Donald Sturm's story of overcoming a language barrier and achieving financial success as a first-generation immigrant, and his efforts to help others do the same through an English as a second language program. [... more]

During the Great Depression, O.D. and Ruth McKee started selling Virginia Dare cakes from the back of their car, eventually purchasing a bakery and renaming it McKee Baking Company. They introduced the Oatmeal Cream Pie, a continuously sold product, and later sold their bakery, only to return and rename it McKee Foods. The company's innovative approach to packaging and employee treatment led to its success, with Little Debbie becoming a beloved brand and a symbol of the company's family values. [... more]

Bonnie and Clyde, infamous outlaws during the Great Depression, brought their brand of lawlessness to Dexter, Iowa, where a shootout with a massive posse ensued. The story of their exploits, marked by glamour and violence, is a fascinating look at the era's complexities. [... more]

The true story of Monopoly's origins reveals a complex history, with Lizzie McGee inventing the game in 1904 to teach people about Henry George's single tax theory. Charles Darrow's claim to have invented the game is debunked, and the game's evolution is explored through the stories of Ralph Anspach and Mary Pilon. [... more]

Donald Sturm's inspiring story of overcoming a language barrier and achieving success as a first-generation immigrant, while also sharing his experiences with aging and staying productive. [... more]

The USS Lexington, also known as Lady Lex, was a versatile aircraft carrier that served in the US Navy during World War II. It was first converted from a battle cruiser in 1922 and went on to play a crucial role in the Great Depression, providing power to the city of Tacoma, and later in World War II, where it suffered significant damage in the Battle of the Coral Sea. [... more]

Bank runs are rare these days due to insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the National Credit Union Administration. However, some credit unions opt for private insurance, offering more robust coverage. Meanwhile, individuals face decisions about when to take Social Security benefits and navigate Medicare enrollment, while also managing 401k plans. [... more]

Donald Sturm shares his inspiring story of overcoming language barriers and financial struggles as a first-generation immigrant, and how he went on to achieve great success and give back to his community. [... more]

During the Great Depression, a family in Iowa relied on hunting and trapping to supplement their food, with raccoon and possum becoming regular dinner table fare. The family's resourcefulness and resilience in the face of hardship are a testament to the American spirit. [... more]

The podcast discusses the current economic collapse, the threat of World War III, and the impact of Bidenomics on the country. The hosts also touch on the Middle East conflict, specifically the tensions between Israel and Iran, and the potential for nuclear war. Additionally, they talk about the upcoming election and the importance of voting for Donald Trump. [... more]

The Lone Ranger, a masked hero, was created by Fran Stryker, a radio scriptwriter, during the Great Depression. Stryker's character was inspired by a real-life figure, Bass Reeves, and was first broadcast on WEBR in Buffalo. The show's popularity soared, and Stryker was eventually offered a contract to write exclusively for WXYZ, but had to sell the rights to the Lone Ranger for $10. The show's success continued, but Stryker's contributions were often overlooked, and he was not recognized as the creator of the Lone Ranger until after his death. [... more]

The Studebaker Corporation was founded in 1852 by five blacksmithing brothers in South Bend, Indiana. The company grew to become one of the largest wagon makers in the country, but struggled to compete with the big three automakers after the Great Depression. The introduction of the Lark in 1959 and the Avanti in 1962 were attempts to revitalize the company, but ultimately failed due to production problems and union disputes. The company closed its doors in 1963, leaving a lasting impact on the community of South Bend. [... more]

Dennis Peterson shares the story of his father's 'make and do' approach to life, where he saved money and resources by making and repairing things himself, and the lessons he learned from his father's frugal and self-sufficient lifestyle. [... more]

The speaker shares stories about their mother's life, including her childhood during the Great Depression and World War II, her marriage, and her experiences as a mother. The stories highlight the speaker's mother's strength, resilience, and love for her family. [... more]

A family's struggle during the Great Depression is revealed through the story of Joy Neal Kidney's family, who lost two five-week-old twins to whooping cough, highlighting the hardships of caring for nine children with the disease and the devastating loss of young lives. [... more]

Donald Sturm shares his inspiring story of overcoming the challenges of being a first-generation immigrant, including a language barrier, to achieve financial success and give back to his community. [... more]

