
About this episode
Kelly shares the remarkable story of Armia Khalil, a Metropolitan Museum of Art security guard with a secret talent. As a child, Armia played in the mud and created little sculptures by the Nile River. Years later, the artistic young man immigrated to the US with just $375 and a suitcase of woodworking tools. After years of struggle, he landed a job as a security guard at the Met, where a chance conversation with a curator led to his lifelong dream coming true. It's a powerful reminder that everyone—from bus drivers to baristas—carries a universe of dreams inside them. What might we discover if we took a moment to see the artists walking among us?
This episode was inspired by Dodai Stewart's New York Times article.
(published January 8, 2025).
Get every episode summarized
Each time Kelly Corrigan Wonders publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Kelly Corrigan Wonders

Deep Dive with Susan Cain on Longing
Kelly Corrigan Wonders

Thanks For Being Here - Kristina's Eulogy for her mom Ann Emanuels
Kelly Corrigan Wonders

Go To on the Fourth Instinct
Kelly Corrigan Wonders

Deep Dive with Jim Collins on Discovery
Kelly Corrigan Wonders