Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories , Thomas Jefferson is often known for championing religious freedom in our nation's infancy, but not many people know about how a preacher thanked him in the most unusual way. 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 , escaping the horrors of World War II in Croatia, Tony Maglica's flashlights are proudly made in America—and his dreams were too. 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 college, Steve Stoliar’s dad wanted him to get a job, but Steve didn’t want to work at Taco Bell… so he called up Groucho Marx. 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 story itself is the stuff of legends...a sunken steamboat, buried treasure, and the drive of a group of HVAC repairmen to become "rich beyond rich," even if it meant going into over a million dollars worth of debt. Matt Hawley tells the story of his family's quest to dig up the steamboat Arabia from the middle of a cornfield. Support the show (https://...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Sgt. Joe L. Wrightsman was not only Lance Cpl. (ret.) Tom Morton's mentor, he was a hero of the highest caliber who died trying to save an Afghani Police Officer from drowning in the Helmand River. Here's Tom to tell the story of the worst day of his life, and how he came to find peace after it. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)...

On this episode of Our American Stories , after moving to a farm in Mississippi from Tampa, Florida, Jake Keiser didn't know what to expect. Thankfully, her neighbors had her back. 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 , grabbing a basket while grocery shopping may seem second nature today, but the idea was once groundbreaking. And that was far from the only thing that changed when Piggly Wiggly—the first modern American supermarket—opened over 100 years ago. Mike Freeman is the author of Clarence Saunders & the Founding of Piggly Wiggly: The Rise and Fall of a Memphis...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Tom Zoellner purchased a diamond engagement ring and proposed. His girlfriend said "yes," and then, suddenly, walked out of his life, making Tom the owner of a used engagement ring. Instead of hitting the self-help shelves of his local bookstore, he hit the road to discover the true worth of this shining gem. Then he wrote The Heartless Stone. Support the...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Dr. Seuss was raised as a Lutheran and had a strong religious background. His books often included strong moral messages… but, he was always very careful with how he went about it. Here to share a bit about Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax” and “The Grinch” is Brian Jay Jones, author of Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination. Su...

On this episode of Our American Stories , an American candy store in 1900 looked very different than it does today. Candy was a special treat sold almost exclusively in candy stores. Even though there were plenty of sweets to choose from, Milton Hershey knew the one thing that was missing: chocolate. Chocolate was sold in Europe, and only a very few affluent Americans had ever tried it. Here to te...

On this episode of Our American Stories , today, we don't think twice about pulling up at a drive-thru and grabbing a quick meal. But this idea was once unheard-of. Adam Chandler, author of Drive-Thru Dreams, brings us the story of fast food in our country and how it became a part of everyday American life. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www....

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 , in 1966, an SR-71 "Blackbird" disintegrated at 78,000 feet. The pilot's first thought was "No one could live through what just happened". Therefore, I must be dead." 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 , despite all his Hollywood fame and acting acclaim, Jimmy Stewart always said his greatest honor of his life was serving his country in WWII. Dr. Roger McGrath is here to tell 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 , when Apple founder Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone to the public in 2007, he used multiple iPhones. If one crashed or had another issue, he secretly swapped it for another one. He had to show off a specific set of functions in a certain order, called the “golden path.” But way back in 1801, another young inventor named Eli Whitney–already known for hi...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Diablos Southwest Grill in Georgia was broken into, and rather than seeking justice, the owner Carl Wallace made a Facebook post with a job offer for the perpetrator. To Carl’s surprise, the post quickly went viral, bringing international attention to their store. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ou...

On this episode of Our American Stories , J.D. Wininger, owner of the Cross-Dubya Ranch, tells the story of a man named John who kept to himself most of the time. J.D. lent him a helping hand, and in the end, Mr. John helped him just as much. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

On this episode of Our American Stories , in a big and memorable way, P.T. Barnum changed how all Americans lived. He gave them something to talk about and dream about. Our movies, television, and whole entertainment-saturated culture is what it is today because of what he started. He seems almost a fable now; but then… he did in his own day, too. Here to tell the story is the Executive Director o...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Tyler Groenendal of Grand Rapids, Michigan has perhaps the most interesting side gig of all time... reviewing onion rings. He's been doing it for years—and has no plans to stop. 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 , Julie Tynmann is here with her story about the greatest show on turf. 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 , Anne Clare tells the story of a nurse who served in the Phillipines during World War II, and shares the experience that she and others went through after the Japanese takeover of the island. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

On this episode of Our American Stories , the June 4, 1974 night game between the Texas Rangers and the Cleveland Indians was one for the record books. To say there was a "buzz" in the crowd," would be an understatement. Here to tell the story is the History Guy. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio....

On this episode of Our American Stories , Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, and author Nathaniel Philbrick tell the story of how we won our independence against all odds. 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 , Joel Wegener and his wife have 10 kids, and because he worked in education, they had to find ways during the summers to make a little extra money. Here's Joel with one of the more explosive ventures the Wegeners took on. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.c...

On this episode of Our American Stories , renowned historian David McCullough answers the question. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.