StoryCorps

StoryCorps’ mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world.

Arleta Lefler and Theresa Gleason

Arleta Lefler talks to her supervisor, Theresa Gleason, about how faith informs her work as a nurse. For Arleta, nursing is a "God calling." She recalls memorable moments of interacting with patients from throughout her career. LISTEN HERE

One Small Step: Caroline Valentine and Peter Wertz on political beliefs and speaking with a stranger

p next in our series of One Small Step conversations in Alaska Caroline Valentine (76) and Peter Wertz (35) of Anchorage discuss their political beliefs and why they decided to take a chance on speaking with a stranger.

Charlotte Fitzhugh

79-year-old Charlotte Fitzhugh lives in a converted school bus in Fairbanks, Alaska. 20 years ago, she decided to run in the 1,000-mile-long Yukon Quest...

Walter Kanulie

Walter Kanulie is a Yupik Eskimo living in Togiak, Alaska where hunting and fishing is a way of life and traditional knowledge is something...

One Small Step: Ryan McKee and Evan Fried on being troubled by people with similar political beliefs and how to inspire more open discussion

Since last summer Alaska Public Media has been facilitating conversations between people with different political views as part of One Small Step – a collaboration with StoryCorps. The goal was to find common ground in a divisive political climate. 

One Small Step: Michelle Goodwin and Christy McMurren on aging, paradigms and building bonds

Since last summer Alaska Public Media has been facilitating conversations between people with different political views as part of One Small Step – a collaboration with StoryCorps. The goal was to find common ground in a divisive political climate. 

Da-Ka-Xeen Mehner

Da-Ka-Xeen Mehner is like many people today. His heritage is a stew, but the prodominant ingredient is Tlingit. He's an artist in Fairbanks.  Aldona...

Dorcas Rock

Dorcas Rock is a traditional healer in Barrow, Alaska. She spoke with her cousin Doreen Simmonds for StoryCorps Alaska. Dorcas has unusual gifts. Not...

Kathleen Hollis and Agnes Twishime

Born in Congo, Agnes Twishime arrived at a refugee camp in Uganda when she was just three. Now with laundry services at Providence Alaska Medical Center, Agnes shares with Mission Services Director Kathleen Hollis, her experience as a child refugee and desire to help care for the vulnerable and those in need. Thanks for listening!

Finding comfort with Alaska CARES

A mother talks to Providence Foundation philanthropy officer Mary Sullivan about how Alaska CARES helped her son and family following revelations of his being sexually abused. Now an advocate for Alaska CARES, which helps children after the trauma of abuse, she shares their story to let others know that hope and healing are possible. Thanks for listening!

Trinadad Ruiz

Trinadad Ruiz lives in Barrow, the most northern city in the United States. But, her roots run south, across the border to Mexico. She...

Ralph Pasana and Asia Harmeling

Asia Harmeling and Ralph Pasana talk about why they chose nursing. Ralph shares the memory when, as a teen one day, he wanted to spend time with friends rather than care for his grandmother and how that episode influences his work as a nurse today. LISTEN HERE

Luke Koonook

Luke Koonook is 80 years old and he has been whaling since he was a young man. He talks to Doreen Simmonds for StoryCorps...

One Small Step: Edwin Anderson and Morgan Blanchard on evolving political views, civil rights and faith

Since last summer Alaska Public Media has been facilitating conversations between people with different political views as part of One Small Step – a collaboration with StoryCorps. The goal was to find common ground in a divisive political climate. 

Ginny Shaffer and Lisa Solomonson

Friends Ginny Shaffer and Lisa Solomonson recall the passing of Ginny's infant son, Bryson, twelve years ago. At the time, Lisa was a nurse who cared for Bryson and his twin sister, Holland. Both were born with heart defects. Ginny and Lisa reflect on the experience of caring for Bryson and Holland through this difficult time. Ginny and Lisa bonded during the care of Bryson and Holland through this difficult time. LISTEN HERE

Ward and Taylor Hurlburt

Ward and Taylor Hurlburt are brothers. They fish commercially for salmon in Bristol Bay. But, the two have never totally put aside their sibling...

Mabel Pike

Mabel Pike is, possibly, Alaska's best-known Tlingit beader and skin sewer. She told her friend, Sharon Livingston, that she grew up in Southeast Alaska,...

Mike Jeffery

Mike Jeffery came to Barrow more than 20 years ago and stayed to become the judge presiding on the edge of the Arctic Ocean...

Richard Beneville

Richard Beneville is a fast-talking former New Yorker who has made a life in Nome, Alaska - a town with a rich gold rush...

Johnathon Green

StoryCorps traveled to Alaska in February to record the voices of our service men and women as a part of it’s military voices initiative. This story comes to us from JBER. Military recruiters told Johnathon Green that a hand disability would prevent him from ever serving in the military. They said he couldn’t shoot a gun. Johnathon found his way to Alaska anyway, and eventually into the military’s ranks. Instead of shooting a gun, Johnathon shoots a camera. At StoryCorps, he tells a co-worker about his long path into military service. Listen now: