Our American Stories (iHeartPodcasts)

On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard “Dick” Bong was a hero in an era of heroes. Here’s the History Guy with the story.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tony Maglica's family escaped the horrors of World War II and left their homeland of Croatia; however, his flashlights are proudly made in America—and his dreams were too.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the crew of Apollo 8 and Steve Kates tell the story of their Christmas time mission to the moon--and the reading of Genesis over its surface.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from Mariam Ibrahim, who lives in Virginia. But the story begins far from there.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, whatever their individual beliefs, all of America's founders studied the Bible. For many, it was their foremost guide in all things - as evidenced by George Washington's inauguration.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you’re curious enough, the familiar can become fascinating. Bill Bryk briefly recounts how New York City became the city it is today, as well as his love for its past.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn tells the story of our fourth president, James Madison.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, despite being generally liked by the fraternity he was rushing, some parents of the boys expressed their dismay at Eric's wanting to join the group. His would-be fraternity brothers put their enjoyment and reputations on the line to fight the unjustified hate.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Kengor tells us how the U.S. government chose to keep the details of this WWII attack hushed. Author, Andrew Thompson, shares another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language. Leslie Leyland Fields tells the story of how she came to write her memoir.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes: 

00:00 - The WWII Tragedy America Chose to Forget

12:30 - "Run Amuck" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions

25:00 - The Reluctant Memoirist: Leslie Leyland Fields

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, on May 18, 1896, the decision on a case brought before the Supreme Court would solidify segregation for over five and a half decades. Homer Plessy's descendant, Keith Plessy, tells us the story of the Plessy v. Ferguson case, as well as what he and Judge Ferguson's descendant are doing about it now.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mary Mikami was a Japanese American born in Alaska. Learn about her acceptance and achievements.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ford's Theater reenactor Mike Robinson tells the full unknown story through the eyes of A.C. Richards, Washington's Superintendent of Police.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1984, during a period of Cold War tension, a Soviet submarine collided with a United States aircraft carrier. Here’s The History Guy with the story of the USS Kitty Hawk collision.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Westhead, former coach of the L.A. Lakers, shares his life story with Lee.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brot Coleman tells the harrowing story of the time America reached the highest peak in the world not once, but twice, on their first expedition to it in 1963.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob Huff was born just outside of Dayton, Ohio, in the blue-collar factory town of Moraine City. Bob’s early life was anything but easy… but that clearly didn’t stop Bob.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the first half of the 19th century, Christmas was a very different kind of holiday than it is today. By the time it was established as a federal holiday—on June 26, 1870—the ways they chose to celebrate Christmas would almost be completely foreign to what we practice today. Here’s Greg Hengler with the real story of our cherished Christmas holiday.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Julie Ferris, author of The Masters A to Z, brings us the story of the classic game of golf and the world's most important tournament, The Masters.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ritz-Carlton founder Horst Schulze reshaped how service and hospitality are defined in business. He tells a short story about how great service wins - excellence wins - and bad service kills businesses.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Winter Prosapio dives into some of the strange laws we have....and why we have them.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Shelby Houston, 18, delivered a sermon for her father—Richard Houston, a 21-year TX cop—killed in the line of duty.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Walter Gretzky died at the age of 82. His death prompted an avalanche of tributes for a genuine, approachable, authentic person who nurtured the unsurpassed hockey talents of his son, Wayne Gretzky, on the family's famed backyard rink in Brantford, Ontario. The 60-year-old NHL legend-turned-American citizen spoke shortly after laying his father to rest.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, before Bob Funk founded Express Employment Professionals he wanted to be an actual minister, but his real calling in helping people find work (and hope) has likely had a much bigger impact—with over 800 franchises throughout the world. The purpose of the business? Connect workers to work. 

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, flying for the United States in WWII was dangerous work, and the numbers show for it. In the Eighth Air Force alone, 26,000 men paid the ultimate sacrifice—one half of the casualties in the entire U.S. Army Air Force. It was only by sheer grit and a little bit of luck that Steve Snyder's father, Howard, managed to return from Europe alive, as he and his crew had been shot down over Belgium. Here's Steve to tell the story.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Christopher Klein tells the story of the former president and Civil War hero, Ulysses S. Grant, and how he raced to complete a literary masterpiece that saved his wife from destitution with the aid of Mark Twain. Years after finding out she was adopted, Traci Huguley discovered she was not the only child adopted out. Bob Kendrick tells the story of former Negro Leagues Baseball player Buck O'Neil and how Buck handled being rejected from the National Baseball Hall of Fame "like a man". 

