Life Stories

In a rare and personal conversation, Reverend A.R. Bernard, founder of Brooklyn's Christian Cultural Center, steps beyond the pulpit to reflect on the experiences that shaped his life and faith. From an unconventional childhood to the devastating loss of his sons, Rev. Bernard reveals how grief has challenged the very beliefs he has spent a lifetime sharing with others. His reflections explore the enduring tension between faith and fear, and what it truly means to live a life well spent.

New York Times bestselling author Sahil Bloom reflects on the experiences that turned into his most important life lessons.  From learning resilience through baseball to moving across the country to strengthen his family, Bloom shares how personal challenges and unexpected realizations have helped him redefine success and find purpose in his life.

Master glassblower and entrepreneur Simon Pearce has built his life and work around what he calls the “perfect imperfection” of the human hand: the idea that what we make, and the lives we lead, are made more meaningful by the traces of our humanity. From struggling in school to building a celebrated glassmaking company, Pearce reflects on the lessons that shaped his understanding of success and perseverance. At 79, he looks back with pride and gratitude, embracing the imperfections life has handed him. Where others might polish away the evidence of the human hand, Pearce leaves it behind as his signature—a reminder that imperfection is part of what makes something beautiful.

David Brooks opens up about the importance of vulnerability, attempting to lose ego, commitment, and reliability as a writer. He explores how American culture has changed over the past 60 years and why trust's been lost in our institutions and each other.

Retired Golf champion Gary Player reflects on his life of legacy, sharing his journey from a childhood of hardship in South Africa, to a professional athlete inducted in the World Golf Hall of Fame. He shares how he has coped with adversity, determination, and loss to live a life of love and gratitude. “Golf, Grace and Giving Back” is part of The Thread Documentary series by Life Stories, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing inspiring stories on social justice, history, and culture.

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma chronicles his life as a musician, from traveling the country and performing as a child prodigy, to becoming a 19-time Grammy Winner. Ma shares his passion for anthropology and nature, which has led to Our Common Nature, his initiative to re-connect nature with culture, and his title of United Nations Messenger of Peace.

Former CEO of American Express Ken Chenault reflects on his life and career, sharing moments of adversity and lessons from his childhood that have shaped his approach to business: prioritize people first, then profit. Chenault discusses growing up amidst the Civil Rights movement, leading a company in the wake of 9/11, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Legal scholar Laurence Tribe reflects on his career as a Harvard Law professor teaching U.S. Constitutional Law. Tribe shares stories from when today’s political leaders were his students, including Ted Cruz and Barack Obama, and explains how different interpretations of the Constitution have informed many landmark cases of the Supreme Court.

Conservationist Murray Fisher shares his life and career of protecting New York waterways and ecosystems. He discusses where his deep love for nature originated from, the importance of youth engagement, and the ongoing success of his ecological restoration and conservation projects, which include the Billion Oyster Project and Plan it Wild.

Actress, director, and documentarian Lee Grant reflects on her storied career in Hollywood, from emerging on Broadway in the 1950s and overcoming the Hollywood blacklist, to starting a career as a documentary filmmaker highlighting social issues.