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, most Americans know the phrase “We the People,” but few know the man who wrote it. Gouverneur Morris, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, shaped more of the Constitution’s text than almost anyone else. Historian and Jack Miller Center Fellow Dennis C. Rasmussen tells the story of this overlooked Founding Father, known as the “Penman of the Constitution,&rdquo...
On this episode of Our American Stories, The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 forced every American to be complicit in slavery, requiring even free states to return escaped slaves to bondage. Yet the bravery of one runaway slave helped turn the tide. This is the story of how its end began.
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On this episode of Our American Stories, even before his time in the White House, Tony Dolan was a writer with a deep reverence for service and sacrifice. As Ronald Reagan’s chief speechwriter, he helped craft the words that defined an era. Here, in one of his most personal pieces, the late Dolan pays tribute to America’s fallen soldiers.
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On this episode of Our American Stories, every sibling relationship has its own story. For Paul Bauer, a listener of Our American Stories, it was a childhood prayer to be as big as his older brother Moose. This memory of brotherhood and family reminds us how small moments often define sibling ties for years to come.
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On this episode of Our American Stories, on July 28, 1945, a U.S. Army B-25 bomber got lost in dense fog over Manhattan and slammed into the Empire State Building. The Empire State Building crash killed 14 people and tore open the 79th floor of one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. While often overshadowed by later tragedies, the B-25 Empire State Building crash remains one of the most remarkable accidents in aviation and N...
On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2023, award-winning author Dara Horn delivered one of West Point’s most powerful graduation speeches to a group of Jewish cadets. Her remarks explored what it means to live with conviction, to embrace being “uncomfortable and uncool,” and to hold fast to identity in the face of pressure. More than just a graduation address, it joined the long tradition of great West Poin...
On this episode of Our American Stories, what happens when the thing you love most is taken away? For Richard Herzog, it was sports. An abusive teacher relationship left scars that lasted for years, but he found redemption in coaching. He went on to lead his team to three state championships and proved that even the deepest wounds can lead to a new strength.
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On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1946, Winston Churchill delivered his famous “Iron Curtain” speech at a small Missouri college. The Cold War had barely begun, yet this moment defined the coming conflict and gave the world one of history’s most enduring phrases. Dr. Larry Arnn explains how a speech few expected to matter became one of Churchill’s most important legacies.
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On this episode of Our American Stories, when the first Star Wars movie was released in 1977, many expected it to fail. The production was plagued with setbacks, and even George Lucas doubted it would connect with audiences. Instead, A New Hope became a cultural landmark, launching one of the most successful franchises in movie history. Author Chris Taylor shares how a film that nearly collapsed turned into a global phenomenon.
On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first Black player in Major League Baseball since the 1880s, stepping onto the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers and into history. The abuse he endured was relentless, from racial slurs in the stands to resistance in the dugout. Yet Robinson refused to respond in kind. His strength came from something deeper: a faith that guided him through the fight. Histori...
On this episode of Our American Stories, before the U.S. Constitution was written, America lived under the Articles of Confederation, a system so weak it nearly broke the young republic. States held most of the power, Congress couldn’t raise money or enforce laws, and unrest spread from coast to coast. Dr. Larry Arnn of Hillsdale College explains how the Constitutional Convention of 1787 replaced chaos with order, creating a ...
On this episode of Our American Stories, for years, Danielle Mickelson poured her energy into building a small but growing food business. Then, a wave of regulations stopped her in her tracks. What followed was an unlikely legal battle that pitted a single entrepreneur against a web of rules and administrative overreach. But with the Institute of Justice, Danielle fought back.
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On this episode of Our American Stories, author and regular contributor to Our American Stories, Winter Prosapio, shares what it feels like to be a mother who is constantly giving.
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Johnny Cash’s life was as raw and unforgettable as his music. Known for songs like I Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues, and Ring of Fire, Cash also battled addiction, broken relationships, and inner turmoil. What makes him an American icon is not just his music but how he found redemption through faith, resilience, and the love of June Carter Cash. Author Greg Laurie shares how Cash&r...
On this episode of Our American Stories, for more than a century, Daisy has been synonymous with B.B. guns. First launched in Michigan and later based in Arkansas, the company grew from small beginnings into the most recognized name in the industry. Its Red Ryder model became an icon of American childhood, sparking memories of backyard target practice and the famous line from A Christmas Story: “You’ll shoot your eye ou...
On this episode of Our American Stories, The Old Dominick Distillery story begins in 1859 with an Italian immigrant and a fruit cart in Memphis. Generations later, Alex Castle made history as the first female head distiller in Tennessee since Prohibition. Together, their legacy shaped Old Dominick into a landmark of Tennessee whiskey and a symbol of tradition and innovation in American distilling. Here's Alex with the story.
On this episode of Our American Stories, sneakers may seem like simple shoes, but their story is tied to the growth of modern America. Nicholas Smith, author of Kicks: The Great American Story of Sneakers, shares how these once-humble athletic shoes became a defining part of our culture.
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Blockbuster was once the king of video rental stores, with thousands of locations across the world. At its peak, the company even had the chance to buy Netflix. Former Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes tells the story of how close the company came to surviving, and why it ultimately became a case study in missed opportunities.
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Winston Churchill is remembered for his leadership during World War II, but his views on education reveal a different side of the man. Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College and a Churchill scholar, shares how Churchill’s schooling shaped his belief that education is about more than facts and rather preparing people to face both success and failure.
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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, this time diving into how the phrase "cat got your tongue" came to be. His book, Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases, is a must-read. Be sure to check it out!
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