Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories, the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer sits at the intersection of faith, politics, and conscience during one of the darkest chapters of modern history. As a Lutheran pastor and theologian, Bonhoeffer spoke openly against the Nazi regime and later became connected to members of the underground resistance working to overthrow Adolf Hitler.Eric Metaxas shares the story behind Bonhoeffer’s life, from his early years as a pastor to the sacrifice that ultimately made him one of the most compelling figures of Christian resistance during World War II. Metaxas is the author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, born on the land of the former plantation where her parents had been enslaved, Madam C. J. Walker married young, became a mother young, was widowed young, and divorced young. Out of necessity, she went on to create a revolutionary hair care product that transformed her life and helped make her one of the first self-made female millionaires in American history.A'lelia Bundles, Walker’s great-great-great-granddaughter and author of On Her Own Ground, shares the remarkable story of entrepreneurship, resilience, and legacy behind one of the most influential businesswomen in American history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in his 1939 State of the Union address, President Franklin D. Roosevelt warned that attacks on religion often appear alongside attacks on democracy itself.Speaking at a time when authoritarian regimes were rising overseas, Roosevelt argued that freedom of religion and political liberty were closely connected. Our American Stories’ own Lee Habeeb shares the story behind this powerful presidential address and the warning FDR delivered about threats to free societies. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world with shamrocks, green clothing, and parades, but the real Saint Patrick lived a life far removed from the holiday that grew up around his name.As a teenager, Patrick was captured and taken to Ireland as a slave. Years later, he returned to the same land, this time as a Christian missionary determined to share his faith with the Irish people. Our own Greg Hengler tells the astonishing tale of the man behind the holiday. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Bryan spent decades in the business world leading the Sara Lee Corporation and helping shape one of America’s most recognizable food brands. His leadership also left a mark on Chicago, where he helped bring the vision of Millennium Park to life.But before the boardrooms and public projects, John Bryan was simply an older brother. George Bryan joins us to pay tribute to his brother, John. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, for thirty-seven years, no horse won the Triple Crown. Then, in 2015, American Pharoah finally broke the drought and gave horse racing one of its biggest moments in a generation.For former media executive Gary Ginsberg, that win brought back something more personal. Watching the Triple Crown races returned him to the Sundays he spent at the track with his father, where the horses, the racing form, and the rhythm of the day became part of their relationship. Here's Gary with his moving story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, few public figures captured the American mood quite like Will Rogers. Raised in "Indian Territory" and shaped by the traditions of the American West, he first gained attention as a rope-twirling performer in vaudeville. From there his career expanded rapidly. Rogers became a film star, newspaper columnist, and radio personality whose observations about politics and everyday life were quoted across the country.Tad Jones, director of the Will Rogers Memorial, shares the story of the man often called America’s cowboy philosopher, along with historic audio from Lux Radio Theater. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Desi Arnaz fled Cuba as a teenager after his family lost everything during political upheaval. Starting over in Miami, he worked odd jobs, learned English, and fought his way into show business through sheer persistence and charisma. But his greatest impact wouldn’t just be as a performer — it would come behind the scenes.As the co-star of I Love Lucy alongside Lucille Ball, Arnaz helped pioneer the three-camera filming technique, insisted on filming before a live studio audience, and co-founded Desilu Productions — the studio that would later produce iconic shows like Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. In doing so, he helped invent the modern sitcom and reshape American entertainment.Here to tell the remarkable story of Desi Arnaz, from refugee to television revolutionary, is our own Jim Watkins. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Declaration of Independence is one of the most famous documents ever written. Its words helped launch a revolution and have inspired independence movements around the world ever since.But the parchment signed in 1776 faded badly over time. By the early twentieth century, it was nearly impossible to reproduce clearly. The version most Americans recognize today exists because of Theodore Ohman, an immigrant craftsman who settled in Memphis, Tennessee. Mark Hill tells the story of how Ohman created the detailed reproduction that preserved the Declaration’s appearance for generations. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what the public knows about Brett Favre happened on the football field. But behind the touchdowns and championships is a life shaped by hardship, faith, and the lessons that come with age.In part four of our five-part series, Greg Hengler sits down with Brett at his home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where he reflects on the role faith has played in his life, the humility that comes with experience, and how adversity has shaped the man he has become. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.