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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

9:29

A Cold War Encounter Over the North Pole

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/13

On this episode of Our American Stories, during the height of the Cold War, a routine American B-50 bomber flight over the North Pole turned into a tense encounter with a Russian MiG jet. Richard Muniz shares the story of his friend’s fateful meeting in the skies, revealing the quiet dangers of Cold War aviation and the high-stakes cat-and-mouse games between the United States and the Soviet Union. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for

en-US

17:58

Johnny Carson’s “Carnac the Magnificent,” Tiny Tim,...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/13

On this episode of Our American Stories, Johnny Carson reigned supreme as the host of The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992, shaping modern late-night television and launching countless careers. Over three decades on the air, iconic sketches and unforgettable guests became part of American pop culture, from “Carnac the Magnificent” to appearances by Tiny Tim and Rodney Dangerfield. Mark Malkoff, author of Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan's Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend,

en-US

10:49

How Bob Gibson and Tim McCarver Redefined Baseball at...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/12

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1964 World Series, the St. Louis Cardinals played the mighty NY Yankees. On the pitcher's mound for the Cardinals was Bob Gibson, and his catcher was Tim McCarver. Here's Jeff Bloodworth, a professor of American history at Gannon University and a Jack Miller Center fellow, with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

9:29

How Smallpox Saved Canada and Crippled Washington’s Army

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/12

On this episode of Our American Stories, while George Washington fought the British on the battlefield, another invisible enemy was tearing through his army. William Federer, bestselling author and president of AmeriSearch, unpacks how smallpox played a pivotal role in the failure of the U.S. invasion of Canada and how that loss changed both Canadian and American history forever. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

17:58

The Black WWII Hero Who Swam Through Shark-Infested...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/12

On this episode of Our American Stories, when the USS Gregorywas attacked and left sinking in the Pacific, Navy mess attendant Charles Jackson French jumped into shark-infested waters with a rope around his waist, dragging a raft full of wounded white sailors to safety for six straight hours. Bruce Wigo, former CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, shares the true story of one of WWII’s most overlooked acts of bravery by a Black serviceman. Support the show

en-US

30:17

The Story of Justice Scalia: From His Immigrant Roots...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/12

On this episode of Our American Stories,James Rosen, author ofScalia: Rise to Greatness, shares the story of Antonin Scalia’s unlikely but inevitable rise to the U.S. Supreme Court. His family, faith, and immigrant roots were the primary drivers of his unwavering belief in the Constitution, which, in turn, led him to become one of the most impactful judges in American history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

7:59

How the USS Lexington Became a Floating Symbol of...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/12

On this episode of Our American Stories, she was built for war but became a beacon of memory. TheUSS Lexington(CV-16) launched into battle during the darkest days of World War II and earned her place in history through courage, endurance, and an uncanny ability to survive. Nicknamed the “Blue Ghost” by Japanese forces, she was reported sunk multiple times—but each time, she returned, ready for more. Today, the aircraft carrier serves as a museum in Corpus Christi, offering a

en-US

27:27

The Football Game Gerald Ford Never Forgot: Pigskins,...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/09

On this episode of Our American Stories, before he was president, Gerald Ford was a rising football star at the University of Michigan. But in 1934, his loyalty was tested when Georgia Tech refused to play if his Black teammate, Willis Ward, took the field. Author and historian John U. Bacon shares this remarkable story of friendship, integrity, and a quiet act of defiance that helped shape Ford’s views on civil rights. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See

en-US

10:49

How a Near-Death Jet Crash Prepared One Air Force...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/09

On this episode of Our American Stories, during a high-stakes flight, pilot trainee Peter Braxton lost control of his aircraft and almost didn’t live to tell the tale. That near-death experience would prepare him for something no one could have imagined: becoming the first Air Force pilot airborne over the Twin Towers on 9/11. Here’s Peter with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

10:49

America’s Last Bareknuckle Fighter Took on the...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/09

On this episode of Our American Stories, before gloves, rules, or weight classes, there was John L. Sullivan: a powerhouse brawler who became America’s last bare-knuckle boxing champion. With fists of steel and a standing challenge to fight any man alive, Sullivan didn’t just win titles; he won the country’s attention. In 1893, he launched his infamous “Knockout Tour,” daring challengers to last just 12 minutes in the ring with the champ for a cash prize. Christopher

en-US

19:28

Roberto Clemente’s Legacy Preserved by a Fan Who...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/09

