On this episode of Our American Stories pinball's story winds back to a quiet corner of European parlor culture where small tabletop games offered a brief challenge to anyone willing to try their luck Those early ideas eventually migrated to America where the game weathered citywide crackdowns and the tests of time As the tables grew more complex the machines slipped into public rooms that gave them steady use and helped shape the early world of classic arcade games Jeremy Saucier of The Strong Museum of Play lays out how that path unfolded and how pinball machines became the fixtures [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories Stephen Rusiniak and his wife had always imagined a home filled with children Then infertility turned that future into a painful uncertainty and Stephen carried much of the blame himself He knew he was the reason they were struggling to conceive but shame and guilt made it difficult to say aloud what he was feeling One summer night sitting beside his wife he finally found the courage to begin the conversation he had been avoiding Originally published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Married Life Stephen shares what happened when he stopped carrying [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories the cowboy hat didn't come from Texas or tumbleweeds Instead it came from a modest Philadelphia workshop John B Stetson transformed durable felt and a wide brim into a practical design that would become one of the most iconic symbols of the American frontier His creation topped the heads of Western legends like Buffalo Bill and Will Rogers and later Hollywood cowboys like John Wayne Our own Reagan Habeeb shares the story of how a humble hatmaker helped shape the look and legacy of the American West Support the show https www ouramericanstories [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories on June the Cleveland Indians hosted the Texas Rangers in what began as a regular MLB game and ended as one of the most infamous promotions in baseball history Known as Ten Cent Beer Night the evening promised cheap drinks to boost attendance What followed was a riot on the field a forfeit and a chapter of baseball history that still stuns fans today The History Guy recounts the unbelievable story of the night chaos replaced baseball in Cleveland Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donate Support the show https www ouramericanstories [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories it started in a bathroom where a man trapped in addiction waited to make another bad decision Pastor Greg Laurie didn't know what he was walking into only that something told him to go Inside he found a man on the edge tired angry and ready to give up Instead of turning away Greg spoke about grace and in that small stained room something began to shift The encounter led to a renewed faith and a brand-new life rebuilt from the ruins of substance abuse Pastor Greg joins us to tell the story [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories before Antonin Scalia joined the Supreme Court he was wrestling with a question that would define his career What is a judge supposed to do when the law produces a result he doesn't personally like Scalia's answer was that judges should follow the law rather than their own preferences an idea that helped shape his growing commitment to textualism and originalism James Rosen author of Scalia Rise to Greatness continues Scalia's story through his years as a lawyer professor government official and federal judge He also shares the story of Scalia's marriage to [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories Andrew Thompson shares another slice of his guide to understanding the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language this time exploring the phrase propose a toast and others His book Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases uncovers the quirky roots behind the words we use every day Be sure to check it out Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donate See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Tyler Grenada, an onion ring reviewer, shares his mission to find the perfect onion ring and his experiences reviewing various restaurants across the United States. Meanwhile, human traffickers exploit vulnerable children, and the NFL International Games continue on NFL Network. The Murdoch Family's abuses of power are also exposed in a new Hulu Original Series. [... more]

A refugee camp in Sudan is where Maryam Ibrahim was born, but she would eventually find herself in a US courtroom, fighting for her life and her faith. Meanwhile, in Memphis, Tennessee, Alex Castle is making history as the first female master distiller at Old Dominic Distillery, a company with a rich legacy that dates back to 1866. [... more]

The story of Robert Todd Lincoln, the only child of Abraham Lincoln to survive to adulthood, who went on to have a distinguished career in politics and business. Meanwhile, Osiris Hoyle, a Mexican immigrant, shares his journey from selling newspapers on a bike to becoming the owner of a successful food truck business, District Taco. The History Guy explores the fascinating history of the banana, from its domestication in Southeast Asia to its rise as a global commodity, and the impact of the banana trade on politics and economies around the world. [... more]

A restaurant owner's act of kindness towards a burglar goes viral, inspiring a community to come together and support a local business. Meanwhile, the story of Thomas Edison's invention of the light bulb is told, highlighting his perseverance and faith in his system. [... more]

The story of comic book superheroes begins with two Cleveland teenagers, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, who created Superman in 1938. Their creation sparked a wave of superhero comics, reflecting American society's hopes, fears, and values. From the early days of Superman to the modern Marvel Cinematic Universe, comic books have evolved to mirror the changing world, influencing popular culture and shaping the mythology of American society. [... more]

The story of three slaves who escaped to Union lines during the Civil War and the role they played in Abraham Lincoln's decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Meanwhile, a man named Tyson Timms had his Land Rover seized by the state of Indiana through asset forfeiture, sparking a seven-year legal battle over the excessive fines clause of the Eighth Amendment and the rule of law. [... more]

Joe Jutras shares his passion for growing giant pumpkins and squash, setting a world record for the largest green squash ever grown. Tom Morton recounts his journey to becoming a U.S. Marine, including his experiences in recruit training and boot camp. [... more]

Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and amateur poet, wrote the words to the national anthem after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. The story of how the song came to be and its eventual adoption as the national anthem is a testament to the enduring spirit of American patriotism. [... more]

Brigadier General Jim Boots Demarest shares the story of Captain Steve Phyllis, a heroic Air Force fighter pilot who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Desert Storm. Steve's bravery and selflessness in the face of danger are a testament to his character and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve their country. [... more]

A man discovers he was adopted at the age of 33, but the revelation brings him closer to his father. Meanwhile, a woman shares the story of her organization, City Grazing, which uses goats to manage land and prevent fires in San Francisco. [... more]