Xenia Zachadckuk grew up in South Jersey to Ukrainian parents. She shares the story of her mother’s courageous escape from Ukraine and Europe during World War II and her father’s time in a displaced person’s camp. Xenia tells us about the trauma of war and the influence it had on her grandparents, her parents, and […]
Even though Lisa Mostovoy and her daughters Sasha Fishilevich and Mischa Buck are talking about a serious subject, this episode brings us so much joy. Lisa starts by talking about Kyiv and her childhood. After the war broke out, Lisa and her older daughter Sasha went to Poland to deliver supplies and offer help, even […]
Marta Rubel grew up in Philadelphia to proud Ukrainian parents. Marta speaks fondly of her memories growing up in Philly, but she also remembers the challenges her parents faced after settling here, and always dreaming that they would be able to move back to Ukraine. Watching the 2021 invasion on television, Marta asked herself if […]
What do you know about Ukraine’s history? We all know it was once part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), then it wasn’t. Ukraine’s history is far-reaching and as complex as its geography and the number of languages that are spoken. We set out to find a historian who could provide context about […]
Today on a special episode of #Us – Unique and Shared Experiences, we are teaming up with the Life Design Lab at Johns Hopkins University to share stories told by students about their journeys towards fulfilling careers and lives. Natalia was facing decision paralysis and didn’t know what decision would be the “right” one. Keidai […]
Marjorie was let go from her job for standing up for what she believed in. And Bill had to learn to let go of his leg intruder to save his own life. Today, we are taking a deep breath, uncurling our clenched fingers, and Letting Go. On this episode we have three amazing stories for […]
First Person Arts and the Free Library of Philadelphia have enjoyed crossover programming, partnerships, and a mutual love of stories over the years. Today we are featuring stories from a program we did with the Free Library’s One book One Philadelphia around The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon. […]
Michel filmed a couple in love as one of them was terminally ill. And though it was tragic, their love for one another helped change the world. Lisa’s daughter got everything she wanted for Christmas, but she couldn’t share her new toys with the one person she wanted to play with. When the highs of […]
Today, we celebrate the life and work of a beloved Philadelphia Artist Jerry Pinkney who’s birthday is this month. Jerry’s life and body of work is a testament to the reliance, persistence, and freedom of the human spirit. We come to you with three stories from individuals who connect with these core values as part […]
Lisa almost set her house on fire when the hot oil in a pizza box exploded. Sure, she had started a smaller fire, but she was distracted thinking about another fire that was dwindling – her marriage. Chris was enjoying his first week of college when he got a call from his sister. It was […]