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Our American Stories: Daily Summaries Delivered
by iHeartPodcasts
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.
Latest Episodes
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- Today30 min
Everything I Needed to Know About Work, I Learned Selling Hot Dogs at Twins Games
On this episode of Our American Stories, as a teenager, Jim Johnson landed what he thought was a dream job selling hot dogs at Minnesota Twins games in Metropolitan Stadium. But between spilled hot dogs, difficult customers, colorful coworkers, and unforgettable moments with baseball's biggest stars, he discovered that the biggest lessons had nothing to do with baseball.The longtime Minnesota pastor and Our American Stories regular contributor shares his story of how hawking hot dogs at the Old Met changed his life for the better. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Today7 min
What a Motorcycle Crash Taught Me About Risk, Faith, and Letting Go
On this episode of Our American Stories, when Brent Timmons' son was involved in a motorcycle accident on his way to work, a frightening phone call sent his family racing to the scene, unsure of what they would find. Thankfully, the crash was minor, but it became a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change.Brent reflects on what the accident taught his family about balancing caution with courage, and why a life without risk isn't really living at all. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Today10 min
How Church Prepared Pat Boone to Become a Pop Superstar
On this episode of Our American Stories, many people remember Pat Boone as one of the biggest pop stars of the 1950s and '60s, but his story began in a church choir. He grew up learning how to hold a melody, lead voices in harmony, and carry a room without a single instrument behind him.Those simple lessons in discipline and presence became the foundation for a career that lasted longer on the charts than even Elvis Presley. Boone looks back on those early days in the choir loft and reflects on how they shaped his voice, his confidence, and his path into music. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Today27 min
The Story of America: The Crisis That Gave Rise to Abraham Lincoln [Ep. 27]
On this episode of Our American Stories, The Fugitive Slave Act, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, Bleeding Kansas, the Dred Scott decision, and John Brown’s raid pushed the United States ever closer to civil war. As the nation fractured over slavery, a little-known Illinois lawyer emerged with the words, principles, and political skill to meet the crisis.In Episode 27 of our ongoing Story of Us—Story of America series, Hillsdale College professor Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, shares the story of how Abraham Lincoln rose from a Kentucky log cabin and a single term in Congress to challenge Stephen A. Douglas, lead the newly formed Republican Party, and win the presidency in the election of 1860. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Yesterday10 min
The Congressman Who Invented His Own Biography: John McCormack
On this episode of Our American Stories, John McCormack spent decades telling Americans he was the son of Irish immigrants who overcame poverty to become Speaker of the House. The truth was more complicated. To make his way to the top, McCormack reinvented his own family story before rising to become the first Catholic Speaker in American history.Professor and Jack Miller Center fellow, Jeff Bloodworth, shares the story of why McCormack reshaped his past, how he helped bridge the nation's Protestant-Catholic divide, and how his leadership helped make possible one of the most consequential immigration laws in American history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Yesterday9 min
My Superman Never Wore a Cape. He Flew in WWII.
On this episode of Our American Stories, when Lieutenant Ernie Latham's B-24 crashed into the Adriatic Sea during World War II, he escaped the sinking bomber, rescued five members of his crew, and refused to leave the war when the Army wanted to send him home. All he wanted was another chance to fly.Our American Stories regular contributor Roger Latham shares the story of his father, the World War II fighter pilot who taught him that real heroes don't need capes. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Yesterday17 min
Before Thanksgiving, New Yorkers Celebrated Evacuation Day
On this episode of Our American Stories, most Americans learn that the Revolutionary War ended at Yorktown. Fewer know the British Army occupied New York City for two more years before finally sailing away on November 25, 1783. For generations, New Yorkers celebrated that day as Evacuation Day, one of the city's biggest holidays.Our American Stories regular contributor Bill Bryk shares the remarkable story of the British departure, George Washington's triumphant return to New York, and the forgotten celebration that once rivaled Thanksgiving. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Yesterday38 min
How I Almost Became a Made Man in the Real Sopranos Mob
On this episode of Our American Stories, growing up in Bayonne, New Jersey, Giovanni Rocco was surrounded by mobsters, outlaw bikers, and the kind of street culture that most parents hope their children never experience. He was, in his own words, a pretty "bad" kid. Those same experiences eventually made him one of the FBI's National Covert Operations Unit's most successful undercover operatives, culminating in Operation Charlie Horse.Author, former undercover investigator, and Mob Museum speaker Giovanni Rocco (aka Giovanni Gatto) shares how he infiltrated the New Jersey Mafia family that inspired The Sopranos, earned the trust of a feared Mafia captain, came within reach of becoming a made man, and paid an enormous personal price to bring the organization down. His book, Giovanni's Ring: My Life Inside the Real Sopranos, tells the remarkable story in full; be sure to check it out. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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