Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jay Moore, our regular contributor from Abilene, Texas, shares an emotional story of meeting a real-life World War II hero before seeing Saving Private Ryan  in theaters for a second time—and tells the story of their friendship that followed. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Support the show: https://www.ourame...

On this episode of Our American Stories, the “grind” mindset has often been glamorized in recent years. Steve Trice, the founder of Jasco Products, shares why serving his employees has been far more rewarding than chasing the dollar. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listen...

On this episode of Our American Stories, both mainstream audiences and critics have wholeheartedly embraced Steven Spielberg throughout his long and prolific career. He is universally regarded by his peers and film historians as one of the greatest American filmmakers in the history of cinema. Our own Greg Hengler shares the story of his rise to success—and what kept him at the top of his ga...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Charles Ponzi didn’t invent the Ponzi scheme, but he made it famous and gave it his name. Jonathan Small, host of the  Write About Now  podcast, shares the fascinating true story of one of history’s most notorious con artists. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Support the show: https://www.ouramerican...

On this episode of Our American Stories, before he became President, Ronald Reagan was a rising star in radio—a strapping young sports commentator at WHO in Des Moines. Here's the story of his early broadcasting career, told in his own words. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/lis...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Emerich Juettner was an upstanding citizen... for most of his life. Regular contributor Bill Bryk shares his unusual and unforgettable 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, whether armed or unarmed, the medics and defenders of the Free Burma Rangers risk their lives to stand with civilians caught in the middle of war zones—and to stand their ground. Sharing the story of this daring mission is Dave Eubank, a former Green Beret and founder of the Free Burma Rangers. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/don...

On this episode of Our American Stories, May 8, 2025, marked 80 years since the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. While the fighting in the Pacific would continue for several more months, many saw it as the end of six long years of war. This is the story of the remarkable American women pilots who helped secure that victory. Becky Aikman, author of  Spitfires: The American Women Who Flew in t...

On this episode of Our American Stories, whether you're a diehard Cosmic Brownie fan or a lover of Zebra Cakes, Nutty Buddy bars, Star Crunch, or the seasonal Christmas Tree Cakes, Little Debbie is a brand you've likely seen time and time again on grocery store shelves across America. Sharing the story of Little Debbie is Simon Whistler from the “Today I Found Out” YouTube channel and...

On this episode of Our American Stories, T.C. Stallings is best known for one of the most iconic runs in Louisville Cardinal football history: a game-winning overtime touchdown against the University of Kentucky. That play still defines his legacy on the field, and he calls it “one of the most significant events in my life.” But what most people don’t know is the powerful story b...

On this episode of Our American Stories, how did a bird Benjamin Franklin once called “of bad moral character” become America’s national symbol? Jack E. Davis, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird , shares the surprising and inspiring backstory. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Su...

On this episode of Our American Stories, the story sounds like fiction. In December 1970, "The King" boarded a commercial flight to Washington, D.C. with a handwritten letter for President Nixon. His request? To be made a federal agent at large. Jerry Schilling, a close friend of Elvis, and the late Egil “Bud” Krogh, Assistant to the Counsel to the President, recount the unforgettable...

On this episode of Our American Stories, The United States Postal Service was founded in 1792, and more than 230 years later, it remains a vital part of American life. But what many don’t know is that the idea of a national post office sparked intense debate among the Founding Fathers.  Should the federal government even run the mail?  Daniel Piazza of the Smithsonian’s Natio...

On this episode of Our American Stories, before the 1950s, family road trips meant unreliable motels and tired parents hopping from place to place. After one frustrating trip, Kemmons Wilson decided to change that. He created Holiday Inn—the first family-friendly, standardized hotel chain in America. His son, Kemmons Wilson Jr., shares the story of how it all began. Support the show ( https:...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Bauer, a WCCO 830 listener from Minneapolis, Minnesota, shares two heartfelt Father’s Day stories—one about his father, and the other about his son. 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 canon of personal songs, "Leader of the Band" is one of the most treasured. The song is Fogelberg’s loving tribute to his musician father, Lawrence. Here's Dan himself with the story of the song—and the man. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See...

On this episode of Our American Stories, on November 5, 2021, a funeral service was held for General Colin Powell at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. He passed away at age 84 due to complications from COVID-19 while undergoing treatment for cancer. In this moving tribute, his son Michael shares heartfelt reflections on his father’s life and legacy. Support the show ( htt...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Roger Latham, a regular contributor from Fort Worth, Texas, shares the story of his father, a World War II fighter pilot and his personal hero. 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, NFL legend Brett Favre reflects on one of the most emotional games of his career. After the passing of his father, Irvin Favre, in December 2003, Brett took the field and threw for 399 yards and four touchdowns in a memorable Monday Night Football victory over the Oakland Raiders. During his 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech, he shared the sto...

On this episode of Our American Stories, for those of us whose fathers did their best to raise and love us, we’re the lucky ones. In fact, the greatest privilege no one in America seems to be talking about may be “The Father Privilege.” For our Father’s Day Special, Lee Habeeb shares the story of his own father. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ruger is the largest gun manufacturer in the U.S., and it’s not by accident. Here to tell this story is Logan Metesh. Logan is a firearms historian and museum professional who runs High Caliber History LLC. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.co...

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Union soldiers at Andersonville Prison were near starvation and dehydration when prayer saved thousands of lives. To understand the history of America, it is essential to recognize the significant role the Bible has played in shaping our country. Our Founding Fathers, both Christian and non-Christian, were heavily influenced by the Bible. Here to share...

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Ilene Hall enlisted in the Army WAC in 1943, she was following her husband, Edward “Ken” Hall, to war. After marrying in March 1943, and with her husband completing his training and preparing to ship overseas, the young woman from Canton, Ohio, decided not to let an ocean separate them. Here she is to tell her story! Support the show ( http...

On this episode of Our American Stories, the barcode, technically known as the UPC (Universal Product Code), is a small invention that plays a big role in everyday life. Here’s the History Guy with the story behind it. 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, Vincent “Rocco” Vargas shares his unique perspective on becoming a Border Patrol agent after his own grandmother came to America illegally. He is now an actor best known for his role as Gilberto “Gilly” Lopez on  Mayans M.C. , a spinoff of the FX original hit series  Sons of Anarchy . Support the show ( https://www.ourameri...