Life Stories
Marian Wright Edelman Interview: On Advocating for Children and Social Equality
updated
Chapter Markers
00:00:06 A Civil Rights Movement Milestone: James Meredith and the University of Mississippi
00:01:23 Remembering John F. Kennedy’s June 11, 1963 Speech
00:02:56 Robert F. Kennedy on MLK’s Assassination
00:06:33 Robert F. Kennedy: A Figure in Civil Rights Leadership
00:08:34 The March on Washington
00:13:38 The Conflicting Roles of JFK and RFK during the Civil Rights Movement
00:15:29 Robert Kennedy’s Legacy
00:18:40 The Impact of the Kennedy Assassinations on America
00:20:21 Robert Kennedy’s reaction to Bloody Sunday
00:21:59 JFK and RFK’s Relationship
---
About John Lewis
John Lewis was a former civil rights organizer and United States Representative. He began his career as a civil rights organizer in 1960 during the Nashville sit-in movement and as a Freedom Rider. Lewis helped plan the 1963 March on Washington and with Hosea Williams, led the 1965 Voting Rights March from Selma to Montgomery, where he and other peaceful protestors were attacked and beaten. In congress, he served in leadership roles, including Senior Chief Deputy Whip, and sat on the House Ways and Means Committee and the Congressional Black Caucus. Lewis received multiple national and international awards for his commitment to civil rights and social justice, including the John F. Kennedy “Profile in Courage” award, and a National Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2010. He wrote multiple best-selling books and continued his work in Congress as a human and civil rights advocate until he passed away on July 17, 2020 at the age of 80.
Interviewee: John Lewis
Interviewed by: Michael Weingrad
Interview Date: August 7, 2003
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
“Golf, Grace and Giving Back” is part of The Thread Documentary series by Life Stories, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing inspiring stories on social justice, history, and culture.
Educators, teach The Thread episodes in your classroom with free lesson plans here: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
Chapters:
00:00:00 Gary Player introduces himself and his values
00:01:53 Living in poverty in South Africa & overcoming adversity
00:06:01 Love at first sight: Meeting Vivienne Verwey
00:06:53 Learning golf from Jock Verwey
00:08:08 Becoming a professional golfer at 17
00:10:24 Winning his first tournament
00:12:19 Playing with Arnold Palmer and winning the Masters
00:14:07 Addressing Apartheid controversy
00:16:59: Becoming friends with Nelson Mandela
00:18:31 Gary Player’s 1972 PGA win and his father’s influence
00:19:37 Strength, determination, and perseverance in training
00:20:49 Three decades of the British Open
00:22:23 Understanding the map of a golf course
00:22:59 Gary Player and other champions in the World Golf Hall of Fame
00:23:56 The four most important tournaments in the world
00:24:26 Predicting the future of golf
00:25:45 The loneliness of being a pro athlete and the support of Vivienne Player
00:27:41 Coping with the loss of Vivienne Player
00:28:58 Supporting education: The Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation
00:30:47 Gary Player’s legacy
---
About Gary Player
Gary Player is a retired professional golfer, recognized as one of the most successful golfers in history. He was born in 1935 in South Africa and became a professional golfer at age 17. By age 26, Player had accumulated 24 career PGA Tour titles and at age 29, became the youngest and first non-American to win all four major championships in a career. Player has collected more victories than any other golfer in the South African and Australian Opens, and was the only player in the 20th century to win the British Open in three different decades. In 2003, President Thabo Mbeki awarded Player the Order of Ikhamanga for his achievements in golf and contributions to non-racial sport in South Africa. Player received the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement award in 2012, becoming the first international player to receive the accolade. In memory of his late wife Vivienne, Player founded the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation in 2021 to support underprivileged children in impoverished communities.
Original Title: Golf, Grace and Giving Back
Interviewee: Gary Player
Interviewed by: Teddy Kunhardt
Interview Date: October 9, 2024
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
#TheThread #GaryPlayer #LifeStories
Chapter Markers
00:00:00 Toni Morrison explains the role of the New York Public Library
00:03:32 The New York Public Library as a symbol of democracy
00:07:07 Libraries’ Impact on Growth and Development
00:10:43 The Schomburg Center’s stewardship of Black American Culture and History
00:14:05 African American Art and Culture at The Schomburg Center, La Mama Theater, and The Negro Ensemble Company
00:19:49 The Schomburg Center’s Impact on Black Identity and Experiences
00:23:04 Accessibility to Education
00:27:01 The New York Public Library: New York City’s Heartbeat
00:29:51 Libraries and Civilization
00:32:36 Morrison’s Affection for Librarians
00:35:13 Libraries as Teachers
00:36:31 The New York Public Library’s Mission
00:38:50 Morrison’s Fears for the Future of Libraries in The U.S.
00:42:30 Morrison’s Hopes for The New York Public Library
About Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison was a Novel Prize-winning novelist. She was born on February 18, 1931. Morrison studied at Howard and Cornell Universities, then taught English at several universities, including Howard, Yale, and Princeton. Between 1965 and 1983, she worked as an editor at Random House, becoming the first Black female editor in the publishing house’s fiction department. In 1970, Morrison debuted as an author with her novel, The Bluest Eye. Her third novel, Song of Solomon, brought her national recognition, winning the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1977. Her fifth novel, Beloved, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988, and in 1993, Morrison became the first African-American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Morrison wrote 11 novels, many of which chronicled the lives of Black Americans, addressing race and gender relations while building upon folklore and historical accounts. Morrison also wrote children’s books with her son Slade until his death in 2010. Morrison has been awarded numerous literary awards, as well as honorary doctorates at universities such as Harvard, Howard, Princeton, and Oxford. In 2012, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 2020 was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Morrison passed away on August 5, 2019 at the age of 88.
Interviewee: Toni Morrison
Interviewed by: Peter Kunhardt
Interview Date: January 19, 1991
About Life Stories:
As a division of the Kunhardt Film Foundation, Life Stories is a non-profit media organization that creates and distributes documentaries and interviews about people whose lives inspire meaningful change. Our films, interviews and educational content address issues of social justice, history, politics, arts and culture by shining the spotlight on relatable human stories. The aim of our YouTube Channel is to provide open access to all of our content for communities and classrooms.
