Michael Powell is a train driver for the Chicago Transit Authority. He captivated me for years with his chatty speeches over the train's speakers. He'd say things that felt too intimate, pep-talking strangers who were having a rough day. Finally, I tracked him down for this interview.

It's Not Just A Ride Home

Debby Wurster is having a ball after moving into her new home in a retirement community. She's got a full calendar of activities, she's making new friends, and... she's even competing in a Halloween costume contest in her homemade Minnie Mouse costume. 

This story was produced for the Third Coast International Audio Festival's 2015 ShortDocs challenge.

What Minnie Mouse Knows

The story of how members of the mostly white Unitarian Church of Evanston decided to take a stand in the Black Lives Matter movement.

This piece originally aired on Things Not Seen Radio, a podcast released by The Chicago Sunday Evening Club. Music by Podington Bear, Moby, and Weinland. 

http://www.thingsnotseenradio.com
http://www.csec.org

Unitarian Church Embraces Black Lives Matter Movement

Chanita Howard shares the obstacles she's overcome after being involved with the criminal justice system.

This interview was facilitated by Francesco De Salvatore and recorded by StoryCorps, a national nonprofit whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives. Music by Podington Bear.

Not Giving Up

Neighbors investigate an apparition. Photo by Arthur Caudy.

Miracle in Gray and White

Tara Murphy has studied and performed just about every type of dance -- from ballet to flamenco to Indian. For the past 20 years, Tara has been focusing on African dance. She now lives, performs, and teaches on Cape Cod. Photo by Julia Cumes.

Shake What You Got

In the middle of a town where almost every home is covered in classic New England wood shingles, there's a giant dome. It looks like a three story tall golf ball, and the door was left unlocked. Photo by JP Davdison.

Katie Klocksin