A Williams Life

Williams College

A Williams Life explores the lives and legacies of Williams College graduates.

  1. Shoshana Clark Stewart '02 — From Astrophysics to Afghanistan

    4D AGO

    Shoshana Clark Stewart '02 — From Astrophysics to Afghanistan

    Shoshana Clark Stewart ’02, President of Turquoise Mountain, reflects on her journey from Williams—where she majored in astrophysics and led her rowing team to three national championships—to Afghanistan, and the lessons she's learned from leading an international NGO in some of the world’s most turbulent places. Shoshana began as an intern at Turquoise Mountain, which supports artisans and communities to protect and revitalize their heritage. Working directly with communities in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia and the Levant, the organization has trained thousands of artisans, restored more than 170 historic buildings, and provided primary healthcare to over 250,000 patients. Shoshana discusses the realities of operating in conflict zones, including the decision to remain in Kabul after the Taliban recaptured the city in 2021, and how craft traditions provide income, dignity, and continuity in times of upheaval. The conversation also explores leadership, resilience, and her advice to young graduates searching for meaningful work. Williams College awarded Shoshana a Bicentennial Medal in 2018. Click here to view photos from Shoshana's life. 00:00 From New York to Williams 06:10 The Zambia Eclipse That Changed Her Life 11:30 Rowing, Discipline & “I Choose” 14:15 Teaching Before Turquoise Mountain 16:45 Arriving in Afghanistan as an Intern 22:45 Reviving Vanishing Afghan Crafts 29:20 Why Cultural Heritage Matters in Crisis 37:10 The Fall of Kabul & Choosing to Stay 43:30 Expanding to Jordan, Palestine & Myanmar 1:01:00 From Intern to President — Leadership & Advice Click here to view pictures and hear more episodes of A Williams Life. Senior Producer: Jon Earle ('09)

    1h 11m
  2. 11/12/2024

    Reggie Garrett — SnakeOil Peddler

    This episode of A Williams Life features a conversation with Reggie Garrett, a Seattle-based singer/songwriter, who plays a wide range of music, including folk, blues, Celtic and more, with individual musicians as well as his band The SnakeOil Peddlers. One reviewer noted his “mellifluous voice reminiscent of Bill Withers or Terry Callier that draws you into the song rather than putting you off.” On A Williams Life, Reggie talks about his life on and off the stage, including growing up in Cincinnati with seven brothers and sisters, life as a starving artist in New York, and, eventually, his experience teaching in a special program for high school dropouts. And through it all—music. 00:00 Introduction 00:56 Childhood in Cincinnati 06:20 Discovering Music and Artistic Pursuits 10:40 High School and College 19:41 Williams College 28:03 Starving Artist in New York 35:23 Returning to Music 36:06 Teaching 37:51 Impactful Moments with Students 38:55 Musical Evolution and Style 40:25 Acoustic Guitar 41:42 Influences and Inspirations 43:19 Songwriting and Themes 45:21 "York's Lament" 51:39 "A Woman's Work is Never Done" 55:52 "All That Bleeds" 01:00:08 "The Road Taken" (with Christine Gunn) 01:07:05 Reflections and Future Plans Recorded at CDM Studios in New York City and Q’s Recording Studios in Tacoma, WA in August 2024. Click here to view pictures and hear more episodes of A Williams Life. Senior Producer: Jon Earle ('09)

    1h 14m
  3. 04/25/2024

    Will Parish & Perk Perkins — Adventure Friends

    On this episode of "A Williams Life," we delve into the enduring friendship of classmates Will Parish and Perk Perkins, whose bond spans 50 years. Starting in the fall of 1975, they embarked on a 20-month journey, crossing five oceans and seas, and exploring 35 countries—an experience they chronicled in their book, "Around the World in a Jeep.” We also explore their lives today, with Will engaged in educational and environmental causes in California, and Perk running Orvis, a family-owned business specializing in outdoor sporting goods, previously run by his father. Additionally, Will and Perk discuss the strong influence that their fathers, both Williams alums, played in their lives. Their friendship remains the central theme of the episode, including how they use annual retreats to strengthen their friendship and reflect on life. 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Beginnings of a Lifelong Bond 03:43 Embarking on a Round-the-World Trip 05:26 Memorable Encounters 13:17 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Humanity 15:36 Reflections on Mortality and “Invincibility" 23:53 Life Lessons from the Trip 27:25 Will & Perk’s Annual Retreats 30:01 The Evolution of the Retreats 33:40 Navigating Family Legacies and Career Paths 37:24 Conservation & Activism 50:38 A Climate Message to Future Generations 53:26 Closing Thoughts Click here to view pictures and hear more episodes of A Williams Life. Senior Producer: Jon Earle ('09)

    57 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

A Williams Life explores the lives and legacies of Williams College graduates.