I met Nathan in the El Progreso Public Library in Uvalde, Texas in the Fall of 2022. Children all over the country were heading back to school but things were different in Uvalde. The community was still dealing with the trauma of the horrific shooting at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022. I was working on a photo essay for the New Yorker about children going back to school in the wake of the shooting.

One morning, I followed the sound of piano music into the rotunda of the El Progreso Public Library. Seated at a baby grand, silhouetted against a sunlit room of bookshelves, I found Nathan. He's a local minister and the part-time chaplain at the hospital in Uvalde. On the day of the shooting, he was there when they brought the children in. He sat with the families as they waited for news about their children.

The next day, he came to the library and played the piano for anyone in the community who needed a quiet place and some peaceful music–including himself.

On this 4th anniversary of the shooting at Robb elementary, my heart goes out to the entire Uvalde community, especially to the parents and families of the victims.

Show notes:

This episode was produced by Greg Miller in May 2026.

Waiting for the School Bus in Uvalde published in the New Yorker, October 10, 2022

Music:

• Canon in D Major — Johann Pachelbel
• Prelude No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846 (from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1) — Johann Sebastian Bach
• Moonlight Sonata — Ludwig van Beethoven
• Danny Boy — Traditional
• Gymnopédie No. 1 — Erik Satie
• Clair de lune — Claude Debussy

All music performed by Nathan Lafrenz.

I want to thank Nathan for his time, his talent, and his healing words. Thanks also to Mendel Morgan, the former director of the El Progreso Public Library.

Special thanks to everyone at the New Yorker, especially: Joanna Milter, Noel Flores-Théard, Megan Field, Bowen Fernie, Stacey Pittman, Andrew Katz, writer Rachel Monroe and of course, David Remnick.

I get script editing help from Tina Chiappetta-Miller

I met Tom on Maiden Lane and Broadway just days after September 11, 2001. He was standing like a statue looking up at the smoldering ruins of the World Trade Center.

Many years later, I was reminded of Tom when I posted his photograph to my Instagram account in 2016. Sadly, when I googled him, I found his obituary. He passed away in 2012, but I thought his family might appreciate receiving a print of the picture, so I mailed a copy with a note to the funeral home.

In September of 2023, I received a call from one of his daughters, Jo Ann, who told me that she had just received a print from the funeral home. The funeral home had been bought and sold and the new owners were going through the files when the print I had sent to the Stevenson family popped up.

This episode is the story of a larger than life man told by two of his 10 children, Jo Ann and TJ, 10 years after his death and 22 years after I made the picture. Show notes: This episode was produced by Greg Miller in June 2023. Music:

• Gone by Lee Rosevere
• Rain Dance by Jon Algar
• Bass Instrumental by Ken Cormier
• Waltz From Swan Lake produced by Thommy Andersson
• Crazy Hunger by Ken Cormier

I get editing help from Evan Roberts and Tina Chiappetta-Miller.

Acey is a mom, friend and curator of everyday life moments, but also one of those rare examples of lovingkindness.

To see the actual picture of Acey as well as a behind the scenes picture visit photophonica.com

This episode was produced by Greg Miller in June 2023.

Music

• Crazy Hunger by Ken Cormier.

I get editing help from Evan Roberts and Tina Chiappetta-Miller.

You can follow Acey on IG here.

Special thanks to Andy Adams for featuring Photo Phonica on the FlakPhoto Digest. You can visit FlakPhoto here and check him out on IG and FB. You might also be interested in following the flakphoto group on FB. Thank you, Andy!

You can now support Photo Phonica! Visit photophonica.com/support. You contribution pays for gas and film but it also sends a clear message that this type of storytelling is worth pursuing. I am filled with gratitude for your support.