Every ten episodes I publish a bonus episode highlighting the final messages participants are providing 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 heart felt and tender, as participants think to the future and send their hopes to those we'll never meet.

Participants included in this episode are:

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

Jason Schemmel lives in Michigan.  He found himself in a fortunate situation when the pandemic hit — he had a new job that came with a raise, and his wife had just given birth and was still on her leave of absence.  Thanks to the pandemic, he has had more time with his newborn daughter, and his role at work as a social media manager has grown exponentially with the online market explosion.  In this episode, Jason remembers what it was like to hear about the virus back in January, how it has evolved in his life, his observation of Operation Gridlock (the armed protests at state capitals nationwide), and his gratitude for healthcare workers.  Interviewed 4 May 2020.

Learn more about the project and be interviewed for a book that documents this pandemic for future generations here:  https://storiesofcovid.co

Gina Giordano of Austin, Texas, is cofounder of Doula Training International and Born Into This.  Her work is in training doulas across the world to support women as they give birth.  The pandemic and need for social distancing has altered what doula work can look like.  In this episode, Gina reflects on these restrictions and the advocacy for doulas both as legitimate healthcare providers and for their own self care.  Interviewed 4 May 2020.

Learn more about the project and sign up to leave a legacy at https://storiesofcovid.co

Sneha lives in Kathmandu, Nepal.  The Coronavirus first came on the scene during the Nepali new year.  Though the government and community were cautious, they still were unaware just how transmittable the virus is.  At the time of her interview, schools were closed and transitioning to online classes.  Sneha has concern for students in areas of the country that aren't wired enough to take advantage of online classes — will they fall behind?  Interviewed 30 April 2020.

Future generations will only know what we leave behind.  Sign up for an interview to give them the best chance at carrying forward the lessons we are learning today:  https://storiesofcovid.co

Kirsten Zeiter lives in Washington DC.  She traveled frequently during the early days of the coronavirus, witnessing international attitudes and policies toward the virus.  On her last trip, she reflects that, before they left, to have considered canceling seemed ludicrous, but upon their return, national attitudes had changed and travel had changed to reckless.  Kirsten also tells the story of her friend's wedding cancelation, and how people have moved during the pandemic for safety and support.  Interviewed 28 April 2020.

Preserve this historic event for future generations.  Sign up for an interview at https://storiesofcovid.co

I interviewed Chris Day on April 28, 2020.  In this interview, she describes how being an expat from the United States has created a sense of survivor's guilt while she lives in security in beautiful Costa Rica.

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

Sophie Edwards interviewed on April 28, 2020.  At that point, Toronto was a ghost town.  In this interview, Sophie describes a vision of the empty streets as she realized that COVID-19 was getting really bad.

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

Eric Z lives in Northern Germany.  He is very concerned about the disinformation and conspiracy theories emerging across media and forums.  Eric draws our attention to the larger issue of our rights.  While we are distracted by the virus, what laws are being passed that will create sweeping and permanent change once life finds its pace again? Interviewed on 23 April 2020.

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

Landon Mabe was at Rice University in his senior year when COVID-19 disrupted our lives.  He had graduation plans, expectations, and goals, all of which were derailed within one week as Rice shut down.  In this heartfelt episode, listen to the story of a rite of passage being disrupted, and consider how it fits with previous episodes. Interviewed 23 April 2020.

Learn more, schedule an interview, and support healthcare workers at https://storiesofcovid.co

Sarah Farbman was teaching english in Ecuador when the virus was first announced.  She and her partner then had to make a series of decisions around travel and locality to keep each other safe.  Ultimately, they chose to fly to the United States to stay with family.  In this episode we hear how South American countries began dealing with the pandemic and how clear disparities are becoming.  Interviewed 22 April 2020.

To learn more, sign up for an interview, and support healthcare workers go to https://storiesofcovid.co