Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories , we continue our 4th of July celebration.  Joel Wegener and his wife who have 10 kids tell us how they found an explosive way during the summer to make a little extra money. Dr. Larry Arnn , President of Hillsdale College, and author Nathaniel Philbrick tell the story of how we won our independence against all odds. Our production team comes together to rea...

On this episode of Our American Stories , we’re celebrating the 4th of July. The Our American Stories team attended a naturalization ceremony in Memphis, Tennessee and got to hear the personal stories of new U.S. citizens. The famous 4th of July speech at Independence Hall by John F. Kennedy in 1962 when the it was discovered that the Soviet Union planned to instal missiles in Cuba to attack the U...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Kentucky journalist Sam Terry tells the story of the man they called “King Solomon.” Connecticut Shorty of The Hobo Museum shares the story of the American hobo and how they are still celebrated today. Teacher, choir director, organist, and history buff Anne Clare tells the story of the first two major American responses to the Japanese after the attack on...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Bob Norton tells the story of his adventures from picking up nuts and bolts with dad at work, to being a very successful corporate lawyer, to now serving as the General Counsel of Hillsdale College. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)  Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Blair Cornell tells us how his family navigated raising their neuordivergent son and how they created a non-profit car club to help people with autism. Craig Richardson , Matthew Bryant and Paula Smith tells us about the story of Winston-Salem, North Carolina's unconstitutional MAP Act. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Time Co...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Richmond radio host Jeff Katz shares a note that his daughter won't ever read, but will surely impact your life for the better. Julie Tynmann's here with her story about the greatest show on turf. Christopher Warren shares the history of the U.S. Postal Service and a time when people mailed their children… and on one instance, an entire bank. Support the s...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Buddy Morehouse tells us about the childhood of President Gerald Ford and how a football game changed him and his friend Willis Ward's lives forever. Dennis Peterson   tells the story of the legendary Cass Walker and his remarkable life... from the grocery empire that he built from scratch, to an unforgettable political run, a TV show, and much more. Suppo...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Neal Thompson , author of Driving with the Devil: Southern Moonshine, Detroit Wheels, and the Birth of NASCAR  tells the true story behind NASCAR’s hardscrabble, moonshine-fueled origins. Horst Schulze tells us the difference between “management” and “leadership.” Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Time Codes: 00:00 - Moonshine...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Eric Motley shares his experience joining an all-white fraternity. Danielle Mickelson's business 'Mickelson Tiny Plants' was expanding and bringing fresh homemade food to the people of Rolla, North Dakota...but the state health department had other ideas. The History Guy shares the story about an escape attempt in the infamous Alcatraz Federal penitentiary...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Steve Thomas , Oxford, Mississippi's local magician and balloon artist, shares his story with us. Donna Martin tells us how she wanted to do was move to a big city and become a famous actress and when the opportunity arose to move to California for the summer, she didn't hesitate. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Time Codes: 0...

On this episode of Our American Stories , we hear about Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, and how this story was made into a 2014 motion picture directed by Angelina Jolie based on the 2010 non-fiction book by Laura Hillenbrand, While some of the most remarkable parts of Louis Zamperini’s story were left out of the film, you will be hearing them told now by th...

On this episode of Our American Stories , wrestling historian,  Mike Chapman , tells us how Lincoln is one of the greatest leaders in US history, but prior to his being elected the 16th President of the United States, he used his skills as a wrestler to win approval from the masses. Cindy Cruz Radcliffe tells us how as a preachers daughter and worship leader she was able to find forgiveness after...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Jennie Badger tells us her story of growing up in the Turkey Capital of the World, Cuero, Texas. Cody Johnston shares how his love for music helped him cope with his mothers declining health and how it not only inspired him, but many others. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Time Codes:  00:00 - The Town Where Everything Revolv...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Stephen Ambrose shares a WWII story beginning in January of 1943 with the Soviet victory over the Nazis at Stalingrad and ending with the Allied resolution of Unconditional Surrender. Chloe Howard , Author of  Stand Beautiful: A Story Of Brokenness, Beauty and Embracing It All , shares her story of what it was like growing up with a club foot. Support the...

On this episode of Our American Stories , our regular contributor Brent Timmons shares the story of a lesson in risk. Jennifer Yuengling is one of the four 6th generation sisters of Yuengling Beer shares about working with family, the secret to the company's success, and a whole lot more. Karl Marlantes tells us about his decision to serve in the Vietnam war that he saw as unjust. Support the show...

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. Chicago's very best local historian, Tim Samuelson , tells the story of the great Chicago fire of 1871. Tim Leuliette tells us how he began his career at Ford Motor Company under the leadership of Lee Iacocca and Henry Ford II. Support...

On this episode of Our American Stories , we learn how America won the Second World War because of men like Rear Admiral “Fearless” Freddie Warder . 4th-generation jeweler, John Henne , in Pittsburgh tells the story of how his family's shop, Henne Jeweler , has grown since 1887, how it's seeking to impact the marriages it furnishes, and how it has shaped his philosophy on job satisfact...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Josh and Lauren Manning share how they needed to make a grand change in life...and how they found the opportunity to do so at a church in Noel, Missouri...where and influx of immigrants and refugees necessitated a lot of adaptation, understanding, and a few translators to spread the gospel. Iris Jamahl Dunkle tells the story of Charmian Kittredge London in...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Andrew Farago , curator at the Cartoon Art Museum and author of Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond tells us the story of Batman. Dennis Peterson shares how his father's motto of, "Making Do" meant going to extreme lengths to save a dime...sometimes to his detriment. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories...

On this episode of Our American Stories , we have the story of President Abraham Lincoln's harrowing train trip to Washington, D.C., to be sworn in as the leader of a new—and divided—nation. Joining us to tell the story is Ted Widmer, author of Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington .  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https:...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Paul Monti shares the story of his son Jared Monti , who was a true hero who died in service of our country trying to save a fellow soldier in the mountains of Afghanistan. Mike Gibbons , Director Emeritus and Curator of the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum to tell us why he is so highly revered.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/do...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Kevin Samy shares his family's remarkable American dream story. Kathryn Minshew , the founder of career platform The Muse tells us about an early ethical dilemma she faced while building her business. Rick Bowers tells us an undercover agent infiltrated the KKK, and with the help of Superman exposed them to the world. Support the show (https://www.ourameri...

On this episode of Our American Stories , entrepreneur, philanthropist, and America’s Cup winner Bill Koch tells us how he fought against fake wine fraud. Brent Evanoff discovers a secret he’d been unaware of for over 25 years and ends up helping another veteran reconnect with something they lost as well. Karen Thomson and her son Joe Meilink along with his wife, Vicky , share how they...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Ron Brown , a man who grew up in a rough area of Chicago, shares how he was practically abandoned by his father, but would mend their relationship later on in life. Donna shares how her daughter, Cassie , was diagnosed with Chronic Paranoid Schizophrenia as a teenager and their daily jobs became more difficult so, they dropped everything and opened a resal...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Matthew R. Walsh , author of  The Good Governor: Robert Ray and the Indochinese Refugees of Iowa ,   tells the story of this remarkable man who was driven by faith and a commitment to helping his fellow man. Tommy Dew shares the story of Charleston, NC—from the American Revolution to today.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericansto...