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Stories at the Center: A Memoir of Miles, Music, and Meaning
Chronicling Eric’s unconventional path in the entertainment business, Stories at the Center is set against the backdrop of his lifelong passion for distance running as he jogs through the hometown he never left, reflecting on a journey of resilience, sacrifice, persistence, and artistic purpose.
From a childhood with a disabled father, through adolescence when he discovered his passion for songwriting, and into adulthood, he remains true to his dreams, all the while refining them with an openness to what life offers him. Ultimately, he creates and hosts the PBS series, Songs at the Center, which spotlights music legends such as John Oates, Janis Ian, and Ray Stevens, as well as emerging artists, giving voice to the unsung heroes of the music industry—the songwriters.
Blending humor, tension, and resolution, he explores a life devoted to serving others in an entertainment industry often driven by ego and money. His path is interrupted by the loss of loved ones, mistakes, and cultural resistance. He navigates his way through an increasingly transactional world, cherishing his family, nurturing friendships, and finding that investing in the dreams of others can lead to the fulfillment of one’s own.
From a childhood with a disabled father, through adolescence when he discovered his passion for songwriting, and into adulthood, he remains true to his dreams, all the while refining them with an openness to what life offers him. Ultimately, he creates and hosts the PBS series, Songs at the Center, which spotlights music legends such as John Oates, Janis Ian, and Ray Stevens, as well as emerging artists, giving voice to the unsung heroes of the music industry—the songwriters.
Blending humor, tension, and resolution, he explores a life devoted to serving others in an entertainment industry often driven by ego and money. His path is interrupted by the loss of loved ones, mistakes, and cultural resistance. He navigates his way through an increasingly transactional world, cherishing his family, nurturing friendships, and finding that investing in the dreams of others can lead to the fulfillment of one’s own.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2025
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February 23, 2026
From the very first pages, I was struck by the gentle humor and beautiful writing of Eric Gnezda’s memoir. Eric draws readers in with stories that are both deeply personal and universally relatable—whether recounting the challenges of growing up with a disabled father, the influence of a high-achieving mother, or the trials of facing a bullying coach. It is a story that invites laughter, reflection, and empathy. I highly recommend this memoir.
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