Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories , Brigadier General  Jim “Boots” Demarest will be telling the heroic tale of Capt. Steve Phillis from his book,  Five Nickels: True Story of the Desert Storm Heroics and Sacrifice of Air Force Captain Steve Phillis .  Mark O'Brian tells the story of St. Louie, Louie...one of the best pool players to ever grace the scene.  Support the show (https://www.ourame...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Robert Frohlich , author of Aimless Life, Awesome God,  tells the story of his German-born grandfather William Burtner- a man who helped build the "Arsenal of Democracy" in World War II. Genevieve Church , the third "Goat Lady of San Francisco", is the executive director of City Grazing. Listen to her share about how this sustainable land management and fi...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Rebecca Nguyen tells us how she fell in love with cars working alongside her dad in the garage and how it led to her career in the car world. Historian, Frank Blazich , from the National Museum of American History shares the story of the use of homing pigeons during WWI. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Time Codes: 00:00 - Soupi...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Paul , a listener from Minneapolis, MN, tells us how he developed a friendship with Wilber in a nursing home. Dennis Peterson tells the story of Dicey Langston , a woman willing to put her life on the line for the patriot cause. Jay Moore's family tale of loss, discovery, and selflessness will tug on your heartstrings while reinforcing the importance of in...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Chris Graham of the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia tells the story of one of their objects on display with an extraordinary story we're just now finding out. Hear how Ray Bubba Sorensen II decided to start painting rocks to honor our veterans across all 99 counties in Iowa as part of the Freedom Rock Foundation . Lindsey Gallant tells her...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Bill Rhodes, President and CEO of Autozone, tells us his life story and how he came to be a part of the largest aftermarket automotive parts and accessories company in the United States. Dr. Charles Kemper of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, has seen generations come and go in his small town, but while he may have retired from his profession, he certainly hasn't...

On this episode of Our American Stories , learn about how ACLU and the NRA have been fighting for our shared constitutional rights. Fitzgerald, Georgia, mayor Jim Puckett shares the story of his town building the world's largest topiary chicken. Christina Long has always had a mind focused on education, dedication, and service. Thanks to partners like Koch Industries, she able to go above and beyo...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Heidi tells us how she came to grow close to her neighbor Tom and the lesson she learned. Steve Stoliar  grew up as the ultimate Marx Brothers fan(atic). Little did he know that he would lead the charge to save one of their long-lost movies. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Time Codes: 00:00 - Getting to Know Your Angry Old Neig...

On this episode of Our American Stories , here again with his reoccurring series is  Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases  author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language. Adam Davis and Adam Johns met in grad school at Antioch Uni...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Charles Scott tells us about a time he was working as a Police Officer in the Central Valley of California when he was part of an officer involved shooting. Kevin Stark of The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, tells the story of his museum, and his life in toys. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Time Codes:...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Roger McGrath , author of  Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes  is here to tell us the story of the richest mineral discovery in American history, the Comstock Lode. Jason Wolfe created the first coupon site on the internet back when you had to explain to people what the internet was. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Time Co...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Betsy and Elaine the granddaughters of Albert E. Brumley, tell us how he was recognized as one of the most important Gospel music composers of all time. Marc Barrios , a cuban refugee tells us how he made his mark in the American Advertising Industry. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Time Codes: 00:00 - "I'll Fly Away" Composer...

On this episode of Our American Stories , writer Anne Clare  remembers how on December 7th, 1941 six ships were destroyed at Pearl Harbor and two of them were the  USS Utah  and  Oklahoma . English historian Andrew Roberts tells the story of King George III, and why he isn't the man he's often painted out to be. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Time Codes: 00:00 - Sunk...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Bill “ Engineer Guy ” Hammack tells the story of how Betamax was defeated by the VHS tape. Ric Mixter of  Lake Fury  tells the story of the historic 1913 storm on the Great Lakes. Executive director of the Neon Museum, Aaron Berger , shares some of the history of Las Vegas and the iconic signage associated with it. Support the show (https://www.ouramerican...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Lowell Lytle , who witnessed the Titanic in person, tells his story and the story of The Titanic’s Last Hero. Karl Marlantes tells the story of how he left Vietnam and received a Bronze Star and a Navy Cross, our nation's second-highest award for valor. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Time Codes: 00:00 - The Titanic’s Last Hero...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Marc Leepson tells us how on July 9, 1864, the Union army suffered a loss... that just so happened to save the United States and help solidify Lincoln's re-election. Retired US Navy Captain Mike McDaniel takes us back to when he was just a 3rd-grade boy, about to learn that his dad was shot down on his 81st combat mission over Vietnam. Support the show (ht...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Professor Susan Brownell shares the story of how the Olympics ended up in St. Louis and the infamous marathon event. Stephen Rusiniak shares about his four-legged son that helped him and his wife through their struggle with infertility. There are over 80 bottled water companies in the United States, but one of them has changed the game forever, Richard Hei...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Lt. Col. Harry Stewart fought for his country in WW2, and faced discrimination and worse along the way. But he said he'd do it all over again for the country he loves. Bob Huff built a career in the nursing home and home healthcare industry. After 3 months of retirement, Bob decided to enter a new line of work… doggy daycare! Support the show (https://www....

On this episode of Our American Stories , in a 30-year span, a family has to deal with its sins twice and tell a story of roll-reversal and forgiveness. Mary Sparks's tale is another entry in our "Women of True Grit" series, brought to us by Edie Hand. Scott Jones , the author of   Growing Up Rural ,  tells a story from his book about a very chilling experience that happened to him in his youth......

On this episode of Our American Stories , Marc Leepson tells us how on July 9, 1864, the Union army suffered a loss... that just so happened to save the United States and help solidify Lincoln's re-election. Jay Moore's family tale of loss, discovery, and selflessness will tug on your heartstrings while reinforcing the importance of inter-generational relationships. Support the show (https://www.o...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Karla Duerson shares the story of what it was like being pregnant with and giving birth to her daughter Wylie. Chairman of Federated Investors, Inc., Christopher Donahue, shares his beautiful story of how faith, family, and Federated are inextricably linked. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Time Codes: 00:00 - Receiving Wylie, K...

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. The Craddock family operates or services over 70 gas stations and 16 fast-service restaurants in Mississippi… but Ron Craddock worked his way up from nearly nothing, and he made his sons Ben and David do the same. Kathleen Carlucc...

On this episode of Our American Stories , the American flag has been placed on the moon, carried into countless battlefields, and has been placed above the rubble of the World Trade Center. For some, it takes a more personal role though. Joy Neal Kidney shares why the flag means so much to her and her family; Laura Treppendahl’s life was one worth remembering. After being killed in a drunk driving...

On this episode of Our American Stories , our regular contributor,  Paul Kotz , helped a frustrated student look past their circumstances and get to  why  what they were doing matters. Mackenzie Vath shares how the gift she gave to her dad Tim Busch ended up blessing both of their lives. The founder of the  Center for Puppetry Arts ,   Vincent Anthony , shares his story of how he made a career out...

On this episode of Our American Stories , Lt. Col. Harry Stewart fought for his country in WW2, and faced discrimination and worse along the way. But he said he'd do it all over again for the country he loves. Edie Hand tells us the story of her brothers, the Blackburn boys, and the tragedy that struck not once, but three times.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Time Co...