The Voices of Durham

Stories of People, Places & the World Around Us

Voices of Durham is a storytelling-driven podcast that captures the people, places, and perspectives that give Durham, North Carolina, its unmistakable character. While it highlights real conversations with community members — artists, entrepreneurs, educators, students, and everyday neighbors — it also embraces abstract narrative interludes inspired by the world around us. These reflective segments, drawn from the wildlife and natural rhythms of Durham — like the quiet determination of a turtle crossing a trail or the sudden grace of a hawk circling above — serve as metaphors for the city’s spirit, offering listeners a layered and imaginative lens through which to experience each episode.

At its core, Voices of Durham is about connection and meaning. It creates space for authentic dialogue while also pausing to recognize the symbolic stories unfolding in the background of our daily lives. By blending personal narratives with these contemplative, nature-inspired vignettes, the podcast reveals how our environment shapes us, grounds us, and reflects our own journeys. Whether uncovering untold histories, spotlighting emerging voices, or drawing wisdom from the subtle movements of Durham’s wildlife, the show invites listeners to experience the community more deeply — one human story, and one poetic moment, at a time.

John LeBar’s journey stretched from the plains of Kansas to the classrooms and courts of Duke University, shaped by years as a soldier, teacher, professor, and tennis coach. A devoted family man and a mentor to many, John ("Coach") was also the kind of neighbor whose friendship made the world feel steadier.

I originally recorded this episode in March 2023.