Your host, Dan recently read a book that told the incredible story of his own mother’s service as a Navy Nurse and Japanese prisoner of war, much of which he had never heard before. The experience was profound. He had found a new, deeper connection to the person his mother was; a pride for the legacy she left his family. This motivated him to create a podcast that celebrates the lives of other everyday people whose extraordinary lives might otherwise go unspoken and unsung.
Dan co-designed and directed a federal program serving homeless veterans which was part of a seventeen city national demonstration project. That program was recognized as the top nationwide among those 17 participating programs. His career also includes 30 years in marketing, community relations and social services. He earned a bachelor of science degree in Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco.
Episodes by Dan Danner
Carl Crider
Born into the rural JIm Crow South, Carl Crider became a minister working for social justice, forged in part by the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King, his experience in the police riots at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago, and an assignment in Russia as the Soviet Union was dissolving.
Dr. Wayne Anderson
Dr. Wayne Anderson’s life is an adventure, both physical and spiritual. His parents took him to explore the Seychelles, India and Europe when he was nine years old. The experience changed his life. He went on to become a physician, a Buddhist practitioner and teacher.
Dean Smith
Dean Smith’s musical career took some interesting twists and turns. One of the most interesting began when he was asked to join Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band’s US and European tour when Beefheart’s band quit two weeks before the first tour date.
From the Archives: Hedges Capers
In 1968 Hedges Capers and Donna Carson were discovered at the famed Troubadour in LA. Troubadour owner Doug Weston managed Hedge & Donna, who released six albums and made major concert and TV appearances. But that’s only this story’s beginning.
Bonus: Rev Madison Shockley Revisited
As the Jan 6 riot was raging last year, Dan was interviewing Rev Madison Shockley for the February 2021 episode. Now, a year later, and on the holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr, Madison and Dan reflect on Jan 6 and what it means today.
Jody Calcara
Jody Calcara is a gifted and prolific singer/songwriter. Podcast host Dan Danner explores Jody’s lifetime of making music that defies stereotypes about what it means to be a musician and how we define success.
From The Archive – Nancy Capers
Interview with Nancy Capers, actress, director, screenwriter, playwright – and psychotherapist! Nancy’s life story is compelling.
Catalina Langen
Catalina Langen is up to something grand. She’s out to change our national and global priorities from cold economics to concern for the well-being of everyone living in societies both domestic and international. The implications are thought provoking. So is Cat Langen’s point of view.
Stacie Hunt
Stacie Hunt co-founded a media company whose client list includes Malcolm Forbes, Elton John, Celine Dion and The Rolling Stones. Stacie took an amazing turn into a fascinating secondary career.
From the Archive – Bill Garcia
This two part story is about one of Dan’s very best friends, Bill Garcia. In these times when it’s hard to find genuine role models, Bill’s story is one that needs to be heard.
Mona Maiman
Mona Maiman grew up in a musical family. Her father played in a band with country legend Porter Wagoner. She shares stories of the life she and her record company executive husband shared.
Eric Larson
Eric Larson grew up on a farm in Encinitas, California, That’s right, a farm! The bustling coastal surf town has also been known as a horticultural, agricultural hotspot. Eric offers a fascinating look at a way of life few know exists.
Fred Spanjaard
Fred Spanjaard joined an elite team of producers who planned and staged the historic Live Aid concert. Unparalleled in scope, what it took to pull off Live Aid was nothing short of miraculous. Fred offers a virtual backstage pass on making music history.
Reginald Owens
Reg Owens shares his incredible journey from the projects of Buffalo, New York through 30 years of highly-decorated service, including three combat tours in Vietnam, then on to a college professorship and his life as a tireless community leader.
Eric Hinks
After 9 years of military service, it was Eric Hinks’ first day of civilian employment, as a realtor, canvassing his community. It nearly cost him his life. This is his remarkable story.
Madison Shockley
Rev. Madison Shockley describes his family’s journey from slavery to freedom, and his personal journey from Harvard to the ministry and beyond. Shockley is a sought-after speaker and pastor to a church dedicated to social justice and compassion.
Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi
In 1941, Dorothy Still and 11 other navy nurses were taken prisoner by the Japanese. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi chronicles their terrible 3 ½ year experience in her book, “This is Really War:” Hear the story behind the story as Dan Danner interviews this talented author.
Welcome Back
We’re back!
Hedges Capers
Hedges Capers shares his lifetime love of music, the fleeting nature of fame, joys and heartbreaks, life’s second acts and love’s second chances.
Nancy Capers
Interview with Nancy Capers, actress, director, screenwriter, playwright – and psychotherapist! Nancy’s life story is compelling.
Larry Hull / Patricia Craven Pfeffer
Special episode about two peoples’ life changing experiences. This also traces the origins of Unspoken Unsung.
Lorraine Devon Wilke
Lorraine Devon Wilke dives deep into what it takes to pursue a life as a musician, writer and actor. A masterclass for anyone considering a career in which few succeed.
Greg Nelson
This is the inspiring story of a boy whose father abandoned his family when he was ten, and who defied the odds, progressing from latchkey kid to become a multi-millionaire philanthropist. Photos: https://conversayer.net/greg-nelson-photos/
Jerry McCann
Jerry is a musician’s musician; a journeyman. His is a story of survival, courage and discovery.
Jay Pettibone
Jay Pettibone discusses his life as a major league pitcher and his transition into a career with Homeland Security and beyond.
Kira Carrillo Corser
It’s hard to pin a label on Kira Carrillo Corser. She’s a world-class photographer, a journalist, the published author of four books. She’s an artist, an educator, a tireless advocate for social justice and so much more.
Bill Garcia – Part 2
In this, part two of Bill Garcia’s story, he comes home from Vietnam battling PTSD. He forms a fantastic rock band that tours with the Doors. But then Bill’s direction changes. He goes from huge success to losing it all. His epic comeback is unforgettable.
Bill Garcia – Part 1
This two part story is about one of Dan’s very best friends, Bill Garcia. In these times when it’s hard to find genuine role models, Bill’s story is one that needs to be heard.