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]

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]

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]

A Chicago area maintenance man's novel was turned into a Hallmark Christmas movie, bringing him unexpected success and a heartwarming connection with his father before his passing. [... more]

The humble pickup truck has transformed from a blue-collar vehicle to a luxury item, with features like quilted leather and panoramic sunroofs. Meanwhile, Hallmark movies have become a staple of the holiday season, with a focus on romance and Christmas magic. In New Mexico, the holiday season is celebrated with a unique twist, featuring red and green chilies in traditional dishes. Actress Margot Robbie shares her journey to stardom, while composer Nicholas Britell discusses the art of creating movie scores. And, of course, no holiday season would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus. [... more]

The Bible speaks about the issue of gluttony, not just as overeating, but as overconsumption and overindulgence in anything. Christians are quick to judge others for obvious sins, but may be guilty of gluttony themselves. The Apostle Paul teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we should glorify God in our bodies and spirits, which are God's. A flawed view of humanity, prioritizing personal pleasure, can lead to gluttony, and it's often a result of trying to cover up emotional scars. [... more]

The Bible speaks about overindulgence, not just in food, but in all aspects of life. Christians are quick to judge others for obvious sins, but often overlook their own gluttony. The concept of the body as a temple is explored, emphasizing the importance of self-control and glorifying God in one's body and spirit. [... more]

Creating a home environment that fosters emotional safety and intelligence can have a profound impact on a child's development and well-being. By teaching children to identify and process their emotions, parents can help them develop resilience and emotional regulation skills, leading to a more emotionally healthy and stable individual. [... more]