The Simple Lives We Live

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 "giggling girly." Support the show

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-town life looked like - where the town whistle marked the day and neighbors watching out for kids. Joanne reflects on family, marriage at a young age, the early loss of her mother, and a 30-year career as a librarian.  Support the show

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 more than a perfectly kept home.  Support the show

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 reminder of what truly matters.  Support the show

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 life without electricity, running water, or early tractors. Chores included hauling water and coal, gathering eggs, gardening, and bringing in the milk cow. They recall simple entertainment: reading by kerosene lamp, playing card games, and listening to battery-powered radio programs. They also share Christmas traditions - oyster soup, stockings, homemade gifts, and community picnics. The sisters reflect on polio affecting older siblings, girls’ half-court basketball rules, early jobs, brief experiences with college and teaching, and eventually marriage and later work. Support the show

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 childhood belief that their former hospital home might just be haunted. She recalls simple holidays, family gatherings, and fun like swimming, ice skating, and improvised sledding. Sherry also shares stories of her early jobs, meeting her husband Ron, their blizzard wedding in 1977, raising four daughters, and her 42-year career at the bank. She reflects on Ron becoming a deacon and the family's annual "Weenie Fest," traditions that continue to bring everyone together.  Support the show

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’s stored winter food. She shares about working at age 10, graduating from Dickinson State University in elementary education, and a 40-year teaching career in Dickinson, New Town, Poplar, and Beach - including 25 years in Title I. Judy also reflects on the changes she observed in parenting and discipline over the years. She talks about her faith, community service (church music, museum, library, cemetery, nursing home), extensive travel (visiting 48 states and trips abroad), her father’s death in 1973, her mother’s remarriages, and her own breast cancer journey. Support the show

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 state vice president of the Women’s Republican Party - and her concerns about the country, COVID, and fentanyl. She recounts travel stories from living in Germany for two years and a difficult solo trip to Rome. Norma also describes her passion for genealogy and connections she has found through ancestry research. This episode captures Norma's reflections on faith, resilience, love, public service, and her passion for uncovering family roots.  Support the show

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 treated by Dr. Sadowski, and believing she had “super strength” to carry and shield her sister to safety—an experience that affected her hearing and remained a defining memory. Norma also talks about her parents’ skills and ranch management, her love of cards and sports, winning many awards including being an outstanding two-court basketball guard and setting a county pull-up record of 41. She then describes being recruited after high school to work for the FBI in Washington, DC during World War II as a fingerprint classifier under intense quotas and supervision. Join us for Part 1 as Norma's early years unfold - stories that set the stage for the extraordinary life she would go on to live.  Support the show

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 recounts his work history, from operating combines to driving trucks, and his time working at Coastal Oil and Gas. He also reflects on community events, personal memories, like a high-speed drive with a highway patrolman, and his decision not to get married. Throughout, Buster’s stories celebrate endurance, hard work, and the simple yet extraordinary life he has led. Support the show

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 with the harsh winter conditions. The conversation also covers Troy's experiences with his hardworking parents, and his enduring love for ranching. He talks about meeting his wife, Joanne, their wedding day mishap, and the joys and challenges of raising their three children. Troy's reflections highlight the beauty and significance of simple, everyday moments, demonstrating that life on the ranch, while rugged and demanding, is filled with rich experiences and deep familial bonds. Support the show

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 nearly everything she said, but I wanted to share her voice and her stories with others. In this conversation, my grandma talks about her childhood experiences, including memorable moments of ice skating, playing softball, and losing shoes during a picnic. She reminisces about her parents' origins—her mother from Valley City and her father from Russia -- and shares stories about her early marriage at 17, along with her love for hobbies like ceramics and birdwatching. She also talks about her family life, including her four children and ten grandchildren.  Support the show

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 school, meeting and marrying her husband Chuck, and life as a Navy wife, which included living in diverse places like Okinawa. Dee also speaks about raising her children, dealing with personal losses, and the lessons she learned from her mother that helped her navigate life. The interview delves into the importance of family, resilience, and faith, providing a rich tapestry of stories about love, loss, and the simple yet profound moments that define a life well-lived. Support the show

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 burning down a barn and the family traditions during holidays. Perry also reflects on his time in the military, his work in flooring, his marriage to Nancy, and raising his three children. The conversation touches on themes of love, resilience, and the importance of prayer for Perry, who emphasizes his lifelong commitment to his family's well-being. He fondly remembers his siblings and offers insight into how he hopes to be remembered. Support the show

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 milestones like World War II and the assassination of JFK. Reflecting on the importance of family, resilience, and a positive outlook, Ethel also discusses her work experiences, marriage, and the profound influence of her parents. With so much wisdom, this interview offers a rich tapestry of life lessons and historical perspectives. Support the show

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 of her mother and Aunt Olive, and the impact of her father's death. Gloria also discusses her career as a nurse, her brief engagement, her time in a convent, and her passion for helping others. Through stories of Christmas celebrations, childhood games, and her deep involvement with nieces and nephews, Gloria's narrative is a testament to finding joy and meaning in the simple, everyday moments. Support the show

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 importance of family, and his approach to life’s challenges. The conversation is filled with anecdotes about significant life events, such as dealing with the death of his father, the influence of his mother, and the changes in his own life through the years. Howard's stories highlight the profound impact of simple, everyday experiences that shape who we are. Support the show

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 children, and the life lessons in resilience and simplicity. This intimate conversation highlights the value of hard work, family bonds, and community, while capturing the essence of an era gone by. Support the show

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 off an engagement, and later becoming a nanny for a Hollywood family, experiencing the glamorous yet often hollow world of wealth and fame. Jess reflects on her eventual return to a simpler, fulfilling life focused on family values, highlighting the lessons learned from her varied experiences. Through anecdotes of hardships, unexpected adventures, and the constant support of family, Jess emphasizes the profound joy found in everyday moments, ultimately underscoring the episode's theme of cherishing the simple lives we live. Support the show

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 of resilience, faith, and love. My mom reflects on the traditions and values that shaped her, including the importance of family, the joy in simple living, and the profound impact of her faith. She also shares memories of her wedding, early married life, and how she has adapted to the changes and challenges of growing older. The podcast concludes with heartfelt insights on motherhood, personal growth, and the enduring power of faith.  Support the show

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 episode highlights the profound impact of simple, everyday experiences and the importance of family connections, evoking nostalgia for a time filled with unstructured play, holidays, and memorable traditions.  Support the show

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