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
Dec 13, 2024 • 20min
The Story of the Mason-Dixon Line: The Colonial-Era Border Battle That Defined the Civil War
On this episode of Our American Stories, the Mason-Dixon Line defined the American "house divided" between antislavery and pro-slavery. Yet this border war was pre-dated by another battle—a colonial-era quarrel that ended only when the area separating Pennsylvania and Maryland’s border was surveyed and mapped in the 1760s by the Englishmen Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon. Here to tell the story is Dakota Bricker who hosts the YouTube channel, What In The History? Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 13, 2024 • 10min
Silent Night: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Christmas Carol
On this episode of Our American Stories, from its humble beginnings in an Austrian chapel in 1818, 'Silent Night' has become one of the most popular Christmas hymns ever. Here’s the History Guy with the story of the song. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 13, 2024 • 8min
The Baileys' Story: A Daughter, a Drug Dealer, and a Miracle
On this episode of Our American Stories, after Mike and Deborah Bailey lost their daughter to a drug overdose, what they did next is nothing short of a miracle. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 13, 2024 • 38min
Zuzu’s “Wonderful Life”: The Story of the Child Actress Who Starred in Frank Capra's," It's A Wonderful Life"
On this episode of Our American Stories, our next storyteller has the privilege of being in one of the most beloved movies of all time (It's a Wonderful Life)—while, at the same time, and from the same movie—also has one of the most famous lines in movie history. Her story is as wonderful as both of these accomplishments. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 12, 2024 • 11min
The Story of Alvin York: The Tennessee Farm Boy Who Went from Pacifist to One of America's Greatest War Heroes
On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of Sgt. Alvin York is a celebrated chapter in American history. Though he tried to avoid war for religious reasons, York became one of the most notable heroes of World War I. Elliott Drago, the Jack Miller Center's editorial officer and historian, is here to tell the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 12, 2024 • 27min
Everett’s Last Christmas Carol
On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener and regular contributor Jim Johnson finds peculiar friends wherever he goes. This story is about one such friend—Everett Motl. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 12, 2024 • 11min
As Watergate Separated Americans, This Speaker of The House United Them
On this episode of Our American Stories, Carl Albert was known as the Little Giant from Little Dixie. He would become the Speaker of the House during the Watergate years. Here's the story of how he put principle over politics. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 12, 2024 • 9min
"Gung-ho & Cheesy Smile" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 8)
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.
Dec 12, 2024 • 18min
The Story of America's Alliance with Stalin—And How It Brought About the Downfall of Hitler (w/ Stephen Ambrose)
On this episode of Our American Stories, the late great Stephen Ambrose shares a WWII story that begins in January 1943 and ends with the Allied solution of unconditional surrender. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 11, 2024 • 11min
Remembering The Day Steve Jobs Gave Us The iPhone
On this episode of Our American Stories, on January 9, 2007, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs—already a legendary pitchman—put on what many consider the best business presentation in corporate history and unveiled a new product that would cement Apple’s comeback.... the iPhone. Here's the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
