Our American Stories

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There's no politics at Our American Stories, just stories. Daily bringing the campfire scene to your ears.

Our American Stories


    • Oct 4, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 2,718 EPISODES

    4.6 from 443 ratings Listeners of Our American Stories that love the show mention: new stories, favorite new podcast, please continue, lee, politics, american, great stories, history, enjoying, radio, wonderful, change, heart, review, keep up the good work, experience, enjoyed, nice, lot, found.



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    Latest episodes from Our American Stories

    The Heiress of "America's Billionaire King" Who Joined Her Terrorist-Abductors: The Story of Patty Hearst

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 10:49 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1974, Patricia Hearst—heiress of the William Randolph Hearst newspaper empire—was abducted by an American far-left militant organization… but she eventually joined their cause. Here to tell the story is Ashley Hlebinsky. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    I'm The Dentist In The Wheelchair

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 27:28 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, aHayden Perkins shares the story of his accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down—and how he chose to live his life. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Paul Harvey Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 38:16 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, born in small-town Oklahoma in 1918—Oklahoma had only been a state for 10 years—Paul Harvey's rural roots would shape his career, as would the murder of his father, a police officer. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Gospel of Gettysburg: The Story Behind the Story of the Gettysburg Address

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2023 10:49 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Lee Habeeb with the story behind the story of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Life Before Digital Photos: The Last Days of Kodachrome

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2023 19:28 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Dwayne's Photo in Parson's, Kansas is truly a family affair, and for a while it was an extraordinarily rare family affair...so rare that people from across the globe rushed there to get their kodachrome photos processed before the last chemicals in the world required to do it ran out. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Listener's Childhood Memory: Rollerskating In The Farmhouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2023 7:59 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, WHO Des Moines listener Joy Neal Kidney shares her memories of growing up in her family's farmhouse just outside of the small town of Dexter, Iowa. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Men of Extraordinarily High Caliber: The Story of America [Ep. 9]

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2023 30:17 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn how the framers of the Constitution were not ordinary men. Hillsdale College professor and author of Land of Hope Bill McClay tells the story of the start of the Constitutional Convention and how the men there set out to create a document meant to last. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Suffering Fueled His Greatness: John Hannah on What It Took to Be the Best Offensive Lineman of All Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2023 8:00 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from the guy Sports Illustrated said was the greatest offensive lineman of all time. Here's John Hannah sharing two moments in his life that pushed him towards excellence: One with his dad, the other with Bear Bryant. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Teacher Who Brought Him to the Heart of the Cold War -- and the Berlin Wall Itself

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 10:49 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Lawson Bader pays tribute to his late German teacher Erika for our "Final Thoughts" series. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Story of an American Golf Tradition: The Masters

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 19:29 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Julie Ferris, author of The Masters A to Z, brings us the story of the classic game of golf and the world's most important tournament, The Masters. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Horse Jumping Was Dull -- So They Jumped Mules

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 7:59 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, everyone knows that a horse can jump a good-sized fence - but the folks in Pea Ridge, Arkansas thought whether a mule could do it was much more interesting. Here's the story of how their unique competition started. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    I Would Kill People for Money... But Then God Gave Me Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 30:17 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Corum, author of The Ultimate Pardon, tells the story of how he went from being an enforcer of the Kansas City underworld—to becoming a prison minister. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Media Titan Shares Stories of Mentors Who Impacted His Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 7:59 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Citadel Communications President and former ABC Board of Governors Director Ray Cole shares the stories of the people who impacted him the most over his long career. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    he Most Famous Abolitionist You Never Heard Of: The Story of Thomas Shipley

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 10:49 Transcription Available


    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. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    He Joined the Army in His 40s... to Die

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 27:27 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Ken Scar joined the army in his 40s... more or less as a way to kill himself. He ended up finding new purpose in life. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Dad's Gift to His Children with Down Syndrome: An Ice Cream Truck?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 20:18 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Joel Wegener and his wife are blessed with 10 children, 2 of which were diagnosed with Down Syndrome. In his quest to find a fun way to teach them life skills, Joel happened upon the idea of running an ice cream truck. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Men Who Tried to Steal Lincoln's Corpse

