Our American Stories
History
About
Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.
Episodes
- Before Big & Rich, John Rich Was Starting Over in Nashville
On this episode of Our American Stories, after leaving Lonestar , John Rich found himself back in Nashville trying to rebuild his country music career from scratch. The future Big & Rich star kept writing songs, navigating the highs…
- Pastor of the Pilgrims, John Robinson: 100 Bible Verses That Made America
On this episode of Our American Stories, what role did the Bible play in shaping America? According to Robert J. Morgan, author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America , it was central, especially for early leaders like Pastor John Rob…
- Danny Elfman Never Planned to Become a Film Composer. Then Tim Burton Called
On this episode of Our American Stories, Danny Elfman first became famous as the lead singer of Oingo Boingo before building a career as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable film composers. His work on Batman , Beetlejuic…
- I Sewed Through Fabric My Great-Grandmother Chose Before World War I
On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of a handmade quilt that linked her to her great-grandmother, Laura Goff, a country schoolteacher born shortly after the American Civil War who raised 11 children wh…
- How One Company Helped an Employee Find Her Calling
On this episode of Our American Stories, finding meaningful work is easier said than done. For our Opportunity America series, Kelly Robinson shares how the culture at Koch Industries helped her discover new strengths, grow pro…
- How a Father’s Desperate Prayer Created Braveheart
On this episode of Our American Stories, before writing Braveheart , Randall Wallace was a struggling writer and father questioning whether he had made a terrible mistake in choosing his path. Fearing he would fail his children and despera…
- After Losing His Son and Taking Two Lives, This Officer Nearly Lost Himself
On this episode of Our American Stories, Charles Scott dreamed of becoming a police officer from the time he was a child growing up in California’s Central Valley. Years later, while serving with the Lompoc Police Department, Scott e…
- Why Shirley Chisolm Reached a Man Who Built His Career on Racism
On this episode of Our American Stories, few figures in twentieth-century American politics stood farther apart than Shirley Chisholm and George Wallace. Chisholm broke barriers as a Black congresswoman and presidential candidate. Wallace…
- Story of a Song: The Real Story Behind “My Sharona”
On this episode of Our American Stories, when My Sharona exploded onto radio stations in 1979, it became one of the biggest rock songs in America and turned The Knack into overnight stars. But behind the iconic guitar riff and unforgettabl…
- She Took In Her Husband’s Affair Baby as Her Own
On this episode of Our American Stories, Mary Sparks lived through heartbreak, secrecy, infidelity, and family scandal, but her Catholic faith shaped the way she responded to each one. First, as a young woman in Indiana, she refused to giv…
- The Memphis Business Leader Who Puts Business Last
Kemmons Wilson Jr., who grew up in the family that founded Holiday Inn, shares his views on success, stating that business should be a lower priority than faith, marriage, and mentorship. He reflects on these topics in this installment of…
- Don’t Tread On Me: The Origins of the Gadsden Flag
The Gadsden Flag, featuring a rattlesnake with the 'Don't Tread On Me' slogan, originated from the symbol's use by Benjamin Franklin and its representation of the American colonies' spirit during the Revolutionary War. Contributor Ashley H…
- She Didn’t Want to Hold Her Nephew at First
Joleen Lievaart initially found it difficult to connect with her newborn nephew due to personal struggles with infertility. Over time, she embraced him, both physically and emotionally, ultimately finding fulfillment in her role as a great…
- The Final Conversation Between NYPD Officer Jason Rivera and His Wife
This episode features Dominique Rivera's eulogy for her husband, NYPD Detective Jason Rivera. She shares personal stories of their marriage, delivered during a National Police Week service after his death responding to a call.
- The Last Slave Ship to America and the Town Its Survivors Built
This episode details the Clotilda, the last slave ship to illegally bring captive Africans to Mobile, Alabama, in 1860. It covers the story of the survivors who later founded Africatown.
