<![CDATA[StoryCorps Oklahoma]]>de98044e-a4e2-56ee-831a-c75e917a8383Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:47:56 +0000Captivate.fmKOSUhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/f5271555-38ef-4559-8ca4-2b053426cd24/StoryCorps-Story-Corps-Podcast-2025.jpgStoryCorps OklahomaKOSUKOSUFounded in 2003 by Dave Isay, StoryCorps has given more than 450,000 people — Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs, in towns and cities in all 50 states — the chance to record interviews about their lives. As part of its cross-country MobileBooth tour, StoryCorps recorded interviews in Oklahoma City from February 8th to March 9th, 2018. Listen to some of those stories here.https://www.kosu.org/programs/storycorps-oklahomafalseepisodichttps://feeds.captivate.fm/storycorps-oklahoma/nopodcastOklahoma City, Oklahoma, USAOne Small Step: Terri and EmilyOne Small Step: Terri and EmilyKOSU has been hosting conversations between people of differing political beliefs and backgrounds as part of StoryCorps' One Small Step project. This conversation is between Terri Angier and Emily Friedman.

They discuss how their mothers were influential to them. And Emily asks Terri about being away from her parents in Iran during the Iranian Revolution.

]]>KOSU has been hosting conversations between people of differing political beliefs and backgrounds as part of StoryCorps' One Small Step project. This conversation is between Terri Angier and Emily Friedman.

They discuss how their mothers were influential to them. And Emily asks Terri about being away from her parents in Iran during the Iranian Revolution.

]]>0a971438-a8f9-413a-bff9-12ad14192437Tue, 19 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -050005:02falsefull99Explaining OKC becoming a StoryCorps Anchor CityExplaining OKC becoming a StoryCorps Anchor CityOklahoma City became one of four StoryCorps anchoring their One Small Step initiative for 2022. In this episode of StoryCorps Oklahoma, KOSU's 2021 One Small Step facilitators Matthew Viriyapah and Kateleigh Mills speak with StoryCorps field manager Bess Ser about what that means and how Oklahomans can participate.

]]>Oklahoma City became one of four StoryCorps anchoring their One Small Step initiative for 2022. In this episode of StoryCorps Oklahoma, KOSU's 2021 One Small Step facilitators Matthew Viriyapah and Kateleigh Mills speak with StoryCorps field manager Bess Ser about what that means and how Oklahomans can participate.

]]>ac09c871-f4b2-4a93-916f-14e61a0f1a6dTue, 08 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -050007:52falsefull88One Small Step: Kristi and TristenOne Small Step: Kristi and TristenKOSU has been hosting conversations between people of differing political beliefs and backgrounds as part of StoryCorps' One Small Step project. This conversation is between Kristi Koures- a high school teacher - and Tristen Lee- a PhD student.

Koures and Lee were KOSU's first in-person One Small Step conversation to be recorded. In their conversation, they talked at length about education, individualism, grief and loss of a loved one - and their separate political journeys.

]]>KOSU has been hosting conversations between people of differing political beliefs and backgrounds as part of StoryCorps' One Small Step project. This conversation is between Kristi Koures- a high school teacher - and Tristen Lee- a PhD student.

Koures and Lee were KOSU's first in-person One Small Step conversation to be recorded. In their conversation, they talked at length about education, individualism, grief and loss of a loved one - and their separate political journeys.

]]>03fa89e3-e1ff-4c2e-9272-524555d0cffeTue, 22 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -050004:28falsefull77Explaining One Small Step's Ground RulesExplaining One Small Step's Ground RulesKOSU's 2021 One Small Step facilitators Matthew Viriyapah and Kateleigh Mills walk you through the conversation ground rules that participants read before the conversation begins.

]]>KOSU's 2021 One Small Step facilitators Matthew Viriyapah and Kateleigh Mills walk you through the conversation ground rules that participants read before the conversation begins.

]]>749e7295-2b99-46b3-b905-41ae56b3bc72Mon, 31 Jan 2022 03:00:00 -050007:48falsefull66One Small Step: Marc and KristinOne Small Step: Marc and KristinKOSU has been hosting conversations between people of differing political beliefs and backgrounds as part of StoryCorps' One Small Step project. This conversation features Kristin McAtee, an associate pastor who describes herself as moderate, but typically left leaning, and Marc Dreyer, a former Baptist pastor of 39 years, who describes himself as conservative with some moderate tendencies. The two met virtually to discuss if they think churches should do a better job of healing political divides. 

]]>KOSU has been hosting conversations between people of differing political beliefs and backgrounds as part of StoryCorps' One Small Step project. This conversation features Kristin McAtee, an associate pastor who describes herself as moderate, but typically left leaning, and Marc Dreyer, a former Baptist pastor of 39 years, who describes himself as conservative with some moderate tendencies. The two met virtually to discuss if they think churches should do a better job of healing political divides. 

]]>ace862c4-32b8-4b85-82dc-5626eda48207Tue, 25 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -050005:43falsefull2552One Small Step: Kelli and CarolOne Small Step: Kelli and CarolKOSU has been hosting conversations between people of differing political beliefs and backgrounds as part of StoryCorps' One Small Step project. In this conversation, Kelli Dickerson and Carol Hilborn talk about the lessons they've learned from children and how they view themselves as voters. 

]]>KOSU has been hosting conversations between people of differing political beliefs and backgrounds as part of StoryCorps' One Small Step project. In this conversation, Kelli Dickerson and Carol Hilborn talk about the lessons they've learned from children and how they view themselves as voters. 

]]>4e2d30c7-01de-43cd-aed2-a892d7e4bd2cWed, 12 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -050004:29falsefull44One Small Step: John and OliveOne Small Step: John and OliveKOSU has been hosting personal conversations between people of differing political beliefs and backgrounds. In this StoryCorps One Small Step conversation, John - a Libertarian from Stillwater, and Olive, a Democratic trans-woman from OKC, discuss her fears coming out and John’s feelings as a parent.

]]>KOSU has been hosting personal conversations between people of differing political beliefs and backgrounds. In this StoryCorps One Small Step conversation, John - a Libertarian from Stillwater, and Olive, a Democratic trans-woman from OKC, discuss her fears coming out and John’s feelings as a parent.

]]>0b0fb58d-5daa-4186-8c58-f38dfdf8e2d7Wed, 22 Dec 2021 12:00:00 -050003:50falsefull33One Small Step participants discuss their differences in faithOne Small Step participants discuss their differences in faithOne Small Step participants Nick Zoller and Karen McBee were not only one of the first sign-ups here in Oklahoma in 2021, but were also the first conversation KOSU recorded.

Both Nick and Karen have experiences as educators in higher education. We paired them not only because of their similarities in careers, but because both of them were looking to gain understanding from someone they knew was politically different from them.

Some of their differences included their views on economics and their relationship and journeys with religion. In the audio above, you'll hear just a snippet of their conversation about what led Karen to identify with agnosticism and what Nick's journey has been like, too.

]]>One Small Step participants Nick Zoller and Karen McBee were not only one of the first sign-ups here in Oklahoma in 2021, but were also the first conversation KOSU recorded.

Both Nick and Karen have experiences as educators in higher education. We paired them not only because of their similarities in careers, but because both of them were looking to gain understanding from someone they knew was politically different from them.

Some of their differences included their views on economics and their relationship and journeys with religion. In the audio above, you'll hear just a snippet of their conversation about what led Karen to identify with agnosticism and what Nick's journey has been like, too.

]]>52e99949-9037-48c3-90e7-cac23be75a6cTue, 21 Dec 2021 12:57:00 -050003:51falsefull22KOSU and Story Corps help Oklahomans take One Small Step forward, TogetherKOSU and Story Corps help Oklahomans take One Small Step forward, TogetherMeeting a stranger can be difficult for some people. Meeting a stranger with opposing beliefs can be even more difficult. But this year, Oklahomans have signed up to do it — to talk to someone they know ahead of time thinks differently than they do. The goal for One Small Step conversations is to get to know one another - learn about the stories and people that influenced them and their beliefs, in an effort to try to understand someone you might not have a chance to meet otherwise.

Take a listen to what we've heard people say on why they wanted to do this, what lessons they've learned from people in their lives, and what they hope for in their future discussions about politics.

]]>Meeting a stranger can be difficult for some people. Meeting a stranger with opposing beliefs can be even more difficult. But this year, Oklahomans have signed up to do it — to talk to someone they know ahead of time thinks differently than they do. The goal for One Small Step conversations is to get to know one another - learn about the stories and people that influenced them and their beliefs, in an effort to try to understand someone you might not have a chance to meet otherwise.

Take a listen to what we've heard people say on why they wanted to do this, what lessons they've learned from people in their lives, and what they hope for in their future discussions about politics.

]]>6427459b-590b-47af-bb40-97818f71f645Mon, 20 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -050003:44falsefull11Introducing: KOSU and StoryCorps' One Small StepIntroducing: KOSU and StoryCorps' One Small StepMeeting a stranger can be difficult for some people. Meeting a stranger with opposing beliefs can be even more difficult. But this year, Oklahomans have signed up to do it — to talk to someone they know ahead of time thinks differently than they do. The goal for One Small Step conversations is to get to know one another - learn about the stories and people that influenced them and their beliefs, in an effort to try to understand someone you might not have a chance to meet otherwise.

So far, KOSU has been able to host 20 One Small Step Conversations. KOSU facilitators Kateleigh Mills and Matthew Viriyapah have paired nearly 40 Oklahomans with differing viewpoints for a personal, 50-minute conversation.

"My observations from a facilitator's standpoint is that people want to work together," Mills said. "We've been told by several participants how happy they've been to participate in a project like this, that they've felt they did something meaningful towards healing the divisions within our society — even if it is just a small step."

]]>Meeting a stranger can be difficult for some people. Meeting a stranger with opposing beliefs can be even more difficult. But this year, Oklahomans have signed up to do it — to talk to someone they know ahead of time thinks differently than they do. The goal for One Small Step conversations is to get to know one another - learn about the stories and people that influenced them and their beliefs, in an effort to try to understand someone you might not have a chance to meet otherwise.

So far, KOSU has been able to host 20 One Small Step Conversations. KOSU facilitators Kateleigh Mills and Matthew Viriyapah have paired nearly 40 Oklahomans with differing viewpoints for a personal, 50-minute conversation.

"My observations from a facilitator's standpoint is that people want to work together," Mills said. "We've been told by several participants how happy they've been to participate in a project like this, that they've felt they did something meaningful towards healing the divisions within our society — even if it is just a small step."

