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 11, 2024 • 9min
“Knock on Wood" & "Kick the Bucket” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 11)
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 11, 2024 • 18min
The Man Who Witnessed the Assassination of Abe Lincoln
On this episode of Our American Stories, Ford's Theater reenactor Mike Robinson tells the full unknown story through the eyes of A.C. Richards, Washington's Superintendent of Police. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 11, 2024 • 30min
Stephen Ambrose on 1942: The Doolittle Raid and Midway
On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s Stephen Ambrose telling the story of America’s payback for Pearl Harbor—Jimmy Doolittle’s raid on Tokyo—and the Japanese response, the Battle of Midway. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 11, 2024 • 8min
Black Sam Bellamy: The Story of the Richest Pirate in History
On this episode of Our American Stories, Samuel Bellamy was a pirate who operated off the coast of New England and throughout the Caribbean. Later known as "Black Sam,” he became one of the wealthiest pirates before his untimely death in 1717. Here to tell the story is Ashley Hlebinsky. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10, 2024 • 11min
Captain John Smith: American Hero
On this episode of Our American Stories, many people know John Smith as the man who was saved by Pocahontas. What you may not know is that he led a life full of adventure. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10, 2024 • 9min
Couple Adopts 7 Siblings Separated Throughout 4 Foster Homes
On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of how one childless married couple of 13 years became a family of 9, literally overnight. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10, 2024 • 10min
The Story of How Chick-fil-A Borrowed “My Pleasure” from a Luxury Hotel
On this episode of Our American Stories, the origins of Chick-fil-A’s “my pleasure” catchphrase began in 2001. Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy’s version of the story begins with him visiting a Ritz-Carlton luxury hotel—a hotel his friend Horst Schulze co-founded. Here's Horst 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 10, 2024 • 8min
Brett Favre on Humility, Aging, and Faith (Pt. 4 of 5)
On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler sat down with Brett Favre in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home where Brett shared stories about humility, aging, and faith, in this fourth part of his five part series. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10, 2024 • 38min
The MLB Pitcher Who Survived a Lightning Strike and Finished the Game
On this episode of Our American Stories, Ray Caldwell put on a Cleveland Indian uniform for the first time—and none of the 20,000 fans at League Park had any idea that they were about to see something that defies belief. This story comes to us from Nick Ragone, host of the popular YouTube Channel “This Date in History with Nick Ragone.” Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 9, 2024 • 11min
Are Professional Wrestlers Athletes?
On this episode of Our American Stories, oftentimes when the topic of professional wrestling (think Hulk Hogan) comes up, it’s almost guaranteed that someone will scoff and say that it’s “fake.” Here’s Riley Evans, sports writer and CEO of RealPodcasting.com, to tell the real story about professional wrestling. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