- Diego Moreno: The Police Officer Everyone Called When They Needed Backup
The episode features stories from Diego Moreno's wife and patrol partner remembering him as a devoted father, energetic friend, and relentless police officer with a larger-than-life personality.
- Why Hollywood Cowboy Tim McCoy Went to War Twice
This episode details the life of Tim McCoy, a Hollywood Western film star, real cowboy, and U.S. Army officer who served in two World Wars.
- “I Didn’t Want Children… Then I Met Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller”
This episode of Our American Stories features a eulogy by Favi Gutzwiller for her husband, Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller. She remembers him as a devoted husband, father, and caregiver, and the kindest man she knew.
- Before Hollywood, Danny Trejo Was Behind Bars
Danny Trejo recounts his journey from prison and addiction to sobriety and a Hollywood acting career. Speaking at a recovery center event, he shares how faith and helping others transformed his life.
- How B.B. King’s Guitar “Lucille” Got Her Name
B.B. King named his guitar
- Why a Young Black Man Became a Cop on Skid Row
Deon Joseph, an LAPD officer for decades, recounts his experiences serving on Los Angeles
- “My Husband Died a Hero, but He Also Lived as One”
Stephanie Diller shares a eulogy for her husband, NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who died in the line of duty. She speaks about his life as a devoted husband, father, and protector.
- He Thought Johnny Cakes Were Named After Him
John Busbee recounts his childhood belief that Johnny Cakes were named in his honor, inspired by his Iowa grandmother's cooking. The episode delves into the history of this traditional American dish.
- The Oakland Raiders Were So Bad Fans Created Fantasy Football
Fantasy football, now a multibillion-dollar industry, originated in 1962 with frustrated Oakland Raiders fans in a New York hotel bar. They created the game to make watching subpar football more entertaining, as detailed by author Peter Fu…
- How George Washington's Bible Survived 9/11
George Washington's Bible, used during his 1789 oath of office and later on loan to Fraunces Tavern, survived the 9/11 attacks. Robert J. Morgan details the Bible's recovery.
- Why a Restaurant Cook Became a Police Officer
Jeff Shaw discusses his transition from a restaurant cook to a police officer, motivated by a pivotal conversation. He shares experiences from 24 years on the force, the emotional burdens officers face, and his decision to document these a…
- “Fatty Fatty Two by Four” to NFL Legend: John Hannah's Story
This episode of Our American Stories features the journey of NFL Hall of Famer John Hannah. It details how he overcame childhood bullying about his weight, with guidance from his father and Coach Bear Bryant, to achieve greatness in footba…
- Patty Hearst: From Kidnapping Victim to Bank Robber?
In 1974, Patty Hearst, granddaughter of William Randolph Hearst, was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army. The episode details her surprising decision to join the group and participate in a bank robbery, covering one of modern Ameri…
- “We Got This”: A Daughter Remembers Sgt. Richard Mendez
Sgt. Richard Mendez served nearly 23 years with the Philadelphia Police Department. His daughter Mia shares memories of her father, the lessons he taught, and his repeated phrase, “We got this,” which he said when facing difficulties.
- How the War of 1812 Changed America Forever | Story of America Ep. 19
Historian Bill McClay discusses the War of 1812
- We Live Through History Without Even Realizing It
Richard Muniz, a Gulf War veteran and contributor to Our American Stories, shares two personal anecdotes about experiencing historical events without immediate recognition, reflecting on the lessons learned.
- Before Hollywood, Young Ronald Reagan Worked as a Sports Broadcaster
Before becoming president, Ronald Reagan worked as a radio announcer for WHO in Des Moines, Iowa. He recreated baseball games from telegraph reports and covered other sports, developing his storytelling skills.
- How Chevy Chase’s Gerald Ford Impression Changed a Presidency
Chevy Chase's Gerald Ford impression on Saturday Night Live influenced American perceptions of the president, political satire, and the 1976 election. Author Peter Funt shares the story.
