Our American Stories
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 ref…Follow the podcast:
Madam C.J. Walker: America’s First Self-Made Female Millionaire
On this episode of Our American Stories, born on the land of the former plantation where her parents had been enslaved, Madam C. J. Walker married young, became a mother young, was widowed young, and divorced young. Out of necessity, she went on to create a revolutionary hair care product that tran…
30:17
When FDR Warned That Tyranny Begins by Silencing Religion
On this episode of Our American Stories, in his 1939 State of the Union address, President Franklin D. Roosevelt warned that attacks on religion often appear alongside attacks on democracy itself. Speaking at a time when authoritarian regimes were rising overseas, Roosevelt argued that freedom of …
07:59
The Real Saint Patrick Behind St. Patrick’s Day
On this episode of Our American Stories, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world with shamrocks, green clothing, and parades, but the real Saint Patrick lived a life far removed from the holiday that grew up around his name. As a teenager, Patrick was captured and taken to Ireland as a sl…
20:17
The Letter John Bryan Wrote Before Leaving the Family Business for Sara Lee
On this episode of Our American Stories, John Bryan spent decades in the business world leading the Sara Lee Corporation and helping shape one of America’s most recognizable food brands. His leadership also left a mark on Chicago, where he helped bring the vision of Millennium Park to life. But be…
09:59
How the Triple Crown Brought a Father and Son Together Again
On this episode of Our American Stories, for thirty-seven years, no horse won the Triple Crown. Then, in 2015, American Pharoah finally broke the drought and gave horse racing one of its biggest moments in a generation. For former media executive Gary Ginsberg, that win brought back something more…
07:59
Will Rogers: America’s Cowboy Philosopher
On this episode of Our American Stories, few public figures captured the American mood quite like Will Rogers. Raised in "Indian Territory" and shaped by the traditions of the American West, he first gained attention as a rope-twirling performer in vaudeville. From there his career expanded rapidly…
38:16
The Cuban Immigrant Who Became America's Favorite TV Star: The Story of Desi Arnez
On this episode of Our American Stories, Desi Arnaz fled Cuba as a teenager after his family lost everything during political upheaval. Starting over in Miami, he worked odd jobs, learned English, and fought his way into show business through sheer persistence and charisma. But his greatest impact …
10:49
Why the Declaration of Independence We Display Isn’t the Original
On this episode of Our American Stories, The Declaration of Independence is one of the most famous documents ever written. Its words helped launch a revolution and have inspired independence movements around the world ever since. But the parchment signed in 1776 faded badly over time. By the early…
09:29
Brett Favre on Faith, Humility, and What Matters as You Get Olde
On this episode of Our American Stories, much of what the public knows about Brett Favre happened on the football field. But behind the touchdowns and championships is a life shaped by hardship, faith, and the lessons that come with age. In part four of our five-part series, Greg Hengler sits down…
09:58
Trapped in an Iron Lung During the Polio Epidemic
On this episode of Our American Stories, before the polio vaccine transformed public health, poliomyelitis was one of the most feared diseases in America. Severe cases could leave patients paralyzed and unable to breathe, forcing doctors to rely on a strange new technology: the iron lung. These ma…
07:59