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Can you pinpoint a moment in time when your life changed? Maybe it wasn’t a moment, maybe it was a complicated chain of events that led you to where you are today. Or maybe, it was a generational impact that started before you were even born. Regardless of what it contains, all humans have a story. And those stories are the building blocks of who we are, at our very core. Join host, Jennifer Peterkin - lover and collector of stories, as she interviews humans from all walks of life. Tune in every week to hear stories of love and loss, triumph and defeat, and all that exist in between.
Can you pinpoint a moment in time when your life changed? Maybe it wasn’t a moment, maybe it was a complicated chain of events that led you to where you are today. Or maybe, it was a generational impact that started before you were even born. Regardless of what it contains, all humans have a story. And those stories are the building blocks of who we are, at our very core. Join host, Jennifer Peterkin - lover and collector of stories, as she interviews humans from all walks of life. Tune in every week to hear stories of love and loss, triumph and defeat, and all that exist in between.
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Richard P. (Perkins) Hsung was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. as a kid with his mother. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Richard spent ten years editing and completing 'Spring Flower,' written by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. This three-volume memoir chronicles his mother's extraordinary life and legacy.
Richard P. (Perkins) Hsung was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. as a kid with his mother. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Richard spent ten years editing and completing 'Spring Flower,' written by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. This three-volume memoir chronicles his mother's extraordinary life and legacy.
Dr. Katrina Nguyen is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, a two-time best-selling author, and founder of Faithful-2-Fitness, a nonprofit to fight childhood obesity. She was just 14 months old when her family escaped by boat from Communist Vietnam in April 1975 after the Fall of Saigon. She nearly died twice during her journey to freedom and the American Dream. She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. She has shared her expertise via EWTN Global Catholic Network, YMCA podcast, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Her Christian faith drives her to serve others. She established charity funds with Raymond James and Northwestern Mutual. Her nonprofit's sponsors include Chick-fil-A and Fleet Feet. Dr. Nguyen lives in Illinois with her husband Dr. Deladisma. She enjoys being a dog mom, gardening and traveling.
Dr. Katrina Nguyen is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, a two-time best-selling author, and founder of Faithful-2-Fitness, a nonprofit to fight childhood obesity. She was just 14 months old when her family escaped by boat from Communist Vietnam in April 1975 after the Fall of Saigon. She nearly died twice during her journey to freedom and the American Dream. She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. She has shared her expertise via EWTN Global Catholic Network, YMCA podcast, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Her Christian faith drives her to serve others. She established charity funds with Raymond James and Northwestern Mutual. Her nonprofit's sponsors include Chick-fil-A and Fleet Feet. Dr. Nguyen lives in Illinois with her husband Dr. Deladisma. She enjoys being a dog mom, gardening and traveling.
Since 2008, Ralph Velasco has been a full-time travel photographer and international tour organizer, having created and led over 120 highly-rated international tours in well over 30 countries on 7 continents, plus over 100 domestic tours in the U.S. Raised in suburban Chicago, Ralph has been location-independent for over 11 years, traditionally spending 8 to 9 months on the road internationally scouting and leading his tours. He has authored several books on travel photography, including a 3-in-1 book bundle titled The Mindful & Intentional Traveler. Ralph also runs a YouTube channel called The Continental DRIFTER and offers a self-guided online course called Tour Organizer Training: Get Paid to Travel. He has spoken at various travel shows and conferences worldwide and created an iOS app called My Shot Lists for Travel, which he later turned into a book. Connect with Ralph through his website and social media platforms.
Since 2008, Ralph Velasco has been a full-time travel photographer and international tour organizer, having created and led over 120 highly-rated international tours in well over 30 countries on 7 continents, plus over 100 domestic tours in the U.S. Raised in suburban Chicago, Ralph has been location-independent for over 11 years, traditionally spending 8 to 9 months on the road internationally scouting and leading his tours. He has authored several books on travel photography, including a 3-in-1 book bundle titled The Mindful & Intentional Traveler. Ralph also runs a YouTube channel called The Continental DRIFTER and offers a self-guided online course called Tour Organizer Training: Get Paid to Travel. He has spoken at various travel shows and conferences worldwide and created an iOS app called My Shot Lists for Travel, which he later turned into a book. Connect with Ralph through his website and social media platforms.
