Society & Culture Episodes

Former Special Forces Officer Christopher Brewer talks about his experiences in the military, particularly focusing on the unique role of Special Forces, the challenges they face in missions, and the implications of U.S. foreign policy. Brewer shares insights from his new book, 'In the Shadows Between the Wars,' detailing operations in Colombia, Panama, and Afghanistan, as well as the psychological challenges of undercover work and the complexities of navigating diverse cultures in international...

Fred Simpson, a retired construction worker and author of 'Cyber Time' under the name of Jameson Lyon, shares his journey of grief after losing his wife and how it led him to explore social media, where he encountered various online scams. He discusses the types of scams targeting vulnerable adults, particularly romance and investment scams, and emphasizes the importance of online safety. Fred also details his experience writing his book, which provides tools to help others recognize and avoid s...

Crisis counselor Lisa Sugarman talks about her personal journey through grief and loss, particularly following the suicides of loved ones. They discuss the importance of mental health advocacy, the role of the Trevor Project in supporting LGBTQ youth, and the significance of language in conversations about suicide. Lisa shares insights on navigating grief, the impact of social media on mental health, and the necessity of self-care for those in advocacy roles. The episode emphasizes that it's oka...

Melvin E. Edwards interviews Dr. Chad Scott, a therapist and author, who explores the concept of dark tourism and its personal significance. Dr. Scott shares his journey through dark tourism, reflecting on how visiting sites of tragedy and suffering has helped him navigate his own dark moments, including a liver transplant and a divorce. He discusses the emotional impact of these experiences and how they contribute to personal growth and understanding of generational trauma. In this conversation...

Professor Kamran Loghman talks about his diverse background, including his Persian heritage, his invention of pepper spray, and his insights into warrior traditions and personal growth. Loghman discusses the importance of understanding one's heroic journey and how it relates to leadership and personal development. He introduces his platform, Rise of Giants, aimed at helping individuals transform their lives through the teachings of ancient warrior philosophies. riseofgiants.com Want to be a gu...

Piper Hendricks, founder and CEO of Stories Change Power, is today's guest. She discusses the transformative power of storytelling in advocacy, the importance of listening to diverse narratives, and the challenges of achieving justice for all in a divided society. The conversation highlights the significance of personal experiences in shaping one's advocacy work and the collective responsibility to foster understanding and change. https://www.storieschangepower.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/...

Mark Ellwood discusses his journey from a young paperboy to a productivity professional, the importance of effective time management, the evolution of tools like the TimeCorder, and the concept of deep listening. Mark shares insights on gender differences in time management, the impact of emails on productivity, and even presents a poetic approach to efficiency. The conversation concludes with practical advice for listeners on how to prioritize their tasks and manage their time effectively. Wan...

Author A.J. Otjen talks about her book 'Burned Over,' which chronicles the harrowing experiences of Montana firefighter Dan Steffensen. The conversation delves into the unique challenges of firefighting in Montana, the intense bond within the Red Lodge community, and the personal journey of recovery and acceptance following a life-threatening incident. A.J. shares insights into the emotional struggles faced by firefighters and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity. https:/...

Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Naughton talks about his new book, 'Born from War,' the intergenerational impact of military service, the legacy of Vietnam, and the psychological effects of war on soldiers, and their families. Naughton shares personal anecdotes about his father, his own military experiences, and the evolution of military culture, including the increasing role of women in the armed forces. The discussion also touches on societal perceptions of war, the importance of understanding hist...

Marcy Axelrod, an international speaker and artist, speaks about her journey from struggling with stuttering to becoming a two-time TEDx speaker. She discusses the importance of 'showing up' authentically in various aspects of life, the impact of rugged individualism on the community, and the difference between feeling alone and being solo. Marcy emphasizes the need to teach the truth about showing up from a young age, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy in fosterin...

Hollywood writer and producer Alan Katz joins the show today to discuss his journey in the entertainment industry, including his experiences with HBO's groundbreaking series 'Tales from the Crypt,' the cultural adjustments he faced moving from Baltimore to New York, and ultimately finding his place in Los Angeles. Katz shares insights into the creative freedom he experienced at HBO, the evolution of the Cryptkeeper character, and the challenges faced while making films based on the series. In t...