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Grant and Twain Christopher Klein

12:30 - The 46 Year-Long Journey to Finding My Sisters

37:00 - Buck O'Neil's Lesson on Dealing With Defeat Like a Man

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Billie Mae Richards is a Canadian actress best known for voicing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the 1964 stop-motion television classic. The special first aired on December 6, 1964, on NBC. Here’s Billie Mae to share her story.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, if you think of the quintessential American fruit, it would probably have to be the apple. But apples are not our cheapest fruit—bananas are! But why? Here’s The History Guy with the story of the banana.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s time for another “Hollywood Goes to War” story from Roger McGrath. Tim McCoy was a major film star most noted for his roles in Western films. He was so popular with youngsters as a cowboy star that he appeared on the cover of Wheaties cereal boxes.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, here’s The History Guy with the tale of an escaped slave-turned Civil War legend named Robert Smalls.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, history geek Christopher Klein to tells the story of how Johnny Carson saved Twister. Liz Williams, founder of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, tells the story of whisky, bourbon, absinthe, and pink elephants... done Cajun style. Tina Ramirez shares her passion for religion and how she took it around the world.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes: 

00:00 - How Johnny Carson Saved Twister

12:30 - Drinking Done New Orleans Style

25:00 - Humans are Hardwired for Freedom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Lincoln was laid to rest, he certainly didn't do so in peace. Louis Picone tells the story of Lincoln's post-mortem experience.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, today we know asbestos to be a health hazard. But the natural mineral was not simply an artifact of the industrial age. Here’s the History Guy telling the story of asbestos. 

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2021, former Negro Leauge Baseball player Buck O'Neil finally made it into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, years after being rejected, to the surprise of his friends, by one vote. Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, tells the story of how Buck handled this loss, in Bob's words, "like a man".

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, it all went down in the city of Benton Harbor, Michigan, in 2006. Andrew Collins was a narcotics officer. Jameel McGee was a new father of a baby boy. This is a story about forgiveness, brokenness, and true reconciliation from two guys who should have been hardened, bitter enemies.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, many Americans have heard of the famous Navajo Code Talkers who used their traditional language to transmit secret Allied messages in the Pacific Theater of combat during World War II. Our next story is told to us by one of these Marines. Peter MacDonald is the President at Navajo Code Talkers Association.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Jefferson took huge steps toward the American life and frame of mind built since his time. One of these steps was toward the West.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Eruzione—the captain of the 1980 U.S Men’s Olympic "Miracle on Ice" Hockey Team—recounts the unlikely circumstances that led to his amazing career on ice, the legendary upset against the Soviets, his game-winning goal, and winning the gold medal. 

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeff Shaw shares his story of being lost in his career path, becoming a police officer, and the years of emotions that come along with it. 

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2006, Crissy Moran—who was, at the time, one of the biggest porn stars in the world—fled the industry. Today, the married Crissy Outlaw helps other women do the same.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Texas boys don’t write poetry, and certainly don’t cry. Roger Latham did, though, after discovering a poem written by his deceased mother.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, here to tell the story of John Lincoln Clem—the youngest non-commissioned officer in Army history—is Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, author of John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Christine Benninger is the CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, the largest guide dog school in North America. She shares about the unique training process for these extraordinary animals and the special bond they share with their owner.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, 400 million pounds of cranberries are consumed by Americans each year. Twenty percent of that is during the week of Thanksgiving. That's 80 million pounds! And 5,062,500 gallons of jellied cranberry sauce are consumed by Americans every holiday season. Here’s the History Guy to share the story of the Great Cranberry Scare of 1959.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, a worldwide voyage leads to a chance encounter with a high-ranking communist - and, very nearly, to an extended stay on a zany basis.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in this dramatic reading, American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized Old North Church and Paul Revere in American folklore and cemented their place in American history.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Edie Hand was always told by her mother that she was strong... but strength isn't always enough. Jason Wolfe tells the story of figuring out to be the father he didn't have. Rod Stanley of the Dexter Museum tells the story of how President Truman won the state of Iowa and another term in office in 1948. 

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes:

00:00 - Strength in Loneliness is Still Loneliness

12:30 - Jason Wolfe Paid His Own Child Support

37:00 - When Truman Came to Town

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, we learn about the law school classic Leonard v. PepsiCo Inc., which helps kids navigate the curious world of contract law, but in 1999 it was serious business. Sean Kernan of Medium helps us tell the story...

