best pool players to ever grace the scene.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The True Story of A Desert Storm “Top Gun” Pilot

23:00 - St. Louie Louie: Have Pool Cue, Will Travel

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP249: The Story of My Grandfather, The Landscape Management Company Powered by Goats and I Found Out I Was Adopted at 30 Apr 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Frohlich, author of Aimless Life, Awesome God, tells the story of his German-born grandfather William Burtner- a man who helped build the "Arsenal of Democracy" in World War II. Genevieve Church, the third "Goat Lady of San Francisco", is the executive director of City Grazing. Listen to her share about how this sustainable land management and fire prevention non-profit organization came to be. Skip Reeves tells the story of how he came to find out that he was adopted at 30 years old.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Story of My Grandfather

10:00 - The Landscape Management Company Powered by Goats

35:00 - I Found Out I Was Adopted at 30

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP248: Souping Up Her Subaru Started Her Career and WWI War Pigeon Receives Medal Of Bravery Apr 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rebecca Nguyen tells us how she fell in love with cars working alongside her dad in the garage and how it led to her career in the car world. Historian, Frank Blazich, from the National Museum of American History shares the story of the use of homing pigeons during WWI.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Souping Up Her Subaru Started Her Career

23:00 - WWI War Pigeon Receives Medal Of Bravery

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP247: Wilber and his Comical Friendship with an Empty Nester, South Carolina's Greatest Revolutionary Heroine and How a Grandson Helped His Grandmother Find Her Long Lost Daughter Apr 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul, a listener from Minneapolis, MN, tells us how he developed a friendship with Wilber in a nursing home. Dennis Peterson tells the story of Dicey Langston, a woman willing to put her life on the line for the patriot cause. Jay Moore's family tale of loss, discovery, and selflessness will tug on your heartstrings while reinforcing the importance of inter-generational relationships.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Wilber and his Comical Friendship with an Empty Nester

23:00 - South Carolina's Greatest Revolutionary Heroine

35:00 - How a Grandson Helped His Grandmother Find Her Long Lost Daughter

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP246: An Ordinary Civil War Cloth With An Extraordinary Story, The Man Who Paints Murals For Our Veterans and How One Woman was Surprised By Her Own Hunger Apr 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Chris Graham of the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia tells the story of one of their objects on display with an extraordinary story we're just now finding out. Hear how Ray Bubba Sorensen II decided to start painting rocks to honor our veterans across all 99 counties in Iowa as part of the Freedom Rock Foundation. Lindsey Gallant tells her story of when she was challenged to an eating contest by a boy at her church.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - An Ordinary Civil War Cloth With An Extraordinary Story

10:00 - The Man Who Paints Murals For Our Veterans

35:00 - How One Woman was Surprised By Her Own Hunger

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP245: Bill Rhodes: A Memphis Boy's Road to Autozone and Charles Kemper: Chippewa Falls' 100-Year-Old Doctor Apr 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Rhodes, President and CEO of Autozone, tells us his life story and how he came to be a part of the largest aftermarket automotive parts and accessories company in the United States. Dr. Charles Kemper of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, has seen generations come and go in his small town, but while he may have retired from his profession, he certainly hasn't from his hobby-watching birds.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Bill Rhodes: A Memphis Boy's Road to Autozone

35:00 - Charles Kemper: Chippewa Falls' 100-Year-Old Doctor

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP244: The Time When The ACLU and NRA Agreed, The Biggest Chicken In The World? and You Must Get To Know Your Community Before You Can Serve It Apr 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, learn about how ACLU and the NRA have been fighting for our shared constitutional rights. Fitzgerald, Georgia, mayor Jim Puckett shares the story of his town building the world's largest topiary chicken. Christina Long has always had a mind focused on education, dedication, and service. Thanks to partners like Koch Industries, she able to go above and beyond in the ways in which she can reach out to those around her.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Time When The ACLU and NRA Agreed

10:00 - The Biggest Chicken In The World?

23:00 - You Must Get To Know Your Community Before You Can Serve It

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP243: Getting to Know Your Angry Old Neighbor Takes Time and How a UCLA Undergrad in the 70s Saved the Marx Brothers Mar 31, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Heidi tells us how she came to grow close to her neighbor Tom and the lesson she learned. Steve Stoliar grew up as the ultimate Marx Brothers fan(atic). Little did he know that he would lead the charge to save one of their long-lost movies.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Getting to Know Your Angry Old Neighbor Takes Time

23:00 - How a UCLA Undergrad in the 70s Saved the Marx Brothers

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP242: The Origin of Everyday Sayings, These Guys Use Dungeons and Dragons as a Therapy Tool and Walt Whitman Served the Union... And the Confederacy! Mar 31, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his reoccurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language. Adam Davis and Adam Johns met in grad school at Antioch University, and they've been using table-top games as a tool to encourage personal growth, teamwork, and problem solving. 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)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Origin of Everyday Sayings

10:00 - These Guys Use Dungeons and Dragons as a Therapy Tool

35:00 - Walt Whitman Served the Union... And the Confederacy!

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP241: 911 At Ease International Saved This Police Officer’s Career and The World's First Action Figure Museum Mar 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Charles Scott tells us about a time he was working as a Police Officer in the Central Valley of California when he was part of an officer involved shooting. Kevin Stark of The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, tells the story of his museum, and his life in toys.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - 911 At Ease International Saved This Police Officer’s Career

35:00 - The World's First Action Figure Museum

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP240: The Silver Kings and the "Big Bonanza" and The Man Who Brought Couponing to the Digital Age Mar 30, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Roger McGrath, author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes is here to tell us the story of the richest mineral discovery in American history, the Comstock Lode. Jason Wolfe created the first coupon site on the internet back when you had to explain to people what the internet was.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Silver Kings and the "Big Bonanza"

23:00 - The Man Who Brought Couponing to the Digital Age

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP239: "I'll Fly Away" Composer Honored by Daughters and The Cuban Refugee Who Created the Coors Light Silver Bullet Can Mar 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Betsy and Elaine the granddaughters of Albert E. Brumley, tell us how he was recognized as one of the most important Gospel music composers of all time. Marc Barrios, a cuban refugee tells us how he made his mark in the American Advertising Industry.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - "I'll Fly Away" Composer Honored by Daughters

23:00 - The Cuban Refugee Who Created the Coors Light Silver Bullet Can

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP238: Sunk at Pearl Harbor: The USS Utah and Oklahoma and The Story of King George III Mar 29, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, writer Anne Clare remembers how on December 7th, 1941 six ships were destroyed at Pearl Harbor and two of them were the USS Utah and Oklahoma. English historian Andrew Roberts tells the story of King George III, and why he isn't the man he's often painted out to be.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Sunk at Pearl Harbor: The USS Utah and Oklahoma

10:00 - The Story of King George III

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP237: Engineer Guy Explains How VHS Beat Betamax, The Disastrous Great Lakes Storm of 1913 and The Neon Museum Mar 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill “Engineer Guy” Hammack tells the story of how Betamax was defeated by the VHS tape. Ric Mixter of Lake Fury tells the story of the historic 1913 storm on the Great Lakes. Executive director of the Neon Museum, Aaron Berger, shares some of the history of Las Vegas and the iconic signage associated with it.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Engineer Guy Explains How VHS Beat Betamax

23:00 - The Disastrous Great Lakes Storm of 1913

35:00 - The Neon Museum

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP236: The Titanic’s Last Hero and How I Came to Terms With My Navy Cross Mar 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lowell Lytle, who witnessed the Titanic in person, tells his story and the story of The Titanic’s Last Hero. Karl Marlantes tells the story of how he left Vietnam and received a Bronze Star and a Navy Cross, our nation's second-highest award for valor.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Titanic’s Last Hero

23:00 - How I Came to Terms With My Navy Cross

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP235: The Union Loss That Saved Washington, D.C. and A Downed, Vietnam War Fighter Pilot Teaches His Son Gratitude Mar 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Marc Leepson tells us how on July 9, 1864, the Union army suffered a loss... that just so happened to save the United States and help solidify Lincoln's re-election. Retired US Navy Captain Mike McDaniel takes us back to when he was just a 3rd-grade boy, about to learn that his dad was shot down on his 81st combat mission over Vietnam.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Union Loss That Saved Washington, D.C.

35:00 - A Downed, Vietnam War Fighter Pilot Teaches His Son Gratitude

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP234: The Disastrous 1904 Olympic Marathon, Learning Not To Judge and The Comfort of Canine Companionship and The Cloud-Juicing Entrepreneur Who Bottles Rainwater Mar 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Professor Susan Brownell shares the story of how the Olympics ended up in St. Louis and the infamous marathon event. Stephen Rusiniak shares about his four-legged son that helped him and his wife through their struggle with infertility. There are over 80 bottled water companies in the United States, but one of them has changed the game forever, Richard Heinichen's company, Richard's Rainwater.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Disastrous 1904 Olympic Marathon

23:00 - Learning Not To Judge and The Comfort of Canine Companionship

35:00 - The Cloud-Juicing Entrepreneur Who Bottles Rainwater

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP233: A Tuskegee Airman's Story of Heroism and Service and When 3 Months of Retirement is Enough Mar 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lt. Col. Harry Stewart fought for his country in WW2, and faced discrimination and worse along the way. But he said he'd do it all over again for the country he loves. Bob Huff built a career in the nursing home and home healthcare industry. After 3 months of retirement, Bob decided to enter a new line of work… doggy daycare!

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - A Tuskegee Airman's Story of Heroism and Service

35:00 - When 3 Months of Retirement is Enough

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP232: How Faith, Infidelity, and Forgiveness Grew a Family Not Once, but Twice, Dangling Feet and Learning Responsibility and a Pearl Harbor Veteran Shares His Survival Story Mar 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, in a 30-year span, a family has to deal with its sins twice and tell a story of roll-reversal and forgiveness. Mary Sparks's tale is another entry in our "Women of True Grit" series, brought to us by Edie Hand. Scott Jones, the author ofGrowing Up Rural, tells a story from his book about a very chilling experience that happened to him in his youth...and the lesson he learned from it. Since his junior year of high school, Rishi Sharma made it his mission to honor and preserve the memory of the men who saved the world.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - How Faith, Infidelity, and Forgiveness Grew a Family Not Once, but Twice

23:00 - Dangling Feet and Learning Responsibility

35:00 - Pearl Harbor Veteran Shares His Survival Story

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP231: The Union Loss That Saved Washington, D.C. and The Forgotten Grave Mar 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Marc Leepson tells us how on July 9, 1864, the Union army suffered a loss... that just so happened to save the United States and help solidify Lincoln's re-election. Jay Moore's family tale of loss, discovery, and selflessness will tug on your heartstrings while reinforcing the importance of inter-generational relationships.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Union Loss That Saved Washington, D.C.

35:00 - The Forgotten Grave

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP230: Receiving Wylie, Karla Duerson and The Dignity of the Individual Human Being Mar 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Karla Duerson shares the story of what it was like being pregnant with and giving birth to her daughter Wylie. Chairman of Federated Investors, Inc., Christopher Donahue, shares his beautiful story of how faith, family, and Federated are inextricably linked.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Receiving Wylie, Karla Duerson

23:00 - The Dignity of the Individual Human Being

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP229: A Father’s Note to His “Timeless” Daughter, The Craddock Brothers Build On Their Father's Foundation and Edison at Menlo Park, with Kathleen Carlucci and Russ Gehrum Mar 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richmond radio host Jeff Katz shares a note that his daughter won't ever read, but will surely impact your life for the better. The Craddock family operates or services over 70 gas stations and 16 fast-service restaurants in Mississippi… but Ron Craddock worked his way up from nearly nothing, and he made his sons Ben and David do the same. Kathleen Carlucci and Russ Gehrum of the Thomas Edison Center at Edison, NJ, tell the story of how Edison perfected light.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Father’s Note to His “Timeless” Daughter

10:00 - The Craddock Brothers Build On Their Father's Foundation

35:00 - Edison at Menlo Park, with Kathleen Carlucci and Russ Gehrum

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

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EP228: Why The American Flag Means So Much To My Family and "We Didn't Want to Lose Two People" Mar 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, the American flag has been placed on the moon, carried into countless battlefields, and has been placed above the rubble of the World Trade Center. For some, it takes a more personal role though. Joy Neal Kidney shares why the flag means so much to her and her family; Laura Treppendahl’s life was one worth remembering. After being killed in a drunk driving accident, Laura’s family told the judge that they completely forgave the young man who hit her.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Why The American Flag Means So Much To My Family

10:00 - "We Didn't Want to Lose Two People"

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP227: The “Why” Behind What We Do Matters, I Wrote a Book About My Dad... and It Brought Us Closer Together and Puppets Are For Everyone Mar 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor, Paul Kotz, helped a frustrated student look past their circumstances and get to why what they were doing matters. Mackenzie Vath shares how the gift she gave to her dad Tim Busch ended up blessing both of their lives. The founder of the Center for Puppetry Arts, Vincent Anthony, shares his story of how he made a career out of puppeteering.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The “Why” Behind What We Do Matters

10:00 - I Wrote a Book About My Dad... and It Brought Us Closer Together

35:00 - Puppets Are For Everyone

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP226: A Tuskegee Airman's Story of Heroism and Service and A Sister's Love and Loss of Three Brothers Mar 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lt. Col. Harry Stewart fought for his country in WW2, and faced discrimination and worse along the way. But he said he'd do it all over again for the country he loves. Edie Hand tells us the story of her brothers, the Blackburn boys, and the tragedy that struck not once, but three times.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Tuskegee Airman's Story of Heroism

35:00 - A Sister's Love and Loss of Three Brothers

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP225: Finding My Mission: Life After the Military and Fighting Founders: The Alien and Sedition Acts Mar 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bran Sanpietro spent a decade-plus in government service... but what happens when all that comes to an end? Brett and Team RWB have an answer. Dr. Adam Carrington of Hillsdale College tells the story of the Alien and Sedition Acts and how they were one of America's most controversial laws ever passed.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Finding My Mission: Life After the Military

35:00 - Fighting Founders: The Alien and Sedition Acts

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP224: I worked my way out of workaholism, The Grass and the Furious: Ladies, Start Your Lawnmower Engines! and A Grave Escape Mar 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve Trice, the founder of Jasco Products, speaks on serving his employees and a higher calling than money. Julie Tynmann shares her story about the greatest show on turf. Tom Ryan brings us a chilling tale from the family funeral parlor.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - I worked my way out of workaholism

10:00 - The Grass and the Furious: Ladies, Start Your Lawnmower Engines!

