About us

Hi, my name is Michael, and I’m the Founder of the Akron Institute. By training, I’m an engineer—but in 2022, after the passing of my mother, something shifted in me. Her life was full of wisdom and untold stories, yet she never had the chance to share them fully. That realization stirred a deep sense of purpose.

I began recording conversations with my father and mother-in-law, asking meaningful, introspective questions—ones I wish I had asked my mom. As I captured their stories, I saw how powerful and healing these conversations could be—not just for families, but for themselves. They were really about to get a look back at their lives and reflect on the decisions that they made.

What started as a personal project quickly grew. I began interviewing elders in my community, uncovering rich, heartfelt narratives that might otherwise have been lost. Now, seeing the impact these stories have had, I’m expanding the vision: to ask 59 thought-provoking questions to people from all walks of life—questions that uncover the essence of who we are and the experiences that shape us.