Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.
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President Reagan's Greatest Speech You've Never Heard: His July 4 Speech in NY Harbor
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On this episode of Our American Stories, just moments before the biggest fireworks display in American history, President Ronald Reagan spoke in front of the Statue of Liberty aboard the USS John F. Kennedy. Reagan understood the profound nature of what the founders did back in 1776. We take you back to New York Harbor in 1986. Support the show (ht…
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On this episode of Our American Stories, during some of the most tense moments of the Cold War, President Kennedy on July 4th 1962 visited Independence Hall to give a motivating speech highlighting the importance of democracy and free enterprise around the world. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listen…
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David McCullough: The Founding Fathers Were Not Like Us?
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On this episode of Our American Stories, renowned historian David McCullough answers the question - about a most extraordinary group of men at a most extraordinary time in world history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Af iHeartPodcasts
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Pyromaniac's Paradise: Summer Adventures Running a Fireworks Tent
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Joel Wegener and his wife have 10 kids, and because he worked in education, they had to find ways during the summers to make a little extra money. Here's Joel with one of the more explosive ventures the Wegeners took on. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener…
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Calvin Coolidge on the Real Heart of American Government
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On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1926, In 1926, President Calvin Coolidge exhorted Americans to remember and rekindle the moral source of their last 150 years of freedom and prosperity. As the 250th birthday of America approaches, Vince Benedetto and Tracy Messer present an Independence Day speech for the ages. Support the show (https://…
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Joy Neal Kidney shares the story of how Sherd and Laura Goff, and all ten of their children who survived into adulthood, celebrated Independence Day in 1907. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Ryan Stewart: Overcoming Addiction by Letting Others Help Me
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Ryan Stewart struggled with addiction for a majority of his life, and it was only through the help of others that he was able to come out on the other side. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Gerald Ford, Willis Ward, & the Michigan-Georgia Tech Football Game of 1934
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Gerald Ford, an often-overlooked president, made a significant impact on civil rights. That story began while he was a football player at the University of Michigan and his friendship with a man named Willis Ward. Here is a story of sports, racism, and overcoming adversity, all coming together in a remarkabl…
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Billy The Kid: The Story Behind the Legend and the Myth
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On this episode of Our American Stories, in the 1870s, the American West was a refuge for outcasts as the nation recovered from the Civil War. In fact, life was so hard that 80 percent of the population was under 30. It was in this harsh and lawless place that a legend was forged. Roger McGrath tells the story of Billy The Kid. Support the show (ht…
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert Borelli wanted to be a gangster when he grew up. Thanks to the persistent faith of others across his multiple stints in prison, a faith Robert eventually himself took up - his childhood wish was not the last door he would ultimately find open to him. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.co…
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Lesson Learned: Clean Hog Manure Off Boots Before Going to School
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Scott Jones, author of Growing Up Rural, shares the story of one of the most embarrassing moments of his time in elementary school, and the lessons he learned from it. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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How Did Daisy Golf Balls End Up on the Moon?
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On this episode of Our American Stories, although never publicly stated (the brands of anything brought to the moon were kept quiet), there is a good chance that the golf balls hit on the moon were "Daisy" golf balls. Joe Murfin tells the story of an estate sale, a photo, and a story that you won't forget. Support the show (https://www.ouramericans…
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He Created The Largest Museum In The World For...Small Electrical Appliances
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On this episode of Our American Stories, from toasters to waffle irons to coffee pots, Richard Larrimore of Diamond, Missouri has a penchant for all things small and electric. He keeps all 8000 electrical appliances in a museum behind his Western store. Here's his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.co…
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Swift Boat Vietnam Vet with a "Life Changing" Family Secret
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Oliver Halle shares stories from service in the Navy during the Vietnam War, and also about his family, who resisted the Nazis and fled to America. And, ultimately: a secret that would forever change his life. The Veterans' History Project at the Atlanta History Center provides unedited first-person intervie…
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Louis Picone tells the story of how Grant's Memoirs came to be. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Af iHeartPodcasts
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His Mother Worked Miracles During the Holocaust
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On this episode of Our American Stories, the late Judah Samet tells the harrowing story of how he and his family managed to survive the Holocaust. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Af iHeartPodcasts
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“Peeping Tom” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 14)
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio…
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Hollywood's Golden Era Movie Star Had It All, But Left It All To Fight In WWII
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On this episode of Our American Stories, he starred in “The Mark of Zorro” and many other movies, but his greatest role—at the height of his acting career—was serving his country during World War II as a Marine. Here to tell the story is Roger McGrath. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for priv…
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The Turning Point in Abe’s Life: A Wrestling Match
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On this episode of Our American Stories, 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, Mike Chapman. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/don…
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From Disgrace to Amazing Grace: The Story of John Newton
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On this episode of Our American Stories, during his lifetime, John Newton’s story was renowned as one of the most sensational, sinful, spiritual, and historically-important sagas of the 18th century. And we’re telling this story because on this day in 1725, John Newton—the author of "Amazing Grace"—was born. Support the show (https://www.ouramerica…
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From Porn to Reborn: Crissy's Story
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On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2006, Crissy Moran—who was, at the time, one of the biggest porn stars in the world—fled the industry. Today, the married Crissy Outlaw helps other women do the same. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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The Bible: The Best-Selling Book of All Time
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On this episode of Our American Stories, let’s take a listen to The History Guy as he tells the history of the Bible. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Af iHeartPodcasts
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"Back to Square One" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions (Pt. 3)
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio…
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Ida B. Wells: Fighter for the Civil Rights of Blacks to Own Arms
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On this episode of Our American Stories, born into slavery during the Civil War, Ida B. Wells is best remembered as an American journalist who fought tirelessly against lynching during the Jim Crow era. What most people don’t know is that she defended the right of blacks to own arms. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See …
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Asbestos: The Story of The Mineral That Used to Be In Everything
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On this episode of Our American Stories, today we know asbestos to be a health hazard. But the natural mineral was not simply an artifact of the industrial age. Here’s the History Guy telling the story of asbestos. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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On this episode of Our American Stories, history professor Mark Cheathem tells us why Andrew Jackson’s pet parrot had to be removed from his funeral. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Af iHeartPodcasts
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Ilene Hall Joined the Army to Find Her Husband in the Middle of WWII
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On this episode of Our American Stories, 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, Ohio girl decided not to put an ocean between them. Here she is to …
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234 Marines vs. 10,000 Chinese Communists: The Last Stand of Fox Company
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On this episode of Our American Stories, in the Fall of 1950 it looked as though the Korean War would be over. But shortly after General Douglas MacArthur pushed his forces deep into North Korea, his ten thousand First Division Marines found themselves surrounded and hopelessly outnumbered by 100,000 Chinese soldiers. Their only chance for survival…
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Muniz tells the story of Toby Madrid and his experience of partaking in the testing of an atomic bomb in Nevada. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Af iHeartPodcasts
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The Story of the Pilot Who Fell from an SR-71 Blackbird—the Fastest Plane in History
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On this episode of Our American Stories, 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." Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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The Story of Bing Crosby and David Bowie's "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth"
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On this episode of Our American Stories, it was one of the oddest and best musical collaborations of the 20th century. Old school pop crooner Bing Crosby partnered with British glam-rocker David Bowie to make one of the most cherished Christmas songs of all time. But it almost didn't happen. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/dona…
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Empathy is Not Optional: The Story of Mike Leven's Brutal Law Professor
