Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories, Hiram Percy Maxim grew up in the shadow of firepower. His father invented the machine gun, a weapon that changed modern warfare. But when that same weapon left his father deaf, Hiram took a different path. In 1902, he invented the first commercial gun silencer and later applied the same technology to early automobile engines. His work shaped not only the future of firearms but also the way engines and mechanical noise evolved across the 20th century. A pioneer of American invention, Maxim's legacy includes firearms suppressors, automotive mufflers, and a quieter world. Our regular contributor, Ashley Hlebinsky, shares the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Cliff Shiepe was working his dream job on the backlot of Disney when his body began to fail. A series of unexplained fevers sent him from studio sets to his childhood bedroom, where he would spend the next decade bedridden. Doctors couldn’t explain what was happening. Most people would have given up. Cliff didn’t. He leaned on his faith, the unwavering care of his mother, and a quiet hope that healing was still possible. Cliff joins us to share his remarkable story. Cliff's website is CliffFalls.com. Be sure to check it out! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1943, the U.S. Army created a top-secret unit unlike any other. Known as the Ghost Army, it was made up of artists, sound engineers, and prop builders who used inflatable tanks, fake radio signals, and sound effects to trick the German army. Officially called the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, their mission was to create the illusion of large U.S. forces where none existed. Rick Beyer, author of The Ghost Army of World War II, tells the story of how this deception unit helped mislead Hitler’s troops and shaped the outcome of the war. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when The Twilight Zone premiered in 1959, audiences saw television in a new way. At its center was Rod Serling, a writer who believed the small screen could handle big ideas. Through allegory and imagination, Serling turned weekly episodes into timeless reflections on society. His work established The Twilight Zone as one of the greatest TV shows of the 20th century and made him a cultural icon. Nick Parisi, author of Rod Serling: His Life, Work, and Imagination, recounts the life and influence of one of America’s most important storytellers. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you want to know about the history of America, you must know the role the Bible played in shaping our country. Our Founding Fathers — Christian and non-Christian — were heavily influenced by Scripture. One of the most famous examples is John Winthrop’s 1630 sermon, where he spoke of a “City Upon a Hill.” Those words became one of America’s most enduring metaphors, echoed by presidents from John F. Kennedy to Ronald Reagan as a symbol of the nation’s identity and mission. Here to share this story is Robert Morgan, author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America, explaining how Winthrop’s vision took root in the American mind and why the “City Upon a Hill” still matters today. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, before he was known as Father Stu, Stuart Long was a Golden Gloves boxing champion with dreams of fame. A near-fatal motorcycle accident changed the course of his life, leading him toward faith and eventually the priesthood. Diagnosed with a rare muscle disease, he continued to serve others with courage until his death in 2014. His story later inspired the film Father Stu starring Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson. In this recording provided by the Diocese of Helena, you’ll hear directly from Father Stuart Long himself as he shares the journey that transformed him. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, we all know the look and taste of bubblegum, but few people know where it came from. The first bubblegum was invented in 1928 by Walter Diemer, who used the only food dye available: pink. That color stuck, and so did the flavor — a blend of fruit notes now simply called “bubblegum.” Simon Whistler, from the Today I Found Out YouTube channel and its sister podcast, The Brain Food Show, shares the story of how bubblegum was created and how a simple candy became a lasting invention of the 20th century. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The American flag that flies over every state capitol, school, and battlefield began as a high school assignment. Robert Heft, a 17-year-old student from Ohio, created the 50-star design in 1958 and received a B-minus for his effort. When Hawaii entered the Union in 1959, President Eisenhower selected Heft’s version as the official flag of the United States. More than six decades later, Bob Heft’s B-minus project remains the enduring symbol of the nation. Our own Greg Hengler shares the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, William Wilberforce was not a soldier, but he fought one of history’s fiercest battles. From the floor of Parliament, he challenged the powerful slave trade that enriched Britain while enslaving millions. For decades, he introduced bills, built alliances, and spoke against slavery until the tide finally turned. The abolitionist movement he led brought an end to the British slave trade in 1807 and helped pave the way for full emancipation in 1833. Best-selling author Eric Metaxas shares the remarkable story of Wilberforce, the man who stirred a nation’s conscience and proved that moral courage can change the course of history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bat Masterson’s name still echoes through Wild West history, but unlike most gunfighters, he didn’t meet his end in a dusty street. Born William Barclay Masterson, he earned a reputation as a fearless sheriff, gambler, and occasional gunslinger who refused to kill for sport. To him, outlaw gunmen were thugs; his own weapon was for justice or to defend a friend in need. While many Old West legends died young, Masterson lived long enough to see himself become part of American folklore. Historian Roger McGrath shares the story of the man who survived the frontier and became one of the most famous lawmen of his time. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.