Vincent Thompson is the Director of Communications for Philadelphia City Council and Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson. In his more than 30 year career in media and government, he has served as a Chief of Staff for the late Philadelphia City Councilman Juan Ramos, spokesperson for two past School District of Philadelphia Superintendents, former President of the Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society, former Vice President/Broadcast for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and has covered Republican and Democratic National Conventions starting with the 1988 Republican National Convention. Mr. Thompson has won numerous awards in his career for his work in journalism, public relations and community service. In 2018, he received PABJs Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2017, he was named Politics and Government Reporter of the Year by the Pen & Pencil Club of Philadelphia, the nations oldest press club in daily operation. He has been named one of Philadelphias Most Influential African-Americans by the Philadelphia Tribune newspaper and has been a winner of the National Education Associations Excellence in Broadcasting Award.
Vincent Thompson is the Director of Communications for Philadelphia City Council and Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson. In his more than 30 year career in media and government, he has served as a Chief of Staff for the late Philadelphia City Councilman Juan Ramos, spokesperson for two past School District of Philadelphia Superintendents, former President of the Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society, former Vice President/Broadcast for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and has covered Republican and Democratic National Conventions starting with the 1988 Republican National Convention. Mr. Thompson has won numerous awards in his career for his work in journalism, public relations and community service. In 2018, he received PABJs Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2017, he was named Politics and Government Reporter of the Year by the Pen & Pencil Club of Philadelphia, the nations oldest press club in daily operation. He has been named one of Philadelphias Most Influential African-Americans by the Philadelphia Tribune newspaper and has been a winner of the National Education Associations Excellence in Broadcasting Award.
The grandmother of the host, she is the last living grandparent and has a rich history as an Italian immigrant who grew up in coal-mining Pennsylvania. She was a talented musician in her youth, playing the piano for school assemblies and in the All-City Orchestra in Philadelphia. Her life story includes significant events such as living through World War II and marrying Laszlo, a Hungarian immigrant and physicist who survived religious persecution. Her experiences reflect resilience, strong family ties, and the importance of storytelling.
The grandmother of the host, she is the last living grandparent and has a rich history as an Italian immigrant who grew up in coal-mining Pennsylvania. She was a talented musician in her youth, playing the piano for school assemblies and in the All-City Orchestra in Philadelphia. Her life story includes significant events such as living through World War II and marrying Laszlo, a Hungarian immigrant and physicist who survived religious persecution. Her experiences reflect resilience, strong family ties, and the importance of storytelling.
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When Richard Hsung promised his dying mother he’d finish her memoir, he didn’t yet understand the weight of that vow—or the decade-long journey it would set in motion. In this episode, Richard shares his deeply personal path of honoring his mother’s extraordinary life as an adopted child of American missionaries in pre-Communist China, a refugee from revolution, and a resilient physician under Mao. Together, we explore identity, inheritance, immigration, and what it means to find yourself between cultures while keeping a promise that spans generations.
Interview recorded in Madison, WI.
Key Takeaways:
Richard’s mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, was adopted by American missionaries after surviving the 1931 Yangtze River Flood
Her extraordinary life took her across China, India, and the U.S. during wartime and political upheaval
She was separated from her adoptive parents for decades after the Communist revolution
Despite being trapped in China, she became a surgeon and survived persecution with the help of unlikely allies
Richard immigrated to the U.S. at 14, leaving behind his father and sister and navigating identity loss and cultural dislocation
He spent nearly 10 years completing his mother’s memoir as a redemptive act of healing and honoring her legacy
Richard reflects on the “third culture” experience—belonging fully to neither country but shaped deeply by both
Compassion, for Richard, starts with listening deeply and without judgment
Richard Hsung’s Bio:
Richard P. (Perkins) Hsung was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. as a kid with his mother. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (https://richardperkinshsung.com). Richard spent ten years editing and completing "Spring Flower," written by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. This three-volume memoir, published by Earnshaw Books (https://earnshawbooks.com), chronicles his mother's life as an adopted child of American medical missionaries, which began shortly after the catastrophic Yangtze River Flood in 1931 that killed millions. Learn more at Yangtze River by the Hudson Bay (https://www.yangtzeriverbythehudsonbay.site/home-page.html).
When Richard Hsung promised his dying mother he’d finish her memoir, he didn’t yet understand the weight of that vow—or the decade-long journey it would set in motion. In this episode, Richard shares his deeply personal path of honoring his mother’s extraordinary life as an adopted child of American missionaries in pre-Communist China, a refugee from revolution, and a resilient physician under Mao. Together, we explore identity, inheritance, immigration, and what it means to find yourself between cultures while keeping a promise that spans generations.
