Melissa McKay, president and chair of the board for the Digital Childhood Institute, shares her journey from being a concerned mother to advocating for child safety online. She discusses her efforts to hold app developers and app stores accountable, including the App Store Accountability Act, and her work with the Federal Trade Commission to address unfair practices. McKay also talks about the importance of balancing screen time with paper and pencil time, and her organization's efforts to regulate EdTech in classrooms. [... more]

Phyllis Mantelli shares her personal story of growing up with a dysfunctional and toxic mother, and how she found healing and forgiveness through her faith. She discusses the concept of the mother wound, the importance of trauma-informed coaching, and how to break generational patterns of dysfunction. Phyllis also shares her book, Unmothered No More, which offers a six-week program to help women heal from their mother wound and become better mothers themselves. [... more]

Burt Young, the actor behind the iconic character of Paulie in the Rocky films, shares his inspiring story of growing up in Queens, New York, and finding success in the entertainment industry. From his early days as a Marine Corps recruit to his breakthrough role in Rocky, Young's journey is a testament to perseverance and determination. [... more]

Leslie Leland Fields shares a deeply personal story of forgiving her father, who struggled with detachment and a lack of love for his children. Through a series of visits and conversations, Leslie comes to see her father in a new light and finds relief in releasing her debts against him. This story explores the power of forgiveness and its impact on both the giver and the receiver. [... more]

A childhood experience of a boy who brings stinky boots to school teaches him valuable life lessons about not judging others, being sensitive, and forgiveness. [... more]

Ron Brown's story of redemption and forgiveness, as he reconnects with his biological father after years of estrangement, and learns the importance of letting go of anger and hurt, and finding forgiveness through his Christian faith. [... more]

A father reflects on the lessons he's learned from his own childhood and the importance of passing on values to his children, as he navigates the challenges of parenting and the delicate balance between protection and independence. [... more]

Chloe Howard shares her story of living with a severe congenital foot deformity and being a victim of a hate crime at 14. She recounts the assault, her struggles with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and how she found the strength to forgive her perpetrators and share her story with others, promoting self-acceptance and vulnerability. [... more]

A man shares his bittersweet childhood memories of moving to a small town in Iowa with his family for his father's golf career, only to have to leave again and give up his beloved dog. He returns to the town 50 years later and reconnects with the place and its people. [... more]

The Bible teaches that men and women have distinct roles in marriage, with men as the head and women as the helper. This order is not based on superiority, but rather on the design of God. The fall of man in the Garden of Eden introduced distortions in relationships, leading to a desire for control and manipulation. However, the gospel restores relationships to their original design, where men lead and women submit, and both are equal in essence but different in function. [... more]

Melanie Shankle shares her personal experiences with generational trauma, mean girls, and finding identity in Christ. She discusses the importance of unconditional love, setting boundaries, and advocating for oneself in difficult relationships. Melanie's book, Here Be Dragons, explores these topics and offers guidance for parents and individuals seeking to navigate complex relationships and find their true identity in Christ. [... more]

Melanie Schenkel shares her personal story of healing from generational trauma and protecting her daughter from the same toxic patterns she experienced as a child. She discusses her book, Here Be Dragons, and how it explores the complexities of motherhood, mean girls, and the impact of bipolar disorder on family relationships. As a Christian, Melanie emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ and the process of healing from childhood wounds. [... more]

A woman's journey from childhood abuse and sex industry involvement to faith, redemption, and healing, as she finds purpose in helping others escape similar situations through her outreach group, Treasures. [... more]

A father reflects on the passing of time and the changing dynamics of his relationship with his 14-year-old daughter, who is growing up and becoming increasingly independent, forcing him to confront his own mortality and the bittersweet nature of parenthood. [... more]

A Packers fan shares a story of falling in love at Lambeau Field, a legendary football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where kids as young as fifth grade were allowed to attend games unsupervised, creating a unique sense of community and camaraderie among fans. [... more]

