When I Felt American

What does it mean to feel American? The answer is different for all of us. As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, WHYY asked people around the Delaware Valley to share the moment they felt most connected to this country. Their responses reveal a wide range of experiences, memories, and diverse perspectives.

Nicolle Rochino is a medical writer, illustrator, and Mom. She lives in South Jersey with her husband, son Kai, and two black cats, Kiki and Jiji.

A Philadelphia native, Paul Heery’s roots trace back to his parents, who immigrated from post-WWII England. He retired early four years ago from a corporate job and now pursues his passion for storytelling. As a StorySLAM champion at The Moth, Paul has appeared on stage at more than 30 Moth events where he blends strategic insight with creative flair, helping audiences connect through compelling, relatable stories. Most importantly, Paul is a proud father of two and grandfather of three.

Zilla Vodnas has been a featured performer on SiriusXM, HBO’s Women in Comedy Festival and Atlanta’s Red Clay Festival. Born and raised in NYC, most of Zilla’s jokes are delivered with an electric energy, a big cheesy grin and a whole lotta “YOOOO!” A member of Pennsylvania’s prestigious St. Nell’s Humor writing residency, Zilla relocated to Philadelphia in 2024 and enjoys performing in venues across the city.

Connor Dobson is a freelance writer and journalist. His work has appeared in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and The Courier Journal. He was born and bred in Louisville, Kentucky, and currently resides in Philadelphia.

James Knight is a Philadelphia-based comedian, writer, producer, and comedy educator with more than a decade of experience in entertainment. He is a contributor to The Onion and the creator and host of the podcast Critical James Theory. James teaches improv and sketch comedy at Crossroads Comedy Theater and Sawubona Creativity Project, helping performers develop their creative voice on and off the stage.

Tamica Tanksley is a storyteller, not by trade, but tradition. An award-winning speaker, podcaster, and radio host, she believes every story deserves a witness. Through 2 Sips of T, her podcast and radio show, and on stages across the city, Tamica turns the lessons life handed her into language that sets others free. With the cadence of a preacher and the timing of a comedian, she has a way of making everyone in the room feel like the only one in it and reminds them the best is yet to be told.

Swapna Deshpande is a mom, physician, storyteller, and lover of birds, flowers and more recently, cats! She lives in good old Lancaster, PA. Buggy is her preferred mode of transportation as opposed to flying, given choice! Several years ago, she shocked herself by her bravery to get on the stage to tell a story! And has since performed on many platforms! Impossible is nothing, as they say!!!

Jason H.S. Nadelbaum is a writer, storyteller, and sought after arts educator. He loves the capacity for story to help us experience each other’s worlds. He holds a bachelor’s from Brandeis University and an MFA from UMass Boston. He lives in Fishtown with his wife, their two cats, and their five book shelves. They’re expecting a sixth in the near future.

Nick Kupsey is an author and storyteller from Philadelphia. He is the author of The Five People You Meet In Wawa and Lost in the Mail. Kupsey has appeared on NPR, was featured in USA Today, and at PAFA.