]]>2165e0de-061f-4379-b7b3-855120a2e21eWed, 15 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -050004:41falsefullRecounting One Of The Largest Fires In Air Force HistoryRecounting One Of The Largest Fires In Air Force HistoryNearly 35 years ago, a contract welder dropped his torch in a jet maintenance facility at Tinker Air Force Base, sparking one of the largest fires in Air Force history. The fire became a case study for fire prevention processes and building codes for the Air Force. Garry Souders was the chief of safety at the base in 1984. He came to the StoryCorps Mobile Booth in Oklahoma City to tell his son John about that eerie day.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Nearly 35 years ago, a contract welder dropped his torch in a jet maintenance facility at Tinker Air Force Base, sparking one of the largest fires in Air Force history. The fire became a case study for fire prevention processes and building codes for the Air Force. Garry Souders was the chief of safety at the base in 1984. He came to the StoryCorps Mobile Booth in Oklahoma City to tell his son John about that eerie day.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>ce785536-83a7-4cbb-859f-8b828826c7b3Wed, 30 Jan 2019 14:00:00 -050003:45falsefull3636Nearly 35 years ago, a contract welder dropped his torch in a jet maintenance facility at Tinker Air Force Base, sparking one of the largest fires in Air Force history. The fire became a case study for fire prevention processes and building codes for the Air Force. Garry Souders was the chief of safety at the base in 1984. He came to the StoryCorps Mobile Booth in Oklahoma City to tell his son John about that eerie day.'Do You Know What It Means To Be Adopted?''Do You Know What It Means To Be Adopted?'Ariana Ude and her mom, Kelli Ude have an honest relationship and that includes how they became family. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to reflect on their relationship and Ariana’s adoption.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Ariana Ude and her mom, Kelli Ude have an honest relationship and that includes how they became family. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to reflect on their relationship and Ariana’s adoption.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>56ca3cca-e5c8-4775-acc4-8339ef25d15aWed, 23 Jan 2019 14:00:00 -050004:23falsefull3535Ariana Ude and her mom, Kelli Ude have an honest relationship and that includes how they became family. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to reflect on their relationship and Ariana’s adoption.'We're Going To Face This Head-On': Coming To Grips With A Cancer Diagnosis In A New Relationship'We're Going To Face This Head-On': Coming To Grips With A Cancer Diagnosis In A New RelationshipNew relationships are often awkward, and that could have been exceptionally true for Jessica Wedel and Zac Fowler. They faced an unthinkable challenge just as they started dating but ultimately were able to give each other the gifts of a relationship that had already withstood the tests of time.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>New relationships are often awkward, and that could have been exceptionally true for Jessica Wedel and Zac Fowler. They faced an unthinkable challenge just as they started dating but ultimately were able to give each other the gifts of a relationship that had already withstood the tests of time.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>cb0b1d92-7e9c-4ccf-8f51-bf4db137574aWed, 16 Jan 2019 14:00:00 -050004:10falsefull3434New relationships are often awkward, and that could have been exceptionally true for Jessica Wedel and Zac Fowler. They faced an unthinkable challenge just as they started dating but ultimately were able to give each other the gifts of a relationship that had already withstood the tests of time.Separated By The Vietnam War, High School Sweethearts Find Each Other AgainSeparated By The Vietnam War, High School Sweethearts Find Each Other AgainThe holidays are often a time of family togetherness and thankfulness. The gift of love is something Larry and Linda Sanders and their daughter Laura Holcomb reflected on when they visited the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City earlier this year.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>The holidays are often a time of family togetherness and thankfulness. The gift of love is something Larry and Linda Sanders and their daughter Laura Holcomb reflected on when they visited the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City earlier this year.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>a032742e-ca03-4061-94ae-500a3ab701cbWed, 19 Dec 2018 14:00:00 -050004:23falsefull3333The holidays are often a time of family togetherness and thankfulness. The gift of love is something Larry and Linda Sanders and their daughter Laura Holcomb reflected on when they visited the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City earlier this year.Fleeing Civil War In Lebanon, His Family Made Their Home Halfway Across The WorldFleeing Civil War In Lebanon, His Family Made Their Home Halfway Across The WorldThe Lebanese Civil War started in 1975 and lasted for 15 years. 120,000 people died and nearly one million people fled the country. Among them was Afeef Hamra, who brought his family to Oklahoma City. His daughter Lauren brought him to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about that time and what he wants her to remember about Lebanese culture.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>The Lebanese Civil War started in 1975 and lasted for 15 years. 120,000 people died and nearly one million people fled the country. Among them was Afeef Hamra, who brought his family to Oklahoma City. His daughter Lauren brought him to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about that time and what he wants her to remember about Lebanese culture.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>73f10688-9dda-44a9-bde4-207f78505f48Wed, 12 Dec 2018 14:00:00 -050004:24falsefull3232The Lebanese Civil War started in 1975 and lasted for 15 years. 120,000 people died and nearly one million people fled the country. Among them was Afeef Hamra, who brought his family to Oklahoma City. His daughter Lauren brought him to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about that time and what he wants her to remember about Lebanese culture.She Was A Cloistered Nun For 24 Years, Then She LeftShe Was A Cloistered Nun For 24 Years, Then She LeftWhen 96-year-old Annabelle Miller was young, she had to make a decision: go to college or choose another path. She joined a very strict order of nuns, but in her 40s, decided it wasn’t the best path for her and left. Annabelle came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk to her friend Troy Jones about that decision and the ways that her life has changed.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>When 96-year-old Annabelle Miller was young, she had to make a decision: go to college or choose another path. She joined a very strict order of nuns, but in her 40s, decided it wasn’t the best path for her and left. Annabelle came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk to her friend Troy Jones about that decision and the ways that her life has changed.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>9056719a-8a3b-4d59-acfb-489df2aa7a22Wed, 28 Nov 2018 17:06:00 -050004:17falsefull3131When 96-year-old Annabelle Miller was young, she had to make a decision: go to college or choose another path. She joined a very strict order of nuns, but in her 40s, decided it wasn’t the best path for her and left. Annabelle came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk to her friend Troy Jones about that decision and the ways that her life has changed.'I Am So Proud Of You': How A Woman With Down Syndrome Became A Self-Advocate'I Am So Proud Of You': How A Woman With Down Syndrome Became A Self-AdvocateLinda Schaffel changed many things about her life when her daughter Lisa was born with a disability. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about the ways Lisa has surprised her along the way.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Linda Schaffel changed many things about her life when her daughter Lisa was born with a disability. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about the ways Lisa has surprised her along the way.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>ae100e86-0d09-4e9c-9491-ce087b01515aWed, 21 Nov 2018 14:00:00 -050004:23falsefull3030Linda Schaffel changed many things about her life when her daughter Lisa was born with a disability. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about the ways Lisa has surprised her along the way.'I Never Wanted To Burden People': He Won't Let His Injury Define Him'I Never Wanted To Burden People': He Won't Let His Injury Define HimTommy Parrish received a debilitating injury at a young age, but he doesn’t see himself as disabled. He and his daughter Kathryn Thomas came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about the lessons they have both learned from Tommy’s injury.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Tommy Parrish received a debilitating injury at a young age, but he doesn’t see himself as disabled. He and his daughter Kathryn Thomas came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about the lessons they have both learned from Tommy’s injury.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>4aed6581-8e63-4754-9f01-9b3c415c83c3Wed, 14 Nov 2018 14:00:00 -050004:26falsefull2929Tommy Parrish received a debilitating injury at a young age, but he doesn’t see himself as disabled. He and his daughter Kathryn Thomas came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about the lessons they have both learned from Tommy’s injury.More Than A Dozen Years Later, A Mother Strives To Catch Her Daughter's KillerMore Than A Dozen Years Later, A Mother Strives To Catch Her Daughter's KillerLearning her child had been murdered was Dr. Maggie Zingman’s worst nightmare. She came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about the lessons she learned and her continued quest to find her daughter's killer.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Learning her child had been murdered was Dr. Maggie Zingman’s worst nightmare. She came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about the lessons she learned and her continued quest to find her daughter's killer.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>75617f2d-21f3-4ef5-8ccd-85a531481eccWed, 31 Oct 2018 13:00:00 -050004:47falsefull2828Learning her child had been murdered was Dr. Maggie Zingman’s worst nightmare. She came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about the lessons she learned and her continued quest to find her daughter's killer.Eating Sushi Helped Him Learn The Unwritten Cultural Norms Of His Spouse's FamilyEating Sushi Helped Him Learn The Unwritten Cultural Norms Of His Spouse's FamilyIt’s a feeling that’s familiar to many, the start of a new relationship and then meeting the family with all of their customs and traditions. It’s something Anna Bui and her husband Bryan Salsieder talked about when they came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>It’s a feeling that’s familiar to many, the start of a new relationship and then meeting the family with all of their customs and traditions. It’s something Anna Bui and her husband Bryan Salsieder talked about when they came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>874c2500-a084-4140-932b-ec5d62c2e580Wed, 24 Oct 2018 13:00:00 -050003:43falsefull2727It’s a feeling that’s familiar to many, the start of a new relationship and then meeting the family with all of their customs and traditions. It’s something Anna Bui and her husband Bryan Salsieder talked about when they came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City.'I'll Just Keep Praying With You': An Unconditional Friendship Despite Spiritual Differences'I'll Just Keep Praying With You': An Unconditional Friendship Despite Spiritual DifferencesAmy Brewer and Kathryn Furr are best friends, going through thick and thin together. But they have differences. Amy is an atheist and Kat is a Christian. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about what they’ve learned from each other.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Amy Brewer and Kathryn Furr are best friends, going through thick and thin together. But they have differences. Amy is an atheist and Kat is a Christian. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about what they’ve learned from each other.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>0037588c-10a5-4034-b62b-2c2ee8dc7c1aWed, 17 Oct 2018 13:00:00 -050004:09falsefull2626Amy Brewer and Kathryn Furr are best friends, going through thick and thin together. But they have differences. Amy is an atheist and Kat is a Christian. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about what they’ve learned from each other.'I Can See The Goodness In You': Daughter Strives To Be Like Her Mother'I Can See The Goodness In You': Daughter Strives To Be Like Her MotherMauree Turner grew up in Ardmore and experienced racism at a young age. When she came to the Story Corps mobile booth in Oklahoma City, she talked about her mom’s influence on her identity.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Mauree Turner grew up in Ardmore and experienced racism at a young age. When she came to the Story Corps mobile booth in Oklahoma City, she talked about her mom’s influence on her identity.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>d0740ef0-1008-4a6e-ac39-8204ec4aa5eeWed, 10 Oct 2018 13:00:00 -050003:21falsefull2525Mauree Turner grew up in Ardmore and experienced racism at a young age. When she came to the Story Corps mobile booth in Oklahoma City, she talked about her mom’s influence on her identity.'There Is A Bond Between Homeless People': Seeing The Blessings Of A Nomadic Life'There Is A Bond Between Homeless People': Seeing The Blessings Of A Nomadic LifeOuida "Jeannie" Eugenia Kaulaity lived in her truck for years. Some might consider homelessness a struggle, but Jeannie came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk to her case worker Marty Peercy about the ways she has been blessed by the homeless community in Oklahoma City.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Ouida "Jeannie" Eugenia Kaulaity lived in her truck for years. Some might consider homelessness a struggle, but Jeannie came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk to her case worker Marty Peercy about the ways she has been blessed by the homeless community in Oklahoma City.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City in early 2018. Locally recorded stories air Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on KOSU.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>d6937ca1-6734-4dd0-9c3f-97e8e7d87cabWed, 03 Oct 2018 13:00:00 -050004:20falsefull2424Ouida "Jeannie" Eugenia Kaulaity lived in her truck for years. Some might consider homelessness a struggle, but Jeannie came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk to her case worker Marty Peercy about the ways she has been blessed by the homeless community in Oklahoma City.'She's There When I Need Her': A Special Bond Between An Athlete And A Coach'She's There When I Need Her': A Special Bond Between An Athlete And A CoachThirty-eight-year-old Anthony Taylor plays A LOT of sports with his Special Olympics team, Moore Xtreme. That’s how he got to know his coach Jeanne Maulson. They came to the StoryCorps Mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about the special relationship they’ve developed and how it helps encourage them.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Thirty-eight-year-old Anthony Taylor plays A LOT of sports with his Special Olympics team, Moore Xtreme. That’s how he got to know his coach Jeanne Maulson. They came to the StoryCorps Mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about the special relationship they’ve developed and how it helps encourage them.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>69d0ee6d-72a7-46b7-85df-29ab86454c6bWed, 12 Sep 2018 13:00:00 -050004:25falsefull2222Thirty-eight-year-old Anthony Taylor plays A LOT of sports with his Special Olympics team, Moore Xtreme. That’s how he got to know his coach Jeanne Maulson. They came to the StoryCorps Mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about the special relationship they’ve developed and how it helps encourage them.'You're My Sister, Forever': How Adoption Changed Both Their Lives'You're My Sister, Forever': How Adoption Changed Both Their LivesRochelle Sims and Heather Moomey are sisters, but their relationship hasn’t always been great. Heather was adopted out of foster care when she was 10, and things were sometimes complicated, even resulting in a long period of estrangement. The sisters came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about their relationship and how Heather inspired Rochelle to become a foster parent.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org.