Nancy Ball shares a heartwarming story about her childhood in a small town in Mississippi, where she grew up surrounded by family traditions and a strong sense of community. She reflects on the values her grandfather instilled in her, including the importance of humility and kindness, and how she's passing those lessons on to her own children through storytelling. [... more]

Ryan Stewart, a professional dog walker, shares his story of how dogs changed his life and shaped it. From being adopted as a child to working with juvenile offenders, Ryan's experiences with dogs have helped him overcome his own struggles and find purpose in helping others. [... more]

Growing up with heroin-addicted parents, the author navigates a complex web of emotions, from childhood innocence to adult anger and forgiveness. As she confronts the reality of her father's struggles, she comes to understand the devastating impact of his neglect and the depth of her own grief. [... more]

Fanny Crosby's life is a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God, as she overcame blindness and other challenges to become one of the most prolific hymn writers in history. Her story highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan, even in the midst of suffering, and demonstrates that disability can be a catalyst for displaying God's glory. [... more]

In the 1920s, two young brothers, Ori and Cecil, embark on a journey to the Climax General Store to buy vinegar for their family's pickling day. However, they encounter a bully who teases them, but ultimately helps them, and they learn valuable lessons about resilience and courage. [... more]

Building strong relationships with children is crucial for their identity and future success. Parents have a powerful role in shaping their child's vision of the future, and it's essential to speak into their lives regularly. By being their biggest fan, respecting their autonomy, and observing their unique qualities, parents can foster a lifelong connection with their children. [... more]

The rise of sports betting and gambling poses a significant challenge for Christians, as it can lead to financial ruin, exploitation of the vulnerable, and a distorted view of money and stewardship. Kyle Worley, a pastor and author, discusses the spiritual stakes behind this growing trend and offers guidance on how to navigate it with wisdom and conviction. [... more]

Joshua Lionel Cohen's innovative toy trains revolutionized American childhood, but his company's dominance was short-lived as television and changing consumer interests led to a decline in sales, and the company's legacy endures despite bankruptcies and reorganizations. [... more]

Ethan Page discusses his journey in wrestling, from his early days as a fan to his current role as a professional wrestler. He talks about his favorite wrestlers, including Randy Orton and AJ Styles, and shares stories about his time in TNA and Triple A. Page also opens up about his personal life, including his struggles with weight loss and his passion for collecting toys and video games. The conversation also touches on his favorite superhero, Batman, and his experiences with Marvel movies. [... more]

Stan Rawls shares his personal experience of losing his son in a skydiving accident and how it led him to write a book, A Father's Guide to God's Promise of Heaven, to help parents have important conversations with their children about God's love and eternal life. [... more]

Edie Hand shares a poignant story of growing up in Northwest Alabama with her three brothers, David, Philip, and Terry, who all faced untimely deaths. Through her experiences, she learned about courage, resilience, and the importance of cherishing simpler moments in life. [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories more than years after his death Jesse James remains one of the most famous and misunderstood figures in American history Was he a Robin Hood style folk hero or a ruthless criminal shaped by war and revenge Historian Roger McGrath traces Jesse James's life from his childhood in Civil War era Missouri through his years as a Confederate guerrilla bank and train robber and national celebrity Set against Bleeding Kansas Reconstruction and the lingering hatreds of the Civil War this story explains how violence propaganda and politics helped turn an outlaw into a [... more]

A son shares a poignant eulogy for his biker father, reflecting on the lessons he learned from him and the special bond they shared through motorcycle rides and adventures on the open road. [... more]

During the 1920s, the Goff and Wilson families suffered through severe cases of the Spanish influenza, whooping cough, and the mumps, which led to the loss of two five-week-old twins and a young mother. The family's struggles during the Great Depression and their resilience in the face of hardship are a testament to the strength of American families. [... more]

