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I interviewed Dr. Brittany Canady for my First Year Seminar class at Marshall University. Our FYS class has been focusing on critical thinking and how thoughtfully developed and artfully asked questions can lead to enriching and enlightening stories. Frank Sesno’s...

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.

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...

Paul and Alison talk about his unique role of being a white male and civil rights activist (with a special expertise in female African American history). Paul used his privilege to help open doors for those who were at a...

[Recorded Friday, April 28th, 2023] Deborah (64) and Terry (43) have a One Small Step Conversation in Charlottesville, Virginia. Deborah is a mother of two from Richmond, Virginia and works as an Inspector for UVA's Facilities Management. Terry is a...

Ashley talks about growing up as Irish Twins (her sister), learning to be honest with herself and others, and the art of resiliency. Ashley, a self-proclaimed emotional sponge, gives us some life advice ("Forward is forward...") and talks about how...

[Recorded Wednesday, February 16, 2022] Hillary (71) and Haydon (27) recorded a One Small Step conversation together about their experiences related to serving as a first responder (Haydon) and clergy (Hillary) at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville in...

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...

Lee Stienbarger (a.k.a. "Mr. S.") and Alison talk about the history of Richmond's competitive jump rope team- the Indiana Thump Jumpers, and how he functioned as a coach and trailblazer in a sport that was unknown to much of the...

[Recorded: Tuesday, August 23, 2022] Rollie (45) and Don (63) have a One Small Step conversation in Charlottesville, Virginia. Rollie works for Facilities Management at the University of Virginia, and Don is a deacon who served as the chair of...

I ask Landon a few questions about where he grew up and how his environnent has affected him.

Kathy Wentz talks with colleague Dr Sidney Schechet about his journey to become a Retina Specialist, finds out how COVID affected him, and learns the value of patience.

Chuck talks about being the “Bubble Man” of Allentown. Tals about his history as a Veteran, his blowing bubbles to beat the blues, and reactions from passersby.

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.

Ginger and Alison talk about the early years, how she started a family and moved to Richmond, and how the art scene/culture in Richmond helped her find herself and her talents!

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...

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...

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

[Recorded: Monday, November 1, 2021] Melody and Matt have their first One Small Step conversation in Charlottesville, Virginia. Melody is the Executive Director of the Karsh Institute of Democracy at UVA, and Matt is the founder of Hexagon Energy, a...

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.

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...

Up and Coming Musician Kaelan Brown talks about how he got his start in music, and where he thinks music will go in the coming years.

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.

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...

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.