Podcast Our American Stories by iHeartPodcasts Episodes

Explore every episode of the podcast Our American Stories

Dive into the complete episode list for Our American Stories. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

	Title	Pub. Date	Duration
	How a Hollywood Blockbuster Inspired America’s Most Famous Robbery and Shootout—in North Hollywood	21 Oct 2024	00:20:18
On this episode of Our American Stories, often, art imitates life; this time, life imitated art. Two of America's most famous actors (Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino in the movie Heat) inspired the most famous bank robbery in American history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	From Rags to Riches: The Story of the Silver Rush Kings and the "Big Bonanza"	21 Oct 2024	00:17:58
On this episode of Our American Stories, straight out of a Horatio Alger novel, the Silver Kings (John Mackay, James Fair, William O'Brien, and James Flood) epitomized the rags-to-riches American dream story. Roger McGrath tells the story of the richest mineral discovery in American history - the Comstock Lode. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Hollywood Goes to War: Merian Cooper, the Man Who Created "King Kong"	17 Oct 2024	00:20:18
On this episode of Our American Stories, from the time he was a boy, Merian C. Cooper wanted to be an adventurer, a wish that propelled him into journalism, the National Guard, military aviation, and two world wars. Amid these, he became a movie producer and writer, working on some cinematic classics, including King Kong in 1933. He even played one of the pilots in the film. Here again, to tell this "Hollywood Goes to War" story is Roger McGrath. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Winston Churchill on Education and What It Means for All of Us	20 Sep 2024	00:09:29
On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College and a Churchill scholar, tells the story of Winston Churchill on Education. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Fascinating Origins of The Salvation Army	21 Dec 2023	00:38:16
On this episode of Our American Stories, the Salvation Army's Christmas Red Kettle has been an American icon for 125 years. But for many Americans, this is all they know about the Salvation Army… until now. We’d like to thank the folks at Vision Video for giving us access to their wonderful documentary, Our People: The Story of William and Catherine Booth. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Zuzu’s “Wonderful Life”: The Story of Karolyn Grimes	20 Dec 2023	00:38:16
On this episode of Our American Stories, our next storyteller has the privilege of being in one of the most beloved movies of all time (It's a Wonderful Life)—while, at the same time, and from the same movie—also has one of the most famous lines in movie history. Her story is as wonderful as both of these accomplishments. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Most Important Churchill Speech You've Never Heard: His Christmas Address to Congress Weeks After Pearl Harbor	20 Dec 2023	00:10:49
On this episode of Our American Stories, mere weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made an all-important voyage to the United States to visit with President Roosevelt and to address Congress about the hard path before them. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	How My Mom Scraped Her Way to Success in Rural Florida	20 Dec 2023	00:09:29
On this episode of Our American Stories, for our "True Diversity" series with Philanthropy Roundtable, Devon Westhill, President of the Center for Equal Opportunity, tells the story of how his mother managed, against all odds, to work her way to success and provide a future for her children. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	How George Washington Surprised the British Army, the Hessians, and the World on Christmas 1776	20 Dec 2023	00:07:59
On this episode of Our American Stories, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, tells the story of how George Washington turned the tides of war at Trenton and Princeton in the most important year in our country's history—1776. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Silent Night: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Christmas Carol	20 Dec 2023	00:09:59
On this episode of Our American Stories, from its humble beginnings in an Austrian chapel in 1818, 'Silent Night' has become one of the most popular Christmas hymns of all time. Here’s the History Guy with the story of the song. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Christmas, 1776	19 Dec 2023	00:10:49
On this episode of Our American Stories, it is called the first “American” Christmas because the Declaration of Independence was created the previous summer, essentially “divorcing” America from England and declaring our country an independent nation. Here’s Brian Benjamin sharing the story from his book, Christmas, 1776. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	A Tornado Destroyed My Home—It Led to a Perfect Christmas	19 Dec 2023	00:19:28
On this episode of Our American Stories, it’s hard to believe that something wonderful could come out of a family’s house, filled with presents, decorations, food, and memories, being completely blown away by a tornado just days before Christmas. But once you hear this story from Carla Harris, you just might be convinced otherwise. Here’s Carla with her story of “the perfect Christmas”. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Angels of Bataan: The Brave Nurses Who Served Our Soldiers in One of WWII's Worst Campaigns	19 Dec 2023	00:07:59
On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Clare tells the story of a nurse who served in the Philippines during World War II, and shares the experience that she and others went through after the Japanese takeover of the island. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Man Who Bombed Berlin With....Candy?	19 Dec 2023	00:38:16
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. Here he is to share his story! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The WWII Story of a Black Man Who Rescued White Sailors by Swimming 6 Hours in Shark-Infested Waters	20 Sep 2024	00:17:58
On this episode of Our American Stories, Bruce Wigo—the former CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame—is here to share a story of an unknown American WWII hero. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Little House on the Prairie: The Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder	18 Dec 2023	00:38:16
On this episode of Our American Stories, Laura Ingalls Wilder scholars Dedra Birzer and Pamela Smith Hill share the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Why the Nativity? (w/ Dr. David Jeremiah)	18 Dec 2023	00:20:18
On this episode of Our American Stories, in his book-turned docudrama Why the Nativity?, Dr. David Jeremiah looks in detail at the people and events that surround the Christmas story and why each of them was chosen for their specific purpose. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Triumph and Disaster: The Life of Rudyard Kipling	18 Dec 2023	00:17:58
On this episode of Our American Stories, the life of the youngest-ever winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, Rudyard Kipling, was filled with tragedy. He survived a difficult childhood to go on to become one of the most celebrated authors of his day, penning such classics as "The Jungle Book" and "Just So Stories.” Here’s The History Guy with the story of Rudyard Kipling. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Why Are Bananas So Cheap?	15 Dec 2023	00:10:49
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! 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.
	Everett’s Last Christmas Carol	15 Dec 2023	00:27:27
On this episode of Our American Stories, Jim Johnson finds peculiar friends wherever he goes. This story is about one such friend, Everett Motl. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Henry Steinway Story	15 Dec 2023	00:38:16
On this episode of Our American Stories, Henry Steinway's story is about more than building a world-class American piano company—it is about resiliency and a German immigrant's search for freedom. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Christmas, 1776	14 Dec 2023	00:10:49
On this episode of Our American Stories, it is called the first “American” Christmas because the Declaration of Independence was created the previous summer, essentially “divorcing” America from England and declaring our country an independent nation. Here’s Brian Benjamin sharing the story from his book, Christmas, 1776. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Hollywood Goes to War: Tim McCoy	14 Dec 2023	00:27:27
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.
	Is Die Hard a Xmas Movie? The Story and the Definitive Answer!	14 Dec 2023	00:20:18
On this episode of Our American Stories, here to settle this question once and for all is Stephen Follows. Stephen is an established data researcher in the film industry and wrote the widely circulated answer to this hotly debated question on his website, StephenFollows.com. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Caring For My Dying Husband Made Life Worth Living	14 Dec 2023	00:09:59
On this episode of Our American Stories, Tracy Grant was the managing editor of the Washington Post. She shares the story of why the days taking care of her dying husband were the best 7 months of her life. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Marine-Turned Saturday Morning Cartoonist: "My Calling from God is to be an Animator"	19 Sep 2024	00:30:17
On this episode of Our American Stories, after a career in the Marines, Mike Joens worked for some of the most successful animation studios (Hanna Barbera and Marvel Productions). He left Marvel to produce and direct “McGee and Me" and animated “Adventures in Odyssey.” Finally, after 30 years, “Theo Presents” was released. Mike tells his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Founding Fathers Said, No Bible—No America: 100 Bible Verses That Made America	14 Dec 2023	00:07:59
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.
	Stephen Ambrose: The Transcontinental Railroad	13 Dec 2023	00:38:16
On this episode of Our American Stories, climb aboard! Here’s Stephen Ambrose to tell us a story from his bestseller, Nothing Like It In The World: The Men Who Built The Transcontinental Railroad. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Story of Speaker of the House Carl Albert: The Watergate Democrat Who Put the Nation and the Constitution Above His Party	13 Dec 2023	00:10:49
On this episode of Our American Stories, he was known as the Little Giant from Little Dixie. He would rise to become the Speaker of the House during the Watergate years. Hear his story of putting principle over politics. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	No! No! No! Who the Hell Boos Santa Claus?!	13 Dec 2023	00:19:28
On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1968, the 19-year-old Frank Olivo was dressed as Santa Claus at an Eagles’ football game where he was booed and pelted with snowballs. Here to tell the story is Frank’s first-cousin and best friend, Richard Monastra. Here’s Rich starting with a little background on both him and “Snowball Santa,” Frank Olivo. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Real Santa	13 Dec 2023	00:07:59
On this episode of Our American Stories, here's Roger Latham from Fort Worth, Texas, telling us a Christmas story he’s titled, “The Real Santa.” Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Billy Graham Story	12 Dec 2023	00:38:16
On this episode of Our American Stories, Billy Graham took the role of evangelist to a new level, lifting it from the sawdust floors of canvas tents in small-town America to the podiums of packed stadiums in the world’s major cities. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	How Our Christmas Traditions Came to Be	12 Dec 2023	00:38:16
On this episode of Our American Stories, before it became a Federal Holiday—June 26, 1870—the way we chose to celebrate Christmas would be unrecognizable to us. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	From Foster Care to Adoption - A Broken Hallelujah	11 Dec 2023	00:10:49
On this episode of Our American Stories, Kimberly McCullough explains the beauty and difficulties of going through the foster care and adoption process. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The True Story of Desert Storm “Top Gun” Pilot	11 Dec 2023	00:27:27
On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story comes to us from Air Force fighter pilot and “Top Gun” graduate, Jim “Boots” Demarest. Demarest will tell the story from the book about his friend, Five Nickels: True Story of the Desert Storm Heroics and Sacrifice of Air Force Captain Steve Phillis. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Sidney Poitier Story	11 Dec 2023	00:38:16
