Covering every hamlet and precinct in America, big and small, the stories span arts and sports, business and history, innovation and adventure, generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love, past and present. In short, Our American Stories tells the story of America to Americans.
About Lee Habeeb
Lee Habeeb co-founded Laura Ingraham’s national radio show in 2001, moved to Salem Media Group in 2008 as Vice President of Content overseeing their nationally syndicated lineup, and launched Our American Stories in 2016. He is a University of Virginia School of Law graduate, and writes a weekly column for Newsweek.
For more information, please visit ouramericanstories.com.
How Bob Gibson and Tim McCarver Redefined Baseball at the 1964 World Series
How Smallpox Saved Canada and Crippled Washington’s Army
On this episode of Our American Stories, while George Washington fought the British on the battlefield, another invisible enemy was tearing through his army. William Federer, bestselling author and president of AmeriSearch, unpacks how smallpox played a pivotal role in the failure of the U.S. invasion of Canada and how that loss changed both Canadian and American history forever.
Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Black WWII Hero Who Swam Through Shark-Infested Ocean to Rescue His Crew
On this episode of Our American Stories, when the USS Gregory was attacked and left sinking in the Pacific, Navy mess attendant Charles Jackson French jumped into shark-infested waters with a rope around his waist, dragging a raft full of wounded white sailors to safety for six straight hours. Bruce Wigo, former CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, shares the true story of one of WWII’s most overlooked acts of bravery by a Black serviceman.
Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Story of Justice Scalia: From His Immigrant Roots to the Highest Court in the Land (Pt. 1)
On this episode of Our American Stories, James Rosen, author of Scalia: Rise to Greatness, shares the story of Antonin Scalia’s unlikely but inevitable rise to the U.S. Supreme Court. His family, faith, and immigrant roots were the primary drivers of his unwavering belief in the Constitution, which, in turn, led him to become one of the most impactful judges in American history.
Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How the USS Lexington Became a Floating Symbol of American Resolve
On this episode of Our American Stories, she was built for war but became a beacon of memory. The USS Lexington (CV-16) launched into battle during the darkest days of World War II and earned her place in history through courage, endurance, and an uncanny ability to survive. Nicknamed the “Blue Ghost” by Japanese forces, she was reported sunk multiple times—but each time, she returned, ready for more. Today, the aircraft carrier serves as a museum in Corpus Christi, offering a tangible link to a pivotal era in naval warfare. Our American Stories contributor Anne Clare walks us through the enduring legacy of the Lexington.
Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How a Near-Death Jet Crash Prepared One Air Force Pilot for 9/11
On this episode of Our American Stories, during a high-stakes flight, pilot trainee Peter Braxton lost control of his aircraft and almost didn’t live to tell the tale. That near-death experience would prepare him for something no one could have imagined: becoming the first Air Force pilot airborne over the Twin Towers on 9/11. Here’s Peter with the story.
Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Football Game Gerald Ford Never Forgot: Pigskins, Racism, and a Moment of Defiance in 1934
On this episode of Our American Stories, before he was president, Gerald Ford was a rising football star at the University of Michigan. But in 1934, his loyalty was tested when Georgia Tech refused to play if his Black teammate, Willis Ward, took the field. Author and historian John U. Bacon shares this remarkable story of friendship, integrity, and a quiet act of defiance that helped shape Ford’s views on civil rights.
Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
America’s Last Bareknuckle Fighter Took on the Nation—And Won
On this episode of Our American Stories, before gloves, rules, or weight classes, there was John L. Sullivan: a powerhouse brawler who became America’s last bare-knuckle boxing champion. With fists of steel and a standing challenge to fight any man alive, Sullivan didn’t just win titles; he won the country’s attention. In 1893, he launched his infamous “Knockout Tour,” daring challengers to last just 12 minutes in the ring with the champ for a cash prize.
Christopher Klein, a historian and journalist, shares the story of boxing’s first true superstar and the spectacle that made John L. Sullivan a national sensation.
Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Roberto Clemente’s Legacy Preserved by a Fan Who Never Forgot
On this episode of Our American Stories, long after Roberto Clemente’s final game, Duane Rieder found himself returning to the images, stories, and memories that surrounded Clemente’s life and career. A photographer by trade, Rieder’s interest in Clemente became a quiet pursuit—scanning negatives, tracking down memorabilia, and sharing what he found with others. Over time, the project grew into a museum. Tucked away in a restored Pittsburgh firehouse, the Roberto Clemente Museum now houses game-used gear, rare photographs, and historic baseball cards. Here's Duane to tell the story.
Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“All Hell Broke Loose” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions
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 diving into how the phrase “all hell broke loose” came to be. His book, Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases, is a must-read. Be sure to check it out!
Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.