George Washington's life is marked by his desire to belong and be accepted by the Virginia elite. He faces economic collapse and the British refusal to recognize his status as a gentleman. Washington's experiences in the French and Indian War and his subsequent appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army shape his leadership and commitment to the American cause. He repeatedly slips the British noose, choosing strategic retreat over honorable defeat, and ultimately surrenders his commission, establishing the idea of civilian control of the military. [... more]

Setting a financial finish line is a biblical principle that helps individuals prioritize generosity and manage resources effectively. It involves determining how much is enough for one's lifestyle, wealth transfer, and conservative margin. By setting a finish line, individuals can gain freedom, contentment, and peace in their financial decisions, and ultimately, live a life of worship and service to God. [... more]

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a high-altitude spyplane, disintegrated at 78,000 feet in 1966, but pilot Bill Weaver miraculously survived the crash, despite the extreme conditions and lack of oxygen. Weaver's story is a testament to the incredible design and technology of the SR-71, which was developed by Lockheed's Skunk Works for the CIA. [... more]

Paul Blavin, a former Wall Street workaholic, shares his transformation from success to significance and real purpose. He founded the Blavin Scholars Program to support foster care youth, and his son Joseph, a Blavin scholar, is working on a novel approach for the early detection of cancer. Paul's story highlights the importance of connection, community, and support in helping foster care youth thrive and achieve their goals. [... more]

A South Vietnamese pilot, Major Bung Lee, commandeered an aircraft to evacuate his family from Saigon during the Vietnam War. He landed on the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier, in a daring and historic move, thanks to the decision of Captain Lawrence Chambers, the first African American to command a US aircraft carrier. [... more]

A heartwarming story about a group of adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers enjoying a special evening at a restaurant, where their bill is mysteriously paid by an anonymous couple, highlighting the power of kindness and generosity in the community. [... more]

The election of 1800 led to Thomas Jefferson's presidency, marking a significant shift in the federal government's power dynamics. Jefferson's informal style and emphasis on Republican values contrasted with his predecessors, particularly John Adams, who strengthened the Federalist control over the judiciary. The Marbury v. Madison case, decided by Chief Justice John Marshall, established the doctrine of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional, and had a lasting impact on American politics and the Constitution. [... more]

Harlan Akola joins the show to discuss how bringing home equity into financial plans can change everything, especially for retirees. He explains how home equity can function as a third bucket alongside income and investments, and how using it strategically can help preserve investment accounts longer. The conversation also touches on the importance of timing and the best way to use money, as well as the role of stewardship in managing financial resources. [... more]

Miles Bourne, the NXT North American Champion, shares his journey from being a hearing-impaired child to becoming a professional wrestler. He talks about his early days, his struggles, and his triumphs, including his recent championship win. Bourne also discusses his inspirations, his favorite wrestlers, and his approach to the sport. [... more]

The White House Correspondence Dinner was marred by a security threat, highlighting concerns about the Secret Service's ability to protect the president and other high-ranking officials. Meanwhile, tensions are rising in the Panama Canal due to China's economic pressure, and Jewish communities are facing a surge in hate crimes. In other news, identity theft is a growing concern, and cast iron products are being celebrated for their durability and beauty. [... more]

The Bremen Jewish Heritage Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the few museums dedicated to Jewish history in the Deep South. Founded in the 80s, it showcases a rich history of Jewish people in Georgia and Alabama, including stories of perseverance, philanthropy, and giving back to the community. [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories before J J Jones became known in Oxford for building custom furniture he was a father trying to survive without a home He spent months living in a vehicle with his young daughter taking whatever work he could find and doing his best to shield her from the reality of homelessness With the help of mentors who saw something in him and a faith that steadied him he rebuilt his life and became the craftsman he is known as today Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donate Support the show https www [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories Thomas Jefferson stood at the center of the American founding writing the Declaration of Independence and later serving as the third president of the United States He believed deeply in liberty and in the promise of the country but his life was marked by contradictions that continue to shape how he is remembered including the fact that he never freed his slaves despite his lofty ideals about freedom In this talk at the Library of Congress acclaimed historian and bestselling author of Thomas Jefferson The Art of Power Jon Meacham explores Jefferson as [... more]

