Today’s guest is Hiram L. Smith, PhD, Associate Professor of Spanish and Linguistics at Bucknell University. I met Hiram in a most unusual way (you’ll have to listen to hear the story) but I am so glad I did!

Our conversation covered Hiram’s childhood and youth as a black boy/young man in racist Oklahoma. Some of his tales are hair-raising. But coming from a loving family with an emphasis on learning, and his being a smart kid, the groundwork was laid for a bright future.

Turns out, it was a hard-fought battle, with some setbacks along the way. But Hiram persevered with some help frommentors and ultimately from friends who said, “Why is a smart guy like you hanging out with the likes of us?”. (Sounds like a movie plot, right?)

Hiram’s interest in language started at an early age, and it carried him to Penn State where his dissertation focused on Creole languages. I learned a lot from this part of our discussion!

Now an Associate Professor at Bucknell, Hiram shared with me insights about languages; how they evolve over time and place and continue to evolve. We also talk about the origins of dialects and current misconceptions about dialects and what they mean.

Once we were done talking, I felt like I’d attended a free “Master Class” session! Plus, we had a lot of fun.

Please join us in our conversation! I'm certain you too will learn something new!

When we first meet a person, or even after we have become familiar with them as they currently “are”, we usually have no idea what came before. How did they get to where they aretoday? What other experiences played a role in their current selves? That’s what is so fun for me in doing these podcasts; hearing the life experiences that build the people around us.

Today’s guest is a good example of this. Everyone in Princeton certainly knows who Michelle Pirone Lambros “is”;she’s one of our Council Members. We know what she strives for: strong businesses, better transit and accessibility,creating a more livable community, and on and on. And we see her at countless events, supporting local organizations. But that is her public persona. I was delighted to learn about the historic Michelle, and an impressive history it is!

From her Italian roots, growing up in Princeton, to building political connections and businesses in California and Florida, and creating unbelievable entrepreneurial endeavors (food festivals anyone?) in Mexico and Kuwait; her story is one of energy, ideas and purpose! Very inspiring!

I am so glad Michelle went full circle, ending up back here in Princeton, and using that “Type A” energy to tirelessly serve our community!

Please join us in our conversation!

I am very excited to share my latest conversation with all of you! Today’s guest is Marc Uys, Executive Director of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. To be honest, I am a music appreciator, but one with zero musical talent myself. So, talking with Marc was a bit intimidating!

But we had a wonderful conversation, and I could have talked with him for hours! (I think perhaps I did…) I learned of Marc’s origins in South Africa and his passion for the violin from the age of three! My listeners will learn, as I did, of Marc’s fascinating and “dogged” (you’ll get the reference when you listen) musical path through university. Marc tells us of the importance of his time with the South African Youth Orchestra, and later his formation of the Sontonga Quartet. You need to check out some of their recordings at Soundcloud.com. Beautiful! (Google it)

Marc shares how he ultimately ended up in the States, not only performing as a violinist, but as a sought after “harp hauler”! Through joining Symphony in C, a high caliber training orchestra in Philadelphia, Marc met Rossen Milanov, PSO's Music Director, which is how he ended up at the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. We are so glad he did!

Of course, you’ll have to listen to hear the rest of the story...so please join us in our conversation!

To find out more about the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and its programs, go to www.princetonsymphony.org.

Along with listening to the Sontonga Quartet as mentioned above, I also recommend you look for Buskaid. This is a music school dedicated to teaching less privileged musicians in South Africa. During COVID, Marc and the PSO introduced the Princeton community to this wonderful organization through a series of remote concerts. Brilliant! You can find information at www.buskaid.org.za. You can find performances on YouTube.