logo
episode-header-image
May 8
20m 18s

Why the Best Time in History to Be Alive...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

On this episode of Our American Stories, people often talk about the past as something to be missed, but history tells a much harder story. Johan Norberg argues that many of the most interesting periods in history were also the hardest to survive, and that modern innovations have made everyday life more secure than at any other point in human history.

Johan Norberg, author of Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future, tells the story of why we are living in the best moment in human history.

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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
May 8
Women in WWII: Ilene Hall Enlisted to Follow Her Husband to War
On this episode of Our American Stories, during World War II, women entered the military and workforce in record numbers, taking on roles once occupied by men. The Women’s Army Corps became a path for thousands who wanted to support the war effort.But for Ilene Hall, the decision ... Show More
17m 58s
May 8
Learning to Ride a Horse at 60
On this episode of Our American Stories, learning how to ride a horse is hard enough, but getting in the saddle at 60 years old can seem impossible. Not so for Our American Stories regular contributor Bill Bryk. Bill tells the story of the exciting and sometimes frightening exper ... Show More
10m 49s
May 8
The Story of America: How Thomas Jefferson Doubled the United States in 1803 [Ep. 18]
On this episode of Our American Stories, before the United States expanded westward, the young nation ended at the banks of the Mississippi River. France controlled the vast territory beyond these borders until Thomas Jefferson brokered a deal that doubled the size of the country ... Show More
27m 27s
Recommended Episodes
May 2025
Episode 2: The Colonel
Johnny Regan's early years were completely dominated by his obsessive mother, Clare, nicknamed "The Colonel", who frowned upon his friendships, didn’t allow him to play sports, and publicly horsewhipped her young son.  She was married to Alf Regan, the town drunk, the pair having ... Show More
52m 17s
Aug 2025
I Called the Police on My Serial Killer Dad
As a child, April Balascio noticed that people would often vanish. One time it was a labourer working for her dad, another time it was a young couple in town. Then as an adult, April started googling cold cases in her childhood towns. In 2009 she got a match and called the police ... Show More
1h 10m
Dec 2020
From a ‘Street Kid’ in Uganda to Foster Dad in America
<p>Peter Mutabazi spent his childhood feeling alone and forgotten in the streets of Kampala, Uganda, until the generosity of one family changed his life forever.</p><p>That family taught Peter about the love of Jesus Christ and what it meant to be loved and affirmed. Now, as a fo ... Show More
25m 8s
Feb 2025
Alan Cumming
<p>In this deeply personal episode, Monica chats with actor and <em>Traitors</em> presenter Alan Cumming, who shares his story of surviving an abusive childhood with a father obsessed with his hair and the lasting impact it left on him. He reflects on the power of speaking openly ... Show More
51m 10s
Jan 2025
Minnesota Man Caught in Blind Mule Drug Trafficking Scam
<p>Rodney Baldus, a retired truck driver from Minnesota, believes he is the recipient of a large inheritance belonging to his late wife. The inheritance is in Italy, but he is told he must first fly to Africa to sign papers before going on to Italy. Since his travel expenses are ... Show More
48m 50s
Apr 2024
Episode 78: The Chicken Whackers Pt. 1
A man named Luke originally reached out to the show on behalf of his younger brother. His brother Keegan left home to hitchhike and travel the country, which eventually turned into living on the street for years. When the family finally got Keegan off the street, he had many stor ... Show More
1h 1m
Nov 2024
#530: Dad fakes it to the border
<p>Dad went out for a carton of milk? Jim and Kathy explore the story of a father and husband who supposedly went missing in a tragic kayaking incident, but as the story unfolds; they discover that things aren't what they seem. A double life is unveiled and the truth is somewhere ... Show More
22m 7s
Jul 2018
Catfishing Strangers To Find Myself | With Cory Michael Smith
<p>As a teenager in Finland, Kalle Oskari Mattila was trying to figure out who he was. For help, he turned to Pamela Anderson. Cory Michael Smith (&quot;1985,&quot; &quot;Gotham&quot;) performed his story live at the Provincetown Film Festival.</p> <p><p>Subscribe today at <a hre ... Show More
21m 1s