"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...

“This resiliency is a muscle and a practice…” – Ashley on her relationship with herself, her family, and her community.

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...

“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.

“We got it down to a science- everyone had a job”- Lee Stienbarger reflects on his years as coach of the Indiana Thump Jumpers

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...

Paul on his role in the civil rights movement: "If you spend all your time worrying about it, then you shouldn't be doing it."

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...

"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...

Rollie Zumbrunn and Don Gathers

[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...

Deborah Palmer and Terry Maynard

[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...

Landon Roberts
November 29, 2017 App Interview

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

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...

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Cheryl Henry and Cindy Martin

One Small Step Partners Cheryl Henry (60) and Cindy Martin (70) share stories about their families, political beliefs, and their home state of Virginia, and student loan forgiveness.

“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.

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Mimi Kline and Louis Rose

One Small Step partners Mimi Kline (71) and Louis Rose (69) take turns sharing stories and perspective about some of America's most pressing issues including, gun violence, transgender rights, and voting fraud.

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Henry McHenry and Susan Weir

One Small Step Partners, Henry McHenry (73) and Susan Weir (61), take an hour to discuss political divisiveness, the importance of listening, and their perspectives as life-long educators.

Quinton Mason and Tim Michel

[Recorded: Friday, November 18th, 2022] Quinton (31) and Tim (74) have a One Small Step conversation at the WTJU studio in Charlottesville, Virginia. Quinton is a Master of Architecture student at the University of Virginia, and Tim is a semi-retired...

“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...

"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.

“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...

"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.

Melody Barnes and Matt Hantzmon (Part 1)

[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...

Television Role Models

I talk with my mom about her female role models from TV growing up in the ‘60s and ‘70s

“Richmond is like my second home”- José talks about his life in the US and his love of learning

José Luis and Alison discuss the things he loves about Richmond while also acknowledging the challenges of making a life in a new country. The two also talk about his love of learning, travel, and his future education plans!