“Heroes with Humble Beginnings: Underdogs on the Diamond, At the Movies, In the White House,” by FM Kail

Ep 4: Why We Love Underdogs: Fables, Fairy Tales, Movies and America’s Roots

Episode Summary

Join Mike Kail as he explores the many ways in which Americans are enamored of underdogs. What are underdogs, and what influence did the fairy tales, Bible stories and fables we heard as children have on our belief that underdogs could defy the odds and succeed? What role did books and movies have on reinforcing those beliefs as we became adults? Mike encourages you to think about the real underdogs who have inspired you during your lifetime. And he shares his theory that America’s roots -- our immigrant population, our improbable revolutionary leaders, our victory in the Revolutionary War -- had a powerful influence in shaping our attitudes toward underdogs. Add it all up and this podcast will show why rooting for the underdog is indeed ‘baked into the American DNA.’

Episode Notes

Amazon link to “Heroes with Humble Beginnings”

If you would like to contact the author, please feel free to email him at fmkail74@gmail.com.

Original music composed and performed by Ted Michalek