At the beginning of this year my Grandpa was diagnosed with Liver Cancer. Upon finding out that this would be the last year of his life, I gathered some recording equipment and drove to Ephraim, Utah to sit in his front room and record the stories and learnings of his life so we could forever cherish it in his own words, in his own voice. For the last episode of Down in the Valley, I am honored to share with you some of my favorite stories of my Grandpa's life. I hope you enjoy this final episode with my Grandpa's silly humor, funny jokes, tender voice, and strong and steady strength. Rest in Peace Grandpa, you have forever changed us!

We know that death is part of life. But what about when it happens too soon?

In this episode you'll hear from Sue who has a very visceral relationship with death. From the loss a daughter in law who was a young mother, a grandchild who never took his first breath, a brother overcome by addiction, and parents who lived full, beautiful lives. She recounts her experiences and feelings, along with the beautiful wisdom that comes with heartbreak.

Immigration has played a key role in America, we are the melting pot, the American dream is sold all over the world, we cherish our freedoms here in the land of opportunity.

In this episode, you'll meet MayEllis who is an immigrant to the U.S. from Venezuela. She shares her experience that brought her to the U.S., she talks about motherhood, mental health, as well as a pathway to citizenship and how that will positively impact humans globally as well as the economic benefits here in the United States.

We hope you gain insight as you listen along as she reflects on her experience.

The nineteenth amendment was passed by congress in June 1919 ratified on August 18th 1920, granting women the right to vote. Utah had granted that right to women long before it was a national right, and even before statehood. In 1870, while still considered a Territory, Utah women were the first to cast ballots in the United States. Women finally had the power to cast a vote more than 140 years after the white, land owning male had been practicing using their voice through the ballot box.

This conversation is meant to invite more women to the table. It can be uncomfortable and challenging to navigate, however, when we are brave enough to listen, and to use our voices for the good of our community, we can invoke the change we have been waiting for.

Earlier this week we heard from Dolly who recounted her childhood and challenges that shaped her. This episode is catching up to where she is today. She followed the pad that was set out for her! She arrived at a good career, a lot of money, notoriety in her job title. When she got to the top she looked around and realized this is not what she wanted at all! This part of her story is way too important to not share. We hope that you feel inspired as you listen to her walk us through this important decision she made and how that changed and brought peace to her life!

In this episode you'll meet Daulton who discusses her parents divorce and the role it played in shaping who she is. She talks through her family dynamics and how it impacted her relationship with her sister and how she recovered that relationship. She also reflects on what "Family" means to her, and how her parents continued to make family a priority.

Earlier this week you heard from Shelby who shared her journey with mental health. In our conversation she also talked about an experience with her best friend. This part of her experience is rich with deep understandings, and we feel compelled to share this part of the conversation as well. Please enjoy our first bonus episode, Shelby talking about her best friend soul mate.

In this episode you'll hear from Shelby and learn about her journey with Mental Health. She shares her story of what brought her to her rock bottom, the lessons she learned, and her continued rising and becoming more of who she has always been.

This very special episode includes the stories and experiences of a few people in Utah as they have experienced the pandemic 2020 and the social distancing order that has been placed on us. Some people sent in their words and we read them on their behalf, and others sent in their own voices their experience.

The first person you’ll hear from is Natalie who is a local Podcaster and you can access her podcast from this link here:

https://anchor.fm/natandchat/support

The next portion is the reading of some interview responses to children 10 and under and how they are internalizing this quarantine experience. Next you’ll hear from Terin who is a military spouse and navigating through the uncertainty of deployment date.

After that you’ll hear from the perspective of those who have to work at home and those who have to work in the public and how it is impacting in affecting them. Following those responses you’ll hear from Dawn who describes her time in quarantine as both a difficulty and a gift!

Lastly you’ll hear from Carissa about the paradox of being socially distant and all in this together!

We want to thank those who submitted their responses and experiences to help us bring this special episode to you! It takes courage and self reflection to share this insight with our community!

If you enjoy this episode please share with family and friends. Season two is coming soon, and we are so excited to share more life lessons and interviews with you. If you have a story you would like to share please reach out to us at [email protected]

The last episode in season one! This is a short conversation thanking everyone who helped make Down In The Valley possible. We also discuss what we have learned, season two, and bloopers! We hope you laugh and enjoy the last conversation of season one!