Kirstin Back lives in New Zealand with her family.  In this episode, she discusses the measures New Zealand has taken, and how successful they’ve been in conquering the virus.  She also recounts a great quarantine story about a neighbor on her street who entertained their community with his trumpet.  Interviewed 7 August 2020.  Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Laura Tucker lives in Toronto, Canada, and in her interview describes what it was like to be travelling when the pandemic hit, as well as her experience seeking non-COVID-19 related medical care.  Interviewed 27 August 2020.  Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

JR Muller is a technology professional who serves the Grand Rapids area.  His operation is now fully self-sustained out of his home.  JR also speaks about his experience with virtual networking during COVID by creating a virtual cigar bar.  Interviewed 26 August 2020.  Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Dana Sumpter is a professor and scholar, who has had to learn to cope with running her household while also maintaining her work schedule.  Part of her research is studying gender roles during the pandemic, and how they have changed… or have they?  Interviewed 25 August 2020.  Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Miss “Texas” 1988 was in the midst of touring when the pandemic hit.  In their interview, they describe the evolution of thought that they had to undergo to adjust from in-person performances to innovating into a completely digital platform in order to express their art and bring in income.  Interviewed 24 August 2020.  Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Every ten episodes I publish a bonus episode highlighting the final messages participants leave for future generations, as the purpose of this book is to both document this era for posterity and to share the lessons we've learned so they aren't lost.  These bonus episodes are heartfelt and tender, as participants think to the future and send their hopes to those we'll never meet.

Participants included in this episode are:

Barbara Gaines Kenyon

Emily Wilkins

Sissy Tzelepidou

Joseph Trodden

Gorett Reis

James Allen

Dr. Olga Alexandrou

Filip Ballesteros

Joyce van der Lely

Dexter Dakota

Learn more about the project and sign up for an interview at https://storiesofcovid.co

Dexter Dakota is a restaurant consultant who has had a first person view into the industry during the pandemic.  He expresses his fears, hopes and dreams about the future of dining experiences, as well as shares some insight into behavior of humans during this time.  Interviewed 24 August 2020.  Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Joyce shares the way that New Zealand acted swiftly when COVID-19 threatened their country.  She describes how contract tracing was set into motion straight away, and how that ultimately was the key in keeping their communities safe.  Interviewed 19 August 2020.  Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Filip Ballesteros lives in Chicago, Illinois, and in his interview he describes the anger he feels when noticing the messaging disparity between communities who speak English and those who don’t.  He also speaks about how his old ways of escaping needs to be readjusted and how he discovers that through therapy.  Interviewed 13 August 2020.  Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Dr. Olga Alexandrou lives in Cyprus, and as a medical worker was faced with severe shortages for patients who need them most.  She also reflects on the good times she had bonding with her family during the pandemic, something they otherwise rarely get to do.  Interviewed 11 August 2020.  Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co