Defining enough is a crucial step in achieving financial contentment and living a life of purpose. Scripture reframes the question of enough, emphasizing trust, stewardship, and contentment. By setting a financial finish line and prioritizing generosity, individuals can create margin for kingdom impact and live on mission. [... more]

Auntie Ann Byler, the founder of Auntie Anne's, shares her remarkable life story of tragedy, faith, and triumph. From her Amish upbringing to building a global pretzel empire, Ann's journey is a testament to the power of purpose, leadership, and personal growth. [... more]

A massive coordinated FBI raid is underway in Minnesota, targeting businesses accused of massive fraud, including some Somali American-owned companies. Meanwhile, the Secretary of Agriculture reveals shocking data on SNAP recipients driving luxury vehicles, and the government cracks down on Medicare and Medicaid fraud. In a separate case, two Christian brothers on death row in Pakistan write a heartfelt letter to the American Center for Law and Justice, thanking them for their tireless efforts to secure their freedom. [... more]

Meet Louis, a charismatic pool player from St. Louis, Missouri, who dominated the sport for over two decades. Louis's incredible skills, wit, and charm made him a legend in the billiard industry. He even made appearances in the film industry, including in the movie 'The Color of Money.' Unfortunately, Louis's life was cut short when he took his own life in 1991, sending shockwaves throughout the billiard community. [... more]

Ulysses S. Grant's early life was marked by his father's influence, who secured him an appointment at West Point despite his initial reluctance. Grant developed a love for horses and eventually graduated in a middling position. He met his future wife, Julia, and was shipped out to the Mexican-American War, where he learned valuable lessons from General Zachary Taylor. Grant struggled with depression and drinking, but eventually emancipated a slave and found his calling as a military leader during the Civil War. He led the 21st Illinois Regiment and eventually became a general, known for his calm and calculated demeanor. Grant's humility and respect for his former enemies were evident at Appomattox, where he allowed them to keep their guns and horses. His life was a remarkable turnaround from selling wood on a street corner to leading the US Army and becoming a US President. [... more]

Carlos Colon recounts his life of gang violence, murder, and prison time, but also his journey towards redemption and forgiveness through Christianity, ultimately finding a new path in life and a chance to make amends with the families he hurt. [... more]

Mary Catherine Horany, known as Big Nose Kate, was a larger-than-life character in the Wild West, associated with Doc Holiday and Wyatt Earp. Her story is one of love, violence, and survival, as she navigated the dangers of the frontier and her tumultuous relationships with the men in her life. [... more]

The story of the Burger King in Mattoon, Illinois, is a tale of a local business standing up against a national brand. Gene Hoots, the owner, registered the name 'Burger King' in the state of Illinois, but the national chain sued him, claiming they had registered the name nationally. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the national chain, but allowed the Mattoon Burger King to operate within a 25-mile radius of the town. The story highlights the importance of local businesses and the challenges they face when competing with larger corporations. [... more]

Faith-based investors can use their ownership to influence companies for good through corporate engagement, a process of talking with company management to encourage better policies and practices on issues that align with their values. [... more]

The story of Margaret and H.A. Ray, the creators of Curious George, who fled wartime Europe and arrived in the US bringing their ideas and art. Their courage and optimism inspire a new generation of readers and artists, and their legacy lives on through the beloved character of Curious George. [... more]

A quiet cowboy finds redemption and purpose on a ranch, where he discovers a new sense of belonging and joy. Through his story, we explore the intersection of faith, culture, and identity. [... more]

Chess McCartney, known as the Goat Man, left his Iowa farm at 14 to join a circus, where he became a target for a Spanish beauty and eventually married her. After four years, he left her and traveled across America, preaching about the coming of the Lord and selling postcards featuring himself and his goats. He became a legendary figure, with many people remembering his visits and the impact he had on their lives. [... more]

A homeless man named Ted is given $100,000 and documents his spending and financial decisions, revealing the challenges of managing sudden wealth and the difficulties of overcoming personal demons and societal expectations. [... more]

Faithful planning is a delicate balance between preparation and surrender, trusting in God's guidance and wisdom. It's about holding plans loosely enough for God to redirect them, embracing the paradox of planning, and finding peace and trust in the one who holds the future. [... more]

