The StoryCorps archive at the Library of Congress holds thousands of conversations between loved ones, talking about their lives, passing wisdom from one generation to the next, and leaving a legacy for the future.
Often, these are stories of courage. So on this season of the StoryCorps podcast, we’re bringing you stories about trailblazers — people who pushed boundaries and broke barriers. From the man who paved the way for today’s blood banks, to the woman who became the oldest person to reach outer space at the age of 82.
This season features ordinary people who went on to do extraordinary things, serve as a reminder that even small acts of courage can have lasting impact.
Men of the Ages
Focusing on the lives and achievements of two Black men who conducted groundbreaking medical research in the 1940s — as told by the people they mentored.
La Música En Mi
Discover the untold stories of two lesser-known musicians whose melodies resonated within their families and filled the homes of hundreds more on the StoryCorps podcast.
When Santas Stormed Macy’s
Mark Woodley and Jon Winkleman remember the Santa Protest at Macy’s that impacted both their lives thirty years ago.
Go To The Clouds
On this episode of the StoryCorps podcast, we focus on trailblazers and pioneers that have flown beyond and touched the stars.
We Go Up Together Or We Go Down Together
Clara was present the day of MLK’s assassination, and when gunshot rang out, she ran to Dr. King’s aid, holding him as he lied on the floor of the Hotel Lorraine. She never forgot his peaceful facial expression. She remembers how the day before she’d witnessed him give his final speech, that he’d “been to the mountaintop.” Inspired by the leaders of the Civil Rights movement, and the stories of disenfranchised Black workers, young Clara decided she would join every march, every picket, be at every protest to try and make a difference.
Sign Me Up
Join us as Jeanine Menze, the first Black female aviator in the Coast Guard, and La’Shanda Holmes, the second, share their remarkable journey in service. In this StoryCorps moment, they reflect on the impact they’ve made in each other’s lives as pioneering Black women in the military.
Finding Where You Fit
All season we’ve been sharing stories of trailblazers: people who rocked the boat and made waves in their careers, in science, even in music. On this episode, stories that take place on the basketball court and the baseball field.
You Can Fall, Just Don’t Stay There
In 1993, Los Angeles County firefighter Derek Bart saved a child from a house fire in Santa Clarita, CA. In our last episode of the season, we’ll hear three different perspectives on that night, and how they all intersect nearly 30 years later.