

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

Mar 18, 2024 • 20min
Belinda Mulrooney: The Richest, Toughest Woman of the Klondike Gold Rush
On this episode of Our American Stories, no woman figured more prominently on the Yukon and Alaskan frontiers than Belinda Mulrooney. She gained international fame as the richest woman in the Klondike and made and lost more than one fortune. She became a character in novels and her dog the inspiration for "Buck" in the Call of the Wild. Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath, author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 18, 2024 • 10min
A Black Man (Jesse Owens) and a Nazi: A Friendship Forged in Competition & Courage
On this episode of Our American Stories, the story of United States Olympic legend Jesse Owens' and Nazi long jumper Luz Long’s friendship demonstrates how sports can unite people even in the toughest circumstances. Here to tell the story is the Jack Miller Center’s editorial officer and historian, Elliott Drago. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 18, 2024 • 8min
A 12-Year-Old Girl's Eight-Hour Car Chase to Get Elvis' Photo at a Gas Station
On this episode of Our American Stories, a listener from Colorado tells her remarkable Elvis story about the time she met the King not once but twice in an 8 hour period! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 18, 2024 • 38min
From Soviet Spy to American Cold War Hero: The Whittaker Chambers Story:
On this episode of Our American Stories, the book Witness: A True Story of Soviet Spies in America and the Trial That Captivated the Nation is one of the biggest U.S. bestsellers of the 20th century, yet it is almost unknown among Americans today. Here to tell the story is Greg Forster on behalf of the Acton Institute. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 15, 2024 • 30min
The Big Four and the Transcontinental Railroad
On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of the men known as “The Big Four,” who incorporated the Central Pacific Railroad and helped build the transcontinental railroad. These four individuals risked their businesses, money, time and talent in order to achieve an unprecedented feat of engineering, vision, and courage. Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath. McGrath is the author of Gunfighters, Highwaymen, and Vigilantes: Violence on the Frontier. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 15, 2024 • 8min
Abigail Adams and Her 7-Year-Old Son John Quincy Witnessed First-hand The Battle of Bunker Hill: 100 Bible Verses That Made America
On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, it is imperative that you know the role that the Bible played in shaping our country. Our Founding Fathers—both Christian and non-Christian—were heavily influenced by the Bible. Here to share another story is Robert Morgan, author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 15, 2024 • 11min
How Pat Boone Became Famous
On this episode of Our American Stories, many know that Elvis grew up singing in his church choir - and he would lead the charts with hit songs through many years. Hear from another music legend, Pat Boone - who grew musically by leading a large church choir, a capella - and would top the charts for an even longer stretch than Elvis. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 15, 2024 • 9min
The Story of a Mother Who Destroys the Perfect Mom Mythology
On this episode of Our American Stories, popular social media influencer and mother Tiffany Jenkins talks about her secret to being a mother....(hint: it's not what you post on social media!) Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 15, 2024 • 10min
One of America's Great CEO's Tells The Story of Why Bureaucracy Size Matters
On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike Leven with the story: The bigger the bureaucracy, the smaller the customer. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 15, 2024 • 8min
Ben Franklin: Chess Can Make You A Better Person?
On this episode of Our American Stories, Ben Franklin has the distinction of many "firsts": He invented the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, bifocals, the catheter, swim fins and the odometer. He started the first public library, the first volunteer fire company, the first American fire insurance company, the first hospital and was the first postmaster general. Chess.com also reminds us that Franklin was also the first known chess player as well as the first chess author in America. Here again to tell us the story is the Jack Miller Center's Editorial Officer and historian, Elliott Drago. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


