Our American Stories

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Hollywood Goes To War: Henry Fonda Oct 02, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, before Henry Fonda became one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, he answered a very different kind of calling: service to his country in World War II. From the Broadway stage to the silver screen, Fonda’s career was already on the rise when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the height of the war. He put acting on hold to serve aboard a destroyer in the Pacific Theater, earning a Bronze Star for his actions during combat. As part of our Hollywood Goes to War series, Roger McGrath shares the story.

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John Newton: The Story Behind “Amazing Grace” Oct 01, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, few hymns are as beloved as “Amazing Grace,” and few authors had a story as dramatic as John Newton. Once marked by sin and disgrace, Newton became a minister and wrote the words that continue to define Christian worship around the world. On this day in history, John Newton set pen to paper and created one of the most enduring songs of faith.

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The Gettysburg Address: The Story Behind Lincoln’s Words Oct 01, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, in November 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, a speech so brief and powerful it reshaped the nation’s understanding of the Civil War. Our host Lee Habeeb shares the story behind the story: why Lincoln’s words mattered, how they reframed the sacrifice of Gettysburg, and how “of the people, by the people, for the people” became the enduring creed of American democracy.

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Bernard John Dowling Irwin: The First Medal of Honor Recipient Oct 01, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest military decoration, awarded for acts of heroism that go above and beyond the call of duty. The first to earn it was Bernard John Dowling Irwin, an Army surgeon who risked everything during the Apache Wars. His bravery in 1861 set a precedent that continues through every Medal of Honor citation today. Here's The History Guy with the story.

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“On Skid Row” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Oct 01, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice from his guide to unraveling the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. His book, Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases, explores where our favorite sayings come from—and what they really mean. Be sure to check it out!

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Ralph Cox: The Last Cut from the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ralph Cox was a star college hockey player with his sights set on the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. But when coach Herb Brooks finalized the U.S. Olympic hockey team roster, Cox was the last man cut. While his teammates went on to make history in the “Miracle on Ice” against the Soviet Union, Cox had to watch from the sidelines. Here, he reflects on the heartbreak and what it means to be tied forever to one of the greatest moments in sports history.

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The Forgotten Founding Father Who Wrote “We the People” Sep 30, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, most Americans know the phrase “We the People,” but few know the man who wrote it. Gouverneur Morris, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, shaped more of the Constitution’s text than almost anyone else. Historian and Jack Miller Center Fellow Dennis C. Rasmussen tells the story of this overlooked Founding Father, known as the “Penman of the Constitution,” whose words gave America its most famous beginning.

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The Runaway Slave Who Helped End the Fugitive Slave Act Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 forced every American to be complicit in slavery, requiring even free states to return escaped slaves to bondage. Yet the bravery of one runaway slave helped turn the tide. This is the story of how its end began.

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They Will Be Remembered: A Memorial by Reagan’s Speechwriter Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, even before his time in the White House, Tony Dolan was a writer with a deep reverence for service and sacrifice. As Ronald Reagan’s chief speechwriter, he helped craft the words that defined an era. Here, in one of his most personal pieces, the late Dolan pays tribute to America’s fallen soldiers.

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A Little Brother’s Prayer to Be as Big as His Big Brother Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, every sibling relationship has its own story. For Paul Bauer, a listener of Our American Stories, it was a childhood prayer to be as big as his older brother Moose. This memory of brotherhood and family reminds us how small moments often define sibling ties for years to come.

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