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Episode 8: Steve And JimGet to know your hosts once again as we both tell a personal story of our own once again, this time about being in and dealing with crisis. As you know going all the way back to episode one, Stories of Our Lives is a podcast dedicated to interpersonal conversations and storytelling. On occasion, such as in this 45-minute episode, there will be monologue versions from your fellow hosts, but for the most part, there will be interviews and discussions with each individual that appears on the show. First up we hear a story courtesy of Steve, and we learn about his time when he was becoming a social worker starting out in the field. Then, I recount my first experience interning at a Chicago-based organization, the connection I have made with a particular guest, and how it connects to a recent personal tale of crisis I’ve experienced. Thanks again for listening to these two stories, and we look forward to sharing more with you and from others in the months to come - Jim
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Episode 7: Julie GonzalesAfter a brief introduction with a surprise announcement regarding next week, Jim takes a break from behind the microphone so co-host Steve Ritter can offer us a very special interview with colleague and inspirational figure Julie Gonzales, who is an IO Psychologist and works as the Coordinator of Education Enrichment Programs at the Center for Professional Excellence over at Elmhurst College. We learn about her experiences that lead her down this particular path as well her rich history that has made her into the incredible person that she is today.
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Episode 6: Russ WoodsIt’s been about a month since you’ve heard from us, but we plan to start things off right in 2013 with another fantastic episode featuring a writer/musician/artist who has shared a meaningful friendship with me for about six years. Russ Woods is a very good friend of mine and I am extremely happy to showcase just some of his many wonderful life stories here. Not only is he an incredibly talented individual, but he’s helped me through some difficult transitions the past few years and vice versa I’m sure. We’ve also collaborated on a number of musical projects, and he’s even been a guest on my other movie podcast once before as well. I wanted to learn even more about his past, especially his upbringing and the brief stint into athleticism he experienced.
I am sure we’ll be hearing from Steve Ritter later in the month so have no fear, and I plan to have very similiar interviews like this one in the future, not only because they are enlightening, engaging and entertaining for me, but I know that folks will get a lot out of listening to these discussions as well. Thanks as always for the support and Happy New Year - Jim
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Episode 5: HeatherI’ve chosen to release this episode on Thanksgiving for the simple reason that I’m thankful for two things: the guest of this episode and the ability to record & share podcasts like this episode, over the years. This interview in particular is especially important for several reasons. First, you’re about to hear from someone that I know you’ll find endlessly compelling to listen to, based on her personal life history, career and interests. The stories you’re about to hear are just some of many to come, as I expect subsequent episodes to follow based on the many incredible adventures she’s experienced as well as some of the difficulties she’s overcome throughout her life thus far. Heather is someone I met through Craigslist of all things, while I was hunting for apartments in the Chicagoland area while relocating for graduate school.
Most importantly, she’s become an incredibly important person to me as we have established a friendship over time that really has helped with my transition into this new chapter in my life. This episode has cemented my preferred format as to where I’d like the podcast to go, to keep things conversational, but also to ask questions in an engaging manner to learn more about the strengths we all carry inside. Heather is a shining example of resilience as you’re about to hear, and I can’t thank her enough for being both my roommate and a friend - Jim
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Episode 4: Katie McDougall
After an introduction regarding the reason for the long delay between episodes, Jim takes a break from behind the microphone so co-host Steve Ritter can offer us a quick interview with a former student of his. Katie McDougall has had a myriad of accomplishments since her time spent as an undergraduate social work student over a decade ago when she met Steve in his introduction to social work class. We learn about her experiences that lead to her becoming a school social worker. Despite the consistent narratives that continue to thread in our lives and how resilent we become during detours throughout, we certainly can learn a lot from individuals like Katie who clearly has gone through a lot of change and growth over the years. It’s an immense pleasure to hear how Katie’s strengths eventually grew into a profession. Be sure to stay tuned for a brand new episode from Jim in about a week!
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Episode 3: Art MayesAfter another lengthy introduction, I decide to take a different approach for this episode. I interviewed my friend, Art Mayes, a guy that I’ve known for around 18 years, to get a little bit of history from him as well as reminiscence on our friendship and the experiences we shared writing music and being in a band together. It wasn’t always the best of times for either of us, and this is more of a collaborative conversation rather than the usual “interview” approach that you’ve heard before! This was a very organic method that hopefully you’ll find interesting to listen to - learning about the moments that shaped Art and you’ll even hear him fire off some questions my way for me to respond to. It’s much longer than what you’re used to, and I hope you enjoy what you hear. Many thanks to Art for being so open, honest and empathic as always - Jim
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Episode 2: Mawi AsgedomAfter an introduction and a quick reflection on the first episode from Jim, Steve Ritter takes the stage and interviews a man of many accomplishments. Mawi Asgedom is an author and public speaker that has overcome many struggles, and shares his story. Mawi has spoken to over 750,000 students in more than forty states and trained educators at The Harvard School of Education, The Midwest Principal’s Center and many international conferences. Day-time television host Oprah Winfrey named her interview of Mawi as one of her 20 Unforgettable Moments in October 2005. Mawi has many stories, and we are honored to hear some of them for our 2nd episode here!
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Episode 1: Steve Ritter & Jim LaczkowskiGet to know your hosts as they both tell a personal story of their own! Stories of Our Lives is a podcast dedicated to interpersonal conversations and storytelling. On occasion, such as in this first 45-minute episode, there will be monologue versions from a guest, but for the most part, there will be interviews and discussions with each individual that appears on the show. It will start out as bi-weekly podcast but may progress into more episodes as time goes on. First up with have a story with Steve, and we learn of his heritage and family history. Then, Jim recounts his month-long hospital stay when he almost died after contracting a rare disease at the age of 18. Thanks for listening to these two stories, and we look forward to sharing more with you. ITunes subscription feed coming soon!
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Mission Statement
Archive your life. Share your narrative. Talk about relationships, family, health, hardship, difficulties, successes. Every one has a story to tell and every one should be heard.
