logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2023
20m 18s

She Wanted to Become a Movie Star, so Sh...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

On this episode of Our American Stories, growing up in small-town Mississippi, all Donna Martin wanted to do was move to a big city and become a famous actress. When the opportunity arose to move to California for the summer, she didn't hesitate. Only one problem... there aren't many acting opportunities in Yosemite National Park.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Today
How Patrick Henry Saved America from Its First Civil War
On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington may have led America's army to independence, but he needed help in the aftermath of victory. Long before the Civil War, the United States nearly fractured during the battle over the Constitution — and it was Patrick Henry ... Show More
10m 49s
Today
A Young Soldier Promised God Three Things After a Vietnam Mine Took His Legs...
On this episode of Our American Stories, In Vietnam, 20-year-old Jon Hovde was nearly killed when his vehicle struck an anti-tank mine. Doctors didn’t expect him to survive, but Jon made three promises to God that day. What happened next would shape the rest of his life and inspi ... Show More
9m 29s
Today
"True Colors" & "Soap Opera" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions
On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice from his guide to unraveling the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. His book, Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases, explores ... Show More
9m 59s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2022
Courage with Kal Penn
Like many children of immigrants, Kal Penn had to have 1000 times more tenacity and grit to get to where he is today. In this latest episode of Amanda de Cadenet’s special series, “The Conversation: About the Men,” she talks to the actor about his early influences, how he got the ... Show More
54m 6s
Jul 2022
Introducing “The Sum of Us”
In a new series from Higher Ground, author Heather McGhee embarks on a road trip across Covid-era America, unearthing stories of American hope and solidarity in a time of great division and peril for our democracy.  In the first episode of the podcast, we’ll meet Heather and lear ... Show More
23m 3s
May 2023
Women rewiring the comedy circuit in Hollywood
Kim Chakanetsa is in the heart of Los Angeles' comedy district to meet two stand-up comedians who recently opened their own venues. Jiaoying Summers is a stand-up comedian, a social media star and the owner of The Hollywood Comedy Club and the Pasadena Comedy Club. Originally fro ... Show More
27m 50s
Jul 2022
Introducing “The Sum of Us”
In a new series from Higher Ground, author Heather McGhee embarks on a road trip across Covid-era America, unearthing stories of American hope and solidarity in a time of great division and peril for our democracy. In the first episode of the podcast, we’ll meet Heather and learn ... Show More
23m 13s
Feb 2023
Florence Pugh & Selena Gomez Have Had Enough
On the show today… In news we all needed today, it has been officially confirmed that the one and only Lizzo will play not one, but two roles in the upcoming final season of The Simpsons. Here’s what you need to know about her dream come true. And Vanity Fair’s new Hollywood issu ... Show More
18m 21s
Jun 2023
The Story Behind Drew Barrymore’s Online ‘Meltdown’
On the show today… In news that might mean your favourite TV shows will never return (dramatic but true) following the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, SAG-AFTRA, Hollywood’s largest union which represents all actors, has voted yes to greenlight their own potential strike ... Show More
18m 51s
Nov 2020
135: Mara Wilson, Acting Cults And Isolation Tanks
We are joined this week by writer and actress Mara Wilson to discuss how acting classes can function like cults and why. Mara reveals her personal Alison Mack story and talks about how we can protect child actors on sets. Then she tells us about her personal isolation tank experi ... Show More
47m 18s
Jun 2023
Amy Schumer’s Blunt Message To The Women Of Hollywood
On the show today... Paramount Australia has announced the cast of the new series NCIS: Sydney, the first-ever international series from the popular NCIS franchise. And there are some familiar Australian faces in the lead roles. Plus, The 76th annual Tony Awards took place over t ... Show More
18m 38s
Aug 2023
Patricia Clarkson
Leaping from Algiers, Louisiana to the Broadway stage and, ultimately, the top-tier of Hollywood, is no simple feat. In Patricia Clarkson’s case, it required a daring jump from her native New Orleans to Fordham University, and the fortuitous, essential mentorship of actress Debra ... Show More
42m 17s
Mar 2023
The Oscars Red Carpet & The Fall Of Jennifer Lawrence
On the show today… Channel 7 has released the first look at The Claremont Murders, a new two-part drama delving into one of Australia’s most famous murder cases and focusing on how the Claremont Killer was eventually caught. Here’s what you need to know. And it’s Oscars day! We b ... Show More
21m 14s