About this episode

Lee Habeeb and Marissa Streit discuss the significance of storytelling in shaping culture and identity in America.

“Our American Stories” host Lee Habeeb and PragerU CEO Marissa Streit explore the power of storytelling in shaping individuals, businesses, and nations. They discuss why stories, not facts alone, are what people remember, how storytelling builds connection and meaning, and why America’s identity depends on shared cultural narratives. The conversation also examines the breakdown of cultural literacy, the impact of social media and algorithms on division, and why reclaiming America’s story may be essential to preserving our future. Chapters: 00:00 — Why storytelling saved Marissa—and why it matters 02:05 — Why people remember stories, not facts 04:15 — The Bible as the greatest storytelling framework 06:38 — Why adults lose creativity—and what that costs us 08:01 — Origin stories: why they shape identity and culture 10:44 — E pluribus unum: the immigrant story of America 13:22 — “We didn’t come to change America—it changed us” 16:20 — Fighting for the American story through culture 19:06 — Why conservatives struggle with storytelling 23:53 — How great storytelling actually works (and why most fail) 30:14 — Why every business needs a story and a purpose 36:21 — The collapse of…

People in this episode

Host: Marissa Streit

Guest: Lee Habeeb

Topics covered

• storytelling
• cultural narratives
• identity
• social media
• cultural literacy
• American history

Keywords

• storytelling
• cultural narratives
• identity
• social media
• American history
• cultural literacy
• business storytelling

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PragerU

Books & works: The Bible

Places: America

More episodes of Real Talk with Marissa Streit | PragerU

• Can America Survive Attacks on Its Judeo-Christian Roots? Historian Bill Federer Responds · April 16, 2026 · 1h 31m
• Rabbi Soloveichik on The Connection Between Antisemitism And Anti-Americanism · April 10, 2026 · 1h 7m
• Fmr. Supt. of Education Ryan Walters Exposes the Education Industrial Complex · April 1, 2026 · 1h 3m
• Dennis Prager's Thoughts on Passover and Easter Blessings · April 1, 2026 · 24 min
• Mayor of Panama City Mayer Mizrachi spent six months in a Columbian jail — now he’s working to bring economic freedom to his country. · March 27, 2026 · 5 min
• Is Cuba Collapsing? Robby Starbuck Explains the Communist Crisis · March 25, 2026 · 1h 22m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Real Talk with Marissa Streit | PragerU podcast page.