On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph recounts how he transformed policing on Los Angeles’ Skid Row by building real community connections rooted in trust, dignity, and compassion. Working daily with the city’s homeless population, Joseph challenged conventional law enforcement approaches and changed public perceptions with one simple but profound phrase: “I love you.” 

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

On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph recounts how he transformed policing on Los Angeles&rsquo; Skid Row by building real community connections rooted in trust, dignity, and compassion. Working daily with the city&rsquo;s homeless population, Joseph challenged conventional law enforcement approaches and changed public perceptions with one simple but profound phrase: &ldquo;I love you.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

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.

Our American Stories

Fighting Crime in Downtown Los Angeles with Love, Respect, and God

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/b86145d7-201f-48b2-9f68-b3be01329672/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, before Clara Barton became famous, she was a former teacher who refused to accept the limits placed on women in nineteenth-century America. When the Civil War broke out, she organized supply drives, treated wounded soldiers, and pushed her way onto battlefields where women were not supposed to go. Her work saved countless lives and reshaped battlefield medicine. Kaela Rider, a former civics and history teacher from Jacksonville, Florida, who now serves as Education Programs Coordinator at the Bill of Rights Institute, tells Clara’s story.

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

On this episode of Our American Stories, before Clara Barton became famous, she was a former teacher who refused to accept the limits placed on women in nineteenth-century America. When the Civil War broke out, she organized supply drives, treated wounded soldiers, and pushed her way onto battlefields where women were not supposed to go. Her work saved countless lives and reshaped battlefield medicine. Kaela Rider, a former civics and history teacher from Jacksonville, Florida, who now serves as Education Programs Coordinator at the Bill of Rights Institute, tells Clara&rsquo;s story.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

The Civil War Nurse Who Founded the American Red Cross

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f338bf37-09e7-4fb4-8ba6-b3be0132968e/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, before Andrew Jackson became America’s seventh president, he fought his way into history. Literally. Jackson survived gunshots, brawls, and more than a dozen duels, including one that nearly killed him. But to Jackson, this was all part of the job.

Keith Hardison, former director at The Hermitage, explains how the code of honor that shaped dueling culture also shaped Jackson’s rise to power. This is the story of a man who took his politics personally…and sometimes at gunpoint.

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

On this episode of Our American Stories, before Andrew Jackson became America&rsquo;s seventh president, he fought his way into history. Literally. Jackson survived gunshots, brawls, and more than a dozen duels, including one that nearly killed him. But to Jackson, this was all part of the job.
Keith Hardison, former director at The Hermitage, explains how the code of honor that shaped dueling culture also shaped Jackson&rsquo;s rise to power. This is the story of a man who took his politics personally&hellip;and sometimes at gunpoint.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Andrew Jackson Took a Bullet, Then Took the Presidency

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a6e61c19-85d7-4835-ab09-b3be01329690/transcript

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories regular contributor Stephen Rusiniak, a longtime writer and storyteller whose personal essays have become a favorite with listeners, shares the special way he found to honor his mom on his own birthday and why he believes she, not he, deserves all the praise. His story is a heartfelt reflection on gratitude, family, and the quiet sacrifices that shape our lives.

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

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories&nbsp;regular contributor Stephen Rusiniak, a longtime writer and storyteller whose personal essays have become a favorite with listeners, shares the special way he found to honor his mom on his own birthday and why he believes she, not he, deserves all the praise. His story is a heartfelt reflection on gratitude, family, and the quiet sacrifices that shape our lives.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Why I Celebrate My Mom on My Birthday

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5fb4e668-1f1e-49e7-ba38-b3be0132968c/transcript

Fighting Crime in Downtown Los Angeles with Love, Respect, and God

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