#US - Unique & Shared Experiences

Xenia Zachadckuk grew up in South Jersey to Ukrainian parents. She shares the story of her mother's courageous escape from Ukraine and Europe during World War II and her father's time in a displaced person's camp. Xenia tells us about the trauma of war and the influence it had on her grandparents, her parents, and even her.ukr Thank you for listening to  #Us - Unique and Shared Experiences, a stor...

Even though Lisa Mostovoy and her daughters Sasha Fishilevich and Mischa Buck are talking about a serious subject, this episode brings us so much joy.  Lisa starts by talking about Kyiv and her childhood. After the war broke out, Lisa and her older daughter Sasha went to Poland to deliver supplies and offer help, even though at times they felt helpless. Sasha Fishilevich, Lisa's oldest daughter, t...

Marta Rubel grew up in Philadelphia to proud Ukrainian parents. Marta speaks fondly of her memories growing up in Philly, but she also remembers the challenges her parents faced after settling here, and always dreaming that they would be able to move back to Ukraine.   Watching the 2021 invasion on television, Marta asked herself if she could do more for her country and the community. So, she left...

What do you know about Ukraine's history? We all know it was once part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), then it wasn't. Ukraine's history is far-reaching and as complex as its geography and the number of languages that are spoken.  We set out to find a historian who could provide context about Ukraine and its history. That person is John Vsetecka, an assistant professor at Nova S...

Today on a special episode of #Us - Unique and Shared Experiences, we are teaming up with the Life Design Lab at Johns Hopkins University to share stories told by students about their journeys towards fulfilling careers and lives. Natalia was facing decision paralysis and didn't know what decision would be the "right" one. Keidai realized his parents only thought they knew him. How would he show t...

Marjorie was let go from her job for standing up for what she believed in. And Bill had to learn to let go of his leg intruder to save his own life. Today, we are taking a deep breath, uncurling our clenched fingers, and Letting Go. On this episode, we have three amazing stories for you about everything from terrible jobs to beloved pets.  Join #Us for stories from our January 2023 StorySlam recor...

First Person Arts and the Free Library of Philadelphia have enjoyed crossover programming, partnerships, and a mutual love of stories over the years. Today, we're featuring stories from a program we did with the Free Library of Philadelphia's One Book, One Philadelphia around The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon. Join #Us as we share stories from Philadelphians that wer...

Michel filmed a couple in love as one of them was terminally ill. And though it was tragic, their love for one another helped change the world. Lisa's daughter got everything she wanted for Christmas, but she couldn't share her new toys with the one person she wanted to play with. When the highs of joy and love crash into the depths of grief and loss, we get this swirl of emotion called bitterswee...

Today, we celebrate the life and work of a beloved Philadelphia artist Jerry Pinkney whose birthday is this month. Jerry's life and body of work is a testament to the resilience, persistence, and freedom of the human spirit. We come to you with three stories from individuals who connect with these core values as part of their own experiences.  So join #Us and lend a listening ear. Join our mailing...

Lisa almost set her house on fire when the hot oil in a pizza box exploded. Sure, she had started a smaller fire, but she was distracted thinking about another fire that was dwindling – her marriage. Chris was enjoying his first week of college when he got a call from his sister. It was the shortest call they'd ever have, but it is burned in his memory forever. Join #Us and ignite your love of sto...

Can music be a form of storytelling? We at First Person Arts think it can! That's why we've partnered with the Network For New Music to create new original pieces of music that come directly from stories. All of the stories are on the theme of love and the Philly neighborhood of Germantown. So come join #Us for a special episode celebrating stories, music, and Germantown. Join our mailing List: ht...

At age 17, Paul H was almost arrested for a murder he didn't commit. But the busy bodies in his neighborhood acted as strong alibis and he was saved at the eleventh hour. At age 19, Daralyse was in a wild phase and on a trip to Mexico. She ventured out of the touristy part of town and used what little spanish she knew to haggle the crack she was buying down to 50% off! Whether you're a Paul trying...

At 41, Kevin decided to get kinky. He met the right guy online, bought a blindfold and some rope, and got busy. But his aggressive cat had his own ideas. On the other side of town, Kelsey was ready to get it on, but her date thought it would be better to get that rash on her chest checked out by a doctor. Listen to these and other stories of sex gone awry on this episode of #Us - Unique and Shared...

Pamela is a nurse, no matter where she goes. Whether it's on vacation, or 33,000 feet in the air, she'll find a way to safely get people home. Kate has a trained ear for a certain kind of breath. And being able to hear it might just save lives. Join #Us, a storytelling podcast from First Person Arts to hear these and others stories on how nurses make the world go round in big and small ways. Join...

Elizabeth has good intuition, a sixth sense she calls it. The first time she felt it was when she was thirteen. Later that Night her brother was in an accident. This lead to her devoting her live to volonteering and helping others. Join Us, Elizabeth, and two other storytellers for an episode focusing on how they found their purpose through the pain. Join Our mailing List: https://firstpersonarts....

When Emma was eighteen she was in lust with her best friend. All she could think of was how much she wanted to sleep with him. What got in her way? He was also her boss. In a moment of courage she confessed it to him driving home one day. This and other thrilling lust stories in this episode of #Us as we kick off our second season! Celibrate wth us the pain, gratification, and power that comes wit...

We're wrapping up our summer programming with an encore presentation of "If I Knew Then", an episode all about looking back at what you can only know with the clear vision of hindsight. This episode has a special guest host - Chris Lundy! If you like having Chris as your host, be sure to join him (and Us) at the Sex-Files StorySlam on September 20th at Under Ground Arts.

Ever feel like you're reliving the same day? Or stuck in a never ending time loop? Yeah, us too. But luckily, you're not alone. We've got five stories for you about making the same mistakes over and over and over again. But don't worry, because sometimes repetition is the very tool that gives you a second chance and a new beginning. Join #Us for an encore presentation (the irony is not lost on us)...

They say that lightning never strikes twice. Well, in this special #US encore it strikes five times! (Metaphorically, of course). We have five stories about the powers beyond our control and how and how to deal with the reminder that no matter how hard we try, us humans can't control everything. Whether it's God, Destiny, or Nature, all we can do is brace ourselves and face these mysterious powers...

In celebrating the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness that the 4th of July is all about we have a special encore presentation of Five People, One Moment: Flags Of America. This episode features Simon, a big fan of the American flag and the symbols' history. But he doesn't shy away from criticizing this nation or the way the flag's symbolism  has been a painful sight for many. Join us for a fa...

Today's show is all about moving on. Sometimes getting past a hurtle is our a challenge we take on. But other times were left in the wake of someone or something to figure out what to do. So today we have five stories for you exploring how to move on or cope with change.

In the month of May we are sticking with a spring theme, so think bloowing flowers, baby bunnies, and new beguinnigs. In our last epsiode we went out of the nest. Now our storytellers must learn to fly. So in this episode we have five stories of soaring high, falling fast, and discovering independence.

With spring strongly here we are starting to think out of the nest to focus on stories of personal growth, new beginnings and establishing independence. So today we will have five tales for you from storytellers who are going through changes. Join #Us as we explore coming into one's self and discovering all that you can be. Subscribe to our Email List:: https://www.firstpersonarts.org/signup Suppo...

Join #Us for a special episode  featureing author Keith Mason and stories on deep sea diving, a shooting in texas, and finding the missing person in your life. Learn more at https://www.pleasestandupmason.com   Thank you to our media sponsor: Metro Newspaper   Subscribe to First Person Arts YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/SubscribetoFPA Share your COVID Story: https://www.firstpersonarts.org/Stories/...

Today, we're going back to college! For many folks college is a distinct time in our lives. So today, we're focusing on stories about college and what we've learned with hindsight. Thank you to our media sponsor: Metro Newspaper   Subscribe to First Person Arts YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/SubscribetoFPA Amazon Charity: https://tinyurl.com/Amazon-Charity-FPA   First Person Arts ON SOCIAL - #US  #S...