On this episode of Our American Stories before the Civil War thousands of Southern men joined a secret society complete with castles passwords elaborate oaths medieval costumes and dreams of conquest They called themselves the Knights of the Golden Circle and beneath all the pageantry was a serious ambition expand slavery by building a vast new empire across Mexico Central America and the Caribbean Mark Kawar author of America but Bigger and David C Keehn author of Knights of the Golden Circle Secret Empire Southern Secession Civil War share the strange story of the organization that ultimately discovered that dreaming [... more]

Adm Brad Cooper the head of U S Central Command praised the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln after he visited the cruiser on Saturday describing his time aboard as awe-inspiring amid reports of morale concerns Trump threatens to bomb Oman NY Magazine fires their Mamdani-loving Writer Ross Barkan for instances of ripping off other authors Cenk Uyghur says he would rather have my daughter come in nd rd or th than traumatize those trans kids Stephen Yates from Heritage joins us to calm concerns over the U S temporarily pulling its last aircraft carrier from the Indo-Pacific Trump's frustration [... more]

In the mid-19th century, the idea of Manifest Destiny drove Americans to expand their territory, leading to the rise of filibusters like William Walker, who attempted to conquer Nicaragua and create a new American-led republic. Walker's story is one of ambition, power struggles, and the complexities of American expansionism in Central America. [... more]

Professional wrestling is often misunderstood as a scripted and fake sport, but it requires a unique combination of athleticism, acting, and storytelling skills. Wrestlers put their bodies on the line every night, competing in high-risk matches that demand precision and physicality. Despite the predetermined outcomes, the physicality and athleticism required to perform in the ring are very real, and wrestlers often suffer serious injuries as a result. [... more]

Understanding the names of God helps Christians know Him better by revealing His character and conduct, providing a deeper understanding of His identity and nature, and enabling believers to worship and trust in Him. [... more]

People need community, relationships, and someone willing to walk alongside them to overcome the challenges of poverty and homelessness. As followers of Christ, we're called to care about these issues and to care for the people living through them, providing hope and support through simple acts of kindness and community service. [... more]

The hosts discuss the dangers of a cashless society, the Federal Reserve's control over the economy, and the decline of biblical literacy and morality in society. They also touch on the topic of the Antichrist and the importance of standing up for the Constitution and the principles of capitalism, while also praying for the President and the country. [... more]

Rob West guides listeners through practical financial decisions grounded in biblical principles, exploring topics such as faithful stewardship, money management, debt repayment, and retirement planning, to help individuals live out their faith in their financial lives. [... more]

The Milwaukee Brewers are in a position to win a World Series, but they need to make a big move at the trade deadline to acquire Tarek Skubel and Mason Miller. The team is considering trading away some of their prospects, but they're not sure if they're willing to give up too much. The Dodgers are also in the mix, and the Brewers will have to compete with them to get the players they want. [... more]

Families experiencing poverty or homelessness are often caught in cycles of unaffordable housing, trauma, mental health struggles, and lack of community support. The Salvation Army's Pathway of Hope aims to break these cycles through holistic care, case management, and community collaboration, empowering families to overcome obstacles and achieve self-sufficiency. [... more]

A loving God sees women in crisis pregnancy and His people are ready to surround them with care. Through a national network of pregnancy centers, Pre-Born provides free ultrasounds to abortion-vulnerable women, changing everything for them and their babies. [... more]

Exploring the concept of God's holiness and its significance in the Christian life, discussing how sin affects our understanding of God's love and how Jesus' sacrifice demonstrates God's holiness. [... more]

Hannah shares her powerful testimony of faith and perseverance, despite facing significant challenges in her life, including a traumatic brain injury and mental health struggles. She credits her personal relationship with God for giving her strength and purpose, and encourages others to see people with disabilities as valued and loved members of their community. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie emphasizes the importance of evangelism and sharing one's faith with others, drawing from the story of Jonah and the Great Commission. He encourages listeners to be willing to share the gospel with others, even in unexpected places, and to approach evangelism as a dialogue rather than a monologue. [... more]

Stewarding a surplus isn't primarily a technical problem, it's a relational and spiritual one. A new novel, The River and the Garden, explores the journey of a family as they navigate the challenges of managing a surplus, discovering that wealth needs to be assigned a purpose according to God's vision and calling for their lives and families. [... more]

The Israelites' grumbling and lack of faith in God's provision is a recurring theme in their wilderness journey. God provides for them miraculously, but they often forget and complain, leading to their own downfall. The solution lies in developing a constant dependence on the living Lord, cultivating a thankful attitude, and remembering God's past provisions. [... more]

Self-control is a heart issue, a spirit-given ability to enjoy God's gifts without letting them replace God as our ultimate treasure. Pierce Taylor Hibbs joins Rob West to discuss how temperance shapes the way we handle money, and how it's not just about willpower or discipline, but about keeping God at the center of our desires. [... more]

Human trafficking is a global issue that affects millions of people, with an estimated $236 billion in illegal profits annually. The Salvation Army is working to prevent trafficking and help survivors, including through education and providing safe spaces for those in need. [... more]

Major Sandra Pawar shares her insights on the real human story of refugees, discussing the causes of flight, the church's role in responding with compassion, and the importance of education and understanding to combat stigma and misinformation. [... more]

Craig Kilbourne reminisces about his time on ESPN's SportsCenter, his transition to Comedy Central's Daily Show, and his experiences in late-night TV, sharing humorous anecdotes and insights into the world of sports journalism and entertainment. [... more]

