Melva Hightower and Tyler Hightower

Melva Hightower and her young nephew Tyler Hightower exchange stories of strength and struggle across a generational divide. Tyler recalls childhood teasing, and Melva the loss of a dear friend to AIDS.

Originally aired June 24, 2005, on NPR’s Morning Edition.

Donald Weiss and Ralph Tremonte

Donald Weiss and Ralph Tremonte grew up together, but it wasn’t by choice. As children they were committed to a New York State psychiatric institution.

After their release, they went forty years without seeing each other. Then they were reunited at StoryCorps.

In their conversation, Donald (left) and Ralph (right) remember life in the institution and how the experience affected them.

Originally aired October 21, 2005 on NPR’s Morning Edition.

Rita and Teresa Giordano

Rita Giordano and her daughter Teresa discuss the values that Rita would like to see carried forward into the future like honesty, integrity, and peace. Teresa also asks her mother how she would like to be remembered.

Originally aired December 16, 2003, on NPR’s Morning Edition.