The SS Georgiana, a civilian ship built in Scotland, was intended to smuggle goods into the Confederate port of Charleston during the American Civil War. However, it was spotted by a Union lookout ship and subsequently destroyed by both Union and Confederate forces, resulting in the loss of millions of buttons and pins. [... more]

Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin and his claim to have developed interchangeable parts is a story often told in a simplified way. However, the truth behind his invention and the role of firearms in his development of interchangeable parts is more complex and fascinating. [... more]

Malin Burnham, a business leader in San Diego, shares his life story and the pivotal moments that shaped his career and community development. From his early days in sailboat racing to his role in bringing the USS Midway aircraft carrier to San Diego, Burnham's story is a testament to his commitment to making his city a better place to live, work, and play. [... more]

The polio virus still circulates in certain parts of the world, and if it comes to the United States, where a significant percentage of the population is unvaccinated, the disease could make a comeback. Historian David Oshinsky remembers the toll it took on his childhood in the 1950s, when polio was a major public health threat. Meanwhile, investigative journalist Seymour Hirsch has spent his career exposing wrongdoing and protecting his sources, and actress Rose Byrne has come a long way from her early days as a struggling actor in Hollywood. In other news, a new book by Nora O'Donnell tells the stories of women who helped shape American history, including Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor, and Constance Baker Motley, the first black woman to argue in front of the Supreme Court. [... more]

During World War I, homing pigeons played a crucial role in military communication, particularly for the American Expeditionary Forces. One such story involves the Lost Battalion, a group of American soldiers trapped in the Argonne Forest, who relied on pigeons to send crucial messages to their headquarters. The story of these pigeons, including one named Shermi, has become a legendary tale of heroism and bravery. [... more]

Rosa Parks, a Christian woman, refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus, sparking a 382-day boycott that brought attention to the injustices of segregation and the power of nonviolent resistance, led by Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Improvement Association. [... 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]

A white cloth, seemingly ordinary, holds an extraordinary story of the American Civil War, slavery, and the struggle for freedom. It was woven by an enslaved person on a plantation in South Carolina, and its history reveals the complexities of the war and the lives of those who lived through it. [... more]

Ed Stilley, a poor farmer in the Ozarks, made unique guitars for a divine purpose, driven by his devotion to God and the Bible. His instruments, created without formal training or resources, became a form of folk art, with each one bearing the message 'True faith, true light, have faith in God'. [... more]

General Daniel Sickles, a colorful character in American history, left a trail of unpaid bills, broken romances, and political scandals. He served as a soldier, politician, and diplomat, and was involved in several controversies, including the killing of Philip Barton Key and his subsequent acquittal on temporary insanity. Sickles went on to become a major general in the Civil War and was instrumental in the preservation of Gettysburg as a national historic site. [... more]

The USS Lexington, also known as Lady Lex, was a versatile warship that served in the US Navy during World War II. It was the first aircraft carrier to deploy air-to-surface missiles and sailed enough miles to circle the globe eight times. The ship played a unique role in peacetime, serving as a temporary power plant for the city of Tacoma during a power shortage and providing relief to the people of Nicaragua after a natural disaster. [... more]

Duane Reeder, the man behind the Clemente Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, shares his incredible story of how he became the personal archivist to the Clemente family, preserving Roberto Clemente's legacy and uncovering hidden treasures, including a rare wedding album and a secret door in Vera Clemente's house. [... more]

Developing perseverance is crucial to achieving God-given goals and overcoming obstacles. It requires faith, hard work, and a willingness to continue in spite of challenges. Understanding the value of perseverance, anticipating obstacles, and realizing that failure is not final are key to success. By choosing perseverance over defeat, individuals can experience the fulfillment of their dreams and leave a lasting legacy. [... more]

A diner in Orange Mound, Memphis, has become a gathering place for the woke leftist crowd, refusing to serve ICE agents and the National Guard, leading to a heated confrontation and sparking controversy, while the National Civil Rights Museum is set to unveil a redesign and new exhibits, including a focus on poverty, education, and nonviolence. [... more]

The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, showcases a vast collection of 20,000 salt and pepper shaker sets and 1,500 pepper mills, each telling a story of history, family, and passion. The museum's founder, Andrea Ludin's mother, started collecting salt and pepper shakers as a way to understand the changing times and society, and her daughter continues to share this fascinating story with the world. [... more]

