Maxine 100 Years: Growing up in Bloomington, Indiana

Iris Maxine Pontius grew up during the Great Depression on a small farm outside Bloomington, Indiana. She and her eight siblings learned that working together made family life enjoyable even during hard times. They grew up in a two-bedroom farmhouse...

“I look back now and can see the positive that came from going to church each day.” – Josh Williams on his life, religion, and politics

Josh talks about growing up in Richmond, his family, belonging to a Pentecostal church, living with cerebral palsy, his interest/involvement in politics, and what we would like to see happen in Richmond to support his fellow citizens.

Part 3- Retired attorney Andy Cecere talks about his life and journey to Richmond, IN.

From a young age, Andy was motivated to create change. In this three part interview, Alison hears about his childhood, his time in the service, his path to Earlham and his life in Richmond. We also learn about those who...

Part 1- Retired Attorney Andy Cecere talks about his life and journey to Richmond

From a young age, Andy was motivated to create change. In this three part interview, Alison hears about his childhood, his time in the service, his path to Earlham and his life in Richmond. We also learn about those who...

“I had a dream to be someone”: Rogelio talks about his life in the US

Rogelio, a Richmond community member, talks with Alison about his early struggles, those who helped him succeed in school, and his passion for working hard to accomplish his goals.

“We want to remove any barrier that someone might have to creating art”- Andy and Amy Dudas on creating a space for the community

In this interview, Alison talks with Amy and Andy Dudas, owners of Dudas Law and community builders who are turning a vacant building in downtown Richmond into a place where all are welcome to create art of any form.

“The whole Richmond community came together to save it!” -Roger, Theresa and Natalie share stories of their family and Richmond

In this interview, Natalie (Ripperger), Roger and Theresa Richert talk with Alison about starting in business early, how they managed to revitalize the Depot District with the help of the community, stories of local accomplishments, and why their family business...

Wayne, at 100 years old, talks about his life and accomplishments as a lifetime resident of Wayne County, Indiana

Wayne Stidham, being interviewed by Alison Zajdel, talks about growing up poor, meeting his wife, and the professional climb to President of Second National Bank. Along the way, Wayne helped Richmond rebuild after the '68 explosion, bring IU East and...

Part 2- Retired attorney Andy Cecere talks about his life and journey to Richmond, IN.

From a young age, Andy was motivated to create change. In this three part interview, Alison hears about his childhood, his time in the service, his path to Earlham and his life in Richmond. We also learn about those who...

“I’m a changed woman as far as my feelings about poverty”: Susan on her role as Wayne Township Trustee

Susan Isaacs, the Wayne Township Trustee and community organizer, talks with Alison about her early years of success, life's ups and downs, and how she approaches the unique role of caretaker in the trustee's office.

"I have always felt at home wherever I go."

Aileen and Alison talk about growing up on a farm, moving to Richmond, teaching at RHS, and her retired life as a community volunteer.

"After the first year, it got easier to sell." – Bill Thistlethwaite on creating the Meltdown Ice Festival in Richmond, IN

Bill and Alison talk about why the Meltdown Ice Festival is special, what makes it different, and how the visiting carvers embrace this small Midwestern town in the dead of winter.

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Lynda Anderson and Kelly Faglioni

One Small Step conversation participants Lynda Anderson (66) and Kelly Faglioni (56) have a conversation about their journeys to Richmond, their career paths, their sibling dynamics and the importance of family.

“If you want something to happen, you just have to go make it happen.” – Jon and Aria-Blair about the way they experience our community

Jon, Aria-Blair, and their toddler daughter join Alison for a conversation about their lives in Richmond, their two businesses (Black Dog Printing and Tarot Tattoo), and how they are helping to create safe spaces for women and creative places for...

“We need to celebrate those things that are good and positive” – Shaun on his family’s local history and the role art plays in our community

Shaun Dingwerth, Director of Richmond Art Museum, talks with Alison about the way art has shaped and continues to shape our history and culture in Richmond and Wayne County. His relatives were among the first settlers in the area and...

"We've got to hold ourselves up- we've got to have each other's back" – Mike Gibbs on being a musician and family businessman in Richmond.

Mike and Alison discuss his career in music, his local business ventures, working with family (they work together so well!) and raising a family in Richmond. Music lovers: Hear Mike's Billboard 100 song "Sarah's In Love" at the end of...

Lucky to be a blue.

A conversation with my wonderful "Nanny B" (grandmother) about her relationship with my granddad, Jerry Blue. Silly memories and meaningful life lessons from very wise woman that took place on a lovely Friday afternoon. We discuss the impact of growing...

“Richmond is a perfect place to get started in life”- Caleb talks about discovering Richmond and “growing” the Richmond Farmer’s Market

Caleb Smith tells us about why he settled in Richmond after his college career at Earlham, his vision for the growing Farmer's Market, and what he appreciates about small town living.

Vietnam War Interview Project

Terry Smith was born right before the Vietnam war. He lived through it as a student and he went on to teach it year after year in his high school American history teacher. In this interview you will be provided...

"Speak the truth in love is not the worst advice…" – Ben Brazil shares stories of travel, writing, politics and the people of Richmond, IN

If you struggle with the current political climate (especially the public discourse), take a listen to Ben's interview. Learn about his early life, his path to Richmond, religion, and his career/projects. He also talks about the way he navigates current...