In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!

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As the son of a minister and an alumnus of a Quaker-affiliated college Barry avoided military service during the Vietnam War by registering as a religious conscientious objector. Barry and Beth worked together at the Daily Local News in West Chester PA where they began their journalism careers on the same day in September 1971. While with the Miami Herald he created a band with his colleagues and named it the "Urban Professionals" where he played lead guitar.