Dr. Jack Stoltzfus discusses the evolving dynamics between parents and their adult children, particularly focusing on the increasing trend of young adults living at home. He explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, including economic factors and changing parental attitudes. Dr. Stoltzfus emphasizes the importance of fostering independence while maintaining a supportive relationship, offering strategies for parents to help their children successfully launch into adulthood. Keywords parentin...

If you're of a certain age, you will certainly remember Matthew Lesko, the 'question mark guy ' on those famous infomercials. Lesko discusses his journey from a naval officer to a prominent figure in the world of government grants and financial aid. He shares insights on the importance of failure, finding one's passion, and the misconceptions surrounding government assistance. The conversation concludes with Lesko's advice on trusting one's heart and the importance of seeking help from others. ...

Estate planner Oscar Vasquez emphasizes the critical importance of estate planning, particularly through living trusts. Oscar shares insights on the rising costs of traditional estate planning, the risks of probate, and the necessity of guardianship for children. He discusses how estate planning can be seen as a final act of love for families, providing clarity and preventing disputes. The conversation also covers the differences between wills and living trusts, the process of funding a living t...

My guest today is Heath Mayo, founder of Principles First. He discusses personal updates, including his role as a new father, educational background, and political future. The conversation shifts to the current political landscape, including concerns about public safety and protests, the evolution of Principles First, and the potential for new political alliances and third-party movements. Despite the audio difficulties, this is a can't-miss conversation. https://www.principlesfirst.us/Also, li...

In this conversation, Owen Ó Súilleabháin discusses the rich tapestry of Irish and Celtic culture, exploring themes such as the influence of family and cultural heritage, the significance of names and identity, the challenges of language preservation, and the evolving diversity within modern Irish society. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, traditional music, and poetry, particularly the unique tradition of limericks while reflecting on the historical context and contemporary relevanc...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards engages in a thought-provoking conversation with David Beckemeyer, the host of the Outrage Overload podcast. They explore the origins of outrage culture, political polarization's impact, and trust challenges in the age of misinformation. Beckemeyer shares insights on skepticism versus contrarianism, the role of fact-checking, and the connection between political polarization and violence. They discuss strategies for reducing polar...

In this episode of 'Stories from Real Life', host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Dr. Deborah Heiser, an applied developmental psychologist, about the importance of storytelling and mentorship in our lives. They discuss how storytelling has been vital to human connection and how it can be revitalized in the modern age. Dr. Heiser shares her journey to becoming a psychologist, her insights on aging and happiness, and the impact of her Mentor Project, which connects experts with students worldwide. ...

In this enlightening episode, Melvin E. Edwards engages with Amita Sharma, a Women's Holistic Wellness Advocate, to explore the often-overlooked topic of perimenopause and menopause. They discuss the journey of women through these life stages, the cultural myths that surround them, and the hormonal changes that occur. Amita shares insights on how these changes can affect relationships, the importance of community and humor in redefining aging, and practical lifestyle changes that can alleviate s...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards engages with former Baltimore social worker Jack Kammer to discuss critical male issues, gender dynamics, and the societal expectations placed on men. The conversation explores Kammer's anecdotes and his work on the "wimp" bill with the late Congressman Elijah Cummings. They delve into the importance of recognizing male struggles, the impact of fatherhood, and the evolution of the women's movement, emphasizing the need for a balan...

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 concept of Septemics, which is based on the idea that human phenomena can be analyzed through a series of 35 scales, each representing a hierarchy of seven levels. The conversation delves into the practical applications of Septemics in understanding human behavior, improving pe...

In this Stories from Real Life episode, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with sports agent Adam Spencer about his journey from military service to sports management. They discuss the evolving landscape of college sports in the NIL era, the future of the NCAA, and the importance of mental health for athletes. Spencer shares insights on client acquisition, the role of HBCUs in sports, and the impact of media on women's basketball. The conversation highlights the need for athlete rights and the potent...

Summary In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Dianne Ennis Stewart, a South African immigrant and expert on U.S. immigration policy. Dianne shares her personal journey of immigration, her interactions with Nelson Mandela, and the challenges she faced navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. The conversation explores cultural reflections between South Africa and the American South, the allure of the American Dream, and the myths surrounding legal im...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Tom Logan, an American living in Japan, about his experiences and insights on international relations, trade dynamics, and cultural differences. They discuss the challenges American firms face in penetrating the Japanese market, the impact of US elections on Asia, and the enigmatic nature of North Korea. Tom shares his reflections on living in Japan, the importance of community and empathy, and offers advice for Americ...