Carl Montgomery's story of redemption and faith is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to turn your life around. Growing up in a poor household with addicted parents, Carl found himself drawn to a gang lifestyle, but it was in prison that he discovered God's love and found the father figure he had always been searching for. Now, Carl is using his experiences to help others and share the love of Christ with those who need it most. [... more]

Michael B. Jordan shares his journey from a childhood in New Jersey to becoming a renowned actor, discussing his experiences with identical twins, his early start in modeling, and his passion for acting. He opens up about his relationships with his parents, his thoughts on legacy, and his process of self-discovery through therapy. Jordan also reflects on his time working with Chadwick Bozeman on Black Panther and the impact of his passing on him personally. [... more]

Jason Wolfe recounts his tumultuous childhood, marked by parental abandonment and mental illness, and his journey towards forgiveness and healing through faith. He shares his struggles to gain equal custody of his son and his eventual reconciliation with his father, who he had thought was dead. [... more]

The story of Joseph's life, as recorded in the book of Genesis, begins with his heritage and childhood experiences. His father, Jacob, was a manipulative and focused individual who was willing to do whatever it took to get what he wanted, including deceiving his brother and his father-in-law. Joseph's mother, Rachel, was favored by God, but struggled with infertility, while his stepmother, Leah, was fertile but not favored by her husband. The family dynamics are complex, with multiple mothers and children, and Joseph's birth brings a sense of hope and redemption to the family. [... more]

What happens when a world-champion professional wrestler reconnects with a world-champion amateur wrestler after years of shared history In Part of The Man Up Show Nikita reunites with longtime friend and brother in Christ Mike Houck to reflect on childhood football mentorship and faith Their powerful conversation sets the stage for an unforgettable Part you won't want to miss [... more]

The Memphis Safe Task Force has led to a significant reduction in crime, with over 50% decrease in crime rates. President Trump and Governor Lee's efforts have been instrumental in this success. Meanwhile, concerns are raised about fraud and immigration, with some immigrants not assimilating and taking advantage of taxpayer programs. Online exploitation is also a growing concern, with a docuseries shedding light on the issue. [... more]

Childhood experiences can imprint on us emotionally and behaviorally, influencing our attachment styles and relationships. Understanding our love styles, such as being an avoider, pleaser, or vacillator, can provide insights into why we think and feel the way we do. By exploring our childhood wounds and learning to comfort each other, couples can move towards a more secure attachment style and deepen their intimacy. [... more]

A son reflects on the meaning of birthday recognition and the selfless love of his mother, who did all the work to bring him into the world, and he decides to return that love by giving her annual birthday gifts, a beautiful reminder of their special bond. [... more]

Childhood emotional injuries can shape our attachment styles, influencing how we bond with others and interact in relationships. Understanding our love styles, such as avoider, pleaser, vacillator, controller, and victim, can help us identify patterns and develop healthier relationships. By recognizing the impact of our family of origin and learning to access and express our emotions, we can cultivate emotional intelligence and build stronger connections with others. [... more]

A eulogy for a father who served in the Navy, worked as a repairman, and was a devoted family man, highlighting his accomplishments, values, and legacy. [... more]

John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, grew up in a family of patriots and was deeply influenced by his father's values of service and courage. He traveled extensively throughout Europe as a young man, learning multiple languages and developing a deep understanding of politics and diplomacy. Adams went on to become a skilled diplomat and politician, serving as Secretary of State and eventually president. However, his presidency was marked by controversy and failure, and he was eventually recalled from office. Undeterred, Adams returned to Congress, where he became a leading voice against slavery, introducing petitions and arguing cases before the Supreme Court. His most notable victory came in the Amistad case, where he successfully argued for the freedom of enslaved Africans on a ship that had been seized by the US Navy. Adams' unwavering commitment to his principles and his willingness to challenge the status quo made him a hero of the anti-slavery movement and a lasting figure in American history. [... more]