Episode 31: Joseph Schott - Resilience, Legacy, Creativity

11/09/2025 50 min Episodio 31
Episode 31: Joseph Schott - Resilience, Legacy, Creativity

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Episode Synopsis

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the LilyList podcast, we are honored to welcome Joseph Schott, a man who has witnessed over a century of change, challenge, and triumph. Born in 1922, Joe shares an extraordinary life story that spans from the hardships of the Great Depression to his vital work as a Navy radio technician in WWII, a distinguished career at Bell Labs, and a vibrant second act as a celebrated artist. Joe’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, love, and the enduring power of a creative spirit. Prepare to be moved and inspired by a perspective forged over 100 years of a life lived to the fullest.
To learn more about Joe and his work:
Joe describes his Navy deployment crossing the North Atlantic to Scotland including Christmas Day 1942, similar, except for battle, to Tom Hank's recent movie Greyhound:
https://youtube.com/video/epjPGxtzgvc
WABC Radio Sunday night with Joe Piscopo marveling at Joe’s story about Frank Sinatra at his High School Prom:
https://youtube.com/video/L2HXBwIx4cw
Joe Schott, 96, visits his Fall 1942 Boot Camp at Great Lakes Naval Base in 2018:
https://youtube.com/video/dC58bzwqEiU
Joe Schott, 97, tubing on Lake George, NY July 2019, with Joel Wright:
https://youtube.com/video/XY6tINLwjgs
Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award 2-25-19:
https://youtube.com/video/ZClX8_PDUR8
 
Here are some highlights from the episode:


* Surviving the Great Depression after losing his father at age eight, and the ingenious ways his incredibly strong mother kept her five children together against all odds.
* His vivid memories of serving in the Navy during WWII, from a snowy troopship crossing the Atlantic while hearing Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," to working as a radio technician in Northern Ireland.
* The pivotal and often surprising moments in his education, including an elementary school teacher's hurtful "beautiful but dumb" comment and a high school teacher's incredible foresight about the future of electronics.
* A love story for the ages: how he spotted his wife, Nancy, across a dance floor and knew instantly they were meant to be, leading to a lifetime of partnership and five children.
* How he rediscovered his passion for painting later in life, developing a unique style that finds beauty and humor in everyday objects and continues to bring him joy and connection today.
As always, visit lilylist.com for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future.

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Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com

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