Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories , the mansion she built is world-renowned, as much for its many design curiosities and innovations as it is for the reported paranormal activity. Here to tell the story is Ashley Hlebinsky, the former co-host of Discovery Channel’s “Master of Arms,” the former curator in charge of the Cody Firearms Museum, and president of The Gun Code, LLC. Support the show...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Mary Mikami was a Japanese American born in Alaska. Learn about her acceptance and achievements. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories , in the 1870s, the American West was a refuge for outcasts as the nation recovered from the Civil War. In fact, life was so hard that 80-percent of the population was under 30. It was in this harsh and lawless place where a legend was forged. Roger McGrath tells the story of Billy The Kid. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Historical truths often emerge with time. Early on, a hush descended over 1692-1693 Salem Witch Trials for generations. Then came playwright Arthur Miller, who made off with the story, or at least his version of it. Since 1953, The Crucible has become the culturally-accepted storyline that has come to define American Puritans and the city of Salem itself....

On this episode of Our American Stories , Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike with a story about what he learned from his unseemly college law professor. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: htt...

On this episode of Our American Stories , as a young boy, Minnesota listener Jim Johnson sold hotdogs for the Minnesota Twins. This is his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories , in the 1980s, the Packers stadium had a kid’s-only section for kids between the 5th and 8th grades. During Jon Elfner’s 8th grade year he not only saw every game—he also fell in love. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 t...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph shares vivid, compelling stories of one constant struggle for police, and for communities: The care and safety of those with mental health battles. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories , the framers of the Constitution took many things into account while creating the document—including our own natural instincts to fight. Dr. Bill McClay tells the story of how the Constitution was designed with our most partisan attributes in mind. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories....

On this episode of Our American Stories , in 1863 Bernard John Dowling Irwin received the first Medal of Honor by date-of-conflict—for his heroism during the Apache War. The History Guy tells the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See...

On this episode of Our American Stories , a former high powered media executive shares the story of how the 37-year horse racing Triple Crown drought broken in 2015 brought back a flood of memories of Sundays at the track with his Dad. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Leslie Leyland Fields tells the story of how she came to write her memoir. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories , in this episode of the Mclalan Files, Bob brings us the story of his father’s death. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories , we've come a long way very quickly. Johan Norberg, author of Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future tells the story of why we're living in the best moment in human history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Bill Toti tells us the story of his experience with Admiral Hyman Rickover and the impact he had in the Navy. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories , Fort Wayne is named after him...and so is the county where Detroit is. There's a reason for that. Dr. Mary Stockwell, author of Mad Anthony Wayne and the Battle for America tells the story of the colorful general who helped us win our independence—and the Northwest Territories. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show:...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Jim McCloskey grew up in church, but as he got older, he wanted nothing to do with his childhood faith. After a successful business career, Jim found himself feeling empty. He decided to return to church, and to his surprise, began considering seminary—which would lead him to a jail cell with an innocent man in it. Support the show (https://www.ouramerican...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Tom and Lillian Lyons married in 1946. They lived a long and loving life raising a family on the south side of Chicago. Lillian was singing opera professionally when she and Tom met, and it was her voice that first made Tom fall in love. After Lillian’s death, an unexpected discovery would reunite Tom with Lillian’s voice on Tom’s 97th birthday for one las...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Bill Daniels, the godfather of cable TV, shares the story of paying back bankruptcy creditors… even though he had no legal obligation to do so. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories , at a time when she needed it most, Fawn Weaver happened upon the story of Uncle Nathan "Nearest" Green, the former slave who taught Jack Daniels how to make whiskey. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories , as part of our True Diversity Series with Philanthropy Roundtable, we tell the story of Patrice Onwuka, who was born in Montserrat, moved to a town outside of Boston, and lived her American dream—from watching political pundits on TV to becoming one. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstori...

On this episode of Our American Stories , John Busbee shares the story of how an Iowa family lost all 6 of their boys during America's bloodiest conflict. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudi...