Stories of Us | PragerU

Where did PragerU come from? The answer begins with the journey of its co-founder. Allen Estrin shares how the lessons he learned in Hollywood, the values that shaped his worldview, and a life-changing friendship with Dennis Prager helped transform a simple idea into a movement reaching millions. Along the way, he reflects on why discipline, perseverance, and character matter more than talent. ▶️...

Ayaan Hirsi Ali was raised as a devout Muslim and embraced Islamist ideology as a teenager. But after fleeing an arranged marriage and building a new life in the West, she began questioning everything she had been taught. Ayaan shares how that journey led her to reject Islam, become an American citizen, and dedicate her life to defending Western civilization. ▶️ Watch more episodes of Stories of U...

NBA player and bestselling author Jonathan Isaac never caved under pressure to kneel for the National Anthem. Growing up in the Bronx, NY, his parents taught him tenacity and integrity, yet an abrupt move at a young age started his struggle with anxiety. His life was transformed when he finally put God first, which gave him the strength to publicly stand for what he believes, even though it went a...

Jillian Michaels went from an overweight and bullied teenager to one of the most recognizable fitness experts in America through the hit television show The Biggest Loser. But after speaking out against leftist narratives around obesity, body positivity, and gender ideology, she found herself under attack. Jillian shares how her own struggles shaped her views on health, discipline, and personal re...

Raised in South Central Los Angeles, Larry Elder built his life around a simple principle his father taught him: you get out of life what you put into it. After a career in law, he took a chance on radio and quickly became one of the most influential voices in the country. His message challenged dominant left-wing narratives on racism in America, while emphasizing hard work, personal responsibilit...

In this special Earth Day bonus episode from our 5-Minute Videos series, Mark Mills breaks down the hidden downsides of wind and solar energy. Are wind, solar, and batteries the magical solutions to all our energy needs? Or do they come with too high a price? Mark Mills, Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, analyzes the true cost — both economic and environmental — of so-called green energy....

"Israel gave me everything.” As an Arab Muslim growing up in Israel, Sophia witnessed firsthand the way non-Jews are treated: with respect, dignity, and full rights. Her life is proof that Arabs and Jews can live peacefully side by side. Why should everyday Americans care about the atrocities committed by Hamas? Sophia warns that if we turn a blind eye, the West will be next. ➡️ Sign the petition...

Sage Steele spent nearly two decades at ESPN, rising to the top of sports media and living out her dream on the biggest stages. But as politics began to reshape the network—and after she spoke out on issues like race, free speech, and vaccine mandates—she found herself sidelined, attacked, and ultimately pushed out. Rather than stay silent, Sage took a stand, filing a lawsuit against Disney and wa...

Why are immigrants often so grateful for America? Dr. Sheila Nazarian, a Jewish Iranian refugee fleeing oppression, arrived in the United States speaking no English. Against all odds, she achieved major success in spite of starting over in a new country. Sheila never felt like anyone or anything was standing in her way of pursuing the American dream. Today, she uses her platform, despite being rep...

Sam Sorbo was on the fast track to a successful Hollywood career when life forced her to choose between ambition and family. After marrying actor Kevin Sorbo and walking away from major opportunities to care for him after his devastating strokes, she began rethinking everything she had been taught about success. That journey led her to homeschool her children and become one of the country’s most o...

Raised in India as part of a small Christian minority, Dinesh D’Souza came to America believing in its promise of freedom. After working in the Reagan White House and becoming a bestselling author, he produced one of the most-watched political documentaries of its time—challenging the political ideology of President Obama and the modern left. That success made him a target. Dinesh recounts how the...

From apartheid-era South Africa to the front lines of global conflict, Lara Logan built her career exposing injustice wherever she found it. As a war correspondent for 60 Minutes, she risked her life reporting from the world’s most dangerous places—surviving a near-fatal mob attack in Egypt. But after her Benghazi reporting challenged the prevailing left-wing narrative, she discovered a different...

Eve Barlow rose to prominence as a celebrated music journalist, writing for some of the world’s most prestigious magazines and championing progressive causes. But when she dared to criticize the vandalism during the George Floyd protests and call out the progressive left’s growing tolerance for antisemitism, the industry turned on her. Blacklisted and silenced, Eve refused to back down. Today, she...

As the adopted son of Dennis Prager, Aaron Prager was raised in a loving and values-driven home. But like so many young Americans, he took a dark turn. By his teens, Aaron was battling a serious addiction to drugs and alcohol, spiraling into years of pain, self-destruction, and broken relationships. It wasn’t until he hit rock bottom that he found the strength to change. Through rehab, faith, and...

Born in communist Poland, Drago Dzieran went from political prisoner to proud American. Beaten, imprisoned, and hunted for resisting tyranny, he escaped to the U.S. with nothing but a bag of clothes and a dream. He taught himself English, became a citizen, and against the odds, became a Navy SEAL at the age of 32. Drago shares how America gave him not just a second chance—but a life he never thoug...

Jack Barsky, a former KGB spy born in Soviet-controlled East Germany, was sent by the Russian government to infiltrate the United States during the Cold War. But after building a new life, starting a family, and embracing American values, he abandoned his mission and broke free from communist ideology. In this episode of PragerU’s Stories of Us, Jack shares how he escaped the KGB, found faith in C...

Born in the Soviet Union and raised in Brooklyn, Michael Malice always knew America offered something radically different: freedom. A self-described anarchist since childhood, Michael has spent his life questioning authority and rejecting government overreach—from visiting North Korea to fleeing New York’s COVID lockdowns. He shares why he left the city he loved, what the U.S. still gets right, an...

Shabbos Kestenbaum grew up a proud Jew and a proud American—never seeing a conflict between the two. A former progressive and social justice advocate, he entered Harvard Divinity School expecting open-mindedness. Instead, he found hostility toward Jews, radical leftist ideology, and institutional silence in the face of rising antisemitism. After October 7, he was harassed, threatened, and ignored—...

Rawan Osman grew up in Syria and Lebanon, where she was taught to hate Jews and fear Israel. But after moving to France, a chance encounter shattered everything she thought she knew. Rawan shares how she unlearned the lies she was raised with, converted to Judaism, and found the courage to speak out against Islamist extremism and the West’s moral decline. Get all our content ad-free on PragerU.com...

How did a former drug addict with face tattoos become the favorite rapper of conservatives? After battling addiction and hitting rock bottom, Tom MacDonald found salvation in music. Now, as an independent rapper, he’s built a successful career by rejecting wokeism, defying the mainstream music industry, and staying true to his values. Get all our content ad-free on PragerU.com or download the Prag...

He had it all—fame and success—with Mumford & Sons, one of the world’s biggest bands. But a single tweet changed everything. After praising Andy Ngo’s book on Antifa, Winston Marshall faced intense backlash, forcing him to choose: stay silent to save his career or stand by his beliefs. He chose truth, even at great personal cost. Now, he shares his powerful story of conviction and courage—and why...

Born into the family that created Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Royce Gracie was destined to fight—but no one expected him to revolutionize martial arts. After immigrating to America, he became the first UFC champion, proving skill beats brute strength. His victories launched the UFC and made Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a global phenomenon. Now, he shares the mindset that made him a champion—and why his story coul...

Misha Petrov believed what she was told—America was oppressive, the patriarchy controlled her life, and rejecting femininity was empowering. But after seeing the hypocrisy of progressive activism and the dangers of leftist-enforced conformity, she broke free. Now she’s helping others do the same. Watch our content ad-free on our app: https://prageru.onelink.me/3bas/vgyxvm79 Follow PragerU on socia...

Known to millions as WWE legend “Kane,” Glenn Jacobs has lived the American dream—rising from humble beginnings to become one of the most iconic professional wrestlers in the world. Now serving as mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, Glenn is on a new mission: to fight for the values that make America great and ensure future generations achieve their own dreams. Get all our content ad-free on PragerU....

Born in California to Egyptian Christian parents, James Kaddis comes from a family deeply rooted in ministry. A pastor for over 30 years, he warns that America is drifting from its biblical foundations and calls on Christians to defend the nation’s founding values, stand with Israel, and boldly speak truth in a world that desperately needs to hear it. Get all our content ad-free on PragerU.com or...