Our American Stories

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Latest Episodes:

The Sweetheart of American Snacks: The “Little Debbie” Story Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, whether you're a diehard Cosmic Brownie fan or a lover of Zebra Cakes, Nutty Buddy bars, Star Crunch, or the seasonal Christmas Tree Cakes, Little Debbie is a brand you've likely seen time and time again on grocery store shelves across America. Sharing the story of Little Debbie is Simon Whistler from the “Today I Found Out” YouTube channel and its sister podcast, “The Brain Food Show.”

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The One College Football Run That Changed My Life Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, T.C. Stallings is best known for one of the most iconic runs in Louisville Cardinal football history: a game-winning overtime touchdown against the University of Kentucky. That play still defines his legacy on the field, and he calls it “one of the most significant events in my life.” But what most people don’t know is the powerful story behind that moment. Here he is, sharing it in his own words.

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The Unlikely Story of How the Bald Eagle Became America's Symbol Jun 17, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, how did a bird Benjamin Franklin once called “of bad moral character” become America’s national symbol? Jack E. Davis, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird, shares the surprising and inspiring backstory.

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The Day Elvis Tried to Join the DEA (And Nixon Kind of Let Him) Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story sounds like fiction. In December 1970, "The King" boarded a commercial flight to Washington, D.C. with a handwritten letter for President Nixon. His request? To be made a federal agent at large. Jerry Schilling, a close friend of Elvis, and the late Egil “Bud” Krogh, Assistant to the Counsel to the President, recount the unforgettable moment the most powerful man in the world and the most famous man in the world met. Special thanks to the U.S. National Archives for providing this audio, recorded during a 2010 roundtable discussion.

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How the USPS Stamped Itself onto American History Jun 17, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, The United States Postal Service was founded in 1792, and more than 230 years later, it remains a vital part of American life. But what many don’t know is that the idea of a national post office sparked intense debate among the Founding Fathers. Should the federal government even run the mail? Daniel Piazza of the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum shares the surprising story behind the birth of the USPS and how it became one of the most trusted institutions in America.

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A Father Wanted a Clean Hotel for His Family... So He Created Holiday Inn Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, before the 1950s, family road trips meant unreliable motels and tired parents hopping from place to place. After one frustrating trip, Kemmons Wilson decided to change that. He created Holiday Inn—the first family-friendly, standardized hotel chain in America. His son, Kemmons Wilson Jr., shares the story of how it all began.

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Paul’s Father’s Day Tribute to His Father and His Son Jun 16, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Bauer, a WCCO 830 listener from Minneapolis, Minnesota, shares two heartfelt Father’s Day stories—one about his father, and the other about his son.

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Leader of the Band: Dan Fogelberg's Love Song to His Father Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the canon of personal songs, "Leader of the Band" is one of the most treasured. The song is Fogelberg’s loving tribute to his musician father, Lawrence. Here's Dan himself with the story of the song—and the man.

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Michael Powell’s Final Thoughts for His Father, General Colin Powell Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, on November 5, 2021, a funeral service was held for General Colin Powell at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. He passed away at age 84 due to complications from COVID-19 while undergoing treatment for cancer. In this moving tribute, his son Michael shares heartfelt reflections on his father’s life and legacy.

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My Hero Father Needed No Star and No Cape Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, Roger Latham, a regular contributor from Fort Worth, Texas, shares the story of his father, a World War II fighter pilot and his personal hero.

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