35:00 - A Grave Escape

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP223: An Army Moves On Its Stomach... And Lots of Coffee, The Time The Game Show “Press Your Luck” Didn’t Require Much Luck and A Brief History of St. Patrick's Day Mar 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells a story that one of his friends told him about a coffee incident that took place on the USS Enterprise. Matt Parker, a comedian and mathematician from Australia, tells the story of the time Michael Larson was shockingly good at the game show "Press Your Luck," and gives a look into why computers can’t be random. 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.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - An Army Moves On Its Stomach... And Lots of Coffee

10:00 - The Time The Game Show “Press Your Luck” Didn’t Require Much Luck

23:00 - A Brief History of St. Patrick's Day

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP222: A State Legislator's Pointy Hat Prank Bill and Pistol Pete Maravich Shares His Life Story… Just Days Before His Death Mar 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Duncan Scott tells us his story of pranking the New Mexico State Legislature. Just days before his death, on January 8, 1988, 40-year-old “Pistol” Pete Maravich spoke to guests who gathered near the poolside of Jimmie Walker’s house—an NBA All-Star.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A State Legislator's Pointy Hat Prank Bill

10:00 - Pistol Pete Maravich Shares His Life Story… Just Days Before His Death

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP221: One Way Or Another Eagle and A History of the World’s Most Famous Motorcycle Mar 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Eilene Lyon shares the story of observing two eagle families that couldn't be more diametrically opposed to one another. When Margie Siegal was a teenager, she had a boyfriend with a motorcycle. The boyfriend was forgettable—the motorcycle wasn’t. Since that time, she has written 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.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - One Way Or Another Eagle

10:00 - A History of the World’s Most Famous Motorcycle

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP220: The Turning Point in Abraham Lincoln's Life: A Wrestling Match Mar 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, historian, Mike Chapman, tell us how prior to Abraham Lincoln being elected the 16th President of the United States, he used his skills as a wrestler to win approval from the masses. Donna Howard shares the story of how she created a business to be able to provide a supportive work environment for people who are neurodivergent. Dr. Jean Stuntz from West Texas A&M University gives us some history on what it was like before women could own property or make any money of their own.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Turning Point in Abraham Lincoln's Life: A Wrestling Match

23:00 - Why I Opened a Business for My Daughter

35:00 - Texas' Homestead Laws Saving Women From Homelessness

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP219: The Angel of St. Marye's Heights and "You Must Get To Know Your Community Before You Can Serve It" Mar 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Richard Hood from Valencia, California, takes us back in time to the Battle of Fredericksburg and tells a story about compassion in the midst of America's deadliest war. Christina Long has always had a mind focused on education, dedication, and service. Thanks to partners like Koch Industries, she able to go above and beyond in the ways in which she can reach out to those around her.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Angel of St. Marye's Heights

23:00 - "You Must Get To Know Your Community Before You Can Serve It"

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP218: The Most Decorated War Dog of WWI and Building Financial Legacies Mar 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeremy Swick of the College Football Hall of Fame recounts the remarkable story of the street dog, Sgt. Stubby, turned soldier turned mascot. Kyle McDonald, founder and CEO of Argent Financial Group, shares how he founded this wealth management company, how it has grown, and why gaining and keeping clients’ trust is important to him.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Most Decorated War Dog of WWI

10:00 - Building Financial Legacies

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP217: Ohio Born, American Made and How a Fake Doctor Ran Carnival Sideshows and Saved Thousands of Infants and Changed Medical History Mar 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob Huff was born just outside of Dayton, Ohio, in the blue-collar factory town of Moraine City. Bob’s early life was anything but easy… but that clearly didn’t stop Bob. Dr. Martin Couney carried a secret with him, but the results are unimpeachable and here to tell the story is Dawn Raffel, author of The Strange Case of Dr. Couney: How a Mysterious European Showman Saved Thousands of American Babies.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Ohio Born, American Made

35:00 - How a Fake Doctor Ran Carnival Sideshows and Saved Thousands of Infants and Changed Medical History

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP216: 911 At Ease International Saved This Police Officer’s Career and Las Vegas Must See: The Neon Museum Mar 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Charles Scott was working as a Police Officer in the Central Valley of California. Things were going well. But things took a turn when he was a part of an officer-involved shooting. Executive director of the Neon Museum, Aaron Berger, shares some of the history of Las Vegas and the iconic signage associated with it.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - 911 At Ease International Saved This Police Officer’s Career

35:00 - Las Vegas Must See: The Neon Museum

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP215: Walking with Destiny, A Second Life After Vietnam and She Quit Her Corporate Job to Make Artisan Keycaps Mar 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Roberts, author of Churchill: Walking With Destiny, tells the story of Winston Churchill and how he is the only Englishman to be honored by having a United States Navy Ship named after him. As a 20-year-old soldier in Vietnam, Jon Hovde’s armored personnel carrier he was driving was hit an antitank mine. He made three promises to God if He let him live. Linda from Jon’s hometown of Fertile, MN, is here to tell the story. Keycap artist, known as Tiny Makes Things, shares her story of when she decided that she wanted to quit her job and start her own business making artisan keycaps for mechanical keyboards.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Walking with Destiny

23:00 - A Second Life After Vietnam

35:00 - She Quit Her Corporate Job to Make Artisan Keycaps

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP214: The Interrupted Odyssey of Ulysses S. Grant and Ely Parker and The History of the Brooklyn Bridge Mar 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Mary Stockwell, author of Interrupted Odyssey: Ulysses S. Grant and the American Indians, tells the story of how the lives of America's first Native American appointed to a cabinet-level position and our 18th President intertwined. The History Guy tells the story of the connection between the massive population centers of Brooklyn and Manhattan and how it changed the course of New York City forever.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Interrupted Odyssey of Ulysses S. Grant and Ely Parker

35:00 - The History of the Brooklyn Bridge

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP213: Wilber and the Empty Nester and The Tone Deaf, Bad Poet Who Wrote The National Anthem Mar 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul, a listener from Minneapolis, MN, share his story of. Francis “Frank” Scott Key was not someone you would have picked to write our national anthem… but he did and right after one of America’s great military victories. Marc Leepson, author of What So Proudly We Hailed: Francis Scott Key, A Life, brings us the story of the man who wrote the National Anthem of the United States of America.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Wilber and the Empty Nester

23:00 - The Tone Deaf, Bad Poet Who Wrote The National Anthem

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP212: An Army Moves On Its Stomach... And Lots of Coffee, The Landscape Management Company Powered by Goats and The World's First Action Figure Museum Mar 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells a story that one of his friends told him about a coffee incident that took place on the USS Enterprise. Genevieve Church, the third "Goat Lady of San Francisco", is executive director of City Grazing. Listen to her share about how this sustainable land management and fire prevention non-profit organization came to be. Kevin Stark of The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, tells the story of his museum, and his life in toys.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - An Army Moves On Its Stomach... And Lots of Coffee

10:00 - The Landscape Management Company Powered by Goats

35:00 - The World's First Action Figure Museum

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP211: Celebrating the Life of Bob Dole and Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross Paying Tribute To “My Greatest Mentor” Mar 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Hanks, former Kansas Senator Pat Robertson, and Robin Dole eulogize veteran, senator, and war hero-Bob Dole. Stephen Ross shares how Max Fisher impacted him in ways that his wealth never could.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Celebrating the Life of Bob Dole

35:00 - Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross Paying Tribute To “My Greatest Mentor”

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP210: A Light in the Sky and Inventor and Founder of Jelly Belly Mar 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells the story of his first time seeing a satellite during a trip into the mountains of New Mexico. Here is the amazing true story of David Klein, an eccentric candy inventor from Los Angeles, who is the creator and founder of Jelly Belly jellybeans.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Light in the Sky

10:00 - Inventor and Founder of Jelly Belly

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP209: Story of the Borderline Massacre and The Man Who Created the Coors Light Silver Bullet Can Mar 09, 2022

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. Thirteen people were killed. Tyler Spady was one of the roughly 250 patrons on that fateful night. The story of how Marc Barrios, a cuban refugee, would make his mark on the American Advertising Industry.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Story of the Borderline Massacre

23:00 - The Man Who Created the Coors Light Silver Bullet Can

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP208: Weifield Group Hires “At Risk” Individuals and with Good Reason!, Comfort From Canine Companionship and A Boy Waits for His POW Father Mar 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, It's hard to believe that a company who has hired over 100 “at risk” individuals would be competing for the title as the top electrical contracting company in Colorado AND also the U.S. Let Karla Nugent and Curt Andersen convince you otherwise. Stephen Rusiniak shares about his four legged son that helped him and his wife through their struggle with infertility. Retired US Navy Captain Mike McDaniel takes us back to when he was just a boy in the 3rd grade and about to learn that his dad was shot down on his 81st combat mission over Vietnam.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Weifield Group Hires “At Risk” Individuals and with Good Reason!

23:00 - Comfort From Canine Companionship

35:00 - A Boy Waits for His POW Father

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP207: Dog Becomes Best Medicine Through Woman's Cancer Treatments, The Man Who Paints Rocks For Our Veterans and The South Vietnamese Pilot Who Stole A Plane To Save His Family Mar 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Rusiniak’s story about his dad’s dog Benny and his mom Doris. From the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Very Good, Very Bad Dog, which you can pickup at chickensoup.com. Hear how Ray Bubba Sorensen II decided to start painting rocks to honor our veterans across all 99 counties in Iowa. Find out more about the Freedom Rock Foundation HERE. Historian, Hill Goodspeed, from the Naval Aviation Museum brings us the story of Major Buang-Ly who worked as a pilot with the United States military during the Vietnam War. When the U.S. began evacuating South Vietnam, Major Buang-Ly knew he had to get his family out.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Dog Becomes Best Medicine Through Woman's Cancer Treatments

10:00 - The Man Who Paints Rocks For Our Veterans

35:00 - The South Vietnamese Pilot Who Stole A Plane To Save His Family

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP206: A Woman's Self-Made Journey from Motown to Small Town and Stalin’s Daughter: American Citizen, Wisconsin Cheesehead?! Mar 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Fawn Weaver grew up the daughter of Motown Record royalty, Frank Wilson, but her parentage is only the beginning. From growing up, moving out young, and starting several business, she's learned lessons about equality, fitting in, fear, and much more. The History Guy recalls when 85-year-old Lana Peters passed away in 2011 from complications due to colon cancer while the nation seemed to have forgotten the woman who had become a sensation during the Cold War.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Woman's Self-Made Journey from Motown to Small Town

35:00 - Stalin’s Daughter: American Citizen, Wisconsin Cheesehead?!

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP205: The Investing Legend Giving Away ALL His Money and Smashing Saloons and Breaking Barriers Mar 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Leon Cooperman shares his life story of growing up in a rough neighborhood of New York City and becoming one of the most successful investors in history. Travis Spangenburg, Creative and Production Manager for the American Prohibition Museum in Savannah, GA tells the story of the prohibition laws in America.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Investing Legend Giving Away ALL His Money

23:00 - Smashing Saloons and Breaking Barriers

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP204: The Joys of An Ordinary Tree and The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt Mar 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney, author of Leora's Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II, tells the story of the ordinary tree in her yard which has given her so much. In his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt, T.J. Stiles tells the dramatic story of Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt’s humble birth during the presidency of George Washington to his death as one of the richest men in American history.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Joys of An Ordinary Tree

10:00 - The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP203: The Time When The ACLU and NRA Agreed, When the Game Show “Press Your Luck” Didn’t Require Much Luck, Growing Up Rural: Dangling Feet and When Shooting Weddings And Chasing Storms Collide Mar 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, learn how the ACLU and NRA have been fighting for our shared constitutional rights. Matt Parker, a comedian and mathematician from Australia, tells the story of the time Michael Larson was shockingly good at the game show "Press Your Luck," and gives a look into why computers can’t be random. Scott Jones, the author ofGrowing Up Rural, tells a story from his book about a very chilling experience that happened to him in his youth...and the lesson he learned from it. Arizona-based photographer, Mike Olbinski, shares how his passions for taking family photos, shooting weddings and also... chases storms collided.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Time When The ACLU and NRA Agreed

10:00 - When the Game Show “Press Your Luck” Didn’t Require Much Luck

23:00 - Growing Up Rural: Dangling Feet

35:00 - When Shooting Weddings And Chasing Storms Collide

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP202: Letting Your Daughter Grow Up and The Hiding Place Mar 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Rusiniak shares his story of watching his daughter grow out of her old toys and into a teenager. All in all, it is estimated that around 800 Jews were saved by Corrie ten Boom and her family. Hear Corrie (who moved to and is buried in the United States) tell her story!

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Letting Your Daughter Grow Up

10:00 - The Hiding Place

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP201: The Small Town Theater Company Making a Big Difference and The Cloud-Juicing Entrepreneur Who Bottles Rainwater Mar 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Don Arthurs and Erich Offenburg tell the story of their special needs program that won Columbiana the title of "Nicest Place in America. Richard Heinichen tells us how his company, Richard's Rainwater, is changing the game forever in the water industry.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Small Town Theater Company Making a Big Difference

35:00 - The Cloud-Juicing Entrepreneur Who Bottles Rainwater

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP200: The Titanic’s Last Hero and How I Came to Terms With My Navy Cross Mar 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lowell Lytle, who witnessed the Titanic in person, tells his story and the story of The Titanic’s Last Hero. By the time Karl Marlantes left Vietnam, he had received a Bronze Star and a Navy Cross, our nation's second highest award for valor. But he also left with a burning question: why had so many done more than him and received less, and why had so many done less and gotten more?

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Titanic’s Last Hero

23:00 - How I Came to Terms With My Navy Cross

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP199: Ohio Born, American Made and How a Fake Doctor Ran Carnival Sideshows and Saved Thousands of Infants and Changed Medical History Mar 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob Huff was born just outside of Dayton, Ohio, in the blue-collar factory town of Moraine City. Bob’s early life was anything but easy… but that clearly didn’t stop Bob.. Dr. Martin Couney carried a secret with him, but the results are unimpeachable and here to tell the story is Dawn Raffel, author of The Strange Case of Dr. Couney: How a Mysterious European Showman Saved Thousands of American Babies.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Ohio Born, American Made

35:00 - How a Fake Doctor Ran Carnival Sideshows and Saved Thousands of Infants and Changed Medical History

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP198: When Character Stands Tall, The Colorful & Comical Civil War General and She Quit Her Corporate Job To Make Artisan Keycaps Mar 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Eric Motley shares how despite being generally liked by the fraternity he was rushing, some parents of the boys expressed their dismay at Eric's wanting to join the group. Gettysburg National Park Service Ranger Matt Atkinson tells the story of the Civil War General who claimed to be insane in court, got his leg shot off by General Longstreet's artillery, and helped form the Gettysburg National Military Park. Keycap artist, known as Tiny Makes Things, shares her story of when she decided that she wanted to quit her job and start her own business making artisan keycaps for mechanical keyboards.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - When Character Stands Tall

10:00 - The Colorful & Comical Civil War General

35:00 - She Quit Her Corporate Job To Make Artisan Keycaps

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP197: The Story Of Benjamin Franklin's Longest Lasting Persona and The “Ten Cent Beer Night” Riot Feb 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear about how the 25-year publication started out of a need when someone pulled their publication and turned into an international phenomenon... which Mark Twain HATED! The History Guy tells how on June 4, 1974, in Cleveland, trouble was a brewin', the bleachers were loaded, and there was a distinct buzz in the air.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Story Of Benjamin Franklin's Longest Lasting Persona

35:00 - The “Ten Cent Beer Night” Riot

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EP196: The Transatlantic Cable: A Thread Across the Ocean and I Retired At 50, And Was Bored....So I Served People Feb 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Historian John Steele Gordon tells the story of how the telegraph went from Samuel Morse to winning WWI and how one man spearheaded the effort to connect America to Great Britain and, in doing so, the rest of the world. Scott Gilbert shares the impact he has had as the president of the Roaring Fourth Valley Chapter of Habitat For Humanity by teaching life skills to people in prison.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Transatlantic Cable: A Thread Across the Ocean

35:00 - I Retired At 50, And Was Bored....So I Served People

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP195: The Night 2 H-Bombs Fell on North Carolina and I Found Out I Was Adopted at 30 Feb 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Earl Smith tells the story of how on January 23, 1961, a B-52 bomber crashed in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Two H-bombs—each 250 times more powerful than the bombs dropped on Japan, fell to the ground and he dismantled them. Skip Reeves tells the story of how he came to find out that he was adopted at 30 years old.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Night 2 H-Bombs Fell on North Carolina

35:00 - I Found Out I Was Adopted at 30

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP194: If I Could Talk With Anyone (Past or Present), It Would Be My Parents, From An African Foster Kid to An American Foster Dad and Colin Powell Eulogy Feb 23, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Rusiniak answer's the question: if you could spend one hour talking with anyone, living or not, who would you choose? Peter Mutabazi, a man who ran away from his abusive father in Africa, got adopted by another family, and eventually fostered and adopted children of his own. Colin Powell’s son, Michael, shares this eulogy from the day his life was memorialized.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - If I Could Talk With Anyone (Past or Present), It Would Be My Parents

10:00 -From An African Foster Kid to An American Foster Dad

35:00 - Colin Powell Eulogy

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP193: The National Disaster Photo Rescue Organization and Aaron Burr, The Opportunistic Patriot Feb 22, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thad Beeler shares how he helped people find their family photos after the Joplin tornado of May 2011. Bill Bryk tells the story of America's first practical politician, Aaron Burr, in a tale of skill, bravery, honor, deception, and memory. Burr was so much more than the man who shot Alexander Hamilton.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The National Disaster Photo Rescue Organization

23:00 - Aaron Burr, The Opportunistic Patriot

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP192: The Husband and Wife Doctors Who Risked Their Careers to Prevent Alzheimer’s, Feb 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dean and Ayesha Sherzai's shared experience of having grandparents succumb to dementia led them to "career suicide" which resulted in success.