On this episode of Our American Stories, Sidney Poitier: Man, Actor, Icon was the first full biography of legendary actor Sidney Poitier written by Aram Goudsouzian, professor of history at the University of Memphis. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Story of One of the Most Decorated Veterans of All Time: The Col. David Hackworth Story	19 Sep 2024	00:07:59
On this episode of Our American Stories, most know the now famous line from the film Apocalypse Now, which showed Robert Duvall standing in a bombed-out field saying: "I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” The man who actually said that was Colonel David Hackworth. Here's his story! Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Story Behind FDR's Day of Infamy Speech	08 Dec 2023	00:10:49
On this episode of Our American Stories, on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, FDR's speechwriting team wasn't in Washington. Roosevelt, with the help of a few aides, penned the most important speech of his presidency, and one of the most important speeches in American history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Unexpected Friendship with WWII Hero Joe Brown	08 Dec 2023	00:19:28
On this episode of Our American Stories, Jay Moore tells us the amazing story of meeting a WWII veteran before going to see Saving Private Ryan for the second time in theaters. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Sunk At Pearl Harbor: The Life After the Death of The USS Oklahoma and Utah	08 Dec 2023	00:07:59
On this episode of Our American Stories, Anne Claire tells the story of two ships sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	A Doolittle Raider’s Story of War & Forgiveness	08 Dec 2023	00:38:16
On this episode of Our American Stories, two enemies: One led Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor; the other was an American Doolittle Raider who bombed Tokyo. Here to tell the story is Carol Aiko DeShazer Dixon—the daughter of Doolittle Raider Jacob DeShazer. She is the author of Return of the Raider: A Doolittle Raider’s Story of War & Forgiveness. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Grant's Greatest Battle	07 Dec 2023	00:10:49
On this episode of Our American Stories, Louis Picone tells the story of how Grant's Memoirs came to be. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas	07 Dec 2023	00:27:27
On this episode of Our American Stories, Ace Collins is the author of Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas. Collins is an ace at song history, and he’s here to introduce you to people you’ve never met, stories you’ve never heard, and meanings you’d never have imagined. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Stepehen Ambrose: 1941 and the Steps Leading Up to the U.S. Entering WWII	07 Dec 2023	00:38:16
On this episode of Our American Stories, here's Stephen Ambrose telling the story of 1941--the year that would bring America into WWII in December after the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	How The Pilsner Arrived, Survived, and Thrived in America	06 Dec 2023	00:19:28
On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Acitelli, author of "Pilsner: How The Beer of Kings Changed The World" tells the story of how an experimental drink in the Austrian Empire became America's favorite drink. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Bruce Paddock’s Mission: Lowering Drug Prices & Saving Lives	06 Dec 2023	00:10:49
On this episode of Our American Stories, the untold (and remarkable) story of generic drugs. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Man Who Spent $35MM Fighting A $400k Fake Wine Fraud	06 Dec 2023	00:07:59
On this episode of Our American Stories, sometimes it's the principle of the thing. When you experience fraud, you can "wine" about it - or you can get the grapes of wrath involved. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	How One Black Woman Led in the Redemption of "The Most Dangerous Racist In America": The Story of George Wallace and Shirley Chisholm	19 Sep 2024	00:10:49
On this episode of Our American Stories, a tragic event brought a racist (Wallace) and a radical (Chisholm) together and forged an unlikely alliance. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Legendary Man Known as "Babe"	06 Dec 2023	00:10:49
On this episode of Our American Stories, the curator of the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum in Baltimore, Maryland (just outside Camden Yards) explains. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Con Man Who Was Pardoned By Both Abe Lincoln and Jefferson Davis	06 Dec 2023	00:19:28
On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story is about a con man who was so good that he got both the Union and the Confederate presidents to pardon him; yet, he was so bad that a NYC woman offered a $50k reward to find him—dead or alive. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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