Our American Stories

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From Red Ryder to Today: The Story of Daisy B.B. Guns Sep 25, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, for more than a century, Daisy has been synonymous with B.B. guns. First launched in Michigan and later based in Arkansas, the company grew from small beginnings into the most recognized name in the industry. Its Red Ryder model became an icon of American childhood, sparking memories of backyard target practice and the famous line from A Christmas Story: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Joe Murfin tells the story of how Daisy turned a simple air rifle into an enduring symbol of American culture.

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Whiskey Is In Their Blood Sep 25, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, The Old Dominick Distillery story begins in 1859 with an Italian immigrant and a fruit cart in Memphis. Generations later, Alex Castle made history as the first female head distiller in Tennessee since Prohibition. Together, their legacy shaped Old Dominick into a landmark of Tennessee whiskey and a symbol of tradition and innovation in American distilling. Here's Alex with the story.

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How Sneakers Became an American Icon Sep 24, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, sneakers may seem like simple shoes, but their story is tied to the growth of modern America. Nicholas Smith, author of Kicks: The Great American Story of Sneakers, shares how these once-humble athletic shoes became a defining part of our culture.

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How Blockbuster Nearly Beat Netflix and Changed Streaming Forever Sep 24, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Blockbuster was once the king of video rental stores, with thousands of locations across the world. At its peak, the company even had the chance to buy Netflix. Former Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes tells the story of how close the company came to surviving, and why it ultimately became a case study in missed opportunities.

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Winston Churchill on Success, Failure, and the Role of Education Sep 24, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Winston Churchill is remembered for his leadership during World War II, but his views on education reveal a different side of the man. Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College and a Churchill scholar, shares how Churchill’s schooling shaped his belief that education is about more than facts and rather preparing people to face both success and failure.

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Cat Got Your Tongue? and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Sep 24, 2025

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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, this time diving into how the phrase "cat got your tongue" came to be. His book, Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases, is a must-read. Be sure to check it out!

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The Needle in the Hand: A Grandmother’s Story That Became Family Legend Sep 24, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, some family stories fade with time, but others are told again and again until they become part of the fabric of memory. For Joy Neal Kidney’s grandmother, one such story involved an ordinary sewing needle and an extraordinary mishap.

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A Deputy’s Story of the Wreck That Changed His Life Forever Sep 23, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, life in law enforcement is filled with long nights, constant stress, and moments that never leave you. For Richard Muniz, one of those moments came during his time as a deputy in the Conejos County Sheriff’s Department. A wreck he responded to on duty became a turning point in his career and his life, leaving him to grapple with the unseen weight of police stress and the lasting impact of trauma. His story opens a window into the realities of the police work environment and the question of how officers cope when the job follows them home.

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Searching for Birth Parents: An Adoptee’s Journey of Family and Belonging Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, Eddie Willis grew up knowing he was adopted and never questioned it until he became a father himself. The birth of his own children sparked a need to understand his origins, leading him on a journey through closed adoption records and uncertainty. What he discovered was far more surprising than he ever imagined. Eddie shares his powerful story of identity, loss, and the meaning of family.

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George Washington and the Christmas Attack That Stunned the World Sep 23, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, on Christmas night in 1776, George Washington crossed the Delaware River and launched a daring surprise attack at Trenton that changed the course of the American Revolution. Against all odds, his army defeated the Hessian forces and revived the cause of independence when hope was at its lowest. Dr. Larry Arnn of Hillsdale College shares how Washington’s leadership turned a desperate gamble into one of the most important victories in American history.

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