#US - Unique & Shared Experiences
#US - Unique & Shared Experiences
First Person Arts

#US - Unique & Shared Experiences

DocumentaryEnglish
#Us is a storytelling podcast from First Person Arts in Philly. We believe that everyone has a story to tell and that sharing our stories can change lives. The #Us podcast celebrates the power of personal storytelling. Our podcasts feature new stories from around the Philadelphia region and the world, pulled from our events archive, and told by people just like you. Hear hilarious and heartwarming stories where Philly gets real and unfiltered.
Visit firstpersonarts.org to learn about our events and share your story.
Ukrainian Stories From Philly: The Trauma of War with Xenia Zachadckuk
23 October 2024

Ukrainian Stories From Philly: The Trauma of War with Xenia Zachadckuk

Xenia Zachadckuk grew up in South Jersey to Ukrainian parents. She shares the story of her mother’s courageous escape from Ukraine and Europe during World War II and her father’s time in a displaced person’s camp. Xenia tells us about the trauma of war and the influence it had on her grandparents, her parents, and even her.ukr Thank you for listening to #Us - Unique and Shared Experiences, a...
Ukrainian Stories From Philly: Family with Lisa Mostovoy, Sasha Fishilevich, and Mischa Buck
16 October 2024

Ukrainian Stories From Philly: Family with Lisa Mostovoy, Sasha Fishilevich, and Mischa Buck

Even though Lisa Mostovoy and her daughters Sasha Fishilevich and Mischa Buck are talking about a serious subject, this episode brings us so much joy. Lisa starts by talking about Kyiv and her childhood. After the war broke out, Lisa and her older daughter Sasha went to Poland to deliver supplies and offer help, even though at times they felt helpless. Sasha Fishilevich, Lisa’s oldest daughter,...
Ukrainian Stories From Philly: Growing Up with Marta Rubel
09 October 2024

Ukrainian Stories From Philly: Growing Up with Marta Rubel

Marta Rubel grew up in Philadelphia to proud Ukrainian parents. Marta speaks fondly of her memories growing up in Philly, but she also remembers the challenges her parents faced after settling here, and always dreaming that they would be able to move back to Ukraine. Watching the 2021 invasion on television, Marta asked herself if she could do more for her country and the community. So, she left...
Ukrainian Stories From Philly: History with Professor John Vsetecka
02 October 2024

Ukrainian Stories From Philly: History with Professor John Vsetecka

What do you know about Ukraine’s history? We all know it was once part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), then it wasn’t. Ukraine’s history is far-reaching and as complex as its geography and the number of languages that are spoken. We set out to find a historian who could provide context about Ukraine and its history. That person is John Vsetecka, an assistant professor at Nova...
Life Design Lab
27 February 2023

Life Design Lab

Today on a special episode of #Us - Unique and Shared Experiences, we are teaming up with the Life Design Lab at Johns Hopkins University to share stories told by students about their journeys towards fulfilling careers and lives. Natalia was facing decision paralysis and didn’t know what decision would be the “right” one. Keidai realized his parents only thought they knew him. How would he show...
Letting Go
13 February 2023

Letting Go

Marjorie was let go from her job for standing up for what she believed in. And Bill had to learn to let go of his leg intruder to save his own life. Today, we are taking a deep breath, uncurling our clenched fingers, and Letting Go. On this episode, we have three amazing stories for you about everything from terrible jobs to beloved pets. Join #Us for stories from our January 2023 StorySlam...
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time
30 January 2023

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time

First Person Arts and the Free Library of Philadelphia have enjoyed crossover programming, partnerships, and a mutual love of stories over the years. Today, we're featuring stories from a program we did with the Free Library of Philadelphia's One Book, One Philadelphia around The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon. Join #Us as we share stories from Philadelphians that...
Bittersweet
16 January 2023

Bittersweet

Michel filmed a couple in love as one of them was terminally ill. And though it was tragic, their love for one another helped change the world. Lisa’s daughter got everything she wanted for Christmas, but she couldn’t share her new toys with the one person she wanted to play with. When the highs of joy and love crash into the depths of grief and loss, we get this swirl of emotion called...
Resilience and Art: Celebrating Jerry Pinkney
03 January 2023

Resilience and Art: Celebrating Jerry Pinkney

Today, we celebrate the life and work of a beloved Philadelphia artist Jerry Pinkney whose birthday is this month. Jerry’s life and body of work is a testament to the resilience, persistence, and freedom of the human spirit. We come to you with three stories from individuals who connect with these core values as part of their own experiences. So join #Us and lend a listening ear. Join our mailing...
Burn Baby Burn!
12 December 2022

Burn Baby Burn!

Lisa almost set her house on fire when the hot oil in a pizza box exploded. Sure, she had started a smaller fire, but she was distracted thinking about another fire that was dwindling – her marriage. Chris was enjoying his first week of college when he got a call from his sister. It was the shortest call they’d ever have, but it is burned in his memory forever. Join #Us and ignite your love of...