Our American Stories

Deborah Dwork recounts the story of Laura Margolis, a social worker who aided Jewish refugees in Japanese-occupied Shanghai during WWII.

Author Mark Kurlansky recounts the life of Clarence Birdseye, whose quick-freezing innovation revolutionized the food industry.

This episode of Our American Stories features Ralph Cox, the final player cut from the 1980 U.

Hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, this episode features author Paul Kudinaris discussing America’s first animal celebrities: railroad dogs.

This episode features The History Guy and author Evan Schwartz tracing television’s evolution from early telegraph experiments to modern streaming.

This episode of Our American Stories features Craig Dume from the Grateful Nation Project, who recounts the life of Daniel Nimham, a Wappinger sachem who fought for the American Revolution.

Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers host Riley Evans, who argues that professional wrestlers deserve recognition as elite athletes despite the scripted nature of their matches.

Daniel Stashauer recounts the 1861 plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln during his train journey to Washington.

Host Lee Habib and author David S.

Ed Curry, founder of the Pucker Butt Pepper Company, shares his journey from addiction to creating the world’s hottest peppers, including the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X.

This episode explores America’s historical fascination with acquiring Greenland, featuring author Mark Kowar.

Erica Brewer faced $20,000 in fines from Eagle, Wisconsin, after criticizing the town board’s treatment of a neighbor.

Hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, this episode features Trancy Berg sharing the tale of Harvey Wallbanger, a racing buffalo.

Wesley Hodit of the Institute for Justice recounts the landmark Texas Supreme Court case Patel v.

Caleb Bailey shares his family’s journey after his father, an LA firefighter, died in the line of duty when Caleb was ten days old.

This episode of Our American Stories chronicles the life of 30th President Calvin Coolidge, featuring narrator Matthew Denhart and impersonator Tracy Messer.

Contributor Bill Brake shares his humorous and reflective experience learning to ride and groom his horse, Julio, in New Hampshire.

Rebecca "Cubby" Hall shares her vibrant life story, from her rural upbringing and straight-F student days to becoming the mayor of Neosho.

Host Lee Habib and guest Ken LaCorte examine the controversy surrounding the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

This episode chronicles the life of Richard Ira Bong, America’s top World War II ace with 40 aerial victories.

Historian David McCullough recounts the creation of the US Constitution during the turbulent summer of 1787.

Paychex founder Tom Golisano shares anecdotes about his company’s playful culture, featuring pranks on colleagues like Gene Policini and Marty Mucey.

This episode chronicles the Beastie Boys’ evolution from a punk band to hip-hop pioneers, detailing their breakthrough with *License to Ill* and artistic reinvention on *Paul’s Boutique*.

Host Lee Habib and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George Will explore the life of New York Yankees catcher Yogi Berra.

Veteran Tom Morton recounts his deployment to Afghanistan and the tragic drowning of his mentor, Squad Leader Reitzman, while saving others.

Andrew Thompson joins Our American Stories to explore the origins of common idioms like "take the cake" and "three sheets to the wind.

Host Lee Habib interviews author Richard Zoglin about his book, *Elvis in Vegas*, exploring how Elvis Presley reinvented Las Vegas entertainment.

This episode of Our American Stories profiles Carlos Hathcock, a legendary Marine sniper in the Vietnam War known as the "White Feather.

Host Lee Habib and guest Simon Whistler explore the history of bubblegum, invented in 1928 by Fleer accountant Walter Dimer.

Host Lee Habib interviews Dr.

This episode features Louis Zamperini recounting his extraordinary life, from his early days as a troubled youth to becoming an Olympic runner who met Adolf Hitler in 1936.

Host Lee Habib and guest Vince Benedetto discuss George Washington’s pivotal role in preserving the American republic.

Ashley Lubinsky recounts the history of Hiram Percy Maxim, who invented the firearm silencer in 1909 by adapting automotive muffler technology.

This episode of Our American Stories features Steve and Mike Raikman, who share how their family’s Catholic faith instilled strong ethical values across generations.

This episode of Our American Stories features Bill Corum, author of The Ultimate Pardon, sharing his journey from a violent Kansas City crime boss to a devout Christian.

Andrew Thompson joins Our American Stories to explore the origins of common phrases like "put a sock in it" and "Pyrrhic victory.

Leslie Leland Fields recounts her reluctant journey to write her first memoir, *Surviving the Island of Grace*.

Pastor Jim Johnson shares a nostalgic story from his time selling hot dogs at Minnesota’s Metropolitan Stadium in 1979.

Legendary singer Pat Boone shares his journey from a Nashville church boy to a music icon with 45 million records sold.

Hosted by Bowen Yang, Matt Rogers, and Lee Habib, this episode features contributor Bill Bryke recounting the British evacuation of New York City on November 25, 1783.

Former FBI agent Giovanni Rocco recounts his three-year undercover infiltration of the DeCavalcante crime family, the real-life inspiration for The Sopranos.