Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories, before the 1950s, family road trips meant unreliable motels and tired parents hopping from place to place. After one frustrating trip, Kemmons Wilson decided to change that. He created Holiday Inn—the first family-friendly, standardized hotel chain in America. His son, Kemmons Wilson Jr., shares the story of how it all began. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Bauer, a WCCO 830 listener from Minneapolis, Minnesota, shares two heartfelt Father’s Day stories—one about his father, and the other about his son. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the canon of personal songs, "Leader of the Band" is one of the most treasured. The song is Fogelberg’s loving tribute to his musician father, Lawrence. Here's Dan himself with the story of the song—and the man. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, on November 5, 2021, a funeral service was held for General Colin Powell at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. He passed away at age 84 due to complications from COVID-19 while undergoing treatment for cancer. In this moving tribute, his son Michael shares heartfelt reflections on his father’s life and legacy. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Roger Latham, a regular contributor from Fort Worth, Texas, shares the story of his father, a World War II fighter pilot and his personal hero. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, for those of us whose fathers did their best to raise and love us, we’re the lucky ones. In fact, the greatest privilege no one in America seems to be talking about may be “The Father Privilege.” For our Father’s Day Special, Lee Habeeb shares the story of his own father. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Union soldiers at Andersonville Prison were near starvation and dehydration when prayer saved thousands of lives. To understand the history of America, it is essential to recognize the significant role the Bible has 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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Vincent “Rocco” Vargas shares his unique perspective on becoming a Border Patrol agent after his own grandmother came to America illegally. He is now an actor best known for his role as Gilberto “Gilly” Lopez on Mayans M.C., a spinoff of the FX original hit series Sons of Anarchy. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Arizona State University President Michael Crow shares the inspiring story of how he helped transform ASU into one of the most innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking public universities in the country. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Frohlich, a regular contributor to the show, shares the remarkable story of his grandfather—a German-born immigrant who once handled warhorses as a World War I conscript and later helped build America’s "Arsenal of Democracy" during World War II. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, he was the dashing lead in The Mark of Zorro and one of Hollywood’s biggest stars during its Golden Era. But at the height of his fame, Tyrone Power gave it all up to serve as a Marine pilot in World War II. Roger McGrath shares the story of how this silver screen icon became a real-life hero in the latest installment of our Hollywood Goes to War series. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, born into slavery during the Civil War, Ida B. Wells is best remembered as an American journalist who fought tirelessly against lynching during the Jim Crow era. What most people don’t know is that she also defended the right of African Americans to own firearms. Our regular contributor, Ashley Hlebinsky, shares her story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tracy Grant, former managing editor at The Washington Post, shares why the days spent caring for her dying husband were the best seven months of her life. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, a listener from Colorado shares her remarkable Elvis story—about the time she met the King not once, but twice in an eight-hour span! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George Will tells the story of Ted Williams. He also tells the story of a San Francisco fisherman’s son, Joe DiMaggio—his “streak” of 56 consecutive games with a hit, and his steely determination. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George Will tells the story of Ted Williams. He also tells the story of a San Francisco fisherman’s son, Joe DiMaggio—his “streak” of 56 consecutive games with a hit, and his steely determination. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Tennessee officials told Doug and Mary Ketchum they couldn’t run their liquor store in Memphis, they took their case to the Supreme Court—and won. Here they are with their story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, PEZ found great success in its native Austria but struggled when it first entered the American market. Shawn Peterson, author of PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon, shares the fascinating story of how this quirky manual candy dispenser evolved into a beloved pop culture phenomenon. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bruce may be Chinese born, but as you’re about to hear, he’s all American. Here he is with his unique story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1800s, body snatching was surprisingly common, but stealing the body of a U.S. president was not. Historian Louis Picone shares the incredible true story of the harebrained scheme to steal Abraham Lincoln’s remains and hold them for ransom. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Brian Jay Jones, author of Jim Henson: The Biography, tells the story of how some of America’s most beloved characters—the Muppets—got their start in advertising and television commercials. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, after a career in the Marines, Mike Jones went on to work for some of the most successful animation studios, including Hanna-Barbera and Marvel Productions. He later left Marvel to produce and direct McGee and Me! and animate Adventures in Odyssey. After 30 years of work, his long-awaited project, Theo Presents, was finally released. Here’s Mike with his inspiring story of faith and creativity. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Burt Young is an instantly recognizable character actor, known for his half-muttered voice and flinty gaze—traits that made him the perfect fit for Rocky as Sylvester Stallone’s ill-mannered brother-in-law, Paulie. Here’s Burt Young with his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, was George Washington really America’s first president? Perhaps not. Historian and bestselling author Christopher Klein, a regular contributor to History.com and Smithsonian Magazine, shares the little-known story of John Hanson, the man some consider the nation’s first president under the Articles of Confederation. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, former state politician Duncan Scott shares the hilarious true story of how he pranked the New Mexico State Legislature, resulting in one of the strangest amendments ever proposed in American history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, an undercover agent infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1940s, gathering secrets that would later be exposed to millions through the Superman radio show. This unusual alliance between pop culture and espionage helped undermine one of America’s most notorious hate groups. Here's the astonishing and forgotten story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, like many others, Miles C. Collier fell in love with automobiles in an instant. Today, he runs the world-renowned Revs Institute—widely considered the best car museum in the world—and is the author of The Archaeological Automobile, a book that explores American material culture through the lens of the vehicles and artifacts we leave behind. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Acitelli, author of Pilsner: How the Beer of Kings Changed the World, tells the fascinating story of how a revolutionary brew from the Austrian Empire became one of America’s most popular beers. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener and regular contributor Joy Neal Kidney, from Des Moines, Iowa, shares the war story of her uncle, Donald Wilson. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, American history hasn’t been kind to King George III. Branded a tyrant in the Declaration of Independence and dismissed as unfit to lead a free people, his legacy has long been misunderstood. British historian Andrew Roberts, author of The Last King of America: The Misunderstood Reign of George III, shares the true story of America’s last king and why we might just have the story all wrong. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, defeating the Nazi menace took more than strength and tactics—it required feeding the Germans a steady stream of “accurate” Allied secrets for years. The late, great Stephen Ambrose tells the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jeremy Swick of the College Football Hall of Fame shares the incredible true story of Sgt. Stubby—a stray dog who became a soldier, war hero, and beloved military mascot during World War I. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, for over 100 years, the Miss America pageant has been a fixture of American culture, shaping ideas of beauty, femininity, and patriotism. But staying relevant hasn’t been easy. Amy Argetsinger, author of There She Was: The Secret History of Miss America, shares the surprising origins, cultural impact, and evolution of the iconic competition. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Laura Sangster shares the love story between her and her husband. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Nancy Ball shares a story she wrote titled “Being an Ole Miss Fan Is, in and of Itself, a Lesson in Humility.” Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, listener Richard Hood takes us back to the Battle of Fredericksburg to share a story of compassion amid America’s deadliest war. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, American progress, with all its tragedies and enduring hope, can perhaps be seen as clearly through the Irish-American experience as any other. Karen Kaufmann shares the story of one man, Matthew Kerry, who never tired of calling Americans, again and again, to the high aspirations of the Declaration of Independence. We'd like to thank the Jack Miller Center for turning us on to this story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, invented in 1897, Jell-O quickly worked its way into the hearts—and stomachs—of Americans. In war and peace, in sickness and in health, from Greek houses to inflatable pools, Jell-O was there. Here to tell the story is Simon Whistler, host of the Today I Found Out YouTube channel and its sister podcast, The Brain Food Show. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Bennett was a master salesman and visionary businessman who, alongside legendary gun designer John Moses Browning, helped build Winchester into one of the most iconic firearms brands in American history. Here's the story of this forgotten, but all-important, man Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, it may be one of the most eloquent defenses of religion in American life—and of free nations—in U.S. history. “Where freedom of religion has been attacked, the attack has come from sources opposed to democracy,” FDR explained. “Where democracy has been overthrown, the spirit of free worship has disappeared.” Our host, Lee Habeeb, shares the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tommy Dew’s walking tour of Charleston, South Carolina, has been praised and recommended by outlets like The Wall Street Journal and TripAdvisor. Here’s Tommy with the story of Charleston—from the American Revolution to today. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sergeant Bob Alaniz still carries the weight of the morning he fingerprinted Richard Ramirez, knowing he was holding the hands of one of California’s most notorious serial killers, the “Night Stalker.” Here's Bob to tell the story, alongside firearms historian and regular contributor Ashley Hlebinsky.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Shiloh Carozza McCall shares how, in the worst of circumstances, she came to realize that the man she was dating was the rare kind of person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Gail Halvorsen was a young pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps assigned to the Berlin Airlift, where American forces flew vital supplies into a war-torn, Soviet-blockaded Berlin after WWII. While carrying out his missions, Lt. Halvorsen noticed German children gathering at the fences of Tempelhof Air Base. Wanting to bring them hope and a little joy, he came up with an idea: drop candy from his plane. And so, the “Candy Bomber” was born. Here’s the late Gail Halvorsen in his own words. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Pilgrim’s Progress is the second most popular book in world history, after the Bible. Its author, John Bunyan, was a preacher in Bedford, England, who wrote the book in 1676 while imprisoned for “preaching without a license.” The book quickly made its way onto ships bound for the New World. In America, it became so popular that familiarity with it was said to be “the mark of being a good American.” Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 34th episode of our Story of America series, Hillsdale College professor and Land of Hope author Wilfred McClay tells the story of how the railroads fundamentally transformed American life—from the way we handle finance, to how we receive mail, to how we tell time. Or, as he puts it, “Suddenly, we were on the clock.” Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1967, Johnny Cash stumbled into Nickajack Cave in Tennessee, intent on ending his life. Struggling with a relentless addiction to amphetamines, he was canceling shows and recordings while spending time in and out of hospitals and jail cells. Greg Laurie, author of Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon, shares the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, Civil rights lawyers Hugh Eastwood and Bevis Schock of St. Louis share the story of how they filed three separate lawsuits—all heard by the Missouri Supreme Court in a single landmark morning session, that led to the end of the dreaded red-light ticket cameras in the Show-Me State. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has stayed between the goalposts. So, Greg Hengler sat down with him at his home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where Brett shared stories about humility, aging, and faith—part four of a five-part series. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Denver’s songs have become part of the American bloodstream. His melodies and lyrics are heard all over the world. His music is simple and honest—no auto-tune, no flashy outfits—just a man and his guitar. Our own Greg Hengler tells the story of this cultural icon. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025