©️ Kunhardt Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
---
Teaching resources: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items
Subscribe for more free documentaries: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
“Music as a Common Language” is part of The Thread Documentary series by Life Stories, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing inspiring stories on social justice, history, and culture. See the next episode of The Thread, featuring Gary Player, on Sunday, February 8, 2026 on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
Educators, teach The Thread episodes in your classroom with free lesson plans here: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
Chapters:
00:00:57 Yo-Yo Ma’s introduction
00:01:24 Yo-Yo Ma’s Parents: Living in China during World War 2
00:03:13 The serendipity that kept Yo-Yo Ma’s family in America
00:05:13 Meeting Pablo Casals and Leonard Bernstein
00:07:01 Fate, mystery, and serendipity: Yo-Yo Ma’s immense curiosity for the world
00:07:57 Living in the aftermath of World War 2
00:09:01 Growing up in a musical family
00:10:37 Yo-Yo Ma’s love for anthropology coming from a multi-cultural background
00:13:36 Music’s influence on society and education
00:15:17 Our Common Nature: becoming one with natural world
00:18:23 The cultural impact of music
00:21:28 Fostering human connection in the digital age
---
About Yo-Yo Ma
Short bio:
Yo-Yo Ma is a world-renowned cellist. From a young age, he quickly took up the cello and began performing across America, playing for presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy when he was seven years old and performing on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1964. Since the start of Ma’s career, he has performed on some of the world’s most recognized stages and landmarks, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. His genre-defying discography that has resulted in more than 120 albums and 19 Grammy wins. In 1998, Ma founded the Silkroad, a music organization that formed the global music collective, the Silk Road Ensemble. He has sought to combine music with nature and culture, first realized by The Bach Project, a series in which Ma performed J. S. Bach’s cello suites in 36 locations around the world. This stemmed into his latest project, Our Common Nature, which encourages the engagement of nature and culture. In 2006, Ma was named a UN Messenger of Peace. He has also been awarded the Avery Fisher Prize in 1978, the National Medal of Arts in 2001, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, among others.
Original Title: Music as a Common Language
Interviewee: Yo-Yo Ma
Interviewed by: David Bender
Interview Date: January 15, 2025
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Hashtags: #TheThread #YoYoMa #LifeStories
“Lessons in Leadership and Life” is part of The Thread Documentary series by Life Stories, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing inspiring stories on social justice, history, and culture. See the next episode of The Thread, featuring Yo-Yo Ma on Sunday, January 25, 2026 on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
Educators, teach The Thread episodes in your classroom with free lesson plans here: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
Chapters:
00:00:00 Ken Chenault’s introduction and childhood
00:02:17 Growing up during the Civil Rights Movement
00:04:14 Seeing Martin Luther King Jr. speak and remembering his legacy
00:07:37 Determination, confidence, and identity: Lessons from Ken Chenault’s parents
00:11:18 The education that led to Ken Chenault’s success
00:14:00 Working with Bill Bain: The start of Ken Chenault’s career
00:016:37 Joining and finding a path in American Express
00:22:14 Membership Awards: Innovation in American Express
00:23:54 Remembering 9/11 and leading in a crisis
00:29:49 A new chapter: Leaving American Express and joining General Catalyst
---
Original Title: Lessons in Leadership and Life
Interviewee: Ken Chenault
Interviewed by: Kevin Maney
Interview Date: November 26, 2024
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Hashtags: #TheThread #KenChenault #LifeStories
Watch his episode of The Thread for more on values-driven leadership, strategic reinvention, and what it takes to build a company that lasts.
Full interview on our channel @LifeStoriesInterviews
#KenChenault #TheThreadSeries #Leadership #Innovation #AmericanExpress #LifeStories
“Beyond Incarceration” is part of The Thread Documentary series by Life Stories, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing inspiring stories on social justice, history, and culture. See the next episode of The Thread, featuring Ken Chenault, on Sunday, January 11, 2026 on our YouTube channel @lifestoriesdotorg
Educators, teach The Thread episodes in your classroom with free lesson plans here: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
Chapters:
00:01:20 Introduction to Lawrence and Ronnine Bartley
00:01:44 The Marshall Project: Reporting on the criminal justice system
00:04:24 Meeting and falling in love: Lawrence and Ronnine Bartley’s childhoods
00:06:03 Gun violence in NYC: remembering the events that led to Lawrence Bartley’s arrest
00:13:04 27 years to life: coping with a conviction
00:15:07 Surviving life inside an American prison
00:16:44 Celebrating Christmas in prison
00:19:05 The importance of education and rehabilitation in jails
00:21:58 Staying informed while incarcerated
00:23:15 Sustaining love from the inside
00:26:47 Remembering their prison wedding ceremony
00:28:35 Building a family in and out of prison
00:34:12 Reforming the criminal justice system
00:38:03 Mental health and rehabilitation: guidance for families of inmates
00:40:13 Fatherhood after prison
00: 41:56 Working towards prison reform in America
---
About Lawrence Bartley and Ronnine Simmons Bartley
Lawrence Bartley is a journalist, publisher, and former inmate in Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, New York. He was arrested on December 27, 1990 after being involved in a shootout on Christmas. After his release in 2018,he joined The Marshall Project as founder and leader of Inside News, a publication dedicated to bringing information to incarcerated people. News Inside is distributed to over 950 prisons and jails in 44 states across the United States, Canada, and Tijuana, Mexico. Bartley was also host of Inside Story, a video series by The Marshall Project that aired in over 750 prisons and jails across 40 states, examining the realities of the American criminal justice system. His wife, Ronnine Simmons Bartley is a dean and educator for New York City Public Schools. The Bartleys married while Lawrence was in prison and now live in Queens, New York with their two sons.
Original Title: Beyond Incarceration
Interviewee: Lawrence Bartley and Ronnine Simmons Bartley
Interviewed by: Teddy Kunhardt
Interview Date: June 26, 2023
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
In this clip from The Thread, Harvard professor Laurence Tribe recalls the first time a young Barack Obama walked into his office. Tribe describes a lanky first-year law student in jeans and a sweatshirt who sat on the floor, asked big questions about constitutional history, and carried himself with a depth far beyond his years.
By the end of their conversation, Tribe knew he had never met a student like him. Obama had not even taken constitutional law yet, but his grasp of history, politics, and the legal system was already extraordinary. Tribe trusted his instincts and hired him on the spot as a research assistant.
Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel @lifestoriesdotorg
Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction to Laurence Tribe
00:03:21 Art, mathematics, and justice: Laurence Tribe’s combination of interests
00:04:32 The American Flag as a conflicting symbol of freedom
00:06:13 Supporting the Dreamers: Laurence Tribe’s appreciation of immigrants
00:07:41 Explaining the Ninth Amendment and constitutional interpretation
00:09:42 Laurence Tribe’s first Supreme Court case
00:11:27 Ted Cruz, John Roberts, and Barack Obama: Tribe’s Harvard law students
00:18:12 An early supporter of LGBTQ rights in America
00:22:37 Fighting for marriage equality in the U.S.
00:24:23 Questioning the Supreme Court
00:27:22 Laurence Tribe’s legacy
“Law, Liberty, and the Limits of Power” is part of The Thread Documentary series by Life Stories, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing inspiring stories on social justice, history, and culture. See the next episode of The Thread, featuring Lawrence and Ronnine Bartley, on Sunday, December 21, 2025 on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
Educators, teach The Thread episodes in your classroom with free lesson plans here: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
Laurence Tribe is an author, legal scholar, and law professor at Harvard University, specializing in U.S Constitutional Law. Among his students were former Chief Justice John Roberts, Associate Justice Elena Kagan, Senator Ted Cruz, and former President Barack Obama. In 1978, Tribe published American Constitutional Law, a core treatise on the U.S Constitution. Tribe has argued in several landmark Supreme Court cases, including National Gay Task Force v. Board of Education, Bowes v. Hardwick, and Bush v. Palm Beach County Canvassing Board. Tribe served as a judicial advisor for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign and in 2010, Obama appointed Tribe as the first Senior Counselor for Justice in the Department of Justice. Tribe held this position for eight months, leaving due to health reasons. In 2021, former President Joe Biden appointed Tribe to serve on the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States.
Original Title: Law, Liberty, and the Limits of Power
Interviewee: Laurence Tribe
Interviewed by: David Bender
Interview Date: January 14, 2025
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Hashtags: #TheThread #LaurenceTribe #LifeStories
Lewis recounts RFK’s complicated early years with McCarthy, his critical role during the Cuban Missile Crisis, his tense clashes with J. Edgar Hoover, and his evolving relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He also explores RFK’s moral awakening during the civil-rights movement and the profound impact of Kennedy’s 1966 “Ripple of Hope” speech in South Africa.
From intimate personal insights to sweeping reflections on history, this conversation reveals a side of Robert Kennedy that is often overlooked: a man shaped by tragedy, driven by conscience, and determined to give people “the sense of possibility.”
00:00 – Introduction
01:12 – Meeting John F. Kennedy for the First Time
02:25 – Early Impressions of Robert Kennedy
03:50 – JFK vs. RFK: Contrasting Styles
05:30 – RFK’s Unexpected Appointment as Attorney General
08:00 – Building a Top-Tier Justice Department
10:40 – The Bay of Pigs and RFK’s Transformation
12:20 – RFK’s Expanding Role in Foreign Policy
13:15 – The Cuban Missile Crisis: RFK’s Defining Moment
14:35 – The Kennedy–Johnson Rift
16:20 – Civil Rights Tensions and MLK
18:20 – RFK’s Evolving Understanding of the Movement
20:05 – The June 11, 1963 Civil Rights Speech
22:05 – RFK Reflects on Public Perception of the “Kennedy Brothers”
24:50 – Confronting Militancy within the Civil Rights Movement
26:35 – RFK vs. J. Edgar Hoover
29:30 – Personal Struggles After JFK’s Assassination
32:50 – The 1964 Convention and National Emotion
35:05 – Conducting RFK’s Oral History Interviews
38:35 – RFK’s Moral Confidence After Becoming a Senator
41:05 – Preparing for the 1966 South Africa Trip
43:20 – “Ripples of Hope”: RFK’s Most Iconic Speech
46:15 – Why the Speech Resonated Across South Africa
48:40 – The Power of Hope and Resistance
50:35 – RFK’s 1968 Campaign and Cross-Racial Appeal
52:45 – The Lost Promise of RFK
If you enjoy deep historical storytelling, subscribe to Life Stories for more interviews with the people who witnessed history up close.
“The Heart of Rewilding” is part of The Thread Documentary series by Life Stories, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing inspiring stories on social justice, history, and culture. See the next episode of The Thread, featuring Laurence Tribe on Sunday, December 7, 2025 on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
Educators, teach The Thread episodes in your classroom with free lesson plans here: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
Chapters:
00:00:00 A childhood in nature and a career in conservation
00:01:23 Murray Fisher’s unconventional childhood in South America
00:02:00 Murray Fisher’s family and their support
00:04:08 Murray Fisher meeting the love of his life
00:05:05 An ongoing connection to Columbia
00:05:55 Discovering a love for nature and dedication to conservation
00:07:03 Balancing environmentalism and mainstream life
00:08:22 Bringing environmentalism into the mainstream
00:09:41 Becoming a riverkeeper: Hudson River conservation and education
00:11:28 Waterkeeper Academy: redefining environmental education and awareness
00:14:30 Starting New York Harbor Foundation and Billion Oyster Project
00:17:09 Engaging students in ecological restoration
00:19:20 Importance of youth action
00:21:32 Murray Fisher’s daughter
00:22:54 The humbling lessons of fatherhood
00:23:56 Paying attention to nature
00:26:31 Finding hope for the planet and wildness within
---
🔍 About Murray Fisher
Short bio:
Murray Fisher is a conservationist, educator and entrepreneur. He was born in Bogota, Columbia and raised in Virginia, establishing a love for nature at an early age. In the 2000s, he was involved in marine education and activism as a field coordinator for Waterkeeper Alliance, a global network of organizations dedicated to protecting bodies of water, and a co-founder of New York Harbor School, a public high school for maritime education. Expanding his protection of New York City waterways, in 2014 Fisher co-founded the Billion Oyster Project, an initiative to restore the oyster population and health in the New York Harbor, in turn supporting the harbor’s water quality and shoreline protection. 19,000 volunteers, 100 NYC schools, and 83 restaurants have joined the Billion Oyster Project.
Original Title: The Heart of Rewilding
Interviewee: Murray Fisher
Interviewed by: Teddy Kunhardt
Interview Date: May 16, 2024
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Hashtags: #TheThread #MurrayFisher #LifeStories
Historian Edward Ayers reflects on how the Gettysburg Address didn’t avoid slavery. Instead, it united the fight to preserve the Union with the moral imperative to expand freedom. Lincoln framed the war not as a departure from the Founders' vision but as the fulfillment of it.
It was more than a speech. It was a call to remember what’s at stake.
Watch the full interview with Edward Ayers on our channel @lifestoriesdotorg
#GettysburgAddress #Lincoln #EdwardAyers #LifeStories #TheThreadSeries #AmericanHistory #CivilWar #Democracy #Freedom #HistoryMatters
In this edition of A Democracy Minute, historian Jon Meacham reflects on the essential role of the press in a free society. Quoting Thomas Jefferson, he reminds us that the freedom to speak, to disagree, and even to be wrong is the cornerstone of American democracy.
Watch Jon Meacham's full interview on our channel @lifestoriesdotorg
#ADemocracyMinute #JonMeacham #FreedomOfThePress #Democracy #LifeStories
Senator Kennedy also discusses the emotional weight of carrying on his brothers' work, the humor that sustained them through political challenges, and the importance of preserving history through oral storytelling.
