On this episode of Our American Stories Vince Lombardi transformed the Green Bay Packers into a dynasty and helped turn football into a symbol of discipline leadership and the American experience But behind the championships the famous speeches and the legendary Green Bay sweep was a far more complicated man shaped by faith family ambition and struggle Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Maraniss discusses his landmark biography When Pride Still Mattered and explores the full life of Vince Lombardi his Brooklyn upbringing Catholic faith coaching philosophy devotion to excellence complicated family life and the leadership style that changed the NFL forever [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories for more than two centuries Americans who agreed on almost nothing have found something to admire in Thomas Jefferson Presidents abolitionists liberals and conservatives have all claimed the man who wrote that all men are created equal while holding hundreds of people in slavery He's a complicated figure and that might say something about all of us Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Joseph J Ellis author of American Sphinx shares why Jefferson remains one of the most fascinating and contradictory figures in the American story and why those contradictions make him America's first true everyman [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories Tony Dolan was inside the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight struck on September In the years that followed he met young servicemen returning from Iraq and Afghanistan without arms or legs some of them determined to recover so they could rejoin their units He watched generals address wounded enlisted men as sir and met families carrying losses so profound that even a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer struggled to find the right words The late Dolan reflects on the wounded warriors fallen servicemen and military families he encountered after Originally published in The Wall Street [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories the summer of belonged to two of baseball's greatest hitters Ted Williams entered the final day of the season batting Rather than protect a mark that would have rounded to he played both games of a doubleheader went six for eight and finished at No major leaguer has hit since Yet even Williams' season was overshadowed by what Joe DiMaggio was doing in New York For straight games the Yankees star refused to go hitless as radio stations interrupted their programming to tell Americans whether the streak was still alive Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist [... more]

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Joby Warrick joins The Brian Kilmeade Show to discuss his new book The Jackal The Rise and Fall of Carlos the World's First Super Terrorist Warrick details his rare prison interview with Carlos the crazy CIA-led operation in Sudan that brought him down and how state-sponsored terrorism from nations like Iran and Russia is making a dangerous comeback Plus Warrick shares his analysis on the current state of ISIS Al-Qaeda and peace negotiations in Gaza Learn more about your ad choices Visit podcastchoices com adchoices [... more]

Yogi Berra's life and career are a testament to the power of baseball to transcend ethnic and cultural boundaries. As a catcher for the New York Yankees, Berra became a cultural icon, known for his wit and wisdom. His story is a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in American sports, and the ways in which baseball has brought people together across generations and backgrounds. [... more]

George Mitchell, a Texas entrepreneur, led the Shell Revolution by unlocking natural gas in the Barnett Shale, transforming the American energy industry and providing energy security for the United States. [... more]

The life of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a 19th-century entrepreneur who revolutionized the American economy through his innovative business strategies and control of the railroads, is explored in this story. His complex and often ruthless tactics, including his manipulation of the financial markets, are revealed, showcasing the conundrum of his private interests intersecting with the public interest. [... more]

The bald eagle, once considered a predator and nearly extinct, has made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts and the Clean Water Act. Its population has rebounded to 500,000, matching its estimated number at the nation's founding in 1782. The bird's symbolism of freedom and liberty has endured, despite its troubled past. [... more]

Vince Lombardi's life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his unrelenting pursuit of excellence. As a coach, he instilled in his players the importance of discipline, hard work, and teamwork, shaping them into champions both on and off the field. Through his Jesuit-influenced coaching philosophy, he emphasized the value of freedom through discipline, allowing his players to develop their skills and reach their full potential. Lombardi's leadership and character development strategies continue to inspire and motivate leaders in various fields, making him an enduring figure in the world of sports and beyond. [... more]

William Faulkner, a renowned Southern writer, grew up in Mississippi and drew inspiration from his native soil. He revolutionized Southern literature by writing about the modern South, its healing and growth from the Civil War, and the evolution of the 20th century. Faulkner's novels, such as 'The Sound and the Fury' and 'As I Lay Dying,' are considered classics of American literature. He was a private person, but his writing challenged readers to think about the South and its contradictions. Faulkner's legacy continues to shape the literary genre of Southern literature, and his work remains a testament to the power of storytelling. [... more]

The host discusses various topics including hate rising across communities, particularly in Jewish communities, and the importance of showing up for people. They also talk about Islamism, Texas, and the gubernatorial and mayoral races in California, as well as Medicare and healthcare costs. [... more]

Riley King, later known as B.B. King, was born in the Mississippi Delta and rose to fame as a blues musician, known for his unique guitar sound and voice. Despite facing racial segregation and slights, King persevered and became a star, breaking through to white audiences in the 1960s and influencing generations of musicians, including Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. [... more]

Author Beverly Gage tells the story of J. Edgar Hoover, the first director of the FBI, who shaped the agency's early years and left a lasting impact on American law enforcement and history. Hoover's life was marked by paradoxes and contradictions, from his progressive views on science and federal service to his deeply racist views on civil rights. He was a master of bureaucracy and file management, but also a ruthless opponent of those he deemed a threat to national security, including Martin Luther King Jr. [... more]

Duke Ellington's life and career are a testament to his genius and resilience in the face of racial segregation and societal expectations. From his early days as a composer and performer to his rise as a national figure, Ellington's story is one of determination and creativity. His music, which blended jazz, classical, and African American influences, continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and artists. [... more]

Thomas Jefferson's paradoxical nature has made him an everyman figure in American history, with his words 'We hold these truths to be self-evident' influencing various historical events and figures, including the Declaration of Independence and the constitutions of Vietnam and the United States. However, his ownership of slaves and inability to take a strong stand against slavery in his latter years have raised questions about his legacy and moral bankruptcy. [... more]

Rich Eisen discusses the top five matchups of week 11, including the Bears and Vikings, and the Seahawks and Rams. He also talks to actor Tracy Letz about his new movie House of Dynamite, a thriller about a missile attack on the United States. Letz shares his experiences working on the film and his thoughts on the human condition. [... more]

The life of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a self-made tycoon who rose to become one of the richest men in American history, is a fascinating tale of business acumen, ethics, and legacy. From his humble beginnings to his dominance of the railroad industry, Vanderbilt's story is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his unshakeable commitment to his values. However, his life was not without its complexities, and his relationships with his family and business associates reveal a multifaceted individual who was both ruthless and compassionate. T.J. Stiles' Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, 'The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt,' offers a nuanced and engaging portrayal of this remarkable figure, shedding light on the intricacies of his life and the enduring impact he had on American history. [... more]

David McCullough tells the story of John Adams, one of America's founding fathers, who rose to greatness through his education and determination. From his early days as a farmer's son to his role as a diplomat and statesman, Adams' life was marked by courage, conviction, and a commitment to the principles of the Enlightenment. McCullough's narrative explores Adams' relationships with his wife Abigail and his son John Quincy, as well as his struggles with slavery and his ultimate optimism in the face of adversity. [... more]

Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough shares his insights on teaching history, the importance of narrative history, and his love affair with the subject. He also discusses his writing process, the challenges of historical research, and the need for historians to make their work accessible to a broad audience. Meanwhile, a new audio course explores the gut microbiome and its impact on our health, and a podcast host shares practical advice for managing common challenges in life. [... more]