Our American Stories
iHeartPodcasts
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
Mentioned books
Jun 10, 2025 • 18min
The True Story of the Plot to Steal Abraham Lincoln’s Corpse
On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1800s, body snatching was surprisingly common, but stealing the body of a U.S. president was not. Historian Louis Picone shares the incredible true story of the harebrained scheme to steal Abraham Lincoln’s remains and hold them for ransom. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 9, 2025 • 11min
The Story of How the Muppets Began as a TV Commercial
On this episode of Our American Stories, Brian Jay Jones, author of Jim Henson: The Biography, tells the story of how some of America’s most beloved characters—the Muppets—got their start in advertising and television commercials. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 9, 2025 • 19min
Hitler Called Him "The New Noah": Andrew Higgins and the Boats That Won WWII
On this episode of Our American Stories, Eisenhower once said that D-Day would never have happened without this man's boat, born out of the swamps of Louisiana. This is the story of Andrew Higgins—the brash and bold Irishman whose boat-building plants employed one out of every five Louisianans during the war and helped seal the fate of both the Third Reich and Imperial Japan. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 9, 2025 • 8min
Paul Revere's Ride
On this episode of Our American Stories, in this dramatic reading, American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalizes Old North Church and Paul Revere in American folklore, cementing their place in the nation’s history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 9, 2025 • 30min
The Marine-Turned Saturday Morning Cartoonist: "My Calling from God Is to Be an Animator"
On this episode of Our American Stories, after a career in the Marines, Mike Jones went on to work for some of the most successful animation studios, including Hanna-Barbera and Marvel Productions. He later left Marvel to produce and direct McGee and Me! and animate Adventures in Odyssey. After 30 years of work, his long-awaited project, Theo Presents, was finally released. Here’s Mike with his inspiring story of faith and creativity. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 9, 2025 • 8min
Burt Young’s Story: The Man Who Played Paulie in "Rocky" Opens Up About His Family and His Craft
On this episode of Our American Stories, Burt Young is an instantly recognizable character actor, known for his half-muttered voice and flinty gaze—traits that made him the perfect fit for Rocky as Sylvester Stallone’s ill-mannered brother-in-law, Paulie. Here’s Burt Young with his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 6, 2025 • 20min
Hollywood Goes to War: The Story of Wayne Morris, the Brad Pitt of His Day
On this episode of Our American Stories, historian Roger McGrath returns with another installment of his “Hollywood Goes to War” series. We've already heard the wartime stories of Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, and Tyrone Power. This time, it’s the tale of Wayne Morris—a strapping, steely-eyed leading man who traded movie sets for the skies in World War II. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 6, 2025 • 10min
America Had a President Before George Washington?
On this episode of Our American Stories, was George Washington really America’s first president? Perhaps not. Historian and bestselling author Christopher Klein, a regular contributor to History.com and Smithsonian Magazine, shares the little-known story of John Hanson, the man some consider the nation’s first president under the Articles of Confederation. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 6, 2025 • 8min
The New Mexico Wizard Hat Amendment: The Story Behind One of America's Oddest Proposed Laws
On this episode of Our American Stories, former state politician Duncan Scott shares the hilarious true story of how he pranked the New Mexico State Legislature, resulting in one of the strangest amendments ever proposed 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.
Jun 6, 2025 • 20min
When Superman Battled the KKK—and Won
On this episode of Our American Stories, an undercover agent infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1940s, gathering secrets that would later be exposed to millions through the Superman radio show. This unusual alliance between pop culture and espionage helped undermine one of America’s most notorious hate groups. Here's the astonishing and forgotten story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