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Busbee of The Culture Buzz on KFMG 98.9 tells the story of the remarkable sacrifice made by one family in Iowa during the Civil War.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, “Smokin” Ed Currie is an American chili pepper breeder who is the founder and president of the PuckerButt Pepper Company. He is best known for breeding the hottest chili pepper in the world, the Carolina Reaper and now Pepper X, as recognized by Guinness World Records. A former addict, Ed is now a man with a strong faith. Here’s Ed sharing a story involving him and his wife.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Art Burton, the author of countless books on African Americans in the West, tells the story of one of the most feared outlaws in the Indian Territory.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Brooklyn Bridge, with its unprecedented length and two stately towers, was dubbed the “eighth wonder of the world.” The connection it provided between the massive population centers of Brooklyn and Manhattan changed the course of New York City forever. Here's the History Guy with the story.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dennis Peterson tells the story of Dicey Langston, a woman willing to put her life on the line for the patriot cause.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1980s, the Packers stadium had a kid’s-only section for kids between the 5th and 8th grades. During Jon Elfner’s 8th grade year he not only saw every game—he also fell in love.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Jerry Bergman tells the story of a teenage boy who became interested in snow. On January 15, 1885, at 20 years of age, he became the first person in the world to photograph a snowflake.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, David LaBelle's last memory of his mother was seeing her washed away in a raging flood when he was a senior in high school. She would never be found. It took David years to wrestle with the loss, and eventually he decided to write a semi-fictional book about the event called Bridges & Angels as a therapeutic exercise.  

David's books (and photos) can be found on his website.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, more than any other sports figure, Vince Lombardi transformed football into a metaphor of the American experience. Our guest David Maraniss (author of When Pride Still Mattered), captures all of Lombardi: the myth, the man, his game, and his God.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story come to us from a veteran of the U.S. Army. He served with the 82nd Airborne Division in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Here’s Fernando Arroyo.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kara Dixon Vuic tells this remarkable story of service.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, President Ronald Reagan's Chief Speechwriter and Pulitzer Prize Winning journalist Tony Dolan pays tribute to America's fallen soldiers.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ken Wells always knew what he wanted to do--to fly fast. But when that dream became a reality, it landed him as a prisoner of war at the Hanoi Hilton in Vietnam... Two days before his wife, Candy, gave birth to their child. Joining us with their story are both Ken and Candy.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The History Guy remembers a truly extraordinary Civil War heroine, Mary Edwards Walker. She was the only woman in U.S. history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt, T.J. Stiles tells the dramatic story of Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt’s humble birth during the presidency of George Washington to his death as one of the richest men in American history. The Commodore helped to launch the transportation revolution, propel the Gold Rush, reshape Manhattan, invent the modern corporation, and create the modern American economy. 

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, cooking in the late 1800s was unpredictable, tiresome, and difficult. Recipes were passed down in families, but often contained vague—if any—actual measurements. Fannie Farmer changed all that in 1896. We are joined by Ken Albala, professor of history and food studies at University of the Pacific in California.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Pony Express is synonymous with speed, endurance, and the American spirit to just get things done. While the name is recognizable not just throughout the States, but also all over the world, it’s not widely known that the Pony Express was part of a larger corporation.. or that it only lasted for 18 months… or that it was never meant to last in the first place. Here to tell the story of The Pony Express is Jim DeFelice, author of West Like Lightning: The Brief, Legendary Ride of the Pony Express.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, he starred in “The Mark of Zorro” and many other movies, but his greatest role—at the height of his acting career—was serving his country during World War II as a Marine. Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 telling the story about how he—a Jew—started the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Clarence Saunders revolutionized the way people shopped. He developed “self-service” grocery shopping in his Piggly Wiggly stores at a time when store assistants usually collected products for their customers. By introducing checkouts, clearly priced goods, and itemized receipts, he set the foundations for the supermarkets of today. Mike Freeman is the author of Clarence Saunders & the Founding of Piggly Wiggly: The Rise and Fall of a Memphis Maverick.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk brings us the tale of the day British forces evacuated New York City after the Revolutionary War... a full 2 years after the British Army surrendered.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, threatening viewers into buying Wilkins coffee was just one creative way Jim Henson mastered the television medium for the puppetry arts. Hear how advertising supported art that became education, and - good grief, the comedian is a bear!

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, here again with his recurring series is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Curious Origins of Everyday Sayings and Fun Phrases author, Andrew Thompson, as he continues to share another slice from his ultimate guide to understanding these baffling mini mysteries of the English language.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Ilene Hall enlisted in the Army WAC in 1943, she was following her husband, Edward “Ken” Hall to war. When her husband, to whom she was married in March 1943, finished his training and was about to be shipped overseas, the young Canton, Ohio girl decided not to put an ocean between them. Here she is to tell her story!

