New Episodes of Stories from Real Life Every Tuesday and Friday.
Stories from Real Life
Stories from Real Life
Why should you listen to this podcast? Because "Stories from Real Life" reminds us we’re not alone. In every episode, expert interviewer Melvin E. Edwards dives deep into the moments that shape who we are—messy, moving, sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking. Whether you're stuck, healing, or just curious about the human experience, these stories help you feel seen, understood, and connected. Want to be a guest on Stories from Real Life? Send Melvin Edwards a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/storiesfromreallife. www.podcastreallife.com
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Latest Episode

Ep. 175 - Karen Bates: More Than a Bus Driver

Episode Show Notes In this heartfelt episode of Stories from Real Life , we sit down with “Miss Karen” Bates, a Utah school bus driver who has spent 14 years shaping young lives from the driver’s seat. Miss Karen opens up abo...

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Recent Episodes

Dec. 5, 2025

Ep. 175 - Karen Bates: More Than a Bus Driver

Episode Show Notes In this heartfelt episode of Stories from Real Life , we sit down with “Miss Karen” Bates, a Utah school bus driver who has spent 14 years shaping young lives from the driver’s seat. Miss Karen opens up abo...

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Dec. 2, 2025

Guest: Scott Martin — Author, Coach, Advocate Episode Description In this deeply moving episode of Stories from Real Life , we sit down with Scott Martin — former elite soccer coach, author of Play From Your Heart , and livin...

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Nov. 28, 2025

What does it truly mean to coach — not just athletes, but young men navigating life? In this powerful and reflective episode, we sit down with Boyd-Buchanan high school baseball coaches Matt Roberson and Gene Bowles for a con...

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Nov. 25, 2025

Today on Stories from Real Life , we’re joined by Tami Gaines , author of Preemie Parents: 26 Ways to Grow With Your Premature Baby , resilience strategist, and speaker who has inspired audiences of hundreds of thousands. Tam...

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Nov. 21, 2025

🎙️ Episode Intro In today’s episode of Stories from Real Life , we’re stepping inside the clubhouse with hospitality leader Joe Carlucci — a man who’s spent his career turning golf clubs and restaurants into communities. From...

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Nov. 18, 2025

🎧 Episode Intro: When firefighter and paramedic Jim Brown was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer, his life took a turn no training could prepare him for. Out of his struggle came something extraordinary — a nationwide guitar...

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Reviews

As Real as it gets!

"Melvin does an incredible job to bring out the best of a guest’s experiences. He asks profound and insightful questions that create a fun, engaging, and entertaining show. He creates so much value wi…"

Andrew-Ryan Profaci | Aug. 1, 2025

Real, raw and powerful conversations

"A must-listen for anyone craving honest connection and deeply human conversations."

Lisa Sugarman | May 10, 2025

Exceptional Podcast

"Melvin has a top-notch podcast and is a great host. His questions were straightforward and thought provoking, which led to better answers. He is also a very nice guy and makes you feel welcomed."

Bow148 | May 10, 2025

Real stories about real people

"Melvin brings unique guests to his show. It’s part interview but part conversation that you feel like you’re sitting in on. They are historical and uplifting and just fun to listen to. I highly recom…"

BLHokneuttx | Aug. 16, 2023

So enjoyable and relatable

"I love listening to Melvin and his guests. I learn something new and get new perspectives from each episode I listen to. I feel transported to my childhood when my dad would take me to the old countr…"

Vivjo66 | Aug. 22, 2023

WIde Variety

"A great assortment of guests and stories. Melvin is an engaging host."

tlcholder | Aug. 30, 2024

Time well spent

"I've been a guest on something like forty-five podcasts and Melvin is now among my very favorite hosts. He was thoughtful and well-prepared with interesting questions based on my background that he t…"

Jack Kammer | Jan. 11, 2025

Excellent experience!

"Such a pleasure to talk to Mel. His journalistic background became apparent when he started asking his well thought questions."

KKunken | March 29, 2025

Thank you for this podcast!!!

"Melvin is an incredible storyteller and podcast host! This show is a blessing to listen to. You'll hear incredible stories that provide motivation and even direction for those who hear them."

Alex J Sanfilippo | March 20, 2025

Kind and Thoughtful

"Melvin is a lovely host with thoughtful and interesting guests. The show is done with respect and integrity, allowing for different thoughts and ideas."

LeanneKCM | April 7, 2024