Born in Oklahoma before it was Oklahoma, Will Rogers was a Cherokee who became a beloved American figure, known for his humor, empathy, and ability to make people laugh. He rose to fame as a cowboy, a vaudeville performer, and a writer, using his platform to comment on politics and the human condition. With his wit and charm, he became a guiding voice during the Great Depression, earning him the title of 'the most dangerous man in America.' His legacy lives on through his writings, performances, and the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, Oklahoma. [... more]

During the Great Depression, a family in Iowa turned to hunting and trapping to supplement their food, with wild game like raccoon and opossum becoming a regular part of their meals. The family's resourcefulness and resilience in the face of poverty are a testament to the strength of American spirit. [... more]

Walter Ciplata, an eccentric airplane collector, spent his life accumulating a vast collection of historic aircraft, often using unconventional methods to transport and restore them. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Ciplata's passion for aviation remained unwavering, and his collection became a testament to his ingenuity and determination. [... more]

Donald Wilson, a humble hero, served in World War II on the USS Yorktown, surviving the Battle of Midway and later becoming a plank owner on the USS Hancock. He was a sailor, a fisherman, and a devoted family man, with a poignant history that was only revealed through his correspondence with his niece. [... more]

Dennis Peterson shares the story of his father's frugal lifestyle and self-sufficiency during the Great Depression, where he made and did everything himself, from building his own house to fixing appliances, and passed on these values to his son. [... more]

The Lone Ranger's origins are rooted in the Great Depression, where radio dramas became a vital source of entertainment and escapism. Fran Stryker, a talented writer and scripter, created the iconic character, but his rights were sold to George W. Trendle for a mere $10. As the Lone Ranger's popularity soared, Trendle claimed to be the creator, while Stryker's contributions were largely forgotten. The story of the Lone Ranger's creation is a fascinating tale of artistic vision, financial necessity, and the power of storytelling. [... more]

Born in Indian Territory, Will Rogers grew up to become a beloved American figure, known for his wit, empathy, and humor. He rose to fame as a cowboy, vaudevillian, and writer, using his platform to comment on politics and the Great Depression. His legacy lives on through his writings, films, and the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, Oklahoma. [... more]

Bonnie and Clyde, infamous outlaws of the Great Depression era, spent time in Dexter, Iowa, where they were eventually discovered and a shootout ensued, leading to their eventual downfall. [... more]

A story about a father's frugal and resourceful approach to life, known as 'making do', which sometimes led to creative solutions but also posed risks to safety and well-being. [... more]

Audie Murphy, America's most decorated soldier, recounts his humble beginnings as a sharecropper's son, his heroic actions in World War II, and his struggles with PTSD. From his early days as a soldier to his rise as a movie star, Murphy's story is one of courage, duty, and sacrifice. [... more]

The story of Art Rooney, the founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is told through the eyes of a sports journalist who considers him a grandfather figure. Meanwhile, a family living through the Great Depression struggles with the loss of two infants to whooping cough. Additionally, a keycap artist shares her journey from a corporate job to pursuing her passion for art, highlighting the challenges and rewards of turning a hobby into a career. [... more]

A family's journey through the Great Depression, a near-miss collision between a Soviet submarine and the USS Kitty Hawk, and the story of Allegory Handcrafted Goods, a company born from a father-son woodworking project, highlight the importance of resilience, personal growth, and family bonds in the face of adversity. [... more]

A story about a family's struggles during the Great Depression, a police officer's heroic actions, and the life of Ulysses S. Grant, who wrote his memoirs despite his impending death. [... more]

The remarkable life of Herbert Hoover, often maligned for his role in the Great Depression, is explored in a new biography. Meanwhile, Harriet Tubman's courageous journey to freedom and her later life as a suffragist and social activist are revealed. In a lighter vein, a group of friends experience the thrill of escape rooms, while Luke Burbank reminisces about his brief but exhilarating foray into skateboarding. [... more]

The 2008 financial crisis still casts a long shadow, with repercussions felt to this day. The housing boom, fueled by risky mortgages and lax regulations, led to a devastating crash that wiped out $19 trillion in household wealth and nearly 9 million jobs. Meanwhile, the history of blackface in American entertainment is complex and deeply ingrained, with roots dating back to the 19th century. The classic novel Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, explores themes of science, responsibility, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. In other news, a British explorer's solo trek across Antarctica ended in tragedy, and actor Jonah Hill makes his directorial debut with the film Mid 90s. [... more]