Personal Journals Episodes

Dante Wright’s story reads like a movie script, but every twist is real. Removed from his home at a young age and raised by various relatives until the age of 15, Dante faced instability, heartbreak, and the kind of challenge...

Annie Korzen shares her unique journey in the entertainment industry, reflecting on her late start in acting, the challenges of ageism, and the impact of her looks on casting. She discusses her newfound fame on TikTok and the...

In this engaging conversation, Andy Dietrich shares humorous and insightful stories from his life, including a wedding-crashing mishap, a cultural misunderstanding during fraternity rush, and the inspiration behind his book. ...

In this episode, author Nick Peck discusses his debut novel, Only Way Out, which draws on his own experiences growing up in a traumatic environment. Peck discusses the importance of sports in overcoming adversity, the role of...

Jim Tracy, known as the Grampion, shares his journey from a family man to a successful businessman and philanthropist. Jim discusses the origin of his nickname, his passion for flying, and how he built his company from the gr...

Chelsea Millsaps, a dog-attack survivor, shares her harrowing experience and the journey of healing that followed. Chelsea discusses the attack by her own Great Dane, the extensive surgeries she has undergone, and the emotion...

Filmmaker and software developer Tony Stewart shares his journey through grief after the loss of his wife, Lynn, who battled cancer. Tony discusses the writing of his memoir, 'Carrying the Tiger', which chronicles their exper...

Richard Blank shares his journey from growing up in Philadelphia to establishing a thriving call center in Costa Rica. He discusses the importance of following one's passion, the challenges of family expectations, and the sig...

Communications executive Julie Roberts discusses her experiences during the Trump administration, particularly focusing on the infamous 'Sharpie Gate' incident. She shares insights into crisis communication, leadership challe...

Jennifer Michelle Greenberg, an author and advocate for childhood sexual abuse victims, discusses her journey from experiencing abuse in her childhood to becoming an advocate, the betrayal she felt from her church, and her in...

Donna Hall, host of The Hall Closet podcast, shares her tumultuous upbringing with her mother's neglect and her stepfather's criminal activities as Philadelphia's most famous jailhouse snitch. Hang on because there’s no way y...

Attorney Ken Kunken shares his inspiring journey from a tragic accident that left him quadriplegic to becoming a successful lawyer and author. Ken discusses the writing process of his memoir, his family life, the challenges h...

Host Melvin E. Edwards celebrates his 100th episode with guest Alex Sanfilippo, founder of PodMatch. They discuss the significance of storytelling in podcasting and the importance of a mission-driven approach. In this convers...

Author Lizbeth Meredith shares her journey of resilience and healing after experiencing childhood abduction and navigating complex family dynamics. Lizbeth discusses the challenges of writing her memoir, the impact of her sto...

Former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales discusses his journey from humble beginnings to high-ranking government positions, his experiences working with George W. Bush, and his reflections on significant legal and ethica...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Cathy Nesbitt, a worm wrangler and laughter yoga leader from Ontario, Canada. They discuss the current political climate in Canada, Cathy's journey...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with former federal judge Mary Beth O'Connor about her remarkable journey from addiction to sobriety and her career in law. Mary Beth shares her early l...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards interviews algorithmist Noah Healy, who shares his journey from studying nuclear engineering to developing algorithms with a focus on ethics and market design....

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards engages with Jim Marshall, the author of 'Septemics', a revolutionary work that combines social science and psychological philosophy. Marshall explains the con...

Summary In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, an eye surgeon, comedian, and advocate for self-awareness. They explore Dr. B...

This week, Leigh-Anne (Edwards) Clabby takes the helm as our guest host, diving deep with none other than her dad, Melvin E. Edwards, host of "Stories from Real Life!" She’s on a mission to uncover juicy tales from his childh...

Houston attorney and former TV sportscaster Drew Shirley admits he voted for Donald Trump in this year's election, despite feeling embarrassed by his belief that Trump is a "clown." He's ready to share why he chose the eventu...

Kristen Adele Calhoun is a writer, actress, and college professor, who also happens to be a cousin of this podcast's host. They are here to discuss the daunting challenge of uncovering their family's history as the descendant...

Nate Belcik, a Texas high school history teacher, embodies a calm demeanor during the weekdays and transforms into a U2 superfan on weekends. Despite being in his 20s, Nate has attended their concerts 18 times, which includes...