Story of My Life

In the Season 1 finale, former Kentucky Wildcats cheerleader Charlotte Reeder talks about going to college during World War 2, becoming a stay-at-home mom, parenting a child with disabilities, love of books, and her 39-year career at the gift shop at the Kentucky Horse Park. She still works full time at age 90.

Plus, she talks about how she spends her time off the clock (books and world travel) and shares her advice to keep a positive outlook.

Thank you for a wonderful Season 1.

Help shape Season 2!

In the final part of this special series, Lam Lo shares how he and his family were selected from the refugee camp to come to America. Arriving in America with only $2, Lam discusses how he re-made his life and his career in San Francisco and then in St. Louis.

Plus, get some pragmatic advice for a long marriage.

In Part 2 of Lam Lo's story, he talks about how he and his family escaped Vietnam, what it was like to be "boat people," and about life in a refugee camp on Bidong Island.

This is the first in a series about the astounding life of Lam Lo, whose sister rescued him from being sold by their father, who moved from China to Vietnam for a better life, and served with the Americans in Saigon, and was left to burn his identification after the city fell in 1975.

Plus, hear about a 70-year-old love triangle, how Lam met his wife, and more.

Aside from family and friends, Epsie Elmer cares about three things: God, Mary Kay, and basketball. She talks to us about how they've changed her life, as well as overcoming her stutter after 50 years and acting as her husband's caregiver. Plus, tips on how to save your skin (literally).

Roland and Earlene Davis met at a USO dance at Fort Knox on Valentine's Day in 1947—when she went on a blind date with his best friend. They've been married since 1948. This Valentine's, hear the story of their courtship. Newlyweds can even get some advice.

Bill talks about saving seeds, growing up in rural Appalachia, and how he came to be known as “the Tomato Man.” Plus, learn how to save tomato seeds from your own garden.

Dr. Bob Maddox, a professor turned street performer, talks to us about playing the musical saw and how busking has affected his life.

Background for Bob's songs:

1. " Amazing Grace" in Album: Wedding Ceremony, Guitar Music for Weddings, published 2012 Guitar Wedding Songs

2. "How Great Thou Art" by United Guitar Players in Album: Country Gospel Christian Hymns on Acoustic Guitars, Instrumental Alan Jackson Renditions, published 2014 UGP

3. "Ramblin' Rose" by Acker Bilk in Album: The Best Instrumental Hits, Vol. 1, Various Artists, published 2011 LMG

Story of My Life's theme song, "Don't Be Sour," was written by Ali Arant, and is performed by Ali Arant and Darren Woodlief.

(If using headphones, please be sure to use both for this episode.)

Our first guest, Chuck, came out as gay—at age 80. Learn how he became who he is and where he is, and what this epiphany has meant for him.

This episode contains explicit language and, as Ira Glass says, acknowledges the existence of sex.