Search Interviews

Jennifer Frederic (40) interviews her conversation partner Carol Nine (88) about Carol's childhood growing up in Romeo, Michigan in the 1940s and her experiences with African-American friends. Carol also talks about Amanda Moore, a well-known African-American woman in town who...

Kelly Davis (44) interviews her conversation partner Diane Marshall (67) about growing up, raising her family, her career, and her dreams for the future.

Chris Lampen-Crowell (63) and Bruce Johnson (68) talk about the process of opening their store Gazelle Sports in Downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan, and the barriers they overcame to make it a success.

Superintendent of Lake Geneva Schools Peter Wilson (45) interviews his parents, Stephen Wilson (76) and Marcia Wilson (75), about their childhood experiences and their families. Marcia and Stephen also talk about their role models, family stories, and mutual support in...

Rochelle Williams (55) speaks with her husband Charles Williams (53) about her family’s history in Plateau, AL, also known as Africatown. The two discuss the new attention the community is receiving in light of the discovery of the Clotilda ship...

Friends and coworkers Lynn Houghton (65) and Sharon Carlson (60) discuss their shared passion for Kalamazoo history, the built environment, and cultural preservation.

Dean Zaidan (61) talks with his daughter, Kate Zaidan (36), about the drive and risks he took to open his store, Dean's Mediterranean Imports, which Kate now runs. Dean tells Kate about his path that led him from Lebanon to...

Magi Thomley Williams [no age given] interviews her friend and colleague, Kathleen Logan (79), about her family, her career, and the lessons that she has learned throughout her life.

Sabrina King (20) interviews Stephanie Williams (51) about her experience organizing and advocating for her community, reflecting on the barriers she has overcome as a Black woman in politics and the importance of representation. In 2018, Stephanie became the first...

Friends Felicia Hokenstad (32) and Stephanie Sleda (27) talk about their experience volunteering with the North Country Trail Association, their adventures outdoors, and people who have influenced them within the association.

One Small Step partners Susan Sherer (62) and Katherine Carrigan (80) discuss the role of faith in their lives, their work, and the impacts of generational wealth.

one Small Step conversation partners Joy Young (61) and April Lidinsky (57) talk about faith, getting beyond labels and staying optimistic despite concerns about the future.

Colleagues Michael "Mike" Walling (54), YoungJun Li (45) and May Hua [no age given] discuss their cultural heritage and their work with the Chinese Association of Greater Kalamazoo (CAGK).

Friends and coworkers Cindy Yawkey (58) and Jennifer Ray (71) sit down to talk about their love of history and storytelling and about the work they do at the Underground Railroad Society of Cass County (URSCC).

Penney Lary (45) asks her mother, Sandra Thornton (71) about her reasons for joining the military and her experiences within the army.

Building & Grounds Co-Chairs of the Ladies’ Library Association (LLA) of Kalamazoo, Paula Jamison (no age given) and Marge Kars (no age given), detail the process of maintaining the LLA’s historic building.

Fiancés Ian Whistler (23) and Ryan Myers (37) talk about their life together, joking about their cats aka “The Women” and sharing some of their favorite memories.

Lucia Lara Filter (18) interviews her parents Maria Lara (52) and Jim Filter (52) about their lives, memories as a family, and wisdom they have to share with Lucia as she prepares to leave for college on the same day...

One Small Step conversation partners Timothy "Tim" Hunter (63) and Claire Ninde (57) share life histories, political opinions and things they've learned from family members.

One Small Step conversation partners Pete Shaw (72) and Anila Mondabaugh (76) talk about integrity, honesty and democratic values.

Friends Lorane Jinkerson (76) and Jerold "Jerry" Fennell (76) talk about hiking, backpacking, and their enduring love for the North Country Trail Association.

Patrese Griffin (41) speaks with her husband, Ed Genesis [no age given], about where they each were in life when they first met, the work they have been able to do together since meeting, and how they balance helping others...

Elias (68) talks to his daughter Patricia (40) about reasons why he moved to the U.S. He spoke about what he misses about Mexico, and he spoke of his experiences living in Michigan.

One Small Step partners Denise Hartsough (64) and Peter Strazadas (64) talk about their backgrounds, values, experiences with race, and their perspectives on the role of government.

May Moe Tun (22) interviews her friend and colleague, Toya Williams (49), about her relationship with cooking, something she learned from her mother growing up. Toya also describes her journey navigating health and disability while reflecting on the importance of...