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.
Episodes
1513 episodes
The First Catholic Speaker of the House Who Bridged the Divide Between Protestant and Catholic Americans
Jeff Bloodworth from the Jack Miller Center is here to share the story of John McCormack.
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10:48
"The Records Were Closed, But The Story Was Open"
Eddie Willis always knew he was adopted. And, he was fine with not knowing where he came from... That is, until he had his children of his own. He tells the story of the search for his birth parents and an outcome he could've never imagined.
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18:18
Kyle McDonald, Building Financial Legacies
Kyle McDonald is the founder and CEO of Argent Financial Group, a wealth management firm that provides a variety of services to protect and grow their clients’ wealth. Kyle shares how he founded this company, how it has grown, and why gaining <...
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28:18
EP39: Job Interview in Slippers, Battle of Midway, and The Running Knitter
On this episode of Our American Stories, Joshua Texidor moved to Nashville and worked hard to find what he enjoys AND what he's good at; also, Anne Claire tells the story of the Battle of Midway, America's "make or break" moment in World War II...
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47:06
EP38: Summer Days with Dad, Fighting Founding Fathers, and The Pittsburgh Pirates' Dream
On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Randall Haley reminisces about the yearly Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi; also, Dr. Adam Carrington of Hillsdale College tells the story of The Alien and Sedition Acts, some o...
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39:02
EP37: Allegory-Beauty from Ashes, Tale of the Texas, and No More Red-light Tickets
On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Chad Schumacher, tells the story of when a family health scare turned their life upside-down and shaped his and his wife's career for the next decade; also, Jackson McQigg of the Atlanta Hist...
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56:22
EP36: Miraculous Vietnam Encounter, Lavagirl's Return, and The History of Harley Davidson
On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Dick Erickson, a Marine helicopter pilot, tells about his time serving in Vietnam; also, Taylor Dooley shares the story of when she played the role of Lavagirl at the age of 13, and why, more...
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58:54
EP35: The Forgotten Grave, Mad Anthony Wayne, and Memphis Whiskey
On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Jay Moore shares his family's tale of loss, discovery, and selflessness that will tug on your heartstrings while reinforcing the importance of inter-generational relationships; also, Dr. Mary...
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1:04:36
Father's Day Special: The Good, The Bad, and The Unexpected
On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, we bring you stories about outstanding fathers and fathers who don't make the grade. Leslie Leyland Fields tells us about the heart-breaking re...
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39:32
EP 34: Family Bonds, Hollywood Genius, and the Cuban Coors Lite Story
On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Edie Hand tells us the story of the her brothers, the Blackburn boys, and the tragedy that struck not once, but three times; also, Author
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57:45
EP33: Collecting Vintage Airplanes, The Disastrous 1904 Olympics, and The Cadillac of Flashlights
On this episode of the Our American Stories Podcast, (2:59) Wally Soplata tells the story of his eccentric union carpenter father who collected rare and vintage WWII aircraft for pennies on the dime; also, (21:27) Professor Susan Brownell share...
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1:04:33
Memorial Day Special: A Medal of Honor Recipient Through The Eyes of His Father
On this Memorial Day, we at Our American Stories we want you to bring Paul Monti, who drives his son Jared's truck, an act which inspired the hit country song "I Drive Your Truck" by Lee Brice...but the story is much more than that of a song.
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26:51
EP32: Paying Your Own Child Support, Left Office/Gone Sailing, The Catholic Who Fought Back
On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Jason Wolfe tells the story of how his father left his family at the age of 6 and his journey of becoming the father that he never had himself; also, Emma McCormick was told she could work re...
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57:16
EP31: Most Decorated War Dog, Lincoln and the Telegraph, Joplin, MO: Before and After
On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Jeremy Swick of the College Football Hall of Fame recounts the remarkable story of the street dog turned soldier turned mascot; also, Christopher Klein tells the story of how Abraham Li...
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41:57
EP30: Gameshow Trickery, Foster Care Saint, and Hollywood's Only Flying Ace
On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, we bring you Matt Parker, a comedian and mathematician from Australia, who tells the story of the time Michael Larson was shockingl...
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51:04
EP29: Saturday Morning Cartoons, The Man in a Glass Coffin, and The Road to Sobriety
On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Mark McCray, author of The Best Saturday's of Our Lives, tells us the story of Saturday morning cartoons and what happened to them; also, Chris Siriano tells us about an American man in a gla...
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1:01:42
EP28: Blockbuster vs. Netflix, The History of Spam, and The Iowa Freedom Rocks
On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, Jim Keyes, the former CEO of BlockBuster, tells us the story of Blockbuster during its final days; also, the author of The Book of Spam: A Most Glorious and Definitive Compendium of the World...
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48:08
EP27: 100-Year Old Skydiver, Therapy through Dungeons & Dragons, and A History of NYC
On the episode of the Our American Stories podcast, we bring you Ronald Mason, a WWII pilot with a heck of a story; also, the story of Adam Davis and Adam John who have been using table-top games as a therapy tool; and finally, Bill Bryk makes ...
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49:25
EP26: Bottled Rainwater, Ford v. Ferrari: The Rematch, and Overcoming the KKK
On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, we bring you the story of one out of over 80 bottled water companies in the United States, that has changed the game forever, Richard's Rainwater, and the man behind it all, Richard Heinichen...
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57:32
EP25: Groucho's Assistant, Pointy Hat Prank, and Jelly Belly's Founder
On this episode of the Our American Stories podcast, we bring you Steve Stoliar who tells about his years as Groucho Marx's secretary and historian; also, Duncan Scott tells us his story of pranking the New Mexico State Legislature; and finally...
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57:01
EP24: The Texas Grocery Miracle, The Pilsner in America, and 7-Eleven's American Dream
On this week's episode, we bring you the story of when Tim and Deb Hennessy received a miraculous surprise when they visited a local grocery during the February 2021 deep freeze in Texas; also, Tom Acitelli, author of "Pilsner: How The Beer of ...
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51:37
EP23: JC Newman Cigars, Bad Medicine, and Unlikely Friends
On this week’s episode, we hear from Drew Newman, the great grandson of the founder of JC Newman Cigars, who brings us the tale of his family’s American Dream story; Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medicial Museum tells the story of patent medci...
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45:23
EP22: Washington's Courage, E-Sports Champion, and Jack Daniel's Teacher
On this episode, we bring you the story General George Washington and his experiences at Trenton and Princeton. Also, we bring you Damon Cox, a young man who was a body builder and paid his way through college… by playing video games, and the s...
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53:28
EP21: My Unusual Conversations With Two Fraternity Brothers Right Before They Died
Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick on college friendships that would impact the rest of his life.
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13:03
EP20: Brent Evanoff: Rediscovering What I Lost in the Military”
In a very modern fashion, Brent Evanoff discovers a secret he’d been unaware of for over 25 years. Through that process, he manages to help another veteran reconnect with something they lost as well.
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20:39
EP19: The Banjo’s Trip Through History
Johnny Baier, Executive Director of the Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City, takes us through the history of the Banjo starting from the beginning until today.
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17:26
EP18: Jim Thorpe: All-American, Native American (And The Carlisle Indian Football Team)
In 2000, a poll was conducted by ABC Sports recognizing the Greatest Athlete of the Twentieth Century. The winner was not Muhammad Ali, Babe Ruth, Jesse Owens, Wayne Gretzky, Jack Nicklaus, and Michael Jordan—but a man today many have never hea...
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37:44
EP17: An Australian's Love For American Wings
Colin Bettles found his passion for wings in upstate New York and took it with him all the way to Sydney, Australia...even attempting to sell them in his fish and chip shop.
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18:20
EP16: A Marine’s Journey to Fallujah and Back
Meet Sargent William Lenard, a man who joined the Marines to get his life together, and when coming home, had to put it back together all over again.
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30:48
EP15: The Transatlantic Cable: A Thread Across the Ocean
Historian John Steele Gordon tells the story of how the telegraph went from Samuel Morse to winning WWI and how one man spearheaded the effort to connect America to Great Britain and, in doing so, the rest of the world.
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26:09
EP14: Giving Out Pizza From Second Story Apartment Raises Over $30,000
Ben Berman 2nd year grad student in Philadelphia made the most of his time while staying at home during the pandemic.
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19:03
EP13: The Museum Dedicated To Mustard
Barry Levenson went from arguing cases in front of the Supreme Court to having the world's largest collection of mustard....and writing a few books about the stuff as well.
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12:10
EP12: Levi Strauss: The Jewish Immigrant Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World
This is the story of how Levi Strauss got his American Dream stitched into a pair of blue jeans—the fabric of freedom. Here to tell this story is Lynn Downey. Lynn was the first in-house historian for Levi S...
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38:09
EP11: Texas Treats Their Women Right, Andrew Jackson's Swearing Parrot, and The DiMaggio Brothers
On this episode of the Our American Stories Podcast, Dr. Jean Stuntz from West Texas A&M University gives us some history on what it was like before women could own property or make any money of their own. Also, History professor Mark Cheat...
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41:33
EP10: The Woman Who Saved The Lewis and Clark Expedition, From Poverty to the CEO of 7-Eleven, The Factory That Manufactures One Million Kazoos A Year
Today Dr. Dedra Birzer of Hillsdale College tells the story of Sacagawea. We bring you the story of Jim Keyes, a boy who grew up in poverty and who’s first job was at McDonalds, and worked his way up to become the CEO of 7 Eleven. Lastly, Sarah...
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41:28
EP9: Single Mother Trucking Company, PepsiCo and the Fighter Jet, and Major Clark Gable
On today's episode we bring you the stories of how a 19-year old single mother built the largest female-owned trucking company, what happened when a kid sued Pepsi for a Harrier Jet, and when Clark Gable, who was beyond the draft age in W...
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52:19
EP8: The Louisiana Purchase was a Big Deal, A Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum?, and Superman vs. the KKK
Today we bring you the stories of when America doubled in size, a salt and pepper museum in Tennessee started by German immigrants, and when Superman fought the Ku Klux Klan.
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52:24
EP7: Iowa's Forgotten NBA Team, The NYC Public Library's Family, and America's Greatest Female Spy
Kristin O'Donnell Tubb tell shares the story of the family that lived in the New York Public Library.
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43:50
EP6: The Real Stories Behind Our Cherished Christmas Traditions
EP6: The Real Stories Behind Our Cherished Christmas Traditions
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37:46
EP5: Walt Whitman and the Civil War, Most Decorated Soldier of WWII, The Real Rosa Parks
EP5: Walt Whitman and the Civil War, Most Decorated Soldier of WWII, The Real Rosa Parks
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1:00:29
EP4: That Day I Was Gretzky’s Hungover Linemate, Spending Christmas Without My Mother, How a Soldier Saved 3 Americans from 40 Nazis
EP4: That Day I Was Gretzky’s Hungover Linemate, Spending Christmas Without My Mother, How a Soldier Saved 3 Americans from 40 Nazis.
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40:07
EP3: Uncovering the Epic Michigan-Ohio Feud, Building a New Life after Prison, The Tragedies and Triumphs of the Foster Care System
EP3: Historian Ted Long tells us the story of the Toledo War: when Michigan and Ohio went to war over a small strip of land; therefore, starting the classic Michigan and Ohio rivalry. Gwen Boyd-Willis committed a minor felony in 2005 but made a...
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41:32
Finding My Husband In the Middle of WWII
EP2: Forgiving My Absent Father; Discovering a Shipwreck; Ilene Hall's journey to find her husband during WWII.
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55:36
From Gang to Grace, MLB's 10-Cent Beer Riot, and Becoming a Double Amputee at 10
Today we bring you Carlos Colon, the History Guy, and Madysen Acey. Carlos shares his story of growing up in a gang, leaving prison, and beginning a new life. The History Guy tells us about the 10-cent beer night riot with the Cleveland Indians...
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51:46
Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, On The Meaning Behind The Constitution
Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College and Constitutional scholar, tells the story of our Constitution, and how it works.
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28:34
Remote Alaskan Town's One Connection To The World
Leslie Leyland Fields is an author and speaker living in Alaska. In this story she shares what it was like when their small fishing town got their first telephone.
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20:01
“The 5th Circuit Four” Who Ushered In Desegregation
The fascinating subject of 14-year-old Max Grinstein's winning paper at the National History Day competition!
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18:46
A Presidential-Sized Comeback: The Story of Ulysses S. Grant
Dr. John Marszalek and Eddie Rangel of the Grant Presidential Library tell the story about how Grant went from selling firewood on a street corner, to leading the US Army to victory in the Civil War.
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26:24
Jame's King's Story: A Case of Mistaken Identity and a Long Road to Justice
In this "Rule of Law" Story, James King and his lawyer Patrick Jaicomo from the Institute for Justice tell the story of a extreme case of mistaken identity that led them down a long road to achieve justice...
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19:58
The Ex-Prisoner Whose Prison Education Program Has A Wait List
Sean Pica’s extraordinary redemption story.
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39:34
Jim Johnson: How Hawking Hot Dogs in the MLB Changed My Life
Jim Johnson wowed our listeners back in December with his story, “Everett's Last Christmas Carol.” We asked if had another story to share with our listen...
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30:51
Castaway Kid: One Man's Search for Hope and Healing
Meet Rob Mitchell, a man who was abandoned by his mother, grew up in an orphanage, and would become one of the most successful financial advisors in the country. Join us for this incredible life story of grit, perseverance, hope, and healing.
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32:47
Eric Motley: Madison Park, A Place of Hope
A bright young boy is raised in a community just outside of Montgomery, AL: Madison Park. This was the first community in the South of former slaves coming together and buying a plantation. From adoption to Special Assistant to President ...
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35:26
The Unlikely Medal of Honor Recipient... A Catholic Priest
The story of Father Vincent Capodanno, whose love and heroism in the Vietnam War led to his death and a perpetual impact on the Marines he served.
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32:47
Oliver Halle: Swift Boat Vietnam Vet with a "Life Changing" Family Secret
Oliver Halle shares some stories while he was in the Navy during the Vietnam War and also about his family (who resisted the Nazis and fled to America) secret that would forever change his life. The
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38:28
From Exploitation to Exultation: Escaping the Sex Industry
As a young woman seemingly trapped in the commercial sex industry, Harmony Dust Grillo's struggle continued until a new friendship led to a change in her life.
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21:00
Levi Strauss: The Jewish Immigrant Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World
This is the story of how Levi Strauss got his American Dream stitched into a pair of blue jeans—the fabric of freedom. Here to tell this story is Lynn Downey. Lynn was the first in-house historian for Levi S...
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38:52
Letters to My Son: The Meaning of Strength
Kent Nurburn, author of Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Life, and Love, shares two stories about what it means to be strong.
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11:00
The Man Who Hung Out With Astronauts: Craig Sumner, NASA Engineer
Craig Sumner worked at NASA from the time of the Apollo missions to the days of the space shuttle missions; he worked with Wernher von Braun and helped design the Lunar Rover. This is his story.
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25:35
The Government Wouldn't Let Paula Smith Sell Her House For Over A Decade
And other landowners were trapped for 2 decades. The story of North Carolina's unconstitutional MAP Act.
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21:48
The Untold Story of Red Cloud, an American Legend
Bob Drury and Tom Clavin have finally given the little-known Red Cloud the recognition he deserves and share with us the story from their New York Times bestseller,
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31:06
The REAL Sue Thomas F.B.Eye: Nothing But the Truth
Sue Thomas became the first deaf person to work as an undercover specialist doing lip-reading of suspects for an elite surveillance team at the FBI. Her story became the basis for the TV series Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye. She's here to share her more ...
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38:51
Coach John Wooden: A Lifetime Masterpiece
John Wooden compiled the greatest legacy of any coach in history. How he defined success was unique and central to his philosophy. This story is told by Coach Wooden himself, his family, friends, and players.
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37:42
Yes, but He Played His Part Too
In our latest Relationship Story Hour from Communio features Chris and La Cresha. After an instance of infidelity, Chris was looking to call it quits... but that's not where the story ends.
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36:43
The 5’7” Basketball Legend
Richie Jordan is a long-celebrated name in Michigan and in basketball… hear this amazing story of the 5’7” athlete with a 38 inch standing vertical leap! To see him in action, look on Amazon Prime for “Jordanville: The Story of a Big Time Small...
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19:57
Mexican Immigrant Aron Marquez: "When I Hear The Star-Spangled Banner, I Want to Cry"
This is the story of a kid who picked onions for 12-14 hours a day and went on to found a company that would generate over $100 million in annual revenue!
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40:11
Fighting Founders: The Alien and Sedition Acts
The Alien and Sedition Acts are one of America's most controversial laws ever passed. Dr. Adam Carrington of Hillsdale College tells the story.
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11:50
Energy is Life: How The Incandescent Light Bulb Changed America
Dr. Ernest Freeberg of the University of Tennessee and author of The Age of Edison tells the story of how the lightbulb fundamenta...
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8:00
The Middle Aged Man Who Started Over
Accidental author Christopher Rosow on life’s recalibrations.
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21:00
Reconnecting With My Absent Father Who Was Presumed Dead
Meet Ron Brown, a man who grew up in a rough area of Chicago, was practically abandoned by his father, and would mend their relationship later on in life.
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18:58
Reconnecting With My Absent Father Who Was Presumed Dead
Meet Ron Brown, a man who grew up in a rough area of Chicago, was practically abandoned by his father, and would mend their relationship later on in life.
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18:58
How Samuel Clemens Headed West and Became Mark Twain
Old West historian Roger McGrath is here to tell the story of a time before the world knew Samuel Clemons by his pen name, Mark Twain. The time he spent in the American West helped Clemens develop a distinctive Western voice and provided him wi...
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30:44
Don't Wear Slippers to a Job Interview
It takes some time to find what we enjoy AND what we're good at. Joshua Texidor definitely found that out when he moved to Nashville.
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11:00
Joe Moglia: The Former TD Ameritrade CEO-Turned Intern At Nebraska Football
Joe Moglia has one of the most unique stories in this great country.
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40:27
Bob McLalan: Thoughts Among the Graves
In this episode of the McLalan Files, Bob reflects on the lessons he learned and passed on to his kids by simply walking through the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Francisco.
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11:49
My Business Failure Allowed Me to Reconnect With My Father
Alden Olmsted dropped out of college to pursue his dream of creating his own company, Homestead Bikes. While the company would ultimately fold, its failure allowed him to reconnect with his father. Learn more about Alden's story and his documen...
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25:49
New Citizens, Breathing New Life...Into America! (4th of July)
We went to Memphis to attend a naturalization ceremony where 70 immigrants from 30 countries became Americans! These are some of their incredible stories.
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27:53
The Declaration of Independence
Our production team comes together to read the document that made America, well, America.
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10:49
History Guy: Screwdriver Wars
The differing fates of the Robertson and the Phillips head screwdrivers demonstrates that innovation is intimately tied to historical events. Here’s The History Guy with the sto...
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11:50
Bill Daniels: The Father of Cable TV (b. 1920)
From growing up in the Great Depression and serving in World War II, to pioneering cable TV and giving all of his wealth away... Bill Daniels is an American legend. Born on this day in 1920.
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40:46
How "Firefall's" Sandy Ficca Met His Wife
Hear the heartwarming story of how the drummer from the 70s rock group Firefall met his wife.
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9:59
Privileges of War: A Good Story of American Service in Vietnam
In 1968, Tom Ross was the intelligence and operations officer of a unique Special Forces “A” Detachment in the Republic of South Vietnam—the elite unit also known as the “Green Berets.” Today, Tom Ross is the President and CEO of his own succes...
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37:34
The Story of Frances Jones, "Feed the Children" Founder
Since founding the Oklahoma City-based non-profit organization Feed the Children in 1979, Larry and Frances Jones have served the least, the last and the lost in the United States and around the world. Frances is here to tell their sto...
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28:59
Why The 20th Century Was The Most Peaceful Despite Two World Wars
This according to Johan Norberg, author of the book Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future.
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11:49
"Firefall" Drummer Sandy Ficca
Meet Sandy Ficca, the drummer for the 70's soft rock group Firefall. The story of a man living the American dream.
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18:14
Luis Tomatis: The Immigrant Who Helped Transform Grand Rapids Michigan
Meet Dr. Luis Tomatis, the man who put Grand Rapids on the map as a hub of the medical industry.
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11:49
Energy is Life: Marian's Story
Marian Szarejko of Windsor, New York shares her story of owning a pizza shack in an economically depressed area of her state...with countless opportunities that aren't being taken to fix it. [Photo of Windsor, NY]
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11:00
The Gangbanger-Turned Death Row Chaplain
Earl Smith is an unlikely gangbanger-turned chaplain at America's largest death row prison in San Quentin, CA.
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40:46
Forgiving My Worthless Father (Father's Day)
Leslie Leyland Fields tells us about the heart-breaking relationship between her and her father. And it's not what you'd expect.
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8:00
How My Dad's Cancer Saved Our Relationship (Father's Day)
Scientist and university administrator Willy Lensch shares how his father's cancer diagnosis blessed their and one other unsuspecting relationship.
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7:59
A Son's Eulogy for His Biker Father
Taylor Brown shares the eulogy he wrote in Garden and Gun for his biker dad.
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19:44
The Wrecking Crew's Tommy Tedesco: The Most Heard Guitarist You’ve Never Heard Of (Father's Day)
Tommy Tedesco is probably the most recorded guitarist in history having played on thousands of recordings from the 1960s-1980s ( Many of the them top 20 hits). Tommy's son, filmmaker Denny Tedesco, produced
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39:45
Letters to my Son: Giving
Kent Nerburn, author of Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Life, and Love was surprised, but elated to have a son at the age of 40. But afr...
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11:00
The Arnold Palmer Story
We take a look at the the man who is adored by fans as much as his competition. Arnold Palmer not only fashioned his own drink but is responsible for what golf has become today.
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40:52
Relationship Story Hour: Dawn and Casey's Battle with Themselves
After childhoods no one should have to go through, Dawn and Casey were then faced with bad marriages. While their connection was almost immediate, their story is far from a fairytale.
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25:47
Spearhead: An American Tank Gunner, His Enemy, and a Collision of Lives in WWII
Best-selling author Adam Makos tells the story of two tank crewmen from opposite sides of...
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37:01
Two Men and a Truck's Co-Founder: What Are Two Things That We Should Continue Doing Once The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Over?
Brig Sorber on how their team of more than 7,600 Employees, 3,000 trucks, and 380 franchisees are approaching these challenging times.
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20:58
Tale of the Tapes: Engineer Guy Explains How VHS Beat Betamax
Here’s Bill “Engineer Guy” Hammack (check him out on YouTube) telling the story of how Betamax was defeated by the VHS tap...
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8:00
Gunfighter/Lawman/Gambler Bat Masterson: Forever Changed the West
To Bat Masterson, gunslingers were hoodlums who killed for fun. He used guns to enforce the law or defend a friend. In the end, he’d achieved a feat almost none of the Old West legends had attained: he lived to see old age. Here to tell the sto...
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38:28
Seth Godin: What We Can Learn From The Grateful Dead (Pt. 3 of 3)
The 3rd of our 3-part conversation with Seth Godin, the author of 19 best-selling books and one of the most popular blogs in the world.
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10:00
"Separate, but Equal": The Story of Supreme Injustice
In 1896, a case was brought before the Supreme Court that would solidify segregation for over five and a half decades. Homer Plessy's descendant, Keith Plessy, tells us the story of the Plessy v. Ferguson case, as well as what he and Judge Ferg...
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19:40
When Law Enforcement Lets Criminals Off The Hook...
An anonymous former prosecutor tells us the corruption story of law enforcement’s confidential informant programs.
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11:50
Saying Hello at a Diner Led to Lifelong Friendship with a WWII Veteran and His Captured Nazi Flag
Jason Porter shares with us the story of how he met WWII veteran Forrest Johnson and how “Forrie” became his best friend.
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19:00
The Unexpected Friendship with WWII Hero Joe Brown
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.
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21:48
Pete Maravich Shares His Life Story… Just Days Before His Death
Just days before his death, on January 8, 1988, 40-year-old “Pistol” Pete Maravich spoke to guests who gathered near the poolside of Jimmie Walker’s house—an NBA All-Star.
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29:06
Annie Glenn (Wife of John Glenn), Champion of Speech Disorders
Annie Glenn, whose high-profile life as the wife of John Glenn—the astronaut and senator—became an inspiration to many who, like her, stuttered severely.
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10:00
Seth Godin: Marketing Has A Marketing Problem... Too Many Narcissists Manipulating People (Pt. 2 of 3)
The 2nd of our 3-part conversation with Seth Godin, the author of 19 best-selling books and one of the most popular blogs in the world.
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11:50
The Turning Point in Abe’s Life: A Wrestling Match
Lincoln is one of the greatest leaders in US history, but prior to his being elected the 16th President of the United States, he used his skills as a wrestler to win approval from the masses. Here to tell the story is wrestling historian,
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18:01
Brett Favre (Pt. 5 of 5): Playing in Green Bay, Rehab, and the Shocking Thing That Happed to Him Twice—Which Nobody Ever Knew!
Much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler sat down with Brett in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home for this part 5 of our 5-part series.
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9:59
Dave Hammer: From Bad to Worse and Back Again
With a mother who was "a basket case" and a father who left when he was only 2, Dave Hammer didn't really have anyone in his life to look to for guidance. One bad decision after another, all Dave wanted was a place to belong and reason to follo...
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35:04
Guitarist and YouTube Star Justin Johnson
Justin gives Our American Stories an up close and personal look into his life, his music, his success as a YouTube sensation and en...
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40:42
Seth Godin: “One of The Most Important Stories We Tell Is... The Story We Tell Ourselves” (Pt. 1 of 3)
The 1st of our 3-part conversation with Seth Godin, the author of 19 best-selling books and one of the most popular blogs in the world.
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27:43
Charles Kemper: Chippewa Falls' 100-Year-Old Doctor
Dr. Charles Kemper of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, has seen generations come and go in his small town, but while he may have retired from his profession, he certainly hasn't from his hobby-watching birds.
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11:50
Robert Todd Lincoln: In His Father’s Shadow (History Guy)
The History Guy remembers the 16th President’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Because of his father, Abraham Lincoln, Robert Todd's life has been largely forgotten.
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8:00
Cpl. Stephen Harris: The Marine Who Doesn't Believe in Memorial Day
The three day weekend we all enjoy provides plenty of opportunity to honor those who have paid the ultimate price; however, Cpl. Harris offers a challenge on how we should think about not just Memorial Day, but every day.
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10:00
Brett Favre (Pt. 4): Humility, Aging, and Faith
Much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler sat down with Brett Favre in his Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home.
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10:59
Down Cemetery Row
Our regular contributor, Bill Bryk, gives us a tour of his local cemetery in Antrim, NH.
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10:00
From Bank Teller to President, Meet The Most Extraordinary Banker in America
New York Community Bank’s Joe Ficalora on opportunity in America, the irresponsible lending of the banking industry, and their responsible approach that’s led to a shareholder return of over 4,700%!
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40:26
Oregon Told This Engineer That He Wasn't An Engineer
When his wife got a ticket for a tiny infraction, Mats Järlström, driven by curiosity, investigated a local traffic cam system... which led to an investigation into him!
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11:50
The Inspiring True Story of Green Beret Medic Gary Beikirch, Medal of Honor Recipient
Special forces medic, Gary Beikirch, faced more than his fair share of battles—and overcame them through perseverance and faith.
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36:11
The School Where Students Advance 3 Grade Levels... And Yet, That’s Not What’s Important
Laura Sandefer is the co-founder of Acton Academy, a network of over 270 parent-created schools across the world.
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40:38
Mitchell Biggs: Detroit Hip Hop Producer
Mitchell Biggs grew up 30 minutes from metro Detroit and has always felt deeply connected by the music of the city, music which he routinely samples when making beats.
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11:00
His Competitors Brought Him to Court for Expanding his Business
When Philip Truesdell and his family decided to expand Legacy Medical Transport into Kentucky, they faced a brutal law that threatened to put the brakes on their company's growth. Anastasia Boden, Senior Attorney at the
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11:50
Rich Rebuilds and the Electrified Garage
Rich Benoit quit his day job in IT to start an auto repair shop that provides unauthorized service and repair to Tesla cars and trucks. He's also a YouTube star. This is his...
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37:33
Brett Favre on His Miraculous Monday Night Game after His Father Died (Pt. 3)
In this week’s Part 3 of our 5-part series we hear Favre get very personal about his miraculous Monday Night Football game immediately following his father’s passing.
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10:59
Self-Made: A Woman's Journey from Motown to Small Town
Fawn Weaver grew up the daughter of Motown Records' royalty, Frank Wilson, but this privileged start collided with life when she moved out at a young age and started several of her own small business.
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25:18
The Worlds First Action Figure Museum
Kevin Stark of The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, tells the story of his museum, and his life in toys.
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11:50
"My Mom Should Be Celebrated On My Birthday"
Stephen Rusiniak shares the special way he found to honor his mom on his own birthday.
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10:00
The Murph Burke Story: A Mother to be Celebrated for the Ages
Kathryn Murphy Burke—born in the middle of the Second World War—grew up in Illinois, the oldest of 7. She moved to Milwaukee for college, raised 5 children of her own and now has 10 grandchildren.
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40:50
Celebrating the Life of Christina Lapadula (Lee's Beloved Mom)
Lee Habeeb opens up about his mother's life and legacy in the patch of earth in Northern New Jersey she cared for, and influenced with her love, grace, and class.
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11:50
Kevin Durant and Steve Harvey Get Emotional About Their Moms
...and Denzel Washington’s mom puts him in his place—a side of these famous Americans you haven’t heard before.
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18:59
Acton Academy: One-Room Schoolhouses for the 21st Century
Laura Sandefer is the co-founder of Acton Academy, a network of over 270 parent-created schools across the world.
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40:15
Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer
Our storyteller is James Swanson, the NYT Bestseller of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer.
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32:50
From Gang-Life to Grace
The story of how Leslie Williams escaped a life of crime for a life of redemption.
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32:47
The Story Behind the Navy’s Motto: “Don’t Give Up The Ship”
America’s Cup winner Bill Koch on the intersection of America’s history with his family’s history.
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10:00
The "Slap Shot" Story with Dave Hanson
The choice of three then-minor league hockey players to play the Hanson Brothers in "Slap Shot" starring Paul Newman was a casting hat-trick. When Dave "Killer" Hanson (middle guy in pic)—was drafted for the movie, the Hanson brothers were born...
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11:00
Brett Favre on Tough Love, Parenting, and Telling the Truth (Pt. 2 of 5)
In Part 2 of our 5-part series, Greg Hengler sits down with Brett Favre where the legendary NFL quarterback gets very personal about tough love, telling the truth, and having a parenting style that’s different than his fathers.
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9:59
The Life of Duke Ellington: An American Original
Some believe he was the most important composer of the 20th century, in or out of jazz. Terry Teachout, one of America's best culture writers and author of Du...
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40:50
A Young Girl's Life Saved By Oil and Gas
In this episode of Energy is Life, Jason Stelzer bring us the story of how a hospital largely funded by the oil and gas industry came to the aid of his newborn daughter, born with a debilitating condition.
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10:59
The Shocking Story Behind the Diamond Engagement Ring
Tom Zoellner purchased a diamond engagement ring and proposed. His girlfriend said, "yes" and then, suddenly, walked out of his life making Tom the owner of a used engagement ring. Instead of hitting the self-help shelves of his local bookstore...
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11:00
The West Texas Heroes of Bataan
The tale of Ed Dyess and Rudyard Grimes, two American heroes from West Texas who went through one of the most grueling events of WWII, the Bataan Death March.
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40:46
History Guy: The WWII Tank Duel at St. Vith
The History Guy tells of the story during the Battle of St. Vith, Belgium, on 18 December 1944, where one of the most extraordinary David Vs. Goliath tank actions o...
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10:00
Story of a Song: "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins
Phil Collins shares the story behind his song, “In The Air Tonight.”
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8:00
The Millionaire Piano Tuner, Trailer Park Owner and Bovine Semen Distributor
Dr. Bill Danko shares some of the stories from his two books that he coauthored, Millionaire Next Door and
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26:24
My Father’s Super-Secret Double Life as a Nuclear Missile Savant
For 50 years, John Clauson's father was a simple "salesman," that is, until—nearing his deathbed—he revealed to his son a secret. John is here to tell the story from his book and soon-to-be motion picture,
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40:50
Bruce Wang, All-American: The Chinese Cowboy With A Southern Accent
As you are about to hear from Bruce himself, he may be Chinese-born, but he’s all-American.
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21:50
My Father Died When I Was A Child
Katie Kuntz opens up about losing her father to liver cancer at a young age.
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35:40
Whiskey Distillery Goes from Serving Drinks to Serving Community
Black Button Distilling was about to go national, and then COVID-19 put a hold that. In the face of what looked like an inevitable shutdown, Black Button not only figured ou...
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19:30
How Windmills Won the West
That old windmill on the side of the highway might be fun to look at, but without it, the great westward expansion would have been nearly impossible.
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8:00
“The Good Ole Days” Is A Lie
Johan Norberg on his great awakening and the story of human progress from his powerful book, Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future<...
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21:17
A Tuskegee Airman's Story of Heroism and Service
Lt. Col. Harry Stewart fought for his country in WW2, and faced discrimination and worse along the way. But he said he'd do it all over again for the country he loves.
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29:00
The 1926 Race to the Pole: A Story of Polar Exploration
The History Guy remembers when explorers raced to go where no one had gone before, Amundsen, Byrd, and the future of aviation.
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11:00
The Hotel Where Employees Can Spend $2,000 To Make A Guest Happy!
Here's Ritz-Carlton co-founder Horst Schulze with another terrific story from his book Excellence Wins: A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best ...
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10:00
Kindness Is Free
Paul Kotz offers some personal examples of how going out of our way and, yes, even out of our comfort zone, may be just what others and we may need.
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10:00
Matt Mauck: The Beginning of an LSU Tradition
The latest in our "No. 18: Men of Character" series. Matt Mauck was the 4th string quarterback when he joined the LSU Tigers in 2000, and by 2003 he led them to a victory they hadn't seen since 1958.
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25:27
Bob Funk: The Minister of Hope
Bob Funk wanted to be an actual minister, but his real calling helping people find work (and hope) has likely had a much bigger impact!
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32:11
The House That Was Built By Gum
William Wrigley, Jr. was a brilliant businessman, but his ingenuity was out shined by his love for his wife. This is the story of how he made his fortune and then spent it on the one he loved.
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11:50
He Was the NBA's Best Ref. Then He Went to a Catholic Seminary
Former NBA Ref Steve Javie shares his journey.
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25:44
The Back Story of Tabasco Sauce
Former CEO Tony Simmons shares with us his family’s story and its surprising intersections with America’s story.
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40:40
The Night 2 H-Bombs Fell on North Carolina (Told By the Man Who Dismantled Them)
On January 23, 1961, a B-52 bomber crashed in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Two H-bombs—each 250 times more powerful than the bombs dropped on Japan, fell to the ground. Earl Smith dismantled those bombs and he's here to tell us the story!
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29:00
Hobby Lobby’s Steve Green: The Bible As A Soap Opera
Steve tells some wild human drama stories from the best-selling book in history.
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32:52
Brett Favre: Up Close and Personal (Pt. 1 of 5)
Much of what’s known about legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been kept between the goal posts. So Greg Hengler took the three and a half hour long drive south from here in Oxford, Mississippi—where we broadcast our show—and sat down wit...
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40:50
Always Give More than You Promise: The History of the Studebaker Corporation
Miles outside of motor city in South Bend, Indiana, one of America’s most iconic classic car companies battled for survival against the ever increasing tides against it. Automotive historian Patrick Foster brings us the story of Studebaker.
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18:52
Danny Sacrificed Self (and His Bone Marrow) For a Stranger
Stephen Rusiniak shares a story of a man named Danny who helped save a stranger’s life.
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8:00
Energy Entrepreneur Sid Jansma on COVID-19: "We’re Going To Keep All of Our Employees and Their Salaries"
Their industry has been one of the hardest hit, but the hearts of entrepreneurs like Sid are stronger than any earthly circumstances.
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11:00
The Unthinkable Life Before the Automobile
In this episode of Energy is Life, we explore what American city life looked like before the invention of the automobile.
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11:00
Life With Autism
Cheryl Mossberg shares what it was like to have her son, Pete, diagnosed with autism and the life after the diagnosis.
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36:41
Joshua Lionel Cowen: The Man Who Played with Trains
Bill Bryk brings us the story of the an ingenious inventor who went from inventing naval mine detonators to one of the top 5 toys of the 20th century... and all because he was unimpressed by a store's window display.
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11:49
Due to COVID-19, The Gov’t Has Forced Him To Close 2 of His 5 Doughnut Shops
District Doughnut co-founder Greg Menna on losing over 50% of his revenue because of something outside of his control... and what that does to a small business like his.
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21:00
Aaron Burr, The Opportunistic Patriot
Bill Bryk tells the story of America's first practical politician, Aaron Burr, in a tale of skill, bravery, honor, deception, and memory. Burr was so much more than the man who shot Alexander Hamilton.
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19:44
Diamondbacks' Owner on COVID-19: “There Are Legal and Moral Obligations... Taking Care of Our Workers is a Moral One”
Ken Kendrick on all of their workers being made whole even though there’s no baseball games being played.
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11:00
The Angel of Marye's Heights
Listener Richard Hood from Valencia, California, takes us back in time to the Battle of Fredericksburg and tells a story about compassion in the midst of America's deadliest war.
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16:55
Slavery Slayer: The Story of William Wilberforce
The man who perhaps more than any other stirred the conscience of the world to see the horror and evil of slavery was William Wilberforce. His efforts helped bring liberty to untold millions and his persistence and conviction influenced major c...
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40:50
Whiskey Is In Their Blood
The Old Dominick Distillery story starts back in 1859 with an Italian immigrant and a fruit cart that grew to be one of the largest distribution companies in the South. Add in a Kentucky woman who...
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17:52
The Legend of Indian Agent/Mountain Man, Tom "Broken Hand" Fitzpatrick
America's finest Old West storyteller brings us the story of legendary Mountain Man, Tom Fitzparick. Roger McGrath is the author of Gunfighte...
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29:00
Rawhide Down: The Day President Ronald Reagan Was Shot, and Lived to tell the Tale
On this day in 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot. This is the story told by those who were there. [PHOTO: President Reagan being pushed into his limousine by Secret Service agents after being shot outside the Hilton hotel in Washington D.C...
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21:50
The Mauricio Ferrazza Halftime Story
Hear from Mauricio Ferrazza about his journey from working the Latin Grammy's and being invited to VIP parties to establishing an all accepting animation and video game design program at Miami Dade Community College in Florida.
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8:00
From Battlefield to Business
In this episode of Ditch Digger CEO with Gary Rabine, Gary brings us the story of France Hoang, a Vietnamese refuge who after serving in the US military became a successful entrepreneur.
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21:00
"I'm The Dentist In The Wheelchair"
Hayden Perkins shares the story of his horrible accident and how he chose to live his life in response to such a tragedy.
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25:20
After 50 Years of Silence, Korean War Pilot Shares His Top-Secret Mission
Between the Korean and the Vietnam Wars, U.S. Navy Captain Royce Williams flew over 220 missions. The following story was classified as Top Secret, and for more than 50 years Captain Williams didn’t tell a soul—not even his wife. Nobody knew wh...
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29:00
The Story Behind Chick-fil-A’s “My Pleasure”
Ritz-Carlton co-founder Horst Schulze on one of the few other American companies that’s committed to excellence.
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10:00
Bill Daniels: The Father of Cable TV
From growing up in the Great Depression and serving in World War II, to pioneering cable TV and giving all of his wealth away... Bill Daniels is an American legend.
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40:50
The Heart of Kobe Bryant's Memorial Service
On February 24th, more than 20,000 individuals gathered in the Los Angeles Staples Center to remember the life of Kobe Bryant. From his mentors to his mentees, all shared their own personal, heart-moving stories about his dedication and c...
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41:55
The Missionary of Wall Street
Steve Auth spends a lot of his day managing over $70 billion, but you'll also find him on the streets of New York talking about faith with total strangers.
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36:35
He Got a Second Chance and Wants Other People to Have One, Too
We bring you the story of Doug Deason—a man committed to giving back in ways very few can. Today, he's the president of Deason Capital Services, LLC and manages asse...
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21:00
Hedy Lamarr: The 40s "Bombshell" Mind Behind Secure WiFi, GPS And Bluetooth
Author Richard Rhodes shares the amazing story of Austria-born turned Hollywood movie star, Hedy Lamarr. She was known for her beauty, but her acco...
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25:37
Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice It's All Right" (Story of a Song)
Pop quiz: What’s the appropriate amount of times to think about an ex who has just walked out your door? The correct answer: ONCE. Bob Dylan has proven to be a masterful songwriter of “kiss-off” songs, adding yet another element to rock lyrics ...
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8:00
A Father's Love: Capone's Lawyer "Easy" Eddie and WWII Ace "Butch" O'Hare
The unlikely story of redemption and bravery behind two Chicago legends: Al Capone's lawyer "Easy" Eddie and O'Hare Airport's namesake, WWII Ace pilot-hero, Butch O'Hare.
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7:59
Through a Lens: The Story of The Manhattan Project
Richard Cook tells us the story of how in 1943 the town of Oak Ridge, Tennessee was established and went from 58,000 acres of farm land to a town of 75...
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35:02
Meeting the Mother of My Foster Child Changed My Life
Christina Dent shares how her life was forever changed after she became a foster mother.
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11:50
Iowa's Long-Lost NBA Team Who Beat the Celtics
Tim Harwood of Waterloo/Cedar Fall's KXEL 1540 and author of Ball Hawks
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20:02
I Was Responsible For Our Hotel’s #1 Complaint, And I Was Clueless
Ritz-Carlton's co-founder, Horst Schulze shares the story of his wild journey to find the root cause of a problem... himself.
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11:00
The Cajun Navy Saving Lives
In this Why Minutes we tell the story of the Cajun Navy that formed after Hurricane Katrina, and the movement that it started.
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1:29
Why Drive?
In this Why Minutes we discuss the understandable yet misguided fears of driverless cars.
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1:28
Why Technology Creates Independence
In this Why Minutes we learn why technology makes those who are most dependent on those more dependent on themselves.
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1:29
Why Tech Has Created More Jobs
In this Why Minutes we examine the myth of technology displacing more jobs than it's creating.
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1:30
Why 9 Out of 10 of The Richest People Are Self-Made
In this Why Minutes we learn why most of the wealthiest people in this country make it big.
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1:29
Did Millennials Kill Cable?
In this Why Minutes we find out why cable is starting to take second seat to streaming services.
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1:29
Stephen Rusiniak: If I Could Talk With Anyone (Past or Present), It Would Be My Parents
If you could spend one hour talking with anyone, living or not, who would you choose? Stephen Rusiniak's choice was a no-brainer.
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8:00
Treating More than Cancer
Loma Linda University Health has sought to not see patients as customers, but as individuals, through a focus on whole person care. Their patients even call their treatment a "Radiation Vacation."
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11:50
The Bathroom Was My Refuge And My Prison
Starting from a young age Lois Fink's battle against Crohn's disease brought much heartache and suffering. Take a listen as she candidly shares how she eventually overcame the disease.
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36:13
The Billy Graham Story
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. He wrote some 30 books and was among the first to u...
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36:28
The Great Chicago Fire, and the Even Greater Recovery
This largely lost story is told by Chicago's very best local historian, Tim Samuelson.
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20:01
The Child Inventor Determined to Save Babies from Overheated Cars
Meet Danny Mefford, the remarkable young man who invented The Baby Saver.
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11:49
School Choice Saved My Life
Denisha Merriweather says her greatest achievement would have been working at McDonalds had she stayed in her local public school Thankfully she had the ability to choose her own destiny and write her own story.
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29:09
The History of the "Wrecker" Tow Truck
Nyle Vincent from the International Towing Museum shares with us the fascinating story of the tow truck.
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11:00
The Founder of the Freaky Fast and Freaky Fresh Jimmy Johns Sandwiches
In this episode of "Ditch Digger CEO with Gary Rabine," we hear the story of the man who talks faster than the delivery of his sandwiches. Meet Jimmy Liautaud, the man behind the sandwiches we all know and love.
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11:50
Dog Food CEO Eats Only Kibble for 30 Days to Prove It's Good for Dogs
Mitch Felderhoff, co-owner of Muenster Milling in Munster, TX, decided to literally put his mouth where his money is and eat nothing but dog food for 30 days as a stunt to raise awareness abou...
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11:00
Kay Coles James: From Welfare and Public Housing, To The Halls of Power
"The Back Story" of the extraordinary President of The Heritage Foundation, the most powerful think tank in the world.
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40:46
A Brief History of St. Patrick's Day
Buried beneath the St. Patrick’s Day symbols of shamrocks, leprechauns, and green beer, lies the story of a man determined to share a message with a people who made him a slave. We’d like to give a special special thank you to CBN Films for all...
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21:00
Jack London's "To Build a Fire"
Jack London’s most famous works include The Call of the Wild and White Fang, both set in the Klondike Gold Rush, as well as his short story, To Build a Fire. Here to narrate the gripping finale of Jack London’s master...
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32:50
John Humphrey: One Kid's Unique Heart
This story is brought to us by Ryan Buck in Des Moines, Iowa. Ryan calls it “The Hope Story of John Humphrey,” because it was made for the Humphrey family and their friends at the ...
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10:00
The Cloud-Juicing Entrepreneur Who Bottles Rainwater
There are over 80 bottled water companies in the United States, but one of them has changed the game forever, Richard Heinichen's company, Richard's Rainwater.
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11:50
The Golden Gate Bridge
Our look into the construction of an iconic engineering marvel from the oral history of the men who built it.
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19:00
Playing Video Games Paid For My College
Damon Cox's upbringing brought poverty and abandonment. Yet, he has chosen to respond to his circumstances with hard work and determination no matter the task. With relentless training, Damon made video gaming a very lucrative, full-time job.
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21:50
History Guy: That Time Pepsi Had the 6th Largest Navy in the World
The History Guy remembers rubles, cola and a kitchen that changed history. It is a forgotten moment during the Cold War that deserves to be remembered.
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11:00
Caring For My Sister With Down Syndrome (Pt. II)
In this episode of the Mclalan Files, Bob brings us the second part to the story about his sister with down syndrome.
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17:24
History Guy: The Story of the Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger, with his cry of “Hi-Ho Silver!” has become an American institution ranking with Paul Bunyan in the realms of folklore and legend. The History Guy r...
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10:00
Duck Tape Saves Lives
Join us in celebration of this remarkable American product that changed the world forever.
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8:00
Life With Cystic Fibrosis
The Meisenheimer family shares their journey of having two sons that have cystic fibrosis.
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40:50
The Humble Carrot
In this ever increasing fast world we find ourselves in, sometimes it's important to stop and smell the carrots.
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8:00
The Secret History of Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day began as a feast to celebrate the decapitation of a third-century Christian martyr. So, how did we get from beheading to betrothing?
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11:49
From Kosher to Vegan: An Alzheimer's Story
The Pregozens story is one of loss, trial, and triumph. It's another of our "Better Health at Lower Costs" segments.
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40:50
The Bad Employee Who Defined Her Whole Bank
Ritz-Carlton co-founder Horst Schulze on what real customer service should look like.
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8:00
History Guy: The Thrilling Tale of How Robert Smalls Seized a Confederate Ship and Sailed it to Freedom
Here’s The History Guy with the tale of an escaped slave-turned legend named Robert Smalls.
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10:00
The Big Four and the Transcontinental Railroad
This is the story of the men known as “The Big Four,” who incorporated the Central Pacific Railroad and helped build the transcontinental railroad. These four individuals risked their businesses, money, time and talent in order to achieve an un...
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28:54
Frederick Douglass: Self-Made Man
Author Timothy Sandefur shares stories of this most remarkable American: Frederick Douglass was born into slavery, struggled for his own freedom, and then became a leader in the fight against oppression. Along the way, Douglass hated, struggled...
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40:50
The American Bonapartes
The History Guy unpacks the largely forgotten saga of the Bonapartes who came to America. The story illustrates the pretensions and complexity of Napoleon's attempts to create a lasting dynasty.
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11:00
The Family That Brought Us The Car Radio, Walkie Talkie, Pager, And Mobile Phone!
“The Back Story” of the iconic American company Motorola, with third-generation family member and former CEO Chris Galvin.
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10:00
From Fired High School Dropout... To Owning D.C.'s Best Taco Chain!
Osiris Hoil lost his construction job in 2008, but through his fantastic cooking he started District Taco, D.C.'s best taco chain. This is his story.
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21:00
Jorge Valdés: The Redemptive True Story of a Cocaine Drug Lord
After running the North American cocaine trade for the cartel in his early 20s, Jorge Valdes found salvation rather than death in this captivating tale.
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36:37
Relationship Story Hour: The Paiges
Chris and Meiko candidly share their story as a married couple.
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29:00
The Boy Who Was Laughed At For Wanting to Work At A Hotel... Until He Founded, The Ritz Carlton
Here's "The Back Story" of the legendary Ritz-Carlton luxury hotel chain with its co-founder and German immigrant, Horst Schulze.
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29:44
Tinkerers Change The World
Investor Frank Hanna on changing your own world... and potentially the world around you.
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9:59
From Pro Jet Skier to Baywatch... to Alabama Obesity Champion
Christy Swaid was just a girl growing up in Chicago until her father started a jet ski rental company in Florida. Now, after years of professional training and her mother's guidance, her organization H.E.A.L. is combating childhood obesity acro...
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40:50
Mississippi's 1st Craft Brewery!
Brewers Mark and Leslie Henderson's journey from brewing beer in the garage to creating the first craft brewery in Mississippi.
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11:50
King Solomon, Town's Grave Digging Drunk-Turned Hero
King Solomon was a gravedigger who may have saved the town of Lexington during the Cholera epidemic of 1833. Kentucky journalist Sam Terry tells the story of the man they called “King Solomon.”
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8:00
They're One of the Youngest Couples in Their Community and Doing Aerobics... at 90?!
David and Zela Flor give us a look a what "Blue Zone" living in Loma Linda, California, is really like.
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11:50
Entrepreneur Chris Wright Asks: Who Do You Want To Be In A Foxhole With?
For our “On Leadership” series, an extraordinary leader on building an extraordinary team.
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21:50
How Faith, Infidelity, and Forgiveness Grew a Family Not Once, but Twice
In a 30 year span, a family has to deal with its sins twice and tell a story of roll-reversal and forgiveness. Mary Sparks's tale is another entry in our "Women of True Grit" series, brought to us by Edie Hand. Learn more about Edie and her sto...
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19:00
Beauty in Brokenness: A Couple that Rebuilt their Marriage... and Cities
Meet John and Ashely Marsh. Amidst addiction, infidelity, divorce, pending bankruptcy, and suicidal thoughts, John and Ashely miraculously healed their relationship together and now restores dilapidated cities.
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21:00
Katie Livingston's Life After A Total Gastrectomy
Katie Livingston candidly shares her family's story and their struggle against cancer.
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32:50
Playing Cards in a Dumpster
Paul Kotz is one of those people who believes that a friend is just a "hello" away.
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8:00
The Unlikely Pair Who Share A Liver
Vic Billingsley and Kara Ffrench's harrowing transplant journeys that unexpectedly led to a unique friendship.
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29:00
He Bought A Sub Shop At 17… Jersey Mike’s Now Has 1,686 Locations!
"The Back Story" of Jersey Mike's Subs, with founder Peter Cancro and his remarkable journey.
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40:47
What Does "For Better Or Worse" Really Mean?
Yvonne and Rich share their story of marital struggle and how they have handled their drug addicted son.
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40:50
The Back Story of Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos
For our series "The Back Story," we bring you the memorable life story of Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.
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29:00
Ambrose: The Unlikely WWII B-24 Combat Pilot-Hero, George McGovern
Here’s historian extraordinaire Stephen Ambrose to tell us a very unlikely World War II story about George McGovern, the liberal, antiwar Democratic presidential candidate from South Dakota who was soundly defeated by President Nixon in the 197...
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11:49
The Husband and Wife Doctors Who Risked Their Careers to Prevent Alzheimer’s
Dean and Ayesha Sherzai's shared experience of having grandparents succumb to dementia led them to "career suicide" which resulted in success.
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40:50
Fade to Black: the Death of My Father
In this episode of the Mclalan Files, Bob brings us the story of his father’s death.
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19:00
Sturm, Ruger and Co.
Ruger is the biggest gun manufacturer in the U.S., and it’s not by accident. Here to tell this story is Logan Metesh. Logan is a firearms historian and museum professional who runs High Caliber ...
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21:49
The Cello Rock Star Who Doesn’t Follow The Rules
For our "Immigrant Song" series, the cello virtuoso with rock-star charisma, Maya Beiser, shares with us what it was like growing up in an Israeli kibbutz, musical freedom, and shredding rock classics on her cello.
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32:51
Stephen Ambrose: The Transcontinental Railroad
Climb aboard! Here’s Stephen Ambrose to tell us a the story from his bestseller, Nothing Like It In The World: The Men Who Built The Transcon...
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40:50
Meeting My Absent Father
Justin shares the story about meeting his father. The first encounter happened when he was 23-years-old.
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21:50
Benedict Arnold: The Greatest of Heroes, The Darkest of Villains (b 1741)
Few stories are as compelling, as complex, or as mystifying as that of Benedict Arnold, who was born on this day in 1741. After all, it is a story ripe with moral ambiguity: He was both the greatest of heroes and the darkest of villains.
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11:49
The Private Citizen Who Repairs Our National Treasures
And he grew up in a Jewish ghetto...the incredible life story of David Rubenstein!
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30:40
He Knew He'd Work for the Pittsburgh Pirates Since He Was 7
While he didn't have a a job offer or even the skills for the job, Joe Klimchak was inspired by a Pirates legend to pursue his MLB career dream.
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21:50
The Man Who Defined American Fashion
For this American Dreamers episode, we bring you the story of a boy from The Bronx who would create one of the most iconic brands in American history.
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19:00
Magic Side Show Becomes Full-Time Job
Steve Thomas, Oxford, Mississippi's local magician and balloon artist, shares his story with us.
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19:00
"That $40 Saved Our Marriage": On the Brink of Divorce, a Couple Finds Hope and Healing
The argument began over finances. Then, it spiraled out of control. Without help from one special organization, they would not be married today. The Myers share their journey from hatred to healing.
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29:00
Ralph Cox: Last Guy Cut from 1980 U.S. Olympic "Miracle" Hockey Team
Ralph Cox is a former college hockey star who was squeezed out of arguably the greatest moment in sports history. What you might know about Ralph comes from the 2004 Disney movie "Miracle," which is the true story of the 1980 U.S. Olym...
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7:59
Citation Nation: When Local Govts Become Dependent on Fines and Fees
Law enforcement is supposed to be about protecting the public by discouraging—through monetary fines—dangerous driving and other hazardous personal conduct or property conditions. But in practice, local governments may also—or instead—use their...
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10:00
"We are All Jews Here": The Remarkable Story of an American Officer Who Saved 200 Lives
"If you shoot me, you will have to shoot us all," he told his Nazi captors. This is the story of Master Sergeant Roddie Edmunds, who saved the lives of 200 fellow Jewish soldiers in a Nazi stalag. It was a story he never told anyone; a story hi...
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40:49
The Story (and Family) Behind Yuengling, America's Oldest Brewery
Jennifer Yuengling is one of the four 6th generation sisters who are carrying on their great-great-great grandfather's legacy in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and across 22 states. She shares about working with family, the secret to the company's s...
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21:00
I Picked Up "Tex" Watson Hitchhiking AFTER the Manson Murders
Following the Charles Manson murders, Manson's lead henchman, Tex Watson, stayed in Los Angeles for almost two months before fleeing to Texas where he was arrested. But it’s those two months following the Manson murders, where this story from o...
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8:00
He Flew Nukes, Captured World Records, and Saved His Way to Wealth...
Orville’s story is one where the good guy finishes first. Yet his is a life story of challenge and risk, marked by tragic losses and remarkable successes. We’d like to thank the folks at Vision Video
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32:49
MLB Star Mike Matheny Loves Coaching More Than Playing
Hear Mike’s powerful speech to students that’s about so much more than baseball.
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32:50
Nursing Home Grants A Christmas Wish
One of our regular contributors, Stephen Rusiniak, shares a story from the time he worked at a nursing home in high school.
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10:00
How a Fake Doctor Ran Carnival Sideshows and Saved Thousands of Infants and Changed Medical History
Dr. Martin Couney carried a secret with him, but the results are unimpeachable. It was Coney Island in the early 1900’s. Beyond the Four-Legged Woman, the sword swallowers, and “Lionel the Lion-Faced Man,” was an entirely different exhibit: row...
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10:49
Washington Resigns His Commission, and Stuns the World
On December 23, 1783, then Commander in Chief of the Continental Army George Washington did something commanders of victorious armies didn't do: he resigned his military commission, and returned to his Mount Vernon estate as a private citizen. ...
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21:00
Getting Through the Holidays Without Your Mother
Liz Faria shares her struggle to overcome memory and loss to build new holiday traditions for her family. Read the story HERE.
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8:00
Patty Kingsbaker's Sinatra Story
Colorado listener Patty Kingsbaker shares this "knock out" Frank Sinatra story.
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8:00
Mike Eruzione: The Making of a Miracle
Mike Eruzione—the captain of the 1980 U.S Men’s Olympic "Miracle on Ice" Hockey Team—recounts the unlikely circumstances that led to his amazing career on ice, the legendary upset against the Soviets, his game-winning goal, and winning the gold...
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18:46
Oil Saved The Whales and Lifted The World Out of Poverty
Tim Dunn liked the energy industry for “playing monopoly,” but he came to love it for what it’s done for humanity.
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21:50
Patty Kingsbaker's Elvis Encounter
Patty from Colorado not only has a great Elvis story, but she is very good at telling it!
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8:00
Making "The Godfather" Trilogy
Author Harlan Lebo joins us for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this American classic.
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40:51
My Dad Was A Political Prisoner of Fidel Castro
Ernesto de la Fe’s tribute to his heroic father.
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29:00
Everett's Last Christmas Carol
Pastor Jim Johnson finds peculiar friends wherever he goes. This story is about one such friend, Everett Motl.
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29:00
Dire Straits' Jack Sonni
From crushed dreams of becoming a rockstar, to getting that phone call to come play with one of the biggest rock bands of the 1980's, the story of Jack Sonni is a captivating tale of realized dreams and what happens when it's over.
