Best Kennedy Dynasty Podcasts (2025)

1
How the Kennedy Political Dynasty Began with Two Irish Immigrants and a Dream 38:16

23h ago38:16

38:16

On this episode of Our American Stories, before the Kennedies became a household name in American politics, they were two Irish immigrants trying to survive in a city that barely tolerated their presence. Bridget and Patrick Kennedy arrived in Boston after the famine, carrying more grief than belongings, and stepped into a world that saw their fait…

1
Snickers, Skittles, and the Woman Who Kept a Global Candy Empire in the Family 10:49

23h ago10:49

10:49

On this episode of Our American Stories, Victoria Mars offers a rare inside look at what it takes to run a business of that scale while keeping it private. From succession and structure to values and culture, she explains how the family has kept its footing in a world where most companies of its size sold out long ago. Support the show (https://www…

1
The Man Who Made Wayne Gretzky 9:29

23h ago9:29

9:29

On this episode of Our American Stories, when Walter Gretzky passed away at 82, people didn’t just remember him as the father of Wayne Gretzky. They remembered the man who stood quietly behind the scenes for decades, offering time, stability, and a kind of presence that never asked to be noticed. The backyard rink he built in Brantford became the f…

1
“Long Shot & Loose Cannon” and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions 9:59

23h ago9:59

9:59

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. The book is Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio…

1
A Veteran Police Officer on Mental Illness, Homelessness, and the Frontlines of Crisis 7:59

23h ago7:59

7:59

On this episode of Our American Stories, Deon Joseph has worked in law enforcement for more than two decades, spending much of that time in places where support systems rarely hold. The people he meets are often in crisis, and the job asks more than it once did. He reflects on how expectations have shifted, how officers adapt when there’s nowhere e…

1
Jackie After JFK 45:16

2d ago45:16

45:16

Jackie Kennedy was only 34 years old when JFK was assassinated. She was suddenly a single mother of two — and one of the most famous women in the world. We’re joined by J. Randy Taraborrelli, author of the bestselling biography ‘Jackie: Public, Private, Secret’ and the just-released ‘JFK: Public, Private, Secret’, to talk about the relationships th…

1
Stranded at Sea Before His Wedding: George Strake Jr.’s Wildest Story 10:49

2d ago10:49

10:49

On this episode of Our American Stories, George Strake Jr. is a Texas oilman and lifelong adventurer with deep roots in both business and public service. But before all that, he was a groom racing against time. George shares a wild chapter from his younger days: the time he found himself stranded at sea as his wedding day loomed ever closer. Suppor…

1
Why Henry Gunther Was the Final Casualty of WWI 9:29

2d ago9:29

9:29

On this episode of Our American Stories, the First World War ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. But not before one last man fell. His name was Henry Gunther, and he died just moments before peace officially began. Why he charged forward, and how his death came to symbolize the senselessness of war’s final moments, is a story …

1
The Coal Miner Who Spent His Life Advertising for God 17:58

2d ago17:58

17:58

On this episode of Our American Stories, Harrison Mayes was born in the coalfields of Kentucky, where a life underground was all but guaranteed. But after surviving a near-fatal mine accident, he felt called to do something different. Using homemade concrete signs and backroad highways, Mayes dedicated the rest of his life to one mission: spreading…

1
Meet John Clem, the Youngest Soldier to Fight in the Civil War 10:49

2d ago10:49

10:49

On this episode of Our American Stories, at an age when most kids were still in school, John Clem was marching into battle. He joined the Union Army as a drummer boy at just 12 and quickly became a symbol of bravery. Wounded at Chickamauga and promoted on the field, he was known across the country as “Johnny Clem.” Kristin O’Donnell Tubb shares the…

1
The Democrat Who Challenged FDR’s Supreme Court Plan 27:27

2d ago27:27

27:27

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced a plan to expand the U.S. Supreme Court and shift its balance in favor of his New Deal legislation. The idea gained support...until a fellow Democrat pushed back. Hatton Sumners, a Texas congressman and New Deal ally, believed that court packing would harm …

1
The Kidnapping That Ended With One Oilman Outsmarting Machine Gun Kelly 20:18

5d ago20:18

20:18

On this episode of Our American Stories, Charles Urschel had money, influence, and a target on his back. When Machine Gun Kelly broke into his home and took him hostage, it seemed like just another high-profile crime in a lawless era. But Urschel didn’t panic. Instead, he took mental notes, tracking every moment, every voice, every clue. His memory…

1
The Civil War Cemetery Where Union, Confederate, and British Veterans Lie Side by Side 9:59

5d ago9:59

9:59

On this episode of Our American Stories, The GAR Cemetery in Miami, Oklahoma, doesn’t look like much at first. But among the weathered headstones are the stories of Union and Confederate veterans, British pilots, rodeo stars, and forgotten locals who lived big lives before fading from memory. Nancy Bro has spent years documenting them—making sure t…

1
How the Saddle Turned Horses Into the Engines of Civilization 7:59

5d ago7:59

7:59

On this episode of Our American Stories, before engines and asphalt, movement meant muscle, yours or the horse’s. But riding bareback could only take humans so far. The saddle changed that. With structure, control, and later, the stirrup transformed the horse into a game-changing force in human history. From mounted armies to long-distance trade, t…

1
Where Did Native Americans Come From? The Untold Story of the First Peoples 38:16

5d ago38:16

38:16

On this episode of Our American Stories, before settlers arrived, and before maps labeled native nations, indigenous communities had already shaped the land we now call America. Their history reaches back thousands of years, far beyond the record books. Dr. Nathaniel Jeanson, a Harvard-trained biologist and author of They Had Names: Tracing the His…

1
The Visionary Who Designed Washington, D.C. and Was Fired Before He Finished 10:49

6d ago10:49

10:49

On this episode of Our American Stories, he helped fight for America’s freedom, then shaped the city that would represent it. Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed Washington, D.C. with intention: circles, lines, and avenues that all meant something. But what began as a grand commission ended in conflict. L’Enfant’s refusal to give up control led to his…

1
Elderly Couple Pays for Entire Group Home’s Night Out in a Heartwarming Act of Kindness 9:29

6d ago9:29

9:29

On this episode of Our American Stories, a group home’s night out turned unforgettable when two strangers stepped in with a silent gift. Laurie Seibert had brought her group out for a well-earned dinner, never expecting someone across the room to cover the full bill. But that’s exactly what happened. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories…

1
Why Wayne Gretzky Is Still the Greatest Hockey Player of All Time 9:59

6d ago9:59

9:59

On this episode of Our American Stories, Wayne Gretzky didn’t have the size or speed most scouts looked for. But what he did have couldn’t be measured. With unmatched vision, timing, and instinct, he rewrote what was possible on the ice. He holds more than 60 NHL records and remains the only player to score over 200 points in a season, a feat he ac…

1
After Losing His Fingers in a Fire, One Boy Faced the Impossible—with a Piano 7:59

6d ago7:59

7:59

On this episode of Our American Stories, when John O’Leary was nine years old, a house fire left him with burns over 100 percent of his body. Doctors said he wouldn’t survive. He did. They said he’d never walk again. He did. And when he returned home, his mother insisted he do one more thing no one thought possible: learn to play the piano. John ha…

1
How Brian Wilson Changed American Music and Fought to Find His Voice Again 38:16

6d ago38:16

38:16

On this episode of Our American Stories, few musicians have soared as high—or fallen as hard—as Brian Wilson. After redefining American music with the Beach Boys and producing Pet Sounds, Wilson began working on a follow-up so ambitious that it became his undoing. The project, SMiLE, pushed the boundaries of sound and pushed Wilson to the edge. For…

1
Kevlar Was Nearly Discarded. One Woman Fought to Prove It Could Save Lives 10:49

7d ago10:49

10:49

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kevlar is now a staple of body armor, trusted by law enforcement, military personnel, and first responders, but when Stephanie Kwolek first developed the fiber in a DuPont lab, it was almost thrown away. The material didn’t behave like others, and no one saw a use for it. Kwolek pushed for further testing, c…

1
50 Years Later, I Still Speak to My Teacher Almost Every Day 19:28

7d ago19:28

19:28

On this episode of Our American Stories, Bob McLalan, a regular contributor to Our American Stories, shares why—after half a century—he still chats with his high school teacher. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
The Surprising History of Air Conditioning and the Man Behind It 7:59

7d ago7:59

7:59

On this episode of Our American Stories, before air conditioning, summer shaped how people worked, where they lived, and which cities could survive the heat. That all began to change in 1902, when Willis Carrier designed a machine to solve humidity problems in a printing plant. His invention cooled the air around us and quietly reshaped modern life…

1
How the Red Sox Finally Broke the Curse of the Bambino 10:49

7d ago10:49

10:49

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Red Sox were once a powerhouse in professional baseball, but for decades, their legacy was shaped by disappointment. Many fans pointed to the Curse of the Bambino, a superstition born the day Babe Ruth was sold to the Yankees. What followed were generations of heartbreak, near misses, and unanswered hope…

1
The Surprising Story of Robert E. Lee’s Life After the Civil War 9:29

7d ago9:29

9:29

On this episode of Our American Stories, Robert E. Lee is best known for leading Confederate forces during the Civil War, but his final role may be one of his most revealing. After the war, he accepted a position as president of a struggling college in Virginia, where he devoted himself to rebuilding and mentoring the next generation. Historian All…

1
The Conversion of C.S. Lewis and the Creation of The Screwtape Letters 17:48

7d ago17:48

17:48

On this episode of Our American Stories, C.S. Lewis is best known for The Chronicles of Narnia, but behind those pages lies a spiritual journey that shaped one of the most important Christian voices of the twentieth century. Lewis abandoned his faith during his years as a rising scholar at Oxford and identified as an atheist. But as fascism and com…

1
Why a Rhodes Scholar Walked Away from Oxford to Fight in the Vietnam War 10:49

8d ago10:49

10:49

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the late 1960s, Karl Marlantes stood at a crossroads: remain at Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship, or go to Vietnam and serve alongside the boys he grew up with, many of whom had already shipped out. He chose to go. That decision shaped his life in ways he’s still reckoning with. In this unflinching intervie…

1
How Faith, Family, and Hockey Helped a Man Survive Syrian Prison 27:27

8d ago27:27

27:27

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sam Goodwin had already visited 180 countries, but when he entered Syria, he vanished. Captured and held without explanation, his fate became a test of everything he believed about God, family, and himself. In his darkest moments, it wasn’t politics or power that saved him. It was faith. In this unforgettabl…

1
How Ancient Roman and Greek Politics Shaped the Birth of the United States 30:17

8d ago30:17

30:17

On this episode of Our American Stories, what did the Founding Fathers find in the ruins of Greece and Rome? A vision for how a free people might govern themselves. From Athens’ early experiments in democracy to the Roman Republic’s lessons in checks and balances, Dr. Kenneth Calvert of Hillsdale College unpacks how classical political thought shap…

1
The Native American Chief Who Stood with George Washington 7:59

8d ago7:59

7:59

On this episode of Our American Stories, long before Manhattan became a skyline of steel and glass, it was home to the Wappinger tribe and one of its most courageous sons, Daniel Nimham. As a tribal chief and fierce defender of both his people and the emerging idea of America, Nimham fought alongside George Washington in some of the war’s harshest …

1
Rosemary Kennedy 56:49

9d ago56:49

56:49

In 1918, Joe and Rose Kennedy had their first daughter, Rosemary. She experienced developmental difficulties as a child and had trouble keeping up in school. When she was 23, her father arranged for her to undergo a lobotomy, which left her profoundly handicapped for the rest of her life. The truth about Rosemary was kept hidden for decades. We’re …

1
The Salem Witch Trials, the Puritans, and the Myth of The Crucible 20:18

9d ago20:18

20:18

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Salem Witch Trials of 1692–1693 have become a symbol of religious hysteria and injustice, but how much of what we think we know is true? For decades, a cultural silence surrounded the real story until Arthur Miller’s The Crucible gave it a new narrative. Dr. Stephen Nichols unpacks the deeper history of …

1
Titanic’s Last Hero: The Man Who Became Captain Smith 17:58

9d ago17:58

17:58

On this episode of Our American Stories, Lowell Lytle was one of the few people who actually visited the Titanic’s wreck at the bottom of the North Atlantic. He also spent years bringing its story to life, portraying Captain Smith at Titanic museums around the world. While Lowell has since passed away, in this powerful story, he reflects on what it…

1
John Wooden’s Definition of Success and the Legacy It Built 38:16

9d ago38:16

38:16

On this episode of Our American Stories, Coach John Wooden led UCLA to 10 national championships, but his legacy runs deeper than wins. His Pyramid of Success reshaped how we think about coaching, competition, and character. Told through the voices of those who knew him best, this story explores how a humble Indiana native became one of the most re…

1
Surviving Persecution: Mariam Ibrahim’s Journey from Sudan to America 20:18

12d ago20:18

20:18

On this episode of Our American Stories, what does freedom of religion really mean? For Mariam Ibrahim, it meant the difference between life and death. Born in Sudan and sentenced to execution for her Christian faith, Mariam escaped religious persecution and built a new life with her family in the U.S. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the cost…

1
How the Comstock Lode Created America’s First Silver Millionaires 17:58

12d ago17:58

17:58

On this episode of Our American Stories, before Silicon Valley and the oil booms, there was the Comstock Lode. Nevada’s legendary silver discovery created the Silver Kings: John Mackay, James Fair, William O'Brien, and James Flood, four men who rose from poverty to unimaginable wealth. Historian Roger McGrath shares how this once-remote mining camp…

1
The Big Four Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 30:17

12d ago30:17

30:17

On this episode of Our American Stories, before America had coast-to-coast rail lines, four men risked everything to make it possible. Known as the Big Four, they built the Central Pacific Railroad and played a crucial role in completing the first transcontinental railroad. Historian Roger McGrath shares how Leland Stanford, Charles Crocker, Collis…

1
The First Pilot at Ground Zero Recalls His First Jobs 7:59

12d ago7:59

7:59

On this episode of Our American Stories, Peter Braxton’s first day as a military pilot began in the skies above Ground Zero on 9/11. But that was just one of several first jobs that shaped his life. From high-stakes missions to everyday roles in civilian life, Peter reflects on the early experiences that defined who he is today. Support the show (h…

1
Inside D-Day: How America Prepared for the Largest Land Invasion in History 38:16

13d ago38:16

38:16

On this episode of Our American Stories, on June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched the Normandy landings in the boldest military campaign of the war. Behind that historic moment was a massive effort built over months of planning, coordination, and sacrifice. Historian Stephen Ambrose walks us through how D-Day came together, from the first strategies…

1
Why Boston Stood by Edwin Booth After His Brother Killed Lincoln 10:49

13d ago10:49

10:49

On this episode of Our American Stories, after John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln, his name became synonymous with betrayal. But his brother, Edwin Booth, was already one of the most celebrated actors in America, and Boston wasn’t ready to turn its back on him and his family. Historian Christopher Klein shares the story of how the city rallie…

1
"Gung-Ho & Cheesy Smile" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions 9:29

