Our American Stories
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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 9, 2024 • 38min
Stephen Ambrose: 1941 and the Steps Leading Up to the U.S. Entering WWII
On this episode of Our American Stories, in honor of the anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor, the late great historian Stephen Ambrose tells the story of 1941—the year that would bring America into WWII. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 6, 2024 • 38min
The Fascinating Origins of The Salvation Army
On this episode of Our American Stories, The Salvation Army's Christmas Red Kettle has been an American icon for 125 years. But for many Americans, this is all they know about the Salvation Army… until now. We’d like to thank the folks at Vision Video for giving us access to their wonderful documentary, Our People: The Story of William and Catherine Booth. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 6, 2024 • 20min
He Wrote "The Giving Tree" and Johnny Cash's "A Boy Named Sue": The Shel Silverstein Story
On this episode of Our American Stories, we all know Shel Silverstein's children's book, The Giving Tree, but did you know he wrote one of America's most famous country songs? 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.
Dec 6, 2024 • 10min
How the Tow Truck Came to Be
On this episode of Our American Stories, commitment to serve others better is a hallmark of American life. Add a sensible new design, honest pricing, and the never-ending journey of mechanical engineering - and we now have another key player in the forces behind public safety. Here's the story of how the tow truck as we know it came to be. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 6, 2024 • 8min
Why Playing Cards in a Dumpster Changed My Life
On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories regular contributor and listener, Paul Kotz, shares the story of what happened when hopped into a dumpster with a homeless man to play cards with him. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 5, 2024 • 30min
He Flew Nukes, Captured World Records, and Saved His Way to Wealth...
On this episode of Our American Stories, ...and gave much of it away. Here's the story of a man you might not know.... but will be glad to meet—Orville Rogers. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 5, 2024 • 8min
"Pray for Us!": Father Receives Daughter's Text during Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre
On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kengor's daughters were across the street while a tragedy unfolded at the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27, 2018. Here he is 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.
Dec 5, 2024 • 38min
WWII’s Most Decorated Soldier Was a Teenager: The Audie Murphy Story
On this episode of Our American Stories, Audie Murphy's story is one of the quintessential American stories; yet, chances are, many Americans have never even heard of his name. Here's Roger McGrath with another Hollywood Goes to War story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 4, 2024 • 20min
The Hollywood Star That Left the Silver Screen to Become a Real-Life Spy in WWI
On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story is about the man who played Captain McCluskey in “The Godfather,’’ the crooked cop who breaks Michael Corleone’s jaw—later receiving a bullet through the throat and forehead as comeuppance. Here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath.McGrath is the author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier. A U.S. Marine and former history professor at UCLA, Dr. McGrath has appeared on numerous History Channel documentaries and is a regular contributor here at Our American Stories. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 4, 2024 • 18min
The Untold Story Charles Lindbergh
On this episode of Our American Stories, Charles Lindbergh got his start performing in aerial circuses—and as a glorified mailman. He also made the daring decision to fly solo across the Atlantic, despite everyone else choosing to have a wingman. Kirk Higgins of the Bill of Rights Institute 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.