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EP191: Battling An Eating Disorder As A Mother and Tom Morton Goes to Boot Camp Feb 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Randy Wilson shares her journey dealing with an eating disorder and overcoming it as a mother. Tom Morton always wanted to join the military...but it took a while to get onto the yellow footprints at Parris Island.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Battling An Eating Disorder As A Mother

23:00 - Tom Morton Goes to Boot Camp

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP190: Finding Purpose in Life's Darkest Moments and When America Doubled In Size Feb 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, MollyKate Cline, a 20-year fashion designer featured in New York Fashion Week, shares how she has found beauty and life from darkness. Dr. Bradley Birzer and Dr. Dedra Birzer of Hillsdale College tell the story of the Louisiana Purchase.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Finding Purpose in Life's Darkest Moments

35:00 - When America Doubled In Size

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EP189: What Happened When a Kid Sued Pepsi for a Harrier Jet?, Big Nose Kate, More than Doc Holliday's Woman and From # 1 Party School to Most Innovative College in America Feb 16, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sean Kernan of Medium helps us tell the story of Leonard v. PepsiCo Inc. A law school classic that helps kids navigate the curious world of contract law, but in 1999 it was serious business. The History Guy tells us how Big Nose Kate was much more than Doc Holliday's lady. The President of Arizona State University, Michael Crow, brings us behind the scenes of education's most exciting innovations to show us how ASU is using cutting edge technology to better train their students.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - What Happened When a Kid Sued Pepsi for a Harrier Jet?

10:00 - Big Nose Kate, More than Doc Holliday's Woman

23:00 - From # 1 Party School to Most Innovative College in America

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

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EP188: The Best Worst Counterfeiter in American History, The Blessing of Rejection and 100 Women Creating Transformation In Their Own Backyard Feb 15, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bright tells us how Emerich Juettner was an upstanding citizen... for most of his life. Masada Siegel shares how her father’s very unexpected reaction to college rejection letters shaped the rest of her life. Wendy Steele could have never imagined that an idea for her community of Cincinnati... would have snowballed into 65 chapters across the world and over $80 million donated.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Best Worst Counterfeiter in American History

10:00 - The Blessing of Rejection

23:00 - 100 Women Creating Transformation In Their Own Backyard

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP187: Busy Mother Of Six Befriends Retired Cop and A Place at Groucho’s Table Feb 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Heidi Viars shares about how her life changed when she began showing some neighborly kindness to an old grumpy retired cop. 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.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Busy Mother Of Six Befriends Retired Cop

23:00 - A Place at Groucho’s Table

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP186: An Ordinary Cloth With An Extraordinary Story, Route 66: The Most Famous Highway In The World, The German Immigrant Who Gave Us Banquet Beer and “The NOT So Wild, Wild West” Feb 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Chris Graham of the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia tells the story of one of their objects on display with an extraordinary story we're just now finding out. Jim Hinckley tells the story of Route 66 starting from its inception to what it has become today. Visit JimHinckleysAmerica.com for more on Route 66. Pete Coors tells the story of Coors Banquet as an icon in the beer industry and how its conception began with a German immigrant, Adolph Coors, living in a Colorado mining town. As part of our rule of law series, P.J. Hill, rancher and co-author of “The Not So Wild, Wild West: Property Rights on the Frontier,” explains the misunderstanding behind the American West.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - An Ordinary Cloth With An Extraordinary Story

10:00 - Route 66: The Most Famous Highway In The World

23:00 - The German Immigrant Who Gave Us Banquet Beer

35:00 - “The NOT So Wild, Wild West”

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP185: The Careful Art of Caring for Your Horse, Suing To Sell Soup and A Divorced Father Living with His Marine Son Feb 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, regular contributor Bill Bryk brings us another adventure in riding and teaches us just how meticulous the grooming routine can be. Danielle Mickelson tells us how her business 'Mickelson Tiny Plants' was expanding and bringing fresh homemade food to the people of Rolla, North Dakota...but how the state health department had other ideas. Bob McLalan shares how had he known his father would be living with him for 18 months, he would have thrown him out that first night.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Careful Art of Caring for Your Horse

10:00 - Suing To Sell Soup

35:00 - A Divorced Father Living with His Marine Son

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP184: Responsibility and Respect Run in the Rakeman Family and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Feb 09, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve Rakeman was told that his father was passing on his name to him clean, and that Steve should pass it on to his sons the same way. Steve and his son Mike tell how that philosophy has shaped their lives. Ric Mixter of Lake Fury tells the story of how on November 10th, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald and her 29 man crew were sent to the bottom of Lake Superior.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Responsibility and Respect Run in the Rakeman Family

23:00 - The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP183: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 17) and America's Last King: The Story of King George III Feb 08, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language. English historian Andrew Roberts tells the story of King George III, and why he isn't the man he's often painted out to be.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 17)

10:00 - America's Last King: The Story of King George III

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP182: Hollywood Goes To War and Miles C. Collier on Material Culture Feb 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another one of Roger McGrath’s “Hollywood Goes To War” stories. Here he is with the story of Henry Fonda. Miles C. Collier, one of the world's top collectors, tells us about "the archeological automobile."

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Hollywood Goes To War

35:00 - Miles C. Collier on Material Culture

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP181: Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians Feb 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, One of the most successful blackjack teams in America is made up entirely of Christians. Here to tell the story are two of the winningest players, Colin Jones, founder of BlackJackApprenticeship.com. And the player dubbed “the most notorious card counter in America,” David Drury.

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Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP180: "I Will Remember for The Both of Us" and All-American, Chinese Cowboy Feb 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Laura Sangster shares her love story between her and her husband. Bruce may be Chinese-born, but as you are about to hear, he’s all American.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - "I Will Remember for The Both of Us"

23:00 - All-American, Chinese Cowboy

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP179: The Littleton Brothers, A Civil War story and A Tattoo Shop with Heart Feb 02, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Busbee of The Culture Buzz on KFMG 98.9 tells the story of the remarkable sacrifice made by one family in Iowa during the Civil War. Tammy Harris was born to be an artist... it just took a while for to figure out how to make some money doing it.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Littleton Brothers, A Civil War story

23:00 - A Tattoo Shop with Heart

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP178: One Firefighter's Story of Courage, Darkness, and the Relentless Love That Saved Him Feb 01, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jason Sautel was a successful and competent firefighter in Oakland, California. Life for Jason seemed to be perfect on the outside… but he was struggling with a darkness in him that started when he was a kid.

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Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP177: Memories of Our Father, The First Black Lawman in Colorado and Family is at the Heart of this Brewing Icon Jan 31, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Betsy and Elaine Brumley talk about how their father, Bob, handled being the son of the man who wrote one of the most important songs in American history....'I'll Fly Away' and he handled that and life in general. Murder and mayhem ran unchecked in the town of Yankee Hill until Willie Kennard showed up. Pete Coors and his daughter Carrie share how their family prides itself on their commitment to faith, family, education, and servant leadership.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Memories of Our Father

23:00 - The First Black Lawman in Colorado

35:00 - Family is at the Heart of this Brewing Icon

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP176: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings, The Museum Dedicated to Bad Art, Why Money Isn't Enough to Be a Success and It's Never Too Late to Learn to Ride a Horse Jan 28, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language. Louise Reilly Sacco tells us about the museum of bad art located in Somerville, Massachusetts. with a collection of over 600 examples of bad art. Sean Smith tells us how he and his twin brother built a business that would make the two of them millionaires by age 30. Regular contributor Bill Bryk tells about the exciting (and frightening) experience of figuring out equestrian basics after 6 decades.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings

10:00 - The Museum Dedicated to Bad Art

23:00 - Why Money Isn't Enough to Be a Success

35:00 - It's Never Too Late to Learn to Ride a Horse

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP175: "PEZ: From Austrian Invention To American Icon" and Rattlesnakes and Vinegar: A Journey to the General Store Jan 27, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Shawn Peterson shares the story of how the manual candy dispenser, PEZ, came to be. Cecille Wax tells us about his and his brother's journey into town which will transport you back to a simpler time.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - "PEZ: From Austrian Invention To American Icon"

23:00 - Rattlesnakes and Vinegar: A Journey to the General Store

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP174: Crocodiles and Cannibals, The Religious Magna Carta of the New World and The Man Who Played with Trains Jan 26, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob McLalan is back with The McLalan Files and today he takes us on his scuba diving adventure to Guadalcanal. Larry Reed of FEE tells the story of the Flushing Remonstrance, a pivotal document, and moment, that established a precedent of religious liberty in what would eventually become the United States. Bill Bryk brings us the story of the ingenious inventor, Joshua Lionel Cowen, who went from inventing naval mine detonators to one of the top 5 toys of the 20th century... and all because he was unimpressed by a store's window display.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The McLalan Files: Crocodiles and Cannibals

23:00 - The Religious Magna Carta of the New World

35:00 - The Man Who Played with Trains

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP173: Ships of WWII: The USS Utah and USS Oklahoma, Wandering Worker: The American Hobo and When 3 Months of Retirement is Enough Jan 25, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, On December 7th, 1941 six ships would be destroyed at Pearl Harbor. Two of them were the USS Utah and Oklahoma. Writer Anne Clare remembers their loss and the men who served on them in today's story. Connecticut Shorty of The Hobo Museum shares the story of the American hobo and how they are still celebrated today. Bob Huff built a career in the nursing home and home healthcare industry. After 3 months of retirement, Bob decided to enter a new line of work… doggy daycare!

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Ships of WWII: The USS Utah and USS Oklahoma

10:00 - Wandering Worker: The American Hobo

35:00 - When 3 Months of Retirement is Enough

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP172: Zero Victim Black Americans: MLK & Booker T. Washington, The History of the "Wrecker" Tow Truck and Whiskey Distillery Goes from Serving Drinks to Serving Community Jan 24, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, In his book, Zero Victim: Overcoming Injustice With A New Attitude, James Ward tells his story as a “zero victim” Black American. Nyle Vincent from the International Towing Museum shares with us the fascinating story of the tow truck. Black Button Distilling was about to go national, and then COVID-19 put a hold that. In the face of what looked like an inevitable shutdown, Black Button not only figured out a way to keep their doors open, but how to do so by helping their community.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Zero Victim Black Americans: MLK & Booker T. Washington

10:00 - The History of the "Wrecker" Tow Truck

23:00 - Whiskey Distillery Goes from Serving Drinks to Serving Community

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP171: How To Properly Brag About the World's Fastest Plane and Losing My Mentor, Finding Peace Jan 21, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, SR-71 Blackbird pilot, Bryan Shall, explains how much fun you can have when you're the fastest plane in the sky. LCpl. Tom Morton tells the story of Sgt. Joe L. Wrightsman not only being his mentor and squad leader, but also a hero of the highest caliber who died trying to save an Afghani police officer from drowning in the Helmand River.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - How To Properly Brag About the World's Fastest Plane

10:00 - Losing My Mentor, Finding Peace

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP170: Taking The Time To Talk To Strangers, Snowflake Bentley, First Photograph of a Snowflake and The Government Wouldn't Let Paula Smith Sell Her House For Over A Decade Jan 20, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kotz from the Twin Cities shares about some of his interactions with strangers. Dr. Jerry Bergman tells the story of a teenage boy who on January 15, 1885, at 20-years of age, became the first person in the world to photograph a snowflake. Craig Richardson, Matthew Bryant and Paula Smith tells us about the story of Winston-Salem, North Carolina's unconstitutional MAP Act.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Taking The Time To Talk To Strangers

10:00 - Snowflake Bentley, First Photograph of a Snowflake

23:00 - The Government Wouldn't Let Paula Smith Sell Her House For Over A Decade

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP169: Triumph and Disaster: The Life of Rudyard Kipling, and Enhancing Lives, One Guide Dog at a Time Jan 19, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy tell us the story of the life of the youngest-ever winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, Rudyard Kipling, and how it was filled with tragedy. Christine Benninger, CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, shares about the unique training process for these extraordinary animals and the special bond they share with their owner.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Triumph and Disaster: The Life of Rudyard Kipling

23:00 - Enhancing Lives, One Guide Dog at a Time

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP168: From Bagatelle to Video Games: The History of Pinball, These Guys Use Dungeons and Dragons as a Therapy Tool and Ethics: Bill Daniels and the Utah Stars Jan 18, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeremy Saucier of the Strong Museum of Play shares the long, and surprising, history of pinball--from its origins in French parlor games, to its prohibition, and then to its emergence as the immersive and popular game that it is today. Adam Davis and Adam Johns met in grad school at Antioch University, and they've been using table-top games as a tool to encourage personal growth, teamwork, and problem solving. The late owner of the ABA’s Utah Stars, Bill Daniels, shares why he paid back all of the bankrupt team’s creditors… even though he had no legal obligation to do so.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - From Bagatelle to Video Games: The History of Pinball

10:00 - These Guys Use Dungeons and Dragons as a Therapy Tool

35:00 - Ethics: Bill Daniels and the Utah Stars

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP167: How Faith, Infidelity, and Forgiveness Grew a Family Not Once, but Twice and Remote Alaskan Town's One Connection To The World Jan 17, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sparky tells the story of his mother Mary Sparks and how in a 30 year span, his family had to deal with its sins twice and learn forgiveness. Leslie Leyland Fields is an author and speaker living in Alaska. In this story she shares what it was like when their small fishing town got their first telephone.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - How Faith, Infidelity, and Forgiveness Grew a Family Not Once, but Twice

23:00 - Remote Alaskan Town's One Connection To The World

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP166: MIT's Basketball Coach: "Those Nerds Can Only Handle One Play" and The Man Who Wrote 'I'll Fly Away' Jan 14, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Koch shares the leadership lessons he took with him for the rest of his life! Betsy and Elaine tell the story of their grandfather, Albert E. Brumley, as he is recognized as one of the most important Gospel music composers of all time. Writing over 800 songs, including "I'll Fly Away" and "Turn Your Radio On", and with countless awards to his name, he truly is an American music icon.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - MIT's Basketball Coach: "Those Nerds Can Only Handle One Play"

10:00 - The Man Who Wrote 'I'll Fly Away'

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP165: He Ran 50 Marathons... In 50 States... In 50 Consecutive Days and 7-Eleven and the American Dream Jan 13, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dean Karnazes, aka Ultramarathonman, tells us stories of his legendary runs including one covering 350 miles in 80+ sleepless hours. Former CEO of 7-Eleven, Jim Keyes, tells the story of how their company has led countless immigrants to the American Dream.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - He Ran 50 Marathons... In 50 States... In 50 Consecutive Days

35:00 - 7-Eleven and the American Dream

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP164: The Manhattan Project: The Story of a Place, a Photographer, and a Moment Jan 12, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Cook tells us the story of how in 1943 the town of Oak Ridge, Tennessee was established and went from 58,000 acres of farm land to a town of 75,000 people.

