When people share their stories, something powerful happens – understanding grows, perspectives shift, and neighbors see how much they truly have in common.
You might not think it, but you have a story, and it matters. That’s the heart behind All Stories Matter, a video podcast produced at Public Media Network by Marvinetta Woodley-Penn. “I interview everyday, regular people going about their business of life, but I show them that their stories are important,” she said. Their work doesn’t make national headlines, but when you hear them speak, you can feel the heart of this community.
Marvinetta knows how much it means for people to be heard. “Since we don’t write letters anymore, this is one way to capture their stories, and this will never die. We can always say ‘I was here, and I mattered.’”
Marvinetta believes everyone deserves a place to share their voice. “In an age where so many people are being canceled, so many people have to watch what they say or they risk their public funding, it’s important for people to have a voice and there be a channel or a resource to use their voices. And that’s what Public Media Network does…it’s in the name, Public Media.”
Like Marvinetta says, “public” is who we are. “Public Media Network is accessible to the community, it is not commercial, it’s not influenced by sponsors,” she said. “Very rarely will traditional media do public interest stories, but that’s what PMN is all about. We are the community. We’re here for the community. We’re in the community.”
Are you interested in making your own podcast like Marvinetta? We have a class coming up soon that’ll walk you through the steps to planning and executing your first episode. Find more information about the class and sign up by clicking here.
Like Marvinetta says, your story is important!