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40:50
Centerline: The Surprising History of Lane Markings
When it comes to the various bits of infrastructure that help keep us safe while we drive, most likely the greatest cost-and-simplicity to benefit ratio has to be painted lane lines on roads. For more stories of forgotten history, please subscr...
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11:49
An Operation That Makes Grown Men Cry
10-20 million Americans are shaking with essential tremor. Meet the technology that's transforming their lives.
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21:50
Navy SEAL Jack Carr
Jack Carr led special operations teams as a Team Leader, Platoon Commander, troop Commander and Task Unit Commander. Over his 20 years in Naval Special Warfare he transitioned from an enlisted SEAL sniper to a junior officer leading assault and...
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40:50
The Man Who Invented Aerobics
Do you exercise? Has anyone ever told you to exercise? Either way, you have a modern medical pioneer to thank for that, Dr. Ken Cooper, the Father of Aerobics.
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29:00
Abolitionist John Brown
Hear the epic tale of a man who gave his life for a cause greater than himself.
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40:50
Emily Dickinson's Story (b. 1830)
During her life, she only published 10 of her 1,800 poems. On this day in 1830, Emily Dickinson was born.
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21:50
Emily Dickinson's Story
During her life, she only published 10 of her 1,800 poems. December 10,1830, Emily Dickinson was born.
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21:50
Salvation Army: The Story of William and Catherine Booth
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 Vis...
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35:43
When Santa Visited A Nursing Home...
Stephen Rusiniak writes about the time he worked in a nursing home when he was a teenager.
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8:00
Fall from an SR-71 Blackbird
In 1966, an SR-71 "Blackbird" disintegrated at 78,000 feet. The pilot's first thought was "No one could live through what just happened". Therefore, I must be dead." For more stories of forgotten history, please subscribe to his YouTube Channel...
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11:00
The Child I Didn't Adopt
A story of heartbreak and regret from social worker Liz Faria.To read the story go to https://amothershipdown.com/the-child-i-didnt-adopt/.
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8:00
The Why Minutes: Why Americans Show Up
Thousands give support to Antonio Bosco— the husband of Margie, who was killed by a gunman at a Walmart in Texas.
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1:29
The Why Minutes: Why We're Paying for Other People's Train Tickets?!
There are two things certain in life: death and taxes. And in today's episode we dive into why doing away with taxes would be the death of Amtrak.
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1:00
The Why Minutes: Selling Runny Ketchup Is Against The Law?!?
Why on Earth is such an absurd thing against the law?
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1:30
The Why Minutes: Gary Vaynerchuk's Success Ain't About Luck
Gary snaps back as friends yearn for his success, declaring he's lucky.
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1:29
The Why Minutes: Smiling Can Change Your Life and Others
Smiling has prolonged the life of a man with terminal cancer, and has brought joy to all those around him.
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1:29
The Why Minutes: Why Modern Luxuries Bring Unnecessary Drama
Millionaire Bedros Keuilian sheds light on why materialism damages the soul.
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1:30
The Why Minutes: Why You Can Find Lady Liberty World Wide
Meet Ovidiu Colea, the Soviet refugee who is responsible for bringing Lady Liberty to people around the world.
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1:30
His Grandfather Said He Wasn’t Worth Paying 10 Cents... And Now He Manages Over $500 Billion!!
Blackstone co-founder Steve Schwarzman’s incredible American Dreamers story.
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40:50
A Man and His Legendary Dog
Sometimes, there's a man, well, he's the man for his time and place. He fits right in there. And that's Chico Harris. We hear of his adventure following Bruce Springsteen across the country, and the story of his beloved Wayne the Dog.
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40:50
Midwestern Mother: The First Female On Normandy
She never talked about it to her sons, but she was the first woman to step foot on the beaches of Normandy in the D-Day invasion. Mary Rexford served in the Red Cross during WWII—specifically, in the Clubmobile Women Teams—roving groups of thre...
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11:50
California's 1st Female Pioneer, Nancy Kelsey, Arrives Barefoot and Pregnant and Becomes "Betsy Ross of CA"
When the lure of a new life on the farthest edge of the frontier beckoned to Ben Kelsey, Nancy was determined to be at her husband’s side. Together they braved hunger, disaster, illness, betrayal, and death. Nancy Kelsey and her family would pl...
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32:49
Before Mary Kay There Was Madam CJ Walker
The life story of Madam CJ Walker the first American female to become a millionaire.
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32:51
A Mother's Journey after Losing Son to Suicide
Jill Barnum's world was shaken to its core when her son passed. Jill is joined by her daughter Emily to help her tell the story of great loss and greater redemption that tested her faith and brought her closer to God.
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19:00
Ilene Hall Joined the Army to Find Her Husband in the Middle of WWII
When Ilene Hall enlisted in the Army WAC in 1943, she was following her husband, Edward “Ken” Hall to war. When her husband, to whom she was married in March 1943, finished his training and was about to be shipped overseas, the young Canton, Oh...
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19:00
Invisible People: Olivia and Son Alex, Homeless Living in Budget Hotels
Mark Horvath is the founder of Invisible People. Armed with a digital camera and a smartphone, Mark lets homeless people talk about their own experiences. Today Mark’s hearing from
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10:00
What Kind of General Runs the Biggest Airlift in History?
Meet Lieutenant General Vernon Kondra, the man who directed airlift operations for Desert Shield and Desert Storm (First Gulf War). Hear him honor the mentors who shaped him… from growing up in a lumber town to assuming command at the highest l...
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32:50
Tony Mandarich Was NFL’s Biggest Bust, Then He Rebuilt His Life
Tony Mandarich’s story was immortalized by two Sports Illustrated covers, one hailing Mandarich as “The Incredible Bulk” heading into the ’89 draft, and one in 1992 calling him “The NFL’s Incredible BUST,” as his four-year career in Gr...
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40:50
Veterans Day: Reconciling Dad The Farmer And Dad the Veteran Pilot
Iowa listener Joy Neal Kidney shares her father's story.
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8:00
Veterans Day: Audie Murphy, America's Most Decorated Soldier
Audie Murphy's story is one of the quintessential American stories; yet, chances are, many Americans have never even heard of his name.
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32:49
Audie Murphy, America's Most Decorated Soldier
Audie Murphy's story is one of the quintessential American stories; yet, chances are, many Americans have never even heard of his name.
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27:31
The Gloriumptious Roald Dahl: Hero, Inventor, Fighter Pilot, Spy... Children's Author
Roald Dahl was a single-minded adventurer and an eternal child who gave us the iconic Willy Wonka and Matilda Wormwood. Here’s the story of one of the greatest authors and eccentric characters of the modern age, whose work still delights millio...
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40:50
The MOH Recipient Who Crashed His Plane On Purpose To Get To His Downed Wingman
The Navy commissioned its newest destroyer and named it after a man who deliberately crash-landed a perfectly good aircraft behind enemy lines. But the man who became the first American serviceman in the Korean War to receive the Medal of Honor...
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11:00
Mark's Tribute to His "Quiet Hero" Son Who's the Father of 3 Boys
Denver listener Mark Levy gives this beautiful tribute to his son Eitan.
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11:50
Terry Tarwater Finds The American Dream in Pennsylvania
Los Angeles listener Terry Tarwater shares with us a story he calls “Finding the American Dream in Pennsylvania.”
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21:00
What JFK's Moon Dream Really Cost
Harlan Lebo, author of 100 Days: How Four Events in 1969 Shaped America, joins Lee to talk about the moon landing, the unlikeliness of it actually being ...
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40:50
The Tire Tycoon Who Gives Convicts a Fresh Start
We bring you the story of Bob Dunlap, perhaps the greatest man to ever come out of Mississippi, a man who employs convicts and who has paid for countless young men and women to go to college.
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21:00
Lt. Col. Bill Hollowell and Wife Return to Run Music Ranch
Lt. Col. Bill Hollowell served in the Marines, became a police officer, and later served in the Army for 24 years. He and his wife Annie run Foxfire Ranch, a music venue in Waterford, MS.
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19:00
Sam Kendricks: Small Town Boy Becomes Olympic Medalist
Sam grew up in Oxford, Mississippi, and he now travels the world competing as a professional pole vaulter. Sam's here to tell us his story.
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40:50
Story of a Song: Paul Simon's "Graceland"
Paul Simon tells the story of his hit single "Graceland" that deals with his thoughts during a road trip to Graceland after the failure of his marriage.
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11:50
An Older Brother’s Letter To His Younger Brother
George Bryan pays tribute to his older brother John [pictured], who ran Sara Lee and helped build Chicago’s Millennium Park.
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11:50
This Cowboy Makes You Laugh And Think: The Will Rogers Story
The Will Rogers Museum's historical interpreter Andy Hogan brings Will Rogers back to life for us!
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21:51
An ”Ordinary” WWII Soldier’s Story: Angelo Constantine
Here to share the story of Angelo Constantine is his daughter, Jeanette. [Group pic is "A Night On The Town"]
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29:00
Gotta Have More Cowbell!
Jesse unpacks the history of the cowbell and it's launch into infamy with the "More Cowbell" comedy sketch that aired on Saturday Night Live on April 8, 2000.
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8:01
"God Only Knows": The Story of a Song
In 1966, Brian Wilson took the Beach Boys' patented sounds about summer and surfin’ and composed a song about…God and love. The song redefined how good music could be and became Paul McCartney's all-time favorite.
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11:49
The Story of an Unlikely Hero
Bill Courtney is an ordinary guy who decided he could help young men... and what he does will surely inspire you.
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40:50
Jackie Robinson: His Life, Perseverance, and Faith (d. 1972)
His appearance on and off the field—in the face of racist players AND fans—paved the way for what Martin Luther King Jr. deemed an "easier" road toward ending segregation and racism. The engine driving Robinson's "turn the other cheek" approach...
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19:00
Stay-at-Home Mom Becomes Houston's Oldest Rookie Cop
At 53 years young, Officer Wendy Caldwell made history at the Houston Police Department.
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21:00
Square Pizza Rockstar
Hear the story of Tate Moore, owner of Square Pizza in Oxford, Mississippi and local legend with his band the Kudzu Kings.
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29:00
My Daughter, Out There... On The Beam
When Stephen Rusiniak became a father of a daughter he had worries. When she became a high school gymnast, his worries increased.
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8:00
Relationship Hour: Michael and Chelsey
Michael and Chelsey were on the edge of divorce, but now, years later, are still together. Take a listen to hear how they overcame their struggles.
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29:00
A Sister's Love and Loss of Three Brothers
Edie Hand tells us the story of the her brothers, the Blackburn boys, and the tragedy that struck not once, but three times. Learn more about Edie and her story at www.ediehand.com.
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11:50
The Outsiders: House of Pain Rapper Restores House from Coppola's Movie
Since being released in 1983, Francis Ford Coppola’s film adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s coming-of-age novel The Outsiders has found continued popularity and has achiev...
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32:50
A Father’s Note to His “Timeless” Daughter…Who Functions At A Toddler Level
Richmond radio host Jeff Katz shares a note that his daughter won't ever read, but will surely impact your life for the better.
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8:00
Davy Crockett and the Alamo
David Crockett was a legend in his own lifetime. His real life rise from backwoodsman to Congressman and his extraordinary adventures were heroic and quintessentially American. Dr. Roger McGrath, author of
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40:50
How The Elevator BRAKE Shaped Our Modern World
We bring you several stories from Tim Harford’s “Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy:” air conditioning, the elevator brake, and the barcode.
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11:00
Couple Wins Right to Run Business
When Tennessee officials told Doug and Mary Ketchum they couldn't run their liquor store in Memphis, they took it to the Supreme Court... and won. All thanks to the Institute for Justice.
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21:50
The Hearing Aids That Call 9-1-1 and Make You Smarter
Bill Austin, the billionaire that personally fits clients with hearing aids, talks about the innovations that his company Starkey has made to make people's lives better.
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19:00
Lewis and Clark Finally Return Home (Ep 40)
Their 2.5 year adventure concludes on our special series, “The Most Epic Road Trip Ever.”
