A Williams Life

Williams College
  • 5.0 (6)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS

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

  1. MAR 30

    Kurt Van Steemburg '75 — Lessons in Living

    This episode features a recent conversation between Gordon Earle '75 and his classmate and close friend, Kurt Van Steemburg, when Kurt was in hospice with only a few weeks to live. Gordon recorded the episode because he was struck, in the weeks and months leading up to their conversation, by how willing Kurt was to talk openly and honestly about his life and what lay ahead.  It was a conversation that was serious but also filled with smiles, joy and laughter. In talking with Kurt, Gordon was reminded of The Last Lecture: Lessons in Living, a powerful and deeply moving memoir written by Carnegie Mellow professor Randy Pausch after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer; the same disease that took Kurt’s life.  Whether you knew Kurt or not, those who listen to this episode will be moved by Kurt’s observations on living a good life, as well as preparing for its end with wisdom, courage, humor and grace. Gordon also felt his conversation with Kurt provided valuable lessons on how to cope with his own mortality. Gordon first met Kurt in the fall of 1971 in Morgan West, their freshman entry. Little did he know that those in the entry would remain close friends over the next half century. During that time, Gordon and other members of the Class of ’75 also became close to the spouses of their classmates, especially Jinx, Kurt’s wife of 50 years, who joined the conversation. Click here to view pictures and hear more episodes of A Williams Life. Senior Producer: Jon Earle ('09)

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

    FEB 18

    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
  3. Toby Cosgrove ’62 — From Vietnam to the Cleveland Clinic

    12/03/2025

    Toby Cosgrove ’62 — From Vietnam to the Cleveland Clinic

    Dr. Toby Cosgrove ’62 reflects on a remarkable life that took him from upstate New York to Williams, through medical school at UVA, into the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, and ultimately to the helm of the Cleveland Clinic. A renowned cardiovascular surgeon who performed more than 22,000 operations and later served as CEO of one of the world’s leading medical centers, Cosgrove shares stories from his military service, his decades in medicine and leadership, and his lifelong experience managing dyslexia. This episode offers an intimate look at the journey behind his extraordinary career. Click here to view pictures and hear more episodes of A Williams Life. Senior Producer: Jon Earle ('09)

    52 min

  4. 06/06/2025

    Reflections on A Williams Life

    In this final episode of A Williams Life before the Class of 1975's 50th reunion, host Gordon Earle is interviewed by Jon Earle, his producer, nephew and fellow Williams alum ('09). Gordon reflects on his positive experience talking with fellow classmates, most of whom he didn't know, or knew only slightly during his undergraduate years. He discusses their lives and legacies, and how they were shaped by their time at Williams—and beyond. Gordon also reflects on his family legacy at the College. His father, Harry Earle ('47), had his initial years at Williams interrupted when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and flew 50 missions as a B-17 pilot in Italy during WWII before returning to the College to graduate. Gordon also talks about his uncle, John Earle, a multi-sport star athlete at the College, who graduated from Williams in 1941, but tragically died in the Pacific theater of the war. In addition to his father and uncle, Gordon's two brothers (David and John) attended Williams, as did two of David's sons (Jon and Matthew). Gordon also discusses his own years at Willams, including memories of this favorite professors and the impact they had on his life. Click here to view pictures and hear more episodes of A Williams Life. Senior Producer: Jon Earle ('09)

    36 min

  5. 05/28/2025

    Jackie Laughlin — Midwife & Archivist

    This episode of A Williams Life features a conversation with Jackie Laughlin, who was known during her undergraduate years at the College as Jackie Meadows.  And that's one of the aspects of Jackie's life that makes her time at Williams so unique.  Because she was not only a student, like most of her classmates, but also—during her senior year—a wife and mother. Although strongly encouraged by her father to attend either medical or law school following Williams, Jackie instead opted to pursue a master's degree in education and counseling at Howard University. She then embarked on a long and varied career in public service, with a specific focus on women's health, while serving as a midwife in various locations around the country. Jackie is also a trained archivist, who has recorded many stories as part of what she calls her oral history collections, including some that she labels "Conversations with Wise Women." Additionally, she's engaged in a variety of other pursuits as a scholar, artist, poet, writer, and activist—all of which are discussed during the podcast. Click here to view pictures and hear more episodes of A Williams Life. Senior Producer: Jon Earle ('09)

    1h 7m

  6. 03/13/2025

    Jon Myers — Inventor & AI Entrepreneur

    This episode of A Williams Life will take us on a journey from the banks of the Mississippi, to Williamstown, to the bond trading world of Wall Street, and finally to the dazzling universe of artificial intelligence. Our guide will be Jon Myers, a self-taught inventor and entrepreneur, who has spent many years founding and investing in technology companies designed to, in his words, “make the world a better place.” In recent years, Jon has devoted a great deal of time and energy focusing on ways to optimize artificial intelligence while mindful of the challenges, even dangers, it poses to humankind. Prior to joining the ranks of tech entrepreneurs, he spent 15 years on Wall Street immersed in the culture that Michael Lewis described so memorably in his 1989 book, Liars Poker.    📍 00:00 – Introduction 📍 01:00 – Growing Up in Small-Town America 📍 06:30 – Williams College: A Culture Shock 📍 14:00 – The Wild Days of Wall Street 📍 19:30 – A Life-Changing Medical Crisis 📍 27:00 – Reinventing Himself as a Tech Entrepreneur 📍 35:00 – Dickinson Corp: The Nanotech Revolution 📍 38:00 – Artificial Intelligence 📍 50:00 – Silicon Valley's Rightward Shift? 📍 56:00 – Final Thoughts: Innovation & Uncertainty Recorded at CDM Studios in New York City in January 2025. Click here to view pictures and hear more episodes of A Williams Life. Senior Producer: Jon Earle ('09)

    59 min

  7. 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

  8. 09/05/2024

    Polly Wood-Holland — Scenic Artist

    Polly Wood-Holland is a scenic artist and designer for film, TV, and theater. She's worked on many iconic Broadway productions, including The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Spamalot, and Mary Poppins. On this episode, we discuss the projects, mentors, and serendipitous moments that have shaped her career, as well as her experiences with legendary figures such as Paul Newman and Mike Nichols. 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Experience at Williams 04:55 Mentorship and Early Career Challenges 09:58 Working with Tony Walton on "The Wiz" 22:15 Mechanical Wolves and Practical Effects on "Wolfen" 27:58 Learning from Industry Legends 30:27 Moving to Vermont and Starting a Mural Business 35:48 Returning to New York 36:50 Kanye West's Coachella Project 38:36 Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Camp 43:03 Broadway Highlights 44:23 Transition to Movies and TV 46:15 "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" 50:06 Reflections and Future Plans Click here to view pictures and hear more episodes of A Williams Life. Senior Producer: Jon Earle ('09)

    1 hr
See All (16)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Williams College
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 A Williams Life
  • Show Website
    A Williams Life

You Might Also Like