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Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP163: Finding My Father: Blair Linne's Story and Ulysses S. Grant's Great Battle Jan 11, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Blair Linne’s personal story of growing up without a father at home reflects the experiences of millions of Americans. Blair beautifully tells her story in her book, Finding My Father and is here to share it with us. Louis Picone, author ofGrant's Tomb: The Epic Death of Ulysses S. Grant and the Making of an American Pantheon, tells the story of Ulysses S. Grant, bankrupt and dying from cancer.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Finding My Father: Blair Linne's Story

35:00 - Ulysses S. Grant's Great Battle

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP162: My Life After Firefighting, Aron Marquez on Leadership and 99 Reasons Why A Typewriter Is Better Than A Computer!! Jan 10, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, James, a retired fire captain, shares his story of firefighting and the emotions that come along with it. The founder of Wildcat Oil Tools, Aron Marquez shares the ethical dilemmas he’s faced in business. Bert Rosica shares the list of 99 reasons a typewriter is better than a computer.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - My Life After Firefighting

10:00 - Aron Marquez on Leadership

35:00 - 99 Reasons Why A Typewriter Is Better Than A Computer!!

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP161: The Only Woman to be Awarded the Medal of Honor, Midnight at the Live Fire Exercise and From Tech-Startup to Making a Wooden Pen with His Dad: The Story of Allegory Jan 07, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers a truly extraordinary Civil War heroine, Mary Edwards Walker. Our regular contributor Richard Muniz tells the story of an unforgettable accident at Ft. Irwin, California. For Chad and Jess Schumacher, life seemed to be going really well and as "according to plan" as life could... and then life took a number of sharp and unexpected turns and what resulted shaped their family and career for the next decade.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Only Woman to be Awarded the Medal of Honor

10:00 - Midnight at the Live Fire Exercise

35:00 - From Tech-Startup to Making a Wooden Pen with His Dad: The Story of Allegory

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EP160: Offering To Resign Because You’re Accountable For A Failure and Ford v. Ferrari II Jan 06, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, former Best Buy CEO Brad Anderson on this rare response to an ethical dilemma. Jon Elfner brings us this new Ferrari-slayer's story through the eyes of industry legends Neil Ressler, Scott Ahlman, and Mark McGowan.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Offering To Resign Because You’re Accountable For A Failure

23:00 - Ford v. Ferrari II

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EP159: Our Home Became Tidier After Having Four Sons, The "Slap Shot" Story with Dave Hanson and Graphic Design Professor Knits While Running Marathons Jan 05, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Alexandra Frost is the mother of four young, active boys, yet her home is cleaner than it was before she had kids. Alex shares her secret, which is called “The 10 Things Rule". Here is the story of how the choice to choose three then-minor league hockey players to play the Hanson Brothers in "Slap Shot" starring Paul Newman was made. Professor David Babcock shares his story of how he came to hold the Guinness world record for knitting the longest scarf while running a marathon.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Our Home Became Tidier After Having Four Sons

10:00 - The "Slap Shot" Story with Dave Hanson

23:00 - Graphic Design Professor Knits While Running Marathons

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EP158: The Meaning of Balance and Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer Jan 04, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, a regular contributor, Brent Timmons, shares the story of a lesson in risk and storyteller, James Swanson, the NYT Bestseller of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer tells the story of President Lincolns killer.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Meaning of Balance

10:00 - Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP157: The Man Who Spent $35MM Fighting A $400k Fake Wine Fraud, Tempest Tours: A Stormy, Sightseeing Vacation, How Smallpox Created Canada by Destroying Washington’s Army and Marketing Has A Marketing Problem... Too Many Narcissists Manipulating People Jan 03, 2022

On this episode of Our American Stories, Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and America’s Cup winner Bill Koch doesn’t like being cheated. The latest episode for our “Rule of Law” series!; Martin Lisius, founder of Tempest Tours, and Kim George, Customer Relations Manager, talk about the companies origins and what it's like being on the road in midst of extreme weather; the President of Amerisearch, William Federer. tells the story of how Canada became an independent nation—and not part of the United States—most likely, because of smallpox; Seth Godin, the author of 19 best-selling books and one of the most popular blogs in the world tells us about a dark truth in the marketing industry.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Man Who Spent $35MM Fighting A $400k Fake Wine Fraud

10:00 - Tempest Tours: A Stormy, Sightseeing Vacation

23:00 - How Smallpox Created Canada by Destroying Washington’s Army

35:00 - Marketing Has A Marketing Problem... Too Many Narcissists Manipulating People

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EP156: The Humble Potato: Idaho's Superstarch and The Little Boy Who Saved His Family Dec 31, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tish Dahmen, Executive Director of the Idaho Potato Museum, tells the story of the worlds largest potato chip, a massive baked potato, and the potato innovations that put Idaho on the map. Cathy Cooley shares the story of how her late son, Christopher, led his family to faith and founding their organization: The Christopher Foundation.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Humble Potato: Idaho's Superstarch

10:00 - The Little Boy Who Saved His Family

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EP155: The Making of an American Pantheon: Ulysses S. Grant's Tomb Dec 30, 2021

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 L. Picone, shares the story of the creation, degradation, and revitalization of Grant's Tomb.

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EP154: A Family Lived in the New York Public Library?, Drinking Done New Orleans' Style and Overcoming the Loss of Both My Arms at 10 Dec 29, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories,Kristin O’Donnell Tubb tells the story of the family that lived in the New York Public Library; Liz Williams, founder of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, tells the story of whisky, bourbon, absinthe, and pink elephants... done Cajun style; When she was 10-years-old, Madysen Acey’s normal life took an unexpected turn. But, she wouldn't trade any of it for the person she's become.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Family Lived in the New York Public Library?

10:00 - Drinking Done New Orleans' Style

23:00 - Overcoming the Loss of Both My Arms at 10

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP153: Strength in Loneliness is Still Loneliness, Burrito Restaurant Offers Job To Burglar and This Jewelry Store Provides More Value Than Just Rings Dec 28, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Edie Hand was always told by her mother that she was strong... but strength isn't always enough; After Diablos Southwest Grill was broken into owner Carl Wallace made a Facebook post with a job offer for the perpetrator. To Carl’s surprise, the post quickly went viral, bringing international attention to their store; 4th-generation jeweler, John Henne, in Pittsburgh tells the story of how his family's shop has grown since 1887, how it's seeking to impact the marriages it furnishes, and how it has shaped his philosophy on job satisfaction.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Strength in Loneliness is Still Loneliness

10:00 - Burrito Restaurant Offers Job To Burglar

35:00 - This Jewelry Store Provides More Value Than Just Rings

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EP152: When Dr. Seuss Has Real Life Applications During a Hurricane, From Farm Boy to Founder and Couple Adopts 7 Siblings Separated Throughout 4 Foster Homes Dec 27, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Rusiniak shares a story about a devastating flash flood that severely damaged his Church and then the surprising response from the community. Doug Reiter brings us the story of Ken Austin, a man who's battled deep insecurities his whole life, and would help transform dentistry into the profession it is today. This is the story of how Sofia and Deshawn went from being achildless married couple of 13 years to a family of 9, literally, overnight.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - When Dr. Seuss Has Real Life Applications During a Hurricane

10:00 - From Farm Boy to Founder

35:00 - Couple Adopts 7 Siblings Separated Throughout 4 Foster Homes

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EP152: Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas and The Importance of Giving and Serving during Christmas Time Dec 25, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ace Collins, author of Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, introduces us to people we've never met, stories we've never heard, and meanings we have never imagined. Once arriving back home from a mission trip, Ashley Freeman realized service work could be done right in her own community.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Ace Collins on Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas

35:00 - The Importance of Giving and Serving during Christmas Time

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EP151: The Real Stories Behind Our Cherished Christmas Traditions Dec 25, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Greg Hangler tells us how in the first half of the 19th century, Christmas was a very different kind of holiday than it is today. By the time Christmas was established as a federal holiday—on June 26, 1870—the ways Americans chose to celebrate Christmas would almost be completely foreign to what we practice today.

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EP150: The Christmas Store, The Bigger the Bureaucracy, the Smaller the Customer and The Chicago-area Maintenance Man Who Wrote a Hallmark Christmas Movie Dec 24, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jonathan Mattox of the Oxford-Ole Miss Rotary Club shares how The Christmas store originated and the impact it has had on the lives ofthousands of children; Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. Rikk Dunlap has always been a writer, and writing has even become a way for him to come to grips with tragedy. He never dreamed, though, that his work would be a regular feature on the biggest holiday movie channel around.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Christmas Store

10:00 - The Bigger the Bureaucracy, the Smaller the Customer

23:00 - The Chicago-area Maintenance Man Who Wrote a Hallmark Christmas Movie

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP149: Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 14), No! No! No! Who the Hell Boos Santa Claus?! and Leland Klassen’s Christmas Comedy Dec 24, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language. Richard Monastra tells the story of his first-cousin, Frank Olivo, and how in 1968, at 19-years-old he was dressed as Santa Claus at a Philadelphia Eagles football game where he was booed and pelted with snowballs. Comedian Leland Klassen shares stories from his Christmas past.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 14)

10:00 - No! No! No! Who the Hell Boos Santa Claus?!

35:00 - Leland Klassen’s Christmas Comedy

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP148: The Story of my Grandfather and Jim Johnson's Christmas Tree Story Dec 23, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Frohlich, author of "Aimless Life, Awesome God," tellsthe story of his German born grandfather William Burtner. Jim Johnson, a long time listener, shares his Christmas tree story.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Story of my Grandfather

10:00 - Jim Johnson's Christmas Tree Story

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP147: Roger Latham on Santa Claus, How "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Came to Be and Is Die Hard A Christmas Movie? Dec 23, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Roger Latham from Fort Worth, Texas, tells us a Christmas story he’s titled, “The Real Santa”; Lee Mendelson tells the story of how A Charlie Brown Christmas was created; Stephen Follows, an established data researcher in the film industry, wrote the widely circulated answer to whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Roger Latham on Santa Claus

10:00 - How "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Came to Be

23:00 - Is Die Hard A Christmas Movie?

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP146: Revisiting Childhood Mysteries, The Shocking Story Behind the Diamond Engagement Ring and The Holiday Tradition That Started At A Gas Station Dec 22, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Families move all the time due to job changes... But to children, sometimes it just doesn't make sense. Roger Rench reflects on his childhood move; 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; Hess Toy Truck Director, Justin Mayer, and superfan, Mike Roberto share the story of how for nearly 60 years, Hess trucks have brought smiles to children, and adults, up and down the East Coast.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Revisiting Childhood Mysteries

10:00 - The Shocking Story Behind the Diamond Engagement Ring

23:00 - The Holiday Tradition That Started At A Gas Station

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP145: The History of Christmas Trees, The Accidental Santa and Why it Took One Man 7 Years to Get His Car Back Dec 21, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy recalls the forgotten history of Christmas trees; John Rogers of Missouri never set out to be Santa... the first time he put on the red suit it was because the Santa before him at his local VFW tragically passed away. 21 years later, it's become his mission of joy; Tyson Timbs found out that old habits do indeed die hard when he was arrested and convicted for selling drugs to undercover cops. He also found out what asset forfeiture was when the State of Indiana took his Land Rover and held onto it for 7 years.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The History of Christmas Trees

23:00 - The Accidental Santa

35:00 - Why it Took One Man 7 Years to Get His Car Back

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP144: Danny Sacrificed Self For a Stranger, The Cattle King and Are Pro Wrestlers Athletes? Dec 20, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Rusiniak shares a story of a man named Danny who helped save a stranger’s life through a bone marrow donation. Dick Monfort’s (the Colorado Rockies owner) tribute to his one-of-a-kind dad. Riley Evans, sports writer and CEO of RealPodcasting.com, tells the real story about professional wrestling

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Danny Sacrificed Self For a Stranger

10:00 - The Cattle King

35:00 - Are Pro Wrestlers Athletes?

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP143: Selling Her "RedHead" Wine to Walmart and Rishi Sharma Interviewing WWII Veterans Dec 17, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Marisa Sergi tells the story of how she pitched her RedHead Wine that is now in over 150 Walmart stores! Rishi Sharma shares what inspired him to interview WWII veterans after he changed his mind about joining the marines.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Selling Her "RedHead" Wine to Walmart

23:00 - Rishi Sharma Interviewing WWII Veterans

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP142: Abigail Adams: Revolutionary Woman Dec 16, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Professor Woody Holton of the University of South Carolina tells the life story of First Lady Abigail Adams from his award winning biography Abigail Adams.

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EP141: A Most Valued Gift… FROM a Homeless Man, Indians, a Jew, and a Hotel Partnership, Her Career is a Tribute to Her Great Uncle, A D-Day Hero and Working with Dad Taught Big Lessons to a Little Boy Dec 15, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Larry Crawford shares with us how a homeless friend gave him one of his most valued possessions; Mike Leven tells the story about how he—a Jew—started the Asian American Hotel Owners Association; Heather McPherson, Curator of History at the South Carolina Military Museum, shares the impact that her Uncle had on her career choice; and Dennis Peterson's father was hard but fair, and some of the biggest lessons Dennis learned were on the job site, doing brick work with his father.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Most Valued Gift… FROM a Homeless Man

10:00 - Indians, a Jew, and a Hotel Partnership

23:00 - Her Career is a Tribute to Her Great Uncle, A D-Day Hero

35:00 - Working with Dad Taught Big Lessons to a Little Boy

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP140: The Tale of the Locomotive "Texas" and The Reluctant Memoirist Dec 14, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jackson McQuigg of the Atlanta History Center tells the story of the principle pursuit locomotive of the Great Railroad Chase and Leslie Leyland Fields tells the story of how she came to write her memoir.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Tale of the Locomotive "Texas"

23:00 - The Reluctant Memoirist

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP139: Trapped Inside a Tube: The Iron Lung Story and H.P. Rama, The Accidental Hotelier Dec 13, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medical Museum tells the story of the iron lung, a device used to keep people with advanced polio alive in the first half of the 20th century. Indian American hotelier H.P. Rama the story of the ethical dilemma he presented to the then President of Days Inn, Mike Leven.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Trapped Inside a Tube: The Iron Lung Story

10:00 - H.P. Rama, The Accidental Hotelier

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP138: The Old Upright Piano, Joy Neal Kidney, I Paid My Own Child Support and The Story of St. Louie Louie: Have Pool Cue, Will Travel Dec 10, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of her old upright piano that was passed down to her from her mother; Jason Wolfe tells the story of figuring out to be the father he didn't have; and Mark O'Brian tells the story of St. Louie, Louie...one of the best pool players to ever grace the scene.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Old Upright Piano, Joy Neal Kidney

10:00 - Jason Wolfe: I Paid My Own Child Support

35:00 - The Story of St. Louie Louie: Have Pool Cue, Will Travel

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP137: The WWII Tragedy America Chose to Forget, I Lived Through The Depression And Didn’t Even Know It! and The 1st "Disneyland" on Lake Michigan's Shore, and The Man Behind It Dec 09, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kengor, PoliSci professor at Grove City College, brings us the details of the devastating nature of an attack the U.S. government chose to keep details hidden about; Donald Sturm tells the story of how his parents did everything they could to suport him and lead him to achieve the American Dream; and Chris Siriano of the House of David Museum in Saint Joe, MI, tells the story of how a band of religious misfits ended up creating an amusement park that even Walt Disney would take inspiration from.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The WWII Tragedy America Chose to Forget

10:00 - I Lived Through The Depression And Didn’t Even Know It!

