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
May 21, 2024 • 38min
Levi Strauss: The Jewish Immigrant Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World (On This Day in 1873)
On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of how one man got his American Dream stitched into a pair of blue jeans. Lynn Downey (Levi Strauss & Co. 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.
May 21, 2024 • 11min
Surviving Hanoi: Larry Spencer's Story
On this episode of Our American Stories, Larry Spencer tells the story of being one of the first POW's of the Vietnam war and surviving until war's end in both "The Zoo" prison and in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 21, 2024 • 19min
The Truth Behind the “Cursed” Millionaire Heiress, Sarah Winchester
On this episode of Our American Stories, the mansion she built is world-renowned, as much for its many design curiosities and innovations as it is for the reported paranormal activity. Here to tell the story is Ashley Hlebinsky, the former co-host of Discovery Channel’s “Master of Arms,” the former curator in charge of the Cody Firearms Museum, and president of The Gun Code, LLC. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 21, 2024 • 8min
The USS Lexington: The Oldest Working Carrier in the Navy
On this episode of Our American Stories, our regular contributor, Anne Clare, tells the story of a unique aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 20, 2024 • 11min
A Family Speaks At Their Fallen Hero's Funeral: Colorado Deputy Micah Flick
On this episode of Our American Stories, for National Police Week, we feature the funeral of Colorado Deputy Micah Flick who was killed in action on February 5th, 2018. Micah's brother-in-law and widow celebrate his life with both tears and laughter. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 20, 2024 • 19min
One Man's Walk Across America—His Stories and His "Why?"
On this episode of Our American Stories, when Ranger Kielak set out across America, many of his friends and family were concerned about the people he'd encounter along the way. It turns out, their concerns were unfounded. Here's Ranger with the story of the good and beautiful people he's encountered along the way, and why exactly he chose to do the walk in the first place. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 20, 2024 • 8min
An Air Force Pilot's Post-Retirement Career Dilemma: A Job at a Big Bank or the Pilot of Air Force 2
On this episode of Our American Stories, on the morning of September 11, 2001, Peter Braxton was the first military pilot in the air over the burning Twin Towers. It was his first day on the job. Not long after that, he flew multiple combat tours in the Middle East and then retired from the Air Force. Here’s Peter with the story about the phone call he received shortly after his retirement: "Do You Still Have Your Uniform? Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 20, 2024 • 38min
The Most Heard Guitarist You’ve Never Heard Of: The Wrecking Crew's Tommy Tedesco
On this episode of Our American Stories, Tommy Tedesco is probably the most recorded guitarist in history having played on thousands of recordings from the 1960s-1980s ( Many of them top 20 hits). Tommy's son, filmmaker Denny Tedesco, produced The Wrecking Crew, the highly-acclaimed documentary about his father and the other musicians who made up The Wrecking Crew, and is here to tell us the story! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 17, 2024 • 11min
A Widow and Police Partner Celebrate The Life Of Washington Officer Diego Moreno
On this episode of Our American Stories, Diego Moreno was a fun-loving, high-intensity police officer, trainer, and father. Hear from his wife - and from his patrol partner - about the legacy he leaves for his children, and all of us, to remember and carry on. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 17, 2024 • 19min
Did You Ever Think Your Life Would Be a Movie? The Story Behind 'Unsung Hero'
On this episode of Our American Stories, Helen Smallbone is a mother of seven - a family devoted to a generation of Christian music. Here's her story of globetrotting and overcoming her homlessness upon moving to America from Australia. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
