The Storyworth Podcast

Jamie Kalven’s father spent years of his life working on a book he never got to complete. When his dad died, Jamie was forced to make a decision: leave the manuscript to be forgotten to time, or pick up where his father left off. In today’s episode, Jamie describes the ten year journey of completing his father’s book, and how it helped him connect with his father beyond the grave.

When he was a kid, Don’s neighborhood grocery store had a promotion: Win all the money you can carry out on your back. The only glitch? The prize money was all in coins. In today’s episode, Don tells his daughter about what it was like to watching his own father compete in the contest, and how those winnings changed their life.

On today’s show, Alicia and Chelsea Daniel, mother and daughter, talk about a moment in their lives when everything changed. Chelsea asks her mother about a house fire that sparked her mom to forge a new, more creative path in life. 

Norman Weiss loved the process of writing his Storyworth memoir so much, his family held a book launch party for him once it was complete. We tagged along. 

Carol Paige tells the story of finding love later in life, after both she and her new husband Larry had long, loving marriages prior. 

One day out of the blue, Curtis was told he had weeks to live. That diagnosis sent Curtis, and his family, down a whirlwind path that they never expected. Curtis had to settle all the business of dying, attend his own funeral, and say goodbye to his family with the fleeting time they had left together. In today’s episode, Curtis and his wife Nettie describe that journey, and what it looks like to be on the other side of it.

Skyler chased her dreams of being an elite athlete all the way to the 2024 Paris Games. In today’s episode, she discusses her final race as a professional cyclist, why she’s decided to retire early, and what it means to pivot into the unknown.

Mark Jobson came of age in a changing Jamaica. In the 1970s, his home country of Jamaica was rife with political polarization. In today’s episode, Mark’s son Ryan asks him about a plane trip from Jamaica to the States, with an album in tow, that changed the course of both of their lives forever.

On this episode of the Storyworth podcast, Krista talks to Pedro and Ana, a father and daughter duo from Kansas City and Peru. Ana asks Pedro to tell the story of his wedding day, in Peru, almost 50 years ago. The mayor of the town officiated and, humorously, it didn’t go according to plan.

On today’s episode of the Storyworth podcast, Krista talks to Sue, Jean, and Pat – three sisters who grew up with a deaf father and a deaf and mute mother. The sisters reflect on how life was different and on their mother’s last wish. 

In this very special Father's Day episode, Krista sits down the with entire Streeter family: David and Ginny, plus their kids Libby, Reuben, Kaylee, and Connor. Each kid reads their favorite passage from their dad's Storyworth book and shares stories about what it was like growing up with David for a dad.

In honor of Mother's Day, Krista sits down with Frances Chow, whose mother married into a polyamorous family in 1940s China. Frances explains the complex family dynamics and high expectations her mother learned to navigate, the political turmoil that forced her parents to flee to Hong Kong, and the opportunity that eventually brought Frances to the United States.  

This week, Krista sits down with Michael Carvalho, who spent seven years as a police officer and detective in El Paso, Texas. He has a lot of great and wild stories from his time on the force. But his favorite story doesn't involve a criminal. Just a lost husband who managed to find his way home.

This week, author Myrna Bell reflects on her family's hidden past and the impact it had on two generations of her family. Myrna's story delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the lingering questions that arise from untold truths. Then, Krista chats with Myrna about what it was like growing up in a secretive family, and the ways she's helping her children and grandchildren know her better.

In this episode of the Storyworth Podcast, Krista talks with Donna Katz about her inspiring grandmother Sadie and the sacrifices she made to support her son through law school. Donna shares how Sadie's determination continue to inspire her family and others.

This week, Krista is joined by Steven Steinberg, who reads a touching letter written by his Grandpa Jake more than 40 years ago, just after the birth of Steve's son Michael. Steven shares stories about his resilient and imaginative grandpa, showcasing the enduring love Jake had for his family. 

This week, we reconnect with Jill Summerhayes, who shares a story about an unlikely friend she made while working as a governess in Stockholm, Sweden. But the real twist came about sixty years later, when Jill discovered the truth about her mystery friend. You'll never guess who took Jill to dinner.

Today, we dive into the thrilling and sometimes terrifying experience of growing up in Baton Rouge during hurricane season. Laura Hodge takes us back to the 1960s, when hurricanes provided the perfect excuse to skip school for a week and play cards by candlelight.