On this episode of Our American Stories Thomas Jefferson stood at the center of the American founding writing the Declaration of Independence and later serving as the third president of the United States He believed deeply in liberty and in the promise of the country but his life was marked by contradictions that continue to shape how he is remembered including the fact that he never freed his slaves despite his lofty ideals about freedom In this talk at the Library of Congress acclaimed historian and bestselling author of Thomas Jefferson The Art of Power Jon Meacham explores Jefferson as [... more]

People enjoy hearing stories about God's love and forgiveness But we can't fully appreciate God's mercy until we fully revere His holiness Dr Robert Jeffress warns that while God will forgive those who ask for it He will also judge those who reject His gift of salvation To support Pathway to Victory go to ptv org donate [... more]

Auntie Ann Byler, the founder of Auntie Anne's, shares her remarkable life story of tragedy, faith, and triumph. From her Amish upbringing to building a global pretzel empire, Ann's journey is a testament to the power of purpose, leadership, and personal growth. [... more]

Meet Louis, a charismatic pool player from St. Louis, Missouri, who dominated the sport for over two decades. Louis's incredible skills, wit, and charm made him a legend in the billiard industry. He even made appearances in the film industry, including in the movie 'The Color of Money.' Unfortunately, Louis's life was cut short when he took his own life in 1991, sending shockwaves throughout the billiard community. [... more]

Ulysses S. Grant's early life was marked by his father's influence, who secured him an appointment at West Point despite his initial reluctance. Grant developed a love for horses and eventually graduated in a middling position. He met his future wife, Julia, and was shipped out to the Mexican-American War, where he learned valuable lessons from General Zachary Taylor. Grant struggled with depression and drinking, but eventually emancipated a slave and found his calling as a military leader during the Civil War. He led the 21st Illinois Regiment and eventually became a general, known for his calm and calculated demeanor. Grant's humility and respect for his former enemies were evident at Appomattox, where he allowed them to keep their guns and horses. His life was a remarkable turnaround from selling wood on a street corner to leading the US Army and becoming a US President. [... more]

Carlos Colon recounts his life of gang violence, murder, and prison time, but also his journey towards redemption and forgiveness through Christianity, ultimately finding a new path in life and a chance to make amends with the families he hurt. [... more]

Mary Catherine Horany, known as Big Nose Kate, was a larger-than-life character in the Wild West, associated with Doc Holiday and Wyatt Earp. Her story is one of love, violence, and survival, as she navigated the dangers of the frontier and her tumultuous relationships with the men in her life. [... more]

The story of the Burger King in Mattoon, Illinois, is a tale of a local business standing up against a national brand. Gene Hoots, the owner, registered the name 'Burger King' in the state of Illinois, but the national chain sued him, claiming they had registered the name nationally. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the national chain, but allowed the Mattoon Burger King to operate within a 25-mile radius of the town. The story highlights the importance of local businesses and the challenges they face when competing with larger corporations. [... more]

The story of Margaret and H.A. Ray, the creators of Curious George, who fled wartime Europe and arrived in the US bringing their ideas and art. Their courage and optimism inspire a new generation of readers and artists, and their legacy lives on through the beloved character of Curious George. [... more]

A quiet cowboy finds redemption and purpose on a ranch, where he discovers a new sense of belonging and joy. Through his story, we explore the intersection of faith, culture, and identity. [... more]

Chess McCartney, known as the Goat Man, left his Iowa farm at 14 to join a circus, where he became a target for a Spanish beauty and eventually married her. After four years, he left her and traveled across America, preaching about the coming of the Lord and selling postcards featuring himself and his goats. He became a legendary figure, with many people remembering his visits and the impact he had on their lives. [... more]

A homeless man named Ted is given $100,000 and documents his spending and financial decisions, revealing the challenges of managing sudden wealth and the difficulties of overcoming personal demons and societal expectations. [... more]

Theodore Roosevelt Jr., son of the 26th President of the United States, led his troops onto Utah Beach during the D-Day invasion of France, despite needing a cane to walk, and played a crucial role in the successful establishment of the beachhead in France. [... more]

