Inside Stories Takeyla Benton & Jen Rubin

Mark Espanol shares his personal journey from his time in prison to present life. He explores how a local radio DJ and her show changed his life and we talk about what it was like to tell a very personal story in front of a crowd of strangers.

Taking big leaps isn't something we all are comfortable doing. Danielle shares the wisdom gained and lessons learned from the big leaps she took in life. We enjoyed the connection, conversation, and laughs on this one.

After leaving a toxic relationship during the pandemic, moving in with her sister, Jessica decides to treat herself to a vacation. She gets on an airplane for the first time, travels by herself for the first time, and reconnects with herself on a Florida beach.

When Nitisha was seven years old she saw her mom act with great courage to protect herself, Nitisha, and her younger sister. This moment and her mother's act of bravery has stayed with her. Nitisha developed this story as part of a workshop with the Chazen Museum and Inside Stories podcast.

High school is a time where we often find ourselves and our people. Dave tells a story about being bullied at school and at his church because everyone thought he was gay. He recounts formative moments where he found a strong community of friends with other kids that were considered outsiders and thrived. Dave brings considerable humor, vulnerability, and insight to his stories. We enjoyed the connection, conversation, and laughs on this one.

Jennifer tells a story about one night during high school that brought to the surface the impact of intergenerational trauma from growing up in the U.S. with her immigrant family and undocumented grandmother. She chronicles her family letting go of some of their fears and letting her have more freedom to explore her world, live a fuller life and find her place.