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PODCAST

Our American Stories

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.

society & culture documentary

All Episodes

7:59

The Incredible Story of Harvey Wallbanger, the Racing...

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/07

On this episode of Our American Stories, have you ever imagined a buffalo running on a racetrack against thoroughbred horses? In the 1960s, Harvey Wallbanger did exactly that. This larger-than-life buffalo stunned crowds as he thundered past racehorses, turning a novelty act into an unforgettable chapter of racing history. Francie Berg of Buffalo Tales and Trails shares the unlikely but true story of how one buffalo captured America’s attention and proved just how wild the frontier spirit

en-US

10:49

“Hey Kid, Catch!” The Coca-Cola Ad That Made Mean Joe...

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/06

On this episode of Our American Stories, few commercials have left a mark like Coca-Cola’s “Hey Kid, Catch!” starring "Mean" Joe Greene. Greene, already one of the greatest defensive players in the NFL, gained a new kind of fame as the spot played during football broadcasts nationwide. Our own Greg Hengler (and others) shares the story of how a 60-second spot became one of the most memorable moments in sports and advertising history. Support the show

en-US

19:28

More Americans Died on a British Prison Ship Than in...

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/06

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Revolutionary War brought brutal battles, but one of its deadliest tragedies happened far from the front lines. Historian Robert P. Watson, author ofThe Ghost Ship of Brooklyn, shares the untold story of the HMSJersey, a derelict British prison ship off the coast of New York, where more Americans perished than in combat. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

7:59

Why East Coast and West Coast Policing Developed...

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/06

On this episode of Our American Stories, American culture looks different depending on where you stand, and the same is true for law enforcement. Sergeant Bob Alaniz, a former LAPD officer best known for helping track down the “Night Stalker,” explains how the East and West Coasts developed two very different approaches to policing. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

38:16

Beyond Pocahontas: The Real Story of Captain John Smith

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/06

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Smith’s legacy stretches beyond legend. As a soldier of fortune and later as a leader in Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement, he helped struggling colonists survive. His accounts provide a rare look into the realities of early exploration, from hunger to tense negotiations with Native communities. Juliana Brennan Rodgers, author ofCaptain John Smith: American Hero, shares the story. Support the show

en-US

38:16

Oliver Halle: Swift Boat Vietnam Vet with a...

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/03

On this episode of Our American Stories, Navy veteran Oliver Halle reflects on his service during the Vietnam War and the family history that shaped him. His relatives resisted the Nazis before fleeing to America, and decades later, he uncovered a secret that transformed his understanding of the past. Courtesy of the Veterans History Project at the Atlanta History Center, his testimony blends the experience of Vietnam soldiers with the deeply personal impact of history and memory. Support the show

en-US

10:49

The Wild Story of Andrew Jackson’s Inauguration Party

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/03

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Jackson's inauguration revealed what he represented to many—a changing of the guard from the established Virginian elite to the rough-and-tumble spirit of the frontier. His celebration afterward drove that point home—literally. Here’s the story! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

19:28

The Origins of Basketball and Its Surprising...

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/03

On this episode of Our American Stories, basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, but its beginnings might surprise you. Paul Putz, author of The Spirit of the Game: American Christianity and Big-Time Sports, explains how the game was first created with a Christian mission in mind and eventually grew into a global phenomenon. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

7:59

How Ritz-Carlton Founder Horst Schulze Defines...

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/03

On this episode of Our American Stories, Horst Schulze, founder of The Ritz-Carlton and author ofExcellence Wins, built one of the world’s most respected hospitality brands by insisting on service excellence. Here's Horst's story on how one bad employee at a bank damaged its reputation almost overnight and what that moment revealed about leadership, customer care, and the value of excellence. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

10:49

Why Are Bananas So Cheap?

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/02

On this episode of Our American Stories, bananas are everywhere in American grocery stores, and they’re cheaper than almost any other fruit. But why? The story of banana prices involves global trade, powerful banana companies, and decades of agricultural and economic history. The History Guy explains how bananas became a fixture of American diets and why their low price continues to stand out. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

19:28

Mr. 60s: A Baby-Boomer’s Story of Trials, Triumphs......

