This I Believe: Podcast

From the 1950s series, League of Women Voters president Mrs. John G. Lee tells how star-gazing with her father eventually led to her desire to help make the world a better place for humankind, and honor the worth and dignity of each individual.

Studs Terkel lived through and chronicled much of modern American history. He believes the positive changes brought by activist movements of the 20th Century came from people working together.

From the 1950s series, General Lucius D. Clay believes freedom is a privilege given by God, and one that must be carefully guarded by all citizens. And he calls upon Americans to make this country one that provides equal opportunities for all.

From the 1950s series, General Lucius D. Clay believes freedom is a privilege given by God, and one that must be carefully guarded by all citizens. And he calls upon Americans to make this country one that provides equal opportunities for all.

From the 1950s series, General Lucius D. Clay believes freedom is a privilege given by God, and one that must be carefully guarded by all citizens. And he calls upon Americans to make this country one that provides equal opportunities for all.

Even as a child, Benjamin Carson wanted to be a doctor. Now a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, Carson believes he owes his success to his mother, a domestic who received only a third-grade education.

West coast advertising executive Robbins Milbank knew great success and great sorrow in his life. In good times and bad, Milbank says he found strength in his belief in the Lord’s Prayer—and the connection it gave him to God.

For much of his life, Greg Chapman felt less than fully human. But when he stopped judging himself against other people’s beliefs, Chapman found a new acceptance of himself and a stronger bond with God.

Baseball Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr believes in what he calls “doing good in order to deserve good.” The former Red Sox baseman says he’d rather do things that help his teammates and his family succeed instead of simply benefiting himself.

For Cecilia Munoz, a childhood memory of anger has inspired a career in activism. She believes that early outrage fuels her work on behalf Hispanic immigrants for the National Council of La Raza.

In her life and her writings, Dame Rebecca West says she tries to live out her beliefs in freedom, the rule of law, the importance of God and the exercise of religion as a way to connect to God.

Bill Gates founded Microsoft on the dream of putting a computer in every home and office. He says he built his company on the belief that technology, creativity and intelligence can change the world.

Legendary choreographer Martha Graham believes that dancing—like living—may look easy, but actually requires years of constant practice to achieve a sense of one's own being and a satisfaction of spirit.

For years, journalist Ted Gup wasn’t sure what he believed, and he felt uncomfortable in the company of people who freely shared their firm beliefs. Now he accepts his own uncertainty as a good thing.

Former Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas encourages a return to the faith of his father's generation. He believes spiritual values, not material ones, can guide America through troubling times.

Rick Moody has built a life in words: in writing them for his books like “The Ice Storm,” and in reading them. He believes there is unlimited joy in opening a new book and delving into its story.

Rick Moody has built a life in words: in writing them for his books like “The Ice Storm,” and in reading them. He believes there is unlimited joy in opening a new book and delving into its story.

As a young girl growing up in Arkansas, Julie Adams longed to be an actress. Even though the odds were against her, she believed in the inner voice that encouraged her towards her dream – and it ultimately helped her find success in movies and ...

In debating nature versus nurture, Gloria Steinem believes we are asking the wrong question. She says we are an unpredictable mix of both, a mix that creates endless possibilities for a better future.