Mental health struggles in the church can be disunifying, leading to feelings of shame and isolation. Vulnerability and openness are key to healing, and the church can be a space where people can share their struggles and find support. By normalizing the idea that everyone is broken and can be vulnerable, the church can help people overcome shame and find healing through community and connection with God. [... more]

Prayer can be a powerful tool in making financial decisions, helping individuals align their values with their financial choices and seek God's guidance with trust and humility. Christian financial advisors can provide valuable guidance on biblical stewardship and faith-based investing, empowering individuals to manage God's resources wisely and live with kingdom purpose. [... more]

Exploring the intersection of faith and social justice, panelists discuss how their relationship with Christ shapes their approach to helping others, particularly in areas such as human trafficking, homelessness, and mental health. [... more]

A discussion about the intersection of sports and politics, including the impact of Donald Trump's presence at the NBA Finals and the World Cup, as well as the challenges facing American soccer and the MLS. [... more]

Jonah's life is a metaphor for our lives, as he runs from God and ends up going down into the deep abyss of the sea. However, through his experience in the belly of the whale, Jonah comes to a point of crisis, leading to repentance and restoration in his heart. He admits his sin, accepts God's discipline, and expresses appreciation for his salvation, ultimately being spit up onto dry land by the fish. [... more]

The intersection of technology and human exceptionalism is explored through the lens of a Christian worldview, discussing the implications of artificial intelligence, the decline of same-sex marriage support, and the challenges of shaping cultural norms in higher education. [... more]

Exploring biblical generosity and its impact on financial stewardship, discovering the joy and freedom that comes from giving, and navigating complex financial situations with wisdom and trust in God's guidance. [... more]

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the key to living a life of victory, but it requires a desire to be controlled by the Spirit, denouncing sin in your life, and dedicating yourself fully to Christ. The Holy Spirit is a living, vital person who lives within you and wants to help you live your life, but you must be willing to let Him take control and guide you in every aspect of your life. [... more]

The story of the pilgrims, who sought to establish a nation based on biblical Judeo-Christian values, paved the way for the values that were later incorporated into the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Led by Pastor John Robinson, the group of dissenters left England and emigrated to Holland, eventually settling in the New World aboard the Mayflower and establishing the city of Boston. [... more]

The Holy Spirit is a person, the third person of the Trinity, who comes to live within the hearts of Christians, providing strength, guidance, and truth. He is not an it, but a he, who has all the marks of personality and is God Himself. The Holy Spirit's purpose is to promote Jesus Christ, provide strength for believers, and point them to the truth. He is the source of God's power and presence in our lives, and His presence is essential for living boldly and faithfully in a hostile world. [... more]

Jesus teaches that our influence matters, and we should use it to bless others, not impress them. He also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, faith, and obedience, and how these qualities can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. [... more]

Church leaders can effectively engage with their local community by meeting with senior church leadership, understanding the church's mission and values, and participating in community events such as the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. By doing so, they can identify and meet real needs in their community, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper sense of purpose. [... more]

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis played a pivotal role in saving Grand Central Terminal from demolition in the 1970s, leading a movement that would become a landmark case in historic preservation. Her efforts not only preserved the iconic building but also inspired a new generation of preservationists, leaving a lasting legacy in New York City and beyond. [... more]

Police Officer Charles Scott shares his story of overcoming trauma and stress after experiencing two officer-involved shootings and the loss of his son to leukemia. He credits the Ad Ease program with helping him return to his job and find a new sense of purpose in supporting other first responders with their mental health. [... more]

We are created in the image of God, but sin has marred and defaced that image. However, through our Lord Jesus Christ, the image of God in us is being restored. As followers of Christ, we are being conformed to the image of God's Son, and this is the essence of the Christian life, which is growing into the likeness of God's Son through sanctification and glorification. [... more]

Author Preston Fidler shares his passion for sharing the gospel with neighbors and the importance of building genuine relationships in order to effectively communicate the good news of salvation. [... more]

Pastor Skip Heitzig explores the concept of being born again, the importance of knowing God's person, plan, and power, and the value of being God's inheritance. He delves into the book of Ephesians, discussing the church as God's plan, and the need to understand one's identity in Christ and God's design for life and relationships. [... more]

The NFL draft and its implications on teams like the Giants, Jets, and Packers are discussed, as well as the NBA playoffs, with a focus on the Lakers, Nuggets, and Knicks. The Brewers' season and the NL Central standings are also touched upon. [... more]

Prayer is not just a last resort, but a vital part of our relationship with God. When we pray for healing, we should approach God with childlike faith and intensity, asking for what we need without adding conditions or clauses. God wants us to be saved and spend eternity with Him, but He also wants to heal us physically and spiritually. We should pray for healing without making God the last resort, and come to Him as a little child, asking for what we need. God hears the prayers of all people, whether they're saved or lost, and He wants to heal us and show us who He is. [... more]

Robert E. Lee, a complex and beloved general, made a decision that would alter the course of his life and history. He rejected command of the Union Army and resigned from the military, citing his inability to raise his sword against his native state of Virginia. However, Lee's decision was not as straightforward as it seemed, and he was motivated by a desire to preserve his family's property and protect his relatives in Virginia. Lee's military strategy was to plunge the Army of Virginia deep into the North to sow chaos and undermine the Union's will to fight. He crossed the Potomac and marched his army northwards, but his plan was foiled by the Federal Army's determination and tenacity. The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal moment in the Civil War, and Lee's defeat marked a turning point in the conflict. Despite his military setbacks, Lee remained a respected and admired leader, and his legacy continues to be debated and studied by historians today. [... more]