At StoryCorps, people of all backgrounds and beliefs are having conversations that are about what matters most to them in life. If you’re getting to know us and considering recording your own conversation, check out these stories recorded with us and preserved for American history.
Stories about What Matters Most
A Second Chance
While serving time for robbing a bank, Darius Clark Monroe decided to apologize to the people who were inside the bank on that day, including customer David Ned. Seventeen years later, they sat down to talk about what David’s forgiveness has meant to both of them.
Read the full transcript here.
John and Joe
John Vigiano Sr. is a retired New York City firefighter whose two sons followed him into service—John Jr. was a firefighter, too, and Joe was a police detective. On September 11, 2001, both Vigiano brothers responded to the call from the World Trade Center, and both were killed while saving others. Here, John Sr. remembers his sons and reflects on coping with his tremendous loss.
Read the full transcript here.
Miss Devine
Cousins James Ransom and Cherie Johnson recall their fearsome Sunday school teacher, Miss Lizzie Devine, the only woman who had more power than their grandmother.
Read the full transcript here.
Albert and Aidan Sykes
In 2015, 9-year-old Aidan Sykes came to StoryCorps in Jackson, Mississippi, to ask his father, Albert, a few important questions.
Read the full transcript here.
Chloe Longfellow
After her father died, Chloe Longfellow started spending more time with her grandmother Doris. A remembrance of her best friend.
Read the full transcript here.
We’re matching strangers from different points of view for conversations about who they are. Anyone, anywhere can sign up for our email list and complete our matching questionnaire to have the opportunity to be paired with a stranger for a One Small Step conversation.