When U2 X-Radio debuted in the midst of the pandemic in 2020, writes Tassoula Kokkoris, I pulled an all-nighter to listen to the channel and report on what I heard. I had a lot of fun dissecting the new content and was grateful to be among the first invited to participate in a segment for the fan-led show "Desire." A year later, I covered the first anniversary of the channel and spoke with several of the presenters.

A few months after that, an idea I had for a show that would go deeper into the fan experience began taking shape. I envisioned a place where I could spotlight the amazing ways U2's music and activism have significantly changed people's lives.

Arguably, every U2 fan's life has been positively altered in some way by the band, but I wanted to zero in on those specific jaw-dropping instances where a tectonic shift truly took place. I knew the stories were out there.

After further discussion with a member of U2's team and a workshop session with a SiriusXM producer, I reached out to a few U2 fans who I knew had powerful stories and asked if I could interview them for the potential future show. Graciously, they all said yes, and I began taping episodes in August of 2021. After a formal audition for the band and production team, I got the green light to proceed with more episodes of what would soon become ‘Stories.'

Now, just days from the show's debut, I'm overwhelmed by the personal, meaningful exchanges I've had with guests so far.

I've interviewed fans across the globe who have endured treatments for illnesses, fallen in love, grieved a lost friend, survived the aftermath of a mass shooting, started a nonprofit and more — all because of U2. Each episode concludes with a U2 song that represents their journey.

Together we've laughed, cried and celebrated this band that connects us all, and I know that I've only scratched the surface of these powerful stories.

If you'd like to be a guest on my show, I'd love to hear from you!

To be considered, please send an email to our production team, 1-2 paragraphs in length, that describes your specific experience or epiphany and how it relates to being a U2 fan. I'm especially interested in stories about addiction, family, love, friendship, disability, discrimination, social justice, career changes, mental health, grief, sexual identity, gender and race. In the short term, I'm also booking guests that may have a holiday-themed story to tell.

The address for submissions is: u2xstories@siriusxm.com

If you're in North America tune in to Channel 32 to hear the first four episodes later this month.