Our American Stories
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
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)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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)
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/donate)
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 the Face of Danger During World War I...
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 its sister podcast, “The Brai...
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 behind that moment. Here he is, shar...
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)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...
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 moment the most powerful man in the...
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 National Postal Museum shares the surprisi...
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://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)...
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)
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)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/dona...
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)
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 story of that unforgettable tribute to...
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)
See omnystudio.com/listener for...
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)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 another story is Robert Morgan, aut...
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 (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donat...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
Host
Lee Habeeb