Des Moines Storytellers Project

As a teen, Ron Riggins was hired as a farm hand. It proved an exercise in humility. Ron is now an accountant at Principal who enjoys listening to the blues and spending time with family.

As a child, Aaron Vermeer wore protective glasses for health reasons. And then he began to question why. Aaron is now a stay-at-home dad. After graduating from Central College, he lived in Arizona before settling in Des Moines in 2002.

Growing up in Ecuador, Clemencia Spizzirri recounts how poverty was not far from view. And she shares an encounter changed everything. Clemencia is now a language acquisition teacher, and in 2015 she became Iowa’s Teacher of the Year.

Bryan Smith wasn't gay, he just liked having sex with men. Then, he walked into a gay bar and found himself at home.

Smith is the owner of Des Moines' Blazing Saddle and a longtime resident of the East Village.

Callista Gould spent one awful summer as a waitress. But, after reflection and a few spilt milkshakes, her attempt to make a little change ended up changing her.

Gould, a certified etiquette instructor, teaches people how to eat in restaurants, among other things.

As a young Jewish girl in Des Moines, Joanne Brown feared the goose-stepping soldiers she saw on TV. As a slightly older newlywed, she discovered her husband would be stationed in Germany .

Brown retired from her position as an English professor at Drake University, but continues to teach and write.

Have you ever felt alone? Like really alone? Lihn Ta has...until she found the Asian mafia.

Ta reports on Ankeny, Johnston and Urbandale for The Des Moines Register.

Christina Moffatt has faced some pretty sucky things in her life, but it's only when she learned to embrace them that she could move forward.

Moffatt is the founder and owner of Creme Cupcakes + Dessert in Des Moines.

Steve Stone thought breaking bread was the best way to show love. Then, due to illness, his wife was relegated to baby food.

Steve Stone is married with four daughters and two granddaughters.

This is the story of the 11-year-old boy who saved Nick Kuhn's life.

This is the story of Jack Thompson.

Kuhn co-owner of The Beerhouse in Urbandale and two food trucks, 515 Pi and Deez Greenz.