Humanity
A (One-sided) Interview with My Dogs. Top Story - September 2025.
A hypothetical interview with my two Shih Tzu dogs. Gi Gi is three years old, and Ella is four years old. ******* “So, Ella and Gi Gi, I wanted to have a bit of a chat with you about a few things.”
By Calvin Londonabout a year ago in Interview
More Than Questions
M Mehran Interviews always seemed straightforward to me. You answer questions, showcase your skills, nod politely, and leave. Or so I thought. I learned that an interview is never just about questions and answers—it’s a window into yourself, your fears, your aspirations, and, sometimes, your resilience. --- The Morning of Doubts I woke up that day with a knot in my stomach. The interview was for a position I had dreamed of for years, a role that could change my life. My outfit was neatly pressed, my resume polished, and yet, I couldn’t shake the doubt gnawing at the edges of my confidence. On the bus, I rehearsed answers in my head, imagining flawless responses to every possible question. I even practiced my smile in the reflection of the window, as if preparing my face would somehow armor me against failure. --- First Impressions Walking into the office, I noticed how the room hummed with quiet tension. Other candidates were there too, sitting stiffly in chairs, eyes flicking nervously around. It struck me that interviews were microcosms of life itself: people striving, hoping, and silently comparing themselves to strangers. When my turn came, I was led into a small, sunlit room. A single interviewer sat across the table, her gaze calm but probing. She offered a polite smile and gestured for me to begin. --- The Unexpected Question The first questions were standard: “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” I answered confidently, reciting practiced lines. But then she asked something unexpected: “What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made, and what did you learn from it?” I froze. For a split second, panic surged. This wasn’t a bullet-point question; it demanded honesty, self-reflection, and courage. I thought of the time I had missed a critical deadline at my previous job. I had been embarrassed, ashamed, convinced it marked me as incompetent. But as I spoke, I realized the story wasn’t about failure—it was about growth. “I learned that preparation is crucial,” I said, my voice steadying. “But more importantly, I learned to own my mistakes, to ask for help when needed, and to turn setbacks into opportunities for improvement.” Her nod was subtle, but I felt a weight lift from my chest. --- The Human Connection Interviews are often described as tests, but I found they can also be conversations. As the questions continued, she shared her own experiences—challenges, lessons, moments she regretted. Suddenly, the interview was less about performance and more about connection. We spoke about teamwork, communication, and resilience. Each question became a bridge, linking my experiences with hers, creating a dialogue rather than a monologue. It was the first time I realized that interviews could reveal not only what a candidate brings, but also how humans relate to each other. --- Moments of Reflection As the interview drew to a close, she asked one last question: “Why do you want this role?” I took a deep breath. I could have recited a rehearsed answer, full of corporate jargon and ambitions, but instead, I spoke from the heart. “I want this role because it challenges me,” I said. “Because it allows me to grow, to contribute, and to be part of something meaningful. And because I believe that when people are given the right opportunity, they can exceed even their own expectations.” She smiled, a small but genuine expression, and thanked me. I left the room feeling lighter, as though the interview had not just tested me, but taught me something about myself. --- Lessons Beyond the Resume I didn’t immediately know if I got the job. But in those forty minutes, I had discovered something essential: interviews are mirrors. They reflect not only your skills and experiences but also your mindset, your honesty, and your ability to engage with another human being. I learned that confidence is not pretending to be perfect. It’s acknowledging imperfection and showing how you navigate it. That preparation matters, yes, but authenticity matters more. That courage isn’t just about answering difficult questions—it’s about listening, connecting, and showing the person across the table who you truly are. --- The Bigger Picture Weeks later, when I finally received the job offer, I realized the real reward wasn’t the position itself—it was the transformation I had experienced in preparing for and facing the interview. I had stepped into a room full of anxiety and emerged with clarity, self-awareness, and confidence. Interviews are often feared as judgmental encounters, but they can also be moments of revelation. They remind us that growth comes not just from succeeding, but from embracing the challenge, reflecting on our experiences, and connecting with others along the way. --- Closing Thought An interview is never just a list of questions. It is a journey, a reflection, a conversation between the person you are and the person you aspire to become. Each one teaches you something, if you are willing to listen. And sometimes, the most important lesson of all is this: the courage to face yourself, your fears, and your potential is more valuable than any job offer you could receive.
