Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories , regular contributor Bill Bryk brings us another adventure in riding and teaches us just how meticulous the grooming routine can be. Harmony Dust Grillo shares how she was seemingly trapped in the commercial sex industry and struggled until a new friendship led to a change in her life. Tyler Groenendal  of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has perhaps the most i...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Randall Haley shares how the scents from So Delta Candle Company helped alleviate some of her homesickness. Here is the amazing true story of David Klein , an eccentric candy inventor from Los Angeles, who is the creator and founder of Jelly Belly jelly beans.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Time Codes: 00:00 - The...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Sean Kernan of Medium helps us tell the story of Leonard v. PepsiCo Inc. A law school classic that helps kids navigate the curious world of contract law, but in 1999 it was serious business. Hoat Hoang tells the story of his family's escape from South Vietnam when North Vietnamese communists began to ambush his village and his journey to becoming a surgeon...

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. John O'Neil , Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force , tells the story of his father, the tail and waist gunner on the B-17. Support the show (https://www.ourame...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Greg Hengler tells us how Heinz food products have been a part of American culture for more than a century. Though Heinz Ketchup is one of the most recognized corporate symbols in the world, few people know anything at all about its creator, H.J. Heinz. His hard work, innovation, and obsessive kindness proved one of his favorite sayings: “To do a com...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Christopher Klein tells the story of the former president and Civil War hero, Ulysses S. Grant , and how he raced to complete a literary masterpiece that saved his wife from destitution with the aid of Mark Twain . Years after finding out she was adopted, Traci Huguley discovered she was not the only child adopted out. Bob Kendrick tells the story of forme...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Joy Neal Kidney , our regular contributor and recipient of our 'Great American Storyteller Award' tells the story of what her family ate during the Great Depression years.  The History Guy  gives us the story of the 1984 USS Kitty Hawk collision. Chad and Jess Schumacher tell us how their lives seemed to be going really well and as "according to...

On this episode of Our American Stories , author, Andrew Thompson  shares another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language. tells us about the museum in Somerville, Massachusetts with a collection of over 600 examples of bad art. Bill Bryk tells the story of America's first practical politician, Aaron Burr, in a tale of skill, braver...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Edie Hand  was always told by her mother that she was strong... but strength isn't always enough. Jason Wolfe tells the story of figuring out to be the father he didn't have. Rod Stanley of the Dexter Museum tells the story of how President Truman won the state of Iowa and another term in office in 1948.  Support the show (https://www.ouramerican...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Anne Clare tells the story of a nurse who served in the Philippines during World War II, and shares the experience that she and others like her went through after the Japanese invasion there. Martin Lisius , founder of Tempest Tours, and Kim George , Customer Relations Manager, talk about the companies origins and what it's like being on the road in midst...

On this episode of Our American Stories ,  Paul Kengor , PoliSci professor at Grove City College, brings us the details of the devastating nature of an attack the U.S. government chose to keep details hidden about. Mike Leven tells the story about how he—a Jewish person—started the Asian American Hotel Owners Association . Bob Kendrick , President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Mus...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Paul Kotz gives a touching tribute to his father with reference to a time when Paul needed a great deal of encouragement and his father turned to an American novelist. Pete Croatto , author of  From Hang Time to Prime Time ,  explains how the NBA became an 8.3 billion dollar entertainment and cultural icon. Support the show (https://www.ourameric...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Johnny Baier , Executive Director of the  American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City, takes us through the history of the Banjo starting from the beginning until today. Regular Contributor Stephen Rusiniak tells the story of his brother’s close encounter with death. Chris Siriano tells us about an American man in a glass coffin along the shores of L...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Hayden Perkins shares the story of his horrible accident and how he chose to live his life in response to such a tragedy. Tom Ryan brings us a chilling tale from his families funeral parlor. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Time Codes: 00:00 - "I'm The Dentist In The Wheelchair"  37:00 - One Night in the Family Funer...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Marija Elden , the Zoological Manager of Birds, shares Enrique the penguin's journey to owning a pair of pretty cool kicks. Robert Frohlich tells the story of his bad road trip while volunteering to bring trucks to impoverished communities in Appalachia. Elisabeth Elliot tells us the story of Operation Auca, an attempt by five American missionaries to reac...

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. Donald Sturm shares how his extraordinary American Dreamers story is thanks to the love of his parents. Tina Ramirez shares how she brought her passion for religious freedom around the world.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) &n...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Paul Kotz gives a touching tribute to his father by reflecting on a time when Paul needed a great deal of encouragement and his father turned to an American novelist to cheer him up. Danielle Mickelson tells us how her business 'Mickelson Tiny Plants' was expanding and bringing fresh homemade food to the people of Rolla, North Dakota...but then the state h...

On this episode of Our American Stories , actress  Taylor Dooley  shares the story of when she played the role of Lavagirl and how now 15 years later, she has returned to acting to play the same role in the Netflix Film  We Can Be Heroes.  Dr. Stephen Nichols , president of Reformation Bible College , chief academic officer for  Ligonier Ministries tells us the s...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Butch Hartman , creator of Fairly Odd Parents, Danny Phantom, and so much more shares how he went from the snowy shores of Michigan to the sunny coast of SoCal. George Will tells the stories of Ted Williams and the son of a San Francisco fisherman, his “Streak,” and steely determination. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/dona...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Roger tells the story of his stepson, Saje Hellstern , and how a tumor was found in his brain but, that it didn't stop him from running and finishing his races. Ken Austin shares how he grew from a humble farm boy with insecurities into the man who would established the 2nd largest dental equipment manufacturing company in the world. Rod Stanley of the&nbs...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Shawn Peterson shares the story of how the PEZ  manual candy dispenser came to be. Iris Jamahl Dunkle tells the story of Charmian Kittredge London in the first full length Biography written about her titled  Charmian Kittredge: London Trailblazer Author Adventurer. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Time Codes: 00...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Thad Beeler shares how after the deadly May 2011 Joplin Tornado he created The National Disaster Photo Rescue Organization after helping his neighbors when they lost their photos in the disaster. The President of Amerisearch , William Federer , tells us why Canada is an independent nation—and not part of the United States—most likely, because o...

On this episode of Our American Stories , we hear about how the 25-year publication started out of a need when someone pulled their publication and turned into an international phenomenon... which Mark Twain HATED! The History Guy tells how on June 4, 1974, in Cleveland, trouble was a brewin', the bleachers were loaded, and there was a distinct buzz in the air. Support the show (https://www.o...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Bill Bryk brings us the tale of the day British forces evacuated New York City after the Revolutionary War... a full 2 years after the British Army surrendered. Madysen Acey’s life took an unexpected turn when she was 10-years-old but, she wouldn't trade any of it for the person she's become. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donat...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Author of  The Book of Spam: A Most Glorious and Definitive Compendium of the World’s Favorite Canned Meat , Dustin Black , tells the story of this often speculated household name product. Christine Benninger , CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, the largest guide dog school in North America, shares about the unique training process for these extra...