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/02

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joe Quinn, anOur American Storieslistener from West Virginia, shares the story of coming of age in his 60s—and his ultimate redemption. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

7:59

Johnny Carson and the Night That Saved Twister

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/02

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1960s, Milton Bradley’s gameTwisterwas on the verge of being pulled from stores. Sales were low, and critics didn’t know what to make of it. Everything changed when Johnny Carson brought the game ontoThe Tonight Show. One televised demonstration was all it took to transformTwisterinto a cultural phenomenon. Author andOur American Storiesregular Christopher Klein shares how the late-night host saved this iconic game. Support the show

en-US

10:49

Sgt. William Carney: The First Black Medal of Honor...

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/02

On this episode of Our American Stories, slavery marked William Carney as property, and the Fugitive Slave Act made him an outlaw, but during the Civil War, he proved himself as a Union soldier and as a defender of the nation’s most enduring symbol: the American flag. At Fort Wagner, Carney’s bravery earned him the Medal of Honor, making him the first African American recipient. Elliott Drago, the editorial officer at the Jack Miller Center, shares his remarkable story. Support the show

en-US

27:27

Hollywood Goes To War: Henry Fonda

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/02

On this episode of Our American Stories, before Henry Fonda became one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, he answered a very different kind of calling: service to his country in World War II. From the Broadway stage to the silver screen, Fonda’s career was already on the rise when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the height of the war. He put acting on hold to serve aboard a destroyer in the Pacific Theater, earning a Bronze Star for his actions during combat. As part of our Hollywood

en-US

38:16

John Newton: The Story Behind “Amazing Grace”

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/01

On this episode of Our American Stories, few hymns are as beloved as “Amazing Grace,” and few authors had a story as dramatic as John Newton. Once marked by sin and disgrace, Newton became a minister and wrote the words that continue to define Christian worship around the world. On this day in history, John Newton set pen to paper and created one of the most enduring songs of faith. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

10:49

The Gettysburg Address: The Story Behind Lincoln’s Words

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/01

On this episode of Our American Stories, in November 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, a speech so brief and powerful it reshaped the nation’s understanding of the Civil War. Our host Lee Habeeb shares the story behind the story: why Lincoln’s words mattered, how they reframed the sacrifice of Gettysburg, and how “of the people, by the people, for the people” became the enduring creed of American democracy. Support the show

en-US

9:29

Bernard John Dowling Irwin: The First Medal of Honor...

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/01

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest military decoration, awarded for acts of heroism that go above and beyond the call of duty. The first to earn it was Bernard John Dowling Irwin, an Army surgeon who risked everything during the Apache Wars. His bravery in 1861 set a precedent that continues through every Medal of Honor citation today. Here's The History Guy with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See

en-US

9:59

“On Skid Row” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday...

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/01

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice from his guide to unraveling the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. His book, Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases, explores where our favorite sayings come from—and what they really mean. Be sure to check it out! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

7:59

Ralph Cox: The Last Cut from the 1980 U.S. Olympic...

Our American Stories ·

2025/10/01

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ralph Cox was a star college hockey player with his sights set on the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. But when coach Herb Brooks finalized the U.S. Olympic hockey team roster, Cox was the last man cut. While his teammates went on to make history in the “Miracle on Ice” against the Soviet Union, Cox had to watch from the sidelines. Here, he reflects on the heartbreak and what it means to be tied forever to one of the greatest moments in sports

en-US

10:49

The Forgotten Founding Father Who Wrote “We the People”

Our American Stories ·

2025/09/30

On this episode of Our American Stories, most Americans know the phrase “We the People,” but few know the man who wrote it. Gouverneur Morris, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, shaped more of the Constitution’s text than almost anyone else. Historian and Jack Miller Center Fellow Dennis C. Rasmussen tells the story of this overlooked Founding Father, known as the “Penman of the Constitution,” whose words gave America its most famous beginning. Support the

en-US

1,630 results

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