Everything Is Stories

Michelle Lyons witnessed over 270 executions carried out by the state of Texas. At age 22, Lyons started reporting for The Huntsville Item, which gave her the opportunity to see her first lethal injection. In 2001, she became the Director of Public Information for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), a spokesperson for 110 prisons across the state. Here, Lyons talks the politics of death row, the infamous Walls Unit execution chamber, and processing her emotions death after death.

Produced by Garrett Crowe, Mike Martinez, and Tyler Wray.

Music by Silent Isle.

Transcripts are available at everythingisstories.com

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Convicted and sentenced to 12 years in prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child, Greg Torti has spent the the last two decades in the shadow of a system that places a high priority on banishing sex offenders even after their release.

Living in rural Texas with children of his own now, Torti would be the first to tell you he agrees with the system. Yet still, after years behind bars and now subject to the process a sex offender must go through each year, bitterness and anger remain after what he feels was no more than a vindictive accusation.

In this story Greg speaks on his upbringing in Irving, attempts on his life throughout his prison sentence, and the complexities of innocence.

Produced by Guatam Srikishan, Mike Martinez, and Tyler Wray

Music by Justin Frye, Mike Etten, and Greg Fox of the band PC Worship.

Transcripts are available at everythingisstories.com

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In the Summer of 2016, members from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe began organizing demonstrations against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), an underground pipeline that would stretch over 1,300 miles. If completed, it would carry oil through North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois. Many believed DAPL’s route would destroy sacred Sioux grounds and affect the local water source. As Indigenous tribes from all over the world united against the pipeline, private security soon used guard dogs and pepper spray on demonstrators. Local police arrived in riot gear and armored vehicles.

On the brink of halting the pipeline, voices in this episode tell stories of resisting DAPL physically and spiritually.

Produced by Garrett Crowe, Mike Martinez, and Tyler Wray.

Music by High Aura’d.

Transcripts are available at everythingisstories.com

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For over two decades, Duane “Chili” Yazzie has been an activist for Native American rights. Of the Navajo tribe, Chili has spent his life on the reservation in Shiprock, New Mexico, following tribal traditions and questioning the relationship between Native Peoples and Anglo-Americans. As a young man, he became a member of the influential Native American rock band, XIT, playing at political rallies across the United States. Chili would later become involved in Navajo politics, being sworn into the administration of the Shiprock Chapter House, where he now serves as president.

In this story, Chili explains the principles of the Diné people, while also recalling his experiences of the United States Indian Affairs relocation program, armed take-overs of corporate factories, political riots in the Navajo Capital, and an assassination attempt by a local white man to take Chili’s life. A LINE DRAWN IN THE REZ DIRT illustrates the struggle of Native Americans transitioning into a modern day America that has renounced the traditions of its past.

Produced by Garrett Crowe, Mike Martinez, and Tyler Wray.

Music by High Aura’d.

Transcripts available at everythingisstories.com

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In the final part of this series, EIS visits the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana. Commonly known as “The Bunker” by residents, the house hosts veterans released from the military and deported out of the United States. A number of veterans tell stories of hardships in Mexico, efforts to join military branches in other countries, and retaining American pride after banishment.

Produced by Garrett Crowe, Mike Martinez, and Tyler Wray.

Music by Sontag Shogun.

Transcripts are available at everythingisstories.com

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At age seven, Hector Barajas crossed the Mexico border into United States as an illegal citizen. His family soon settled in Compton, California, where Hector encountered crime, gang violence, and racial division. Hector escaped the lifestyle by joining the United States Army as a non-citizen, becoming a medic for the 82nd Airborne Division. But personal problems soon led him to honorable discharge, prison, and deportation back to Mexico. In the first episode of this two-part series, Hector chronicles the humanity of being banished, and how he seeks to return to the country he once swore to protect.

Produced by Garrett Crowe, Mike Martinez, and Tyler Wray.

Music by Sontag Shogun.

Transcripts are available at everythingisstories.com

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After anti-war protests at Washington University in 1970, Howard Mechanic became the first person arrested and charged under the Civil Obedience Act. Claiming innocence, Mechanic jumped bail to avoid prison time. He moved out West and created a new identity. For 28 years, he lived as Gary Tredway while raising a family and starting his own business. But what happens when Gary Tredway’s background is questioned? Can he continue under an assumed name or will his past finally be open to the public?

Produced by Garrett Crowe, Mike Martinez, and Tyler Wray.

Music by GOG (Mike Bjella).

Transcripts are available at everythingisstories.com

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Robin Baker dreamed of becoming a Hollywood starlet. As a teenager in the 60s, she became a Whisky a Go Go dancer, socializing with famous actors and musicians. After meeting and marrying Jim Baker, a World War II veteran, restaurant owner, and spiritual leader in Los Angeles, Robin’s life took a different path. With her husband, she established the Source Family, a commune with over 140 members. But when Jim changed his name to Father Yod and adopted strange rules for the commune, Robin’s role in the family changed forever.

Produced by Garrett Crowe, Mike Martinez, and Tyler Wray.

Music by Filthy Huns.

Transcripts are available at everythingisstories.com

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An anonymous couple live in an undisclosed part of northern California. Spearheading the back-to-the-land hippie movement, the Husband moved to the area in the early 70s while the Wife traveled the world as part of the Peace Corps. Now, the couple’s home rests off the grid where they grow a very special garden. This garden provides a peaceful and private lifestyle for the marriage. But what happens when outsiders jeopardize the couple’s way of life? Will the garden be destroyed? Or can the couple preserve their land and everything that grows within it?

Produced by Garrett Crowe, Mike Martinez, and Tyler Wray.

Music by Holy Gallows.

Transcripts are available at everythingisstories.com

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Jon Gerwitz’s son was born on April 20th, 1988 and kidnapped four hours later. In this story, Gerwitz describes the peculiar circumstances of the disappearance which includes his hometown, a lifelong friend, and the many corridors of Interstate 40. Gerwitz also explains his emotions at the time which ranged from paranoia to forgiveness. 20 years later, he wonders if the whole experience was a coincidence or miracle.

Produced by Garrett Crowe, Mike Martinez, and Tyler Wray.

Music by J.S. Aurelius.

Transcripts are available at everythingisstories.com

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