23:00 - The 1st "Disneyland" on Lake Michigan's Shore, and The Man Behind It

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP136: Winston Churchill and the Iron Curtain and The Tone Deaf, Bad Poet Who Wrote The National Anthem Dec 08, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College and Churchill scholar, tells the story of Winston Churchill being at a low point in his career when he delivered his famous 'Iron Curtain' speech in Fulton, Missouri; Marc Leepson, author of What So Proudly We Hailed: Francis Scott Key, A Life, brings us the story of how Francis “Frank” Scott Key wrote our national anthem right after one of America’s great military victories.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Winston Churchill and the Iron Curtain

23:00 - The Tone Deaf, Bad Poet Who Wrote The National Anthem

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP135: Magic Side Show Becomes Full-Time Job and How Piggly Wiggly Created the Modern Supermarket Dec 07, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve Thomas, Oxford, Mississippi's local magician and balloon artist, shares his story with us and Clarence Saunders revolutionized the way people shopped by introducing checkouts, clearly priced goods, and itemized receipts.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Magic Side Show Becomes Full-Time Job

23:00 - How Piggly Wiggly Created the Modern Supermarket

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP134: Origin of Everyday Sayings, The Woman Introducing STEM Careers to Young Girls and Thomas Edison at Menlo Park Dec 06, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language; Nicole Small, the former CEO of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, shares how she is now inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM; and Kathleen Carlucci and Russ Gehrum of the Thomas Edison Center at Edison, NJ, tell the story of how Edison perfected light.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Origin of Everyday Sayings

10:00 - The Woman Introducing STEM Careers to Young Girls

35:00 - Thomas Edison at Menlo Park

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP133: Tale of the Tapes: Engineer Guy Explains How VHS Beat Betamax, How The Pilsner Arrived, Survived and Thrived in America and John O’Neil On The First B-17 To Bomb Berlin Dec 03, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill “Engineer Guy” Hammack tells the story of how Betamax was defeated by the VHS tape; Tom Acitelli, author of Pilsner: How The Beer of Kings Changed The World, tells the story of how America's favorite drink came here and stayed here despite a world war and Prohibition; and John O'Neil, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, tells the story of his father, the tail and waist gunner on the B-17.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Tale of the Tapes: Engineer Guy Explains How VHS Beat Betamax

10:00 - How The Pilsner Arrived, Survived and Thrived in America

35:00 - John O’Neil On The First B-17 To Bomb Berlin

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP132: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions, From Fired High School Dropout... To Owning D.C.'s Best Taco Chain! and Why it Took One Man 7 Years to get his Car Back Dec 02, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson tells us about the origin of phrases in the English language; Osiris Hoil tells the story of when he lost his construction job in 2008, but through his fantastic cooking he started District Taco, D.C.'s best taco chain; and Montey Montgomery tells the story of how Tyson Timbs found out that old habits do indeed die hard when he was arrested and convicted for selling drugs to undercover cops. He also found out what asset forfeiture was when the State of Indiana took his Land Rover and held onto it for 7 years.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions

08:00 - From Fired High School Dropout... To Owning D.C.'s Best Taco Chain!

27:30 - Why it Took One Man 7 Years to get his Car Back

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP131: “I Will Remember For The Both Of Us", A One Lawyer Town has it’s Ups and Downs and Why Are Bananas So Cheap? Dec 01, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Laura Sangster shares her love story between her and her husband. All was well until her husband, Fred, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's; Bill Bright shares the story of how he helped a young girl who ended up in legal trouble; and the History Guy tells us why bananas are the cheapest fruit in the U.S.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - “I Will Remember For The Both Of Us"

23:00 - A One Lawyer Town has it’s Ups and Downs

35:00 - Why Are Bananas So Cheap?

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP130: The Holiday Inn Founder Who Had No Shame and The Two Men Who Ended Red Light Camera Tickets Nov 30, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kemmons Wilson's hilarious interactions with Muhammad Ali, Sam Walton, McIlhenny's Tabasco, and Sam Phillips; St. Louis civil rights lawyers, Hugh Eastwood and Bevis Schock, tell us how they filed suit in three separate cases against the red light cameras. All three cases were heard by Missouri Supreme Court in one mammoth morning argument.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Holiday Inn Founder Who Had No Shame

23:00 - The Two Men Who Ended Red Light Camera Tickets

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP129: ILLEGAL: Shooting Bunnies From A Motorboat?, The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and A Dad's Gift to His Children with Down Syndrome Nov 29, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, author Winter Prosapio dives into some of the weird laws we have here in the U.S.; Andrew Thompson, continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language; and Joel Wegener and his wife are blessed with 10 children, 2 of which were diagnosed with Down Syndrome. In his quest to find a fun way to teach them life skills, Joel happened upon the idea of running an ice cream truck, and it grew beyond what he ever could have thought.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - ILLEGAL: Shooting Bunnies From A Motorboat?

10:00 - The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions

23:00 - A Dad's Gift to His Children with Down Syndrome

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP128: Butch Hartman Drew My Childhood and Harvard's President Believed Books, Not Schooling, Were the Key To Education Nov 26, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, meet Butch Hartman, creator of Fairly Odd Parents, Danny Phantom, and so much more and hear how he went from the snowy shores of Michigan to the sunny coast of SoCal; and Jon Elfner helps tell the story behind Harvard president Charles Eliot's claim that "all a man needs for a good education is a 5-foot bookshelf" and what came to be known as "The Harvard Classics."

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Butch Hartman Drew My Childhood

23:00 - Harvard's President Believed Books, Not Schooling, Were the Key To Education

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP127: Thanksgiving Hour Nov 25, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Tracy McKenzie tells the story of the history of thanksgiving and what led to us celebrating it today.

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Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

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EP126: An Awfully Awkward Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Dinner with a Bosnian family, How the Master Chef Lost the Thanksgiving Turkey and Surprised by Hunger Nov 25, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Rusiniak shares an awfully awkward Thanksgiving story after being warned by his mother not to be late; Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of two unforgettable Thanksgivings with Bosnian refugees; Steven Reid shares the story about when he lost a turkey for a family who hired him as their private chef; Lindsey Gallant tells her story of when she was challenged to an eating contest by a boy at her church.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - An Awfully Awkward Thanksgiving

10:00 - Thanksgiving Dinner with a Bosnian family

23:00 - How the Master Chef Lost the Thanksgiving Turkey

35:00 - Surprised by Hunger

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP125: The Evolution of Star Wars Merchandise and The B-25 In the Backyard Nov 24, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Star Wars enthusiast and museum curator Jarod Roll shares how Star Wars revolutionized movie merchandising, licensing and how kids played with toys; and Wally Soplata tells the story of his eccentric union carpenter father who collected rare and vintage WWII aircraft for pennies on the dime.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Star Wars

23:00 - The B-25 In the Backyard

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP124: America Builds Up: The Bremerton Naval Yards, Why I Opened a Business for My Daughter and Under My Thumb Nov 23, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, teacher, organist, choir director, and World War II history buff Anne Clare, tells the story of how World War II impacted a small Navy town on the West Coast; Donna Howard shares the story of how she created a business to be able to provide a supportive work environment for people who are neurodivergent; Listener Brent Timmons tells the story of a lesson in parenting he learned while on a family trip to Kentucky.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - America Builds Up: The Bremerton Naval Yards

23:00 - Why I Opened a Business for My Daughter

35:00 - Under My Thumb

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EP123: The Needle In The Hand, The Bigger the Bureaucracy, the Smaller the Customer and "Separate, but Equal": The Story of Supreme Injustice (Plessy v. Ferguson) Nov 22, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney tells the story of her grandmother's needle incident during the Depression years; Mike Leven shares his story as past President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business; and Homer Plessy's descendant, Keith Plessy, tells us the story of the Plessy v. Ferguson case, as well as what he and Judge Ferguson's descendant are doing about it now.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Needle In The Hand

10:00 - The Bigger the Bureaucracy, the Smaller the Customer

23:00 - "Separate, but Equal": The Story of Supreme Injustice (Plessy v. Ferguson)

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

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EP122: Searching For My Husband During WWII and My 48 Hours with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly Nov 19, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ilene Hall tells the story of when she enlisted in the Army WAC in 1943, to follow her husband, Edward “Ken” Hall to war; and While working for Dick Cavett, Steve Stoliar met not one but two of Hollywood’s greatest dance legends.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Searching For My Husband During WWII

23:00 - My 48 Hours with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP121: The Story of my Grandfather, The Company Without Corner Offices and The Doolittle Raids and the Battle of the Coral Sea Nov 18, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Frohlich, author of Aimless Life, Awesome God, tells the story of his German born grandfather William Burtner- a man who helped build the "Arsenal of Democracy" in World War II; Kirk Aubry, the CEO of the supply chain services company Savage, on the ethical principles of their 2nd generation, 75-year-old family company; and teacher, choir director, organist, and history buff Anne Clare tells the story of the first two major American responses to the Japanese after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Story of my Grandfather

10:00 - The Company Without Corner Offices

35:00 - The Doolittle Raids and the Battle of the Coral Sea

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EP120: Lavagirl: Why She Quit Childhood Acting, Killed On Independence Day and They're One of the Youngest Couples in Their Community and Doing Aerobics... at 90?! Nov 17, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, actress Taylor Dooley shares the story of when she played the role of Lavagirl and how now 15 years later, she has returned to acting to play the same role in the Netflix Film We Can Be Heroes; Joy Neal Kidney, the recipient of our 2021 Great American Storyteller Award, tells the story of several Civil War soldiers in 1863 from Iowa and the lasting impact they have in her community today; Zela and David Flor give us a look a what "Blue Zone" living in Loma Linda, California, is really like.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Lavagirl: Why She Quit Childhood Acting

23:00 - Killed On Independence Day

35:00 - They're One of the Youngest Couples in Their Community and Doing Aerobics... at 90?!

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EP119: Brigade 2506: The Failed Bay of Pigs Invasion and The Salem Witch Trials and the American Puritans Nov 16, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, as a Cuban exile, Ray Montalvo joined Brigade 2506 to fight back against Castro, leading to his imprisonment in the country he once loved; and Dr. Stephen Nichols, president of Reformation Bible College, chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries, tells the story of the Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Brigade 2506: The Failed Bay of Pigs Invasion

18:00 - The Salem Witch Trials and the American Puritans

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP118: Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and The Last Men Out of Vietnam Nov 15, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language; and 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.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions

10:00 - The Last Men Out of Vietnam

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP117: The Small-Town West Virginian With a World Series Ring, the Best Card Collection, and A Big Heart and The Greatest Fighter Pilot in American History Nov 12, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, The remarkable life story of Ken Kendrick, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ principal owner and general managing partner; The History Guy tells the story of Richard “Dick” Bong who was a hero in an era of heroes;

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Small-Town West Virginian With a World Series Ring, the Best Card Collection, and a Big Heart

35:00 - A Big Heart and The Greatest Fighter Pilot in American History

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EP116: Hollywood Goes to War and Rediscovering What I Lost in the Military Nov 11, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Roger McGrath tells the story of famous actor, Jimmy Stewart, and how his greatest honor in life was serving his country in WWII. Brent Evanoff discovers a secret he’d been unaware of for over 25 years and manages to help another veteran reconnect with something they lost as well.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Hollywood Goes to War

35:00 - Rediscovering What I Lost in the Military

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP115: The Origins of Veterans Day, America's First True Superhero and Our Nation's Youngest Noncommissioned Officer Nov 11, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Claire shares the history of Veterans Day and the many ways Veterans have been honored throughout American history with the use of banners; Vince Benedetto shares the time he explained the importance of Veterans Day to an auditorium of kids and how George Washington is responsible for so many of our American traditions today; and Kristin O’Donnell Tubb tells the story of John Lincoln Clem, the United States of America's youngest known soldier in the American Civil War.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Origins of Veterans Day

10:00 - America's First True Superhero

35:00 - Our Nation's Youngest Noncommissioned Officer

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP114: Whiskey Is In Their Blood and Tom Clavin on the DiMaggio Brothers Nov 10, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Alex Castle tells us how she came to own the first whiskey distillery, Old Dominick Distillery, in Memphis as well as the first female head distiller in the state of Tennessee since Prohibition; and Tom Clavin shares some great stories of Joltin' Joe, Dom, and Vince from his book, The DiMaggios: Three Brothers, Their Passion for Baseball, Their Pursuit of the American Dream.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Whiskey Is In Their Blood

18:00 - Tom Clavin on the DiMaggio Brothers

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP113: Legendary Hotel Executive Mike Leven, Empathy is Not Optional and He Made Paper Airplanes His Full Time Job Nov 09, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. Here’s Mike with a story about what he learned from his unseemly college law professor; and John Collins shares how his obsession with paper airplanes helped him achieve the Guinness world record for the farthest flight by a paper aircraft at 226 feet and 10 inches.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Legendary Hotel Executive Mike Leven, Empathy is Not Optional

23:00 - He Made Paper Airplanes His Full Time Job

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP112: Invention of Time Zones, Paw Summers: Storyteller and She's The Daughter Of Chick-fil-A's Founder, But That's Not Who She REALLY IS Nov 08, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, in America, we have four time zones: Pacific, Mountain, Central and Eastern. But we used to have thousands!; Dennis Peterson shares memories of his Appalachian storytelling grandfather; and Trudy Cathy White on identity and climbing the mountains of life

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Invention of Time Zones

10:00 - Paw Summers: Storyteller

23:00 - She's The Daughter Of Chick-fil-A's Founder, But That's Not Who She REALLY IS

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP111: The Incredible Story Of SPAM, The Biggest Chicken In The World? and The President, The Preacher, and the Giant Block of Cheese Nov 05, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Author of The Book of Spam: A Most Glorious and Definitive Compendium of the World’s Favorite Canned Meat, Dustin Black, tells the story of this often speculated household name product.; Fitzgerald, Georgia, mayor Jim Puckett shares the story of his town building the world's largest topiary chicken; Thomas Jefferson is often known for championing religious freedom in our nation's infancy, but not many people know about how a preacher thanked him in the most unusual way.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Incredible Story Of SPAM

23:00 - The Biggest Chicken In The World?

35:00 - The President, The Preacher, and the Giant Block of Cheese

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP110: The Family The Size Of A Baseball Team, Wayne Gretzky Eulogizes His Father and The World's First Action Figure Museum Nov 04, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Randy and Kelsey Bohlender have 10 children, 6 of which are adopted. Take a listen to hear their stories of adoption and how they came to found the adoption agency Zoe’s House; Wayne Gretzky tells us about the life of his father, Walter Gretzky known as “Canada's hockey dad,” and how his father's death prompted an avalanche of tributes for a genuine, approachable, authentic person who nurtured his unsurpassed hockey talents; and Kevin Stark of The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, tells the story of his museum, and his life in toys.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Family The Size Of A Baseball Team

23:00 - Wayne Gretzky Eulogizes His Father

35:00 - The World's First Action Figure Museum

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP109: The Small Town Theater Company Making a Big Difference and Why Led Zepplin Pays Royalties to a Southern Bluesman Nov 03, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Don Arthurs and Erich Offenburg tell the story of their special needs program, Crown Theater Productions, and how it won Columbiana the title of "Nicest Place in America; and Stephen Davis, author of Hammer of the Gods, and Kirby Ferguson of "Everything a Remix" tell the story of how Led Zeppelin found themselves in a courtroom over a few of their songs...and explain why there are so many "copycats" in the music industry.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Small Town Theater Company Making a Big Difference

35:00 - Why Led Zepplin Pays Royalties to a Southern Bluesman

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP108: The Glorious 25th of November, Evacuation Day, Hometown Hero and Treating More than Cancer Nov 02, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk brings us the tale of the day British forces evacuated New York City after the Revolutionary War; Vermont historian and journalist Mark Bushnell takes us into the life of Calvin Coolidge in his hometown; and Loma Linda University Health has sought to not see patients as customers, but as individuals, through a focus on whole person care

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Glorious 25th of November, Evacuation Day, when the British left after the Revolutionary War

18:00 - Hometown Hero

27:30 - Treating More than Cancer

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP107: The Time McDonald County Seceded from Missouri and "We Didn't Want to Lose Two People:" A Story of Forgiveness Nov 01, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dwight Pogue tells the story 1961 story of how McDonald County, Missouri found a unique way to protest their state government. Also check out his book about this historic event. Laura Treppendahl’s life was one worth remembering. After being killed in a drunk driving accident, Laura’s family told the judge that they completely forgave the young man, Gregg, who hit her.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Time McDonald County Seceded from Missouri

10:00 - "We Didn't Want to Lose Two People:" A Story of Forgiveness

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halloween Special Oct 31, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn about why we participate in these strange celebrations every Halloween season from Lesley Bannatyne, the author of Halloween: An American Holiday, An American Historyand Lisa Morton, the author of Trick Or Treat: A History of Halloween.

