Thousands of men, women, and children embark on a perilous journey to the American West, driven by the pioneering spirit and the promise of a new life. The Donner Party, a group of 87 pioneers, faces unimaginable hardships and tragedy as they attempt to reach California, but their fate serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American people. [... more]

Hiram Percy Maxim, a Renaissance man, revolutionized multiple industries, including automobiles and firearms, by inventing the silencer, a device that suppresses sound, and his design was initially marketed as a civilian product for sporting guns, but it became highly regulated in 1934, and today, it's a requirement to have a muffler on cars, but putting one on a firearm requires a lengthy background check and a significant tax stamp. [... more]

Investors can use their money to advance justice, compassion, and human flourishing by aligning their investments with their faith values. Faith-based investing and impact investing strategies can help shape a more just and compassionate world, and proxy voting can be a powerful tool for speaking truth and justice in the marketplace. [... more]

A car collector shares the story of purchasing a rare 1901 car, which turned out to be the only car ever made to honor God. The car's unique features and history are discussed, highlighting the passion and knowledge of the collector. Meanwhile, a host discusses a new audio course about the gut microbiome and the importance of gut health, warning about the effects of ultra-processed foods. [... more]

Nellie Cashman, a courageous woman, helped make America's conquest of the frontier our Homeric era. She ranged far and wide on every mining frontier, establishing boarding houses, restaurants, and nursing injured miners back to health. Her determination and selflessness earned her the nickname 'The Angel of the Cassiars'. [... more]

Laura Ingalls Wilder's life and writing are explored in depth, from her childhood on the frontier to her creation of the beloved Little House books. Her experiences as a pioneer woman, her relationships with her family, and her struggles to make a living as a writer are all examined in this engaging and informative story. [... more]

Amelia Earhart, a trailblazing aviator, defied traditional gender roles and became the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic, earning her the Distinguished Flying Cross and cementing her place in history as a pioneering woman in aviation. [... more]

Olive Oatman, a 13-year-old pioneer, was traveling West with her Mormon family when they were attacked by Native Americans. She was captured and taken as a slave, but eventually escaped and returned to her family. Her story is a tragic tale of hope, suffering, and redemption. [... more]

Dan Sickles, a colorful and impulsive general, defied description with his scandalous life, marked by graft, politics, and a passionate side for the ladies. He shot and killed his wife's lover, Philip Barton Key, and was acquitted due to temporary insanity. Despite his questionable actions, Sickles became a hero during the Civil War, raising a brigade and fighting at Gettysburg, where he was wounded and lost a leg. He later preserved the battlefield and had a monument built in his honor. [... more]

The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, successfully achieved powered flight in 1903, beating the government-funded efforts of Samuel Langley. Their innovative approach to balance control and practical experimentation led to their groundbreaking achievement, marking a pivotal moment in American innovation and aviation history. [... more]

Elizabeth Smith Friedman was a pioneering cryptologist who cracked enemy codes during both world wars, exposed Nazi spy rings in South America, and helped dismantle organized crime networks during Prohibition. Her work laid the foundation for modern cryptanalysis and continues to influence intelligence agencies today. [... more]

Rob West discusses various financial topics, including healthcare cost-sharing alternatives, biblical stewardship, and estate planning. He also answers listener questions on investing, savings bonds, and tax implications of selling a multi-family property. [... more]

The National Football League's transformation from a struggling, disrespected sport to a behemoth of professional football is a story of perseverance, innovation, and vision. From its humble beginnings in 1920 to the present day, the NFL has undergone significant changes, driven by the determination of its founders, who worked together to overcome challenges and create a more exciting, competitive, and respectable game. [... more]

Viggo Olson, a brilliant agnostic physician, undergoes a dramatic transformation from believing in evolution to embracing the magnificent and miraculous hand of God. Through intensive research and personal exploration, he and his wife come to believe in the truth of creation, the reliability of scripture, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ultimately giving their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. [... more]

Thomas E. Selfridge was a 26-year-old lieutenant who accomplished two major firsts in world history, thanks to his passion for a new developing technology. He crossed paths with Douglas MacArthur, the Wright brothers, and Alexander Graham Bell, and would become the first passenger of any plane in Canada, the first U.S. military officer to fly solo in a powered flying machine, and the first person to die in an airplane crash. [... more]

Faith-based investors can use their finances to make a positive impact in the world, aligning their investments with their values and promoting social and environmental good. Impact investing is an approach that goes beyond profit, using investment dollars to create positive change. Certified Kingdom Advisors can provide biblically wise financial advice, helping individuals make informed decisions about their investments and financial futures. [... more]

Charles Lindbergh's historic flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927 was a groundbreaking achievement that captivated the world. With his trusty plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, Lindbergh braved treacherous weather and deep fatigue to become the first person to fly nonstop from New York to Paris, earning him international fame and numerous accolades. [... more]

When faced with impossible circumstances, it's possible to be content, and God often brings us to a dead end before showing us the way out. Prayer that focuses on God's will does not depend on the faith of the one praying, and expecting the worst can hinder us from seeing God's best. God is full of surprises and fully in control, as seen in the story of Peter's deliverance from prison, where no one else is in control, and God's plans are irreversible and unstoppable. [... more]

Rebecca Cubby Hall, a trailblazing woman from Neosho, shares her life story, from her rural upbringing to her time in the Women's Army Corps and her career as a teacher and garbage woman. [... more]

The hosts discuss the upcoming NFL Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves' playoff run, and the ownership dispute between Alex Rodriguez and Glenn Taylor. They also talk about the growth of Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, and share their opinions on the biggest quarterback busts in NFL history, including Jamarcus Russell and Tom Brady's take on young athletes. [... more]

The Minnesota Timberwolves have taken a 2-0 series lead against the Phoenix Suns, with standout players Rudy Gobert, Anthony Edwards, and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the charge. Meanwhile, the team's ownership dispute between Glenn Taylor and Laurie and Alex Rodriguez is heading to mediation and arbitration, with potential implications for the franchise's future. [... more]

The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, successfully invented the airplane, beating government-funded scientist Samuel Langley to achieve the first powered flight. Their innovative approach to problem-solving and focus on balance, rather than power, led to their groundbreaking achievement. [... more]

Sacagawea's knowledge of the territory, language, and customs proved essential to the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Her presence helped negotiate with Native American tribes, find edible roots, and even ease labor pains. A young mother, she gave birth during the winter months and continued to forage for food and provide medicinal knowledge to the Corps. [... more]

The National Football League, or NFL, has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a century. From its humble beginnings in 1920 as a struggling enterprise to its current status as a behemoth of American sports, the NFL has undergone significant transformations and innovations. The league's early days were marked by amateurish teams, makeshift stadiums, and a lack of respectability. However, with the introduction of the draft, rule changes, and the creation of the playoffs, the NFL began to take shape as a more organized and competitive entity. The addition of television broadcasts in the 1950s further propelled the league's growth, and the introduction of charismatic quarterbacks like Johnny Unitas and Otto Graham helped to captivate audiences. Today, the NFL is a multibillion-dollar industry that continues to evolve and captivate fans around the world. [... more]

Laura Ingalls Wilder's life and writing career are explored in depth, from her childhood on the American frontier to her creation of the beloved Little House series. Her experiences as a pioneer, her relationships with her family and community, and her struggles to make a living as a writer are all examined in this engaging and informative look at one of America's most beloved authors. [... more]

Nancy Kelsey was the first woman to cross overland to California from the United States, joining a party of pioneers in 1841. She endured unimaginable hardships, including harsh weather, Native American attacks, and the loss of her children. Despite these challenges, she remained strong and stoic, earning her the nickname 'the Betsy Ross of California'. [... more]

Deion Sanders' Colorado team has been a surprise in the Pac-12, but their struggles in the trenches may be their downfall. Meanwhile, Ryan Day's Ohio State team is facing criticism after a loss to Michigan, and Dabo Swinney's Clemson team is trying to stay competitive in the transfer portal era. [... more]

The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, overcame the odds to become the first men in history to launch a sustained power and pilot-driven air machine into flight, beating the government-funded efforts of Samuel Langley and his team. Their pioneering work on three-axis control and innovative approach to flight paved the way for the development of modern aviation. The brothers' legacy is a testament to American ingenuity and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories Hank Brown's beautiful tribute to his former boss beef pioneer Kenny Monfort Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donate See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Rebecca Cubby Hall, a trailblazing woman from rural Missouri, shares her remarkable life story, from growing up without electricity to serving in the Army, becoming a teacher, and eventually becoming mayor of Neosho. Her experiences offer a glimpse into a bygone era and the challenges faced by women in the past. [... more]

Hank Brown shares stories about his friend Kenny Monfort, a liberal Democrat who hired him despite their differences, and who exemplified tolerance and humility in his life and business dealings. [... more]

Origen, a pioneering theologian in the second century, struggled with the problem of evil and the nature of God, leading to a spiritualizing and ascetic direction in the church. His ideas influenced the development of monasticism and the emphasis on celibacy, but also warned against a hyper-spiritual way of seeing reality that is not biblical. [... more]

The story of Jesse Leroy Brown, America's first black naval aviator, is a testament to his pioneering spirit and the power of faith and legacy. Born in 1926 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Jesse grew up in a sharecropping home with no indoor plumbing or electricity, but he was determined to succeed. He overcame countless obstacles to become a naval aviator, including racism and adversity, and his story is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination. [... more]

Laura Ingalls Wilder's life and writing are celebrated for their portrayal of the American frontier and the experiences of women during that time. Her Little House series of books, based on her own life, have become classics of children's literature, known for their historical accuracy and vivid storytelling. Wilder's writing often dealt with mature themes, such as disease, dysfunctional families, and mythic struggles, which were groundbreaking for children's literature in the 1930s and 1940s. [... more]

Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States, grew up in the small village of Plymouth Notch, Vermont, where he learned valuable lessons about hard work, community, and the importance of character. Coolidge's life story is one of perseverance and determination, from his early days as a young boy to his rise to the presidency. He believed in the power of simplicity and constructive economy, and his policies led to a period of great prosperity in the 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties. Coolidge's legacy is a testament to the enduring values of hard work, honesty, and public service. [... more]

Baker Mayfield's departure from the Cleveland Browns sparks a discussion on quarterback rankings, with Ben Lyons and TJ sharing their top 10 lists. Meanwhile, Jimmy King, a member of the iconic Fab Five, joins the show to talk about his experiences, NIL deals, and the legacy of the Fab Five. [... more]

A groundbreaking medical trial at Thomas Jefferson University is offering new hope to victims of stroke, using electrodes to repair the connection between the brain and the arm. Meanwhile, a chaotic week on Wall Street saw the stock price of GameStop surge, driven by amateur investors on Reddit. [... more]

Countless small town residents are paying the price as rural hospitals shut down at an alarming rate, leaving communities with no local hospital to turn to. The crisis is a grim tale repeating itself across the country, with 99 rural hospitals closing since 2010, and many more on the brink of collapse. [... more]