The subject of immigration is very relevant today, so it’s especially interesting to look at Ellis Island,  the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States.Ellis Island was the main entry point for immigrants who arrived in the United States between 1892 and 1954. During this time, more than 12 million immigrants passed through the island. It was a time of great change in the United States, as people came from all over the world to start a new life.

Some of the greatest music was produced in the 60s and 70s, and one record label produced artists who were consistently at the top of the charts. Let’s talk about Motown, a Great American Thing. Motown Records was founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr. in Detroit, Michigan. It was the first African-American-owned record label to achieve major success in the United States. Gordy's vision was to create music that would appeal to both black and white audiences.

Girls for generations have loved Barbie, a wonderful doll that Mattell has adapted to changing standards over the years . We're still wondering about Barbie and Ken, but hoping to look on Instagram one day and see their Save the Date announcement...

Super Bowl is a ways behind us now, but no appetizer, no treat is more a part of that game than buffalo wings. They're on almost every pub menu in the country. It doesn't matter which flavor you prefer, just be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand.

I don't think there's a show in television history that's as beloved as The Andy Griffith Show. Andy was wise, Barney was funny, Opie was cute, and the town of Mayberry was like the hometown you wish you'd grown up in. It was always a top 10 show in the ratings, and finished its final year as number 1 - a feat only accomplished by two other programs (I Love Lucy and Seinfeld).

The Outer Banks provide a great variety of beach experiences. There are popular beaches, quiet beaches, wonderful lighthouses, and plenty of history. Great fishing, too. I suggest you go in the fall if you don't have kids in school, because the beaches aren't crowded, there are no lines at restaurants, and the rentals are cheaper.

Was Woodstock a festival of peace and music, or a muddy, drug-riddled swamp? Yes.

America has had few men as creative and ambitious as Walt Disney. He would be devastated at what the company bearing his name has become.

Is there any company in the world that encourages outdoor living more than L.L. Bean? A company started by one man wanting one good pair of hunting boots has expanded to a great provider of clothes, furnishings, activities and more. 

At the start of World War II, the African American community wanted its men to be integrated into existing units. The government wasn't ready for that, however, and created the unit we now know as the Tuskegee Airmen. They served during the war in Europe, and performed with courage and excellence.

The Roebling family - John, son Washington, his wife Emily - developed and built the Brooklyn Bridge, a span that has served the people of New York for 140 years. 

Is there a flavor in all of foodery  that equals that of a hot glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut? No, there isn't.

Who is the GOAT in the field of golf? No question it has to be Jack Nicklaus, who has won more major championships than any other golfer. "The Golden Bear" isn't just a great golfer, but a great person, whose contributions to the community prove his worthiness as a Great American Thing.

I have a hard time deciding what movie is my all-time favorite, but Groundhog Day is certainly right at the top of the list. I knew Bill Murray was a talented comedian, but this movie showed that he has become one of our great actors as well.

We live in an era when the USA is divided in many ways. One way that we can find unity is to focus on the many great things about this country. Each Great American Things podcast will take you into two of the great things about the country: Our history, music, arts, movies, TV, people, food, sports, travel, and more. The podcasts won't take a lot of time - most are 8 to 10 minutes long. You'll come away reminded of why we have so much to be thankful for as Americans.