Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback

Join us, your hosts Mark and Joe, as we look back on a year where Stories in Life shared  tales of human spirit and determination. We reflect on connections made across 20 countries and bonds with over a thousand followers who've become part of our journey.  We relive the moments of courage, goodwill, and determination that have echoed through our show, celebrating the power of storytelling.

Picture yourself nestled by Lake Superior or walking rain-soaked streets as stories and music play, capturing that rush of love, nature and life. That's the essence of our upcoming narratives, aiming to touch your heart and stir your soul. We'll bring you more entertaining stories to the airwaves and share more tales of adventure.

 With a heartfelt thank you for your unwavering support and feedback, we embrace the diversity of our listeners, and we can't wait to embark on this new chapter with you all. Here's to the stories and songs that unite us, uplift us, and lead us fearlessly into the future.

Support the show

Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback

This episode unfurls a captivating tapestry where our friend, Dr. Mark Larson shares a theory of the emergence of the 'age of the heart,' a transformative shift in societal values where empathy and emotional intelligence reign supreme. Listen as we sketch the lineage of societal evolutions, from the bygone days of small family farms, the industrial clatter to our present digital world, setting the stage for a future where our hearts must lead the change.

As we meander through this novel era, we dissect the worrying trend of social segregation, pondering how the walls we've built within our communities have fractured our political landscape and dulled our collective empathy. Hear how stories of the past, like Emerson's poetic wisdom, inspire us to cherish the now, undeterred by yesterday's shadows. With a fusion of hope and pragmatism, we discuss the transformative potential of education systems that prioritize compassion and connectivity from the earliest years.

Closing with a heartfelt narrative, the episode surfaces the raw emotions encircling love and rejection, echoing the poignant stance of "I wouldn't have it any other way." Whether it's about expressing the hard truths or the strength found in bonds of crisis, our dialogue is a homage to the courage it takes to connect genuinely. By tapping into our innermost feelings, we pave the way for a society rich with understanding, where success is defined not just by personal milestones, but by the hearts we touch and the hands that reach out to us in their darkest hours.

Support the show

Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback

Ever wondered about the sheer transformative power of gratitude and giving?  Join us on an inspiring journey as we share this incredible story of gratitude and meaningful community change. Hear several first-hand accounts from Dan Kuzlik, whose humble beginnings in Chicago led him to dedicate three decades of his life to supporting a small community in Chimbote, Peru. 

Laugh and learn with us as we navigate through humorous global travels and learning cultural differences, all wrapped up with a hearty dose of gratitude. You'll be touched by Dan's friendship with a phenomenal woman, Maruja, in Peru, and a profound reading on gratitude from Mark Wolak, written by a close friend, Neil. 

We also have a heart-to-heart with Father Jack who shares his 40-year devotion to community work in Chimbote, Peru.  This episode is your passport to the celebration of the human spirit, the power of community, and the magic of gratitude and giving. 

Support the show

Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback

Do you remember your favorite teacher? The one who not only taught you academic knowledge but also shaped you into a better individual? Our guest, Emily Boyle is an experienced middle school teacher who embodies these qualities and more. Her knack for building a meaningful relationship with students and parents alike is both heart-warming and inspiring. She gives us a peek into her classroom, sharing some laugh-out-loud anecdotes, particularly a humorous story involving a creative writing assignment.

Technology and education, a match made in heaven or a recipe for distraction? 
Ms. Boyle shares the pros and cons of technology in the classroom. We delve into the tricky task of striking a balance between using technology as an innovative learning tool and its potential for distraction. We discuss strategies to ensure students are engaging with technology in a productive and responsible manner. 

Teachers have an immeasurable impact on a student's growth, both academically and personally. Ms. Boyle shares her experiences of this profound influence, reinforcing the importance of truth-telling, character-building, and fostering a healthy culture within the school environment. Stories of connections she's built with her students, and the positive feedback she's received from parents and students, are testament to her commitment and passion. Tune in to our conversation for a fresh perspective on the joys and challenges that come with being a teacher. Join us on this journey and perhaps you'll find a bit of your favorite teacher in our guest.

Support the show

Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback

Imagine being a kid again, sitting in a classroom, listening to your teacher passionately discuss how important it is to learn and to be your best person. Then imagine seeing that same teacher put her heart into making sure that you are seen, heard, respected and asked to be a responsible and capable person with others.  That's the everyday reality for the students of Emily Boyle, a dedicated middle school teacher at a private school in St. Paul, Minnesota. This episode takes you inside Emily's world, where her commitment as an educator is to inspire her students and have them become leaders of the future. 

Join us for a deep conversation with Emily as she walks us through her journey from being a struggling reader to becoming a passionate educator. Experience the challenges of teaching multiple subjects, monitoring student progress, developing character in students, and handling leadership duties beyond the classroom. 

Emily's role has expanded to require high levels of communication and understanding of students, parents and her team members.  Her story is underscored by a powerful message from Dr. Maya Angelou about fighting for a better world. Emily's authenticity and heartfelt dedication to her students are a testament to the impact teachers have on young minds. Prepare to be inspired and refreshed by the passion and perspective Emily brings to her work.

