The Simple Lives We Live

Stan Koppinger grew up one of four boys in a tiny house in New England, ND, where his dad’s whistle called them home for lunch. He started at the bank at 17 and spent 45 years as the guy they sent in when a bank was in trouble, from Dickinson and Killdeer to Wisconsin, Colorado, Beach and Medora. He tells me about meeting Lori on a John Deere roof, their KFC wedding on a 104-degree day, and the jo...

Sherry Libis was my English teacher and cheerleading advisor, and today I get to work alongside her. I thought I knew her, but this conversation proved me wrong! She grew up in small-town Eureka, South Dakota, spent 31 years as a teacher, coach and principal, and then retired to care for both of her parents through their final years during COVID. Listen for the classroom punishments you won't...

Reba shares what it was like growing up as the youngest of six, moving between South Dakota and Minnesota and learning early how to adapt to change. She reflects on her childhood, the influence of her parents, and the experiences that eventually led her into a long career in education. Reba also shares about meeting and marrying her husband, Chuck, raising their family, and the role faith has play...

At 84 years old, Janice Stedman has a lifetime of stories to share - growing up as one of six children on a North Dakota farm without running water, raising a family of her own, helping run a small-town restaurant, and walking through both the beautiful and incredibly difficult seasons of life. Janice shares memories of simple childhood traditions, her marriage to David, caring for him through Alz...

In this episode 79-year-old, Barb Stedman, shares stories that made up nearly eight decades of an ordinary life - one that, when you really listen, is anything but ordinary. Her story begins in Spokane in 1947, but much of the life she remembers was built in the small town of Beach, ND. From meeting her husband, Larry, through letters while he was in the Army, to raising three children, working fo...

Sandra “Sandi” Perdaems (born 1948), visits about growing up in a large Stockwell family, moving from a farm to town and memories of her parents—her father’s quiet kindness and her mother’s warmth, work ethic, music, dancing, and hosting. Sandi recalls school experiences and influential teachers, close sibling relationships, Glenice's polio and a traumatic car accident, simple holidays, and t...

In this heartfelt interview, Irene Wolf, 87, shares her journey of growing up on a small farm west of Killdeer, North Dakota, in a large family without electricity, running water, affection, or holiday traditions. Irene left after eighth grade, worked in a Dickinson restaurant, and married George, a cowboy and brand inspector, at 17; they moved often, ranched for 38 years, and were married 69 year...

Bobby Olstad, 78, visits about her family history and life in and around Medora, North Dakota. She recalls one-room schooling, boarding out in Beach for high school, and early work babysitting, waitressing, and at the Medora amphitheater. Bobby reflects on her time managing the Medora bank before leaving to buy and build an insurance agency for 27 years. She discusses marrying Howard Olstad, raisi...

Don Hardy reflects on growing up on a multigenerational family farm near Beach, North Dakota, surrounded by family and hard work. He shares stories of his Irish-rooted heritage, a large extended family, childhood chores and responsibilities, and his education in Beach, including a year at New England St Mary's and later NDSU. Don discusses his time with John Deere, purchasing a Chevy-Buick de...

Sally Abernethy, 88, shares stories from her life from being born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and raised near Ellendale, North Dakota, to moving to Beach after her father passed away unexpectedly at 32 and her mother became ill. Sally recounts a childhood story of being briefly taken from a car by a carnival “gypsy,” living in the old nursing home by the hospital where her mother worked for Dr. Bus...

Jean Hardy reflects on her upbringing in a large faith-filled family that moved often before settling in Valley City, North Dakota, so several of her siblings could receive special education support. She shares memories of childhood routines, caregiving, holidays, and the lessons she learned through hardship, loss, and family responsibility. Jean also talks about her 32 years as a speech pathologi...

Jan Wales shares memories about growing up on a South Dakota farm in a large family with strict gender roles, few modern conveniences, and a one-room schoolhouse, where chores, homemade food, and simple fun shaped daily life. She reflects on supportive grandparents, the heartbreaking loss of her father in a farm accident and meeting her husband Rick in college. Jan also shares stories from Rick&ap...

