Our American Stories

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Latest Episodes:

A Father’s Note to His “Timeless” Daughter…Who Functions at a Toddler Level Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richmond, VA radio host Jeff Katz shares a note that his daughter won't ever read, but will surely impact your life for the better

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Before Mary Kay, There Was Madam C.J. Walker—The First Self-Made Female Millionaire Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, born on the land of the former plantation where her parents were enslaved, Madam C.J. Walker married young, had a child young, became a widow young, and got a divorce young. She also created, out of necessity, a revolutionary hair care product that changed the world, and her life. Here's her great-great-great-granddaughter, A'lelia Bundles, with the story.

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Why Cincinnati is Named After George Washington...and a Roman Farmer Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, King George III, upon hearing that George Washington planned to resign from his military commission and return to his plow stated; "If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world." George Washington wasn't the first man to do this though—he was simply following in the footsteps of another farmer, statesman, and victorious general from ancient Rome—Cincinnatus. Here's Professor Kenneth Calvert of Hillsdale College to tell the story of how these two men connect and why Cincinnati is named in honor of both of them.

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The Tone Deaf, Bad Poet Who Wrote the National Anthem Jan 17, 2025

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Francis “Frank” Scott Key was not someone you would have picked to write our national anthem… but he did...right after one of America’s great military victories.

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Rosa Parks, In Her Own Words: The Woman Who Challenged Segregation and Changed the World Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of the woman who said "no" to giving up her seat on a segregated Alabama bus is widely known. But here to tell the raw, real story, is Rosa Parks herself.

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Guitar Virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel: I Came To America Because Everything Here Is Better Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, born in Australia, Tommy Emmanuel fell in love with American country guitar legend, Chet Atkins. The rest, as they say, is history—Tommy explains. We'll be playing his music throughout this story.

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The Pastor Who Tried To Kill Hitler: Bonhoeffer Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dietrich Bonhoeffer left the safety of American soil to oppose Hitler—at any cost. Eric Metaxas, the New York Times best-selling author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy joins us to tell Bonhoeffer's remarkable life story.

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When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi [TWIH Green Bay Wins First Superbowl] Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, during this week in 1967, the Green Bay Packers won the first NFL-AFL championship game (now called the Superbowl) under head coach Vince Lombardi. More than any other sports figure, Vince Lombardi transformed football into a metaphor for the American experience. Our guest David Maraniss (author of When Pride Still Mattered), captures all of Lombardi: the myth, the man, his game, and his God.

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Michael Powell’s Final Thoughts For His Father, General Colin Powell Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, a funeral service was held on Nov. 5, 2021, for General Colin Powell at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Powell died from COVID-19 complications amid an ongoing battle with cancer. He was 84. Here’s his son Michael speaking at his father’s funeral service.

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Chef Boyardee: American Hero Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Our American Stories, Chef “Hector” Boiardi was just 16 when he arrived at Ellis Island. What happens after his landing is remarkable!

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