Ep 8. StoryCorps Shorts: No More Questions

StoryCorps, a nonprofit organization, has been collecting and preserving stories of everyday Americans for over 15 years. In this episode of POV season 24, we are treated to a selection of StoryCorps shorts, touching, intimate glimpses into the lives of ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

The first short, "Ted," tells the story of a man who spent years protesting the Vietnam War, only to find himself drafted and serving in combat. The experience left him deeply scarred and haunted by memories of the atrocities he witnessed. His daughter, who recorded his story, reflects on how their relationship was forever altered by her father's trauma.

Next, "Howell" is the story of a man who spent most of his life working in a factory but found solace in his true passion: playing the banjo. He reflects on the joy music brought him and the ultimate sacrifice he made to pass that love on to his children.

In "Jerome," a man recalls the racism he faced growing up in the South in the 1960s. He remembers the bond he formed with a white neighbor, who offered him an unexpected kindness that he has never forgotten.

The poignant "Jenny & Anna" tells the story of two women who met in college and instantly became inseparable, despite coming from vastly different backgrounds. They talk about the fears and challenges they faced as gay women in the 1990s and the enduring strength of their friendship.

Finally, "Abe & Esther" is the tale of a couple who were married for 71 years. They reflect on the ups and downs of their long life together and the deep love that sustained them through it all.

Through these moving stories, we are reminded of the power of human connection and the importance of recording and preserving our own stories for future generations. StoryCorps Shorts: No More Questions is a celebration of the everyday heroes among us and the moments that make life worth living.