Jackie Robinson's illustrious professional baseball career began in Kansas City in 1945, where he fell in love with jazz and barbecue. His breaking of Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947 marked the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, paving the way for future generations of black and brown talent to enter the sport. [... more]

The Museum of Bad Art in Somerville, Massachusetts, showcases a unique collection of artworks that are intentionally flawed, yet still convey the artist's sincerity and originality. The museum's curator, Louise Riley-Sacco, explains the concept behind the museum and how it challenges traditional notions of art and art appreciation. [... more]

A small toy company, Kenner, took a risk by manufacturing Star Wars toys after the big companies passed on the opportunity. The toys became a huge success, and the company's president, Bernie Loomis, made a decision that would change the course of toy history. Meanwhile, a museum curator shares the story of how Star Wars revolutionized movie merchandising and licensing, and how it influenced kids' toys and imagination. [... more]

The pinball machine has a rich history dating back to a French parlor table game called bagatelle. It evolved over time, introducing new features such as spring-loaded ball shooters and sound effects. Pinball became a popular form of entertainment in the 1940s and 1950s, but it faced bans and moral panics due to its association with gambling and organized crime. However, with the rise of video games, pinball was legitimized and incorporated new elements, leading to the immersive experiences we see today. [... more]

Brigadier General Henry G. Plitt shares his story of capturing Julius Streicher, Germany's most anti-Semitic writer, and his experiences in Nazi-occupied France and Germany, including the horrors he witnessed in concentration camps. [... more]

Heather McPherson, curator of history at the South Carolina Military Museum, shares the story of her great uncle Ralph Ferguson, who served in the 29th Division during World War II and landed on Omaha Beach. Through her research and connection with her family, Heather brings Ralph's story to life, highlighting the importance of preserving memories and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. [... more]

The Kazubi Kazoo Factory and Museum in Beaufort, South Carolina, has been producing kazoos for over 20 years. The factory's owner shares the history of the kazoo, from its origins in Africa to its modern-day uses in advertising and entertainment. The museum showcases a wide range of kazoos, from vintage to novelty, and offers factory tours and kazoo-making workshops. [... more]

Barry Lovinson, the founder of the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, shares his story of how his love affair with mustard began. From collecting jars of mustard to founding a museum, Lovinson's passion for the condiment is evident. He discusses the history of mustard, its uses, and why he believes it's often overlooked in favor of ketchup and salsa. [... more]

Babe Ruth, the legendary baseball player, is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. With a storied career spanning over two decades, Ruth's accomplishments on the field, including his record-breaking home runs and World Series championships, cemented his status as an American icon. From his humble beginnings in Baltimore to his rise to fame with the Yankees, Ruth's life and legacy continue to fascinate and inspire fans to this day. [... more]

Edgar Allan Poe's life was marked by loss and tragedy, but he persevered to become one of America's most influential writers, creating the Detective Story genre and influencing science fiction and literary history. [... more]

James Smithson, a British chemist and mineralogist, left his fortune to the United States to establish the Smithsonian Institution, a museum complex in Washington D.C. dedicated to increasing and diffusing knowledge. Despite never visiting the U.S., Smithson's bequest led to the creation of one of the world's largest museum complexes, housing priceless artifacts and attracting millions of visitors each year. [... more]

True love refuses to keep a record of wrongs and instead chooses to forgive and forget, just as God has forgiven us for our sins and forgotten them in His ledger of accounting. [... more]

Florida Man stories continue to captivate the nation, with tales of a man stealing a car with a child inside and another accused of online threats. Meanwhile, a Cuban Tarzan has been dubbed for catching a record-sized iguana. In other news, identity theft and cybersecurity awareness are on the rise, with LifeLock offering protection and tips to stay safe. The Louvre museum in Paris has been robbed, with thieves stealing valuable jewels and artifacts. A whale shark has been spotted in Gaza, only to be beaten to death by locals. These stories and more are explored in this podcast. [... more]

The discussion revolves around the tariff battle with China, rare earth minerals, and foreign policy. The president is taking steps to force China out, and allies are being reassured. The conversation also touches on the rare earth minerals processing bottleneck, China's economic strain, and the potential for a meeting between the president and Xi Jinping in China. Additionally, the topic of fentanyl and its connection to Venezuela and China is discussed, as well as the importance of securing the border and engaging with good countries in the region. [... more]

