

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

Jul 30, 2024 • 8min
I Picked Up "Tex" Watson Hitchhiking AFTER the Manson Murders
On this episode of Our American Stories, following the Charles Manson murders, Manson's lead henchman, Tex Watson, stayed in Los Angeles for almost two months before fleeing to Texas, where he was arrested. But it’s those two months following the Manson murders, where this story from our listener (Patty Kingsbaker) picks up. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 30, 2024 • 30min
The One College Football Run That Changed My Life
On this episode of Our American Stories, T.C. Stallings is known for making one of the biggest runs in Louisville Cardinal football history. It was the game-winning run in overtime against the University of Kentucky. To this day, he’s known for that play. He calls it “one of the most significant events in my life.” But what people don't know is the story behind that run. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 30, 2024 • 8min
The Time A Kid Sued Pepsi for A Harrier Jet
On this episode of Our American Stories, the harrier jet is the pride and joy of the US Marine Corps, but it was also at the center of a lawsuit between Pepsi and John Leonard. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 29, 2024 • 11min
The Story of the Barcode
On this episode of Our American Stories, a barcode on most products, properly called a UPC, or “Universal Product Code,” is a necessity for everyday life. Here’s the History Guy with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 29, 2024 • 9min
Chef Boyardee: American Hero
On this episode of Our American Stories, Chef “Hector” Boiardi was just 16 years old when he arrived at Ellis Island. What happens after his landing is remarkable! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 29, 2024 • 10min
"Hunky Dory" & "Hedge Your Bets" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 9)
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.

Jul 29, 2024 • 8min
Ralph Cox: Last Guy Cut from 1980 U.S. Olympic "Miracle" Hockey Team
On this episode of Our American Stories, Ralph Cox is a former college hockey star who was squeezed out of arguably the greatest moment in sports history. Here's Ralph to share the moment that changed his life forever. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 26, 2024 • 38min
How A Hollywood-Style Production Team (Known as the "Ghost Army") Duped and Helped Defeat Hitler's Army
On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1943, the US Army came up with a daring plan to trick Hitler’s Army. They created a unit of artists, sound engineers, and prop builders who fooled the German army into seeing the US army in places it wasn’t. Rick Beyer, Author of the book The Ghost Army of World War II, brings us the story of this top-secret unit. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 26, 2024 • 20min
Hollywood Goes to War: The Story of Wayne Morris, the Brad Pitt of His Day
On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another one of Roger McGrath’s “Hollywood Goes To War” stories. So far we’ve heard the stories of Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, and Tyrone Power. Today McGrath will be treating us to the story of Hollywood’s strapping, steely-eyed leading man, Wayne Morris. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 26, 2024 • 10min
Pepsi Had the 6th Largest Navy in the World?
On this episode of Our American Stories, as odd it may seem, the History Guy tells the story of how Pepsi came to own a fleet of Soviet naval ships. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