By Muhammad Mehranabout a year ago in Interview
9/11 Remembered: Sarah Bishop
Joe: When were you born? Sarah: I was born after the September 11th, 2001 attacks, so I didn’t experience the events firsthand. My entire understanding of 9/11 has come from what I have been taught, the stories of my parents, and through documentaries and commemorations.
By Joe Pattersonabout a year ago in Interview
9/11 Remembered: Tara Pidgeon
Joe: So I know you’re a native New Yorker, where in New York do you come from? Tara: I’m from Rensselaer, NY which is right across the Hudson River from Albany. It’s about 3 hours driving from New York City or 90 minutes by train.
By Joe Pattersonabout a year ago in Interview
9/11 Remembered: Kris Pass & Sandra Teague
As the the 24 year anniversary of the September 11th attacks approaches I wanted to get the perspectives of those who were effected, whether that be directly or indirectly by interviewing them. In this interview I speak with my former 5th grade teacher and friend Kris Pass who lost her friend Sandra Teague on American Airlines flight 77 which was hijacked and crashed into the pentagon that morning.
By Joe Pattersonabout a year ago in Interview
9/11 Remembered: Debi & Sandra. Top Story - September 2025.
As the the 24 year anniversary of the September 11th attacks approaches I wanted to get the perspectives of those who were effected, whether that be directly or indirectly by interviewing them. In this interview I spoke with Debi Saunet who lost her cousin Sandra Taylor in the attack on the Pentagon that morning.
By Joe Pattersonabout a year ago in Interview
The Interview
M Mehran Jordan smoothed the wrinkles from his shirt for the hundredth time. He had polished his shoes until he could see his reflection, rehearsed answers in front of the mirror, and practiced smiling without looking desperate. Still, as he sat in the lobby of Halston & Co., nerves buzzed through him like static electricity. This was the interview—the one that could finally pull him out of late-night shifts and endless applications. The job was entry-level, nothing glamorous, but it promised stability. Benefits. A chance to breathe. The receptionist gave him a polite smile. “They’ll call you in shortly.” Jordan nodded, though his throat was too dry for words. He clutched his folder of résumés like a life raft. He had researched the company, memorized its mission statement, even practiced answers to the dreaded “What’s your greatest weakness?” question. He was ready—or so he thought. --- The Waiting Game Waiting was the worst part. Every tick of the clock made his heart beat louder. Other candidates sat nearby—confident, well-dressed, scrolling on their phones like they had done this a hundred times. Jordan fought the urge to compare himself. They look smarter. More polished. Why would they choose me? He forced himself to breathe slowly. His grandmother’s words echoed in his head: You don’t have to be the smartest in the room. You just have to be the one who cares the most. Finally, the door opened. A man in a crisp suit stepped out. “Jordan, we’re ready for you.” --- Across the Table The interview room was brighter than he expected. A long glass table. Two interviewers sat on the other side—Ms. Patel, the hiring manager, and Mr. Reynolds, a senior team lead. They shook his hand firmly, offered polite smiles, and gestured for him to sit. “Thank you for coming in today,” Ms. Patel began. “Thank you for having me,” Jordan replied, trying to keep his voice steady. The questions started predictably. “Tell us about yourself.” “What do you know about our company?” Jordan answered carefully, trying to sound confident without rambling. He mentioned his degree, his part-time jobs, his interest in teamwork and problem-solving. Then came curveballs. “How do you handle failure?” “What would you do if you disagreed with your supervisor?” Jordan paused before answering, remembering advice he had read online: honesty matters more than perfection. He admitted he’d failed before—missed a deadline at his last job—but explained how he learned to prioritize tasks and ask for help early. He described listening respectfully to supervisors while also voicing concerns. The interviewers nodded, jotting notes. --- The Unexpected Question Then Ms. Patel leaned forward. “One last question. Why should we choose you over the other candidates?” Jordan’s stomach dropped. This was it—the hardest question. He thought of all the others in the lobby, their polished shoes and easy smiles. He wanted to say, You shouldn’t pick me. I’m nervous. I don’t know if I belong here. But he remembered his grandmother again. You just have to be the one who cares the most. So he took a breath. “I can’t say I’m more experienced than everyone else,” he began slowly. “But what I can say is that I will give everything I have to this role. I know what it’s like to work three jobs just to make ends meet. I know the value of stability, and I don’t take opportunities for granted. If you hire me, I’ll show up every day ready to work, ready to learn, and ready to give my best.” Silence filled the room. For a terrifying moment, he thought he’d blown it. Then Mr. Reynolds gave a small smile. “Thank you,” he said. --- The Long Walk Home The interview ended with polite handshakes. “We’ll be in touch within a week,” Ms. Patel said. Jordan walked out into the crisp afternoon air, heart pounding. He replayed every answer in his head, cringing at some, second-guessing others. Had he said too much? Too little? He couldn’t tell. By the time he reached the bus stop, exhaustion sank in. Interviews, he realized, weren’t just about jobs—they were about laying your whole self on the table, hoping someone found value in it. --- The Call Three days later, Jordan’s phone buzzed while he was stocking shelves at his part-time job. An unfamiliar number flashed on the screen. He stepped into the back room, heart racing. “Hello?” “Jordan? This is Ms. Patel from Halston & Co. We’d like to offer you the position.” For a moment, Jordan couldn’t speak. Relief, joy, disbelief—all tangled together. “Yes,” he managed. “Yes, absolutely. Thank you.” When he hung up, he leaned against the wall, grinning like a fool. --- More Than a Job That night, he called his grandmother. “I got it,” he said. She laughed, the kind of laugh that warmed his chest even across the phone line. “I told you,” she said. “Caring matters. They saw it in you.” Jordan realized then that the interview wasn’t just about proving he was qualified—it was about showing who he was when the pressure was on. He had walked into that room carrying nerves, doubts, and hope. And somehow, he walked out carrying a future. For anyone facing their own big interview, he had one piece of advice: prepare, yes. Practice, yes. But when the moment comes, don’t be afraid to let them see your passion. Because sometimes, that’s what sets you apart.
By Muhammad Mehranabout a year ago in Interview
B.E.A.T. Productions Presents: R.E.A.L. Talk Self with Silvia Gina Hunt – Episode 17 “Flashback Friday
Silvia Gina Hunt hosts Episode 17 of R.E.A.L. Talk Self, which carries on B.E.A.T. Productions' goal of producing programming that is both culturally relevant and thought-provoking. Viewers are transported back in time to a memorable summer conversation between Hunt and her special guest and close friend, RonAmber Deloney, in this episode of "Flashback Friday." Deloney's distinct viewpoint as a poet and up-and-coming DJ weaves together a rich conversation about creativity, culture, music, race, and resiliency.
By B.E.A.T Productionsabout a year ago in Interview
Clothed in Compassion: Eva Slagle’s Mission to Serve Alliance’s Homeless
In the heart of Alliance, Ohio, Clothed in Righteousness, led by Eva Slagle and her husband, Mike, stands as a beacon of hope for the homeless and underprivileged. What began eleven years ago on a cold Christmas Eve, serving meals from the back of a U-Haul in Canton, has grown into a vital ministry addressing the rising tide of homelessness in their community. Inspired by a profound encounter with a homeless individual and driven by a divine calling, the Slagles have dedicated their lives to providing clothing, hot meals, and a judgment-free environment for those in need. In 2024 alone, their ministry served over 10,000 individuals, with 60% experiencing homelessness—a stark reflection of the increasing economic pressures and social challenges facing families, women, and men in Alliance. In this interview, Eva shares the inspiring origins of Clothed in Righteousness, the urgent needs of the community, and the power of compassion in building trust and hope for those they serve, join me as I go one on one with Eva Slagle of Clothed In Righteousness.
By David Thomasabout a year ago in Interview
B.E.A.T Productions presents R.E.A.L Talk Self with Silvia Gina Hunt Episode 16
Listeners were treated to an emotional and thought-provoking discussion with former boxer, radio show presenter, and motivational speaker Rick Young in the second episode of R.E.A.L. Talk Self with host Silvia Gina Hunt. The conversation swiftly shifted from health and nutrition to more in-depth considerations of spirituality, generosity, and the human condition, continuing where Part 1 left off.
By B.E.A.T Productionsabout a year ago in Interview
B.E.A.T Productions presents R.E.A.L Talk Self with Silvia Gina Hunt Episode 15
Host Silvia Gina Hunt and former boxer turned radio show host Rick Young dive deep into a heartfelt conversation about motivation, self-improvement, and the power of giving back in this impactful episode of R.E.A.L Talk Self. From the very start, Silvia greets Rick warmly, recognizing his influence as a community leader who balances spiritual depth, physical discipline, and genuine compassion. This isn’t just an interview—it’s a masterclass in how passion, purpose, and lived experience can unite to inspire others.
By B.E.A.T Productionsabout a year ago in Interview
