Our American Stories

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The Black Medal of Honor Recipient Who Bombed His Own Hideout to Save Lives Jul 01, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, John Robert Fox's last recorded words, radioed from his hideout in the besieged Italian mountain village of Sommocolonia, were: "Fire it! There's more of them than there are of us. Give them hell!" Seconds later, Allied artillery rained down on both him and the advancing German troops. For his heroic actions, First Lt. Fox was posthumously awarded our nation's highest honor for valor—the Medal of Honor. But that recognition wouldn’t come until decades later. Kirk Higgins of the Bill of Rights Institute shares the story.

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The Weapon to End All Wars: The Story of Richard Gatling and His Gun Jul 01, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Gatling hoped that the tremendous power of his new Civil War weapon would discourage large-scale battles and reveal the true folly of war. Here to share the story is Ashley Hlebinsky, one of the nation's foremost firearms experts and former curator of the Cody Firearms Museum.

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The Surprising Story of the World's First Billionaire: John D. Rockefeller Jun 30, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, John D. Rockefeller had a highly unusual childhood. His father, known as “Devil Bill,” was a smooth-talking snake oil salesman, while his mother was a devout and disciplined Christian who taught John to work hard, save diligently, and give generously to charity. Often demonized as a so-called Robber Baron, Rockefeller reshaped America by building an industry around the world’s most important resource: oil. Sharing the story is Burt Folsom, author of The Myth of the Robber Barons—special thanks to Young America’s Foundation for providing this audio.

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How an Ex-Slave and His White Abolitionist Sidekick Rescued Slaves, Taunted Slavers, and Gave the "Underground Railroad" Its Name Jun 30, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Scott Shane shares the true story of Thomas Smallwood, a man born into slavery who became one of the first to write about and name the “Underground Railroad.” Risking everything, Smallwood teamed up with white abolitionist Charles Torrey to help enslaved families escape from Washington, D.C., and Maryland, openly mocking slave catchers in the press as he did it.

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California Softens Criminal Laws—Skid Row Officer Responds with "Ladies' Night" Jun 30, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph shares a vivid story about how he helped the women living on L.A.'s notorious Skid Row.

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The Missionary Who Returned with Her Toddler to the Cannibal Tribe That Killed Her Husband Jun 27, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Witness:

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Empathy is Not Optional: The Story of Mike Leven's Brutal Law Professor Jun 27, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp.—one of the greatest hoteliers of all time and a legend in the business. He’s also what you might call a “wise man.” In this story, Mike shares what he learned from an uncaring law professor.

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The Whittaker Chambers Story: From Soviet Spy to American Cold War Hero Jun 27, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Witness: A True Story of Soviet Spies in America and the Trial That Captivated the Nation is one of the best-selling books in the United States during the 20th century, yet it is almost unknown to most Americans today. Greg Forster, on behalf of the Acton Institute, is here to tell the story.

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Me, Pre, and the Birth of Nike Jun 26, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, since its founding in 1972, Nike has employed nearly half a million people, but only four have outlasted Steve Bence. Bence was a University of Oregon track athlete, a teammate of the legendary Steve Prefontaine, and an early insider at Nike. He’s also the author of 1972: Pre, UO Track, Nike Shoes, and My Life with Them All. Today, he shares his remarkable story.

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The Remarkable Life of Abe's Son, Robert Todd Lincoln—Lost in His Father’s Shadow Jun 26, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Todd Lincoln, the only one of Abraham Lincoln’s four sons to survive into adulthood, is often overshadowed by his legendary father. Yet Robert led a remarkable life of his own, serving as U.S. Secretary of War, Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and president of the Pullman Company. The History Guy shares his story.

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