Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories, Matt Parker, a comedian and mathematician from Australia, tells the story of Michael Larson—a humble ice cream man who surprisingly beat the game show  Press Your Luck —and explains why computers can’t truly be random. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories...

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1986, the United Way of Cleveland attempted to set a world record by releasing nearly 1.5 million balloons into the sky. What was meant to be a harmless publicity stunt quickly turned into a public safety and environmental disaster. It grounded planes, hindered rescue operations, and led to tragic consequences. Jesse Edwards shares the story. Support the...

On this episode of Our American Stories, from Green Eggs and Ham  to  How the Grinch Stole Christmas , we’re all familiar with the work of Dr. Seuss. But the story of how he became the author we know and love is far from short and simple. Brian Jay Jones, author of  Becoming Dr. Seuss , shares the full story of the man behind the pen name. Support the show ( https://www.ourame...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Diane Hight’s father was a war hero, but he also struggled with alcoholism due to his PTSD from World War II. To honor him, she founded Forever Young Veterans, an organization originally focused on taking WWII veterans to the memorial in Washington, D.C. It soon grew into a mission to take them back to Normandy and beyond. Here's her story. Suppo...

On this episode of Our American Stories, after a whale washed up on an Oregon beach in 1970, someone decided it would be a good idea to blow it up with a large amount of dynamite. Things didn’t go as planned. Jesse Edwards shares the story. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)   Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/liste...

On this episode of Our American Stories, the creators of Captain America were looking for the perfect villain, but why create one when he already existed? This led to the most important punch in comic book history, the one thrown at Hitler nearly a full year before Pearl Harbor. Joe Parrott, a history professor at Ohio State University, shares the story. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericans...

On this episode of Our American Stories, a legend and leader in the hotel industry, Horst Schulze has reshaped how service and hospitality are defined in business, setting standards that have become world-famous. Over the years, he worked for both Hilton Hotels and Hyatt Hotels Corporation before becoming one of the founding members of the luxury hotel chain, the Ritz-Carlton, in 1983. Horst is a...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Auntie Anne Beiler is best known as the founder of Auntie Anne’s, the world’s largest pretzel franchise. But before rising to success, Anne endured years of defeat, despair, and depression that kept her trapped in a place of darkness. Through her pain, however, she discovered a new purpose. Here to share her story is the Pretzel Queen herself, A...

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim Leuliette began his career at Ford Motor Company under the legendary leadership of Lee Iacocca and Henry Ford II. A future auto industry executive and turnaround specialist, Tim got more than he bargained for during those early years, and he’s been thankful ever since. Here’s Tim with the story of how he got his start in the automotive world...

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...