In part 2 of my interview with John, we talk about enlisting at 18 and serving in Vietnam, where he experienced guard duty, patrols, and the realities of war - including the loss of his best friend, John Quam. He shares what it was like returning home and, years later, facing a diagnosis linked to Agent Orange. John reflects on what it's been like to walk through both - war and illness - and...

John, 78, is a North Dakota farm kid and the oldest of four. He shares memories of growing up without running water, using party-line phones, and the rhythm of farm chores that shaped his strong work ethic. From one-room schoolhouses and county fairs to baseball, hunting, and meeting his wife Angie, John shares what life looked like "back then" - and what really mattered. Support the sho...

Mel Bosserman, 83, shares what it was like growing up on a disciplined farm in Beach, ND - balancing hard work with small-town joys like Saturday nights and one-room school days. He reflects on a life shaped by music, family, and farming, along with the changes he witnessed over the years. From raising seven children to traveling across the country and beyond, Mel offers perspective on hard work,...

In this episode, Milo Thompson reflects on his time at the Little Missouri, his work with the Forest Service, traveling through Europe as a young man, continuing to serve and explore through Rotary, and the love he shared with his wife, Pam. Support the show

At 94, Magdalene looks back on a life shaped by simple beginnings and deep family roots. From being born on a Bowman County farmstead to growing up in Belfield during the Depression, to raising seven children of her own, Maggie shares memories of hard work, simple joys, and a love-filled home. She reflects on marriage, loss, gratitude, and what it means to live well - and be remembered as a "...

In this episode, I interview Joanne Tescher. who shares what it was like growing up in a large family (including a twin sister), in a small town where summers were spent swimming, winters skating, and days filled with softball. She reflects on school and teachers, modest but thoughtful Christmases, and birthdays made special by her mother’s baking and creative games. Joanne also shares what small-...

In this conversation with my mother-in-law, Tammy - alongside my son Josiah - we reflect on the kind of life that's built in the little moments. Tammy shares memories of growing up on a farm, her time at boarding school, and singing around the piano and in church. From raising her family to returning to school later in life, her story is a reminder that the moments spent together matter far m...

In this episode, Swenda Braden shares a heartfelt look at a life built on family, faith, and togetherness. Swenda shares memories of her upbringing, raising her children, and the deep love that shaped her home. She fondly remembers her husband, Gary, whose big personality, humor, and generous spirit brought joy to those around him. Through both laughter and loss, Swenda's story is a beautiful...

In part 2 of my interview with Mert and Rella, we talk about marriage, raising families, and the different paths their lives took through work and career. From early weddings to long days spent teaching, serving their communities, and supporting their families, their stories offer a glimpse into a life built on hard work, love and simple joys.  Support the show

In today's episode, I interview sisters Rella Abernethy (born 1937) and Merdythe “Mert” Popiel (born 1933), ages 88 and 92, about their childhood near Sentinel Butte, North Dakota. They share memories of their parents - a quiet farmer-rancher father and a talkative mother - and even a favorite joke their dad loved to tell. They describe country schooling at Westerheim, small class sizes, and...

In this interview, Sherry Zachmann shares memories of growing up in Beach, North Dakota, after moving there from the Golva area as a small child. Raised in a lively of eight children by her parents Paul and Viola ("Weenie"), Sherry reflects on the rhythms of farm and small-town life - gardens, chores, raising chickens, hauling hay, and school days filled with band, dress codes, and the c...

In today's episode, I interview Judy RIdenhower, 80, about her rural North Dakota upbringing with five siblings and life without electricity or running water. Judy recalls school in Sentinel Butte (graduating in 1963), small-town sports and band, family card games, chores, simple Christmases and birthdays, and hardships - including her brother's polio recovery and the theft of the family...

Part 2 of Norma's interview begins with her traveling while pregnant in 1952. She discusses working as a silverware salesperson while nursing her son; meeting and marrying her third husband, a dentist; and reflecting on lessons from their 30-year marriage. Norma shares her Pentecostal beliefs and her own conversion experience, her involvement in Republican politics - including serving as stat...