00:00:00 Robert F Kennedy and John F Kennedy’s bond
00:03:14 Comparing the Kennedy brothers
00:05:10 The Kennedy Administration: Robert Kennedy as Attorney General
00:08:00 The Kennedy Family: Teddy, John, and Robert’s father
00:12:13 Rose Kennedy: The Kennedy matriarch’s background & qualities
00:14:42 Reflecting on the Cuban Missile Crisis
00:17:10 Robert Kennedy’s ascent of Mount Kennedy
00:19:22 Remembering the Kennedy brothers’ humor
00:20:33 The Bay of Pigs: A lesson in responsibility & acceptance
00:21:45 The legacy of the Kennedy Administration
00:25:24 Sharing oral histories of American politics
00:28:08 Teddy Kennedy remembers a moment with Robert Kennedy
This interview was conducted by Life Stories and the Kunhardt Film Foundation, nonprofit filmmakers dedicated to capturing the voices of those who shaped modern American history.
Then came a call from the American Film Institute, inviting her to join a new program for women directors and beginning of the next act of her life.
Watch Lee Grant's powerful episode of the Thread where she she shares how she went from the Hollywood Blacklist to one of film's most celebrated stars.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Lee Grant’s life after being blacklisted
00:01:23 Growing up as Lyova Haskell Rosenthal and becoming Lee Grant
00:03:07 Learning acting from Sanford Meisner and Uta Hagen
00:04:55 Broadway beginnings
00:06:00 Teaching at the Actor’s Studio
00:07:06 Detective Story: Lee Grant’s film debut
00:08:32 Living and working during Red Scare Hollywood
00:10:23 Political activism following the blacklist
00:12:12 Dinah Manhoff: Lee Grant’s daughter and inspiration
00:14:21 Defying the House Un-American Activities Committee
00:15:35 Peyton Place and Shampoo: life after the blacklist
00:18:51 A new chapter making social justice documentaries
00:24:19 Sharing transgender stories on film
00:25:19 Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue: the music in Lee Grant’s life
00:26:33 Living with hope
“Beating the Blacklist” is part of The Thread Documentary series by Life Stories, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing inspiring stories on social justice, history, and culture. See the next episode of The Thread, featuring Murray Fisher, on November 23, 2025 on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
Educators, teach The Thread episodes in your classroom with free lesson plans here: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
Original Title: Beating the Blacklist
Interviewee: Lee Grant
Interviewed by: David Bender
Interview Date: July 25, 2023
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
He discusses the New Frontier, JFK’s call to public service, and how loyalty, intellect, and calm under pressure defined the Kennedy presidency. With behind-the-scenes stories about election night 1960, cabinet appointments, and the Bay of Pigs fallout, Sorensen paints a portrait of a leader determined to serve—and to inspire service in others.
00:00:00 Meeting and working with John F. Kennedy
00:02:22 A new frontier: JFK’s inaugural address
00:05:15 Meeting Robert Kennedy
00:06:27 The Kennedy family: John vs. Robert’s relationships with their father
00:12:08 The qualities John Kennedy admired in Robert Kennedy
00:13:31 Remembering election night 1960
00:17:22 A family administration: John and Robert Kennedy
00:24:19 The Bay of Pigs: Robert Kennedy and foreign affairs
00:25:35: The Cuban Missile Crisis: How the Kennedy brothers worked under pressure
00:31:14 Comparing JFK and LBJ
00:38:45 Robert Kennedy’s dislike of LBJ
00:41:18 Robert Kennedy & LBJ’s response to JFK’s assassination
00:45:50 The Kennedys and the Civil Rights Movement
01:08:14: A friend and bother: Robert and Jackie Kennedy
01:10:27 Last moments with JFK
01:11:19 Shock and Tragedy: Remembering JFK’s assassination
01:17:16 Robert Kennedy after his brother’s death and establishing his own political career
01:24:17 JFK’s trip to Ireland
01:29:34 Teddy Kennedy compared to his brothers
01:31:21 Remembering Robert Kennedy’s adventurous spirit
01:33:46 Robert Kennedy’s oral histories
01:35:33 A life changed by JFK
01:38:27 What the country lost with the 1960s American assassinations
01:42:10 Summarizing the story of the Kennedy brothers
This interview is part of the Life Stories Interview Archive, preserving firsthand accounts of consequential lives and inspiring stories of leadership.
#LifeStories #JFK #TedSorensen #PresidentialHistory #PublicService #NewFrontier #Leadership #AmericanHistory
In this clip from The Thread, award-winning journalist María Elena Salinas challenges the assumption that the Latino experience is the same for everyone. From political campaigns to media narratives, she calls attention to how essential it is to recognize the cultural, regional, and political diversity within the Latino community.
She explains why advertisers have caught on—and why politicians are still lagging behind.
Watch her full episode of The Thread now on YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcasts.
#MariaElenaSalinas #TheThread #LatinoVoices #RepresentationMatters #LatinxHeritage #PoliticalEngagement #LifeStories #HispanicHeritage #Democracy
Chapters:
00:01:10 Maria Elena Salinas’ introduces herself
00:01:25 Coming to America: The story of Maria Elena Salinas’ immigrant parents
00:04:34 Inspiration drawn from Maria Elena Salinas’ parents
00:05:30 Evolving as a journalist for Univision
00:07:03 The role of Spanish-language media in Latin American and Hispanic communities
00:12:01 Cultural and national identity in America today
00:14:03 Empathy and immigration
00:17:57 Multilingualism: appreciating immigrant heritage
00:19:12 Disinformation versus truth in modern journalism
00:21:43 Embracing cultural diversity
00:23:07 The hope of youth activism
“Journalism with Purpose” is part of The Thread Documentary series by Life Stories, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing inspiring stories on social justice, history, and culture. See the next episode of The Thread, featuring Lee Grant, on November 9, 2025 on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
Educators, teach The Thread episodes in your classroom with free lesson plans here: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
Mexican-American journalist Maria Elena Salinas began her career at Univision’s KMEX-TV in 1981, later anchoring Noticiero Univision (1987-2017). A pioneer in Spanish-language media, she has reported from 18 Latin American countries, is a co-founder of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and an inductee in its Hall of Fame,and champions Hispanic representation. Salinas has received numerous awards, including Intrepid Award from the National Organization for Women, a Peabody Award, Walter Cronkite Award, a Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, and an Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Original Title: Journalism with Purpose
Interviewee: Maria Elena Salinas
Interviewed by: David Bender
Interview Date: September 8, 2023
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Hashtags: #TheThread #MariaElenaSalinas #LifeStories
Her work capturing a Black veteran, landowner, and Tennessee walking horse rider reveals a story long excluded from dominant narratives. It’s a reminder that photography can shift power: by choosing what and who we see, we also shape who we believe ourselves to be.