Humans have engaged in trade for millennia, but the concept of barcodes revolutionized the system by automating and streamlining trade networks and supply chains. The first barcode was invented by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver in the 1940s, but it wasn't until the 1970s that the Universal Product Code (UPC) was developed and became the standard for the National Association of Food Chains. Barcodes have since become ubiquitous, used for stock checking, inventory maintenance, and checkout scanning, and have played a crucial role in facilitating commerce and making civilization easier. [... more]

Thomas Jefferson's inaugural address was an impressive event, marked by his speech, which addressed the partisan divide and the bitterness of the election that had just passed. He made a strong claim that the will of the majority must be reasonable and that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect. Jefferson's words were the balm that the nation needed, and he went on to make a beautiful defense of the American Republic and its ideals. [... more]

Eric Liddell, a devout Christian and Olympic champion, dedicated his life to helping others, including serving as a missionary in China and risking his life to save others during WWII. His selfless acts and unwavering commitment to his faith make him an inspiring figure, and his story is a testament to the power of service and compassion. [... more]

Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas engaged in a series of debates in 1858 that would shape the course of American history. The debates centered on the issue of slavery and the principles of democracy, with Lincoln arguing that slavery was morally wrong and Douglas advocating for popular sovereignty. The debates made Lincoln a national figure and set him on the path to the presidency, while also defining the American experiment as the pursuit of natural rights embodied in the Declaration of Independence. [... more]

Research on ancient skeletons has led some scientists to suggest that Stone Age societies may have had complex identities and flexible gender roles, but experts argue that this conclusion is based on incomplete evidence and ignores the fact that human beings are sexually distinct. [... more]

Guarding your heart is crucial for spiritual well-being, as it is the source of life's issues. On Heart Awareness Day, we explore how to protect our hearts from evil thoughts, sin, and death, and how to fill them with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. We discuss the importance of being born again, having a new heart, and saturating our hearts with scripture to bring forth good fruit. [... more]

Tom Galasano, founder of Paychex, shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a successful payroll service company, highlighting the importance of perseverance, hard work, and innovation in achieving the American Dream. [... more]

A writer shares her family's story of survival during the Holocaust, visiting the concentration camp Buchenwald where her grandfather was imprisoned, and reflecting on the importance of remembrance and hope in continuing their lineage and honoring their ancestors' sacrifices. [... more]

Navy Captain Bill Tody recounts his experience with Admiral Hyman Rickover, a legendary figure in the nuclear navy, who put him through a series of grueling interviews to test his character and leadership potential. Tody's story highlights the importance of discipline, hard work, and self-awareness in achieving success. [... more]

The Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup of rock legends, came together by chance in 1988 to record a B-side track for George Harrison's single. The band consisted of Harrison, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne, and their music was characterized by its unique blend of styles and camaraderie. The group's album, 'Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1,' was released in 1988 and featured hits like 'Handle with Care' and 'End of the Line.' Despite the band's short-lived existence, their music has stood the test of time and remains a testament to the power of collaboration and friendship in the world of rock music. [... more]

The Great Vowel Shift was a significant change in the English language that occurred between the 14th and 18th centuries, transforming the pronunciation of vowels from a softer to a harder sound. This shift had a profound impact on the English language, making it more complex and nuanced. The History Guy explores the history behind this shift, including the influence of the Norman Conquest, population migration, and the introduction of foreign loan words. [... more]

The story of Texas' journey to independence from Mexico is a complex and fascinating tale of colonization, rebellion, and ultimately, victory. From the early Spanish explorers to the brave defenders of the Alamo, the Texans fought tirelessly for their freedom, led by figures like Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston. The turning point came at the Battle of San Jacinto, where the Texans, led by Houston, defeated the Mexican army and secured their independence. This remarkable story is a testament to the spirit of the American people and the enduring legacy of the Texas Revolution. [... more]

The story of Samson, a biblical anti-hero, has served as a source of inspiration to those willing to risk life and limb in the struggle for social equality, but his legacy has also been associated with violence and destruction, and has been put aside by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. in favor of a more peaceful message drawn from the Exodus story. [... more]

Hiram Stevens Maxim, a prolific inventor, held over 140 patents, including those for the light bulb and machine gun. However, his story is often overshadowed by Thomas Edison's, who is credited with inventing the light bulb. Maxim's life was marked by eccentricity and controversy, including a feud with Edison and a history of bigamy charges. Despite this, Maxim's invention of the machine gun became his lasting legacy. [... more]

The song 'I'm Not In Love' was released in 1975 and became a hit due to its unique multi-layered vocals and production. The song's writer, Eric Stewart, was inspired by his wife's request to say 'I love you' more often, and he came up with the idea of saying 'I'm not in love' instead. The song's production involved extensive studio work, including the use of loops and tape cutting, and it took three weeks to complete. The song's success was unexpected, and it has become one of the band's most beloved tracks. [... 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]

Practicing morning and evening prayers, listening to scripture, and being intentional about communication and romance can strengthen a marriage. Jay John and his wife Killy share their 42-year marriage experience, highlighting the importance of respect, responsibility, and resolve in a relationship. They also discuss the value of praying together, making time for each other, and being honest in conveying feelings to avoid disrespect and build a stronger bond. [... more]

A Salvation Army pastor and volunteer share practical ways to make a tremendous impact in local communities through acts of kindness, listening, and prayer, highlighting the importance of being a good neighbor and engaging with those around us. [... 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]

The Judgment of Paris, a landmark wine tasting event, took place in 1976 where California wines were pitted against French wines, with the California wines emerging victorious, marking a significant turning point in the wine industry, as American winemakers demonstrated their quality and competitiveness, challenging the French aristocracy of winemaking. [... 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]

Robert E. Lee, a complex and beloved general, made a decision that would alter the course of his life and history. He rejected command of the Union Army and resigned from the military, citing his inability to raise his sword against his native state of Virginia. However, Lee's decision was not as straightforward as it seemed, and he was motivated by a desire to preserve his family's property and protect his relatives in Virginia. Lee's military strategy was to plunge the Army of Virginia deep into the North to sow chaos and undermine the Union's will to fight. He crossed the Potomac and marched his army northwards, but his plan was foiled by the Federal Army's determination and tenacity. The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal moment in the Civil War, and Lee's defeat marked a turning point in the conflict. Despite his military setbacks, Lee remained a respected and admired leader, and his legacy continues to be debated and studied by historians today. [... more]

The story of Little Debbie, a beloved snack cake brand, begins in the Great Depression when O.D. and Ruth McKee started selling Virginia Dare cakes out of the back of their car. The couple's innovative ideas and family values helped their business thrive, and their granddaughter Debbie became the face of the brand, which is still family-owned today. [... more]

A couple shares their 42-year marriage journey, discussing the importance of faith, communication, and prayer in strengthening their relationship. They offer practical advice for couples, including the need to respect each other, take responsibility, and navigate conflicts with a Christ-like heart. [... more]

The Neon Museum in Las Vegas showcases the city's iconic signage, telling the story of its history and evolution. From the 1930s to the present day, the museum features over 850 signs, including the famous Moulin Rouge sign, which played a significant role in Las Vegas' history as a hub for African American performers. Meanwhile, a new treatment for eczema, EBGLIS, has shown promise in providing relief for those suffering from the condition. [... more]

Dave Van Andel and Barb Gaby pay tribute to their parents Jay and Betty Van Andel, sharing stories of their commitment to family and love, despite the challenges of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. [... more]

In 1986, a massive balloon release in Cleveland, Ohio, turned into a catastrophe as the balloons drifted back over the city, causing problems for traffic and the nearby airport. The event, known as Balloon Fest 86, was intended to be a harmless fundraising publicity stunt but ended up being a disaster, with the balloons clogging land and waterways and causing the deaths of two fishermen. Meanwhile, a treatment for eczema, EBGLIS, is discussed, with its potential benefits and side effects explored. [... more]