Interview recorded in Madison, WI.
Key Takeaways:
Richard’s mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, was adopted by American missionaries after surviving the 1931 Yangtze River Flood
Her extraordinary life took her across China, India, and the U.S. during wartime and political upheaval
She was separated from her adoptive parents for decades after the Communist revolution
Despite being trapped in China, she became a surgeon and survived persecution with the help of unlikely allies
Richard immigrated to the U.S. at 14, leaving behind his father and sister and navigating identity loss and cultural dislocation
He spent nearly 10 years completing his mother’s memoir as a redemptive act of healing and honoring her legacy
Richard reflects on the “third culture” experience—belonging fully to neither country but shaped deeply by both
Compassion, for Richard, starts with listening deeply and without judgment
Richard Hsung’s Bio:
Richard P. (Perkins) Hsung was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. as a kid with his mother. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (https://richardperkinshsung.com). Richard spent ten years editing and completing "Spring Flower," written by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. This three-volume memoir, published by Earnshaw Books (https://earnshawbooks.com), chronicles his mother's life as an adopted child of American medical missionaries, which began shortly after the catastrophic Yangtze River Flood in 1931 that killed millions. Learn more at Yangtze River by the Hudson Bay (https://www.yangtzeriverbythehudsonbay.site/home-page.html).
Dr. Katrina Nguyen was just 14 months old when her family fled Vietnam by boat during the Fall of Saigon, a journey marked by near-death experiences and unimaginable courage. Now a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, bestselling author, and founder of the nonprofit Faithful-2-Fitness, she channels that legacy of resilience into helping families fight childhood obesity and build healthier futures. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Nguyen shares her refugee story, her path to medicine, and why compassion, gratitude, and generosity remain at the heart of everything she does.
Interview recorded in Loves Park, Illinois.
Key Takeaways:
Dr. Nguyen’s family escaped Communist Vietnam by boat in 1975, surviving multiple near-death experiences
Her upbringing as one of 10 children shaped her resilience and gratitude
She founded Faithful-2-Fitness to provide free health education and lifestyle tools to underserved families
Cultural context and compassion are essential in addressing childhood obesity
Her Catholic faith deeply informs her work in medicine, service, and philanthropy
Writing Live to Give and other books helped her process grief and inspire generosity
Small acts of compassion can spark long-term transformation—personally and societally
Dr. Katrina Nguyen's Bio:
Dr. Katrina Nguyen is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, a two-time best-selling author, and founder of Faithful-2-Fitness, a nonprofit to fight childhood obesity.
She was just 14 months old when her family escaped by boat from Communist Vietnam in April 1975 after the Fall of Saigon. She nearly died twice during her journey to freedom and the American Dream.
She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. She has shared her expertise via EWTN Global Catholic Network, YMCA podcast, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Her Christian faith drives her to serve others. She established charity funds with Raymond James and Northwestern Mutual. Her nonprofit's sponsors include Chick-fil-A and Fleet Feet.
Dr. Nguyen lives in Illinois with her husband Dr. Deladisma. She enjoys being a dog mom, gardening and traveling.
Dr. Katrina Nguyen was just 14 months old when her family fled Vietnam by boat during the Fall of Saigon, a journey marked by near-death experiences and unimaginable courage. Now a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, bestselling author, and founder of the nonprofit Faithful-2-Fitness, she channels that legacy of resilience into helping families fight childhood obesity and build healthier futures. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Nguyen shares her refugee story, her path to medicine, and why compassion, gratitude, and generosity remain at the heart of everything she does.
Interview recorded in Loves Park, Illinois.
Key Takeaways:
Dr. Nguyen’s family escaped Communist Vietnam by boat in 1975, surviving multiple near-death experiences
Her upbringing as one of 10 children shaped her resilience and gratitude
She founded Faithful-2-Fitness to provide free health education and lifestyle tools to underserved families
Cultural context and compassion are essential in addressing childhood obesity
Her Catholic faith deeply informs her work in medicine, service, and philanthropy
Writing Live to Give and other books helped her process grief and inspire generosity
Small acts of compassion can spark long-term transformation—personally and societally
Dr. Katrina Nguyen's Bio:
Dr. Katrina Nguyen is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, a two-time best-selling author, and founder of Faithful-2-Fitness, a nonprofit to fight childhood obesity.
