Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories, it might surprise you to hear that CPR was only invented in 1960. Here to tell the story of the man who invented it, Peter Safar, is Kevin Hazzard, author of American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America's First Paramedics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Chris Siriano tells the story of a baseball team formed out of a religious commune in Benton Harbor, MI. The long-haired men played anywhere and with anybody-including those who had been excluded from major league venues because of the color of their skin. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, renowned biographer and author of The Innovators, Walter Isaacson, tells the story of the teams that created the internet—and the computer. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, He was one of the greatest coaches of the 20th century. Behind a stone face and beneath his trademark fedora was a brilliant football mind. As head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for 29 years, Tom Landry compiled an impressive record of 13 division titles, five Super Bowl appearances, and two championships. The Cowboys would eventually be dubbed "America's team" and Landry became a coaching legend. Here he is with his story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bill Bryk brings us the tale of the day British forces evacuated New York City after the Revolutionary War... a full 2 years after the British Army surrendered. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, James Swanson, the NYT Bestseller of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer, shares the story of the frantic and determined search for John Wilkes Booth. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kent Nerburn, author of Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Life, and Love, shares how one friend changed his life forever by simply telling him to be more sociable. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Jon Meacham, the bestselling author of Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, shares with an audience at the Library of Congress the story of Thomas Jefferson...and explains why his life mirrors the lives of many Americans today. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, teacher, organist, choir director, Our American Stories listener, and World War II history buff Anne Clare shares the story of how a small town on the West Coast changed the course of history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1948, Richard Wurmbrand publicly stated Communism and Christianity were incompatible. As a result, he was imprisoned and tortured by the Communist régime of Romania. After serving a total of fourteen years, he and his wife Sabina—who had also been imprisoned— were ransomed for $10,000 and immigrated to America. Richard Wurmbrand founded the international organization Voice of the Martyrs and spoke throughout the United States. Here's one of those talks. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph recounts how he built community connections and relationships—and changed police perceptions with one profound phrase: "I love you." Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, by 1869, the 'Commodore’s' wealth had grown so much that his private interests intersected with the general public's. T.J. Stiles, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography The First Tycoon, shares the story of Cornelius Vanderbilt at his most skillful—and chilling. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. His 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.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Walter Isaacson, author of the biography on Steve Jobs, tells the story of the man who created the 21st century—and shares the story of how the glass screen on the iPhone showed his intense and unwavering idealism in making his products. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tim McCoy was a major film star most noted for his roles in Western films. He was so popular with youngsters as a cowboy star that he appeared on the cover of Wheaties cereal boxes. As part of our ongoing 'Hollywood Goes to War' series, Roger McGrath shares the story of his acts of service overseas. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Paul Monti was able to keep - and drive - a meaningful memorial of his son Jared, who was killed in action defending his comrades. Here's Paul—and our own Lee Habeeb—with the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, “Genius,” wrote poet Charles Baudelaire, “is only childhood recalled at will.” Few people have given more credence to this notion than Maurice Sendak, who was—in the words of The New York Times—“widely considered to be the most important children’s book artist of the 20th century.” Here’s Greg Hengler with the story of children's book author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, she was the youngest person ever to be featured on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine. Alina Morse, CEO of Zolli Candy, is here to tell the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ford's Theater reenactor Mike Robinson tells the full unknown story through the eyes of A.C. Richards, Washington's Superintendent of Police. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Scot Bertram and Christian Schneider of the podcast Wasn't That Special: 50 Years of SNL tell the story of how a reserved Canadian and a rag-tag group of unknown comedians from across the country created one of the longest-lasting and most important shows of all time. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.