Stories of COVID™

Self-Interview of Veronica Kirin, anthropologist, author, entrepreneur and creator of Stories of COVID. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Every ten episodes I publish a bonus episode highlighting the final messages participants leave for future generations, as the purpose of this book is to both document this era for posterity and to share the lessons we've learned so they aren't lost. These bonus episodes are heartfelt and tender, as participants think to the future and send their hopes to those we'll never meet. Participants included in this episode are: Norm Baur Jack Stafford Cathy Ma Sharissa Arnold Alex C. Stuart Webb Michelle Griffen Anna Rebecca Green Melania B. E.J. Wagner Michael Shook Thomas Funfsinn Learn more about the project and sign up for an interview at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Thomas is an American who currently lives in Beijing and is a school teacher. In his interview, he describes what it was like to be living in China during the pandemic, how technology helped, and expressed his frustration around outside opinions on China's response to the pandemic. Interviewed 23 March 2022. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co You can read some of Thomas' articles at https://www.thomasfunfsinn.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Michael lives in California and shares a story where at the height of the pandemic, he witnessed the most beautiful act of community and kindness and how much of an impact it made on him. Interviewed 22 March 2022. Learn more about Stories of COVID at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

E.J. was pregnant when the pandemic hit, and in her interview describes the unexpected desire to be seen in this world as a pregnant person and the feelings that came along with realizing that wasn't going to be the case for her. Interviewed 15 March 2022. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co Listen to The Code of the Flowers by Ayla Nereo --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Melania's story is one of connection, family, and concern. She shares how the pandemic still looms for their family due to an immunocompromised family member, how she aches to preserve her daughter's childhood, and how her family was formed in spite of the pandemic. Interviewed 11 March 2022. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Anna is from the USA, but currently lives in Berlin. In her interview, she reflects on the difficulties of being a world away from her family during the pandemic, and how much anxiety relief came along with the release of the vaccine. Interviewed 10 March 2022. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

In her interview, Michelle describes what it was like to be living in Portland, Oregon during the civil unrest after George Floyd's murder and the subsequent introspection this sparked within herself. Interviewed 8 March 2022. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Stuart is a virologist, and has been monitoring Google alerts for pandemics for the past 20 years. In his interview, he describes what it has been like for someone of his expertise to watch a pandemic play out in real time. Interviewed 22 February 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

At the beginning of March of 2020, Alex was struck with some wanderlust and decided to embark on a cross-country road trip, but quickly discovered that the trip wasn't going to be what they had in mind. As the pandemic unfolded, Alex was troubled with the lack of consideration around COVID protections in their community, a concern that continues for them today. Interviewed 15 February 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Sharissa started the pandemic living and studying in Texas, but quickly moved back home to Oklahoma to be closer to family after she lost her grandfather to COVID. In her interview, she shares how her life has taken on a radically different path, one that has her following her dreams. Interviewed 25 January 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

In her interview, Cathy Ma describes what it was like to be on the front lines of the supply chain and manufacturing industry at the start of the pandemic. She emotionally recalls her first hand account of how the industry banded together, both domestically and abroad, in order to provide the world with the PPE it so desperately needed. Interviewed 6 November 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Jack is a musician who lives in Southern Italy. In his interview, he describes how his music made its way to new audiences, and how the benefits of technology during this time assisted in that journey. Interviewed 26 November 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co Listen and subscribe to PODSONGS by Jack Stafford --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Norm Bour is a digital nomad and author who lives his life traveling the world. His journeys during the pandemic, while stunted, did not completely cease, and his craft became rejuvenated. Interviewed 26 November 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co COVIDStories by Norm Bour --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Every ten episodes I publish a bonus episode highlighting the final messages participants leave for future generations, as the purpose of this book is to both document this era for posterity and to share the lessons we've learned so they aren't lost. These bonus episodes are heartfelt and tender, as participants think to the future and send their hopes to those we'll never meet. Participants included in this episode are: Jason Murphy Robin Stebbins D. Jaimie Christison Matthew Condie Madeline Cho Krystle Dela Merced Joseph Reid Marcus Beebe Rita Romão Learn more about the project and sign up for an interview at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Rita lives with her family of 9 in Lisbon, Portugal. In her interview, she describes what it was like to adjust to living with a household of that size during a lockdown, and how technology helped them thrive during this time. Interviewed 19 November 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

