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
Apr 2, 2024 • 11min
When America's Greatest (And Last) Bareknuckle Boxer Challenged America To A Fight
On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1893 John L. Sullivan's "Knockout Tour" traveled America. The challenge? Could any man in America last 12 minutes in the ring with the champ? Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 2, 2024 • 19min
The Story of the Western Movie Star Who Quit Hollywood to Bomb Tokyo During WWII (Hollywood Goes to War)
On this episode of Our American Stories, in a career spanning more than four decades and appearing in 149 movies, Western star Tim Holt could be seen on the big screen in films such as Stagecoach, My Darling Clementine, and Swiss Family Robinson. Here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 2, 2024 • 8min
The Story of Chuck Taylor, the Billy Graham of Basketball
On this episode of Our American Stories, he wasn't an NBA star: He was a sneaker salesman that helped popularize the sport of basketball, and the sneakers that now bear his name. This is his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 1, 2024 • 11min
How Cornelius Vanderbilt Caused the Panic of 1869 (“Black Friday”) and Then Personally Rescued the American Economy
On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes from T.J. Stiles’ Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, The First Tycoon, is one that portrays Cornelius Vanderbilt at his most skillful, and yet, at the same time… it is chilling. The Commodore’s personal wealth had grown so much by 1869, that his private interests intersected with the public interests. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 1, 2024 • 19min
The Great Chicago Fire—and the Even Greater Chicago Recovery
On this episode of Our American Stories, this largely lost story is rekindled by Chicago historian Tim Samuelson, the first cultural historian of Chicago. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 1, 2024 • 8min
The Careful Art of Caring for Your Horse
On this episode of Our American Stories, regular contributor Bill Bryk brings us another adventure in riding and teaches us just how meticulous the grooming routine can be. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 1, 2024 • 11min
A Police Chaplain Remembers His Mentor... And the Oklahoma City Bombing
On this episode of Our American Stories, a ministry of presence is what police chaplain service means to Greg Giltner. His response to the terrorist attack on the Murrah Federal Building was characteristic of his service—and that of his comrades and mentors. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 1, 2024 • 9min
The Greatest Tank Duel of WWII
On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy tells the story of one of the most extraordinary David Vs. Goliath tank battles of WW2 between a little American M8 armored car and Hitler's enormous German King Tiger tank. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 1, 2024 • 10min
The Inventor Extraordinaire Who Gave Us the Safety Pin: Walter Hunt
On this episode of Our American Stories, Walter Hunt is known as the Yankee mechanical genius. His hundreds of inventions include a saw, a steamer, ink stands, a nail-making machine, a rifle, a revolver, bullets, bicycles, a shirt collar, a boot heel, and a ceiling-walking circus device. Hunt’s most successful invention was designed in just three hours to settle a $15 debt to one of the many draftsmen he tasked with drawing up his patents. Here’s Ashley Hlebinsky 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.
Apr 1, 2024 • 8min
Graduate Works For General Motors Remotely—On A Sailboat?
On this episode of Our American Stories, working remotely meant that she could live remotely, too...so Emma decided to buy a sailboat and go to Florida. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