Watch, share, and keep the conversation going. And explore more A Democracy Minute segments at Life Stories - link in bio.
#ADemocracyMinute #LatoyaRubyFrazier #RepresentationMatters #BlackHistory #HiddenHistories #LifeStories #TheThread #AmericanHistory #DemocracyInFocus
00:00:00 Introduction to Dolores Huerta: from teacher to activist
00:04:06 Dolores Huerta and Fred Ross Sr.: Community organizing origins
00:11:35 Community organizing during the Red Scare
00:14:02 Dolores Huerta on Japanese Internment: Early lessons in injustice
00:15:03 The influence of Dolores Huerta’s mother
00:19:59 Organizing labor strikes and the Agricultural Workers Association
00:21:22 Meeting Cesar Chavez
00:22:59 Women’s leadership in the farm labor movement
00:25:38 MLK and understanding the roots of racism
00:27:51 Friendship with Coretta Scott King
00:30:20 Making MLK Day a national holiday
00:31:14 Understanding legacy and responsibility
00:36:10 Listening to elders and indigenous wisdom
00:38:22 Supporting the LBGTQ community
00:40:04 Police brutality while demonstrating against pesticides
00:45:57 The Dolores Huerta Foundation: empowering grassroots missions
00:50:47 Dolores Huerta’s favorite music
Seeds of Change: The Life and Legacy of Dolores Huerta is a short documentary that celebrates Dolores' life, work and activism. The film was produced by Life Stories, a nonprofit media organization creating inspiring stories on social justice, history, and culture. Our YouTube channel provides open access to all of our content for communities and classrooms; see a lesson plan here:
lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
Subscribe for more documentaries: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
00:00:08 Dolores Huerta and "Si Se Puede": introduction to the leader for labor rights
00:01:37 Dolores Huerta on farmworkers rights, labor rights, and the civil rights movement
00:03:31 Wasco farm labor camp & learning to organize with Fred Ross Sr
00:04:55 Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta: the beginning of United Farm Workers
00:05:44 Labor activism: UFW and organizing labor strikes for recognition
00:06:55 The grape boycott vs. Ronald Reagan in Delano
00:07:50 The 1970s: Gloria Steinem on Dolores Huerta and the women’s movement
00:09:22 Demonstration against pesticides and police brutality in San Francisco
00:09:43 On resilience and continuing the fight for farmworkers rights
---
About Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta is a labor leader, civil rights icon and co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association (later the UFW) with César Chávez in 1962. Born in Dawson, New Mexico, and raised in Stockton, California, she was shaped by her mother’s activism. Huerta co-led the 1965 Delano grape strike and drove national boycotts that secured a 1970 contract and helped pass California’s 1975 Agricultural Labor Relations Act. Honors include the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award (1998) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2012). She leads the Dolores Huerta Foundation.
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Free teaching resources here: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/seeds-of-change-the-life-and-legacy-of-dolores-huerta-documentary-short-2025
Subscribe for more free documentaries: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
#SeedsofChange #DoloresHuerta #FreeDocumentary
00:00:00 Billy Porter’s self introduction
00:01:30 Discovering singing in the church: healing through art
00:03:36: Leaving the church: finding spirituality beyond religion
00:05:24 A mother’s journey to accept her gay son
00:07:31 The people who uplifted Billy Porter
00:08:18 Living in NYC during the AIDS crisis
00:09:08: Living with HIV and type 2 diabetes
00:10:56 Angels in America: Defining his career as a Black gay actor
00:15:21 Kinky Boots: Creating Lola on Broadway
00:16:09 Pose with Ryan Murphy and winning an Emmy
00:17:48 Self-care, mindfulness, and mental health
00:20:27 Life lessons from Billy Porter’s mother
00:23:29 Legacy in Black & LGBTQ+ communities through music
“On My Own Terms” is part of The Thread Documentary series by Life Stories, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing inspiring stories on social justice, history, and culture. Find more information here: lifestories.org/films-series/the-thread-s3
See the next episode of The Thread, featuring Maria Elena Salinas, on October 25, 2025 on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
Educators, teach The Thread episodes in your classroom with free lesson plans here: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
“We’re not organized by tribe or religion, but by ideals. That’s what makes us different,” according to President Biden. These unspoken rules of respect, decency, and shared purpose he explains form the “thin moral fabric” that holds our democratic systems together.
What values do you believe can strengthen our democracy today? Share your thoughts in the comments!
This clip is part of "A Democracy Minute:" 1-minute videos to spark discussions on the importance of exercising democracy. Our latest installment focuses on leadership.
Educators: Access free teaching resources at our website and watch our full interview with President Biden on YouTube.
Hillary Clinton was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000, making history as the first woman to represent New York in the Senate. In 2009, she was appointed the 67th Secretary of State, serving until 2013. She previously served as First Lady of the United States from 1993 to 2001 during the presidency of her husband, Bill Clinton. In 2016, she became the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party. She ran as the Democratic candidate but lost the general election to Republican nominee Donald Trump.
During her political career, Clinton held a long record of involvement in civil and human rights issues. She has been a consistent champion of women’s rights, child welfare, and global human rights.
In this clip, Clinton shares her belief that it is the moral imperative of the twenty-first century to “end the pervasive discrimination and degradation of women” so that they can fulfill their full rights.
How do leaders develop a compelling vision and set priorities? Share your thoughts in the comments!
This clip is part of "A Democracy Minute," where we offer 1-minute videos to spark discussions on the importance of exercising democracy. Our latest installment focuses on leadership.
Educators: Access free teaching resources at our website and watch our full interview with Clinton on YouTube.
The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989 marked a monumental moment in history. Instead of glee, President George H.W. Bush responded with quiet relief, choosing pragmatism over passion to focus on a continued relationship with the Soviet Union.
In this original Life Stories interview, President George H.W. Bush reflects on his deliberate leadership approach during the fall of the Berlin Wall. Restraint, he argues, was a powerful act to such a critical moment in the thawing of the Cold War. “We had several times when restraint - I use the word prudence a lot - when prudence seemed to be the course to take. One of them was when the Berlin Wall fell down.”
Why do you think restraint is an important leadership strategy? Let us know in the comments!
This clip is part of "A Democracy Minute," where we offer 1-minute videos to spark discussions on the importance of exercising democracy. Our latest installment focuses on leadership.
Educators: Access free teaching resources at our website and watch our full interview with Bush Sr. on our YouTube channel!
In this clip, Jimmy Carter reflects on his decision to fundamentally change the role of the Vice Presidency. Carter's legacy of elevating the Vice Presidency continues to influence how subsequent presidents approach this crucial partnership.
What are your thoughts on this significant change in American political history? Share below!
This clip is part of "A Democracy Minute," where we offer 1-minute videos to spark discussions on the importance of exercising democracy. Our latest installment focuses on leadership.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 marked a painful turning point in American history. A single morning changed not just the lives of Americans affected by the tragedy, but the decisions of the U.S. government moving forward.
What actions were made in the moment? As Condoleezza Rice, former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State describes in this clip, the attacks tested the nation’s ability to act quickly in a time of need and a moment where no one knew what was to follow.
“You don’t really take the time to stand back, reflect, think; you just act. And for several days, that’s really what we did. We had to focus on protecting the country.”
What qualities of leadership are most critical during times of crisis?
This clip is part of "A Democracy Minute," where we offer 1-minute videos to spark discussions on the importance of exercising democracy. Our latest installment focuses on leadership.
Educators: access free teaching resources at our website and watch our full interview with Rice on YouTube—links in bio.
From day one, Barack Obama's administration aimed for an unprecedented level of transparency in government processes. The day after his inauguration, he signed five executive orders and presidential memorandums to achieve this goal. Among them included a mandate for an Open Government Directive, new guidelines for Freedom of Information Act requests, and increased public access to presidential records. These early actions demonstrated a commitment to an accessible and honest government for the American people.
In this clip, the former President emphasizes that a democracy's strength lies in its integrity noting, “for our democracy to work… it matters that our leaders try to be as honest as possible and as transparent as possible, and that our politics aren't designed to exploit divisions, but are designed to elevate debate and to create a sense of a common bond around a common creed.”
President Obama emphasized the need for leaders to foster a "common bond" through a transparent government. How much does a leader's transparency influence your trust in a democratic system? Share your ideas in the comments!
This clip is part of "A Democracy Minute," where we offer 1-minute videos to spark discussions on the importance of exercising democracy. Our latest installment focuses on leadership.
Educators: access free teaching resources at our website and watch our full interview with President Obama on YouTube—link in bio.
When Gerald Ford was sworn in as President after Richard Nixon's resignation amidst the Watergate scandal, Ford faced a difficult decision regarding his predecessor.
“I decided that [a pardon] was the only way I could get rid of Mr. Nixon’s problems that were taking 25 percent of my daily time, so I could spend 100 percent of my time on the problems of 230 million Americans.”
How do you think leaders set priorities, balancing past issues with the present? Let us know in the comments!
This clip is part of "A Democracy Minute," where we offer 1-minute videos to spark discussions on the importance of exercising democracy. Our latest installment focuses on leadership.
Former President Bill Clinton was elected for Governor of Arkansas in 1982, and reelected in 1984, 1986, and 1990. Former President Bill Clinton was elected as Governor of Arkansas in 1982, and reelected in 1984, 1986, and 1990.
During this time, Clinton served as chair of the National Governors Association from 1986 to 1987, where he led an effort to develop a national welfare reform policy. Most notably, Clinton's years as governor are remembered for his efforts to reform the public school system, and catalyze economic growth. He convinced lawmakers to pass numerous educational reforms, which carried into policies he enacted during his time as President.
In this clip, the former President reflects on how his twelve years as Governor of Arkansas were the most valuable preparation for the presidency. Specifically, he notes he learned to collaborate with people who held differing viewpoints, navigate the challenges of passing legislation in an often contentious legislature, set clear priorities, articulate a compelling vision, and lead the public towards achieving common goals.
What leadership qualities are most important to you?
This clip is part of "A Democracy Minute," where we offer 1-minute videos to spark discussions on the importance of exercising democracy. Our latest installment focuses on leadership.
In this clip, Albright reflects on her experience, noting that she faced “more problems with men in our government” than with international leaders. Her amazing story not only demonstrates her effective leadership, but that breaking through glass ceilings is never easy.
What challenges do you think women in leadership still face today? Share your thoughts in the comments!
This clip is part of "A Democracy Minute," where we offer 1-minute videos to spark discussions on the importance of exercising democracy. Our latest installment focuses on leadership.
This clip is part of "A Democracy Minute," where we offer 1-minute videos to spark discussions on the importance of exercising democracy. Our latest installment focuses on leadership.
Educators! Want to bring this lesson on leadership to your classroom? Access free teaching resources and watch our full interview with Norton via lifestories.org
What's one key quality of leadership you emphasize with your students? Share in the comments below!
What lesson about leadership has your family instilled in you?
This clip is part of "A Democracy Minute," where we offer 1-minute videos to spark discussions on the importance of exercising democracy. Our latest installment focuses on leadership.
Educators: Access free teaching resources at our website and watch our full interview with McCain from the film John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls on YouTube now.
00:00:49 Introduction: the political story behind John Glenn, space and the cold war
00:01:36 Historian Jeff Shesol on rediscovering John Glenn
00:03:22 John Glenn Jr’s background and early life
00:06:56 The beginning of Glenn’s passion for flying
00:08:41 John Glenn military background and Project Bullet
00:13:54 Cold war in space: Americans vs. Soviets in space, Sputnik 1 and 2
00:17:58 The creation of NASA and Project Mercury
00:21:27 Selection of the seven Project Mercury astronauts
00:27:57 Life Magazine coverage of space
00:30:17 Fear and the space race: the risks of space travel
00:39:51 John Glenn’s wife, Annie Glenn
00:41:46 Preparation for Friendship 7 amid cold war tensions
00:47:45 John F Kennedy and space: NASA and America's role in the cold war
00:50:57 Friendship 7 launch day: John Glenn's orbit February 20 1962
01:08:36 Glenn’s retirement from NASA & return to space
01:11:49 Conclusion: why travel to space today?
---
🔍 About Jeff Shesol
Jeff Shesol is a historian, author, and speechwriter. Shesol has written three books and his latest work, Mercury Rising: John Glenn, John Kennedy, and the New Battleground of the Cold War, was a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice. Shesol joined Bill Clinton as a speechwriter in 1997, and served three years in the white house as deputy chief speechwriter. He then co-founded West Wing Writers, a strategic communications firm with former speechwriters from the Clinton, Obama, and Biden administrations. A Rhodes Scholar, Shesol earned his master’s in history from Oxford after graduating with honors from Brown University.
Interviewee: Jeff Shesol, Historian
Interviewed by: George Kunhardt
Interview Date: October 8, 2024
A Life Stories Special
About Life Stories:
As a division of the Kunhardt Film Foundation, Life Stories is a non-profit media organization that creates and distributes documentaries and interviews about people whose lives inspire meaningful change. Our films, interviews and educational content address issues of social justice, history, politics, arts and culture by shining the spotlight on relatable human stories. The aim of our YouTube Channel is to provide open access to all of our content for communities and classrooms.
