Legacy Stories

Some people influence our lives through what they tell us. Others do it more quietly, through the way they respond when life becomes difficult and the way they continue to show up for the people around them.​ Lynne Hughes joins Legacy Stories to honor her Aunt Patty, a woman whose faith, kindness and steadiness became more meaningful to Lynne as the years passed. View photos and links to learn mor...

Some people influence us through the lessons they teach. Others shape us simply through the life they choose to live. ​ Writer, story coach, and spiritual director Amy Lyles Wilson joins Legacy Stories to honor her great-aunt Vannie Hamblett, a beloved and memorable presence whose example made a lasting impression on Amy from an early age. ​ Through Amy’s memories, we discover how one person can q...

What happens when the welcome we receive becomes the welcome we give? ​ Steve sits down with author, musician, and educator John J. Thompson to honor his grandmother, Nicki—a woman whose home became a place of safety, conversation, music, and welcome.​ Through John’s memories, we discover how the everyday rhythms of family life can quietly shape the people we become: the words we choose, the quest...

Some lessons arrive as advice. Others are simply absorbed over time — through the words, habits and example of someone we love. ​ George Davis joins Legacy Stories to honor his grandfather, Fred Russell Davis, whose practical wisdom left an imprint George would come to understand more fully as the years passed. ​ Their story is a reminder that influence isn't always obvious in the moment. Some...

Steve Young sits down with author and family historian Anna Broome for a conversation that reaches across generations, cultures, and continents. As she honors her father, the discussion explores what it means to build a life, carry a family's history, and search for understanding long after childhood has passed.​ Rather than offering simple answers, Anna invites us to consider a timeless quest...

Jon Gustin has built a devoted online community by encouraging fathers and families to be intentional about the moments that matter most. But long before he became known as the "Tired Dad," he learned those lessons from someone much closer to home. In this episode of Legacy Stories , Jon honors his grandfather, Fred Gustin—a World War II veteran, Los Angeles sheriff, devoted husband, and lifelong...

Doug Gaither joins Legacy Stories to honor his older brother, Dan Gaither — a coal miner, respiratory therapist, lay pastor, and steady presence in Doug’s life from childhood forward. View photos and more: legacystories.us Raised in a small coal mining town in West Virginia, Doug was the youngest of four children, while Dan was twelve years older. That age difference could have created distance, b...

Todd Jenkins joins Legacy Stories to honor his father, Lehman “Bud” Jenkins—a man shaped by a strict upbringing, a determined spirit, and a lifelong drive to rise above the limits others placed on him. From his early years in Florida to a career that carried him from the Navy to the classroom to leadership in public education, Bud built a life defined by perseverance and quiet resolve. His work of...

Some people leave their mark through accomplishments. Others leave it through kindness. ​ In this episode of Legacy Stories, Shari Lacy remembers her mother, Joyce Wright Dineen—a woman whose life revolved around faith, family, and quietly caring for others. Raised in Ohio after her family left the Kentucky coal fields behind, Joyce became the steady center of her family, offering grace, encourage...

For nearly sixty years, Jack Cristil's voice echoed through stadiums, living rooms, and car radios across Mississippi and beyond. ​ Yet the story his daughter Rebecca Nelson tells is not about broadcasting. ​ It's about breakfasts before school. ​ It's about Sunday phone calls after the loss of a beloved wife. ​ It's about faith, family, service, and a deep commitment to community....

Ruth Smith joins Steve Young to honor her maternal grandmother, Selma Endsley—a woman whose life reflected the values of hard work, education, perseverance, and personal responsibility. ​ Raised in Michigan by Norwegian immigrant parents, Selma grew up in a family that believed opportunities were created through effort and learning. Those values would become the foundation of her life and the lega...

