Jan Wales

Jean Hardy

Jean Hardy reflects on her upbringing in a large faith-filled family that moved often before settling in Valley City, North Dakota, so several of her siblings could receive special education support. She shares memories of childhood routines, caregiving, holidays, and the lessons she learned through hardship, loss, and family responsibility. Jean also talks about her 32 years as a speech pathologist and teacher, life on a family farm with her husband Don, motherhood after the loss of their first child, and the faith and resilience that carried her through life's joys and sorrows.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2174573/support]

Jan Wales

Jan Wales shares memories about growing up on a South Dakota farm in a large family with strict gender roles, few modern conveniences, and a one-room schoolhouse, where chores, homemade food, and simple fun shaped daily life. She reflects on supportive grandparents, the heartbreaking loss of her father in a farm accident and meeting her husband Rick in college. Jan also shares stories from Rick's years in the Army band in Chicago and at West Point. Together, they raised four daughters in Mobridge while balancing work, sports, and family life. She reflects on Rick's sudden death on Christmas Eve and her eventual move to Dickinson to be closer to family.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2174573/support]

John Ross - Part 2

In part 2 of my interview with John, we talk about enlisting at 18 and serving in Vietnam, where he experienced guard duty, patrols, and the realities of war - including the loss of his best friend, John Quam. He shares what it was like returning home and, years later, facing a diagnosis linked to Agent Orange. John reflects on what it's been like to walk through both - war and illness - and what's carried him through.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2174573/support]

John Ross - Part 1

John, 78, is a North Dakota farm kid and the oldest of four. He shares memories of growing up without running water, using party-line phones, and the rhythm of farm chores that shaped his strong work ethic. From one-room schoolhouses and county fairs to baseball, hunting, and meeting his wife Angie, John shares what life looked like "back then" - and what really mattered. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2174573/support]

Mel Bosserman

Mel Bosserman, 83, shares what it was like growing up on a disciplined farm in Beach, ND - balancing hard work with small-town joys like Saturday nights and one-room school days. He reflects on a life shaped by music, family, and farming, along with the changes he witnessed over the years. From raising seven children to traveling across the country and beyond, Mel offers perspective on hard work, fatherhood, and how quickly life moves.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2174573/support]