©️ Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
---
Teaching resources: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items
Subscribe for more free documentaries: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
#JeffShesol #JohnGlenn #Friendship7 #LifeStories
Born in 1917, Katharine Graham — known as “Kay” — was raised to adhere to the expectation that men would have careers, and women would raise the family. Kay, like most other women at the time, abided by these societal norms. But the course of her life would drastically change once her father, financier Eugene Meyer, bought a struggling newspaper in 1933.
This struggling newspaper was The Washington Post, and it was on the brink of collapse. Though the paper’s performance improved after 1933 — first under her father’s leadership and then her husband’s —Phil Graham’s suicide in 1963 left Kay with a leaderless newspaper and four young children, forcing her to decide whether to take over the family business herself or sell it. She made the difficult and unprecedented decision to run it herself.
At its heart, Becoming Katharine Graham highlights pivotal events of the 1970s that occurred under Kay’s leadership — the Pentagon Papers, the Watergate scandal, and a violent Washington Post pressmen’s strike — as well as treatment she endured as one of the first female leaders in corporate America. Her Pulitzer Prize winning story is sure to inspire a new generation.
Watch the Crown Prince’s full story on our YouTube channel now: @lifestoriesdotorg
#RezaPahlavi #Interview #HumanRights #LifeStories
00:00:00 Introduction to Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi of Iran
00:01:05 Growing up in the Iran Shah family: preparing for leadership in Iran
00:02:00 What was the Iranian Revolution? Reza Pahlavi on its impact on his life
00:03:06 Reflections on Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s modernization efforts
00:05:18 Early responsibilities as the Crown Prince
00:07:01 Adapting to life in exile: reclaiming Iranian identity and purpose after leaving Iran
00:11:52 Iranian political challenges: lessons in leadership, loneliness, & public expectation
00:19:46 Middle East political history explained, and the impact of the Iranian revolution
00:27:37 Reflections on family and fatherhood
00:38:01 Farah Pahlavi’s influence and the role of women in Iran
01:02:54 Human rights in Iran: the fight against violations
01:14:02 Vision for democracy in Iran and the Middle East
01:28:10 Iranian youth: hope and responsibility for the future
01:50:05 Path to restoring Iranian identity
---
🔍 About Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi
Born on October 31, 1960, in Tehran, Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of the late Mohammad Reza Shah and Empress Farah Pahlavi. Named Crown Prince in 1967, his life changed dramatically after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which forced his family into exile and established a theocratic regime that barred his return. A graduate in political science from the University of Southern California and a trained jet fighter pilot, Pahlavi has spent over four decades advocating for freedom, democracy, and human rights in Iran. He calls for non-violent regime change and a secular democracy, engaging with global leaders, Iranian opposition groups, and citizens worldwide.
Interviewee: Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of Iran
Interviewed by: Brandon Stanton
Interview Date: September 8, 2024
Original Episode Title: The Exiled Crown Prince
About Life Stories:
As a division of the Kunhardt Film Foundation, Life Stories is a non-profit media organization that creates and distributes documentaries and interviews about people whose lives inspire meaningful change. Our films, interviews and educational content address issues of social justice, history, politics, arts and culture by shining the spotlight on relatable human stories. The aim of our YouTube Channel is to provide open access to all of our content for communities and classrooms.
©️ Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
---
Teaching resources: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items
Subscribe for more free documentaries: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
#IranianCrownPrince #RezPahlavi #LifeStories
00:00:00 Introduction to Frank Langella
00:01:24 Early years and acting influences
00:04:05 First film: working with Mel Brooks
00:05:36 Frank Langella’s Dracula: reimagining an icon
00:08:39 Becoming Richard Nixon: method acting in action
00:10:51 Richard Nixon and unlocking emotion in acting
00:14:45 Opinions on Richard Nixon & behind the scenes of Frost/Nixon
00:18:53 Feeling isolated and the importance of emotional authenticity in acting
00:21:37 Working with young actors: acting tips and getting at the heart of a character
00:23:53 Conclusion: Frank Langella, Charles Laughton, and life lessons beyond the screen
The Thread is our flagship documentary interview series featuring exceptional individuals who share the paths they have taken to lead a meaningful life. Now in Season 2, watch the whole series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ51kDxtnNperiJ2biybgVzlFatXo3r1v
---
🔍 About Frank Langella
Frank Langella is an award-winning stage and film actor. His career took off in 1970 with a role in Mel Brooks’ The Twelve Chairs, and in 1975, he earned his first Tony Award for Seascape. His critically acclaimed portrayal of Dracula on Broadway in 1977 became one of his defining roles, which he later reprised on film. His portrayal of Richard Nixon in Frost/Nixon (2009) earned him an Oscar nomination. Recent notable roles include Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger in HBO’s Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight (2013) and Senator Richard Russell Jr. in All the Way (2016).
Interviewee: Frank Langella
Interviewed by: David Bender
Interview Date: 19th September 2023
Original Episode Title: Unscripted Wisdom
About Life Stories:
As a division of the Kunhardt Film Foundation, Life Stories is a non-profit media organization that creates and distributes documentaries and interviews about people whose lives inspire meaningful change. Our films, interviews and educational content address issues of social justice, history, politics, arts and culture by shining the spotlight on relatable human stories. The aim of our YouTube Channel is to provide open access to all of our content for communities and classrooms.
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
---
Teaching resources: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
Subscribe for more free documentaries: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
#FrankLangella #Interview #TheThread
Computer scientist David Ferrucci shares his path to developing the history-making Watson computer system in the latest episode of The Thread: a documentary interview series showcasing the life stories of exceptional individuals.
Catch the full episode on @lifestoriesdotorg now, and explore additional learning resources on our website at lifestories.org
#DaveFerrucci #ArtificialIntelligence #Jeopardy! #TheThread
00:00:00 Introduction to David Ferrucci: a conversation about artificial intelligence
00:01:07 Childhood in the Bronx: parents and early influences
00:04:14 Developing a passion for computer science
00:09:12 A personal history of artificial intelligence: early NLP work & the path to joining IBM
00:14:26 The start of building IBM Watson AI for Jeopardy
00:21:36 IBM and AI future: IBM Watson's impact on technology and AI evolution
00:24:39 Navigating AI in society: the future of AI and machine learning
00:28:36 Conclusion: the importance of computer science and storytelling in Ferrucci's life
The Thread is our flagship documentary interview series featuring exceptional individuals who share the paths they have taken to lead a meaningful life. Now in Season 2, watch the whole series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ51kDxtnNperiJ2biybgVzlFatXo3r1v
The Thread Episode 16 is launching on 19th January @ 10 am ET
---
🔍 About David Ferrucci
Dave Ferrucci is an award-winning AI researcher and computer scientist known for leading the team behind IBM’s Watson, which famously defeated Jeopardy champions in 2011. After nearly two decades at IBM’s T.J. Watson Research Center, he founded Elemental Cognition in 2015. As Founder, CEO, and Chief Scientist, Ferrucci is advancing AI beyond machine learning. With over 50 patents and numerous publications, he’s earned titles such as IBM Fellow and awards like the AAAI Feigenbaum Prize.