]]>Rochelle Sims and Heather Moomey are sisters, but their relationship hasn’t always been great. Heather was adopted out of foster care when she was 10, and things were sometimes complicated, even resulting in a long period of estrangement. The sisters came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about their relationship and how Heather inspired Rochelle to become a foster parent.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org.

]]>fe4162fb-2c85-48a4-97bc-921bf099e528Wed, 29 Aug 2018 13:00:00 -050004:28falsefull2121Rochelle Sims and Heather Moomey are sisters, but their relationship hasn’t always been great. Heather was adopted out of foster care when she was 10, and things were sometimes complicated, even resulting in a long period of estrangement. The sisters came to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about their relationship and how Heather inspired Rochelle to become a foster parent.'I Was Lost': Overcoming Addiction, Crime & Homelessness To Give Back'I Was Lost': Overcoming Addiction, Crime & Homelessness To Give BackYvonne Munoz was angry when she arrived at ReMerge, a prison diversion program for women and mothers. She felt like the world had it out for her. But after she graduated the program, she realized she had something specific to give back: leadership from her own experience. Today, she works as an RSS, or guide, for women coming into the program. She came to the StoryCorps mobile booth with co-worker Kaitlin Black-Salinas to talk about overcoming and giving back.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org

]]>Yvonne Munoz was angry when she arrived at ReMerge, a prison diversion program for women and mothers. She felt like the world had it out for her. But after she graduated the program, she realized she had something specific to give back: leadership from her own experience. Today, she works as an RSS, or guide, for women coming into the program. She came to the StoryCorps mobile booth with co-worker Kaitlin Black-Salinas to talk about overcoming and giving back.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org

]]>54a47c65-def4-41a2-a6a8-dcb8dad18465Wed, 22 Aug 2018 13:00:00 -050004:38falsefull2020Yvonne Munoz was angry when she arrived at ReMerge, a prison diversion program for women and mothers. She felt like the world had it out for her. But after she graduated the program, she realized she had something specific to give back: leadership from her own experience. Today, she works as an RSS, or guide, for women coming into the program. She came to the StoryCorps mobile booth with co-worker Kaitlin Black-Salinas to talk about overcoming and giving back.'Mayberry Was Much More Sophisticated': Growing Up In Rural Oklahoma in the 1950s'Mayberry Was Much More Sophisticated': Growing Up In Rural Oklahoma in the 1950sLee Reynolds spent part of his childhood in rural southeastern Oklahoma in the 1950s. He came to the StoryCorps mobile booth with his son Chad and talked about growing up as the son of the area’s only doctor.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org.

]]>Lee Reynolds spent part of his childhood in rural southeastern Oklahoma in the 1950s. He came to the StoryCorps mobile booth with his son Chad and talked about growing up as the son of the area’s only doctor.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org.

]]>157d52c9-ea7e-4833-aa4a-36f5b7c363e4Wed, 15 Aug 2018 13:00:00 -050003:56falsefull1919Lee Reynolds spent part of his childhood in rural southeastern Oklahoma in the 1950s. He came to the StoryCorps mobile booth with his son Chad and talked about growing up as the son of the area’s only doctor.'Don't Save This For Posterity, Just Save Your Posterior': Communication During the Vietnam War'Don't Save This For Posterity, Just Save Your Posterior': Communication During the Vietnam WarTechnological enhancements have made it easier for soldiers at war to communicate with loved ones back home, but it wasn't always easy. Bob Ford and Gean Atkinson came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City and reflected on efforts to stay in contact with their families while serving in the Vietnam War.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org.

]]>Technological enhancements have made it easier for soldiers at war to communicate with loved ones back home, but it wasn't always easy. Bob Ford and Gean Atkinson came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City and reflected on efforts to stay in contact with their families while serving in the Vietnam War.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org.

]]>4b27801b-b235-4dd8-aa09-9061d26dfedbWed, 08 Aug 2018 13:00:00 -050004:23falsefull1818Technological enhancements have made it easier for soldiers at war to communicate with loved ones back home, but it wasn't always easy. Bob Ford and Gean Atkinson came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City and reflected on efforts to stay in contact with their families while serving in the Vietnam War.Changing How People Feel About Themselves, One Haircut At A TimeChanging How People Feel About Themselves, One Haircut At A TimeYou might not think of a haircut as a form of philanthropy, but that’s what Bruce Waight and his life partner Vanessa Morrison had in mind when they bought a 1960 Airstream travel trailer and turned it into En Root, a mobile barbershop. They came to the Storycorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about what inspired them to give back.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org.

]]>You might not think of a haircut as a form of philanthropy, but that’s what Bruce Waight and his life partner Vanessa Morrison had in mind when they bought a 1960 Airstream travel trailer and turned it into En Root, a mobile barbershop. They came to the Storycorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about what inspired them to give back.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org.

]]>15fa7dd9-407c-4763-9aee-73d5efa028b4Wed, 01 Aug 2018 13:00:00 -050004:19falsefull1717You might not think of a haircut as a form of philanthropy, but that’s what Bruce Waight and his life partner Vanessa Morrison had in mind when they bought a 1960 Airstream travel trailer and turned it into En Root, a mobile barbershop. They came to the Storycorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about what inspired them to give back.Her Interracial Marriage Opened Her Eyes To RacismHer Interracial Marriage Opened Her Eyes To RacismAmanda Williams' father is a member of the Cheyenne tribe, but her mother, Rebekah, is white. Amanda brought her mother to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about that interracial marriage and her first experience with racism in western Oklahoma.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org

]]>Amanda Williams' father is a member of the Cheyenne tribe, but her mother, Rebekah, is white. Amanda brought her mother to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about that interracial marriage and her first experience with racism in western Oklahoma.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org

]]>36d436d9-cb62-4717-87af-c9d8f1b78637Wed, 25 Jul 2018 13:00:00 -050003:40falsefull1616Amanda Williams' father is a member of the Cheyenne tribe, but her mother, Rebekah, is white. Amanda brought her mother to the StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about that interracial marriage and her first experience with racism in western Oklahoma.'I Am Grateful That I Had You In My Life': An Aunt And Niece Reflect On Good Times, Hard Times'I Am Grateful That I Had You In My Life': An Aunt And Niece Reflect On Good Times, Hard TimesWhen thirty-seven-old Waneta Black was born with Down Syndrome, her aunt Lisa Shahan-Austin knew she was something special. Waneta and Lisa came to the StoryCorps Mobile Booth in Oklahoma City and reflected on the ways they have helped each other through some really difficult times.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org.

