On this episode of Our American Stories after RMS Titanic struck an iceberg on April two young men spent the next minutes sending frantic distress calls across the North Atlantic to anyone who could hear them Their names were Jack Phillips and Harold Bride They kept working as the ship took on water using one of the most advanced communication systems of its time to reach nearby vessels and call for help before the sinking became inevitable After all the fate of more than people rested in their fingers William Hazelgrove author of One Hundred and Sixty Minutes The Race [... more]

The fall of Constantinople in 1453 had a profound impact on Christopher Columbus, inspiring him to launch a new crusade by sailing across the Atlantic and connecting with the Great Khan in Asia, with the goal of spreading the gospel and liberating the eastern Mediterranean from the Islamic Horde. [... more]

Iceland's strategic location made it difficult to remain neutral during the events of World War II. The island nation's population was small, and its economy was hit hard during the Great Depression. Britain imposed export controls on Icelandic exports to Germany, further depressing the economy. The British offered assistance and sought to make Iceland an ally, but the Icelandic government chose to remain neutral, disallowing visits by military vessels and aircraft of the belligerents. The German invasion of Denmark and Norway demonstrated that Hitler did not respect neutrality, and Britain considered invading Iceland to prevent a German invasion. The British eventually occupied Iceland, and the US took over the occupation in 1941. The occupation had a significant impact on Iceland's economy and culture, with the US and Britain building infrastructure and bases on the island. [... more]

Jackson McQuigg, Vice President of Properties at the Atlanta History Center, shares the story of the Locomotive Texas, a historic locomotive that participated in the Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War. The locomotive's journey from its construction in 1856 to its preservation and restoration is a fascinating tale of history, preservation, and community involvement. [... more]

James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, is a lesser-known figure in American history. Despite his lack of charisma and personal scandals, Polk was a highly effective one-term president who added more territory to the United States than the Louisiana Purchase. He was driven by the concept of Manifest Destiny, which held that Americans were destined to spread their culture and religion across the North American continent. Polk's presidency was marked by his ambitious goals, including the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon and California. He was a workaholic who trusted no one and was involved in every aspect of government. Polk's legacy is complex and multifaceted, and his story is a fascinating one that sheds light on the early 19th century and the growth of the United States. [... more]

Charles Lindbergh's historic flight across the Atlantic in 1927 was a groundbreaking achievement that captivated the world. Born in Detroit and raised in Minnesota, Lindbergh's fascination with aviation began at a young age, and he went on to become one of the most famous aviators of his time. With the Spirit of St. Louis, Lindbergh successfully completed the first solo non-stop transatlantic flight, facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. His remarkable courage and determination earned him international recognition and a place in American history. [... more]

The story of the transatlantic cable, a revolutionary invention that connected America to England and the rest of the world, is told by historian John Steele Gordon. From the early attempts to lay the cable to its eventual success, the story highlights the perseverance and determination of Cyrus Field and his team. The transatlantic cable had a profound impact on global communication, revolutionizing the way people connect and share information. [... more]

The settling of America was born out of the unsettlement of Europe, with the Reformation led by Martin Luther and others leading to a shift in the balance of power between the Spanish and English empires. The defeat of the Spanish Armada marked a turning point, ensuring that America would be more English than anything else, with the English bringing their fundamental institutions to the New World. [... more]

The intersection of immigration, human dignity, and Christian worldview is explored, highlighting the importance of recognizing reality and culture in addressing complex issues. The discussion also touches on transgender medicine, critical theory, and feminism for men, emphasizing the need for principled cultural renewal and the importance of sphere sovereignty. [... more]

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson are objecting to a proposed 15% rate hike by Duke Energy, citing concerns about affordability and the impact of data centers on energy demand. Meanwhile, the state's election board is pushing back against claims that a recent settlement with the federal government will give the feds unfettered access to voter data. The Atlantic hurricane season officially ended with no hurricanes making landfall in the continental US, but multiple tropical storms caused damage and casualties in the Carolinas. [... more]

North Carolina is well-positioned for strong future economic growth, with a record year in job announcements and nearly $23 billion in overall project investment. The state has made significant progress in sectors like aerospace, biotech, and electric vehicles, with major companies like Jet Zero, Scout Motors, and Toyota investing heavily in the state. Meanwhile, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season was relatively quiet, with no hurricanes making landfall in the United States, but still causing significant damage and beach erosion in eastern North Carolina. [... more]

The story of the Pilgrims' journey to the New World and their first Thanksgiving is a testament to their courage, faith, and resilience in the face of struggle and sacrifice. Meanwhile, in the present day, experts discuss the implications of new laws and regulations on digital currency, stable coins, and the management of inherited IRAs, while also exploring the role of nonprofit organizations and the importance of living with an eternal perspective as stewards of God's resources. [... more]

The Pilgrims' story and their beliefs, which led directly to the principles of the Declaration of Independence in the US Constitution, have been mostly forgotten by the majority of our population. Despite facing persecution and hardships, the Pilgrims remained committed to their faith and their biblical principles, which influenced the way they lived their lives and governed their colony. Their example of self-government, rule from within, and the importance of the Bible in their daily lives is a valuable lesson for Christians today. [... more]

A discussion on the decline of religiosity in the US, the rise of artificial intelligence, and its potential impact on work and human relationships. The hosts also explore the state of education, particularly in Christian colleges, and the importance of moral formation and critical thinking in shaping a person's worldview. [... more]

In the 1860s, Lydia Thompson and her British Blondes brought a unique form of burlesque entertainment to America, showcasing a mix of pantomime, satire, and wit. The performance style, which originated in England, sparked both fascination and outrage in the American public, with some viewing it as a high art form and others as a scandalous spectacle. [... more]

The Mason-Dixon line, a division between the North and South during the American Civil War, has a complex and fascinating history that spans decades and generations. It began with a mapping mistake by Captain John Smith in 1613, which led to a series of border disputes and conflicts between the colonies of Pennsylvania and Maryland. The line was eventually surveyed by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in 1763, using a method that was the most accurate way to survey a long distance borderline at the time. The story of the Mason-Dixon line is a tale of palace intrigue, war, and the struggles of the early American colonies. [... more]

Manhattan's past exists side by side with the present, and though fragmented, often remains oddly alive. The city's history is marked by the evolution of transportation, from oarsmen-powered ferries to steam-powered machines, and the impact of human activity on the landscape. The Randall map, a rare and priceless document, provides a glimpse into the city's past and its development over time. [... more]

Phobias are intense fears of something that poses little or no threat, affecting 33 million American adults. People like Kathy Machuga, who's afraid of the dentist, and psychologist Luana Marcus, who's afraid of cockroaches, share their experiences. Meanwhile, country music star Kenny Chesney talks about his journey to self-discovery and his love of the islands, and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro discusses his vision for a new cinematic version of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Additionally, Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, shares his passion for running and how it has helped him cope with personal turmoil. [... more]

The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel that has been a vital waterway for global trade since its completion in 1914. However, its construction was not without challenges, including disease, construction delays, and financial struggles. The canal was initially envisioned as a sea-level canal, but this plan was abandoned in favor of a lock-and-lake system. The construction of the canal required the excavation of over 3 million cubic yards of concrete and the creation of a man-made lake. The canal's locks and dams allowed ships to be lifted and lowered between the two oceans, and its construction was a testament to American ingenuity and determination. [... more]

Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina in 2024, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The storm's impact was exacerbated by heavy rainfall in the days leading up to the storm, causing saturated ground and landslides. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) bureaucracy has been criticized for hindering the recovery efforts, with officials citing a lack of clarity and consistent guidance. The state of North Carolina has received limited federal funding to cover the damage, with estimates suggesting $60 billion in damage. Despite the challenges, there has been progress in the recovery efforts, with businesses reopening and tourism returning to the area. [... more]