Ties That Bind: Stories of Love and Gratitude from the First Ten Years of StoryCorps

by Dave Isay

that a microphone gives people the license to ask questions of others that they wouldn’t normally ask, and that being listened to reminds people how much their lives matter. StoryCorps is based on the belief that we can discover the most profound and exquisite poetry in the words and stories of the noncelebrated people around us, if we just have the courage to ask meaningful questions and the patience to listen closely to the answers.

the power of the human voice to transcend differences and divides, and the ability of a radio story to hit like an adrenalin shot to the heart when honestly and authentically told. I also saw, again and again, how affirming it was for people to be listened to, especially those who felt most silenced by the rest of society.

Time and again at the end of an interview, I’d have the same conversation: “Have you ever told your story before?” “No.” “Why not? “No one ever asked.”

It’s our dream that someday the StoryCorps interview method and the stories that we distill from these interviews will be woven into the fabric of American life and the lives of all Americans; that StoryCorps will grow into a sustaining national institution that reminds people that every life and every story matters equally. We hope, one day, to help foster an American culture that is a little more just and tolerant and that strives always to respect and nurture human dignity.

As I see it, one of the most important reasons to record a StoryCorps interview, and certainly the reason closest to my heart, is to honor the person or people to whom you feel most grateful. That person who stood by you during your darkest days, who recognized something special in you when no one else did; the person who rescued you or guided you or sustained you with their kindness, generosity, and strength of character.

Mother Teresa used to say, “We have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

“Brighten the Corner Where You Are.” I hope my legacy would be that I came into the world, I brightened the corner, and then I quietly left the world unnoticed.

You have become my family and my world, and I’ve gotten so much more from you than I ever gave. Y’all have taught me how to love art, how to love books, how to love music and good food—and how to live. I don’t survive anymore; I live a full and complete life.

I admire you for your being brave enough to offer forgiveness, and for being brave enough to take that step.

FAVORITE STORYCORPS QUESTIONS What was the happiest moment of your life? The saddest? Who was the most important person in your life? Can you tell me about him or her? Who has been the biggest influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you? Who has been the kindest to you in your life? What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life? What are you proudest of in your life? Are there any words of wisdom you’d like to pass along to me? How has your life been different than what you’d imagined? How would you like to be remembered? Do you have any regrets? What does your future hold? Is there anything that you’ve never told me but want to tell me now? Is there something about me that you’ve always wanted to know but have never asked?