Sidewalk Ghosts is Live
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The roots of Sidewalk Ghosts were planted in September 2011, when, during a time of personal hardship, I sought clarity as I embarked on an uncharted journey—wandering the streets as I blogged daily essays, portraits, and videos based on conversations with thousands of strangers. For hundreds of consecutive days, no matter what was happening in the world, how I felt, or where I was, I journaled the hope, hurt, and wisdom shared with me. I called it Project 365.
In it, a profound and far-reaching call to action was given to me—a premise proven as thousands more from around the globe followed the project, saw the faces of, listened to, and responded—not just to me, but to each other. Strangers who, through their shared truths, diverse perspectives, and revealed struggles, challenge us all to consider the personal impact we have on one another.
As strangers from most every continent (people I had never met) engaged with these stories, a larger conversation began. That by simply recognizing the words and experiences of complete strangers, grew a realization that our individual actions do have great reach. A truth that, through the way we view, listen, respond, or acknowledge another’s existence—we have power to better the now and future.
From the Project 365 archives
I called them the Bridge Builders, a global and influential collective of distinct individuals committed to awareness, empathy, and respect. An emerging majority strong enough to appreciate the richness of perspective and lifestyle. Objective enough to quietly contribute to their communities and relationships. Wise enough to look beyond race, creed, outlook, gender, age, attraction, and religion. Disciplined and loving enough to, whether in agreement or disagreement, live by a constructive code of conduct.
To the Bridge Builders, I will always be grateful. You have taught us that by opening our eyes, ears, and hearts to one another, we can do more than lighten the burdens we carry—we can see beyond the ghosts that divide us, beyond the barriers we face. We can find peace and focus as we harness the best of who we are. Most importantly, trust ourselves, knowing that our individual influence can add to shaping this world we share.
Welcome to Sidewalk Ghosts, my friends.
The roots of Sidewalk Ghosts were planted in September 2011, when, during a time of personal hardship, I sought clarity as I embarked on an uncharted journey—wandering the streets as I blogged daily essays, portraits, and videos based on conversations with thousands of strangers. For hundreds of consecutive days, no matter what was happening in the world, how I felt, or where I was, I journaled the hope, hurt, and wisdom shared with me. I called it Project 365.
From the Project 365 Archives
In it, a profound and far-reaching call to action was given to me—a premise proven as thousands more from around the globe followed the project, saw the faces of, listened to, and responded—not just to me, but to each other. Strangers who, through their shared truths, diverse perspectives, and revealed struggles, challenge us all to consider the personal impact we have on one another.
As strangers from most every continent (people I had never met) engaged with these stories, a larger conversation began. That by simply recognizing the words and experiences of complete strangers, grew a realization that our individual actions do have great reach. A truth that, through the way we view, listen, respond, or acknowledge another’s existence—we have power to better the now and future.
I called them the Bridge Builders, a global and influential collective of distinct individuals committed to awareness, empathy, and respect. An emerging majority strong enough to appreciate the richness of perspective and lifestyle. Objective enough to quietly contribute to their communities and relationships. Wise enough to look beyond race, creed, outlook, gender, age, attraction, and religion. Disciplined and loving enough to, whether in agreement or disagreement, live by a constructive code of conduct.
To the Bridge Builders, I will always be grateful. You have taught us that by opening our eyes, ears, and hearts to one another, we can do more than lighten the burdens we carry—we can see beyond the ghosts that divide us, beyond the barriers we face. We can find peace and focus as we harness the best of who we are. Most importantly, trust ourselves, knowing that our individual influence can add to shaping this world we share.