]]>When thirty-seven-old Waneta Black was born with Down Syndrome, her aunt Lisa Shahan-Austin knew she was something special. Waneta and Lisa came to the StoryCorps Mobile Booth in Oklahoma City and reflected on the ways they have helped each other through some really difficult times.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org.

]]>16ffbcb0-2fbe-493d-977c-ad867ee4da9eWed, 18 Jul 2018 14:00:00 -050004:23falsefull1515When thirty-seven-old Waneta Black was born with Down Syndrome, her aunt Lisa Shahan-Austin knew she was something special. Waneta and Lisa came to the StoryCorps Mobile Booth in Oklahoma City and reflected on the ways they have helped each other through some really difficult times.'I Want To Fight With You, But I Can't Fight For You': A Teacher And Student In Pursuit Of A GED'I Want To Fight With You, But I Can't Fight For You': A Teacher And Student In Pursuit Of A GEDNgoc Nguyen was in the tenth grade when she dropped out of high school. It was following the Vietnam War, her dad was in prison, and she needed to go to work to support her family. Years later, after she had immigrated to Oklahoma, she went back to school to finish what she started…to get her GED, and that’s where she met her teacher Chris Myers. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about their journey to help her complete her goal.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org.

]]>Ngoc Nguyen was in the tenth grade when she dropped out of high school. It was following the Vietnam War, her dad was in prison, and she needed to go to work to support her family. Years later, after she had immigrated to Oklahoma, she went back to school to finish what she started…to get her GED, and that’s where she met her teacher Chris Myers. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about their journey to help her complete her goal.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org.

]]>455262ca-1ee1-46f0-bd23-70b9c7eecc1aWed, 11 Jul 2018 10:00:00 -050003:58falsefull1414Ngoc Nguyen was in the tenth grade when she dropped out of high school. It was following the Vietnam War, her dad was in prison, and she needed to go to work to support her family. Years later, after she had immigrated to Oklahoma, she went back to school to finish what she started…to get her GED, and that’s where she met her teacher Chris Myers. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about their journey to help her complete her goal.'I Want To Be President When I Grow Up': A Boy Expresses Love For His Country'I Want To Be President When I Grow Up': A Boy Expresses Love For His CountryIt’s hard to find a more patriotic kid than six-year-old Asher Pitman. His parents, Beth and Jonathan aren’t quite sure where his obsession with American presidents came from, but it’s definitely there. They came to the StoryCorps Mobile Booth in Oklahoma City to talk about a few of his favorites.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org. And you can subscribe to the StoryCorps Oklahoma podcast on Stitcher, Google Play and Apple Podcasts.

]]>It’s hard to find a more patriotic kid than six-year-old Asher Pitman. His parents, Beth and Jonathan aren’t quite sure where his obsession with American presidents came from, but it’s definitely there. They came to the StoryCorps Mobile Booth in Oklahoma City to talk about a few of his favorites.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org. And you can subscribe to the StoryCorps Oklahoma podcast on Stitcher, Google Play and Apple Podcasts.

]]>4dc0f267-8bbb-43f3-bfb2-dcc5fc3910dbWed, 27 Jun 2018 13:00:00 -050004:30falsefull1313It’s hard to find a more patriotic kid than six-year-old Asher Pitman. His parents, Beth and Jonathan aren’t quite sure where his obsession with American presidents came from, but it’s definitely there. They came to the StoryCorps Mobile Booth in Oklahoma City to talk about a few of his favorites.A Former Oklahoma City Police Officer Recalls His Career Of Three DecadesA Former Oklahoma City Police Officer Recalls His Career Of Three DecadesBecoming a career police officer wasn’t the life Jack Powell dreamed about when he moved to Oklahoma City from rural Wanette. But eventually that’s exactly what he did. When he came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City, he told his daughter Chandra about entering the force in the 1960s and the only time he fired his service weapon.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org. And you can subscribe to the StoryCorps Oklahoma podcast on Stitcher, Google Play Music, and Apple Podcasts.

]]>Becoming a career police officer wasn’t the life Jack Powell dreamed about when he moved to Oklahoma City from rural Wanette. But eventually that’s exactly what he did. When he came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City, he told his daughter Chandra about entering the force in the 1960s and the only time he fired his service weapon.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org. And you can subscribe to the StoryCorps Oklahoma podcast on Stitcher, Google Play Music, and Apple Podcasts.

]]>0459889d-9d1f-43e4-b2ed-d5e86fab7ecbWed, 20 Jun 2018 15:00:00 -050004:15falsefull1212Becoming a career police officer wasn’t the life Jack Powell dreamed about when he moved to Oklahoma City from rural Wanette. But eventually that’s exactly what he did. When he came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City, he told his daughter Chandra about entering the force in the 1960s and the only time he fired his service weapon.'Is This What I Want to Be Doing For The Rest of My Life?': Changing Careers To Fight Homelessness'Is This What I Want to Be Doing For The Rest of My Life?': Changing Careers To Fight HomelessnessOn April 19, 1995, Dan Straughan went to work at the Federal Reserve Bank in Oklahoma City, just across from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. He wasn’t a victim of the bombing, but that day, the impact, changed his life forever. He came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City with co-worker Marty Peercy to talk about his journey from a secure job as a government employee to tackling the problem of homelessness in Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org. And you can subscribe to the StoryCorps Oklahoma podcast on Stitcher, Google Play and Apple Podcasts.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>On April 19, 1995, Dan Straughan went to work at the Federal Reserve Bank in Oklahoma City, just across from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. He wasn’t a victim of the bombing, but that day, the impact, changed his life forever. He came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City with co-worker Marty Peercy to talk about his journey from a secure job as a government employee to tackling the problem of homelessness in Oklahoma City.

