Our American Stories

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Latest Episodes:

The Story of America: When the South Became the South [Ep. 25] Jul 09, 2026

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On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 25th episode of our ongoing Story of Us—Story of America series, Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, answers a simple question: When did the South become the South? The answer lies in the rise of King Cotton, the expansion of slavery, and the transformation of an entire region. As cotton made the South the wealthiest part of the young nation, it also bound its economy, culture, and politics ever more tightly to slavery.
McClay shares the story of how the South's growing dependence on slavery put it on a tragic collision course with the ideals of the American founding, making political compromise increasingly impossible and the coming of the Civil War ever more likely.

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The Real Winnie the Pooh: A.A. Milne’s Story Behind the Bear Jul 09, 2026

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On this episode of Our American Stories, before Winnie the Pooh became a Disney character, he was the creation of A.A. Milne, first brought to life in the Evening News on Christmas Eve, 1925. Inspired by his son, Christopher Robin, and a teddy bear named Edward, Milne wrote stories that blended the innocence of childhood with the timeless appeal of friendship. Illustrated by E.H. Shepard, Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner quickly became classics, ranking among the most beloved children’s stories of the 20th century.

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The Needle That Changed Grandma's Hand Forever Jul 09, 2026

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On this episode of Our American Stories, during the Great Depression, a simple sewing accident turned into a month-long ordeal for Joy Neal Kidney's grandmother. A broken needle lodged in her hand led to multiple trips to the doctor, surgery, and weeks of recovery at a time when money was scarce, transportation was limited, and even getting medical care was a challenge.
Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of one small family mishap that reveals what everyday life in rural America was really like during the Great Depression. Be sure to check out her book Leora's Dexter Storiesfor more great family history like this.

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Mary Surratt: The Woman at the Center of the Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy Jul 08, 2026

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On this episode of Our American Stories, in the weeks after Abraham Lincoln's assassination, authorities hunted not only John Wilkes Booth but also anyone suspected of aiding him. Among the accused was Mary Surratt, a widowed boardinghouse owner in Washington. Investigators claimed her home was the meeting place where the plot to kill the president took shape. The evidence was thin, the public mood was unforgiving, and her trial became a national spectacle.
By July 1865, Mary Surratt stood on the gallows, becoming the first woman ever executed by the U.S. government. Kate Clifford Larson, author of The Assassin's Accomplice, shares the story. We'd like to thank the U.S. National Archives for allowing us access to this audio.

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She Failed Third Grade Twice. Then Everything Changed. Jul 08, 2026

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On this episode of Our American Stories, born to a teenage mother in one of Jacksonville's toughest neighborhoods, Denisha Allen spent much of her childhood moving between homes, failing in school, and believing she had no future. By the fifth grade, she had repeated third grade twice and was on the path toward becoming another dropout.
Then a remarkable godmother, a scholarship to a small Christian school, and a handful of teachers who refused to give up on her changed everything. Today, Denisha works to help other at-risk children find the same opportunities that transformed her life. It's a powerful story about the life-changing impact of love, education, and adults who choose to invest in a child.

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Harvard's Christian Origins: 100 Bible Verses That Made America Jul 08, 2026

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On this episode of Our American Stories, before Harvard became one of the world's most prestigious universities, it was founded with a very different purpose: to educate ministers and ensure that future generations could read, understand, and teach the Bible. Scripture shaped the school's earliest curriculum, its mission, and even its student handbook.
As part of our ongoing 100 Bible Verses That Made America series, Robert Morgan shares the remarkable story of Harvard's Christian origins and explains how faith helped lay the foundation not only for America's first college, but for higher education throughout the colonies.

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The Man Who Built the World’s First Action Figure Museum Jul 07, 2026

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On this episode of Our American Stories, what began as one boy's love of action figures grew into a career designing toys for some of the world's biggest brands, and eventually into the world's first museum dedicated entirely to action figures. Today, more than 13,000 figures fill the shelves, from superheroes and movie icons to historic military displays, each one telling a story of imagination and craftsmanship.
Museum founder Kevin Stark shares how a lifetime of collecting became a place where visitors don't just rediscover old toys, but reconnect with the memories and wonder of childhood.

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John Marshall: The Farmer’s Son Who Became America’s Greatest Chief Justice Jul 07, 2026

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On this episode of Our American Stories, before John Marshall, the Supreme Court was still finding its place in the new American government. By the time he was done, it had the power to declare laws unconstitutional, and entrepreneurs had the legal framework they needed to help build a nation. Marshall's landmark decision in Marbury v. Madison established judicial review, forever changing the role of the Court.
Yet beyond the bench, Marshall was a man of simple pleasures, devoted to quoits, wine, and his hero, George Washington. Richard Brookhiser, author of John Marshall: The Man Who Made the Supreme Court, shares the story of the Chief Justice who defined the Court's authority and left a lasting mark on American history. We'd like to thank the U.S. National Archives for allowing us access to this audio.

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The Kindest Tattoo Shop in America Jul 07, 2026

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Tammy Harris always dreamed of making a living as an artist. After becoming a single mother, she traded that dream for factory work to support her daughter. Years later, she found her calling in an unlikely place: a tattoo shop.
Today, Tammy and her husband run their business with one guiding principle: people come first. Whether it's talking young customers out of tattoos they'll regret, creating deeply personal artwork that others refuse to do, or providing free restorative tattoos for breast cancer survivors, Tammy believes integrity matters more than profit. It's a remarkable story about art, ethics, and changing lives one tattoo at a time.

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The Christian Who Integrated Baseball: Branch Rickey Jul 07, 2026

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On this episode of Our American Stories, most Americans know Jackie Robinson as the man who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier. Few know the story of Branch Rickey, the Brooklyn Dodgers executive whose Christian faith convinced him that segregation in baseball was morally wrong and that he had a responsibility to do something about it.
Inspired by Abraham Lincoln and the teachings of Christ, Rickey set out to change America's pastime despite fierce public opposition. Our own Lee Habeeb shares the remarkable story of the man whose convictions helped transform baseball and the country.

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