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in  a 30-year span, a family dealt with its sins twice. In the end, it's a story of forgiveness.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, it was one of the oddest and best musical collaborations of the 20th century. Old school pop crooner Bing Crosby partnered with British glam-rocker David Bowie to make one of the most cherished Christmas songs of all time. But it almost didn't happen. 

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in July of 1945, a U.S. B-25 Mitchell got lost in heavy fog over Manhattan. Here’s The History Guy remembering the B-25 Empire State Building Crash.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 with a story about what he learned from his unseemly college law professor.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler sat down with Brett Favre in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home where Brett shared stories about humility, aging, and faith, in this fourth part of his five part series.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the Brooklyn Bridge, with its unprecedented length and two stately towers, was dubbed the “eighth wonder of the world.” The connection it provided between the massive population centers of Brooklyn and Manhattan changed the course of New York City forever. Here's The History Guy with the story.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, a barcode on most products, properly called a UPC, or “Universal Product Code,” is a necessity for everyday life. Here’s the History Guy with the story. 

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of her old upright piano that was passed down to her from her mother. Harlow Giles Unger, New York Times bestselling author of twenty-eight books, tells us how Dr. Benjamin Rush is known as the Father of Psychiatry, the Army Medical Corps, Veterinary Care, and biblically-taught Public Schools.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

Time Codes: 

00:00 - The Memories Behind That Old Upright Piano

12:30 - "The Father of American Psychiatry"

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, where would our photos go if our house were to be hit by a tornado? The answer is everywhere. But for Thad Beeler's neighbors, that question wasn't a hypothetical...it was grounded in harsh reality after the deadly May 2011 Joplin Tornado...and Thad decided to do something about it.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Annie Oakley was a shooting star, a magician whose magic wand was a gun. Right handed, left handed, on a horse, through a mirror—she couldn’t miss. At a time when women were only expected to fire up the oven, Annie Oakley fired her way to fame as the world’s greatest sharpshooter. In her personal life she was a sharpshooter as well. She was devoted to her marriage and to her faith. Here to tell the story is Ashley Hlebinsky. Ashley is the former co-host of Discovery Channel’s “Master of Arms,” the former curator in charge of the Cody Firearms Museum, and president of The Gun Code, LLC.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ryan Stewart went most of his life unsure of his purpose... But, there was one thing that kept him going -- dogs. He shares his story of how canines have helped him.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nicholas Smith, author of Kicks: The Great American Story of Sneakers, takes us for a journey through American history... through the lens of the sneaker!

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, our host, Lee Habeeb, tells his wife Valerie's story. After years of abuse and crisis, Valerie and her family found the faith to forgive, and to powerfully heal.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, you've heard Christopher Klein tell the story of “How Johnny Carson Saved Twister.” He’s back with another one. Aided by Mark Twain, the former president and Civil War hero raced to complete a literary masterpiece that saved his wife from destitution.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Francis “Frank” Scott Key was not someone you would have picked to write our national anthem… but he did, and right after one of America’s great military victories. 

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the "Nostalgia Awakens" is a Star Wars action figure exhibit from enthusiast and museum curator Jarrod Roll. He's here to share the story of how Star Wars toys revolutionized movie merchandising, licensing, and even how children play.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, SR-71 Blackbird pilot, Bryan Shall, explains how much fun you can have when you're the fastest plane in the sky. Cathy Cooley shares the story of how her late son, Christopher, led his family to faith and the founding of their organization: The Christopher Foundation.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in Kevin Samy's father's village in India, they actually had to call in a person from another village to teach their children to read. Their chalkboard was the dirt floor of the building they learned in. He'd eventually move to the United States and become an engineer. Kevin Samy shares his family's remarkable American dream story.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, this is the story of Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much-needed supplies into a war-torn Soviet-blockaded Berlin following WWII. As he performed his duties, Lt. Halvorsen began to notice the German children gathered by the fences of Tempelhof Air Base. Knowing that they had very little, an idea sprang: He would bomb Berlin with candy.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Barry Meguiar tells the compelling story of his rare 1901 Duryea car.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, the war in Ben Franklin's home was not one a loving family could have ever expected.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, more than any other sports figure, Vince Lombardi transformed football into a metaphor of the American experience. Our guest David Maraniss (author of When Pride Still Mattered), captures all of Lombardi: the myth, the man, his game, and his God.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Claire tells the story of the Battle of Midway, America's "make or break" moment in World War II.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Michael Williams remembers his best friend and uncle (who was 1 year older than him) Dan Reeves—a "gun guy" in Vietnam who survived a harrowing night in the jungle, and countless near brushes with death defending his camp from the enemy.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, historian Stephen Ambrose tells us the unlikely World War II story of George McGovern, the antiwar presidential candidate who was defeated by President Nixon in 1972.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.