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Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

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This Man Grows Pumpkins That Weigh a TON, Halloween - Haunted Attractions and The Man In The Glass Coffin Oct 30, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joe Jutras shares how he broke the record in 2017 for the largest giant green squash ever grown coming in at 2118lbs; Halloween historian Lisa Morton is going to be unpacking the history of Haunted Attractions (AKA: Halloween Haunted House) which is directly tied into today’s practice of Trick-or-Treating; Chris Siriano tells the curious story about Benjamin Purnell, whom was sealed in a glass coffin in the House of David and how his coffin was robbed.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - This Man Grows Pumpkins That Weigh a TON

23:00 - Halloween - Haunted Attractions

35:00 - The Man In The Glass Coffin

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP106: Making Peace with My Sister’s Killer and The Man In The Glass Coffin Oct 29, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeanne Bishop tells us the story of the brutal murders of her beloved family member and how a change of heart changed her life and so many others. Read her book for the full story; and Chris Siriano tells this curious story about Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin being placed in a glass coffin.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Making Peace with My Sister’s Killer

27:30 - The Man In The Glass Coffin

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP105: An Army Moves On Its Stomach... And Lots of Coffee and Meet the inventor of Jelly Belly, David Klein Oct 28, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells a story that one of his friends told him about a coffee incident that took place on the USS Enterprise and David Klein, creator and founder of Jelly Belly jellybeans, shares the story of what led him to leave Jelly Belly just as it was about to explode and grow into a billion dollar enterprise.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - An Army Moves On Its Stomach... And Lots of Coffee

08:00 - Meet the inventor of Jelly Belly, David Klein

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP104: Dog Becomes Best Medicine Through Woman's Cancer Treatments, He Was Stiffed $318,000, But He Still Paid Back Everyone He Owed Money To and Tim Leuliette Went to Business School... at Ford Motor Company Oct 27, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Rusiniak’s story about his dad’s dog Benny and his mom Doris. From the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Very Good, Very Bad Dog; Steve Bell tells his incredible story of integrity in the face of hardship; and Tim Leuliette began his career at Ford Motor Company under the leadership of Lee Iacocca and Henry Ford II. He got more than he bargained for... and was thankful for it.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Dog Becomes Best Medicine Through Woman's Cancer Treatments

08:00 - He Was Stiffed $318,000, But He Still Paid Back Everyone He Owed Money To

27:30 - Tim Leuliette Went to Business School... at Ford Motor Company

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP103: How Johnny Carson Saved Twister and Destined For Greatness: The Chuck Long Story Oct 26, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, History geek Christopher Klein tells the story of how Johnny Carson saved Twister; and Chuck Long tells the story of how he came to be the star quarterback of the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 1980's...and how he later came to enjoy coaching more than playing.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - How Johnny Carson Saved Twister

10:00 - Destined For Greatness: The Chuck Long Story

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP102: Kent Nerburn, Letters to My Son, Craig's Lesson, The Shocking Story Behind the Diamond Engagement Ring and The Woman Behind Jack London Oct 25, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kent Nerburn, author of Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Life, and Love was surprised, but elated to have a son at the age of 40. But afraid he wouldn't live long enough to see him into manhood, he penned several letters of fatherly advice should the unthinkable happen; 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 and then wrote The Heartless Stone; Iris Jamahl Dunkle tells the story of Charmian Kittredge London in the first full length Biography written about her titled Charmian Kittredge: London Trailblazer Author Adventurer.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Kent Nerburn, Letters to My Son, Craig's Lesson

10:00 - The Shocking Story Behind the Diamond Engagement Ring

23:00 - The Woman Behind Jack London

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP101: Pyromaniac's Paradise and How One Desperate Man Revolutionized American Energy Oct 22, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joel Wegener and his wife have 10 kids, and because he worked in education, they had to find ways during the summers to make a little extra money; and meet George Mitchell, the unknown hero who lowered our energy costs, carbon emissions, and made America energy independent.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Pyromaniac's Paradise

10:00 - How One Desperate Man Revolutionized American Energy

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP100: The Investing Legend Giving Away ALL His Money and Connecting People Through Salt And Pepper Shakers Oct 21, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Leon Cooperman shares how he grew up in a rough neighborhood of New York City and how he become one of the most successful investors in history. Andrea Ludden, owner of the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, shares the story of how this amazing collection came to be a museum.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Investing Legend Giving Away ALL His Money

23:00 - Connecting People Through Salt And Pepper Shakers

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP99: There's No Smell Like Home and The Big Four and the Transcontinental Railroad Oct 20, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Randall Haley shares how the scents from So Delta Candle Company helped alleviate some of her homesickness. Roger McGrath shares the story of the men known as “The Big Four,” who incorporated the Central Pacific Railroad and helped build the transcontinental railroad.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - There's No Smell Like Home

10:00 - The Big Four and the Transcontinental Railroad

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP98: Dawn and Casey's Battle with Themselves and Jimmy John's founder Jimmy Liautaud Oct 19, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dawn and Casey share how they connected through similar childhood traumas and how they learned to improve their own marriage to break the cycle; and Jimmy Liautaud tells the story of how he created the well-known Jimmy Johns sandwich restaurant.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Dawn and Casey's Battle with Themselves

35:00 - Jimmy John's founder Jimmy Liautaud

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP97: The Penguin Who Wears Shoes and Zero Victim: The Story of James Ward Oct 18, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Maria Elvin, Zoologist Manager of Birds at the Saint Louis Zoo, tells us about Enrique the penguin who wears shoes and James Ward gives his thoughts and experience during the response to protest on police brutality and what happened when he let his faith guide his response when an officer pulled him over.

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Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP96: Tyler Spady's Firsthand Account of the Borderline Grill Shooting and Meeting My Absent Father Oct 15, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tyler Spady talks about the mass shooting that took place on November 7, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, California, at the Borderline Bar & Grill, where thirteen people were killed; and Justin Maguire shares the story about meeting his father when he was 23-years-old.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Tyler Spady's Firsthand Account of the Borderline Grill Shooting

18:00 - Meeting My Absent Father

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP95: The 40s "Bombshell" Mind Behind Secure WiFi, GPS And Bluetooth and A Museum Dedicated to Southern Jewish Heritage Oct 14, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear about the Austria-born turned Hollywood movie star, Hedy Lamarr. She was known for her beauty, but her accomplishments go far beyond her appearance. Jane Leavey and Sandy Berman tell the story of the museum they created—The Breman Museum—and tell some stories of Jewish people in the American South.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The 40s "Bombshell" Mind Behind Secure WiFi, GPS And Bluetooth

35:00 - A Museum Dedicated to Southern Jewish Heritage

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP94: Roller Skating In The House, Our Parents Insisted That Dinner Was Family Time and Lee Habeeb On An Ethics Education From His Father Oct 13, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of her childhood home...and roller skating in it; Dave Van Andel's and Barb Gaby’s touching tribute to their parents…. Jay and Betty Van Andel; and Lee Habeeb shares a story from his childhood on an ethics education from his father that resulted in him not getting money he felt was rightfully his.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Roller Skating In The House

08:00 - Our Parents Insisted That Dinner Was Family Time

27:30 - Lee Habeeb On An Ethics Education From His Father

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP93: The Titanic’s Last Hero, Peace for the Warrior: Life Moves Yoga and Lessons From Gizmo the Dog Oct 12, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lowell Lytle saw the Titanic first-hand and he tells his story and the story of The Titanic’s Last Hero; Beth Funk tells the story of her Yoga studio near Fort Hood, Texas that's been helping our men and women in uniform and anyone who wants to come in- find grounding; and Paul Bauer, a regular contributor, tells the story about the valuable lessons his dog has taught him.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - The Titanic’s Last Hero

18:00 - Peace for the Warrior: Life Moves Yoga

27:30 - Lessons From Gizmo the Dog

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP92: The Great Vowel Shift and the Making of Modern English and Superman Versus the Ku Klux Klan Oct 11, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy shares the story of “The Great Vowel Shift” and the making of modern English which has now become the official language in over 75 countries; and Rick Bowers shares how an undercover agent infiltrated the KKK, and with the help of Superman exposed them to the world.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Great Vowel Shift and the Making of Modern English

18:00 - Superman Versus the Ku Klux Klan

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EP91: Bankrupt and Dying from Cancer, "I Felt Guilty About Being Successful, Until..." and The Fateful Night During WWII Cecil Wax Met God Oct 08, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Christopher Klein tell the story of how former U.S. president and Civil War hero, Ulysses S Grant raced to complete a literary masterpiece that saved his wife from destitution; Ralph Stayer, the founder of Johnsonville Sausage, shares his incredible faith journey; and Marilyn Jensen tells the harrowing story of when her father went on a supply run amidst a German bombing.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Bankrupt and Dying from Cancer

08:00 - "I Felt Guilty About Being Successful, Until..."

27:30 - The Fateful Night During WWII Cecil Wax Met God

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EP90: A Medal of Honor Recipient Through The Eyes of His Father and He Travels the Country Reviewing... Onion Rings? Oct 07, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Monti shares the story of his son, Jared Monti, a true hero who died in service of our country trying to save a fellow soldier in the mountains of Afghanistan and Tyler Groenendal of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has perhaps the most interesting side gig of all-time... reviewing onion rings—and he's been doing it for years and has no plans to stop.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Medal of Honor Recipient Through The Eyes of His Father

27:30 - He Travels the Country Reviewing... Onion Rings?

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP89: The History of Pinball, The Day a Soviet Nuclear Attack Submarine Rammed an American Aircraft Carrier and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Oct 06, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeremy Saucier of the Strong Museum of Play shares the long, and surprising, history of pinball--from its origins in French parlor games, to its prohibition, and then to its emergence as the immersive and popular game that it is today; The History Guy shares how in 1984, during a period of Cold War tension, a Soviet submarine collided with a United States aircraft carrier; and Ric Mixter of Lake Fury tells the story of how the Edmund Fitzgerald was bigger than most with a crew and captain well seasoned...but how on November 10th, 1975, she and her 29 man crew were sent to the bottom of Lake Superior.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The History of Pinball

08:00 - The Day a Soviet Nuclear Attack Submarine Rammed an American Aircraft Carrier

18:00 - The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

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EP88: A Presidential Sized Comeback: The Story of Ulysses S. Grant and Co-Founder of The Ritz Carlton Oct 05, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. John Marszalek and Eddie Rangel of the Grant Presidential Library tell the story about how Grant went from selling firewood on a street corner, to leading the US Army to victory in the Civil War. Sometimes the only way to deal with someone acting tough is to be tough back; however, sometimes you need to accept responsibility, even if you’re not the one who made the decision because, as Horst Schulze says, there’s a difference between “management” and “leadership.”

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Presidential Sized Comeback: The Story of Ulysses S. Grant

27:30 - Co-Founder of The Ritz Carlton, Horst Schulze: “The Union is coming! The Union is coming!”

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EP87: A Light in the Sky, From Exploitation to Exultation: Escaping the Sex Industry and Why Led Zepplin Pays Royalties to a Southern Bluesman Oct 04, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, a regular show listener, Richard Muniz, tells us about his childhood memories watching satellites; Harmony Dust Grillo shares how she was seemingly trapped in the commercial sex industry and struggled until a new friendship led to a change in her life; and the story behind why Led Zeppelin pays royalties to a southern Bluesman.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Light in the Sky

08:00 - From Exploitation to Exultation: Escaping the Sex Industry

18:00 - Why Led Zeppelin Pays Royalties to a Southern Bluesman

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EP86: The Unlikely Pair Who Share A Liver and The Legendary Man Known as "Babe" Oct 01, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vic Billingsley and Kara French's harrowing transplant journeys that unexpectedly led to a unique friendship and Mike Gibbons, Director Emeritus and Curator of the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, to tells us why there is perhaps no name that looms bigger in sports history, or American culture, than Babe Ruth.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Unlikely Pair Who Share A Liver

27:30 - The Legendary Man Known as "Babe"

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EP85: Abraham Lincoln: Our First "Wired" President, The Man Who Paints Rocks For Our Veterans and The Child Inventor Determined to Save Babies from Overheated Cars Sep 30, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of how President Abraham Lincoln used a telegraph to secure the win of the Civil War; Ray Bubba Sorensen II shares why he decided to start painting rocks to honor our veterans across all 99 counties in Iowa; and Danny Mefford shares what made him think of creating The Baby Saver to prevent babies from being left inside overheated cars.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Abraham Lincoln: Our First "Wired" President

08:00 - The Man Who Paints Rocks For Our Veterans

27:30 - The Child Inventor Determined to Save Babies from Overheated Cars

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EP84: A Woman's Self-Made Journey from Motown to Small Town and The 1946 Battle of Alcatraz Sep 29, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Fawn Weaver shares how she grew up being the daughter of Frank Wilson to starting several businesses and the lessons learned throughout her life; The History Guy shares the story of the escape attempt in the infamous Alcatraz Federal penitentiary in San Francisco, California, that led to a standoff.

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Time Codes:

00:00 A Woman's Self-Made Journey from Motown to Small Town

27:30 The 1946 Battle of Alcatraz

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EP83: A Museum Full of Umbrella Covers, Dungeons and Dragons as a Therapy Tool and How a Fake Doctor Ran Carnival Sideshows and Saved Thousands of Infants and Changed Medical History Sep 28, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nancy 3. Hoffman shares the story of how she came to open such a specific museum, what her museum is like, and most importantly, how her museum has taught her to find joy in the most mundane aspects of life; Adam Davis and Adam Johns met in grad school at Antioch University, and they've been using table-top games as a tool to encourage personal growth, teamwork, and problem solving; and Dawn Raffel tells the story of how Dr. Martin Couney carried a secret with him, but the results are unimpeachable.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - A Museum Full of Umbrella Covers

08:00 - Dungeons and Dragons as a Therapy Tool

27:30 - How a Fake Doctor Ran Carnival Sideshows and Saved Thousands of Infants and Changed Medical History

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EP82: The Time When The ACLU and NRA Agreed, When “Press Your Luck” Didn’t Require Much Luck and The Story of Charleston: The Way Life Used to Be, And Perhaps, Is Supposed to Be Sep 27, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, learn about how ACLU and the NRA have been fighting for our shared constitutional rights; Matt Parker, a comedian and mathematician from Australia, tells the story of the time Michael Larson was shockingly good at the game show "Press Your Luck," and gives a look into why computers can’t be random; and Tommy Dew shares the story of Charleston—from the American Revolution to today.