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11:50
Blind Music Store Owner Sees the Power of Prayer
Ron Lakey of Oxford, Mississippi, shares heartwarming memories of a life filled with joy, adventure, pain, and success.
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29:00
What Hamilton Teaches Us About The Importance Of Anonymous Speech
Why didn’t this Founding Father identify himself in some of his writing? This is the first feature of our series on anonymous speech.
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10:00
Elvis in Vegas
The story of how "The King of Rock & Roll" reinvented the Las Vegas Show. A story about music, the culture, the old and new Vegas, and so much more. Joining us is culture writer Richard Zoglin, the author of the
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40:50
The Puritans
The word “puritan” has widely become a pejorative—it’s used as an adjective instead of a noun in today’s American lexicon. Our knowledge of the Puritans has been distilled to us through popular culture's fictional and highly critical writings s...
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40:50
"We Are All Jews Here" (Roddie Edmonds d. 1985)
The declaration of a non-Jew to a Nazi... that would save the lives of 200 Jews! This hero died on this day in 1985.
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21:00
"We Are All Jews Here" (Roddie Edmonds d. 1985)
The declaration of a non-Jew to a Nazi... that would save the lives of 200 Jews! This hero died on this day in 1985.
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21:00
Invisible People: Homeless Family with 6 Children
Mark Horvath is the founder of Invisible People. Armed with a digital camera and a smartphone, Mark lets homeless people talk about their own experiences. Today Mark is speaking with
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11:49
The Unlikely Relationship Between 9/11 firefighter and billionaire David Koch
9/11 firefighter Niels Jorgensen and billionaire David Koch, and the tragedies that brought them together.
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31:44
"Fearless Freddie" Warder
America is great because of the men that make it up. And America won the Second World War because of men like “Fearless Freddie" Warder. A big hat-tip to Dang Linn Productions for allowing us access to their one-of-a-kind interviews from their ...
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29:00
The Unlikely Relationship Between Two of NYC's Finest
9/11 firefighter Niels Jorgensen and billionaire David Koch, and the tragedies that brought them together.
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31:44
Story of a Song: "Lady" by Kenny Rogers (Written/Produced by Lionel Richie)
It’s hard to believe, but one of Kenny Rogers’ biggest hits first appeared as an extra track on his 1980 Greatest Hits album. “Lady” became the first song of the 1980s to chart on all four of Billboard magazine's singles chart...
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10:00
The Story of 20th Century America...Through Sneakers?
Nicholas Smith, the author of "Kicks: The Great American Story of Sneakers," tells the story of sneakers, and with it, a big slice of American culture and sports in the 20th Century.
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40:52
A Brief History of Nikola Tesla
Separating the man from the myth and fact from fiction, Professor W. Bernard Shaw reveals the true nature of a man who started with nothing, and changed the world forever.
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19:00
The Man Who Witnessed Abe Lincoln's Assassination
Ford's Theater re-enactor Mike Robinson tells the full unknown story through the eyes of AC Richards, Washington's Superintendent of Police.
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16:49
Bomb Casing Scrap Collector vs. The U.S. Govt
Civil liberties warrior Harvey Silverglate brings us the David vs. Goliath story of Edward Joseph Morissette.
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11:50
When Govt Lets Scammers Keep The $$$ They've Scammed
For our Rule of Law series, civil liberties warrior Harvey Silverglate on the government’s illegal bribing of witnesses.
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8:00
The Pistol-Packin' Railroad Conductor: Harriet "Moses" Tubman
Harriet Tubman's story is a story about love, family, faith, and freedom.
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32:52
Frank Lloyd Wright
Hear the voice of the greatest American architect come alive in our special tribute to this uniquely rugged individual.
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40:52
Dr. Dre, The Compton Perfectionist Who Mainstreamed Rap
In the beginning, the hip-hop scene was very raw; an underground music expression that was light years away from the commercial light of day. But one music producer (Dr. Dre) took the low-budget/low-fi rawness of hip hop and put his own polishe...
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11:50
The Epic Story Of Mountain Man Kit Carson: Agent of "Manifest Destiny"
Kit Carson is one of the most complex characters in American history. His epic adventures in war and exploration embody the American spirit and its struggle for identity.
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40:52
Chicken Soup: But You Were Just A Cop
Stephen Rusiniak shares his story of how he became a writer.
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10:00
One of the 1st and Last American POWs of WWII
Judith Pierson tells us the story of Navy corpsman Estel Myers and his story of survival in the WWII's Pacific theater.
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19:00
When Govt Lets Scammers Keep The $$$ They've Scammed
For our Rule of Law series, civil liberties warrior Harvey Silverglate on the government’s illegal bribing of witnesses.
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8:00
The Nutty Chemist From Kansas Who Won The America's Cup
That’s what the sailing world and media called Bill Koch... until he won. This incredible America’s Cup story, that’s really a leadership story.
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29:00
Rule of Law: Music Producer Shut Down in Nashville
Meet Lij Shaw, a professional music producer with a Grammy Award-winning studio in his home in Nashville, TN. Yet he isn't allowed to run his home recording business. Thankfully, with help from the Institute for Justice and others, he stands a ...
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29:00
What Woodstock REALLY Meant to Those Who Were There
Harlan Lebo, Author of 100 Days: How Four Events in 1969 Shaped America, joins Lee to talk about Woodstock; the misunderstandings surrounding the event, ...
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21:50
Rule of Law: The Misdemeanor System
When we talk about criminal justice reform the tendency is to focus on felonies, while the misdemeanor system goes largely overlooked. This is a glimpse into another form of taxation that needs a second look.
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11:00
Invisible People: Homeless Family Finds Support in Tent City
Mark Horvath is the founder of Invisible People. Armed with a digital camera and a smartphone, Mark lets homeless people talk about their own experiences. Today Mark is hearing from
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11:49
Invisible People: Homeless Veteran Living in Her Car
Mark Horvath is the founder of Invisible People. Armed with a digital camera and a smartphone, Mark lets homeless people talk about their own experiences. Today Mark is hearing
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11:00
He Created The #1 Entrepreneurship Program in The Country... And Got Fired!
Jeff Sandefer’s battle for students and his fight against the corrupt ruling class of higher education.
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40:50
Jesse's Investigation Into Robert Johnson's Crossroads
OAS's Jesse Edwards is on a quest to find the real Crossroads in the Mississippi Delta, where Robert Johnson was said to have sold his soul to the Devil in turn for blues guitar stardom.
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11:50
A Family-Focused BIG Business
Herschend Family Entertainment attractions include Dollywood, Stone Mountain Resort, The Harlem Globetrotters, and Silver Dollar City, located in Branson, MO. We hear from their compelling co-founder, Jack ...
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21:00
KoRn’s Brian “Head” Welch: Lies, Mistakes, and Miracles
Brian "Head" Welch was a rock star who thought he had it all. He was the cofounder and lead guitarist of the Grammy Award–winning, multi-platinum band KoRn, one of the biggest and most controversial rock bands on the planet. He lived in a mansi...
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40:50
"They Were Training Me to Be a Robot Doctor"
Like many other young and upcoming doctors in America, Dr. Kat found herself facing burnout after working endless hours and pushing pills to 20 patients a day.
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11:00
Teaching Entrepreneurship to Children and Prisoners
Meet Zac Kliewer, the Kansas teacher equipping America's youth with business skills, and preparing inmates for a life outside of prison.
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21:00
Casey Jones (2)
And now we bring you the tale of Casey Jones, the famous railroad engineer who died with one hand on the whistle, and the other on the break. Here to separate fact from legend, is Daniel French.
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19:06
The Gladys Gonzalez Story: A Tale of Redemption Only Possible in the U.S.
Suazo Center founder Gladys Gonzalez shares how her American Dream began by losing her job running banks in Colombia to cleaning floors in America!
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11:50
The Why Minutes: The Game Changing Resource We All Share
It's what Shark Tank's Daymond John has but does not waste.
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1:30
The Why Minutes: Ever Wonder Why Politicians Frown on Some Jobs?
Well... so has former Cosby Show star, Geoffrey Owens. From Hollywood to Trader Joe's, Geoffrey Owens, is nothing but appreciative. So why aren't politicians?
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1:30
Nobody Believed Us...We Discovered 30-40 Billion Barrels of Oil!
Oilman Jim Henry's wild adventures, which are continuing...well into his 80's!
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29:00
How a Refugee Went from Janitor to President
Meet Jose Menjivar, the refugee who fled the Salvadoran Communist Revolution to America, and worked his way up from a janitor to the President of a company that employs over 1,400 people.
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27:46
Ketchup King: The H.J. Heinz Story
Heinz food products have been a part of American culture for more than a century. Though Heinz Ketchup is one of the most recognized corporate symbols in the world, few people know anything at all about its creator, H.J. Heinz. His hard work, i...
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40:50
The Woman Who's Revolutionizing the Trucking Industry
In the third episode of The Founders, Doug Reiter brings us the story of Beth Potratz, a woman who helped transform the role of Human Resources within companies and went on to innovate the trucking industry.
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11:50
Pulling Back the Curtain on Manson
Harlan Lebo, author of 100 Days: How Four Events in 1969 Shaped America, joins Lee to talk about Charles Manson and what happened to cause the gruesome M...
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21:50
Coming Clean: Growing Up In A Hoarding Home
Kimberly Rae Miller shares how she came to write her memoir titled Coming Clean.
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19:00
A Brief History of Disneyland (Part 1)
And now it's time for the story of the happiest place on earth. In this episode we hear to story behind Autopia, the Matterhorn, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion.
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21:50
The Best Thing Happened: We Had To Push $500k Of Our Products Into The Dumpster
We met Mike Watts and his superior phone grip company called Love Handle at Walmart's Open Call, where over 500 entrepreneurs pitched to get into their over 11,000 stores!
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19:00
Invisible People: Homeless Mother of 4 with 3 Part-Time Jobs
Mark Horvath is the founder of Invisible People. Armed with a digital camera and a smartphone, Mark lets homeless people talk about their own experiences. Today Mark is hearing
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11:49
Remembering Joan Rivers
Joan Rivers was a trailblazer for female comics, and one of the funniest Americans of all time. This is her story.
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21:50
Welding as Therapy
Licensed therapist Bob Zaccheo knew there must be a better way than forcing kids inside offices and asking about their feelings... and he was right. The incredible story of Project LIFT!
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29:00
The Billionaire Who Wants To Die Broke
Denny Sanford grew up on the “wrong side of the tracks,” spent some time in prison, and has since made and given away billions!
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17:59
WW2 Tank Gunner Don Evans
Hear the firsthand account of WW2 veteran Don Evans as he describes the harrowing final moments leading to his capture by Nazis.
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29:00
The Why Minutes: You Can Bet On Sports In Only 11 States
Why when the government picks winners, we all lose.
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1:00
The Why Minutes: The Luxury Yacht Tax Hurting the Middle Class
Why would a tax on the wealthy hurt the middle class? Join us to find out.
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1:30
Tupac: The Definitive Rap Anti-Hero (In His Own Words)
Complex. Personal. Fearless. Rapper Tupac Shakur was authentic and larger than life.
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11:00
The Why Minutes: When Your City Fails, Dominos Fills
A private company takes on the basic duty government so often fails to do—filling potholes.
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1:30
We Weren't There To Surf Or Fish
Stephen Rusiniak shares a story about him and his daughter spending time together.
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8:00
Chef Boyardee: American Hero
Chef “Hector” Boiardi was just 16-years-old when he arrived at Ellis Island. What happens after his landing is remarkable!
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10:00
Chicken Soup: The Cat No One Wanted
Renee Vajko Srch Shares her story of the cat that changed their lives.
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8:00
Seizing Back Their Rights: Perez V. Wayne County
Erica Perez and her father Ramouldo were living the American dream until the local government seized their home—because they unknowingly underpaid their tax bill by $144.00—and sold their property and kept $107K in profit.
