This is lifted directly from StoryCorps’ About page on their website.

StoryCorps’ mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world.

We do this to remind one another of our shared humanity, to strengthen and build the connections between people, to teach the value of listening, and to weave into the fabric of our culture the understanding that everyone’s story matters. At the same time, we are creating an invaluable archive for future generations.

Most stories are under 3 minutes - but often pack quite an emotional punch. Listen/watch a recently animated story here.