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What can a handwritten record reveal after someone is gone? In this episode, we follow two very different paper trails. 

Marci Pelzer shares the 109-page list her father kept of more than 3,500 books he read over six decades. After going viral, his private habit became a public window into his life. 

Dan Fogel lost his wife of 45 years to cancer, and then found diaries including writing that made him question how well he really knew her. 

Together, these stories are about grief, memory, mystery, and the strange power of paper to preserve not just facts, but personality, silence, love, and what still can’t be explained. 

Suggested episodes:
What's in that note? Stories about messages in bottles
The weight of family secrets: Finding freedom in the truth 

 

GUESTS: 
Marci Pelzer: The daughter of Dan Pelzer, who left behind a 109-page handwritten list of every book he read from 1962 to 2023. After his death at 92, she helped bring the list to a wider audience
Dan Fogel: Wrote a Huffington Post essay about finding his late wife Sue’s journals after her death and realizing how much of her inner life had remained unknown to him during their 45-year marriage

What can a handwritten record reveal after someone is gone? In this episode, we follow two very different paper trails.&nbsp;
Marci Pelzer shares the 109-page list her father kept of more than 3,500 books he read over six decades. After going viral, his private habit became a public window into his life.&nbsp;
Dan Fogel lost his wife of 45 years to cancer, and then found diaries including writing that made him question how well he really knew her.&nbsp;
Together, these stories are about grief, memory, mystery, and the strange power of paper to preserve not just facts, but personality, silence, love, and what still can&rsquo;t be explained.&nbsp;
Suggested episodes:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2023-04-14/whats-in-that-note-stories-about-messages-in-bottles">What's in that note? Stories about messages in bottles</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2024-12-20/the-weight-of-family-secrets-finding-freedom-in-the-truth">The weight of family secrets: Finding freedom in the truth</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Marci Pelzer: The daughter of Dan Pelzer, who left behind a <a href="https://www.columbuslibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/What-Dan-Read-Booklist.pdf">109-page handwritten list</a> of every book he read from 1962 to 2023. After his death at 92, she helped bring the list to a <a href="https://www.what-dan-read.com/">wider audience</a></li>
<li>Dan Fogel: Wrote a <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/wife-45-years-died-journals-2_n_67816b5fe4b0f559989ed6ab">Huffington Post essay</a> about finding his late wife Sue&rsquo;s journals after her death and realizing how much of her inner life had remained unknown to him during their 45-year marriage</li>
</ul>

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we're often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.

For more: ctpublic.org/audacious

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we're often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.
For more: <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf">ctpublic.org/audacious</a>

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. 

Audacious with Chion Wolf

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood.

Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we’re often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.

Listen at ctpublic.org/audacious

Support is provided by a generous contribution from Suzanne Hopgood, in Memory of Frank Lord.

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood.
Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we&rsquo;re often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.
Listen at <a href="http://ctpublic.org/audacious">ctpublic.org/audacious</a>
Support is provided by a generous contribution from Suzanne Hopgood, in Memory of Frank Lord.

Paper trails: A viral book list and a wife’s secret thoughts revealed

Stephanie Salvilla so deeply loved - still loves - her baby boy, Gannon.

In July 2009, after a week of disrupted routines and sleepless nights, her brain went on autopilot. She dropped off her older child, drove to work, and unknowingly left 5-month-old Gannon in the car. He died.

In this deeply difficult and important conversation, Stephanie talks about grief, shame, public judgment, forgiveness, and why she now shares her story.

We also hear from Amber Rollins, executive director of Kids and Car Safety, about why these tragedies happen and the simple habits every caregiver can use to help keep children safe.

 

Resources:


Kids and Car Safety


Fatal Distraction: Forgetting a Child in the Backseat of a Car Is a Horrifying Mistake. Is It a Crime? by Gene Weingarten

 

Suggested episode:


Finding purpose in life after accidentally killing someone

 

GUESTS: 


Amber Rollins: Executive director of Kids and Car Safety, a national nonprofit focused on preventing child injuries and deaths in and around vehicles. She has worked with the organization for 21 years and helps lead its data, family support, and safety advocacy work 


Stephanie Salvilla: A mother whose 5-month-old son, Gannon, died in a hot car in 2009 after a change in the family’s daycare drop-off routine. She now shares her story to help prevent other families from living through the same tragedy 

Stephanie Salvilla so deeply loved - still loves - her baby boy, Gannon.
In July 2009, after a week of disrupted routines and sleepless nights, her brain went on autopilot. She dropped off her older child, drove to work, and unknowingly left 5-month-old Gannon in the car. He died.
In this deeply difficult and important conversation, Stephanie talks about grief, shame, public judgment, forgiveness, and why she now shares her story.
We also hear from Amber Rollins, executive director of Kids and Car Safety, about why these tragedies happen and the simple habits every caregiver can use to help keep children safe.
&nbsp;
Resources:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.kidsandcars.org/">Kids and Car Safety</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/fatal-distraction-forgetting-a-child-in-thebackseat-of-a-car-is-a-horrifying-mistake-is-it-a-crime/2014/06/16/8ae0fe3a-f580-11e3-a3a5-42be35962a52_story.html">Fatal Distraction: Forgetting a Child in the Backseat of a Car Is a Horrifying Mistake. Is It a Crime? by Gene Weingarten</a>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Suggested episode:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2021-12-09/finding-purpose-in-life-after-accidentally-killing-someone">Finding purpose in life after accidentally killing someone</a>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>
Amber Rollins: Executive director of <a href="https://www.kidsandcars.org/">Kids and Car Safety</a>, a national nonprofit focused on preventing child injuries and deaths in and around vehicles. She has worked with the organization for 21 years and helps lead its data, family support, and safety advocacy work&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Stephanie Salvilla: A mother whose 5-month-old son, Gannon, died in a hot car in 2009 after a change in the family&rsquo;s daycare drop-off routine. She now shares her story to help prevent other families from living through the same tragedy&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

A baby’s hot car death, a mother’s grief, and the brain science behind these tragedies

When you hear “philanthropy,” you might think of millionaires, black-tie galas, or buildings named after donors. But what if you could be a philanthropist without being wealthy?

In this episode, you’ll meet people who donate small amounts to hundreds of places, hand out cash on city streets, and send money directly to people in poverty, no strings attached. 

Explore the power of small, consistent giving, and how even modest acts of generosity can spark massive ripple effects.

This episode originally aired on May 24, 2025.

 

Suggested episodes:
GOOD NEWS! That’s how we celebrate 100 episodes of Audacious
Social media, the algorithm, and the state of our hearts
"Negativity be gone!": Artists igniting joy on social media

 

GUESTS: 
Rabbi Jeff & Mindy Glickman: creators of the “Giving Locally Everywhere” (GLeE) initiative, through which they donated to every NPR station and United Way branch in the country, as well as other organizations they value. Jeff serves as rabbi at Temple Beth Hillel in South Windsor, CT, and Mindy is a community leader and Hebrew instructor
Peter Bond: a social media creator best known for his TikTok and Instagram accounts, @bondgives, where he documents acts of kindness and helps people in need across New York City. Since 2021, he has been using his platforms to inspire others to give back and make a positive impact in their communities
Caroline Teti: a Vice President at GiveDirectly with decades of experience in almost all areas of the development sector, including the world’s largest and longest study on universal basic income. Her belief in direct cash as the most effective tool to end extreme poverty is also rooted in her upbringing in rural Kenya

