Write Up The Coast Writers — Episode 1: The Thank-You That Lingers is LIVE!
Fifteen voices from around the world responded to the prompt “The thank-you that lingers.”
No overthinking. No polishing. Just two minutes, a spark, and whatever rose to the surface.
You’ll hear reflections from Hong Kong to Budapest to California. Some speak in their own voices; others are read by volunteer storytellers. Together, they form a tapestry of gratitude—casual, reflective, mysterious, and deeply human.
This project is part of the broader Write Up The Coast mission: keeping people connected through storytelling, one prompt and one voice at a time.
Thank you for listening. And thank you to every contributor whose words linger long after they’re spoken.
LINK TO EPISODE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-up-the-coast-step-in-stories/id1772482456?i=1000738605425
Abouts
WRITE UP THE COAST
It began with a few people around a table — unsure, self-conscious, and maybe wondering why they’d shown up at The Sea Ranch Lodge for a small writing group called Write Now!
What happened next was simple. Through on-the-spot writing and sharing, the group connected. They began uncovering their own stories and, in doing so, discovered one another.
That moment became Write Up The Coast — a growing network of projects (Write Now!, ruf? draft, Ulysses in 80, and Step-In!) built on a shared belief: when we write and listen together, we create community. One voice, one story, one moment at a time.
In a world where face-to-face storytelling is fading, Write Up The Coast brings it back — helping people slow down, speak honestly, and rediscover what we share. Every gathering, every recording, and every written word strengthens that connection.
For updates and opportunities—also shared here—follow Write Up The Coast on Facebook and Instagram @writeupthecoast.
my story. mark sanford gross
When a story reaches out to us, we often don’t know why — only that it finds us at the right time.
I’ve spent much of my life listening for those moments — the ones that start quietly and keep unfolding long after they’re gone.
That listening carried me from broadcast studios and newsrooms to small community spaces, to the places where real voices still carry weight. Along the way, I was lucky to have mentors who offered more than guidance. When I once thanked one of them for giving me a career, he said, “I didn’t give you a career. I gave you an opportunity.”
That moment stayed with me — as did my sensitivity to people and the way relationships build and evolve. Those experiences continue to shape how I listen, write, and connect with others.
The mark you see here is one of those stories — one that stayed.
write here!
finding your story inside
the process is simple. each time. wherever we gather. on the spot.write.share.write share
on the street. on the bluff. and the Write Up the Coast Podcast
a throwback to 'reporter on the street' capturing everyday stories from those who pass by to be woven into the Write Up the Coast podcast series.
mobile recording booth and The Write Up the Coast Podcast
write up the coast comes to you at events, special occasions, random locations, capturing voices and stories that are woven into Write Up the Coast podcast episodes. Look for the booth and the Step In Sign.
multi-day writing intensives. watch for announcements
join this global comunity
sign up. get the nudge. respond. at your own pace. 2 minutes. global voices woven into a podcast.
writing together brings people together
have an idea? request? [email protected]
take the mic or listen to others
we celebrate our writers, each other, and our community. the stories we write are often someone else's story. when we share them and hear them, we build connection and community. open mic and scheduled celebratons of our writers
let's talk about It
1:1 discussions for a podcast relevant to our listeners and our community
A mobile story booth — or sometimes just a mic in hand — inviting people to share their voices in the moment, wherever they are.
The Newest Addition Step-In!
The experience. The podcast. Building one community, one voice at a time — through a mobile recording booth or simply a mic in the moment, capturing real voices wherever people gather. From Write Up The Coast — sharing stories through voice, writing, and conversation. LOOK FOR THE BOOTH Recent Episodes on Header: PODCAST PAGE above
We help make your voice heard in ways that matter to you and strengthen the community around you.
And why do we do it? Because we do it together.
Write-Up-The-Coast is just a nudge.
For information on any of the opportunities above email [email protected].
“The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you can alter, even by a millimeter, the way people look at reality, then you can change it.”
— James Baldwin
In Their Words
Voices from those who’ve stepped in, written, and shared — reflections on connection, creativity, and trust.
Independent Coast Observer October 24, 2025 “Write Up The Coast’s Step-In! project reminds us of what we risk losing — face-to-face voice, shared reflection, and the power of simple human connection. At its heart, Mark Sanford Gross’s work is about building community — one story, one conversation at a time.
As Seen In The Independent Coast Observer October 24, 2025
"The role of public media is to connect our community more deeply together to allow us to debate, criticize, analyze, and understand our community. Mark's work signals that connectivity and helps deepen it, bringing joy and inspiration to people, even in the most difficult of times."
Meliisa Bell, CEO Chicago Public Media
“One sunny afternoon, as fear kept people apart during COVID, Mark called out, ‘Peggy, I have an idea.’ Standing beneath the redwoods, he shared his vision for a writing show to keep our community connected. Within minutes, we were on the air — and KGUA Writers was born. Over the next years, thousands of stories came from people near and far, each finding connection through their words. The program proved what we both believed from the start: that writing and radio together could keep a community’s spirit alive.”
Peggy Berryhill, Founder and Executive Chairwoman, KGUA - FM, Gualala California, Executive Director, Native Media Resource Center
I return to Write Up the Coast sessions not only because I want to write and gain insight but also because my ability to write often rides on the "wings of Mark's enthusiasm.”
Shari Goforth-Registered Veterinary Technician
We have featured Mark Sanford Gross at several retreats at Mar Vista and have been very happy with what he offers. He is a unique and uncommon personality that brings out the best in people. His way of prompting creativity and engaging with our guests has been a wonderful addition to our offerings. Mark created such a wonderful space for writers and creative folks to engage here at Mar Vista. Thanks, Mark!
Cab and Deanna Boettcher-owners and hosts. mar vista farm and cottages
Jake Petrykowski — Mendonoma Health Alliance “Mark facilitates multiple Peer Recovery Support Groups each week, empowering individuals in all stages of recovery. For nearly two years, his Friday ‘Writers Workshop’ has inspired some of the most poignant, beautiful, and raw expressions I’ve ever witnessed. His prompts and his kindness create a safe space for people to write about their most personal experiences — turning darkness into light, and pain into growth. I can’t thank you enough, Mark.” — Jake Petrykowski, Mendonoma Health Alliance – Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist
-Jake Petrykowski- Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist
"So much of my life drifts across screens now, words appearing but rarely spoken, voices lost in the static. I notice how easy it is to feel apart, even in constant connection. Yet each time I hear a story spoken aloud, something shifts. The weight eases. A thread appears. I remember I am not alone. And that is why I gather with others—because our voices, shared, carry hope, carry meaning, carry us back to one another." write-up-the-coast writer
Write Now! writer
A closing thought — or perhaps, an opening one:
we never know where we will find our story... often it finds us.
for participation, custom programs, or collaborations, reach out anytime.
email: [email protected]
podcast: apple | spotify | buzzsprout
instagram: @writeupthecoast
facebook: coming soon
look for the Step-In! booth — you’ll know it when you see it.
bring the story in your head and heart to Write Up The Coast.
Reach Out Today
I'd love to hear from you. Use the form to ask questions or get more info on the programs or ideas you have.
Write Up the Coast is here for you!