A lady in Maine curates the world's only umbrella cover museum, showcasing a collection of over 74 countries, and sharing stories of how people find wonder and beauty in everyday life. Meanwhile, a water delivery program aims to provide clean running water to Navajo families, and a national awareness initiative raises awareness about human trafficking. [... more]

In 1927, the leader of the House of David, a religious colony in Benton Harbor, Michigan, died after contracting tuberculosis. The colony preserved his body in a hermetically sealed glass coffin, inspired by the Soviet Union's treatment of Vladimir Lenin. However, the coffin became a target for thieves, who broke in and stole valuable items, including a 22-karat diamond ring and a giant medallion. The story of the robbery and the cult leader's eccentricities is a fascinating and bizarre tale. [... more]

The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, showcases a vast collection of action figures, with a focus on design and sculpting. Founder Kevin Stark shares his story of how he started collecting toys as a child and eventually turned it into a business, designing toys for companies like Mattel and Hasbro. The museum features exhibits on Batman, World War II, and other nostalgic topics, aiming to evoke a sense of childhood wonder and connection in its visitors. [... more]

John O'Neill shares the incredible story of his father's crew, who were the first to bomb Berlin in 1943, using radar technology. The crew's bravery and determination are highlighted as they face numerous challenges, including bad weather and enemy fire. The story also touches on the importance of human trafficking awareness and the efforts of organizations like Blue Campaign to prevent it. [... more]

A week of violence in America raises questions about the state of the American soul, with historian John Meacham discussing the importance of the US Constitution and its ability to evolve with the country. Meanwhile, a trip to the Iowa State Fair highlights the craft and artistry found at these events, and comedian Marlon Wayans talks about his new film, 'him', which explores the theme of sacrificing one's soul for success. Additionally, a look at the world of plant parenthood reveals the challenges and rewards of caring for indoor plants, and a veteran journalist reflects on the impact of violence on American society. [... more]

A look back at a troubling week in America, marked by the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, raises questions about the state of the American soul. Meanwhile, a closer examination of the US Constitution reveals its enduring principles and the importance of updating it to reflect the changing needs of the country. Elsewhere, a trip to the Iowa State Fair highlights the craft and artistry of state fair competitions, and a profile of actor Jason Bateman showcases his versatility as a director and podcaster. Additionally, a discussion on plant parenthood and the growing indoor plant market reveals the emotional connection people have with their plants, and a reflection on US political violence emphasizes the need for real-world connection and generosity in response to such events. [... more]

Craig Collins sits in for Dana A Ukrainian refugee was stabbed on a train in Charlotte NC A woman goes viral at a Miami Marlins game for stealing a home run ball away from a kid on his birthday West Point cancels an award that was for Actor Tom Hanks as Trump celebrates the decision Don Lemon gets embarrassed as he tries another man-on-the-street interview with New Yorkers over being fake news Treasury Sec Scott Bessent obliterates NBC's Kristen Welker in his Meet The Press interview Chris Christie ironically goes after RFK Jr as a bad pick for HHS Secretary [... more]

The story of Leroy Satchel Paige, a baseball legend who played in the Negro Leagues, is a testament to the triumph of African-American athletes over racial segregation in America. With a career spanning over 2,600 games and a fastball clocked at 105 miles per hour, Paige's contributions to baseball and society are being remembered at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri. [... more]

The creation of Batman began with Bob Kane's desire to create a character that could rival Superman's popularity, leading to a character that would evolve over the years to become a symbol of justice and a reflection of the changing times, influencing the comic book industry and beyond. [... more]

Duane Reeder, the man behind the Clemente Museum in Pittsburgh, shares his personal story of becoming the personal archivist to the Clemente family and preserving Roberto Clemente's legacy. He recounts his experiences photographing Clemente's memorabilia, including a rare wedding album, and the emotional moments he shared with the family. Meanwhile, the importance of gut health and the struggles of Navajo families without access to clean water are also highlighted. [... more]

The USS Lexington, also known as Lady Lex, was a versatile aircraft carrier that served in the US Navy from 1927 to 1942. It was converted from a battlecruiser and played a significant role in World War II, including the Battle of the Coral Sea. The ship also served in peacetime, providing power to the city of Tacoma, Washington, and delivering disaster relief to Nicaragua. Meanwhile, the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is discussed, and the water crisis on the Navajo Reservation is highlighted. [... more]