On this episode of Our American Stories before Christmas Under the Stars became a Hallmark Channel staple it was a quiet story written by a Chicago-area janitor By day Rikk Dunlap fixed leaky faucets and gym bleachers By night he wrote fiction never expecting one of his midnight works to become the hit it is now Rikk joins us to explain how one Christmas tree lot one unforgettable character and one quiet manuscript changed the course of everything for him Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donate See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

The NFL season is heating up, with the Bills facing off against the Texans on Thursday night. Meanwhile, college football is taking center stage, with the Michigan Wolverines looking to make a run in the Big Ten. In college basketball, Michigan State's Tom Izzo is speaking out against the transfer portal, saying it's prioritizing winning over player development. [... more]

The prosperity gospel redefines God's blessing primarily in material terms, leading to a distorted view of faith and financial decisions. Dr. David W. Jones discusses the dangers of this theology and the importance of a biblical understanding of blessing and provision, emphasizing the need to trust in God's revealed grace and not view faith as a force that generates blessings. [... more]

The idea of a lawn originated from medieval castles, where the area around them was cleared to provide a clear field of vision for defenders. The concept of lawns gained popularity in the 17th century as part of the magnificent gardens of rich estates. The development of home lawns has been intrinsically linked to prosperity and development, with turf grasses being used to enhance the quality of life of humans. [... more]

The danger of churchianity, a shallow appearance focused religion that falls short of true faith, is revealed through the parable of the sowing of the Gospel seed. The faithful Jew felt safe before God due to their dedication to the law, respect for God, and special knowledge, but were unredeemed. The Apostle Paul challenges the religious world of his day to examine their faith and answer the most important question they will ever have to answer: are you living a lie or are you truly alive? [... more]

The story of Easter is deeply rooted in Christianity, with its origins dating back to the very first Easter celebration. Early Christians would gather to share stories of Christ's resurrection, and over time, the holiday evolved to incorporate elements of spring and rebirth. The tradition of Easter eggs, for instance, has its roots in ancient pagan cultures, where eggs symbolized new life. The Easter bunny, too, has a secular origin, but has become an integral part of modern Easter celebrations. At its core, Easter is a time of reflection, hope, and renewal, a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. [... more]

Rich Eisen discusses the NFL, including the potential banning of the tush push, with his son Cooper. They also talk about John Daly's antics and Bert Kreischer's Netflix special, 'Lucky'. Additionally, they cover the Memphis Grizzlies firing their coach and the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff run. [... more]

A maintenance worker's life is transformed when his creative writing is turned into a Hallmark Christmas movie, touching the lives of people around the world and reuniting him with his father in a moment of connection and joy. [... more]

The tow truck industry is a vital part of American life, with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a 24/7 industry, the tow truck has played a crucial role in keeping roads clear and helping those in need. The story of Ernest Holmes, the inventor of the tow truck, is a fascinating one, and his company's contributions to the war effort during World War II are a testament to the importance of this often-overlooked industry. [... more]

The tow truck industry is a 24-7 industry, with dedicated men and women behind the wheel. The invention of the tow truck is attributed to Ernest Holmes Sr., who patented his design in 1918. Holmes' company expanded rapidly, producing thousands of wreckers and contributing to the arsenal of democracy in World War II. The company continued to innovate, setting world speed records and presenting a business model based on fast service. [... more]

The Kansas City Chiefs are expanding their fan base with a new Hallmark holiday movie, while the Indiana Fever's Kaitlyn Clark is making headlines with her recent award wins. The NBA draft is also underway, with Bronny James being a major story. Meanwhile, the Celtics are celebrating their championship win, and the WNBA is seeing a surge in popularity. [... more]

The Cleveland Guardians are surging in the baseball season, with a strong offense and a dominant bullpen. Jose Ramirez and Stephen Kwan are leading the team, with Ramirez hitting for power and Kwan hitting for average. The team's success is a testament to the development of their young players and the leadership of manager Stephen Vogt. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are being turned into a Hallmark movie, with a romantic story line featuring super fans. The movie is set to premiere during the network's 15th annual countdown to Christmas. [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories bestselling author Ace Collins is here to reveal the events and backgrounds that shaped the best-loved customs of Easter introducing you to stories you've never heard and a deeper appreciation for the holiday's familiar hallmarks Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donate See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

As a caregiver, it's easy to get overwhelmed and say things you'll regret. But with the right mindset and resources, you can learn to control your words and find hope in the midst of chaos. Peter Rosenberger shares his personal struggles and insights on how to navigate the challenges of caregiving, and how his organization, Standing With Hope, is making a difference in the lives of others through prosthetic limb recycling. [... more]

The tow truck, an often underappreciated invention, has played a crucial role in American history, particularly during World War II. Ernest Holmes Sr. invented the first tow truck in 1917-1918, and his company, Holmes, went on to become a leading manufacturer of wreckers, setting speed records and expanding the business model of fast service. The Holmes family continued to innovate and invest in the wrecker industry, pioneering new ideas and technologies. [... more]

Romantic regret and what it can teach us about finding love, as author Daniel Pink shares his research on the universal emotion. From unfulfilled love to heartbreak, people share their stories of regret, and how it can be used as fuel for positive change. Meanwhile, actor Paul Giamatti opens up about his latest role and how it relates to his own life experiences. [... more]

A Chicago area maintenance man's novel, The Christmas Tree Lot, was turned into a Hallmark Christmas movie, Christmas Under the Stars, which brought him and his father together in a meaningful way before his father's passing. [... more]

Financial teacher and author Ron Blue discusses the paradox of prosperity, which suggests that having more wealth may not necessarily lead to greater contentment. He emphasizes the importance of living within one's means, saving for retirement, and managing debt effectively. The hosts also take calls from listeners seeking advice on financial planning and debt management. [... more]

Easter is a holiday deeply rooted in Christianity, with its origins tied to the celebration of spring and the resurrection of Christ. The holiday has evolved over time, incorporating elements from pre-Christian traditions and cultures, such as the use of eggs and the Easter bunny. Despite its commercialization, Easter remains a time of reflection and hope for many, a reminder of the transformative power of faith and the importance of community. [... more]

Easter is a holiday deeply rooted in Christianity, with its origins tied to the resurrection of Christ. The holiday has evolved over time, incorporating various traditions and customs, including the Easter bunny and Easter eggs. Despite its commercialization, Easter remains a time of reflection and hope, a celebration of new life and the promise of spring. [... more]