When you hear &ldquo;philanthropy,&rdquo; you might think of millionaires, black-tie galas, or buildings named after donors. But what if you could be a philanthropist without being wealthy?
In this episode, you&rsquo;ll meet people who donate small amounts to hundreds of places, hand out cash on city streets, and send money directly to people in poverty, no strings attached.&nbsp;
Explore the power of small, consistent giving, and how even modest acts of generosity can spark massive ripple effects.
This episode originally aired on May 24, 2025.
&nbsp;
Suggested episodes:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2022-09-15/good-news-thats-how-we-celebrate-100-episodes-of-audacious">GOOD NEWS! That&rsquo;s how we celebrate 100 episodes of Audacious</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2023-01-06/social-media-the-algorithm-and-the-state-of-our-hearts">Social media, the algorithm, and the state of our hearts</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2024-02-29/negativity-be-gone-artists-igniting-joy-on-social-media">"Negativity be gone!": Artists igniting joy on social media</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.turntothewonderful.com/">Rabbi Jeff &amp; Mindy Glickman</a>: creators of the &ldquo;Giving Locally Everywhere&rdquo; (GLeE) initiative, through which they donated to every NPR station and United Way branch in the country, as well as other organizations they value. Jeff serves as rabbi at Temple Beth Hillel in South Windsor, CT, and Mindy is a community leader and Hebrew instructor</li>
<li aria-level="1">Peter Bond: a social media creator best known for his <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@bondgives">TikTok</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bondgives?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==">Instagram accounts</a>, @bondgives, where he documents acts of kindness and helps people in need across New York City. Since 2021, he has been using his platforms to inspire others to give back and make a positive impact in their communities</li>
<li aria-level="1">Caroline Teti: a Vice President at <a href="https://www.givedirectly.org/">GiveDirectly</a> with decades of experience in almost all areas of the development sector, including the world&rsquo;s largest and longest study on universal basic income. Her belief in direct cash as the most effective tool to end extreme poverty is also rooted in her upbringing in rural Kenya</li>
</ul>

It all adds up: The joy of micro-philanthropy

James Tillman remembers the smell of steak and onions cooking at his mother’s house on the day police came for him. He thought he’d be back soon.

Instead, he spent a total of 18½ years incarcerated for a crime he did not commit.

In 2006, with the help of the Connecticut Innocence Project, DNA evidence proved his innocence, making him the first person in Connecticut exonerated through post-conviction DNA testing. Later, DNA pointed to another man, who eventually confessed in court.

James talks about refusing to plead guilty, surviving prison, holding onto faith, and learning how to live freely again. 

And we meet Katie Farrell, the social worker who helped him prepare for freedom before freedom was guaranteed.

 

Suggested episodes:
Nothing goes as planned: A first-time offender’s prison story from arrest to release
Love without the possibility of parole
How to find purpose in life after accidentally killing someone 

 

GUESTS: 
James Tillman: Was wrongfully convicted of rape and kidnapping in Hartford in 1989 and sentenced to 45 years in prison. After 18½ years incarcerated, DNA evidence proved his innocence, making him Connecticut’s first post-conviction DNA exoneree.
Katie Farrell: Chief Social Worker for Connecticut’s Division of Public Defender Services. She worked with James Tillman during the final stage of his innocence case and helped him prepare for possible freedom

James Tillman remembers the smell of steak and onions cooking at his mother&rsquo;s house on the day police came for him. He thought he&rsquo;d be back soon.
Instead, he spent a total of 18&frac12; years incarcerated for a crime he did not commit.
In 2006, with the help of the <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/ocpd/innocence-project/connecticut-innocence-project">Connecticut Innocence Project</a>, DNA evidence proved his innocence, making him the first person in Connecticut exonerated through post-conviction DNA testing. Later, DNA pointed to another man, who eventually confessed in court.
James talks about refusing to plead guilty, surviving prison, holding onto faith, and learning how to live freely again.&nbsp;
And we meet Katie Farrell, the social worker who helped him prepare for freedom before freedom was guaranteed.
&nbsp;
Suggested episodes:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2025-01-24/nothing-goes-as-planned-a-first-time-offenders-prison-story-from-arrest-to-release">Nothing goes as planned: A first-time offender&rsquo;s prison story from arrest to release</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2023-03-29/love-without-the-possibility-of-parole">Love without the possibility of parole</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2021-12-09/finding-purpose-in-life-after-accidentally-killing-someone">How to find purpose in life after accidentally killing someone&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">James Tillman: Was wrongfully convicted of rape and kidnapping in Hartford in 1989 and sentenced to 45 years in prison. After 18&frac12; years incarcerated, DNA evidence proved his innocence, making him Connecticut&rsquo;s first post-conviction DNA exoneree.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Katie Farrell: Chief Social Worker for Connecticut&rsquo;s Division of Public Defender Services. She worked with James Tillman during the final stage of his innocence case and helped him prepare for possible freedom</li>
</ul>

Paper trails: A viral book list and a wife’s secret thoughts revealed

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