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.
Arresting Your Boss... a Nazi Commander: The True Story of Pino Lella
From Billy Goats to Zero Turns: The History of Lawn Care
On this episode of Our American Stories, in just a few centuries, the lawn went from being a status symbol for kings and nobles to a hallmark of the American Dream—and eventually, to something many of us barely think about, aside from when it’s time to mow. The History Guy tells the story of how lawn care came to be.
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Final Thoughts: An Older Brother’s Letter to His Younger Brother
On this episode of Our American Stories, George Bryan pays tribute to his older brother, John Bryan, a business leader who ran the Sara Lee Corporation and played a key role in creating Chicago’s Millennium Park.
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The Winner Who Always Finished Last
On this episode of Our American Stories, Saje Hellstern was the fastest runner on his cross-country team and consistently finished near the top. After doctors discovered a tumor in his brain, he endured over a year of radiation and chemotherapy. But that didn’t stop him from running—or finishing his races. Here to share Saje’s story is his stepfather, Roger—a regular contributor to Our American Stories.
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This Week In History: Levi Strauss: The Jewish Immigrant Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World
On this episode of Our American Stories, as part of our "This Week in History" series, we tell the story of an immigrant whose name you probably know—but whose story you likely don't. Levi Strauss left Germany in 1847 in pursuit of the American Dream—and stitched that dream into a pair of blue jeans that changed American culture and fashion forever. Lynn Downey, the official historian of Levi Strauss & Co., tells his remarkable story.
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Dog Food CEO Eats Kibble for 30 Days to Prove It's Good for Dogs
On this episode of Our American Stories, Mitch Felderhoff, co-owner of Muenster Milling in Muenster, Texas, decided to put his mouth where his money is eating nothing but dog food for 30 days to raise awareness for his brand. It worked. Here's Mitch with the story of his wild PR stunt.
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The Man Who Paints Rocks to Honor Veterans: The Story Behind the Freedom Rocks
On this episode of Our American Stories, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen shares the story behind his “Freedom Rocks”—giant, unique, hand-painted boulders honoring veterans in all 99 counties across Iowa.
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Moving to a Farm from the City Changed My Life
On this episode of Our American Stories, after moving from the bright lights of Tampa, Florida, to a farm in the small college town of Oxford, Mississippi, Jake Keiser didn’t know what to expect. Thankfully, her neighbors had her back. Here's Jake with her story of recovery in small-town America.
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99 Reasons Why a Typewriter Is Better Than a Computer!
On this episode of Our American Stories, some interesting facts about the typewriter: The QWERTY layout was originally designed to slow typists down. Mark Twain was the first author to submit a manuscript written on a typewriter. Tom Hanks is a collector of typewriters—and yes, there is indeed a list of 99 reasons why a typewriter is better than a computer. Our American Stories listener Bert Rosica is just the man to deliver it.
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The Nuclear Mishap That "Created" CNN
On this episode of Our American Stories, a wrench slipped. A rocket leaked, lost fuel pressure, collapsed, and exploded. A nuclear warhead was launched out of its silo and landed in a ditch—at the intersection of fate and American journalism. Randy Dixon, a young journalist at the time, shares the story.
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