Our American Stories

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The Day a B-25 Crashed Into the Empire State Building Sep 30, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, on July 28, 1945, a U.S. Army B-25 bomber got lost in dense fog over Manhattan and slammed into the Empire State Building. The Empire State Building crash killed 14 people and tore open the 79th floor of one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. While often overshadowed by later tragedies, the B-25 Empire State Building crash remains one of the most remarkable accidents in aviation and New York history. The History Guy revisits the forgotten details of the 1945 Empire State Building plane crash and why it remains a story worth remembering.

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Jewish Cadets at West Point Hear a Graduation Speech for the Ages Sep 30, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2023, award-winning author Dara Horn delivered one of West Point’s most powerful graduation speeches to a group of Jewish cadets. Her remarks explored what it means to live with conviction, to embrace being “uncomfortable and uncool,” and to hold fast to identity in the face of pressure. More than just a graduation address, it joined the long tradition of great West Point speeches while standing apart for its honesty and courage. Here's Dana with the story of that speech.

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How One Survivor Turned Trauma Into Three State Championships Sep 29, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, what happens when the thing you love most is taken away? For Richard Herzog, it was sports. An abusive teacher relationship left scars that lasted for years, but he found redemption in coaching. He went on to lead his team to three state championships and proved that even the deepest wounds can lead to a new strength.

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How Winston Churchill Shaped the Cold War From a Small Missouri College Sep 29, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1946, Winston Churchill delivered his famous “Iron Curtain” speech at a small Missouri college. The Cold War had barely begun, yet this moment defined the coming conflict and gave the world one of history’s most enduring phrases. Dr. Larry Arnn explains how a speech few expected to matter became one of Churchill’s most important legacies.

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How George Lucas Turned Star Wars From Near Disaster to Blockbuster Sep 29, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, when the first Star Wars movie was released in 1977, many expected it to fail. The production was plagued with setbacks, and even George Lucas doubted it would connect with audiences. Instead, A New Hope became a cultural landmark, launching one of the most successful franchises in movie history. Author Chris Taylor shares how a film that nearly collapsed turned into a global phenomenon.

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Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights, and the Battle to Integrate the MLB Sep 26, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first Black player in Major League Baseball since the 1880s, stepping onto the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers and into history. The abuse he endured was relentless, from racial slurs in the stands to resistance in the dugout. Yet Robinson refused to respond in kind. His strength came from something deeper: a faith that guided him through the fight. Historian Dr. Gary Scott Smith shares how Robinson’s courage not only broke baseball’s color barrier but also made him a vital figure in the civil rights movement, inspiring generations far beyond the game.

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From the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution: America’s Defining Transition Sep 26, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, before the U.S. Constitution was written, America lived under the Articles of Confederation, a system so weak it nearly broke the young republic. States held most of the power, Congress couldn’t raise money or enforce laws, and unrest spread from coast to coast. Dr. Larry Arnn of Hillsdale College explains how the Constitutional Convention of 1787 replaced chaos with order, creating a framework built on federalism, separation of powers, and a strong central government.

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Suing to Sell Soup: One Woman’s Fight Against Government Overreach Sep 26, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, for years, Danielle Mickelson poured her energy into building a small but growing food business. Then, a wave of regulations stopped her in her tracks. What followed was an unlikely legal battle that pitted a single entrepreneur against a web of rules and administrative overreach. But with the Institute of Justice, Danielle fought back.

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Lessons From The Giving Tree Sep 26, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, author and regular contributor to Our American Stories, Winter Prosapio, shares what it feels like to be a mother who is constantly giving.

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How Johnny Cash Faced His Demons and Found Redemption Sep 25, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Johnny Cash’s life was as raw and unforgettable as his music. Known for songs like I Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues, and Ring of Fire, Cash also battled addiction, broken relationships, and inner turmoil. What makes him an American icon is not just his music but how he found redemption through faith, resilience, and the love of June Carter Cash. Author Greg Laurie shares how Cash’s struggles and triumphs gave his songs lasting power and why his story continues to inspire.

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