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Leven was President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. One of the great hoteliers of all time—a legend in his business. He is also what you would call a “wise man.” Here’s Mike with a story about what he learned from his unseemly college law professor. Support the show (https://www.our…
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How a Fake Doctor Ran Carnival Sideshows, Saved Thousands of American Infants, and Changed Medical History
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On this episode of Our American Stories, 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: rows of tiny, premature human babies living in glass incubators. Her…
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Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America
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On this episode of Our American Stories, in his biography on George Armstrong Custer, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, T.J. Stiles, casts surprising new light on one of the best-known figures of American history, a subject of seemingly endless fascination. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for pr…
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The Story of Justice Scalia: From His Immigrant Roots to the Highest Court in the Land (Pt. 1)
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On this episode of Our American Stories, author James Rosen tells the story of Antonin Scalia's unlikely but inevitable rise to the U.S. Supreme Court. His family, his faith, and his immigrant roots were the drivers. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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One Cop's Take on Mental Illness, Homelessness, and Crime
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph shares vivid, compelling stories of one constant struggle for police, and for communities: The care and safety of those with mental health battles. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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The Hollywood Star That Left the Silver Screen to Become a Real-Life Spy in WWII
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On this episode of Our American Stories, our next story is about the man who played Captain McCluskey in “The Godfather,’’ the crooked cop who breaks Michael Corleone’s jaw—later receiving a bullet through the throat and forehead as comeuppance. Here to tell another Hollywood Goes to War story is Roger McGrath.McGrath is the author of Gunfighters, …
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The Great Vowel Shift and the Making of Modern English
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On this episode of Our American Stories, “The Great Vowel Shift” was the single greatest change in the history of the English language that has now become the official language in over 75 countries. Here’s the History Guy with the story of “The Great Vowel Shift” and the making of modern English. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com…
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A Change in Seasons: Caring for Her Father the Way he Once Cared for Her
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Debra Freeberg joins us with an abridged version of the beautiful and heartwarming story she wrote about caring for her father in his time of need. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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How Spam and Chocolate Moved American Troops in WWII
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On this episode of Our American Stories, the amazing story of Spam, Hershey, and how those two companies fed the spirit and morale of American G.I.s overseas, becoming part of our "arsenal of Democracy." Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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How An Unlikely Alliance Between Thomas Jefferson and Christian Fundamentalists Brought About Religious Freedom
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On this episode of Our American Stories, religious persecution had become the norm by the time of the American Revolution. It took the unorthodox Thomas Jefferson and Christian Fundamentalists to bring about a change. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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A Nephew Remembers His What His Vietnam Vet Uncle Couldn't Forget
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Michael Williams remembers his best friend and uncle (who was 1 year older than him) Dan Reeves—a "gun guy" in Vietnam who survived a harrowing night in the jungle, and countless near brushes with death defending his camp from the enemy. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnyst…
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Did Lizzie Borden Get Away With Murder?
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On this episode of Our American Stories, the brutal double-murder that happened in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1892 has long been considered an unsolved mystery. Cara Robertson, author of the The Trial Of Lizzie Borden, tells the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information…
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Sports Were Taken Away From Him in High School... So He Became a Coach
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Herzog tells how sports raised him from a heavy-handed home, constant fighting, and the complex cultural temptations of the area surrounding New Orleans. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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The Untold Story Charles Lindbergh
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Charles Lindbergh got his start performing in aerial circuses—and as a glorified mailman. He also made the daring decision to fly solo across the Atlantic, despite everyone else choosing to have a wingman. Kirk Higgins of the Bill of Rights Institute tells the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramerican…
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Richard Zoglin tells the story of how the "King of Rock & Roll" reinvented the Las Vegas show into what it is today. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Af iHeartPodcasts
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1945 Empire State Building B-25 Crash
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On this episode of Our American Stories, in July 1945, a U.S. B-25 Mitchell got lost in heavy fog over Manhattan. Here’s The History Guy remembering the B-25 Empire State Building Crash. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Af iHeartPodcasts
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The Story of America: Our Manifest Destiny
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On this episode of Our American Stories, in our 26th episode of our Story of America Series, Dr. Bill McClay, author of Land of Hope, tells the story of a growing nation—and a divided nation—on the precipice of greatness and destruction from within. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…
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"Separate, but Equal": The Story of Supreme Injustice
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On this episode of Our American Stories, 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 Ferguson's descendants are doing about it now. Support the show (http…
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Receiving Wylie: A High Risk Pregnancy Story
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On this episode of Our American Stories, Karla Duerson shares the story of what it was like being pregnant with and giving birth to her daughter Wylie. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Af iHeartPodcasts
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