Radio Diaries

Angel Irizarry, a former detective, embarks on a poignant journey to uncover the truth about his estranged uncle, Cesar Irizarry. He discovers Cesar's tragic passing and reflects on their family’s complicated history of estrangement. The podcast dives into the impact of addiction through a former roommate’s memories, revealing both struggles and moments of connection. Themes of love, loss, and forgiveness resonate deeply as Angel visits Hart Island, honoring Cesar’s memory while grappling with familial reconciliation.

In this discussion, Dawn Powell, an acclaimed American novelist, reflects on her journey as an overlooked literary figure celebrated for her sharp satirical takes on early 20th-century New York City. She shares her experiences of being part of the vibrant Greenwich Village arts scene while emphasizing the societal struggles faced by women writers. The podcast explores the poignant irony of her unmarked grave on Hart Island, contrasting her lively contributions to literature with her tragic fate. The conversation highlights her rediscovered legacy and the challenges her works faced.

Melinda Hunt, a visual artist and founder of The Hart Island Project, has dedicated over 30 years to advocating for the deceased in New York's largest public cemetery. In this discussion, she uncovers the emotional and historical significance of Hart Island, highlighting its role as a final resting place for unclaimed bodies. Melinda shares the importance of burial records in connecting families to their lost loved ones and reflects on the recent changes that allow greater access to this solemn site, transforming perceptions of Hart Island into one of dignity and remembrance.

A woman embarks on a 30-year journey to uncover the identity of the father she never knew. This quest reveals emotional ties and the complexities of family history, intertwined with the stories of the unclaimed buried at Heart Island. Personal tales illuminate the challenges of parental absence and the longing for connection, while poignant memories resurface during a visit to the grave, bringing a sense of closure. It’s a heartfelt exploration of identity, loss, and the deep bonds that endure even through the silence of unmarked graves.

David Sachs shares poignant memories of his late husband, composer Noah Krzyzewski, who embraced his mortality by rejecting medical treatment for bladder cancer. Sachs reflects on their deep bond and Krzyzewski's innovative contributions to hyper-realism in music. The conversation also touches on the emotional complexities of loss and the unconventional burial decisions they faced together. Through their journey, listeners explore themes of love, memory, and societal views on death, especially in the context of Hart Island's unmarked graveyard.

Meet Neil Harris Jr., a mysterious man found in Riverside Park whose true identity and backstory were discovered after his death. Explore the captivating history of Hart Island, a haunting burial ground in the Bronx, and the forgotten stories of those laid to rest there. Uncover Neil's encounter with a journalist who recognizes him as a missing person, and the subsequent revelation of his identity. Susan Holbert shares her son's story and the opening of Hart Island after years of inaccessibility. Discover the intriguing mysteries unearthed from America's largest public cemetery.

Discover the haunting tales buried within Hart Island, America’s largest public cemetery. Explore the poignant story of an unidentified man whose life and identity remain a mystery. Delve into the life of Neil Harris and his family's relentless pursuit for recognition. Uncover the stark realities of anonymity and forgotten lives, as more than a million souls rest in unmarked graves. Each story shines a light on those who left behind loved ones and untold legacies.

In the spring of 1981, the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rochester Red Wings met for a minor league baseball game of little importance. But over the course of 33 innings – 8 hours and 25 minutes – the game made history. It was the longest professional baseball game ever played. This story was produced in collaboration with ESPN's 30 for 30. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On July 19, 1963, at least 15 Black girls were arrested while marching to protest segregation in Americus, Georgia. After spending a night in jail, they were transferred to the one-room Leesburg Stockade and imprisoned for the next 45 days. Only twenty miles away, the girls’ parents had no knowledge of their location. A month into their confinement, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) heard rumors of the girls’ detention and sent photographer Danny Lyon, who took pictures of them through barred windows. Within days, those photographs appeared in publications around the country. As the girls’ ordeal gained national attention, they were released without charges. This is the story of the ‘Stolen Girls.’ ***** To see more photos by Danny Lyon, visit bleakbeauty.com and http://instagram.com/dannylyonphotos2. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

One day in 1947, NYC bus driver William Cimillo showed up to his daily bus route, but instead of turning right, he turned left. Over the next week, he traveled 1,300 miles in his municipal bus, ending up in Hollywood, Florida. The bus had broken down, he’d run out of money, and had no way of getting home. Plus, he was now the most wanted bus driver in the country. This story originally aired on This American Life in 2014. Go to www.radiodiaries.org to find more stories and sign up for our monthly newsletter. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices