The Simple Lives We Live

In this interview I got to visit with Norma Myers. Newly 100 (born Christmas Day), Norma recounts being born at her grandparents’ homestead in Buffalo Gap and growing up on a North Dakota ranch with four siblings. She shares a dramatic account of the deadly 1941 November blizzard in which her and her sister Ramona walked home after their car stalled and suffered severe frostbite. She recalls being...

In this episode of 'The Simple Lives We Live,' I had the pleasure of interviewing Buster Schneider, a 76-year-old man with a wealth of life experiences. Buster shares stories from his upbringing in Wibaux, Montana, and later in Beach, as the eldest of eight siblings. He delves into his early jobs, which included mowing lawns, milking cows, and eventually custom harvesting. Buster recount...

In this episode of 'The Simple Lives We Live,' I interview 62-year-old rancher Troy Tescher, delving into his rich life history filled with stories of grit, tradition, and hard work. Troy discusses his upbringing as one of five siblings, detailing the challenging but rewarding life on the ranch. He shares vivid memories of attending a one-room schoolhouse, doing daily chores, and coping...

When I was in the 2nd grade, I interviewed my Grandma, Pauline Ross. As you can imagine, the cassette tape was fairly damaged, and for years I had no way of listening back to the interview. The tape has followed me everywhere, and in December, my mother-in-law sent it to be transferred to a USB.  This episode IS that interview!  I may have repeated questions and said "okay, um" after nea...

In this episode of 'The Simple Lives We Live,' I interview my aunt and Godmother, Dee Brown, who shares her life story over the course of nearly nine decades. Dee recounts growing up in a large family in Beach, North Dakota, recalling memories of chores on the farm, sibling relationships, and the hardships faced after the death of her mother. She reflects on her experiences in nursing sc...

In this episode of 'The Simple Lives We Live' podcast, I interviewed my Uncle Perry Stockwell, a 74-year-old who recounts his early life experiences, growing up as one of 13 children in Beach. Perry shares memories of his childhood, family dynamics, moments of hardship, and the impact of his father and mother's struggles on the family. He humorously recalls stories like accidentally...

In this heartwarming episode of 'The Simple Lives We Live,' I had an amazing conversation with 96-year-old Ethel Kippley about her extraordinary life journey. Ethel shares vivid memories from her childhood, including growing up on a farm, enduring the hardships of the Great Depression, and her adventures after high school. She recounts treasured family traditions, community events, and m...

In this episode of 'The Simple Lives We Live', I have the honor of interviewing my Aunt Gloria, who reflects on her 79 years filled with family, love, resilience, and faith. Gloria shares vivid memories of growing up in Beach, North Dakota, from working on the farm and attending grade school to learning to drive a tractor. She recounts the close-knit bond with her siblings, the influence...

In this episode I interview my uncle Howard, who shares his recollections of his 81 years. We discuss his upbringing on a farm, life in a large family, and his time in the military. Howard delves into tales of childhood chores, mischief, and hard work, as well as memories of his parents, his marriage, and raising his own children. He also reflects on his long career in the flooring industry, the i...

In this episode I interview my dad, Bruce Ross, reflecting on his 74 years of life growing up, living, and raising a family on a farm in Beach. Bruce shares his experiences from childhood, including school days in one-room schoolhouses, working on the family farm, and cherished Christmas traditions. He also discusses pivotal moments such as his education, his marriage to Cheryl, raising their five...

In this episode of The Simple Lives We Live, I interview my close friend Jess, who shares her extraordinary journey from growing up in a small South Dakota town to navigating life in background Hollywood and ultimately becoming a stay-at-home mom. Jess recounts her childhood filled with freedom, sports, and tight-knit family bonds. She delves into her move to Las Vegas for a teaching job, breaking...

In this episode of 'The Simple Lives We Live,' I interview my mom, Cheryl Ross, about her life experiences, from growing up in a large family of 13 on a farm and then in town, to the challenges and cherished moments of raising her own five children. The conversation delves into the influence of my grandparents, the hardships faced after the loss of her father, and the invaluable lessons...

In this episode of 'The Simple Lives We Live,' I sit down with my brother Jared to reminisce about our childhood in the small town of Beach, ND. We discuss our upbringing on a farm, the simplicity and joy of rural life, and the seasonal activities that brought the family closer together. Jared shares his life journey, including his time in the military and raising his own family. The epi...

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