Des Moines Storytellers Project

Encountering the heartwarming, the hair-raising and the hilarious while sorting out other people’s things.

When Andy Wilson lost his family, he learned forgiveness is what he needed to move on. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

Becoming the first female warden of Iowa’s toughest prison. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

How one Iowan’s view of the Indian Child Welfare Act changed after losing her child to the system. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

Why this Iowan switches diets, and why that’s none of your business. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

How an 18-year-old pursued his athletic dreams in a little state called Iowa. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

Ryan Siskow talks about the importance of opening up to those you love most and coming home. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

A 22-year journey to the top The Des Moines Storytellers Project’s My Great Adventure, produced by the Des Moines Register, on April 23, 2019, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

Why this Iowan signed up to go to war at 58 The Des Moines Storytellers Project’s My Great Adventure, produced by the Des Moines Register, on April 23, 2019, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

How a dream to folk-n-roll on the road became an inward journey The Des Moines Storytellers Project’s My Great Adventure, produced by the Des Moines Register, on April 23, 2019, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

How lessons learned in the Alaskan bush make their way into this Iowa teacher’s classroom every day. The Des Moines Storytellers Project’s My Great Adventure, produced by the Des Moines Register, on April 23, 2019, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

How a refugee went from living in a Thailand camp to navigating the hard twists and turns of the United States. The Des Moines Storytellers Project’s My Great Adventure, produced by the Des Moines Register, on April 23, 2019, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

How a self-described ‘moron’ found himself alone above the Arctic Circle. The Des Moines Storytellers Project’s My Great Adventure, produced by the Des Moines Register, on April 23, 2019, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

I was too focused on social media and my relationship suffered.

Finding self-love in the age of social media

How this pastor learned to let go and find love,

How a Republican and Democrat cancelled each other’s votes.

How two activists conquered the world.

Brian Lenz, a retired Air Force fuels officer, was on the last flight out of Vietnam in 1973. He hasn’t spoken about his deployment since.

Before immigrating to America, he spent some of his youth in a Cambodian child labor camp. Here’s why Staff Sgt. James Suong decided to serve.

Major Jodi Marti joined the Iowa Army National Guard — and lead the first female engagement team in Afghanistan.

He signed on the dotted line, but Larry Wohlgemuth had no idea what he was to come. An honorably discharged airman 1st class reflects on his time in bootcamp.

Joining the Iowa National Guard to pay for college, 1st Lt. Miranda Pleggenkuhle’s perspective is transformed when her younger sister joined, too.

Joining the military is family tradition. But it wasn’t until 1st Sgt. Sara Maniscalco Robinson volunteered for a military museum that she realized her calling.

Kay Graham’s big sister, always quick with advice, taught her a new word she’d soon regret using. It was just one piece of an unforgettable trip together.