On this episode of Our American Stories, long after Roberto Clemente’s final game, Duane Rieder found himself returning to the images, stories, and memories that surrounded Clemente’s life and career. A photographer by trade, Rieder’s interest in Clemente became a quiet pursuit—scanning negatives, tracking down memorabilia, and sharing what he found with others. Over time, the project grew into a museum. Tucked away in a restored Pittsburgh firehouse, the Roberto Clemente

en-US

7:59

“All Hell Broke Loose” and the Wonderful Origins of...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/09

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language, this time diving into how the phrase “all hell broke loose” came to be. His book,Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases, is a must-read. Be sure to check it out! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

38:16

The Most Recorded Guitarist in History: Tommy Tedesco...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/08

On this episode of Our American Stories, he was the session guitarist behind some of the biggest songs of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, but chances are, you’ve never heard his name. Tommy Tedesco, a core member of The Wrecking Crew, played on everything from TV themes to Top 10 singles. His son, Denny Tedesco, tells the remarkable story of the man behind the music and the acclaimed documentary that finally gave these musicians their due. Support the show

en-US

10:49

Why a Rhodes Scholar Walked Away from Oxford to Fight...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/08

On this episode of Our American Stories,in the late 1960s, Karl Marlantes stood at a crossroads: remain at Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship, or go to Vietnam and serve alongside the boys he grew up with, many of whom had already shipped out. He chose to go. That decision shaped his life in ways he’s still reckoning with. In this unflinching interview, Marlantes shares why he left behind comfort and entered the jungles of Vietnam. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See

en-US

9:29

How “Georgia on My Mind” Became a Classic American Song

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/08

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ray Charles did not write “Georgia on My Mind,” but he gave it its enduring soul. Written in 1930 by composer Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics by Stuart Gorrell, the song lived a quiet life for decades before Ray Charles’ 1960 recording transformed it into a timeless American classic. Our host, Lee Habeeb, shares the story of how a haunting melody, a forgotten lyricist, and a singular voice came together to create a song that crossed genres,

en-US

9:59

“Hunky Dory” and “Hedge Your Bets”: The Wonderful...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/08

On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language, this time diving into how the phrases “hunky dory” and “hedge your bets” came to be. His book,Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases, is a must-read. Be sure to check it out! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See

en-US

7:59

She Was Japanese American During WWII, but Her Story...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/08

On this episode of Our American Stories, while her parents were among the many unjustly sent to internment camps during World War II, Mary Mikami and her siblings remained free. Mary rose to the top of her class, earned a doctorate from Yale, and built a life marked by quiet strength and achievement. Preston Jones, professor of history at John Brown University, shares her powerful and often overlooked story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for

en-US

20:18

How a mother and Daughter Turned 20,000 Salt and...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/07

On this episode of Our American Stories, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, archaeologist Andrea Ludden and her husband, Rolf Ludden, turned a family passion for collecting salt and pepper shakers into the world’s largest museum of its kind. With over 20,000 pieces, ranging from whimsical figures to historical designs, the Museum of Salt and Pepper Shakers celebrate creativity, culture, and the stories behind everyday objects. Here’s their astonishing story. Support the show

en-US

17:58

The Story of America: An Eden in the Wilderness [Ep. 2]

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/07

On this episode of Our American Stories, long before the founding of the United States, a group of determined settlers landed in a wild and unforgiving land with one audacious goal: to build an Eden in the wilderness. In this second episode of our ongoing Story of America Series, historian Bill McClay, a professor at Hillsdale College and author ofLand of Hope, traces how the earliest settlements were a bold experiment in liberty and community that continues to impact American life today. Support

en-US

20:18

Surviving Persecution: Mariam Ibrahim’s Journey from...

Our American Stories ·

2026/01/07

On this episode of Our American Stories, what does freedom of religion really mean? For Mariam Ibrahim, it meant the difference between life and death. Born in Sudan and sentenced to execution for her Christian faith, Mariam escaped religious persecution and built a new life with her family in the U.S. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the cost of belief and the courage it takes to live it. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

2,223 results

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