Phonicle

John Phillipich served in the Navy in World War II. He tells stories about earning enough money for his first bicycle, which led to his love of motorcycles and discovering the advantages of riding solo. John then talks about his voyages in the Pacific with the Navy during World War II and the time he spends with veterans even today.

Cherry Muhanji grew up in the same Detroit neighborhood as Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. She tells stories about watching her father hustle at pool halls, her good fortune resulting from the Detroit riots in 1967 and traveling to Cuba in the '80s and '90s.

Bernice Smith grew up near Chicago in the early 20th century. She talks about how her extended family helped build Forest Park, Illinois. She also discusses meeting her husband and traveling in the United States and Canada with her friends.

Upon returning home from World War II, Dick Schiefelbusch was determined to make a difference by helping people. Dick's stories include his groundbreaking research into helping mentally handicapped children communicate more easily and taking his findings overseas. Dick concludes by recounting his role alongside the storied University of Kansas basketball program.

Dick Schiefelbusch is a World War II veteran who was shot down over the Baltic Sea and spent two years in a German prison camp. Dick tells stories about being shot down, rescued and living in the Stalag Luft III prison camp. Since Dick's post-war achievements were just as impressive as his service time, I will split his stories into two episodes. This episode contains his stories up until the end of WWII.

Carole Hock was a scrub nurse in Dallas in the 1960s, working at the forefront of revolutionary heart procedure advancements. She tells stories about working 12-hour shifts in the operating room, driving through Dallas the day President Kennedy was assassinated, and the feeling of stealing a baby she had legally adopted. Carole's friend Lula Paige then shares some stories about her father, Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige, and living with grand mal seizures.

Phonicle has returned with a new season! David Hill's fascination with aircraft began when his family moved near a defense aircraft assembly plant in Texas. He tells stories about growing up in Texas, being introduced to musicals and the story of the Ezekiel Airship, which inspired him to write a musical of his own.

Janet Barnes was born and raised in Southern California. She tells stories about being raised by a single mother, seeing Charles Lindbergh land on his victory tour and the nonchalant perseverance of her blind husband.

William "Bert" Bates fought in World War II. He tells stories about working on a thrashing crew at 14, attending a revival during basic training, and moving through France and into Pilsen, Czechoslovakia.

Ed was a professional football player. His stories include his visit to the Dick Clark show, going out to a bar with black teammates in 1963, jawing with opponents on the field, playing in the very first Super Bowl and more.

Bob's stories include a family farm's role in the Civil War, his mom's experience of helping her father amputate a man's limb, his first car, meeting his wife and more.