Interviewee: David Ferrucci
Interviewed by: Kevin Maney
Interview Date: 25th April 2024
Original Episode Title: Seeing the Future
About Life Stories:
As a division of the Kunhardt Film Foundation, Life Stories is a non-profit media organization that creates and distributes documentaries and interviews about people whose lives inspire meaningful change. Our films, interviews and educational content address issues of social justice, history, politics, arts and culture by shining the spotlight on relatable human stories. The aim of our YouTube Channel is to provide open access to all of our content for communities and classrooms.
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
---
Teaching resources: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
Subscribe for more free documentaries: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
#DavidFerrucci #Interview #TheThread
Catch the full episode for free @lifestoriesdotorg or lifestories.org
How has your perspective on life changed through challenges? Share in the comments!
#SuleikaJaouad #CancerSurvivor #TheThread
00:00:00 Introduction to Suleika Jaouad
00:00:38 Meeting Jon Batiste and cancer diagnosis at 22
00:05:21 Coping with chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant
00:07:19 Suleika Jaouad’s childhood & upbringing
00:09:25 Dreams of journalism before cancer
00:11:00 Writing Life Interrupted for The New York Times
00:15:40 Writing memoir Between Two Kingdoms
00:18:11 Rediscovering art during cancer relapse
00:21:16 Balancing love, cancer, and Jon Batiste’s Grammy wins
00:24:49 Living with indefinite treatment
00:26:45 A new beginning: life as if it’s your first day
The Thread is our flagship documentary interview series featuring exceptional individuals who share the paths they have taken to lead a meaningful life. Now in Season 2, watch the whole series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ51kDxtnNperiJ2biybgVzlFatXo3r1v
The Thread Episode 15 is launching on 12th January @ 10 am ET
---
🔍 About Suleika Jaouad
Suleika Jaouad is an award-winning writer, speaker, and cancer survivor. Diagnosed with leukemia at 22, she began her acclaimed New York Times column, Life, Interrupted, from her hospital room. Her TED Talk ranks among the top 10 of 2019, with nearly five million views. She is the founder of the Isolation Journals, a global creative community, and has served on Barack Obama’s Presidential Cancer Panel. Her work appears in Vogue, The Paris Review, and more. A sought-after speaker, Jaouad has received the Red Door Advocacy Award and held prestigious residencies at Ucross, ArtYard, and the Kerouac Project.
Interviewee: Suleika Jaouad
Interviewed by: Nancy Steiner
Interview Date: 19th January 2023
Original Episode Title: Surviving and Thriving
About Life Stories:
As a division of the Kunhardt Film Foundation, Life Stories is a non-profit media organization that creates and distributes documentaries and interviews about people whose lives inspire meaningful change. Our films, interviews and educational content address issues of social justice, history, politics, arts and culture by shining the spotlight on relatable human stories. The aim of our YouTube Channel is to provide open access to all of our content for communities and classrooms.
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
---
Teaching resources: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
Subscribe for more free documentaries: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
#SuleikaJaouad #Interview #TheThread
Jimmy Carter’s unwavering commitment to service, compassion, and moral leadership has set a high standard for civic duty and will continue to inspire future generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this time. Rest in peace, President Carter.
Catch the full episode for free now, and explore additional learning resources on our website—link in bio!
#LorettaRoss #TheThread #Justice #Documentary
00:00:00 Introduction to Loretta Ross interview
00:00:59 Surviving a difficult upbringing and childhood trauma
00:08:24 Becoming a mother at 14
00:12:53 Entering college and beginning the journey to social justice
00:16:32 Path to a career in activism, reproductive justice, and womens healthcare reform
00:19:23 Theory behind reproductive justice
00:26:47 Tips for feminists of the next generation & calling in vs. calling out culture
00:30:17 Conclusion: the importance of hope in activism
The Thread is our flagship documentary interview series featuring exceptional individuals who share the paths they have taken to lead a meaningful life. Now in Season 2, watch the whole series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ51kDxtnNperiJ2biybgVzlFatXo3r1v
The Thread Episode 14 is launching on 5th January @ 10 am ET
---
🔍 About Loretta Ross
Loretta J. Ross, an academic and activist. She is a Professor at Smith College, focusing on human rights. A 2022 MacArthur Fellow, she advocates for Reproductive Justice and co-created its theory. She also served as National Coordinator of the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. Ross co-directed the 2004 March for Women’s Lives in D.C. and founded the National Center for Human Rights Education. She was the third Executive Director of the RCC in Washington D.C., becoming the first Black women in that role.
Interviewee: Loretta Ross
Interviewed by: Noah Remnick
Interview Date: 5th February 2024
Original Episode Title: From Pain to Purpose
About Life Stories:
As a division of the Kunhardt Film Foundation, Life Stories is a non-profit media organization that creates and distributes documentaries and interviews about people whose lives inspire meaningful change. Our films, interviews and educational content address issues of social justice, history, politics, arts and culture by shining the spotlight on relatable human stories. The aim of our YouTube Channel is to provide open access to all of our content for communities and classrooms.
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
---
Teaching resources: lifestories.org/learning/resources-items/teaching-the-thread-documentary-interview-series
Subscribe for more free documentaries: youtube.com/@lifestoriesdotorg?sub_confirmation=1
#LorettaRoss #Interview #TheThread
Gwen channels her grief into a yearslong battle, drawing constant media coverage and international attention. Her fight challenges the NYPD and former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, demanding accountability for the officers involved in her son’s death. The film also follows Gwen as she forms deep bonds with other “Mothers of the Movement,” women who have also lost family to police violence—the “club no one wants to be a part of.” When the news cameras go away, Gwen surrounds herself with photos of lost loved ones in her Staten Island home, drawing strength from their memories. These images serve as conduits for both grief and resilience, embodying the legacy of Eric Garner.
From helping to pass the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act in New York to championing the ongoing Medical Civil Rights Initiative, Gwen’s journey is one of unwavering resolve. Despite repeated failures by the justice system, she remains determined to protect other Black mothers’ sons and cherish her remaining family, showcasing the power of a mother’s love and activism.
Directed by: Brad Bailey
Produced by: Jered Everson, Deanna Cuadra
Presented by: Life Stories
Catch Fab 5 Freddy's full episode on our YouTube channel @lifestoriesdotorg and explore free learning resources on our website LifeStories.org


