Our American Stories

On this episode of Our American Stories, at the height of the Korean War, Fox Company was cut off in the mountains and outnumbered almost fifty to one. Their orders were simple and brutal: hold a critical mountain pass or see thousands of fellow Marines trapped. For nearly a week, Captain William Barber’s men fought through cold, hunger, and relentless attacks, turning what could have been a massacre into one of the most heroic stands in Marine Corps history. Tom Clavin, author of The Last Stand of Fox Company, shares the story. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Valerie’s life was marked by the trauma of abuse, but her story didn't end there. Through her faith in Christ, she found the courage to forgive and the grace to rebuild her life. In this moving account, Valerie Habeeb, Lee's wife, shares the story of her journey from deep pain to spiritual freedom through Christ, showing the hope that can come even after years of darkness. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Rick Monday’s career spanned more than a decade in Major League Baseball, but one defining moment had nothing to do with a bat or glove. In the spring of 1976 at Dodger Stadium, he intervened when protesters tried to set fire to the American flag in the middle of a game. His quick reaction, caught on camera, made him an unlikely national hero and turned an ordinary afternoon at the ballpark into one of the most memorable moments in baseball history. Veteran and Our American Stories regular contributor, Blake Stilwell, shares the story.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Floyd Landis’s story is one of extremes. Raised in a quiet Mennonite community in Pennsylvania, he trained on back roads without the distractions of modern life. That focus carried him to the 2006 Tour de France, where he pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in cycling history. But only days later, a failed doping test changed everything. The champion’s jersey was stripped away, and his name was forever tied to one of the sport’s most infamous scandals. Landis joins us to reflect on his humble beginnings and the hard road back to redemption after the event that changed everything. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, before Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson became a global icon, he was the son of a wrestling legend. Rocky “Soulman” Johnson’s career in WWE helped pave the way for future champions, but his most lasting impact was at home. In this emotional tribute, The Rock shares memories of his father’s relentless work ethic, his ability to command a room, and the challenges and triumphs that shaped their relationship. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, before John Marshall, the Supreme Court was still finding its place in the new American government. By the time he was done, it had the power to declare laws unconstitutional, and entrepreneurs had the legal framework to build a nation. Marshall’s landmark decision in Marbury v. Madison established judicial review, forever changing the role of the Court. Beyond the bench, he was a man of simple pleasures, devoted to quoits, wine, and his hero George Washington. Richard Brookhiser, author of John Marshall: The Man Who Made the Supreme Court, shares the story of the Chief Justice who defined the Court’s authority and left a lasting mark on U.S. history. We'd like to thank the U.S. National Archives for allowing us access to this audio.  Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Mike Olbinski didn’t plan on chasing storms. He began by photographing weddings and family portraits in Arizona, but a fascination with weather grew into a second career that takes him into some of the most extreme conditions in the country. Today, he’s known for both his elegant wedding work and his stunning images of lightning and sky. Mike shares how he balances both worlds and what keeps him chasing beauty in the most unpredictable places. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Ken Scar didn’t join the Army looking for redemption. He was in his 40s, broke, and ready to disappear. What he found instead was structure, belonging, and a camera that gave him a new perspective on the world. Assigned as a combat photographer, Ken began capturing life through a different lens. With each mission, he found purpose in the faces, movements, and moments others missed. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1948, Harry Truman was trailing in the polls and widely expected to lose. Then his campaign made an unexpected stop in Dexter, Iowa, for a national plowing match. The small-town crowd showed up in force, and so did the press. Truman’s speech that day was fiery, direct, and aimed squarely at the concerns of rural Americans. What followed helped shift the narrative and the momentum of one of the tightest presidential races in history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Our American Stories, Coca-Cola’s beginnings weren’t glamorous. It started with a wounded Confederate veteran, a sugary syrup marketed as medicine, and a bold idea that caught on in the American South. Larry Jorgensen, author of The Coca-Cola Trail, shares how the drink moved from soda fountains to glass bottles, how small-town bottlers turned it into a national brand, and why a green-tinted bottle became part of its identity. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.