Bentley Streat joins Steve Young to honor her birth mother, Lois Cornish, and to reflect on a life shaped by adoption, curiosity, and the search for belonging. Photos and more: https://legacystories.us Growing up in Richmond, Virginia, Bentley always knew she was adopted, but understanding what that meant emotionally became more complicated as she got older. While deeply loved by her adoptive fami...

Sherri Jones shares the story of her father, Earl Jones — a hardworking Appalachian farmer, devoted family man, and man of deep faith whose resilience reflects generations of his family. Growing up on a farm in Northeast Tennessee, Sherri spent her childhood riding tractors beside her dad, raising cattle, working tobacco fields, and learning the value of hard work and perseverance. In this heartfe...

Singer-songwriter Bob Ritter shares the story of his mother, Lydia—a gifted musician whose quiet strength and enduring spirit shaped the course of his life. Photos, music and more: https://legacystories.us While Bob’s father was a well-known basketball coach, Lydia was the steady presence behind the scenes: a pianist, performer, teacher, and devoted mother who passed along her love of music to her...

Mary Bomar joins us to honor her mother, Joan Corinne Phelps Bomar — a woman whose strength, kindness, musical spirit, and encouragement shaped generations around her. Photos, music and more: https://legacystories.us Growing up in rural Virginia, Mary remembers a home full of music, neighborhood children, laughter, incredible cooking, and a mother who always believed in her. Joan wasn’t a professi...

Terri Knott joins us to share a story that begins as family folklore—and becomes something much more. To see photos and more: https://legacystories.us For years, Terri had heard whispers about an ancestor who dreamed of flight long before it was possible. Like many family stories, it felt larger than life… and easy to dismiss.  But in retirement, as Terri began exploring her family history—and une...

Kevin Young honors his father, J.D.—a larger-than-life man whose life was deeply rooted in family, faith, and place. Be sure to stay tuned for a special gift at the end. To see photos and more: https://legacystories.us Raised in rural Mississippi and later drawn back toward the family home place, J.D. carried with him a deep appreciation for where he came from and the people who shaped him. Throug...

Carol Warren honors her father, Tom—a lifelong learner whose curiosity, love of music, and deep sense of connection shaped the way he lived and the people around him. See photos and more: https://legacystories.us From a gospel music upbringing in Tennessee to a life spent exploring language, history, and the roots of ideas, Tom followed his curiosity wherever it led. Along the way, he built a life...

Dale Whitehead joins us to honor his mother, Martha—a gifted musician whose life was shaped by faith, family, and a deep love of music. Photos and more are available at https://legacystories.us Raised in rural Virginia, Martha developed her musical talents at an early age and found herself with opportunities that could have led her down a very different path. But at a pivotal moment, she made a ch...

Melissa DuPuy joins us to honor her father, Monty DuPuy—a longtime radio and television personality whose warmth and curiosity left a lasting impression on both his community and his family.  Photos and additional info available here: https://legacystories.us Monty began his broadcasting career at just 14 years old and went on to become a familiar voice and face in South Carolina, working in radio...

Pastor Leonard Jordan reflects on the grandfather he called “Papa,” a man whose presence shaped him long after childhood. Leonard shares memories from East Nashville, the lessons Papa passed down about integrity and caring for others, and the values that still guide him today. A warm, heartfelt conversation about family, character, and the quiet ways a legacy takes root. To view photographs of Bud...

Brian Green-Young reflects on the quiet strength of his grandfather, Charlie LeCornu — a man remembered for his pipe, a piece of candy for the grandchildren, and a steady presence that helped shape Brian’s life. In this first episode of Legacy Stories , Brian shares memories of the grandfather who guided his family through both ordinary moments and unexpected challenges. Family photos and addition...

Welcome to Legacy Stories. Hosted by Steve Young, this weekly podcast features conversations honoring the family members who shaped our lives and whose legacy we carry forward. In each episode, a guest reflects on someone from their family tree — sharing stories of resilience, character, and the quiet moments that define us. The first full episode launches March 12. Theme music: “Atlas” by Karlijn...