From Amy:

My junior year in high school, we read Thornton Wilder's play Our Town in English class. My senior year, that same English teacher, Carol Ottoson, directed the play and cast me as the Stage Manager. That role, which spends so much time reflecting on details in life and their meaning, had a huge influence on how I see the world, and I'm certain that's rubbed off on me as a writer of creative nonfiction: how I make sense of small details, the things that matter, the people around me, and how they all connect to each other. It seems to me that I would be a different person if not for that experience, and the understanding that I had a voice that carries, and that I can use it for good in the world.

So when I went with my husband to a recent production of Our Town at a neighboring high school, I was delighted to run into my old castmate (and previous podcast guest) Cory Busse, himself a writer, whose daughter was now in the show. We both agreed that this play was something special, something that had a huge impact on both of us, and something that holds up across time. So I reached out to our former English teacher, Carol Ottoson, and the three of us recorded a reunion conversation. It's the perfect introduction to my latest podcast season.

I am reminded all the time that story is powerful. Connection to each other is powerful. And we have no idea the impact that stories will have on us until long after they're told. Some stories have our attention a moment. But some stories—and some people—make an indelible mark.

And if that's not a worthy reason to make our artwork and write our stories and engage in creative play with each other, I'm not sure what is.

Carol Ottoson (Otto) retired from teaching, coaching, and directing after 36 years in the classroom, including 24 in the Prior Lake Savage (MN) School District. She continues to sub in the district. She directed theater for thirty years and coached speech for 34 years. Carol and her husband Keith have been married for over 51 years and have two adult children, Heather and Andy, two sons-in-law, Collan and Branden, and two grandsons, Zach and Jameson. Carol and her husband enjoy traveling and are frequently on the road somewhere. Carol also occasionally preaches at her local church (htumc.org). They are a reconciling congregation, and promote inclusivity.

Follow Carol on Facebook  or email her directly at [email protected]. 

Cory Busse was once voted "Sexiest Man Alive" by Cory Busse Magazine whose audience boasts more than zero Cory Busses.

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Amy Hallberg is the author of Tiny Altars: A Midlife Revival and German Awakening: Tales from an American Life. She is the host of Courageous Wordsmith Podcast and founder of Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life Writers. As an editor and writing mentor, Amy guides writers through their narrative journeys—from inklings to beautiful works, specifically podcasts and books. A lifelong Minnesotan and mother of grown twins, Amy lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and two cats.

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