logo
episode-header-image
Today
10m 49s

What My Father Taught Me on the Job Site

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

On this episode of Our American Stories, every summer, Dennis Peterson and his brother went to work with their father, a self-employed brick mason. As young boys, they hauled bricks, cleaned tools, and worked long days on construction sites. At the time, it felt like hard labor. Looking back, it was something much more valuable. ⁠

Through those hours on the job, Dennis's father taught lessons about the dignity of hard work. Dennis shares a heartfelt tribute to the man who showed him that the true reward of labor wasn't just a paycheck, but also the character built along the way.

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
Today
Uncle Nearest: The Former Slave Who Taught Jack Daniel How to Make Whiskey
On this episode of Our American Stories, in 2016, entrepreneur Fawn Weaver was struggling through one of the most difficult seasons of her life. A disappointing business venture had left her frustrated, and the sudden death of her beloved niece, Brittany, left her heartbroken. Lo ... Show More
27m 27s
Today
How Patrick Henry Saved America from Its First Civil War
On this episode of Our American Stories, long before the Civil War, in 1799, the United States was facing one of the greatest political crises in its young history. With tensions rising between the federal government and the states, some feared the nation could fracture or even d ... Show More
10m 49s
Today
Brian Wilson: My Friend Behind the Beach Boys
On this episode of Our American Stories, when Brian Wilson passed away in 2025, the world lost one of the most important and influential musicians in American history. As the creative genius behind The Beach Boys, Wilson helped redefine popular music through groundbreaking compos ... Show More
19m 28s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2025
The penguin that followed a teacher home
While visiting friends in Uruguay, British teacher Tom Michell saw a penguin covered in oil and tar on a beach. Tom cleaned the bird as best he could and then tried to release it. The penguin refused to return to the wild, it just followed Tom around. So he took it home, smugglin ... Show More
39m 54s
Jul 2025
How Penguin Books turned the UK into a nation of readers
From the paperback revolution to the obscenity trial that made Lady Chatterley’s Lover famous, we explore how Penguin turned the UK into a nation of readers as we celebrate our 90th birthday. Host Rhianna Dhillon speaks to Kate Mosse, international bestselling author, activist an ... Show More
55m 26s
Nov 2022
John-David Is Crushed By the Death of His Dog
Uncle Si goes pheasant hunting with The Undertaker and teaches him a thing or two about poker. Martin and John-David talk about their crazy experiences with owls, and Si gets excited to share his knowledge about vampire bats. Phillip and Martin comfort John-David after the loss o ... Show More
54m 45s
Jun 2021
GT090 - Copycata, Mimicfina and the New York Macaws
<p>To flip through the photos that go with this gooptales story visit <a href= "https://gooptales.com/episodes/copycata-mimicfina/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_campaign=episode-description"> gooptales.com/copycata-mimicfina</a></p> <p>If you want the little one to practice their reading ... Show More
34m 41s
Dec 2024
The Frozen Zoo®: A History of Putting Extinction on Ice
Despite its name, the Frozen Zoo does not require a scarf and mittens! This week, hosts Rick and Marco speak with Dr. Oliver Ryder, director of conservation genetics at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The Frozen Zoo stores cryogenically frozen genetic materials from mammals, bir ... Show More
37m 8s
Nov 2024
The world’s loneliest penguin
<p>An emperor penguin has turned up on a surfers beach in southwestern Australia, more than 2000 miles away from its natural habitat in the Antarctic. How did it end up so far off course?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Writer and producer: Claudia Williams</p><p>Episode photography: Jon Jones</ ... Show More
8 m
Mar 2023
Giraffe Who Doesn’t Want to Sleep
Join George the giraffe, Polly the bird, and Roger the rabbit on an African adventure as they help George overcome his sleeping struggles. Discover the importance of having a bedtime routine and the impact it can have on your sleep. This heartwarming story is perfect for children ... Show More
8m 27s