She was just 14 months old when her family escaped by boat from Communist Vietnam in April 1975 after the Fall of Saigon. She nearly died twice during her journey to freedom and the American Dream.
She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. She has shared her expertise via EWTN Global Catholic Network, YMCA podcast, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Her Christian faith drives her to serve others. She established charity funds with Raymond James and Northwestern Mutual. Her nonprofit's sponsors include Chick-fil-A and Fleet Feet.
Dr. Nguyen lives in Illinois with her husband Dr. Deladisma. She enjoys being a dog mom, gardening and traveling.
The Greatest Journey: From Restaurant Owner to Travel Photographer
Hosts
Hosts of this podcast episode
Jennifer Peterkin
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Ralph Velasco
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
travel photographystorytellingcareer transitionssmall group travelresilienceself-discoverypersonal growth
In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Ralph Velasco, a seasoned travel photographer and founder of small group travel experiences. Raised in suburban Chicago, Ralph takes us through his winding career path—from restaurants and real estate to his true calling behind the camera and on the road. We explore how travel can be a powerful vehicle for connection and self-discovery, and how storytelling brings those experiences to life. Whether you're a budding traveler or someone navigating life's turning points, this conversation offers a compelling look at resilience, reinvention, and the beauty of the journey.
📍Interview recorded in Rockford, Illinois
Key Takeaways:
Personal experiences with domestic violence and the power of storytelling
The significance of listening with intention
Ralph Velasco's journey from suburban Chicago to travel photography
Early influences and formative travel experiences
Career transitions from restaurant ownership to real estate and photography
The impact of the financial crisis on career decisions
The benefits of small group travel experiences
The appeal of travel for single women seeking community and security
The evolving nature of career paths and personal growth
Favorite travel destinations and considerations for group travel logistics
Ralph Velasco’s Bio:
Since 2008 (16+ years) Ralph Velasco has been a full-time travel photographer and international tour organizer, having created and led over 120 highly-rated international tours in well over 30 countries on 7 continents (plus over 100 domestic tours in the U.S.)
When not traveling, Ralph is based in Chicago. However, he's been location-independent for 11+ years and traditionally spends anywhere from 8 - 9 months on the road internationally scouting and leading his tours.
Ralph has authored several books on travel photography, and he just combined his most recent books into a 3-in-1 book bundle titled The Mindful & Intentional Traveler
He has a YouTube channel called The Continental DRIFTER® (https://youtube.com/continentaldrifter) and a related website (https://ContinentalDRIFTER.co) where everything about his business can be found, including tours, blog posts, his YouTube channel, podcasts, merchandise and more.
Ralph is often asked how people can learn to do what he does and so he created a self-guided online course called Tour Organizer Training: Get Paid to Travel. In this course made up of 7 Modules and 26 Lessons, he goes step-by-step through what’s involved in creating a tour business.
Ralph has spoken all over the world and in the U.S. at the Travel & Adventure Shows and the New York Times Travel Show, as well as at travel blogger conferences (in Spain, Sweden, Israel, and Ireland) and the IOETI digital marketing conference in Cairo, Egypt (see more at https://continentaldrifter.co/speaking/)
Finally, he created an iOS app called My Shot Lists for Travel more than 14 years ago, but it's no longer on the app store and instead he turned the information into a book called 52 Categories of a Shot List: Create Images that Tell a Story, also available on Amazon (https://tinyurl.com/52categories).
In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Ralph Velasco, a seasoned travel photographer and founder of small group travel experiences. Raised in suburban Chicago, Ralph takes us through his winding career path—from restaurants and real estate to his true calling behind the camera and on the road. We explore how travel can be a powerful vehicle for connection and self-discovery, and how storytelling brings those experiences to life. Whether you're a budding traveler or someone navigating life's turning points, this conversation offers a compelling look at resilience, reinvention, and the beauty of the journey.
📍Interview recorded in Rockford, Illinois
Key Takeaways:
Personal experiences with domestic violence and the power of storytelling
The significance of listening with intention
Ralph Velasco's journey from suburban Chicago to travel photography
Early influences and formative travel experiences
Career transitions from restaurant ownership to real estate and photography
The impact of the financial crisis on career decisions
The benefits of small group travel experiences
The appeal of travel for single women seeking community and security
The evolving nature of career paths and personal growth
Favorite travel destinations and considerations for group travel logistics
Ralph Velasco’s Bio:
Since 2008 (16+ years) Ralph Velasco has been a full-time travel photographer and international tour organizer, having created and led over 120 highly-rated international tours in well over 30 countries on 7 continents (plus over 100 domestic tours in the U.S.)
When not traveling, Ralph is based in Chicago. However, he's been location-independent for 11+ years and traditionally spends anywhere from 8 - 9 months on the road internationally scouting and leading his tours.
Ralph has authored several books on travel photography, and he just combined his most recent books into a 3-in-1 book bundle titled The Mindful & Intentional Traveler
He has a YouTube channel called The Continental DRIFTER® (https://youtube.com/continentaldrifter) and a related website (https://ContinentalDRIFTER.co) where everything about his business can be found, including tours, blog posts, his YouTube channel, podcasts, merchandise and more.
Ralph is often asked how people can learn to do what he does and so he created a self-guided online course called Tour Organizer Training: Get Paid to Travel. In this course made up of 7 Modules and 26 Lessons, he goes step-by-step through what’s involved in creating a tour business.
Ralph has spoken all over the world and in the U.S. at the Travel & Adventure Shows and the New York Times Travel Show, as well as at travel blogger conferences (in Spain, Sweden, Israel, and Ireland) and the IOETI digital marketing conference in Cairo, Egypt (see more at https://continentaldrifter.co/speaking/)
Finally, he created an iOS app called My Shot Lists for Travel more than 14 years ago, but it's no longer on the app store and instead he turned the information into a book called 52 Categories of a Shot List: Create Images that Tell a Story, also available on Amazon (https://tinyurl.com/52categories).
The Power of Local: A Life in Service to Philadelphia
Hosts
Hosts of this podcast episode
Jennifer Peterkin
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Vincent Thompson
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
local governmentpublic servicePhiladelphiajournalismcommunity engagementcivic lifecompassionCity Council
In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Vincent Thompson, longtime journalist and current Communications Director for the President of Philadelphia City Council. Born and raised in Philly, Vincent shares how his curiosity led him from a school newspaper to national political conventions and eventually into public service. We discuss the power of local government, how to engage with your city, and why compassion still matters in civic life. Whether you're a Philly native or just want to better understand how your community works, this episode will leave you both informed and inspired.
Interview recorded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Key Takeaways:
Vincent Thompson is the Communications Director for Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.
A lifelong Philadelphian, he grew up in North Philly and Germantown, and attended Temple University and Marietta College.
He began his career in journalism, covering politics for outlets like the Philadelphia Tribune and WURD Radio.
Vincent has hosted City Council radio sessions and emphasized the importance of knowing your district councilmember.
He explains the structure of local government and why citizens should be more engaged at the city level.
He encourages people to “be curious, not judgmental” and offers a human-centered view of government service.
Vincent shares personal stories—from receiving a letter from his journalism idol to the importance of leading with kindness in leadership.
A passionate advocate for Philadelphia, he invites visitors to see City Hall, the city’s diverse neighborhoods, and yes—try the cheesesteaks (but he’s not picking favorites).
Vincent Thompson’s Bio:
Vincent Thompson is the Director of Communications for Philadelphia (Pa) City Council and Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.
In his more than 30 year career in media and government, he has served as a Chief of Staff for the late Philadelphia City Councilman Juan Ramos, spokesperson for two past School District of Philadelphia Superintendents, former President of the Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society, former Vice President/Broadcast for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and has covered Republican and Democratic National Conventions starting with the 1988 Republican National Convention.
Mr. Thompson has won numerous awards in his career for his work in journalism, public relations and community service. In 2018, he received PABJ’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2017, he was named Politics and Government Reporter of the Year by the Pen & Pencil Club of Philadelphia, the nation’s oldest press club in daily operation.
He has been named one of Philadelphia’s Most Influential African-Americans by the Philadelphia Tribune newspaper and has been a winner of the National Education Association’s Excellence in Broadcasting Award.
In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Vincent Thompson, longtime journalist and current Communications Director for the President of Philadelphia City Council. Born and raised in Philly, Vincent shares how his curiosity led him from a school newspaper to national political conventions and eventually into public service. We discuss the power of local government, how to engage with your city, and why compassion still matters in civic life. Whether you're a Philly native or just want to better understand how your community works, this episode will leave you both informed and inspired.
