EP.15 - Navigating Life from Behind the Door: Stephen Bruno on Building Material

In this episode, Elena interviews Stephen Bruno, the author of 'Building Material: The Memoir of a Park Avenue Doorman’. In this coming of age story, Stephen talks about how getting the doorman job helped break his downward spiral from gifted academic kid in the Bronx to selling chicken wings at a fast-food restaurant in the midwest. He also opens up about the upstairs downstairs shenanigans at an exclusive Park Avenue building in New York City.Stephen talks about his unique perspective from twenty years spent serving residents. And while one of the rules of being a doorman is don’t get too close to the residents, they don’t want to be your friend, Stephen did just that and it saved him during a dark time. He talks about how watching a documentary on American black playwright August Wilson reminded him of a core rule or writing. He shares insights into his upbringing in the Bronx, the rules and subtleties of being a doorman, and the challenges he faced both professionally and personally. Stephen’s authentic account delves into themes of identity, class, and the transformative power of storytelling.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:2807:21 Summer Guy: First Chapter Reading17:21 Challenges and Turning Points30:11 Struggles at Hunter College30:59 Experiences with Fellow Students32:37 Interactions with Residents34:33 The Bloom Family's Impact36:40 Overcoming Challenges in Writing44:49 Publishing Success and Reactions53:16 Future Plans and Aspirations54:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com

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