On this episode of Our American Stories, before Andrew Jackson became America’s seventh president, he fought his way into history. Literally. Jackson survived gunshots, brawls, and more than a dozen duels, including one that nearly killed him. But to Jackson, this was all part of the job.

Keith Hardison, former director at The Hermitage, explains how the code of honor that shaped dueling culture also shaped Jackson’s rise to power. This is the story of a man who took his politics personally…and sometimes at gunpoint.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories regular contributor Stephen Rusiniak, a longtime writer and storyteller whose personal essays have become a favorite with listeners, shares the special way he found to honor his mom on his own birthday and why he believes she, not he, deserves all the praise. His story is a heartfelt reflection on gratitude, family, and the quiet sacrifices that shape our lives.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph recounts how he transformed policing on Los Angeles’ Skid Row by building real community connections rooted in trust, dignity, and compassion. Working daily with the city’s homeless population, Joseph challenged conventional law enforcement approaches and changed public perceptions with one simple but profound phrase: “I love you.” 

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Mark Metcalf is forever linked to one of the most memorable characters in comedy history: the rigid and relentless ROTC officer Douglas C. Neidermeyer in the 1978 film Animal House. Acting opposite John Belushi at the height of his power, Metcalf helped shape a movie that redefined American comedy. But Animal House was only the beginning of a career that would stretch across decades of film and television.

From his scene-stealing appearance as “The Maestro” on Seinfeld to his chilling portrayal of “The Master” on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Metcalf became a familiar face to audiences who loved characters with a few sharp edges. Metcalf joins us to tell his story.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, after the Civil War, a group of freedmen outside Dallas built a church with help from the man who had once enslaved them. That man also worshiped there. White Rock Chapel would go on to survive a flood, resist segregation, and outlast generations of change. But decades later, it faced a new threat: real estate development. Donald Wesson, along with his family, stepped in to protect what others had nearly forgotten. Joining him is historian Judith Segura of White Rock Chapel, who helps tell the story of one of Texas’s most remarkable and enduring houses of worship.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, in the golden age of late-night television, no seat mattered more than the one across from Johnny Carson. For comedians, musicians, writers, and even politicians, a single appearance could change a career overnight. Mark Malkoff, author of In Love with Johnny Carson, shares the behind-the-scenes stories of how Carson used his influence to open doors that stayed open for decades.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Roland Bitcon grew up with a father who could repair anything, build everything, and never needed to say much to say a lot. From a childhood on an Iowa farm to a Navy career that spanned decades and oceans, Russell E. Bitcon lived with purpose, humility, and grace. In this story, Roland delivers the eulogy he gave at his father’s funeral, a moving tribute to a man whose legacy was measured in work, wisdom, and quiet love.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, after the Tate–LaBianca murders, Charles “Tex” Watson vanished—just not right away. For nearly two months, he remained in Los Angeles as the city searched for those responsible. That’s where this story begins. Our American Stories listener Patty Kingsbaker recounts the day she unknowingly gave a ride to Manson’s most loyal killer, unaware she was sitting just feet from one of the most wanted men in the country.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Jackson was a duelist, a slaveholder, and a military hero with a serious temper. He was also the first president to claim the White House as a mandate from the common man. He shattered the political elite, crushed the national bank, and left behind a legacy that is still being debated. Dr. Bradley J. Birzer, author of In Defense of Andrew Jackson, shares the story of one of the most controversial and beloved figures in American history. We want to thank our partners at Hillsdale College for granting us access to this audio.

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