Theodore Roosevelt Jr., son of the 26th President of the United States, led his troops onto Utah Beach during the D-Day invasion of France, despite needing a cane to walk, and played a crucial role in the successful establishment of the beachhead in France. [... more]

Admiral William McCraven discusses the complexities of the Iran conflict, the importance of civility in American society, and the values that have allowed the United States to thrive as a democracy. He also promotes his book, Duty, Honor, Country, and Life: A Tribute to the American Spirit, which explores the qualities that have made America great and how to regain faith in the country. [... more]

Cal Beisner, President of the Cornwall Alliance, discusses the need for cultural renewal in America, emphasizing the importance of applying the whole counsel of God to every aspect of life, including politics, economics, and social issues. He argues that Christians have not been taught the basics of their faith, leading to a lack of understanding and application of biblical principles in their lives and in society. Beisner proposes the 'whole council' project, which aims to equip Christians to think biblically and apply the whole counsel of God to all areas of life, leading to a transformation of culture and society. [... more]

Humans have engaged in trade for millennia, but the concept of barcodes revolutionized the system by automating and streamlining trade networks and supply chains. The first barcode was invented by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver in the 1940s, but it wasn't until the 1970s that the Universal Product Code (UPC) was developed and became the standard for the National Association of Food Chains. Barcodes have since become ubiquitous, used for stock checking, inventory maintenance, and checkout scanning, and have played a crucial role in facilitating commerce and making civilization easier. [... more]

Thomas Jefferson's inaugural address was an impressive event, marked by his speech, which addressed the partisan divide and the bitterness of the election that had just passed. He made a strong claim that the will of the majority must be reasonable and that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect. Jefferson's words were the balm that the nation needed, and he went on to make a beautiful defense of the American Republic and its ideals. [... more]

Eric Liddell, a devout Christian and Olympic champion, dedicated his life to helping others, including serving as a missionary in China and risking his life to save others during WWII. His selfless acts and unwavering commitment to his faith make him an inspiring figure, and his story is a testament to the power of service and compassion. [... more]

Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas engaged in a series of debates in 1858 that would shape the course of American history. The debates centered on the issue of slavery and the principles of democracy, with Lincoln arguing that slavery was morally wrong and Douglas advocating for popular sovereignty. The debates made Lincoln a national figure and set him on the path to the presidency, while also defining the American experiment as the pursuit of natural rights embodied in the Declaration of Independence. [... more]

Defining a financial finish line is a powerful tool for establishing a solid plan for your finances and recognizing that all of God's provision belongs to Him. By setting a maximum for your spending, you can protect yourself against lifestyle creep and keep yourself aligned with God's purposes for your finances. This concept is not just for high net worth individuals, but can be applied by anyone, regardless of their financial situation. [... more]

Award-winning journalist Susan Page discusses her book 'The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History', exploring the relationship between Queen Elizabeth and US presidents, and its impact on global politics. Page also shares her insights on the current Iran-US conflict, the shifting global power landscape, and the role of the US Congress in shaping American politics. [... more]

Tom Galasano, founder of Paychex, shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a successful payroll service company, highlighting the importance of perseverance, hard work, and innovation in achieving the American Dream. [... more]

A writer shares her family's story of survival during the Holocaust, visiting the concentration camp Buchenwald where her grandfather was imprisoned, and reflecting on the importance of remembrance and hope in continuing their lineage and honoring their ancestors' sacrifices. [... more]

Navy Captain Bill Tody recounts his experience with Admiral Hyman Rickover, a legendary figure in the nuclear navy, who put him through a series of grueling interviews to test his character and leadership potential. Tody's story highlights the importance of discipline, hard work, and self-awareness in achieving success. [... more]

The Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup of rock legends, came together by chance in 1988 to record a B-side track for George Harrison's single. The band consisted of Harrison, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne, and their music was characterized by its unique blend of styles and camaraderie. The group's album, 'Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1,' was released in 1988 and featured hits like 'Handle with Care' and 'End of the Line.' Despite the band's short-lived existence, their music has stood the test of time and remains a testament to the power of collaboration and friendship in the world of rock music. [... more]