Support the show

Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback

 As the hosts of Stories in Life, Mark Wolak and Joe Boyle take time to reflect on the journey so far. Stories In Life - On the Radio with Mark and Joe has reached over 525 downloads across 15 countries and 125 cities and towns at the halfway marker of this first season! We reflect on our original purpose and plan and assess how we are doing so far. We invite your suggestions for future topics and are eager to see what catches your interest!

In this episode, we share an original poem by Mark Wolak, entitled 'Step Off your Dock.' Crafted on the picturesque shores of Lake Superior, this thought-provoking piece is a love letter to the adventurer that resides within us all. The poem artfully expresses the power of taking that leap into the unknown and embracing the experiences that you weave as a result. 

So, come along, untether your dock lines, and join us as we continue to uncover stories that celebrate the courage, commitment, and vision of everyday people. Our journey so far has been rewarding, and we're excited to continue this adventure with you, our wonderful listeners!

Support the show

Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback

This is the third episode of a three-part story told in detail by Alphonse Wolak, a young soldier who enlisted in the Air Force and served as a side gunner in a B-24 Liberator in WW2.  

Alphonse Wolak was 18 when he enlisted and shares his raw and riveting tales from the frontlines of European Theater at age 81. You'll be on the edge of your seat as he recounts the fateful day his unit was spared from an artillery strike, and the harrowing reality of life in a POW camp. His story is not just a testament to human resilience in the face of adversity, but also a vivid reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during this tumultuous period.

 Listen as he details the incredible story of his capture, treatment in a German hospital, and his eventual journey home aboard the USS Santa Paul. Alphonse's story is a poignant reminder of love, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of those who fought in WWII. This is an episode that takes you beyond the pages of history, into the heart of a soldier who lived it. Don't miss this chance to hear a firsthand account of a time that changed the world forever.

Support the show

Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback

Ever wondered what it was like to be a side gunner in World War II? Prepare to be transported back in time as we hear from Alphonse Wolak, a B-24 Liberator gunner, who lived through the harrowing experience of being shot down and captured by German soldiers. Guided by his first hand story, we navigate the chilling realities of war, unveiling the physical and psychological demands these brave men faced. His tale is not just a testament to personal courage but a tribute to the collective bravery of those from the United States and allied countries.

He parachutes from a damaged B-24 at the Battle of the Bulge, is captured by German soldiers, and narrowly  escapes from a potential execution.  His story describes in detail an astonishing picture of human tenacity and resilience. 

The episode concludes with an emotionally stirring performance from the University of Johannesburg Choir, a poem honoring our soldiers, and a thank you to all those who've served and continue to serve our country, preserving our freedom.  

Alphonse Wolak's vivid memories of war, survival and returning home is a poignant reminder of the many unsung heroes of WW2.

Support the show

Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback

You're about to embark on a memorable journey through time, as we sit down with my Uncle Alphonse Wolak to share his unforgettable experiences serving in the now famous Eighth Air Force during World War II. From the moment he enlisted at Fort Snelling at 18 years old, to flying harrowing missions over Germany and Belgium, Alphonse's stories paint a vivid picture of bravery, sacrifice, and loss. As a left side gunner on the B-24 Liberator, every mission was a testament to the fortitude and dedication of young soldiers to our country. His descriptive tales from the front are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.

Alphonse's stories give us a rare glimpse into the humanity amidst the chaos and loss of war. Like his ten-day leave in Glascow, Scotland, when he found a brief respite from the war in the warmth of a local family and the comfort of a pub - reminding us that even amidst war, the human spirit endures.  So, brace yourselves for a journey back in time as we honor our veterans and the sacrifices they've made. Alphonse's first-hand accounts from World War II will captivate, inform, and inspire.

This is part one of a three part series.

Support the show

Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback

This week, we're on board with Gary W. Anderson, a sailor and friend, with a serious knack for adventure and an unforgettable story. We set our course to Lake Superior, the largest fresh water lake in the world, where Gary and his crew find themselves stranded on Cat Island, with nothing but their resourcefulness and a sense of camaraderie to navigate through the challenges. Prepare for a tale that's adventurous, frightening and entirely captivating.

Our journey begins with the crew playing beach bocce under hot afternoon sun and enjoying an afternoon of sailing in the beautiful Apostle Islands.  The next day, the evening beach party ends with a daunting reality that the dinghy has floated away from the beach.  The crew finds themselves marooned on the island through the night with their sailboat anchored 200 yards away. Darkness and damp cold overcomes the crew.  It's time for the skipper to lead some serious problem-solving. 

Hear about the ingenious way the crew constructed a makeshift raft using logs tied with shoelaces, drawstrings, one belt, and a canvas bag. Facing cold waters and uncertainty, the crew perseveres and eventually makes it back to the sailboat via a creatively designed ferry line. Stay with us as we navigate through this challenging adventure, and discover the power of resourcefulness and camaraderie in the face of adversity.

Support the show