Life Stories Interviews

In this exclusive Life Stories interview, historian and author Jeff Shesol explores John Glenn Jr.’s legacy and his historic Friendship 7 flight. From his small-town upbringing in Ohio to becoming a national hero during the Cold War, Shesol highlights the pivotal roles that Glenn and John F. Kennedy played in transforming America's standing in the space race against the Soviet Union.

In this exclusive interview, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi reflects on a life shaped by revolution, responsibility, and resilience. Born into Iran’s royal family, he shares intimate stories of his upbringing, his father’s approach to leadership, and the fall of the Pahlavi dynasty during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Forced into exile as a teenager, Pahlavi recounts his journey of adapting to a new life, the challenges of leadership in exile, and his enduring vision for a free, secular, and democratic Iran.

Frank Langella reflects on his remarkable career while offering acting tips: from preparing for roles like Richard Nixon and Dracula to the importance of vulnerability in performance.

David Ferrucci shares how his love of programming has shaped his career in computer science and his philosophy on artificial intelligence: from leading IBM’s Watson to victory on Jeopardy!, to transforming the future of human-machine learning.

Suleika Jaouad reflects on how surviving cancer and finding love with Jon Batiste shaped her life, career, and perspective: from healing through art and transforming pain into purpose, to inspiring a global audience with her writing.

Loretta Ross reveals how she transformed her trauma into an activist movement: from surviving a difficult childhood to becoming a leading voice in reproductive justice. She also discusses advice for the next generation of women's leaders.

Fab 5 Freddy reflects on how his upbringing and early experiences in the NYC graffiti scene shaped his hip hop, street art, and activism: from developing the film Wild Style to launching B noble.

Kris Tompkins, co-founder and President of Tompkins Conservation, shares how her upbringing, career as the former CEO of Patagonia Inc., and love story with her late husband Doug Tompkins, founder of The North Face, shaped her mission to combat the climate crisis—from building a sustainable business model at Patagonia to spearheading rewilding projects across South America.

Actor Noah Wyle shares how his upbringing and role as ER's Dr. John Carter shaped his life, career, and activism off-screen: from overcoming imposter syndrome and working with Doctors Without Borders during the Kosovo War, to leveraging his platform for social justice.

Elizabeth Daley reflects on her journey to becoming the longest-serving dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. She also discusses the power of film education and its future: from shaping Hollywood legends to navigating digital media in filmmaking.