From Hollywood to Ground Zero: Solange Schwalbe’s Journey of Service and Resilience

Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we welcome Emmy Award-winning sound editor and author Solange Schwalbe. After building a Hollywood career spanning more than 175 films—including *The Goonies*, *Die Hard*, *Black Hawk Down*, and *Moneyball*—Solange stepped away from the industry to serve at Ground Zero in the months following September 11, 2001. Her new book, *I Am Not Supposed to Know This*, shares her personal account of the cleanup efforts and the people who worked there. Solange describes how a decision to volunteer led her into the pit at Ground Zero, where she spent four months alongside first responders and construction crews. She reflects on the difficult conditions, the close-knit community, and the purpose and humanity that sustained the workers. She also shares how the experience changed her understanding of service and ultimately inspired her to teach. Listeners will hear about: - Solange’s path from film school to a celebrated Hollywood career - What daily life was like inside Ground Zero during the cleanup - The courage, care, and camaraderie she witnessed among the workers - The solemn procession used to honor recovered victims - How returning home prompted a difficult personal transition and a new commitment to service Solange’s story offers a moving perspective on a little-known chapter of 9/11 history and a reminder of the people who served in its aftermath. *I Am Not Supposed to Know This* is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers. For more information, visit www.imnotsupposedtoknowthis.com Support the show