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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On this episode of Our American Stories, every Sunday, Our American Stories host Lee Habeeb speaks with Mitchel "Big Mitch" Rutledge, who has spent more than forty years serving a life sentence in Alabama. Each call traces the shape of faith, regret, and forgiveness inside a place built for punishment.

This time, Mitch revisits the uncertain two weeks between his sentencing hearing and the judge's final decision. That stretch of time pulled a lot into focus, and eventually led him to write "A World Within a World," a poem about growing up locked away from the life most people take for granted. He also talks about death row: the silence, the rituals, and the men who disappeared one by one. The episode closes with "Disdain," a piece about resisting the slow pull toward bitterness when hope feels out of reach.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1964, Leon Hess set out to give children something fun and affordable at his gas stations—and ended up creating a toy truck that lit up, rolled out, and quickly sold out. Sixty years later, Hess Trucks have become a holiday tradition, with collectors, families, and fans marking each annual release like a mini Christmas of its own. Hess Toy Truck director Justin Mayer and longtime superfan Mike Roberto share how a simple seasonal idea grew into a uniquely East Coast obsession.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, on Christmas Eve 1968, the crew of Apollo 8 became the first humans to orbit the Moon. Joined by astronomer and broadcaster Steve Kates, known as Dr. Sky, they recall the moment the astronauts read from the Book of Genesis, uniting millions of listeners on Earth during a tense and historic holiday season in the midst of the Cold War.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener and regular contributor Stephen Rusiniak shares the story of the time he worked in a nursing home as a teenager and what happened when Santa made an unexpected visit.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, on Christmas Eve in 1818, in a snow-covered Austrian village, a broken organ forced a last-minute change. What came next was history. Two men—one a priest, the other a schoolteacher—scribbled out a carol for guitar and voice and performed it that night by candlelight. “Silent Night” would go on to become the most beloved Christmas hymn in the world. Here’s the History Guy with the story of the song.

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