On this episode of Our American Stories, for Stephen Rusiniak, one of the most influential people in his life was his Cub Scout leader. Long before Stephen found his calling and built his career, this leader saw potential in him and took the time to invest in it.

Rusiniak shares how the guidance, discipline, and encouragement he received through Boy Scouts of America shaped his character, changed his outlook, and left a lasting impact that followed him into adulthood.

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

On this episode of Our American Stories, for Stephen Rusiniak, one of the most influential people in his life was his Cub Scout leader. Long before Stephen found his calling and built his career, this leader saw potential in him and took the time to invest in it. Rusiniak shares how the guidance, discipline, and encouragement he received through Boy Scouts of America shaped his character, changed his outlook, and left a lasting impact that followed him into adulthood.
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

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 tells stories that aren&rsquo;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&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

The Cub Scout Leader Who Changed My Life

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5ffe4642-00f2-474a-b9d2-b3db014f8a15/transcript

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On this episode of Our American Stories, legend says that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at a Mississippi crossroads in exchange for his musical talent. It is one of the most enduring myths in American music history.

Johnson’s grandson Steven Johnson shares the story and sets the record straight, tracing Robert Johnson’s life from Hazlehurst to the Mississippi Delta, explaining how years of discipline, mentorship, faith, and hardship shaped the King of the Delta Blues, and why the truth is far more powerful than the legend.

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

On this episode of Our American Stories, legend says that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at a Mississippi crossroads in exchange for his musical talent. It is one of the most enduring myths in American music history. Johnson&rsquo;s grandson Steven Johnson shares the story and sets the record straight, tracing Robert Johnson&rsquo;s life from Hazlehurst to the Mississippi Delta, explaining how years of discipline, mentorship, faith, and hardship shaped the King of the Delta Blues, and why the truth is far more powerful than the legend.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Did Blues Legend Robert Johnson Really Sell His Soul to the Devil?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/606f460a-00e5-41b7-a187-b3db014f8a15/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, that old windmill along the highway may look like a relic, but without it, westward expansion would have been nearly impossible. Before electricity and diesel engines, windmills pumped water for farms, ranches, railroads, and growing towns across the American frontier.

Our regular contributor, Jesse Edwards, shares the story of how windmills helped power settlement in the West, from early innovations in the 1800s to their lasting role in rural America, and why these iconic structures remain one of the most important tools in American history.

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

On this episode of Our American Stories, that old windmill along the highway may look like a relic, but without it, westward expansion would have been nearly impossible. Before electricity and diesel engines, windmills pumped water for farms, ranches, railroads, and growing towns across the American frontier. Our regular contributor, Jesse Edwards, shares the story of how windmills helped power settlement in the West, from early innovations in the 1800s to their lasting role in rural America, and why these iconic structures remain one of the most important tools in American history.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

How Windmills Made the American West Possible

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/629d3629-af9c-49c5-a7a4-b3db014f8a14/transcript

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On this episode of Our American Stories, on May 1, 1960, American spy pilot Francis Gary Powers was shot down while flying a secret U-2 reconnaissance mission over the Soviet Union, setting off one of the most controversial moments of the Cold War. Questions followed immediately. Did his plane fail or was it hit by a missile? Did he defect? Did he reveal American secrets while imprisoned by the KGB?

For years, Powers was judged by the public. To some, he was a hero. To others, a traitor. To Gary Powers Jr., he was simply Dad. Powers Jr. shares the true story of his father’s life, capture, imprisonment, and eventual Cold War spy exchange, finally setting the record straight.

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

On this episode of Our American Stories, on May 1, 1960, American spy pilot Francis Gary Powers was shot down while flying a secret U-2 reconnaissance mission over the Soviet Union, setting off one of the most controversial moments of the Cold War. Questions followed immediately. Did his plane fail or was it hit by a missile? Did he defect? Did he reveal American secrets while imprisoned by the KGB? For years, Powers was judged by the public. To some, he was a hero. To others, a traitor. To Gary Powers Jr., he was simply Dad. Powers Jr. shares the true story of his father&rsquo;s life, capture, imprisonment, and eventual Cold War spy exchange, finally setting the record straight.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Gary Powers and the U-2 Incident: A Cold War Spy Story Told by His Son

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/066cc239-49a2-4d2b-94b9-b3db014f8a11/transcript

The Cub Scout Leader Who Changed My Life

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