Our American Stories

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Latest Episodes:

How Nike Took a Bet on a College Basketball Player From North Carolina and Won Mar 25, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, at the time, no one knew just how great Michael Jordan would be in the NBA, but one underdog sneaker company—yes, Nike was an underdog then—decided to take a chance on him. However, the true turning point came when they focused on a rising director: Spike Lee. The rest is history.

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The Untold Story of Steve McQueen: Born This Week in History [1930] Mar 25, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Steve McQueen expert, Marshall Terrill, tells the story of the life of the undisputed "King of Cool".

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From Idi Amin's Uganda to Texas: One Man's Story of Survival and Faith Mar 24, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Dennis Sempebwa shares how his faith propelled him from war-torn Uganda to America—and beyond.

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The Surprising Story of Baseball's Most Famous Brothers: The DiMaggio Brothers Mar 24, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the story of the DiMaggio brothers is the 4-times New York Times bestselling author, Tom Clavin—author of The DiMaggios.

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The Story of Secretariat’s Owner, Penny Chenery (As Told by the Director of “Secretariat,” Randall Wallace) Mar 24, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Randall Wallace is the writer and director of films such as Braveheart, We Were Soldiers, The Man in the Iron Mask, Heaven Is for Real, Pearl Harbor, and Secretariat. Today, he shares a story about Penny Chenery, the owner of the 1973 Triple Crown winner—a Thoroughbred named Secretariat.

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The MLB Pitcher Who Survived a Lightning Strike and Finished the Game Mar 24, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Ray Caldwell put on a Cleveland Indians uniform for the first time that fateful day—and none of the 20,000 fans at League Park had any idea they were about to witness something beyond belief. We'd like to thank Nick Ragone, host of the popular YouTube channel This Date in History with Nick Ragone, for sharing this incredible story with us.

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The American Sniper Other American Snipers Look Up To Mar 21, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, long before Chris Kyle wrote American Sniper—later adapted into Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-nominated film—Carlos Hathcock had already cemented his status as a legendary marksman. Known for his efficiency and fearlessness during the Vietnam War, Hathcock wore a white feather on his gear, boldly challenging Communist forces to find him. Here's his remarkable story.

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The Improbable Story of How the Wright Brothers Changed World History Mar 21, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, much was at stake in this first space race. Nations and top scientists across the globe pursued the elusive goal of powered flight, but two bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio - brothers with their scant resources...made it happen. This is their story.

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"Tie the Knot" & "Black Balled" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 23) Mar 21, 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. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases.

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The Most Famous Abolitionist You Never Heard Of: The Story of Thomas Shipley Mar 21, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Shipley always sprang into action to defend black men and women from abuses and professional kidnappers. He infiltrated murderous mobs, warned would-be victims, and testified against ringleaders throughout his life. Here's his remarkable story.

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