Interview recorded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Key Takeaways:
Vincent Thompson is the Communications Director for Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.
A lifelong Philadelphian, he grew up in North Philly and Germantown, and attended Temple University and Marietta College.
He began his career in journalism, covering politics for outlets like the Philadelphia Tribune and WURD Radio.
Vincent has hosted City Council radio sessions and emphasized the importance of knowing your district councilmember.
He explains the structure of local government and why citizens should be more engaged at the city level.
He encourages people to “be curious, not judgmental” and offers a human-centered view of government service.
Vincent shares personal stories—from receiving a letter from his journalism idol to the importance of leading with kindness in leadership.
A passionate advocate for Philadelphia, he invites visitors to see City Hall, the city’s diverse neighborhoods, and yes—try the cheesesteaks (but he’s not picking favorites).
Vincent Thompson’s Bio:
Vincent Thompson is the Director of Communications for Philadelphia (Pa) City Council and Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.
In his more than 30 year career in media and government, he has served as a Chief of Staff for the late Philadelphia City Councilman Juan Ramos, spokesperson for two past School District of Philadelphia Superintendents, former President of the Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society, former Vice President/Broadcast for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and has covered Republican and Democratic National Conventions starting with the 1988 Republican National Convention.
Mr. Thompson has won numerous awards in his career for his work in journalism, public relations and community service. In 2018, he received PABJ’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2017, he was named Politics and Government Reporter of the Year by the Pen & Pencil Club of Philadelphia, the nation’s oldest press club in daily operation.
He has been named one of Philadelphia’s Most Influential African-Americans by the Philadelphia Tribune newspaper and has been a winner of the National Education Association’s Excellence in Broadcasting Award.
From Coal Mines to Concert Halls: My Grandmother’s Century of Stories
Hosts
Hosts of this podcast episode
Jennifer Peterkin
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Grandmother
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
Italian immigrantcoal-miningmusicianHolocaust survivorWorld War IIfamily traditionsresiliencehistory
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my grandmother—my last living grandparent—to capture her incredible journey through life. From her Italian immigrant roots in coal-mining Pennsylvania to her years as a talented young musician and her marriage to my grandfather, a brilliant physicist and Holocaust survivor, this conversation uncovers a century’s worth of history, resilience, and love. These are the kinds of stories that often go untold—but deserve to be remembered.
Key Takeaways: Her father was one of 10 children in a coal-mining family in Pittston, PA, and the only one to attend seminary.
Despite growing up in humble beginnings, many of her uncles went on to college and professional careers, breaking generational cycles.
Her mother’s family hailed from Naples, Italy, and she grew up immersed in Italian traditions and strong family ties.
Music played a huge role in her youth—she became the pianist for her school assemblies and eventually played in the All-City Orchestra in Philadelphia.
She lived through World War II and vividly recalls the day Pearl Harbor was bombed—her younger brother’s birthday.
She later married Opa (Laszlo), a Hungarian immigrant, physicist, and survivor of religious persecution, whose brilliance and humility left a lasting mark on the family.
Personal memories, from roller-skating mishaps to Epcot visits and feeding the dogs behind Grandma’s back, make this story uniquely intimate.
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my grandmother—my last living grandparent—to capture her incredible journey through life. From her Italian immigrant roots in coal-mining Pennsylvania to her years as a talented young musician and her marriage to my grandfather, a brilliant physicist and Holocaust survivor, this conversation uncovers a century’s worth of history, resilience, and love. These are the kinds of stories that often go untold—but deserve to be remembered.
Key Takeaways: Her father was one of 10 children in a coal-mining family in Pittston, PA, and the only one to attend seminary.
Despite growing up in humble beginnings, many of her uncles went on to college and professional careers, breaking generational cycles.
Her mother’s family hailed from Naples, Italy, and she grew up immersed in Italian traditions and strong family ties.
Music played a huge role in her youth—she became the pianist for her school assemblies and eventually played in the All-City Orchestra in Philadelphia.
She lived through World War II and vividly recalls the day Pearl Harbor was bombed—her younger brother’s birthday.
She later married Opa (Laszlo), a Hungarian immigrant, physicist, and survivor of religious persecution, whose brilliance and humility left a lasting mark on the family.
Personal memories, from roller-skating mishaps to Epcot visits and feeding the dogs behind Grandma’s back, make this story uniquely intimate.