My friends,
Welcome to Sidewalk Ghosts
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “My agenda is me first… which is probably quite similar to the rest of the human race.” I’ll not lie. From the beginning of 365 I promised you that I would do my best to describe my feelings in one way or the other. And I have to
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “If life were perfect then everything would suck and there would be nothing to learn. We need to find humanity. There is very little of it in our society. Everyone is all about being the best at any cost. They focus on the me: Asking what makes me
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “In high school, my career counselor told me that my tests showed that I had a propensity towards being a teacher, pastor, or someone sharing a message.” Dinner is in one hour and I decide to take a short evening stroll. Just need a little time of introspection
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “No human being has the moral right to gamble with the fate of other human beings.” Hope you remember The Colonel and Antoinette from the Laundromat? Meeting them an event in itself. Especially in getting to know the Colonel. Yet on that night, we were not alone. There
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “Find something you love to do, and, if you can make a living at it, good for you!” Smart is an understatement for describing entrepreneur, Curt. A master mechanical engineer, with the credentials to prove it: Cisco Systems, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, and a who’s who list of
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “Stay honest and don’t lie. It’s always easier to remember the truth.” The start-up of this story may seem a bit vain, but trust me; it weaves into an interesting encounter. Not sure if I have told you this: I was raised in Las Vegas. Best not to play
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “Not many people are very rich by definition and that sometimes will bring more problems than it solves. Just doing well by your own standards is a worthy goal and is challenging enough. I would think of myself as the low-end of middle class and yet I’m relatively
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “Learning. Making more things, and not being intimidated to show my work.” Pointing to a shopping center studio, my daughter pushed, “we have to go in, there is your person to interview.” I’m telling you, out of the mouth of children does inspiration flow. The windows were covered
From the archives of Project 365 “Too many people turn a blind eye to the negative. There is a lot of messed up stuff in the world. People can do more that just watch the news or be fans of organizations helping others. They can get up and do something about it. I’m not saying
From the archives of Project 365 “Plans don’t always turn out the exact way you plan. You have to be open to change, and here is the best part. THINGS TURN OUT BETTER.” By the side of my good friend and photographer Elizabeth (not pictured) she was. Studio manager to Elizabeth, and in Los Angeles
From the archives of Project 365 “I don’t lie, I don’t cheat, I don’t steal. If there is anybody who needs help, I’ll help them, even if I have to give the last possession I have, I will, if it helps someone else in greater need than myself. That’s the way I am.” As I
From the archives of Project 365 Day Of The Dead, Dia De Los Muertos: A holiday focused on praying for, and remembering, friends and family members who have died. It’s a big deal in Mexican culture and a huge day of celebration. It was on that particular day I decided to explore a busy festivity
From the archives of Project 365 “I was young; part of the reason I have so many tattoos.” I’ve come to know a few great boxers. All with interesting stories and background. Even past Olympic champions and pro-contenders, and at the gym where I taught cycling, there was one that always grabbed my attention. His
From the archives of Project 365 “America is different from Peru. Everything is easier, and there is opportunity for those who work for it, and remember to vote!” I’ve held a little secret regarding the story of Monica and Matthew, that being as I met with them, we were not alone. As in all interviews,
From the archives of Project 365 “Hate doesn’t take you anywhere.” 7:30 pm, November 4, 2011: I was with my family and starting to sweat a little. I thought, “here comes a late-nighter” as I tried to find a new friend to interview. We’d been to Home Depot, Target, and Ralph’s grocery store, followed by a
From the archives of Project 365 “My kids like to talk to me, it’s an open-ended dialogue. I’ve learned to not dismiss their thoughts or try to redirect them into what I want to hear.” For fifty-five days I had openly written about my life, my journeys, and the people I met. Months with much
From the archives of Project 365 Wisdom, that after racing behind him for a quarter of an hour, through our small talk and witnessed in the courage he seemed to have in pursuing his dreams, I saw a story much deeper than any we could have shared in words. My heart was broken. A post-interview
From the archives of Project 365 “If I die tomorrow, my funeral will take three days, so that all of my friends can attend.” It was the day I traveled to the interview I mentioned in the previous story. Can’t say I was comfortably en route, rather I was sitting cramped at some thirty thousand
©2025 RICHARD RADSTONE / SIDEWALK GHOSTS
No image or content may be copied, downloaded, or transferred without written permission.
©2025 RICHARD RADSTONE / SIDEWALK GHOSTS
No image or content may be copied, downloaded, or transferred without written permission.
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©2025 RICHARD RADSTONE / SIDEWALK GHOSTS
No image or content may be copied, downloaded, or transferred without written permission.
