Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories, Beverly Gage, author of the definitive biography of J. Edgar Hoover,  G-Man, J. Edgar Hoover, and The Making of the American Century , tells the story of the most important lawman of the 20th century—and how he created an entire government agency in his own image.  Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate ) Support the sh...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kevin Samy, the son of Indian-American immigrants who appeared on Forbes' 30 under 30 for law & policy in 2016, tells the story of how he was molded by his upbringing and playing football.  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, it’s been multiple decades since a 9-year-old kid shared his Coca-Cola with Pittsburgh Steelers star “Mean” Joe Greene in one of the most famous commercials in history. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate ) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Osiris Hoil lost his construction job in 2008, he thought his American dream was over—but through his fantastic cooking, a generous neighbor, and the high standards he learned from his mother in Mexico, he started District Taco—D.C.'s best taco chain. This is his story. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate ) Support...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Koch tells the stories of leadership lessons he took with him for the rest of his life. 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, Earl Smith shares his story, warts and all. Earl survived a violent youth and eventually served as a Chaplain in San Quentin Prison. Then he came face to face with his past once again. 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, Lorna Jean, the woman who needed that prescription, tells the story of how the wife of the doctor helping her with her mental health struggles filled that prescription and changed her life.  Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate ) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

On this episode of Our American Stories, our own Greg Hengler (and others) tell the story of a grocery store founded in Los Angeles in 1967 that expanded to hundreds of locations across 42 states and revolutionized how we shop for groceries. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate ) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

On this episode of Our American Stories, meet Nancy 3 (that's the numeral '3' not the word 'three') Hoffman, an accordionist, world traveler, and owner of the world's only Umbrella Cover Museum in Peak's Island, Maine. That's umbrella covers, not umbrellas. Nancy shares the story of how she came to open such a specific museum, what her museum is like, and how her museum taught her to find joy in t...

On this episode of Our American Stories, it might surprise you to hear that CPR was only invented in 1960. Here to tell the story of the man who invented it, Peter Safar, is Kevin Hazzard, author of American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America's First Paramedics .  Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Chris Siriano tells the story of a baseball team formed out of a religious commune in Benton Harbor, MI. The long-haired men played anywhere and with anybody-including those who had been excluded from major league venues because of the color of their skin. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate ) Support the show: https://www.ourameric...

On this episode of Our American Stories, renowned biographer and author of  The Innovators,  Walter Isaacson, tells the story of the teams that created the internet—and the computer.  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, He was one of the greatest coaches of the 20th century. Behind a stone face and beneath his trademark fedora was a brilliant football mind. As head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for 29 years, Tom Landry compiled an impressive record of 13 division titles, five Super Bowl appearances, and two championships. The Cowboys would eventually be dubbed "America's tea...

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. Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, James Swanson, the NYT Bestseller of  Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer ,  shares the story of the frantic and determined search for John Wilkes Booth. 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, Kent Nerburn, author of  Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Life, and Love , shares how one friend changed his life forever by simply telling him to be more sociable. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate ) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jon Meacham, the bestselling author of  Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power , shares with an audience at the Library of Congress the story of Thomas Jefferson...and explains why his life mirrors the lives of many Americans today. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate ) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate Se...

On this episode of Our American Stories, teacher, organist, choir director, Our American Stories listener, and World War II history buff Anne Clare shares the story of how a small town on the West Coast changed the course of history.  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, in 1948, Richard Wurmbrand publicly stated Communism and Christianity were incompatible. As a result, he was imprisoned and tortured by the Communist régime of Romania. After serving a total of fourteen years, he and his wife Sabina—who had also been imprisoned— were ransomed for $10,000 and immigrated to America. Richard Wurmbrand founde...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph recounts how he built community connections and relationships—and changed police perceptions with one profound phrase: "I love you." 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, by 1869, the 'Commodore’s' wealth had grown so much that his private interests intersected with the general public's. T.J. Stiles, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography  The First Tycoon , shares the story of Cornelius Vanderbilt at his most skillful—and chilling.  Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate )...

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. His 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/don...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Walter Isaacson, author of  the biography of Steve Jobs, tells the story of the man who created the 21st century—and shares the story of how the glass screen on the iPhone showed his intense and unwavering idealism in making his products. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate ) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstori...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim McCoy was a major film star most noted for his roles in Western films. He was so popular with youngsters as a cowboy star that he appeared on the cover of Wheaties cereal boxes. As part of our ongoing 'Hollywood Goes to War' series, Roger McGrath shares the story of his acts of service overseas.  Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.co...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Monti was able to keep - and drive - a meaningful memorial of his son Jared, who was killed in action defending his comrades. Here's Paul—and our own Lee Habeeb—with the story.  Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate ) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...