Story Behind the Story: Ton/Reimann An Unforgettable Season and a Farewell

In this episode of 'Story Behind the Story', host Dave Pokorney discusses the art of storytelling with his guests John Ton and Josh Reimann. John recounts his youth in Wyoming, detailing his experiences as a young man in an old, inexpensive hotel during the 1970s energy crisis. His tale encompasses themes of maturity, empathy, and understanding. Josh shares a heartfelt story about his father, who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). Despite the diagnosis, his father, a choral teacher and church director, undertook the quest to sing the national anthem at every Major League Baseball Stadium in a single season, setting a world record. Their conversation covers the processes of coming up with stories, the significance of creating meaningful memories, and the power of personal experiences in storytelling.00:15 Introduction and Welcome00:36 The Story Behind West Side Stories01:07 Introducing the First Guest: John01:59 John's Story: The Wyoming Hotel06:01 Post-Story Discussion and Reflection11:57 John's Journey to Wyoming17:22 John's Storytelling Process22:05 John's Life After Wyoming23:46 Revisiting a Previous Interview24:11 Josh Reimann's Story Begins24:49 The Impact of ALS on Josh's Family26:17 A Unique ALS Awareness Campaign26:52 The Unforgettable Baseball Stadium Tour27:39 The Significance of the Family's Cell Phone28:21 Setting a World Record28:46 The Final Days of Josh's Father30:05 A Mysterious Phone Call31:23 Reflecting on the Story31:35 The Aftermath and Memories of the Baseball Tour41:58 The Art of Storytelling52:24 Wrapping Up the Interview