Our American Stories

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Latest Episodes:

Surviving Persecution: Mariam Ibrahim’s Journey from Sudan to America Jul 25, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, what does freedom of religion really mean? For Mariam Ibrahim, it meant the difference between life and death. Born in Sudan and sentenced to execution for her Christian faith, Mariam escaped religious persecution and built a new life with her family in the U.S. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the cost of belief—and the courage it takes to live it.

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How the Comstock Lode Created America’s First Silver Millionaires Jul 25, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, before Silicon Valley and the oil booms, there was the Comstock Lode. Nevada’s legendary silver discovery created the Silver Kings: John Mackay, James Fair, William O'Brien, and James Flood, four men who rose from poverty to unimaginable wealth. Historian Roger McGrath shares how this once-remote mining camp became the epicenter of one of the most powerful fortunes in U.S. history.

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The Big Four Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad Jul 25, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, before America had coast-to-coast rail lines, four men risked everything to make it possible. Known as the Big Four, they built the Central Pacific Railroad and played a crucial role in completing the first transcontinental railroad. Historian Roger McGrath shares how Leland Stanford, Charles Crocker, Collis P. Huntington, and Mark Hopkins changed the course of American history with steel, vision, and sheer determination.

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The First Pilot at Ground Zero Recalls His First Jobs Jul 25, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Peter Braxton’s first day as a military pilot began in the skies above Ground Zero on 9/11. But that was just one of several first jobs that shaped his life. From high-stakes missions to everyday roles in civilian life, Peter reflects on the early experiences that defined who he is today.

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Inside D-Day: How America Prepared for the Largest Land Invasion in History Jul 24, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, on June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched the Normandy landings in the boldest military campaign of the war. Behind that historic moment was a massive effort built over months of planning, coordination, and sacrifice. Historian Stephen Ambrose walks us through how D-Day came together, from the first strategies to the final push, and explains what the invasion meant for the course of World War II.

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Why Boston Stood by Edwin Booth After His Brother Killed Lincoln Jul 24, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, after John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln, his name became synonymous with betrayal. But his brother, Edwin Booth, was already one of the most celebrated actors in America, and Boston wasn’t ready to turn its back on him and his family. Historian Christopher Klein shares the story of how the city rallied around the Booth family, even as the shadow of the Lincoln assassination threatened to erase their legacy.

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"Gung-Ho & Cheesy Smile" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Jul 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 phrases like "gung-ho" and "cheesy smile" came to be. His book, Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases, is full of these fascinating stories. Be sure to check it out!

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The Secret Cold War Collision the Pentagon Never Wanted Out Jul 24, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, during a tense moment in Cold War history, a Soviet submarine surfaced directly beneath the USS Kitty Hawk and crashed into its hull. The Navy called it an “encounter,” but the reality was far more dangerous. The History Guy shares this forgotten incident between two nuclear powers, and the high-stakes silence that followed.

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She Was Japanese American During WWII, but Her Story Was Very Different Jul 24, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, while her parents were among the many unjustly sent to internment camps during World War II, Mary Mikami and her siblings remained free. Mary rose to the top of her class, earned a doctorate from Yale, and built a life marked by quiet strength and achievement. Historian Preston Jones shares her powerful story.

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One Man's Journey to Find His Fallen WWII Airman Uncle in France Jul 24, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, after his uncle Charles was shot down in a B-24 bomber over Europe during World War II, Chuck Kissling grew up hearing only pieces of the story. For decades, Chuck carried the weight of that loss, hoping to one day find his uncle’s grave and honor his sacrifice. Chuck joins us to share the journey that finally brought him to his uncle’s grave in France and gave him the connection he’d spent a lifetime searching for.

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