The Simple Lives We Live

In this heartfelt interview, Irene Wolf, 87, shares her journey of growing up on a small farm west of Killdeer, North Dakota, in a large family without electricity, running water, affection, or holiday traditions. Irene...

Bobby Olstad, 78, visits about her family history and life in and around Medora, North Dakota. She recalls one-room schooling, boarding out in Beach for high school, and early work babysitting, waitressing, and at the...

Don Hardy reflects on growing up on a multigenerational family farm near Beach, North Dakota, surrounded by family and hard work. He shares stories of his Irish-rooted heritage, a large extended family, childhood chores...

Sally Abernethy, 88, shares stories from her life from being born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and raised near Ellendale, North Dakota, to moving to Beach after her father passed away unexpectedly at 32 and her mother...

Jean Hardy reflects on her upbringing in a large faith-filled family that moved often before settling in Valley City, North Dakota, so several of her siblings could receive special education support. She shares memories...

Jan Wales shares memories about growing up on a South Dakota farm in a large family with strict gender roles, few modern conveniences, and a one-room schoolhouse, where chores, homemade food, and simple fun shaped daily...

In part 2 of my interview with John, we talk about enlisting at 18 and serving in Vietnam, where he experienced guard duty, patrols, and the realities of war - including the loss of his best friend, John Quam. He shares...

John, 78, is a North Dakota farm kid and the oldest of four. He shares memories of growing up without running water, using party-line phones, and the rhythm of farm chores that shaped his strong work ethic. From...

Mel Bosserman, 83, shares what it was like growing up on a disciplined farm in Beach, ND - balancing hard work with small-town joys like Saturday nights and one-room school days. He reflects on a life shaped by music...

In this episode, Milo Thompson reflects on his time at the Little Missouri, his work with the Forest Service, traveling through Europe as a young man, continuing to serve and explore through Rotary, and the love he...

At 94, Magdalene looks back on a life shaped by simple beginnings and deep family roots. From being born on a Bowman County farmstead to growing up in Belfield during the Depression, to raising seven children of her...

In this episode, I interview Joanne Tescher. who shares what it was like growing up in a large family (including a twin sister), in a small town where summers were spent swimming, winters skating, and days filled with...

In this conversation with my mother-in-law, Tammy - alongside my son Josiah - we reflect on the kind of life that's built in the little moments. Tammy shares memories of growing up on a farm, her time at boarding...

In this episode, Swenda Braden shares a heartfelt look at a life built on family, faith, and togetherness. Swenda shares memories of her upbringing, raising her children, and the deep love that shaped her home. She...

In part 2 of my interview with Mert and Rella, we talk about marriage, raising families, and the different paths their lives took through work and career. From early weddings to long days spent teaching, serving their...