Michael Garofalo

Writer at Freelance

Featured in: Favicon

storycorps.org Favicon

westsidespirit.com Favicon

ourtownny.com Favicon

npr.org

salon.com

openhealthnews.com Favicon

sdsucollegian.com Favicon

wusf.org

wvxu.org

knpr.org + 89 more

Articles

Before NASA, one Black teen's job helped send humans into space

1 month ago | wshu.org | Michael Garofalo

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:It's Friday and time for StoryCorps. In the 1950s, Alton Yates was just a teenager when he helped send humans into space. He told his daughter, Toni, it all started just after his mother died. ALTON YATES: My dad was trying to raise the seven of us by himself. And I knew that as soon as I finished high school, I was going to have to help with taking care of the family. TONI YATES: How did you know he needed your help?
Before NASA, one Black teen's job helped send humans into space

1 month ago | khsu.org | Michael Garofalo

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:It's Friday and time for StoryCorps. In the 1950s, Alton Yates was just a teenager when he helped send humans into space. He told his daughter, Toni, it all started just after his mother died. ALTON YATES: My dad was trying to raise the seven of us by himself. And I knew that as soon as I finished high school, I was going to have to help with taking care of the family. TONI YATES: How did you know he needed your help?
Before NASA, one Black teen's job helped send humans into space

1 month ago | nhpr.org | Michael Garofalo

As Black History Month comes to a close, StoryCorps takes a look back at 19-year-old Alton Yates. His role as a volunteer on the effects of high speeds on the human body helped send humans into space.
Before NASA, one Black teen's job helped send humans into space

1 month ago | boisestatepublicradio.org | Michael Garofalo

As Black History Month comes to a close, StoryCorps takes a look back at 19-year-old Alton Yates. His role as a volunteer on the effects of high speeds on the human body helped send humans into space. Copyright 2025 NPR
Why you should pay attention to Legislative Session

Jan 24, 2024 | sdsucollegian.com | Michael Garofalo

Forty days of session. Seven and a half billion dollars in the budget. Those are two of the most important numbers to know when it comes to the South Dakota State Legislature. This year’s session is already underway, and there has been a lot to unpack so far. When it comes to the State Legislature, though, why should you care? Well, as a student at SDSU, the State Legislature plays a huge role in overseeing how your university operates.
StoryCorps Then and Now: Mother Mary

Dec 5, 2023 | storycorps.org | Michael Garofalo |Jasmyn Belcher Morris |Laramiun Byrd

podcastStoryCorps Then and Now: Mother Mary0:00 / 0:00 Mary Johnson-Roy first came to StoryCorps in 2011 to speak with Oshea Israel, the man who murdered her son. In the latest episode from our special series celebrating StoryCorps’ 20th anniversary, we’ll share updates on a conversation none of us imagined would happen back when StoryCorps started. Released on December 5, 2023. Bottom photo: Some of the mothers from Mary’s healing group, surrounding her in prayer. Courtesy of Brian Mogren.
Father and Son Locksmiths Share the Keys to Their Success

Nov 22, 2023 | storycorps.org | Michael Garofalo

Phil Mortillaro (PM) and Philip Mortillaro Jr. (PMJ)PM: I was one of those kids who would show up when school first started. And they would see me again around Christmas time. And then they would see me in June to tell me that I had to do the grade over again. So dropping out of school was, it was inevitable. And as far as you doing the business? You started younger than me. PMJ: As soon as I could walk. PM: Even before you were walking.
StoryCorps Then and Now: Beyond the Booth

Nov 21, 2023 | storycorps.org | Michael Garofalo |Jasmyn Belcher Morris

podcastStoryCorps Then and Now: Beyond the Booth0:00 / 0:00For most of StoryCorps’ existence, we’ve recorded people in person at our storybooths. But on this episode of our special series celebrating 20 years of StoryCorps, we’re looking back to times we stepped outside the recording booth to capture stories we’d never hear otherwise. Sometimes because we wanted to hear new voices… and sometimes because we had to. Released November 21, 2023.
StoryCorps Then and Now: On the Road

Nov 7, 2023 | storycorps.org | Jasmyn Belcher Morris |Michael Garofalo

podcastStoryCorps Then and Now: On the Road0:00 / 0:00In the third episode of our special series celebrating two decades of StoryCorps, we’re bringing you inside the Mobile Booth—the recording studio we built in a trailer to circle the country, capturing voices that would otherwise never be recorded. Hear some of our favorite stories from the road, and from the people who haul the trailer on a never-ending road trip. Released on November 7, 2023.
StoryCorps traces one remarkable kid's journey into adulthood

Sep 14, 2023 | npr.org | Michael Garofalo

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of StoryCorps, we revisit some conversations with Joshua Littman, a young man with Autism Spectrum Disorder. His dream job is working at the Library of Congress. (SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)A MARTÍNEZ, HOST: This month, we're marking 20 years of StoryCorps by revisiting classic conversations with updates. Today, we'll trace one remarkable kid's journey into adulthood. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR BROADCASTS)JOSHUA LITTMAN: All right. My name is Joshua Littman.