13d ago9:29

9:29

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 phrases like "gung-ho" and "cheesy smile" came to be. His book, Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrase…

1
The Secret Cold War Collision the Pentagon Never Wanted Out 9:59

13d ago9:59

9:59

On this episode of Our American Stories, during a tense moment in Cold War history, a Soviet submarine surfaced directly beneath the USS Kitty Hawk and crashed into its hull. The Navy called it an “encounter,” but the reality was far more dangerous. The History Guy shares this forgotten incident between two nuclear powers, and the high-stakes silen…

1
She Was Japanese American During WWII, but Her Story Was Very Different 7:59

13d ago7:59

7:59

On this episode of Our American Stories, while her parents were among the many unjustly sent to internment camps during World War II, Mary Mikami and her siblings remained free. Mary rose to the top of her class, earned a doctorate from Yale, and built a life marked by quiet strength and achievement. Historian Preston Jones shares her powerful stor…

1
One Man's Journey to Find His Fallen WWII Airman Uncle in France 17:58

13d ago17:58

17:58

On this episode of Our American Stories, after his uncle Charles was shot down in a B-24 bomber over Europe during World War II, Chuck Kissling grew up hearing only pieces of the story. For decades, Chuck carried the weight of that loss, hoping to one day find his uncle’s grave and honor his sacrifice. Chuck joins us to share the journey that final…

1
How Shel Silverstein Became a Poet, Songwriter, and American Icon 20:18

14d ago20:18

20:18

On this episode of Our American Stories, Shel Silverstein was a poet, illustrator, and songwriter who didn’t fit any mold. Known to millions for The Giving Tree and Where the Sidewalk Ends, he also wrote one of country music’s most unforgettable hits: “A Boy Named Sue,” made famous by Johnny Cash. With a legacy that spans literature, music, and ill…

1
How Nellie Cashman Became the Gold Rush’s Most Fearless Woman 17:58

14d ago17:58

17:58

On this episode of Our American Stories, in a world built for men, Nellie Cashman carved her own path across gold rush country, prospecting, rescuing miners, and running businesses in some of the toughest towns in the West. Historian and regular Our American Stories contributor Roger McGrath shares the true story of this fearless woman who outlived…

1
Sergeant Alvin York: The Faithful Pacifist Who Became a World War I Hero 38:16

14d ago38:16

38:16

On this episode of Our American Stories, Sergeant Alvin York, the reluctant World War I infantryman who became one of America’s most decorated soldiers, has stood as a symbol of courage and sacrifice for over a century. Born in the mountains of Tennessee, Sgt. York’s early life was shaped by deep religious convictions that initially made him a cons…

1
Why Bob Munden Is Still the Fastest Gun on Record 10:49

15d ago10:49

10:49

On this episode of Our American Stories, Wild Bill. Doc Holliday. Billy the Kid. None of them ever touched Bob Munden’s speed. Known around the world as the fastest gun who ever lived, Munden could draw, fire, and hit a target before anyone else even cleared leather. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) See omnystudio.com/li…

1
The Fighter Pilot Who Risked Everything: How Steve Phillis’s Final Mission Defined Desert Storm 27:27

15d ago27:27

27:27

On this episode of Our American Stories, high above Iraq during Operation Desert Storm, Air Force Captain Steve Phillis faced the kind of split-second decision no pilot ever hopes to make. A Top Gun graduate and decorated Gulf War pilot, Phillis chose sacrifice over survival and changed lives in the process. His friend and fellow fighter pilot, Jim…

1
How a Small-Town Speaker Held the Line During Watergate 10:49

15d ago10:49

10:49

On this episode of Our American Stories, Carl Albert stood just 5 feet 4 inches tall, but during one of America’s biggest political scandals, he carried more than his share of the weight. As the Watergate scandal unraveled the Nixon presidency, the Speaker of the House, known as the "Little Giant from Little Dixie," became an anchor of stability. H…

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