Accessibility links
StoryCorps: Recording The Lives And Stories Of Everyday Americans StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit project whose mission is to honor and celebrate the lives of everyday Americans by listening to their stories.
StoryCorps

StoryCorps

Sharing And Preserving The Stories Of Our Lives

Opinion

As A Life's End Draws Near, A Father And Son Talk

In 2010, David Plant was diagnosed with skin cancer. The cancer has since metastasized to other parts of his body, and David is now contemplating the end of his life. So, just before his 81st birthday, he sat down with his stepson to talk about their life together.

As A Life's End Draws Near, A Father And Son Talk

Listen · 3:09
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/149616840/149642281" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Opinion

National Teachers Initiative

A Teacher's Ultimatum Drives Student's Success

In high school, Raul Bravo asked himself whether it was worth getting a diploma. Friends were making fast money drug dealing, and four years seemed like a long time. But then his automotive teacher told him he had a decision to make.

A Teacher's Ultimatum Drives Student's Success

Listen · 3:33
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/149324257/149331716" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Two Lost Souls Find Each Other In A Hospital

Dorothy Biebrich's red scooter helped Winslow Jackson break the ice with her back in 2006. Today the couple, shown here at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, spend their days having fun together. Courtesy of the Jacksons hide caption

toggle caption
Courtesy of the Jacksons

Opinion

Two Lost Souls Find Each Other In A Hospital

Winslow Jackson and Dorothy Biebrich were two singles struggling to deal with multiple sclerosis when they met in 2006. Six years later, the two hope they are good examples of how to live life. Now, if one of their scooters goes down, the other one can pull or push to help.

Two Lost Souls Find Each Other In A Hospital

Listen · 2:35
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/149153492/149204498" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
After Tragedy, An Aunt Plays A New Role: Parent

Laura (left) and Phil Donney (right), with their Aunt Abby, whom they call "Tabby." Liebman Family Photo hide caption

toggle caption
Liebman Family Photo

Opinion

After Tragedy, An Aunt Plays A New Role: Parent

Back in 1995, one violent night reshaped the young lives of Phil and Laura Donney. Their parents were arguing, and their father murdered their mother. Phil was 7; his sister was 4. From then on, the children were raised by their mother's sisters.

After Tragedy, An Aunt Plays A New Role: Parent

Listen · 2:46
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/148673067/148732973" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
A Mom Becomes A Man, And A Family Sticks Together

Amanda, Les and Thea GrantSmith spoke about Les' transition from a woman to a man in 1997. StoryCorps hide caption

toggle caption
StoryCorps

Opinion

A Mom Becomes A Man, And A Family Sticks Together

This spring, Les and Scott GrantSmith will mark their 25th wedding anniversary. The couple raised two daughters along the way. But 15 years ago, they hit a crisis that nearly broke the family apart. They solved it by embracing a unique approach — and each other.

A Mom Becomes A Man, And A Family Sticks Together

Listen · 2:59
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/148178236/148278423" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
'Life Is Really Good,' Says Cancer Survivor, 12

Before he was three years old, Grant Coursey underwent several surgeries for a cancerous tumor. The Coursey Family hide caption

toggle caption
The Coursey Family

Opinion

'Life Is Really Good,' Says Cancer Survivor, 12

When Grant Coursey was a toddler, he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer often found in young children. A tumor had wrapped itself around his spinal cord and was pushing against his lungs. It took three surgeries, but Grant is cancer-free.

'Life Is Really Good,' Says Cancer Survivor, 12

Listen · 2:58
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/147736566/147787639" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Opinion

National Teachers Initiative

A Vietnam Vet Teaches More Than The Alphabet

Ron Cushman's journey to teaching started when he was severely wounded in the Vietnam War. Having a hook for a hand made him nervous around students until he found a way to make his injury a part of the lesson.

A Vietnam Vet Teaches More Than The Alphabet

Listen · 2:58
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/147296022/147442454" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Man Gives U.S. Vets Two Things: Haircuts, And Hope

The barber shop run by Anthony Bravo Esparza — whom everyone knows as "Dreamer" — is a fixture at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System's West Los Angeles Campus. Paula Berger hide caption

toggle caption
Paula Berger

Opinion

Man Gives U.S. Vets Two Things: Haircuts, And Hope

To help U.S. troops ease back into civilian life, veteran Anthony Bravo Esparza has set up a trailer in the parking lot of a Veterans Affairs campus. There, he gives the returning soldiers free haircuts — and a friendly, safe space to hang out.

Man Gives U.S. Vets Two Things: Haircuts, And Hope

Listen · 2:22
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/147295072/147332634" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Professor Hits A Wall And Falls In Love

Gwendolyn Diaz and her husband, Henry Flores, at StoryCorps in San Antonio. StoryCorps hide caption

toggle caption
StoryCorps

Opinion

Professor Hits A Wall And Falls In Love

Blinded by blond hair and a flash of ankle, Henry Flores walked into a wall outside Gwendolyn Diaz's new office. Twice. Still, he managed to get her attention, and the two professors have been together ever since.

Professor Hits A Wall And Falls In Love

Listen · 2:52
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/146990348/147028288" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Opinion

Scheming Parents Set Their Kids Up — And It Works

When Steven Ketcham met Alexandra Budny's mother, she told him, "I'm going to be your future mother-in-law." There was only one catch: Steven had never met Alexandra. But their parents had already decided they were perfect for each other.

Scheming Parents Set Their Kids Up — And It Works

Listen · 2:37
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/146638138/146680552" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Opinion

Operator, Can You Help Me Call The Love Of My Life?

Peter and Jacqueline Headen's courtship story is one of ups and downs — spanning one war, three countries and four decades. It all started in 1958, at a roller-skating rink on the Indian Head naval base in Maryland.

Operator, Can You Help Me Call The Love Of My Life?

Listen · 3:42
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/146303291/146330434" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Dropout Has Thanks, Not Blame, For Teacher

Roger Alvarez (left) did not graduate from high school, despite the efforts of his former English teacher, Antero Garcia. At 22, Alvarez still hopes to get his GED. StoryCorps hide caption

toggle caption
StoryCorps

Opinion

National Teachers Initiative

Dropout Has Thanks, Not Blame, For Teacher

Roger Alvarez dropped out of high school despite the efforts of his English teacher. "You were determined to help me, but what was I willing to give? I could have actually tried," Alvarez says.

Dropout Has Thanks, Not Blame, For Teacher

Listen · 2:53
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/145870103/146051952" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Opinion

After Son's Sudden Death, Shock, Grief And Coping

Dennis and Buelah Apple came to StoryCorps to talk about their son Denny. Nearly 21 years ago, Denny came down with mononucleosis. Before going to bed one night, he took some medicine and talked about where he wanted to sleep.

After Son's Sudden Death, Shock, Grief And Coping

Listen · 3:13
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/145901613/145950618" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Opinion

Using A New Voice To Enjoy Life After Cancer

In 1999, Rene Foreman was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Surgery saved her life; it also took her voice box. To speak, she now uses an electrolarynx, a small device that produces an electronic voice. And as Foreman tells her daughter, life's been different — and better — ever since.

Using A New Voice To Enjoy Life After Cancer

Listen · 2:54
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/145459323/145500289" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Opinion

Threats And Lies, And 'Who I'm Supposed To Be'

Nathan Hoskins knew from an early age that he was gay. But when he was growing up in rural Kentucky, his mother took extreme steps to convince him otherwise. Looking back on it now, he says, "I am who I'm supposed to be."

Threats And Lies, And 'Who I'm Supposed To Be'

Listen · 3:07
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/145099739/145153555" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript