The conversation featured an in-depth interview with Christina Stanton, a veteran New York City tour guide, conducted by host Tony Carnes for NYC Religions Television. The discussion centered around Christina’s personal experiences during the events of September 11, 2001, her spiritual journey in the aftermath, and how these experiences have shaped her approach to leading tours, particularly those focused on 9/11 and its spiritual dimensions.

Christina recounted living just six blocks south of the World Trade Center on 9/11. She described being awakened by her husband after their building shook from the first plane’s impact. They witnessed the second plane hit the South Tower from their terrace, experiencing the shockwave so intensely that it knocked them back into their apartment. Christina detailed the chaos and fear as they evacuated down 24 flights of stairs, her in pajamas and barefoot, along with their frightened dog. She recalled the confusion and panic among residents, the struggle to escape, and the surreal experience of ending up in Battery Park, only to be further endangered by the collapse of the towers and the resulting dust cloud. She noted the mass evacuation by boat, the largest in history, which took them to New Jersey, and the long wait before they could return to their apartment.

The conversation then shifted to Christina’s background as a tour guide, which began in 1995. She had previously led tours of the World Trade Center complex and described her deep personal connection to the site. The loss of the towers and the trauma of 9/11 had a profound spiritual impact on her and her husband, both of whom had drifted from their religious upbringings. The aftermath of 9/11 led them to seek support from Redeemer Presbyterian Church, where they found both practical help and a renewed faith. This spiritual awakening became a central part of Christina’s life and work.

Christina explained how, after a year-long hiatus in tourism following 9/11, she gradually returned to guiding tours, eventually developing a 9/11-focused tour that incorporates both historical information and her personal narrative. She described her approach to these tours, starting at Liberty Park for an overview of the site and her own building, then visiting St. Nicholas Church, a newly rebuilt church with murals dedicated to 9/11. She emphasized the emotional and spiritual resonance of the site, sharing her story and faith journey with visitors, and noting how the experience often builds in emotional intensity as the tour progresses.

The interview also touched on the challenges and lighter moments of being a tour guide in New York City. Christina shared anecdotes about the unpredictability of tours, from tourists’ odd behaviors to humorous incidents, and reflected on the unique energy and diversity of the city. She mentioned her long tenure as a guide, her experiences with shopping tours, and some of the more memorable and amusing situations she has encountered over the years.

The meeting concluded with a mention of Christina’s book, “Out of the Shadows of 9/11,” and an invitation for her to return for future discussions. The conversation provided a rich, personal perspective on the intersection of history, trauma, faith, and the ongoing role of storytelling and remembrance in New York City.