- How Harry S. Truman Went from Shirt Salesman to President
This episode details Harry S. Truman's journey from rural Missouri to the US presidency. It covers his decisions during WWII, the introduction of the Truman Doctrine, and the start of the Korean War, highlighting his role in shaping modern…
- Why the Best Time in History to Be Alive Might Be Right Now
Johan Norberg, author of "Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future," discusses on Our American Stories why the present moment is the most secure and potentially the best time in human history to be alive, contrasting this with r…
- Women in WWII: Ilene Hall Enlisted to Follow Her Husband to War
Ilene Hall enlisted in the Women's Army Corps during WWII to join her husband overseas. This episode shares her personal story and highlights the increased participation of women in the military and workforce during the war.
- Learning to Ride a Horse at 60
Bill Bryk recounts his experience learning to ride a horse at the age of 60. The episode covers the challenges and excitement of acquiring basic horseback riding skills later in life.
- The Story of America: How Thomas Jefferson Doubled the United States in 1803 [Ep. 18]
Thomas Jefferson acquired the Louisiana Territory in 1803, a deal that doubled the size of the United States and enabled future westward expansion. Dr. Bill McClay discusses this event.
- A Gold Star Father on Loss, Service, and His Son’s Legacy
Mark Schmitz discusses the loss of his son, Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, who died in the 2021 Kabul bombing. Schmitz founded The Freedom 13, a nonprofit supporting military families, to honor his son’s legacy.
- My Family Spent 4 Months Playing Battleship in a Cornfield
This episode of Our American Stories recounts the 1856 sinking of the Steamboat Arabia in the Missouri River. The episode details how the wreck was eventually discovered over a century later, buried in a cornfield, by a group of Kansas Cit…
- The Plan Was Simple. The Road Trip Was Not
Robert Frohlich, an Our American Stories listener, recounts a volunteer effort to deliver trucks to Appalachia that devolved into a one-man road trip across state lines when the original plan failed.
- Orson Welles and the Night “War of the Worlds” Terrified America
A 1938 radio broadcast of "The War of the Worlds" by Orson Welles was mistaken for a real news report of an alien invasion, causing widespread belief and panic. Author A. Brad Schwartz discusses the event and its impact on media presentati…
- Dan Fogelberg and the Father Behind “Leader of the Band”
This episode of Our American Stories explores the song
- Why Tyrone Power Left Hollywood to Fight in World War II
Tyrone Power, a prominent Hollywood actor known for films like The Mark of Zorro, left his career during WWII to join the Marines. He trained as a pilot and flew transport missions in dangerous areas of the Pacific theater.
- A Marine’s Final Conversation with His Father
Bob McClellan shares the story of his father’s final days. A Marine sits with his dying father, a veteran who faces death on his own terms, and seeks a final connection.
- Ponzi's Scheme: The True Story of the Legendary Scam Artist
This episode details the early 1900s investment scheme created by Charles Ponzi, which promised high returns but collapsed when new investments slowed. Jonathan Small explains how Ponzi built his operation and how it influenced later scamm…
- JC Newman and America’s Oldest Family-Owned Cigar Company
This episode of Our American Stories features Drew Newman discussing the J.C. Newman Cigar Company, founded by Julius Caesar Newman. The company remains family-run today, and Drew shares insights into its long-standing success.
- Abraham Lincoln’s Son: The Forgotten Story of Robert Todd Lincoln
The History Guy recounts the life of Robert Todd Lincoln, eldest son of Abraham Lincoln. Despite living in his father's shadow, Robert Todd Lincoln forged his own path, serving in the Union Army, as Secretary of War, and later as Ambassado…
- Matthew Carey: The Irish Immigrant Who Shaped Early America
Matthew Carey arrived in Philadelphia in 1784 as an Irish immigrant and publisher. Despite facing discrimination, he became an influential figure in early America, using his platform to advocate for the positive impact of immigrants on the…
- When Oregon Blew Up a Beached Whale With Dynamite
This episode recounts the true story of a 1970 incident where Oregon officials attempted to remove a beached 45-foot sperm whale using dynamite. The blast was unsuccessful, sending blubber across the beach and damaging cars.