Claim OwnershipDi-a-logue, An American Mosaic
Subscribed: 1Played: 65
Subscribe
© John Van Dyke
Description
We all have a story.
Our stories. Our places.
Our stories. Our places.
124 Episodes
Reverse
Americans and our country seem to be telling different stories. Traveling around the country, I am finding an American story that government and media seem to be rewriting.
I am talking with Tessa in Toledo Ohio. She is young, educated, planning a family and while conservative has some conflicts about our political climate today. Conversation leads to understanding, this is worth listening to.
Stories from the road. In this Episode, I am talking about the documentary project "An American Mosaic". A journey that started two years ago. A series of road trips, meeting and talking to people just like you and me.
I am in Parker Arizona talking with Rhesa a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes. She shared what life is like on the Reservation.
Texas is big country. This episode is some of my observations as I traveled to Marfa Texas and back to Austin in search of conversations.
I am having a conversation with Alvaro in Austin. We talked about his view of things today. He is 25 and sees nothing but opportunity ahead. I always learn something talking to young people today.
I am in a small West Texas town, talking to Joey, about prescription pain killers, being Texan, a little politics, and his life after drugs. A real conversation with a pretty cool guy.
Every road trip has stories that do not get recorded, so I am going to share notes from some of the trips. I always take the lesser roads with so much more to see and perhaps a conversation along the way.
I am talking with Scotty in Welch WV. He works in coal, as his father and grandfather, uncles and others have for generations. It's a way of life and as a young man he likes it. Right now things are good and he is optimistic for the town and community. A visit to Welch is one remembered.
I am in Seattle talking with Laura, a professional in leading edge tech. Today there is much to talk about as a woman. This is part of a special conversation with an exceptional person.
It is hard to avoid politics in New Hampshire, especially just after a primary. I was fortunate to have a conversation with Lincoln Soldati, a former country attorney who ran in the primary for congress. He was the old white guy, with something to say. It is one of my favorite conversations.
In this episode I talk with people in Janesville Wisconsin, a story of surviving and reinventing. A huge General Motors plant closed at the time of the great recession, a double financial blow that took it's toll.
A difficult subject. Are we creating a culture of fear today? As I travel, I find some are afraid to say what they really think. Yet, we have leadership and some that will say anything. Perhaps we are all a little afraid. No one will admit that. Fear is what we should fear most.
In this episode, I am talking to Keith, 28, raised in Hugoton Kansas. We are in a lively coffee, cafe, and beer place near the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan. Keith is the manager.
I met Maurice in Stockton CA. He knows what growing up in the hood is like... and surviving. He helps others to survive and achieve something. You would be fortunate to have him as a friend and mentor.
I traveled to Montana in search of Cowboys. At the Last Chance Stampede in Bozeman, I found what I was looking for. The Cowboy way is a lifestyle and a culture. Deeply American and perhaps old fashioned. This is a conversation mostly about kids, rodeo and family values.
Sitting on a boat in a harbor. Stories, fishing, the sea, and markers in life that connect us to our past. I love talking to elders who have experienced things that we can only read about. Sometimes, I am fortunate to meet someone who has some good stories. Doug, was one of those. We sat on his boat and talked.
Some of the voices from An American Mosaic project. I am working on a trailer and this is a first cut soundtrack. Only a small sample of the many conversations. We are a big diverse country, and we need to start talking and listening to each other more often. Real conversations.
I was asked why I would come to Portsmouth Ohio. "Dreamland", a book by Sam Quinones reveals much about the beginnings of the Opioid crisis. Portsmouth, was at the epicenter. I needed to see for myself, and have recorded my observations. I highly recommend the book, a visit no.
In the mountains of West Virginia, coal country, I spent time talking with the people who for generations have worked in the mines. Mountains, and Miners. It is a culture and a way of life. I met Sandy and Tony in Gary holler near The town of Welch, once called "little New York" in it's heyday. They run a B&B.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States