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 5, 2025 • 8min
The Double Agent Spy Who Helped Win D-Day (With Stephen Ambrose)
On this episode of Our American Stories, defeating the Nazi menace took more than strength and tactics—it required feeding the Germans a steady stream of “accurate” Allied secrets for years. The late, great Stephen Ambrose tells the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 4, 2025 • 30min
The President Whose Greatness Came from His Restraint: The Story of President Calvin Coolidge
On this episode of Our American Stories, at 2:47 AM on August 3, 1923, Calvin Coolidge was administered the oath of office by his father, lit by a kerosene lamp in the small town where he was born: Plymouth Notch, Vermont. It was the culmination of a life well lived. Here to tell the story of our 30th President are Matthew Denhart and Tracy Messer, widely regarded as the world’s greatest Coolidge impersonator. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 4, 2025 • 8min
Sergeant Stubby: The Most Decorated Dog of World War I
On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeremy Swick of the College Football Hall of Fame shares the incredible true story of Sgt. Stubby—a stray dog who became a soldier, war hero, and beloved military mascot during World War I. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 4, 2025 • 38min
From Boardwalk to Broadcast: The Origins of Miss America
On this episode of Our American Stories, for over 100 years, the Miss America pageant has been a fixture of American culture, shaping ideas of beauty, femininity, and patriotism. But staying relevant hasn’t been easy. Amy Argetsinger, author of There She Was: The Secret History of Miss America, shares the surprising origins, cultural impact, and evolution of the iconic competition. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 3, 2025 • 11min
The Story of Why "The Wild, Wild West" Wasn't Actually Wild
On this episode of Our American Stories, P.J. Hill, rancher and co-author of The Not So Wild, Wild West: Property Rights on the Frontier, explains the misconceptions about the American West. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 3, 2025 • 9min
"Back to Square One" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 3)
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. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 3, 2025 • 18min
Alzheimer's Caregiver: “I Will Remember for the Both of Us”
On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Laura Sangster shares the love story between her and her husband. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 3, 2025 • 11min
How a Losing Football Team Brought a Family Together
On this episode of Our American Stories, Nancy Ball shares a story she wrote titled “Being an Ole Miss Fan Is, in and of Itself, a Lesson in Humility.” Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 3, 2025 • 9min
The South Vietnamese Pilot Who Stole a Plane to Save His Family
On this episode of Our American Stories, Major Buang-Ly was a pilot working with the United States military during the Vietnam War. When the U.S. began evacuating, he knew he had to get his family out. Historian Hill Goodspeed from the National Naval Aviation Museum brings us this incredible story of a father doing whatever it took to save his family. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 3, 2025 • 18min
The Civil War Soldier Who Risked His Life to Give Water to His Enemies
On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Richard Hood takes us back to the Battle of Fredericksburg to share a story of compassion amid America’s deadliest war. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