In his interview, Marcus describes how the slowdown of the pandemic provided him with the opportunity to reassess and make a plan for his financial goals. Interviewed 18 November 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Joseph is an author and mental health specialist who was about to embark on a fundraising endeavor for his next book when the pandemic hit. In spite of that challenge, he was able to pivot, and in turn provide essential mental health services during a time when many most needed it. Interviewed 8 November 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Krystle found herself at the start of the pandemic in a relationship and career that were no longer serving her. Hear her story about how everything changed… for the better. Interviewed 5 November 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Madeleine shares her unique perspective on the pandemic, having lived in two major cities in Canada, both with varying degrees of regulations. Interviewed 5 November 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Matthew has been working as a contact tracer during most of the pandemic, and has really enjoyed this work. In this episode, along with his personal story, he shares about how contact tracing works. Interviewed 4 November 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Jaimie lives in Queensland, Australia, where the virus never really took hold like it did in the US or Europe. She describes her experience of the threat of COVID-19 feeling like a Phantom virus, always lurking but never really present. Interviewed 29 October 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

D. landed her dream job in the travel industry in February 2020, right before the pandemic completely shut down the world. She also shares about the struggles of being an expat in the U.K., and how her status on a spousal visa meant she could not take advantage of government services. Interviewed 30 September 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Robin is a registered nurse and health practitioner, who found herself at the start of the pandemic with a feeling of curiosity and concern, particularly when things were getting shut down without any explanation or reason. So, she started to ask questions. [CW - Mention of Suicide] Interviewed 17 September 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Jason Murphy is an ER doctor based out of Colorado. In his interview, he speaks freely about the evolution of COVID-19, his frustration with those who won't get vaccinated, and his concerns about the US ever reaching herd immunity. Interviewed 20 July 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Every ten episodes I publish a bonus episode highlighting the final messages participants leave for future generations, as the purpose of this book is to both document this era for posterity and to share the lessons we've learned so they aren't lost. These bonus episodes are heartfelt and tender, as participants think to the future and send their hopes to those we'll never meet. Participants included in this episode are: Alejandro A. Alina Oswald Michael Ross Bethany E. Brian Garrett Klunk Victoria Moran Justin Wolf Nivi Jaswal S.F. Learn more about the project and sign up for an interview at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