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Time Codes:

00:00 The Time When The ACLU and NRA Agreed

08:00 When “Press Your Luck” Didn’t Require Much Luck

18:00 The Story of Charleston: The Way Life Used to Be, And Perhaps, Is Supposed to Be

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP81: How My Dad's Cancer Saved Our Relationship, Rediscovering What I Lost in the Military and A Boy Waits for His POW Father Sep 24, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Scientist and university administrator Willy Lensch shares how his father's cancer diagnosis blessed their and one other unsuspecting relationship; Brent Evanoff discovers a secret he’d been unaware of for over 25 years. Through that process, he manages to help another veteran reconnect with something they lost as well; and retired US Navy Captain Mike McDaniel takes us back to when he was just a 3rd grade boy, about to learn that his dad was shot down on his 81st combat mission over Vietnam.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - How My Dad's Cancer Saved Our Relationship

08:00 - Rediscovering What I Lost in the Military

27:30 - A Boy Waits for His POW Father

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP80: The Bad Employee Who Defined Her Whole Bank, How The Elevator BRAKE Shaped Our Modern World, Down Cemetery Row and No. 18: LSU's Men of Character Sep 23, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Horst Schulze, co-founder of Ritz-Carlton tells us what real customer service should look like; Tim Harford’s “Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy:” air conditioning, the elevator brake, and the barcode; Bill Bryk, gives us a tour of his local cemetery in Antrim, NH; and Jack Marucci, Director of Athletics at LSU, shares his school's football tradition that sets players apart not for their skill, but for the way they step up on AND off the field.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - The Bad Employee Who Defined Her Whole Bank

08:00 - How The Elevator BRAKE Shaped Our Modern World

18:00 - Down Cemetery Row

27:30 - No. 18: LSU's Men of Character

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EP79: When Character Stands Tall, The Civil War General and Repaying Old Debts Sep 22, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Eric Motley shares his experience joining an all-white fraternity; the story of Dan Sickles who claimed insanity in court and put his leg on display in a museum; and Bill Daniels on why he repaid debts after a bankruptcy.

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Time Codes:

00:00 When Character Stands Tall

08:00 The Civil War General

27:30 Repaying Old Debts

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EP78: The Man Who Hung Out With Astronauts and The Artisan Keycap Maker Sep 21, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Craig Sumner tells us his involvement in NASA during the Apollo missions and how he helped build the lunar rover and TikTok influencer, TinyMakesThings, shares why she quit her corporate job to make artisan keycaps for mechanical keyboards.

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Time Codes:

00:00 The Man Who Hung Out With Astronauts

27:30 The Artisan Keycap Maker

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP77: Weifield Group Hires “At Risk” Individuals and with Good Reason, Kindness is Free and The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions, from Bite the Bullet to Bless You Sep 20, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Karla Nugent and Curt Andersen share how their company has hired over 100 “at risk” individuals and how they ended up competing for the title as the top electrical contracting company in Colorado AND also the U.S.; Paul Kotz offers some personal examples of how going out of our way and, yes, even out of our comfort zone, may be just what others and we may need; and author, Andrew Thompson, shares another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language;

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Time Codes:

00:00 Weifield Group Hires “At Risk” Individuals and with Good Reason!

18:00 Kindness is Free

27:30 The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions, from Bite the Bullet to Bless You

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EP76: Souping Up Her Subaru Started Her Career and Iowa's Long-Lost NBA Team Who Beat the Celtics Sep 17, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rebecca Nguyen fell in love with cars working alongside her dad in the garage. This would lead to her career in the car world; and Tim Harwood of Waterloo/Cedar Fall's KXEL 1540 and author of Ball Hawks: The Arrival and Departure of the NBA in Iowa tells us the story of the only professional sports team ever to play in Iowa.

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EP75: The Most Decorated War Dog of WWI, The Palmer Raids and Standing Proudly On Deformed Feet Sep 16, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeremy Swick of the College Football Hall of Fame recounts the remarkable story of, Stg. Stubby, the street dog turned soldier turned mascot; Larry Reed, President Emeritus of FEE, tells the harrowing story of a dark time in American history; Chloe Howard, Author of Stand Beautiful: A Story Of Brokenness, Beauty and Embracing It All, shares her story of what it was like growing up with a club foot.

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Time Codes:

00:00 The Most Decorated War Dog of WWI

08:50 The Palmer Raids

18:00 Standing Proudly On Deformed Feet

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP74: The WWII Veteran Who Was Imprisoned In Japan Sep 15, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Carol Dickson shares the story of her father, Jacob DeShazer, his involvement in WWII during Pearl Harbor and when he was taken as a prisoner in Japan.

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EP73: The Disastrous 1904 Olympic Marathon and The Creator of The Coors Light Silver Bullett Sep 14, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Professor Susan Brownell shares the story of how the Olympics ended up in St. Louis and the infamous marathon event and Marc Barrios tells the story of how he left his mark on the American Advertising Industry when he immigrated from Cuba as a refugee and went on to create the Coors Light Silver Bullet.

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Time Codes:

00:00 The Disastrous 1904 Olympic Marathon

17:59 The Creator of The Coor Light Silver Bullett

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP72: Letting Your Daughter Grow Up, The Great Chicago Fire and Cars As Material Culture Sep 13, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Stephen Rusiniak shares his story of watching his daughter grow out of her old toys and into a teenager; Chicago's cultural historian, Tim Samuelson, tells us how this city was rebuilt after disaster; and car collector Miles C. Collier explains how cars are part of material culture.

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Remembering 9/11 and First Hand Accounts From Witnesses Sep 11, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, we continue commemorating 9/11 with firsthand accounts from Linda Shepley, who saw Flight 93 crash; testimony of civilians who witnessed Flight 93 from the ground; Vaughn Lohec, whose sister was on Flight 93; and Reagan's Speechwriter Tony Dolan, who was at the Pentagon on 9/11.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Firsthand account of Linda Shepley, who saw Flight 93 crash

08:00 - Flight 93 from the ground

18:00 - Hearing from Vaughn Lohec, whose sister was on Flight 93

27:30 - Reagan's Speechwriter Tony Dolan, who was at the Pentagon on 9/11: "They Will Be Remembered...For All Those Who Served"

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Remembering 9/11, News Montage From 2001 and A 9/11 Firefighter's Story: The Unlikely Relationship Between Two of NYC's Finest Sep 11, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, we give homage to the events of 9/11 with news montage from that historic day and 9/11 firefighter Niels Jorgensen and billionaire David Koch, and the tragedies that brought them together.

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Time Codes:

00:00 - Remembering 9/11, news montage from 2001

08:00 - A 9/11 Firefighter's Story: The Unlikely Relationship Between Two of NYC's Finest

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EP71: George Washington at Trenton and Princeton and The Untold Story of Red Cloud, an American Legend Sep 10, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of George Washington at battles of Trenton and Princeton and Bob Drury and Tom Clavin have finally given the little-known Red Cloud the recognition he deserves and share with us the story from their New York Times bestseller.

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Time Codes:

00:00 George Washington at Trenton and Princeton

08:00 The Untold Story of Red Cloud, an American Legend

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP70: The Night 2 Hydrogen Bombs Fell on North Carolina and The House Built By Chewing Gum Sep 09, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Earl Smith tells the story of the night 2 hydrogen bombs fell on North Carolina on January 24, 1961, and how he disarmed them; William Wrigley, Jr. was a brilliant businessman, but his ingenuity was outshined by his love for his wife. This is the story of how he made his fortune and then spent it on the one he loved.

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Time Codes:

00:00 The Night 2 Hydrogen Bombs Fell on North Carolina

27:30 The House Built By Chewing Gum

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EP69: The Largest Green Squash and The Pittsburgh Pirates Announcer Sep 08, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joe Jutras shares the story of how we grew the largest green squash on record; and Joe Klimchak shares the story of how he pushed through to become a baseball announcer despite having a lisp.

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EP68: A High Risk Pregnancy, The Flushing Remonstrance Petition and The Rainwater Company Sep 07, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Karla Duerson shares the story of what it was like being pregnant with her daughter Wylie and the unexpected diagnosis she received from Doctors; and Larry Reid tells the history behind the 1657 Flushing Remonstrance petition that requested an exemption to Director-General of New Netherland Peter Stuyvesant's Quaker worship ban; and CEO of Richard's Rainwater, Richard Heinichen, shares how he makes his business out of selling rainwater.

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EP67: Reconnecting With My Absent Father and The Baltimore Cults Sep 06, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ron Brown shares how he mended his relationship with the father that practically abandoned him and the story of how the Baltimore Cults helped shape the NFL.

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EP66: Pizza Drops For Charity and Curly Was My Grandfather Sep 03, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ben Berman shares how he made $30,000 during the pandemic of 2020 by selling pizzas from his second-story apartment and Brad Server shares how he found out the family secret that Jerome Howard (aka Curly) was his grandfather.

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EP65: A Father's Note to His "Timeless" Daughter, The Corrupt City Council, and A Father's Secret Sep 02, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, talk radio host Jeff Katz shares a note that his daughter won't ever read, but will surely impact your life for the better; Erica Brewer shares how the city council of her own community worked to silence her; and Skip Reeves tells the story of how he found out the truth about his father and the impact of that realization.

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EP64: Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre, Houston's Oldest Rookie Cop and Lowering Drug Prices Sep 01, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kengor tells the horrifying story of when his daughters witnessed the massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27, 2018, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Officer Wendy Caldwell shares her experience being the oldest rookie cop in Houston, Texas; and Bruce Paddock tells the untold story of generic drugs.

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EP63: King Solomon The Gravedigger and Cornelius Vanderbilt Aug 31, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kentucky journalist Sam Terry tells the story of William King Solomon, a gravedigger who may have saved the town of Lexington during the Cholera epidemic of 1833; and TJ Stiles tells the humble story of Cornelius Vanderbilt and how he became one of the richest men in U.S. history;

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EP62: Banjo History and An Alaska Town's First Telephone Aug 30, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Johnny Baier, Executive Director of the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City, takes us through the history of the Banjo; and Leslie Leyland Fields tells the story of when her small Alaskan town got its first telephone.

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EP61: The Joys of An Ordinary Tree, The Mississippi Gas Station Franchise and Hope For Depression Aug 27, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares a short story on the importance of an ordinary tree in her own yard; Ben Craddock tells the story of how his father, Ron Craddock, worked his way from nothing to owning over 70 gas stations and 16 fast-service restaurants in Mississippi; and Audrey B. Gruss shares the story how her mother immigrated to the U.S. to build a better life while battling depression.

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EP60: The Moose Prayer, The Fatherless Father, and the Mustard Museum Aug 26, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul, a faithful listener, tells the story of the prayer he had for his brother; Jason Wolfe shares how he grew to become the father he never had; and Barry Levenson shares how he went from arguing cases in front of the Supreme Court to founding the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconson.

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EP59: Camp Tolochee's Snipe Hunt and What Happened To Saturday Morning Cartoons Aug 25, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jamie Scott tells the story of when he had an infamous snipe hunt in Boy Scouts; and Mark McCray, who once was aprogrammer for Cartoon Network, tells us the truth behind why Saturday morning cartoons stopped airing.

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EP58: Hearing Aids That Make You Better and Rosa Parks Aug 24, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, billionaire Bill Austin talks about the innovations that his company, Starkey, has made to make people's lives better through hearing aids; and Rosa Parks tells the story of her role in the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott during the Civil Rights Movement.

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EP57: Nanny's Hands, Goo Goo Cluster, the Cursing Parrot and Stephen Ross Aug 23, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dennis Peterson shares the story of his maternal grandmother's hands which revealed a lot about her; Laurie Spradley, the owner of Goo Goo Cluster, tells the story of how her family's company came to be; the story of president Andrew Jackson's cursing parrot; Billionaire Stephen M. Ross shares how the experiences of his youth set him up for his current success.

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EP56: The Most Dangerous Allied Spy and The Professional Video Gamer Aug 20, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Judy Pearson tells the story of Virginia Hall - a woman who was dubbed "the most dangerous of the Allied spies;" Damon Cox shares how he came out of poverty and abandonment by becoming a full-time video gamer.

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EP55: From Workaholic to Family Man, New York City's History and the Vintage Aircraft Collector Aug 19, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve Trice, founder of the electronic company Jasco Products, reflects on how being a workaholic affected his marriage and taught him how to be more family-oriented; Bill Bright gives a short history lesson on New York City; and Wally Soplata tells the story of his eccentric union carpenter father, Walter Soplata, who collected rare and vintage WWII aircraft for pennies on the dime.

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EP54: LA Speed Check and Fighting The U.S. Government Aug 18, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Major Brian Shul shares his legendary "LA Speed Check" story; and Kevin Gates explains how he fought back against the U.S. government accusing his company of doing something that was not illegal.

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EP53: The Joplin Tornado and The Forgotten Grave Aug 17, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, TV news reporter Gretchen Bolander and meteorologist Jeremiah Cooke tell the story behind the Joplin tornado, the devastation it left; Jay Moore shares the story of his grandmother and the loss, discovery and selflessness his family experienced.

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EP52: A Father's Love and Meeting My Hockey Idol Aug 16, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob McLalan reflects on the moment his son decided to join the military and the parental dilemma of wanting to both protect and prepare his child for the future; Sean Pronger meets his idol, Wayne Gretzky, but overindulges the night before.

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EP51: Pranking New Mexico, Route 66 and Marx Brothers Films Aug 15, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Duncan Scott tells the story of how he pranked the New Mexico State Legislature; Jim Hinckley explains the history behind route 66 and what it has become today; Screenwriter, author, and voice-over actor Steve Stoliar retells how he discovered a long lost Marx Brothers film and the impact those movies had on him.

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EP50: My Veteran Best Friend and Mark Twain Aug 14, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, former marine, Jason Porter, tells the story of meeting his best friend Forrest Johnson and how serving in WWII impacted him; and Richard Gary tells the origin story of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (aka Mark Twain) and the racial history of Hannibal, Missouri.

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EP49: Olympic "Miracle" Hockey Team and the Unlikely Relationship of NYC's Finest Aug 13, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ralph Cox tells us his side of the story of when he was cut from the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team; Niels Jorgensen shares the tragedy that brought him and billionaire David Koch together.

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EP48: An Australian's Love For American Wings and Salt and Pepper Shakers Aug 12, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Colin Bettles shares how he found his love for buffalo wings in New York and brought it back to his restaurant in Australia; and Andrea Ludden tells the story of how her mother's salt and pepper shaker collection came to become the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

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EP47: Pranking New Mexico, Route 66 and Mark Twain Aug 11, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Duncan Scott tells the story of how he pranked the New Mexico State Legislature; Jim Hinckley explains the history behind route 66 and what it has become today; and Richard Gary tells the origin story of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (aka Mark Twain) and the racial history of Hannibal, Missouri.

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EP46: Star Wars, Ford Motor Company and the Louisiana Purchase Aug 10, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Star Wars enthusiast and museum curator Jarod Roll shares how Star Wars revolutionized movie merchandising, licensing and how kids played with toys; Tim Leuliette tells the story of how he turned down becoming the CEO of a Fortune 500 company due to the character of a fellow businessman, but gaining a lot more in return; and Bradley and Dedra Birzer explain the significance of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.

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EP45: The Sparks Family, Harold Nelson and Walt Whitman Aug 09, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sparky tells the story of his mother, Mary Sparks, and how faith, infidelity, and forgiveness grew his family not once, but twice; Rishi Sharma brings us the story of Harold Nelson and his role in WWII, Kelly Scott Franklin tells the tale of Walt Whitman's role in the Union and Confederate army and his literary accounts of the Civil War.

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EP44: LA Speed Check, Travel Trailers and the Louisiana Purchase Aug 08, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Major Brian Shul shares his legendary "LA Speed Check" story; Brian K. Broadway tells the story of how seeing a family of 3 living inside their car inspired him to create travel trailers and establish the organization Find, Feed and Restore; and Bradley and Dedra Birzer explain the significance of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.