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 17:58 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, when Lincoln was laid to rest, he certainly didn't do so in peace. Louis Picone tells the story of Lincoln's post-mortem experience. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Centerline: The Surprising History of Lane Markings

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 10:49 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, when it comes to infrastructure that helps keep us safe while we drive, perhaps the greatest cost to benefit ratio on the saving lives front has to be painted lane lines on roads. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    "On The Wagon" & "Once In A Blue Moon" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 16)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 9:29 Transcription Available


    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. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Woman Who Sneaked Into George Washington's Army

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 9:59 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Deborah Sampson became a hero of the American Revolution when she disguised herself as a man and joined the Patriot forces. Here to tell her story is the author of Deborah Sampson: The Girl Who Went to War. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Story of How Railroads (Not Government) Created Time Zones

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 7:59 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, China runs on just a single time zone; in America, we have four: Pacific, Mountain, Central and Eastern, but we used to have thousands! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Lincoln's Last Trip Back to Springfield

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 38:16 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, you've heard us tell the story of Abraham Lincoln's train ride to Washington for his inauguration. This is the story of his train ride home to his final resting place. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    I Was Bored In Grad School, So I Joined The Navy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 10:49 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn about the Senator who started out as a forward air controller in The Vietnam War Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Best Lawyer In a One-Lawyer Town

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 9:29 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk knows when to start a case on behalf of others... and has learned when to rest. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Civil War Soldier Who Risked His Life to Give Water To His Enemies

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 17:58 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Richard Hood takes us to the Battle of Fredericksburg and tells a story about compassion in the midst of America's deadliest war. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 38:16 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of how one man got his American Dream stitched into a pair of blue jeans. Lynn Downey (Levi Strauss & Co. historian) is here to tell the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Screwdriver Wars

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2023 10:49 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, the differing fates of the Robertson and the Phillips head screwdrivers demonstrate that innovation is intimately tied to historical events. Here's The History Guy with the story of the screwdriver wars.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Dana Mitch: I Was Detached About My Family's Holocaust Story....Until I Went to Buchenwald

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2023 9:29 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Dana Mitch tells the story of her trip to Buchenwald, the largest concentration camp on German soil, and how she reconnected with her family because of it.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    My Mother Had Me at 16, But That Didn't Change a Thing

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2023 9:59 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, we hear the story of Alan Brown and his mother.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Story of KFC & Colonel Sanders

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2023 7:59 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Colonel Sanders did something that no other restaurant founder dared to do — he became his company's own mascot and brand ambassador! Here to share the story of KFC and a little about who Colonel Sanders was is Adam Chandler, author of Drive Thru Dreams.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    kfc colonel sanders adam chandler
    Heart-Washing: My Antidote to 14 Years of Brainwashing in a Communist Prison

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 30:17 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1948, Richard Wurmbrand publicly stated Communism and Christianity were incompatible. As a result, he was imprisoned and tortured by the Communist régime of Romania. After serving a total of fourteen years, he and his wife Sabina—who had also been imprisoned— were ransomed for $10,000 and immigrated to America. Richard Wurmbrand founded the international organization Voice of the Martyrs and spoke throughout the United States. What you are about to hear is one of those talks.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    When "Neutral" America Occupied "Neutral" Iceland During WWII

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 7:59 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Iceland's strategic location made it difficult to remain neutral during World War II. Here's the History Guy with the story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Outsiders: House of Pain Rapper Restores House from Coppola's Movie

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 30:17 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, since being released in 1983, Francis Ford Coppola's film adaptation of S.E. Hinton's coming-of-age novel The Outsiders has found continued popularity and has achieved official cult status. And now, in what is surely one of the most interesting pop culture intersections of all time, hip-hop artist Danny Boy O'Connor from the rap group House of Pain—best known for their iconic 1992 anthem “Jump Around”—purchased the Tulsa, Oklahoma home where much of The Outsiders' film was shot. Here to tell this story is Danny Boy O'Connor himself.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The First Martyr of the Abolition Movement: 100 Bible Verses That Made America

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 7:59 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know the role that the Bible played in shaping our country. Our Founding Fathers—both Christian and non-Christian—were heavily influenced by the Bible. Here to share another story is Robert Morgan, who is the author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Story of Charleston: The Way Life Used to Be, And Perhaps, Is Supposed to Be

