Our American Stories

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Latest Episodes:

Weapons of WWII with Stephen Ambrose: Shermans, Tigers, and Panthers Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, in World War I, tanks were considered support tools. But by World War II, they had become the centerpiece of ground warfare. Historian Stephen Ambrose explains how German engineering produced the deadly Tiger and Panther tanks — and why the American Sherman became known as the “Queen of the Battlefield.”

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Doc Holliday's Woman, Big Nose Kate, and the Untold Story of the West’s Most Misunderstood Lady Jul 14, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, known to history as Big Nose Kate, Mary Katherine Horony was more than a footnote in Doc Holliday’s life. She was a trained nurse, a sharp-tongued survivor, and a force in her own right. Her story is a window into the grit and resilience of women in the American West. The History Guy shares the true story of this often misunderstood icon of the Wild West.

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"White Elephant" & "Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

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 Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases. This time, Andrew explores the backstories of phrases like “white elephant” and “wear your heart on your sleeve,” among others.

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The Story of the First Asian American to Command an Army Division Jul 14, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Major General James Mukoyama shares his remarkable journey from a blue-collar neighborhood in Chicago to becoming the first Asian American to command a U.S. Army division. The journey didn’t come easily, requiring strength, leadership, resilience, and the courage to break down barriers. His book is Faith, Family & Flag: Memoirs of an Unlikely American Samurai Crusader.

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The Time I Nearly Died in Pilot Training Jul 11, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, during a high-stakes flight, pilot trainee Peter Braxton lost control of his aircraft and almost didn’t live to tell the tale. That near-death experience would prepare him for something no one could have imagined: becoming the first Air Force pilot airborne over the Twin Towers on 9/11. Here’s Peter with the story.

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The Story of Justice Scalia: From His Immigrant Roots to the Highest Court in the Land (Pt. 2) Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, James Rosen, author of Scalia: Rise to Greatness, shares the story of Antonin Scalia’s unlikely but inevitable rise to the U.S. Supreme Court. His family, faith, and immigrant roots were the drivers of his unwavering belief in the Constitution, which, in turn, led to him becoming one of the most impactful judges in American history.

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The Race That Sealed Secretariat's Legacy: The Story of the 1973 Belmont Stakes Jul 11, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, no horse had claimed the Triple Crown in 25 years until Secretariat lined up at the Belmont. What happened next stunned the world. With the crowd on its feet, Secretariat sprinted into history, delivering a performance so dominant it’s still studied today. This is the story of the race that made him a legend and forever changed the sport. Our own Lee Habeeb shares the story.

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“Son of a Gun” & “Steal My Thunder” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

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 covering the phrases “son of a gun” and “steal my thunder.” 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 Black WWII Hero Who Swam Through Shark-Infested Waters to Rescue His Crew Jul 11, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, when the USS Gregory was attacked and left sinking in the Pacific, Navy mess attendant Charles Jackson French jumped into shark-infested waters with a rope around his waist, dragging a raft full of wounded white sailors to safety for six straight hours. Bruce Wigo, former CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, shares the true story of one of WWII’s most overlooked acts of bravery by a Black serviceman.

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How Patrick Henry Saved America from Its First Civil War Jul 10, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington may have led America's army to independence, but he needed help in the aftermath of victory. Long before the Civil War, the United States nearly fractured during the battle over the Constitution — and it was Patrick Henry who stood firm and helped steer the country away from conflict. Here’s the remarkable story.

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