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10:00
The Why Minutes: The Story Behind Speed Limits
Why the history of speedlimits has less to do with your safety than your gas.
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1:30
Walt Whitman Served the Union... And the Confederate!
Hillsdale professor Kelly Scott Franklin tells the story of how one of America's foremost literary figures was a volunteer on both sides of our nation's Civil War.
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11:50
WWII Vet Recalls Storming Omaha Beach on D-Day
Frank Devita was just a 19-year-old Coast Guard member, and one of the first Americans to storm Omaha Beach in the Normandy region of France on June 6, 1944. This is a rare opportunity to hear a firsth-hand account of what happened that day.
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29:00
WWII's Navajo Code Talker, Roy Hawthorne
Hawthorne was 17 when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and became part of a famed group of American Indians who encoded hundreds of messages in the Navajo language to keep America safe from the Japanese during WWII. He served in the 1st Mar...
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21:00
She's The Daughter Of Chick-fil-A's Founder, But That's Not Who She REALLY IS
Trudy Cathy White on identity and climbing the mountains of life.
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21:49
T.D. Jakes: Learn From The Lows How To Handle The Highs
Pastor, author and speaker T.D. Jakes gives a speech to leaders and how to deal with stress.
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21:52
Chicken Soup: (Married Life) For Better Or Worse
Chicken Soup for the Soul author Stephen Rusiniak shares a story of when he opened up to his wife.
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11:00
Doc Holliday: Outlaw Gentleman, Shady Ladies, and Tombstone
Much of what America and the world knows about Doc Holliday comes from movies and television. But historians agree that no movie portrayal has ever done justice to the real Doc Holliday—until now. Here to tell the story of Doc Holliday is Roger...
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37:17
Walmart Open Call: The Praline Queen with a HUGE Fan Base
We met Suzanne Hart of KatySweet Confectioners at Walmart’s Open Call, where 500 entrepreneurs pitched to get into their over 11,000 stores!
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8:00
The Man Who Adopted 3,000 People
Harris Rosen grew up in a "bad neighborhood," was fired three times, built a hotel by doing almost every job, and created one of the most powerful anti-poverty programs in America.
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29:01
George Lucas: A Long Time Ago...
It all began when George Lucas was just 18-years-old, he nearly lost his life in an automobile accident. Here’s Lucas with the rest of his story.
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21:00
Gov't Cracking Down on Kids' Lemonade Stands
Across America there is a battle being waged against our young and upcoming entrepreneurs that must be stopped. But it’s not all doom and gloom – as our intrepid executive producer Jesse Edwards discovered – people are beginning to fight back –...
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8:00
A Billion Dollar Corporation... That's CLEANING Water?
Manny Singh, President of Koch Membrane Systems, had a childhood that shaped how he sees water. Then he joined a company that has reshaped how he sees innovation. He's not afraid to literally get dirty and strives to see how waste can create va...
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11:51
The Best Worst Counterfeiter in American History
Emerich Juettner was an upstanding citizen... for most of his life.
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8:00
Coach Herb Brooks and the 1980 Olympic "Miracle on Ice" (b. 1937)
Whether this is your first or most recent time hearing the story about the 1980 Olympic hockey “Miracle on Ice,” we are telling it again because on this day in 1937 Coach Herb Brooks was born in St. Paul, MN.
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40:50
"Pray for Us!": Father Receives Daughter's Text during Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre
Paul Kengor's daughters were across the street while a tragedy unfolded at the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27, 2018.
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8:00
155 Tries To Find His Perfect Job
After 30 years as an infantry officer in the US Army, Colonel John Buckley carved out a distinctive role in Koch Industries. As their military relations manager, John helps the second largest private company in the country hire (and perhaps mor...
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21:50
Candymaker Milton Hershey
An American candy store in 1900 looked very different than it does today. The many varieties of candy included butterscotch, toffee, caramel, molasses candy, taffy, and hard candy made from boiled sugar in dozens of flavors and colors. Even tho...
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40:50
"Wild" Bill Hickok: Lawman, Legendary Gun Fighter (d. 1876)
He drank, he brawled, he loved the cards—and the ladies—and treated them both with respect. He could be a gentleman or a cold-blooded shooter, depending on the occasion. Here to tell the story of “Wild” Bill Hickok is Roger McGrath, author of <...
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32:50
Feds Send this Disabled Veteran to Prison for Digging Ponds on His Property
Joseph Robertson is a 77-year-old disabled veteran who is being forbidden by the federal government (EPA) from building ground water ponds (to assist firefighters) on the property that he and his family have owned and worked on for over 40 year...
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8:00
The Identical Twins Who Won't Let the Gov't $teal Their $$... and Good Name!
Kevin and Rich Gates are in the less than 3% of people who refuse to settle with the government when they come after you.
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32:49
One Man’s “Mobile Homeless Gig”
Larry Crawford goes all over Austin, TX, to fix vehicles that homeless folks live in. Hear how this all got started and how he inspires many other acts of generosity. Learn more about Larry and the Community First Village in Austin at
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11:00
The Time America Put Its National Treasures on a Cross-Country Train
“The Freedom Train” that had over 3 million visitors...not passengers!
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21:50
Sacred Duty: A Soldier's Tour at Arlington National Cemetery
To be chosen to serve at Arlington National Cemetery is an honor and a responsibility. The unit that serves our country's greatest shrine, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment or "The Old Guard," has roots that run deep through our nation's history.
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29:00
Lewis and Clark Separate...Without Cell Phones?! (Ep 39)
Will they be able to find each other, again? “The Most Epic Road Trip Ever” continues!
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8:00
History off the Pages: National History Day
Every year thousands of kids partake in National History Day, a contest that transforms young minds forever! This is the contest that brings history alive!
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11:00
Invisible People: Luke (Skid Row Realities)
Mark Horvath is the founder of Invisible People. Armed with a digital camera and a smartphone, Mark lets homeless people talk about their own experiences. Today, we hear from
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11:49
This Couple Sold Their Inventions to Walmart
Meet Hugh and Nicole Jarratt, the adorable Arkansas couple whose ideas were so great they sold them to Walmart.
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21:00
Story of a Song: Wailin' Jennys' "Long Time Traveller"
Soulful, poignant, and filled with longing… In fact, the sentiment that is often said about The Wailin’ Jennys cover of this traditional hymn is simply: “There’s just something about this song….” In other words, this hidden treasure is a someth...
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8:00
A Brief History of the Telephone
An irreverent and insightful look into one of man's greatest inventions.
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21:50
A Most Valued Gift… FROM a Homeless Man
Larry Crawford shares with us how a homeless friend gave him one of his most valued possessions. Learn more about Larry’s life with the formerly homeless at Community First! Village in Austin, TX.
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8:00
Story of a Song: "My Dad's Old Number"
Artist Cole Swindell says this about his song: "If it scares you enough that you want to call your mom or your dad or whoever you've got left, you better call them, because you're gonna want to someday." [PHOTO: Cole Swindell and his father Wil...
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10:01
Dog Becomes Best Medicine Through Woman's Cancer Treatments
Stephen Rusiniak’s story about his dad’s dog Benny and his mom Doris. From the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Very Good, Very Bad Dog, which you can pickup at chickensoup.com.
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8:00
Samuel Colt: The Birth Of The Revolver (b. 1814)
There’s an Old West adage that goes something like this: “God Created Man—And Abe Lincoln Freed Them, But Sam Colt Made Them Equal!” Samuel Colt’s life is the American story written in capital letters. On this day in 1814 Samuel Colt was born. ...
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28:59
How a Janitor Invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Became an Exec at Pepsico
This is the story of Richard Montanez, creator of "Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
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21:51
A Worship Band and a Brothel: The Story of "God of this City"
This is the story of how a song was birthed when worship band (Bluetree) on a mission trip to Thailand ended up playing an impromptu gig at a brothel in an area considered the world's go-to destination for sex tourists. And what happens when th...
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11:00
The Bailey's Story: A Daughter, a Drug Dealer, and a Miracle
After Mike and Deborah Bailey lost their daughter to a drug overdose, what they did next is nothing short of a miracle.
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8:00
Brutally Honest Valedictorian Regrets Being Top of the Class
In West Palm Beach, Florida, Kyle Martin addressed The King's Academy's class as its valedictorian. His speech was entitled "The 16th Second."
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8:00
Jack Marucci To His Son: You're Not Going to Be A Baseball Player, So Be A Better Person
For our "On Leadership" series, we hear extraordinary life lessons from LSU's Director of Athletic Training and the founder of Marucci Sports (the #1 bat seller in MLB).
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21:00
Forgiving an Abusive Father: The Chris Dupre Story
At just 4 years of age, Chris DuPre became the target of his abusive father. Forgiveness saved them both.
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8:00
The Man Who Spent $35MM Fighting A $400k Fake Wine Fraud
Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and America’s Cup winner Bill Koch doesn’t like being cheated. The latest epsiode for our “Rule of Law” series!
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8:00
Does Exercise Make You Smarter?
A study from Naperville Central High School in Illinois proved that the benefits of exercise go far beyond the physical.
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21:15
The Unexpected Moment Of Happiness In The Hospital With My 89-Year-Old Father
Appleton, WI, listener Karen Cutler Drecktrah's tribute to her late father Jim.
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8:00
The Story John D. Rockefeller: Son of Snake Oil Salesman "Devil Bill" and a Pious Christian Mother
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1:21:44
John Adams and the Boston Massacre Trial: The Moment That Defined A Man And A Nation (d 1826)
What we are about to do now is precise. Instead of telling the all-encompassing story of John Adams, we are going to dial it in on one specific moment in his life; one that best captures this man’s humanity and ideals more than any other. And a...
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32:49
Companies Are Chasing After This School's Students For...Their Character!
The unbelievable story of Williamson College of the Trades and it's free education.
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21:50
Invisible People: Dennis (Homeless in Los Angeles)
Mark Horvath is the founder of Invisible People. Armed with a digital camera and a smartphone, Mark lets homeless people talk about their own experiences. Today, we hear from
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8:00
Story of a Song: Sanctus Real's "Lead Me"
Here’s Matt Hammitt and his wife Sarah sharing with us the story of their song, "Lead Me."
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10:00
The REAL "Great Escape" with Albert Clark
Lieutenant General Albert Clark was a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft III. He was a manager of accumulation and hiding of supplies used in the breakout in which 76 POWs escaped the German camp. You've seen the movie starring Steve McQueen, now h...
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21:50
Their Men Were Getting Lazy...So Lewis and Clark Organized Olympic Games! (Ep. 39)
They were stuck at the base of the Rocky Mountains, bored and waiting for its snow to melt...for 6 weeks! Our Lewis & Clark series “The Most Epic Road Trip Ever” continues.
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10:00
The Forgotten Grave
Jay Moore's family tale of loss, discovery, and selflessness will tug on your heartstrings while reinforcing the importance of inter-generational relationships.
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11:50
McLalan Files: A Divorced Father Living with His Marine Son
If Bob McLalan knew his father would be living with him for 18 months, he would have thrown him out that first night. A collision of cultures like no other! The latest story with Bob McLalan.
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11:51
General Neller: “Make It Count”
Hear the Commandant of the Marine Corps addressing Hillsdale College’s Class of 2019. In crisp Marine fashion, the General leaves them, and us, with three things to remember...
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8:00
The High Schooler Who Employed His Football Coaches...And Made $80k!
But more important than the money, were all the life lessons that Jeff Sandefer learned.
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11:00
A Brief History in Air Conditioning
Willis Carrier invented the first electrical air conditioning unit in 1902, but it would be decades before homes across America would be equipped with this life saving luxury.
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8:00
The Radioactive Boy Scout
Meet David Hahn, the 17-year-old who built a nuclear reactor in his parents tool shed!
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19:01
99 Reasons Why A Typewriter Is Better Than A Computer!!
Yes, there is such a list...and Bert Rosica is just the man to deliver it.
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11:50