Anna Cherepnina fulfilled a long-held dream of serving in the military when she enlisted in the Army Reserves in 2009. But a string of personal tragedies brought her to the darkest moment of her life. At StoryCorps, she reflected on how an encounter with an insolent fox and a trip to the base of Mount Everest helped her see the light again.Leave us a voicemail at 702-706-TALK, or email us at podcast@storycorps.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Leah Bash is an avid runner, a dog mom, a wife – and there's a part of her family's history she can't stop thinking about. Both sides of her family were incarcerated alongside 125,000 other Japanese Americans during World War II. Her father and his six siblings spent more than three years behind barbed wire at isolated camps in Manzanar, California and Crystal City, Texas. After Leah learns about her father's struggles with panic attacks and is herself diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she starts to wonder: could those experiences at camp during World War II have far-reaching consequences a generation later? In this episode of Inheriting from LAist Studios and the NPR network, Leah has a candid conversation with her cousin Joya, for the very first time, about their family's mental health and the effects of the incarceration camp.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We're back with more listener voicemails. This week: Your stories about music boxes, family secrets, and the people who made a mark on you. Tell us your story at 702-706-TALK.Leave us a voicemail at 702-706-TALK, or email us at podcast@storycorps.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Navy veterans Windy Barton and Michael Davidson struggled to feel fulfilled after leaving the military. Then they discovered Team Rubicon: a special team of veterans who go into the fray when natural disasters strike. The two friends came to StoryCorps to reflect on what inspired their sense of duty.Leave us a voicemail at 702-706-TALK, or email us at podcast@storycorps.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Discover the impact of personal stories in bridging political divides. Hear how individuals engage in heartfelt conversations that reveal shared humanity beyond beliefs. Explore the emotional challenges of forming friendships later in life, highlighting vulnerability and connection. Witness the complexities of misunderstandings in friendships, especially in a politically charged climate. This journey emphasizes the courage it takes to foster genuine dialogue and the transformative power of storytelling.

In this profound conversation, Emily Lyons, a nurse turned advocate, recounts her harrowing experience as a bombing victim at a women's health clinic in Birmingham. She shares the emotional and physical scars left by that tragic day in 1998. Emily discusses the intertwining stories of resilience and loss, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice, empathy, and understanding diverse perspectives in the face of violence. Her journey highlights the enduring spirit of those affected by tragedy and the power of connection amidst shared pain.

As communities across the Southern United States set about recovering from one of the most devastating hurricane seasons ever, we're doing what Mr. Rogers always told us to do when the news is scary: we're looking for the helpers. In this episode, two stories about people who have stepped up for their neighbors, despite their differences.Leave us a voicemail at 702-706-TALK, or email us at podcast@storycorps.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

John Hunter, an elementary school teacher and creator of the World Peace Game, shares fascinating insights into his innovative classroom tool designed to teach kids about global issues and conflict resolution. He discusses how students role-play as leaders and engage with real-world crises, learning empathy and cooperation in the process. Hunter also reflects on his unexpected journey, including a pivotal moment at the Pentagon, showcasing the profound impact of education on young minds and their potential to contribute to world peace.

Ricky Jackson, who spent nearly 40 years wrongfully incarcerated, shares a profound tale of resilience and redemption. He recounts his journey through injustice and the importance of confronting the painful past. The dialogue emphasizes themes of empathy as he discusses reconciliation with those affected by his wrongful conviction. Jackson reflects on how personal responsibility and forgiveness are vital for healing, offering a powerful perspective on moving forward amidst societal divides.

Listeners share incredible stories that explore the thin lines between life and death. A gripping tale of a medical emergency resolved by CPR showcases quick thinking in a crisis. Two college friends deepen their bond through a courageous coming-out conversation. The bittersweet journey of friendship and loss highlights the lasting impact of cherished connections. Lastly, reflections on a past romance reveal the complexities of love and the uncertainties of closure, leaving listeners pondering the potential for reconnection.