To see pictures and hear more stories from the StoryCorps mobile booth’s stop in Oklahoma City, go to kosu.org. And you can subscribe to the StoryCorps Oklahoma podcast on Stitcher, Google Play and Apple Podcasts.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>fb0d2370-042e-4813-98f1-47ac613b7d0fWed, 13 Jun 2018 13:00:00 -050004:25falsefull1111On April 19, 1995, Dan Straughan went to work at the Federal Reserve Bank in Oklahoma City, just across from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. He wasn’t a victim of the bombing, but that day, the impact, changed his life forever. He came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City with co-worker Marty Peercy to talk about his journey from a secure job as a government employee to tackling the problem of homelessness in Oklahoma City.'Getting High Didn't Make Anything Better': A Mother And Daughter Look Toward A Hopeful Future'Getting High Didn't Make Anything Better': A Mother And Daughter Look Toward A Hopeful FutureJaimee Lee and her 12-year-old daughter Melissa are getting a fresh start with ReMerge, a prison diversion program for women and mothers. Jaimee has struggled with addiction for years. When she and Melissa visited the StoryCorps mobile booth, they had a frank conversation about the effects of addiction on their relationship and their hopes for the future.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Jaimee Lee and her 12-year-old daughter Melissa are getting a fresh start with ReMerge, a prison diversion program for women and mothers. Jaimee has struggled with addiction for years. When she and Melissa visited the StoryCorps mobile booth, they had a frank conversation about the effects of addiction on their relationship and their hopes for the future.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>bd68e1ec-9a7e-4676-806b-0ca80af71e45Wed, 06 Jun 2018 13:00:00 -050004:27falsefull1010Jaimee Lee and her 12-year-old daughter Melissa are getting a fresh start with ReMerge, a prison diversion program for women and mothers. Jaimee has struggled with addiction for years. When she and Melissa visited the StoryCorps mobile booth, they had a frank conversation about the effects of addiction on their relationship and their hopes for the future.'How Did You Find Out About Being Black?': Growing Up In The South During The Sixties'How Did You Find Out About Being Black?': Growing Up In The South During The SixtiesIn this week’s StoryCorps episode, Cynthia Calloway and her husband Roosevelt. They grew up on the opposite sides of Florida and had very different childhood experiences as young African American kids in the 1960s. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about how those experiences shaped their outlooks on life.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>In this week’s StoryCorps episode, Cynthia Calloway and her husband Roosevelt. They grew up on the opposite sides of Florida and had very different childhood experiences as young African American kids in the 1960s. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about how those experiences shaped their outlooks on life.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>7a51eabc-3057-42fa-b6e3-46623362dcb1Wed, 30 May 2018 16:00:00 -050003:18falsefull99In this week’s StoryCorps episode, Cynthia Calloway and her husband Roosevelt. They grew up on the opposite sides of Florida and had very different childhood experiences as young African American kids in the 1960s. They came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about how those experiences shaped their outlooks on life.Oklahoma Veteran Makes Sure Fallen Soldiers Have a Little Piece of HomeOklahoma Veteran Makes Sure Fallen Soldiers Have a Little Piece of HomeMichael Beach and his adopted grandfather Bill Freeman of Maysville came to the Oklahoma City mobile booth to talk about their shared experiences as veterans of the Navy. And Michael tells Bills about remembering his own grandfather and his quest to make sure all of the men and women from Oklahoma who have died on the fields of battle have just a little piece of home.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Michael Beach and his adopted grandfather Bill Freeman of Maysville came to the Oklahoma City mobile booth to talk about their shared experiences as veterans of the Navy. And Michael tells Bills about remembering his own grandfather and his quest to make sure all of the men and women from Oklahoma who have died on the fields of battle have just a little piece of home.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>22a97e60-706e-468e-b697-04b51a4afe4dWed, 23 May 2018 19:00:00 -050004:01falsefull88Michael Beach and his adopted grandfather Bill Freeman of Maysville came to the Oklahoma City mobile booth to talk about their shared experiences as veterans of the Navy. And Michael tells Bills about remembering his own grandfather and his quest to make sure all of the men and women from Oklahoma who have died on the fields of battle have just a little piece of home.Moore Tornado Survivors Revisit That Fateful DayMoore Tornado Survivors Revisit That Fateful DayIt’s been five years since a second deadly EF-5 tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma. Vicki Hudoba lost her home in that tornado. She and her daughter Nicole Moore came to the Oklahoma City StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about that day in 2013 and how holding her infant grandson Luke held them together in the midst of devastation.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>It’s been five years since a second deadly EF-5 tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma. Vicki Hudoba lost her home in that tornado. She and her daughter Nicole Moore came to the Oklahoma City StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about that day in 2013 and how holding her infant grandson Luke held them together in the midst of devastation.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>1c2d3e47-31d0-4393-a751-827f5c625abcWed, 16 May 2018 14:00:00 -050004:23falsefull77It’s been five years since a second deadly EF-5 tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma. Vicki Hudoba lost her home in that tornado. She and her daughter Nicole Moore came to the Oklahoma City StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about that day in 2013 and how holding her infant grandson Luke held them together in the midst of devastation. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.A Mom Finds Herself Again After Returning From IraqA Mom Finds Herself Again After Returning From IraqFor much of her adult life, Jennifer Mack has had two primary roles, as a single mother and as a member of the military. She and her daughter Whitney Cotten came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about how sometimes those roles have conflicted, especially after a deployment in 2004, but also how those challenges have allowed Jennifer to pass on the value of strength and resiliency to her daughter.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>For much of her adult life, Jennifer Mack has had two primary roles, as a single mother and as a member of the military. She and her daughter Whitney Cotten came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about how sometimes those roles have conflicted, especially after a deployment in 2004, but also how those challenges have allowed Jennifer to pass on the value of strength and resiliency to her daughter.

This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans.

Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>2fea59a8-6121-4edc-97c2-d52a32f418daWed, 09 May 2018 17:00:00 -050004:11falsefull66For much of her adult life, Jennifer Mack has had two primary roles, as a single mother and as a member of the military. She and her daughter Whitney Cotten came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about how sometimes those roles have conflicted, especially after a deployment in 2004, but also how those challenges have allowed Jennifer to pass on the value of strength and resiliency to her daughter. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.'There Was No End To The Dirt': A Tale of Dust Bowl Survival'There Was No End To The Dirt': A Tale of Dust Bowl SurvivalEighty-six-year-old George Hill's family mastered frontier survival skills. When his father was born prematurely in 1889, his grandmother made an incubator out of their wood stove. So, when George was born in the Texas panhandle in the middle of the depression, his family was ready to tap those ingenious survival skills and start again. George and his wife Patricia came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about what he experienced. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Eighty-six-year-old George Hill's family mastered frontier survival skills. When his father was born prematurely in 1889, his grandmother made an incubator out of their wood stove. So, when George was born in the Texas panhandle in the middle of the depression, his family was ready to tap those ingenious survival skills and start again. George and his wife Patricia came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about what he experienced. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>9f00b36a-854a-9611-e640-f1b718c09ebeWed, 02 May 2018 17:00:00 -050004:04falsefull55Eighty-six-year-old George Hill's family mastered frontier survival skills. When his father was born prematurely in 1889, his grandmother made an incubator out of their wood stove. So, when George was born in the Texas panhandle in the middle of the depression, his family was ready to tap those ingenious survival skills and start again. George and his wife Patricia came to the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City to talk about what he experienced. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City. Pride In Being The Daughter of Vietnamese ImmigrantsPride In Being The Daughter of Vietnamese ImmigrantsWhen refugees arrive in the United States, they spend many of the early years trying to understand the culture, find a job and build a life. But what happens a generation later? How do they pass on the legacy of survival and grit to their children? Michelle Bui brought her mom Mai Nguyen to the Oklahoma City StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about her pride in being the daughter of a Vietnamese refugee…and her fear of not measuring up. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>When refugees arrive in the United States, they spend many of the early years trying to understand the culture, find a job and build a life. But what happens a generation later? How do they pass on the legacy of survival and grit to their children? Michelle Bui brought her mom Mai Nguyen to the Oklahoma City StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about her pride in being the daughter of a Vietnamese refugee…and her fear of not measuring up. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>c0da0c91-fb38-f7bc-0513-245a12413dc4Wed, 25 Apr 2018 17:00:00 -050004:05falsefull44When refugees arrive in the United States, they spend many of the early years trying to understand the culture, find a job and build a life. But what happens a generation later? How do they pass on the legacy of survival and grit to their children? Michelle Bui brought her mom Mai Nguyen to the Oklahoma City StoryCorps mobile booth to talk about her pride in being the daughter of a Vietnamese refugee…and her fear of not measuring up. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City. A Father And Son's Evolving RelationshipA Father And Son's Evolving RelationshipRelationships with parents often change in adulthood. Jeff and Blaze McKenzie, father and son, visited the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City and reflected on their evolving relationship. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Relationships with parents often change in adulthood. Jeff and Blaze McKenzie, father and son, visited the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City and reflected on their evolving relationship. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>3250d2cd-405d-c48c-6df4-914ab7e14cdcWed, 18 Apr 2018 17:00:00 -050004:18falsefull33Relationships with parents often change in adulthood. Jeff and Blaze McKenzie, father and son, visited the StoryCorps mobile booth in Oklahoma City and reflected on their evolving relationship. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City. Parents Navigate Childhood LeukemiaParents Navigate Childhood LeukemiaThere are points in life that can force or inspire a change of course. Even though he’s a spunky and scrappy 9-year-old today, when Jason and Vanessa Hart heard that their son had cancer... in an instant, everything changed. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>There are points in life that can force or inspire a change of course. Even though he’s a spunky and scrappy 9-year-old today, when Jason and Vanessa Hart heard that their son had cancer... in an instant, everything changed. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>08d57b77-d365-1c37-59d3-629aafdc8cf1Wed, 11 Apr 2018 17:00:00 -050004:11falsefull22There are points in life that can force or inspire a change of course. Even though he’s a spunky and scrappy 9-year-old today, when Jason and Vanessa Hart heard that their son had cancer... in an instant, everything changed. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City. A Texan & A Kurd Found Love, Then Had To Tell Their FamilyA Texan & A Kurd Found Love, Then Had To Tell Their FamilyJonathan Jackson was working as a contractor in Erbil, in the northern part of Iraq…not exactly the place most people would find love. When Jonathan first saw Rigien Bagekany, he thought she was the coffee lady, not his counterpart in the meeting. But he couldn’t take his eyes off her. They figured out dating in two different cultures and decided to get married, but then they had to tell their families. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm in Oklahoma City for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>Jonathan Jackson was working as a contractor in Erbil, in the northern part of Iraq…not exactly the place most people would find love. When Jonathan first saw Rigien Bagekany, he thought she was the coffee lady, not his counterpart in the meeting. But he couldn’t take his eyes off her. They figured out dating in two different cultures and decided to get married, but then they had to tell their families. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm in Oklahoma City for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.

]]>54bcf83a-9c25-7690-8f47-e540f319c31dWed, 04 Apr 2018 17:00:00 -050004:22falsefull11Jonathan Jackson was working as a contractor in Erbil, in the northern part of Iraq…not exactly the place most people would find love. When Jonathan first saw Rigien Bagekany, he thought she was the coffee lady, not his counterpart in the meeting. But he couldn’t take his eyes off her. They figured out dating in two different cultures and decided to get married, but then they had to tell their families. This story was produced for KOSU by Rachel Hubbard and Dustin Drew, with interviews recorded at StoryCorps, a renowned nonprofit organization celebrating the stories of everyday Americans. Thank you to Phillips Murrah law firm in Oklahoma City for sponsoring StoryCorps' visit to Oklahoma City.