LifeLabNotes

As a kid, he was a fighter. He did time. He raised two sons who became soldiers. He went to therapy. Then one day he picked up two hitchhikers and taught them what he knew about getting along.

Today's story is written and performed by Brendan Weinhold.

With his "Memories from a Brief Air Force Career," Jerry Ward unwittingly inspired the crew here at Life Lab Notes in many ways, none of which involve becoming a pilot, all of which involve being a good, steady, attention-paying, adventure-seeking person. This is part of his story, and some of what we learned from it.

This episode was written by Jerry Ward and Silvie Zamora.

The Life Lab Notes theme and underscoring were created by Phil Ward.

"Tempted to Fight" was written and performed by Phil Ward.

Theatre of NOTE in Hollywood, California, produces the Young Writers Project every year, sending writers to coach high school students, selecting shows for production, then giving them their premiere on the Theatre of NOTE stage. Student writers are involved in casting from a pool of professional, working actors. Directors work with the writers as needed during the rehearsal process. This episode explores some of that journey, but mostly our shared journey. (Hint: It may be more shared than you think.)

Before it was a ubiquitous Disney song, it was ubiquitous advice - sometimes, not super helpful. Love, loss, getting help, and finding our own way.

Part 2 of a 3-part series written and performed by Gale Brennan Jackson. An actor, writer, and teacher, she has also held many other unique jobs over the years. In this episode we travel to San Francisco to that time she worked in a truly cool toy store.

Emanuel Collins has been whisked away from danger a couple of times in his life. This is the story of one of those times. Like all stories about humans, there are so many other humans involved - some in central roles, protecting, guiding; some on the periphery, making and enforcing laws that affect other humans.

Many thanks to Emanuel, Pauline, and Meloney Collins. And, because of that whole connection thing, thanks to his mom.

First of a three-part series by Gale Brennan Jackson. It's sort of like "Take a Podcast Listener to Work Day," and she's starting us off with a summer job from the 90s. Enjoy!

After a fun and successful run with the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar, Life Lab Notes goes year-round! In this inaugural episode, we listen in on a conversation between 2016 and 2017. Sketch comedy that has a little something important to say.

Originally published in October 2015, "Monstranto, A Halloween Horror Story," follows the misadventures of an innocent group of teens looking for some Halloween fun. What they discover is chilling "food" for thought. Written by Silvie Zamora; performed by Gary Grantham, Pablo Marz, Jade Puga, Roxy Shabestari, Justin Vasquez, and Phil Ward. Special thanks to Robby Abney, Tessa Coster, and Megan Ward-Baranyay for adding their startled gasps.