S.F. is a medical doctor in the United Kingdom, who was on hiatus when the pandemic hit. Upon his return home, he found the healthcare system completely overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, and shares his perspective on this harrowing time. Interviewed 6 July 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Nivi's story centers around the moment she received the call that both of her parents contracted COVID-19, and would be hospitalized. They were thousands of miles away in India, while she remained in the USA, managing their care across time zones as best as she could. Interviewed 17 June 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Justin and his family moved abroad to Spain, and found themselves in lockdown soon after their arrival. This prompted a second move to Portugal in order to take advantage of open spaces and tapped into their creativity by inventing games and finding new ways to connect with family back home by using technology. Interviewed 10 June 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Victoria lives in New York City, and witnessed first hand the transformation from bustling metropolis to a city in lockdown. While jarring at first, she quickly took advantage of all the opportunities technology provided us to connect, learn, and create during this new era. Interviewed 8 June 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Garrett is an aerospace engineer, living alone during the pandemic. While business was booming, his successes were difficult to fully realize while he was so far from the people that meant the most to him. Interviewed 27 May 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Brian is a microbiologist living in the UK, working towards his PhD. His interview focuses on his time in the lab, where he was part of one of the first cohorts working diligently on processing COVID-19 test results. Interviewed 26 May 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Bethany is a respiratory therapist, and found herself on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 at the hospital where she works. She describes her increased anxiety, mental health struggles, and how the ever-changing regulations and guidelines impacted her work and her life during the pandemic. Interviewed 25 May 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co A note from Bethany (CW: eating disorders): "Along with my anxiety and bipolar type 2, I have been in recovery for bulimia for a few years. It's something that I have struggled with since 10 years old. Despite the high anxiety, stress, and isolation of the pandemic, I was able to stay in recovery with the help of my wife, family, friends, and medical support team. With the stress levels high at work, the increased isolation, and increased risk for bulimic behaviors due to less socialization, the risk for relapsing was high. Yet, despite that, I was and am able to stay in recovery. Being able to keep appointments with my counselor, dietician, and psychiatrist via telehealth was vital to keep me strong in recovery. Communication with my family and friends in any way allowed me to stay healthy. Without them, it wouldn't have been possible. Now I know I can stay in recovery because if I can do it through a pandemic, I can do it at any point." --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Michael had started off 2020 with some exciting adventures planned in March. He first ventured to the UK with family, where everything was still open and bustling. He capped his travels off with a remote backcountry expedition in the Rocky Mountains, and returned to a world that looked completely different. Interviewed 19 May 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Alina lives in Jersey City, and recounts the moment when the hospital ship Comfort made its way into the New York City harbor. The arrival brought a feeling of hope that was just what she and so many New Yorkers were needing. Interviewed 18 May 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Alejandro lives in Queens, NY, not far from where the cases in NYC boomed in March 2020. He talks about the evolution of his feelings around the pandemic, what it was like to have contracted COVID-19, and the deep feelings of love he felt for his family who cared for him. Interviewed 18 May 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Every ten episodes I publish a bonus episode highlighting the final messages participants leave for future generations, as the purpose of this book is to both document this era for posterity and to share the lessons we've learned so they aren't lost. These bonus episodes are heartfelt and tender, as participants think to the future and send their hopes to those we'll never meet. Participants included in this episode are: Alberto Martucci Waldeman von Frenckell Laurel Phillips Finnian Burnett Dino Matthew Boonstra Gigi Alecia Vogel Claire E. Brown Suzanne Kibby Learn more about the project and sign up for an interview at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Suzanne is a social worker and supervisor with a non-profit organization. In her interview, she describes the initial panic, and subsequent acceptance, that came through leading her team and family during the onset of the pandemic. Interviewed 18 May 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Claire shares her frustrations around being in a high-risk group and her feelings of isolation and loneliness during the pandemic. So, she turned to her art, her writing, caring for her rescue dogs, and embarked on a cross-state move in order to provide herself with a situation that better served her through this challenging time. Interviewed 12 May 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Alecia’s experience of the pandemic started on a trip to Tokyo in early 2020, where she noticed increased mask-wearing and the rumbles of the pandemic beginning to echo across the globe. She’s a software engineer, and tech has played a huge role in her ability to thrive during this time - including landing her dream job! Interviewed 5 May 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Gigi is 12 years old, the youngest participant in the series thus far. In their interview, they describe what it was like to not be able to go to dance class, school, and see their friends. They also speak quite openly about their mental health struggles, and how they’ve managed and coped with it during this challenging time. Interviewed 5 May 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co (CW: Suicide mention, anxiety & depression) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Matthew is a political science student in Canada, who serves on Youth Parliament. He shares the challenges the Youth Parliament faced in figuring out how to host their annual meeting, usually held (in-person) in December, forcing the organization to adapt in ways they’ve always wished to do. Interviewed 28 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Dino is an international student from China, studying in Canada. He describes what it was like to be away from his home and family during this time and what it has meant for him to have found the best roommate he could have imagined. Interviewed 27 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Finnian lives in British Columbia with their wife, having recently moved there from Michigan. One noticeable change was that due to travel restrictions, Finnian found themself unable to attend to their loved ones like they usually are able to do. This led to discovering new ways to care for others during this difficult time when we must remain separated. Interviewed 21 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Laurel Phillips is a newlywed living in Alberta, Canada. In her interview, she describes what it was like to find her wedding plans completely disrupted by the pandemic and how that shifted their perspectives on their whole wedding experience. Interviewed 20 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Waldeman is a student in Finland, and in his interview describes what its like navigating matriculation during a global pandemic. Interviewed 8 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Alberto works in the event industry and lives in Rome, Italy. In spite of their best efforts at staying safe, Alberto reflects on how the virus was able to infect their family, hospitalizing his father for quite some time. He expresses his frustration with those who spread misinformation about the vaccine, and hopes that people will listen to the science. Interviewed 6 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Every ten episodes I publish a bonus episode highlighting the final messages participants leave for future generations, as the purpose of this book is to both document this era for posterity and to share the lessons we've learned so they aren't lost. These bonus episodes are heartfelt and tender, as participants think to the future and send their hopes to those we'll never meet. Participants included in this episode are: Danielle Eve Wong Anastasiia Samusava & Alexander Samusav Eileen Gribbin Chris Milan Patel Mallorie Dunn Rachel Kunnath Chiao Chen Florence Dawagne Learn more about the project and sign up for an interview at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Florence lives in Brussels, Belgium, and works as an IT developer. In her interview, she describes the perspective shift that the pandemic brought on and how she sees that happening all around her. Interviewed 1 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Chiao Chen is an IT expert who lives in Taipei, Taiwan. In his interview, he expresses his frustrations with the WHO, EU, the United States, and Japan, because he felt they didn’t listen when Taiwan tried to sound the alarms that China was hiding something about this virus. Interviewed 1 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support

Rachel is a social worker for the local government, and helps in providing assistance to those in need. In her interview, she describes the experience she had being a distributor of resources through her work, to receiving resources, and how it gave her a new perspective on the work that she does and the people she serves. Interviewed 31 March 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stories-of-covid/support