When I was in the 2nd grade, I interviewed my Grandma, Pauline Ross. As you can imagine, the cassette tape was fairly damaged, and for years I had no way of listening back to the interview. The tape has followed me everywhere, and in December, my mother-in-law sent it to be transferred to a USB.

This episode IS that interview!

I may have repeated questions and said "okay, um" after nearly everything she said, but I wanted to share her voice and her stories with others. In this conversation, my grandma talks about her childhood experiences, including memorable moments of ice skating, playing softball, and losing shoes during a picnic. She reminisces about her parents' origins—her mother from Valley City and her father from Russia -- and shares stories about her early marriage at 17, along with her love for hobbies like ceramics and birdwatching. She also talks about her family life, including her four children and ten grandchildren.

In this episode of 'The Simple Lives We Live,' I interview my aunt and Godmother, Dee Brown, who shares her life story over the course of nearly nine decades. Dee recounts growing up in a large family in Beach, North Dakota, recalling memories of chores on the farm, sibling relationships, and the hardships faced after the death of her mother. She reflects on her experiences in nursing school, meeting and marrying her husband Chuck, and life as a Navy wife, which included living in diverse places like Okinawa. Dee also speaks about raising her children, dealing with personal losses, and the lessons she learned from her mother that helped her navigate life. The interview delves into the importance of family, resilience, and faith, providing a rich tapestry of stories about love, loss, and the simple yet profound moments that define a life well-lived.

In this episode of 'The Simple Lives We Live' podcast, I interviewed my Uncle Perry Stockwell, a 74-year-old who recounts his early life experiences, growing up as one of 13 children in Beach. Perry shares memories of his childhood, family dynamics, moments of hardship, and the impact of his father and mother's struggles on the family. He humorously recalls stories like accidentally burning down a barn and the family traditions during holidays. Perry also reflects on his time in the military, his work in flooring, his marriage to Nancy, and raising his three children. The conversation touches on themes of love, resilience, and the importance of prayer for Perry, who emphasizes his lifelong commitment to his family's well-being. He fondly remembers his siblings and offers insight into how he hopes to be remembered.

In this heartwarming episode of 'The Simple Lives We Live,' I had an amazing conversation with 96-year-old Ethel Kippley about her extraordinary life journey. Ethel shares vivid memories from her childhood, including growing up on a farm, enduring the hardships of the Great Depression, and her adventures after high school. She recounts treasured family traditions, community events, and milestones like World War II and the assassination of JFK. Reflecting on the importance of family, resilience, and a positive outlook, Ethel also discusses her work experiences, marriage, and the profound influence of her parents. With so much wisdom, this interview offers a rich tapestry of life lessons and historical perspectives.

In this episode of 'The Simple Lives We Live', I have the honor of interviewing my Aunt Gloria, who reflects on her 79 years filled with family, love, resilience, and faith. Gloria shares vivid memories of growing up in Beach, North Dakota, from working on the farm and attending grade school to learning to drive a tractor. She recounts the close-knit bond with her siblings, the influence of her mother and Aunt Olive, and the impact of her father's death. Gloria also discusses her career as a nurse, her brief engagement, her time in a convent, and her passion for helping others. Through stories of Christmas celebrations, childhood games, and her deep involvement with nieces and nephews, Gloria's narrative is a testament to finding joy and meaning in the simple, everyday moments.

In this episode I interview my uncle Howard, who shares his recollections of his 81 years. We discuss his upbringing on a farm, life in a large family, and his time in the military. Howard delves into tales of childhood chores, mischief, and hard work, as well as memories of his parents, his marriage, and raising his own children. He also reflects on his long career in the flooring industry, the importance of family, and his approach to life’s challenges. The conversation is filled with anecdotes about significant life events, such as dealing with the death of his father, the influence of his mother, and the changes in his own life through the years. Howard's stories highlight the profound impact of simple, everyday experiences that shape who we are.

In this episode I interview my dad, Bruce Ross, reflecting on his 74 years of life growing up, living, and raising a family on a farm in Beach. Bruce shares his experiences from childhood, including school days in one-room schoolhouses, working on the family farm, and cherished Christmas traditions. He also discusses pivotal moments such as his education, his marriage to Cheryl, raising their five children, and the life lessons in resilience and simplicity. This intimate conversation highlights the value of hard work, family bonds, and community, while capturing the essence of an era gone by.

In this episode of The Simple Lives We Live, I interview my close friend Jess, who shares her extraordinary journey from growing up in a small South Dakota town to navigating life in background Hollywood and ultimately becoming a stay-at-home mom. Jess recounts her childhood filled with freedom, sports, and tight-knit family bonds. She delves into her move to Las Vegas for a teaching job, breaking off an engagement, and later becoming a nanny for a Hollywood family, experiencing the glamorous yet often hollow world of wealth and fame. Jess reflects on her eventual return to a simpler, fulfilling life focused on family values, highlighting the lessons learned from her varied experiences. Through anecdotes of hardships, unexpected adventures, and the constant support of family, Jess emphasizes the profound joy found in everyday moments, ultimately underscoring the episode's theme of cherishing the simple lives we live.