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 20:18 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Tommy Dew's Walking Tour of Charleston, SC, has been praised and recommended by the likes of The Wall Street Journal and TripAdvisor. Tommy is here to share the story of Charleston—from the American Revolution to today.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Brett Favre on Humility, Aging, and Faith (Pt. 4 of 5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 9:59 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what's known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler sat down with Brett Favre in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home where Brett shared stories about humility, aging, and faith, in this fourth part of his five part series.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Story of How "Women and Children First" Came to Be

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 7:59


    On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers the Birkenhead Disaster and explains where the protocol "women and children first" was first used.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ex-Slave Booker T. Washington and His Bridge Forward (Told By His Great-Granddaughter)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 38:16 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, as the great-granddaughter of Booker T. Washington, the former slave-turned famous educator, and founder of Tuskegee University, Sarah Washington O'Neal Rush has been influenced by her great-grandfather's rise above slavery, his relentless stand on inner strength, and his principles on personal development. Here she is to tell her story (from her book "Rising Up From the Ashes"), as well as her great grandfather's.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    I Came to New York City Dead: The Story of Sarah Gonzalez's Redemption

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 20:18 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, coping with the loss of her father as a child, total rebellion could not stop God from pursuing Sarah Gonzalez—even after spending her time partaking in activities designed to instill hatred towards others. Sarah is here to share her story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    "Hunky Dory" & "Hedge Your Bets" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 9)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 9:59 Transcription Available


    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.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How Johnny Carson Saved Twister

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 7:59 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, the Milton Bradley game was about to be pulled from the shelves. Author Christopher Klein tells the story of how the late night talk host saved this iconic brand.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1945 Empire State Building B-25 Crash

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 10:49 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, in July 1945, a U.S. B-25 Mitchell got lost in heavy fog over Manhattan. Here's The History Guy remembering the B-25 Empire State Building Crash.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Making Peace With My Sister's Killer

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 27:27 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeanne Bishop tells us the story of the brutal murders of her beloved family members… and how a change of heart changed her life and so many others. Read her book for the full story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Bruce Wang, All-American: The Chinese Cowboy With A Southern Accent

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 20:18 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Bruce may be Chinese-born, but as you are about to hear, he's all American.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    “Soft and Weak” Americans Try Stopping Nazis in 1943 (Stephen Ambrose)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 17:58 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story from Stephen Ambrose begins in early 1943—With America's first major defeat during the Second World War.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mike Eruzione: The Making of a Miracle

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 10:49 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Eruzione—the captain of the 1980 U.S Men's Olympic "Miracle on Ice" Hockey Team—recounts the unlikely circumstances that led to his amazing career on ice, the legendary upset against the Soviets, his game-winning goal, and winning the gold medal.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Buffalo Bill Cody: A Legend in His Own Time, and in Ours

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 27:27 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, was "Buffalo Bill" Cody a real-life hero, or was he a fake? Tune in to find out!  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Love and Sacrifice: The Navy's Jackie Robinson (Told by His Granddaughter)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 20:18 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of America's first Black Naval Aviator, Jesse Leroy Brown. There's a movie dedicated to him called "Devotion," based on the book of the same name by our regular contributor, Adam Makos. The story is also about Thomas Hudner, who received the Medal of Honor for trying to Jesse's life. Here to tell the story is Jesse's granddaughter, Jessica Leroyce Knight Henry.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    "Run Amuck" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 20)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 9:59 Transcription Available


    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.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Family Lived in the New York Public Library?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 7:59 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, our audience loved Kristin O'Donnell Tubb's wonderful story from her historical fiction book John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy. So we asked if she would share another story with us. Here she is telling the story of the family that lived in the New York Public Library.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Untold Story of Christopher Columbus

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 30:17 Transcription Available


    On this episode of Our American Stories, for generations, students in American elementary schools were taught Christopher Columbus “sailed the ocean blue” to discover America in 1492. Today, that lesson is changing in schools across the suburbs and country. Here to tell the story of Christopher Columbus is Laurence Bergreen, who wrote the definitive biography Columbus: The Four Voyages.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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