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EP43: A Mother's Love, The Ugandan Foster Parent and Texas Homestead Exemption Laws Aug 07, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Texan author Winter Prosapio tells the story of how motherhood and the bond with her daughter changed her perspective on life; Peter Mutabazi shares how he escaped his abusive father in Uganda, Africa and became a foster parent in America; and the history of the Texas Homestead Exemption laws.

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EP42: The Giving Tree, Travel Trailers and the Blackburn Boys Aug 06, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Texan author Winter Prosapio shares the lessons she learned from The Giving Tree and her critique of how so many of us, like the tree, give until we have nothing left; Brian K. Broadway tells the story of how seeing a family of 3 living inside their car inspired him to create travel trailers and establish the organization Find, Feed and Restore; and Edie Hand shares how the bonds with her brothers, one-by-one, were changed forever by tragedy.

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EP41: A Mother's Love and The Founder of Best Buy Aug 05, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Texan author Winter Prosapio tells the story of how motherhood and the bond with her daughter changed her perspective on life; and Richard Schulze shares how his fathers teachings led him to be independent and how that independence revealed valuable life lessons that led him to establish the multi-billion dollar company Best Buy.

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EP40: My Veteran Best Friend and Marx Brothers Movies Aug 04, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, former marine, Jason Porter, tells the story of meeting his best friend Forrest Johnson and how serving in WWII impacted him; Screenwriter, author and voice over actor Steve Stoliar retells how he discovered a long lost Marx Brothers film and the impact those movies had on him.

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EP39: Job Interview in Slippers, Battle of Midway, and The Running Knitter Jul 28, 2021

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joshua Texidor moved to Nashville and worked hard to find what he enjoys AND what he's good at; also, Anne Claire tells the story of the Battle of Midway, America's "make or break" moment in World War II; and finally, Professor David Babcock shares his story of how he came to hold the Guinness world record for knitting the longest scarf while running a marathon.

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EP38: Summer Days with Dad, Fighting Founding Fathers, and The Pittsburgh Pirates' Dream Jul 21, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Randall Haley reminisces about the yearly Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi; also, Dr. Adam Carrington of Hillsdale College tells the story of The Alien and Sedition Acts, some one of America's most controversial laws ever passed; and finally, Joe Klimchak tells the story of how his MLB dream came to be and the lengths to which he went to make them happen.

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EP37: Allegory-Beauty from Ashes, Tale of the Texas, and No More Red-light Tickets Jul 14, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Chad Schumacher, tells the story of when a family health scare turned their life upside-down and shaped his and his wife's career for the next decade; also, Jackson McQigg of the Atlanta History Center tells the story of the principle chase locomotive of the Great Railroad Chase...a story which goes much deeper than just that; and finally Hugh Eastwood and Bevis Schock, civil rights lawyers in St. Louis, tell about the time they filed suit in three separate cases and all three cases were heard by Missouri Supreme Court in one mammoth morning argument.

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EP36: Miraculous Vietnam Encounter, Lavagirl's Return, and The History of Harley Davidson Jul 07, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Dick Erickson, a Marine helicopter pilot, tells about his time serving in Vietnam; also, Taylor Dooley shares the story of when she played the role of Lavagirl at the age of 13, and why, more than 15 years later, she has returned to acting to play the same role in the Netflix Film We Can Be Heroes; and finally, Margie Siegal, author of Harley-Davidson: A History of the World’s Most Famous Motorcycle, shares the story of Harley-Davidson.

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EP35: The Forgotten Grave, Mad Anthony Wayne, and Memphis Whiskey Jun 30, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Jay Moore shares his family's tale of loss, discovery, and selflessness that will tug on your heartstrings while reinforcing the importance of inter-generational relationships; also, Dr. Mary Stockwell, author of Unlikely General, Mad Anthony Wayne And The Battle For America, tells the story of one of history's most interesting leaders...who wasn't actually all that mad; and finally, Alex Castle tells the Old Dominick Distillery story which starts back in 1859 with an Italian immigrant and a fruit cart that grew to be one of the largest distribution companies in the South. Add in a Kentucky woman who didn't drink until she was 21 (Alex herself), and you get both the first whiskey distillery in Memphis as well as the first female head distiller in the state of Tennessee since Prohibition.

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Father's Day Special: The Good, The Bad, and The Unexpected Jun 21, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, we bring you stories about outstanding fathers and fathers who don't make the grade.Leslie Leyland Fields tells us about the heart-breaking relationship between her and her father. And it's not what you'd expect; Taylor Brown shares the eulogy he wrote in Garden and Gun for his biker dad; and Peter Mutabazi, a man who ran away from his abusive father in Africa, got adopted by another family, and would go on to foster and adopt children of his own.

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EP 34: Family Bonds, Hollywood Genius, and the Cuban Coors Lite Story Jun 16, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Edie Hand tells us the story of the her brothers, the Blackburn boys, and the tragedy that struck not once, but three times; also, Author Richard Rhodes shares the amazing story of Austria-born turned Hollywood movie star, Hedy Lamarr; and finally, Marc Barrios tells his story of going from a Cuban refugee to leaving his mark on the American Advertising Industry.

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EP33: Collecting Vintage Airplanes, The Disastrous 1904 Olympics, and The Cadillac of Flashlights Jun 10, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories Podcast, (2:59) Wally Soplata tells the story of his eccentric union carpenter father who collected rare and vintage WWII aircraft for pennies on the dime; also, (21:27) Professor Susan Brownell shares the story of how the Olympics ended up in St. Louis and the infamous marathon event; and finally, (38:43) Tony Maglica tells his story of how he started with nothing when he came back to America and ended up with his own company, Mag Instruments, which produced the Cadilac of flashlights - the Maglite.

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Memorial Day Special: A Medal of Honor Recipient Through The Eyes of His Father May 31, 2021

On this Memorial Day, we at Our American Stories we want you to bring Paul Monti, who drives his son Jared's truck, an act which inspired the hit country song "I Drive Your Truck" by Lee Brice...but the story is much more than that of a song.
Here's the story of Jared Monti, a true hero who died in service of our country trying to save a fellow soldier in the mountains of Afghanistan.
To find out more about Paul's organization that honors the life and legacy of Jared go to the SFC Jared C. Monti Charitable Foundation.

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EP32: Paying Your Own Child Support, Left Office/Gone Sailing, The Catholic Who Fought Back May 26, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Jason Wolfe tells the story of how his father left his family at the age of 6 and his journey of becoming the father that he never had himself; also, Emma McCormick was told she could work remotely... so she decided to buy a sailboat and go to Florida; finally, Richard McCann and Bill Duggan tell the story of how from the 17th to 19th centuries, Catholics were some of the most persecuted people in America and Archbishop John Hughes, the man who helped create a system for the Irish to flourish and pursue their American Dreams.

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EP31: Most Decorated War Dog, Lincoln and the Telegraph, Joplin, MO: Before and After May 19, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Jeremy Swick of the College Football Hall of Fame recounts the remarkable story of the street dog turned soldier turned mascot; also, Christopher Klein tells the story of how Abraham Lincoln used the telegraph to help win the Civil War; and finally, former KSNF Channel 16 Weatherman Jerimiah Cook and reporter Gretchen Bolander tell the story of love, and loss, in Joplin after the 2011 tornado which was the costliest in American history.

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EP30: Gameshow Trickery, Foster Care Saint, and Hollywood's Only Flying Ace May 12, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, we bring you Matt Parker, a comedian and mathematician from Australia, who tells the story of the time Michael Larson was shockingly good at the game show "Press Your Luck," and gives a look into why computers can’t be random; also, Dr. John Degarmo, founder of the Foster Care Institute, shares some of the joys and the heartaches of being a foster parent; and finally, Roger McGrath tells us the story of Hollywood’s strapping, steely-eyed, leading man, Wayne Morris.

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EP29: Saturday Morning Cartoons, The Man in a Glass Coffin, and The Road to Sobriety May 05, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Mark McCray, author of The Best Saturday's of Our Lives, tells us the story of Saturday morning cartoons and what happened to them; also, Chris Siriano tells us about an American man in a glass coffin along the shores of Lake Michigan; and finally, Casey Brogan shares his story of his battle with addiction and his journey towards sobriety.

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EP28: Blockbuster vs. Netflix, The History of Spam, and The Iowa Freedom Rocks Apr 28, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Jim Keyes, the former CEO of BlockBuster, tells us the story of Blockbuster during its final days; also, the author of The Book of Spam: A Most Glorious and Definitive Compendium of the World’s Favorite Canned Meat, Dustin Black, tells the story of this often speculated household name; and finally, Ray Bubba Sorensen tells us about the painted rocks depicting local military heroes scattered across Iowa's 90 counties.

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EP27: 100-Year Old Skydiver, Therapy through Dungeons & Dragons, and A History of NYC Apr 21, 2021

On the episode of the Our American Stories podcast, we bring you Ronald Mason, a WWII pilot with a heck of a story; also, the story of Adam Davis and Adam John who have been using table-top games as a therapy tool; and finally, Bill Bryk makes the familiar fascinating and briefly recounts how New York City became the city it is today, as well as his love for its past.

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EP26: Bottled Rainwater, Ford v. Ferrari: The Rematch, and Overcoming the KKK Apr 14, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, we bring you the story of one out of over 80 bottled water companies in the United States, that has changed the game forever, Richard's Rainwater, and the man behind it all, Richard Heinichen; also, Jon Elfner brings us the story of Ford's 100th anniversary celebration and its new supercar built to showcase its heritage and future through the eyes of industry legends Neil Ressler, Scott Ahlman, and Mark McGowan; and finally, the story of Shiana Rasheed, a young woman who struggled with her family being in the KKK, rebelled against them, and married a Middle Eastern Muslim man.

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EP25: Groucho's Assistant, Pointy Hat Prank, and Jelly Belly's Founder Apr 07, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, we bring you Steve Stoliar who tells about his years as Groucho Marx's secretary and historian; also, Duncan Scott tells us his story of pranking the New Mexico State Legislature; and finally, David Klein, founder of Jelly Belly, shares his story of how he lost his beans, but kept his soul.

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EP24: The Texas Grocery Miracle, The Pilsner in America, and 7-Eleven's American Dream Mar 31, 2021

On this week's episode, we bring you the story of when Tim and Deb Hennessy received a miraculous surprise when they visited a local grocery during the February 2021 deep freeze in Texas; also, Tom Acitelli, author of "Pilsner: How The Beer of Kings Changed The World" tells the story of how an experimental drink in the Austrian Empire became America's favorite drink; and finally, Fomer CEO of 7-11, Jim Keyes, tells the story of how their company has led countless immigrants to the American Dream.

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EP23: JC Newman Cigars, Bad Medicine, and Unlikely Friends Mar 24, 2021

On this week’s episode, we hear from Drew Newman, the great grandson of the founder of JC Newman Cigars, who brings us the tale of his family’s American Dream story; Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medicial Museum tells the story of patent medcine, which didn't do much except line the pockets of their creators; and Heidi Viars shares about how her life changed when she began showing some neighborly kindness to an old retired cop.

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EP22: Washington's Courage, E-Sports Champion, and Jack Daniel's Teacher Mar 18, 2021

On this episode, we bring you the story General George Washington and his experiences at Trenton and Princeton. Also, we bring you Damon Cox, a young man who was a body builder and paid his way through college… by playing video games, and the story of how investor and business owner Fawn Weaver fell in love with a story that involves a former slave and Jack Daniel.

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EP21: My Unusual Conversations With Two Fraternity Brothers Right Before They Died Feb 26, 2021

Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick on college friendships that would impact the rest of his life.

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EP20: Brent Evanoff: Rediscovering What I Lost in the Military” Feb 25, 2021

In a very modern fashion, Brent Evanoff discovers a secret he’d been unaware of for over 25 years. Through that process, he manages to help another veteran reconnect with something they lost as well.

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EP19: The Banjo’s Trip Through History Feb 24, 2021

Johnny Baier, Executive Director of the Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City, takes us through the history of the Banjo starting from the beginning until today.

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EP18: Jim Thorpe: All-American, Native American (And The Carlisle Indian Football Team) Feb 23, 2021

In 2000, a poll was conducted by ABC Sports recognizing the Greatest Athlete of the Twentieth Century. The winner was not Muhammad Ali, Babe Ruth, Jesse Owens, Wayne Gretzky, Jack Nicklaus, and Michael Jordan—but a man today many have never heard of: an Indian from Oklahoma named Jim Thorpe.
Here to tell the story is Sally Jenkins, author of the national bestseller, The Real All Americans, and Steve Sheinkin, author of, Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team.

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EP17: An Australian's Love For American Wings Feb 22, 2021

Colin Bettles found his passion for wings in upstate New York and took it with him all the way to Sydney, Australia...even attempting to sell them in his fish and chip shop.

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EP16: A Marine’s Journey to Fallujah and Back Feb 19, 2021

Meet Sargent William Lenard, a man who joined the Marines to get his life together, and when coming home, had to put it back together all over again.

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EP15: The Transatlantic Cable: A Thread Across the Ocean Feb 18, 2021

Historian John Steele Gordon tells the story of how the telegraph went from Samuel Morse to winning WWI and how one man spearheaded the effort to connect America to Great Britain and, in doing so, the rest of the world.

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EP14: Giving Out Pizza From Second Story Apartment Raises Over $30,000 Feb 17, 2021

Ben Berman 2nd year grad student in Philadelphia made the most of his time while staying at home during the pandemic.

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EP13: The Museum Dedicated To Mustard Feb 16, 2021

Barry Levenson went from arguing cases in front of the Supreme Court to having the world's largest collection of mustard....and writing a few books about the stuff as well.

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EP12: Levi Strauss: The Jewish Immigrant Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World Feb 14, 2021

This is the story of how Levi Strauss got his American Dream stitched into a pair of blue jeans—the fabric of freedom. Here to tell this story is Lynn Downey. Lynn was the first in-house historian for Levi Strauss & Co. and is the author of the wonderfully readable biography, Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World.

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EP11: Texas Treats Their Women Right, Andrew Jackson's Swearing Parrot, and The DiMaggio Brothers Feb 07, 2021

On this episode of the Our American Stories Podcast, Dr. Jean Stuntz from West Texas A&M University gives us some history on what it was like before women could own property or make any money of their own. Also, History professor Mark Cheathem tells us why Andrew Jackson’s pet parrot had to be removed from his funeral. Finally, Tom Clavin shares some great stories of Joltin' Joe, Dom, and Vince from his book, The DiMaggios: Three Brothers, Their Passion for Baseball, Their Pursuit of the American Dream. For more stories and to support what we're doing, go to OurAmericanStories.com.

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EP10: The Woman Who Saved The Lewis and Clark Expedition, From Poverty to the CEO of 7-Eleven, The Factory That Manufactures One Million Kazoos A Year Feb 01, 2021

Today Dr. Dedra Birzer of Hillsdale College tells the story of Sacagawea. We bring you the story of Jim Keyes, a boy who grew up in poverty and who’s first job was at McDonalds, and worked his way up to become the CEO of 7 Eleven. Lastly, Sarah Barnwell from the Kazoobie Kazoo Factory shares how the Kazoo came to be one of the only truly American instruments!

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EP9: Single Mother Trucking Company, PepsiCo and the Fighter Jet, and Major Clark Gable Jan 24, 2021

On today's episode we bring you the stories of how a 19-year old single mother built the largest female-owned trucking company, what happened when a kid sued Pepsi for a Harrier Jet, and when Clark Gable, who was beyond the draft age in WWII, enlisted as a 41 year-old Private.

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EP8: The Louisiana Purchase was a Big Deal, A Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum?, and Superman vs. the KKK Jan 17, 2021

Today we bring you the stories of when America doubled in size, a salt and pepper museum in Tennessee started by German immigrants, and when Superman fought the Ku Klux Klan.

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