New Episodes of Stories from Real Life Every Tuesday and Friday.

Episodes

May 20, 2025

Ep. 117 - It's Okay to Not Be Okay

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 ...

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May 16, 2025

Ep. 116 - Dark Tourism: A Path to Spiritual Growth

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 ...

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May 13, 2025

Ep. 115 - The Grampion's Journey of Family and Business

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...

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May 9, 2025

Ep. 114 - Inventor of Pepper Spray Discusses Warrior Traditions and F…

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 und...

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May 6, 2025

Ep. 113 - Storytelling and the Power of Advocacy

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 achievin...

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May 2, 2025

Ep. 112 - When Your Family Pet Becomes a Predator

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...

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April 29, 2025

Ep. 111 - Death and Dying, Life and Living

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...

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April 25, 2025

Ep. 110 - Productivity Insights from Canadian Businessman Mark Ellwood

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 ...

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April 22, 2025

Ep. 109 - Philly Native Makes Name for Himself in Costa Rica

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...

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April 18, 2025

Ep. 108 - The Resilience of Montana Firefighter Dan Steffensen

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 intens...

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April 15, 2025

Ep. 107 - War Bonds: Military Families and The Generational Impact of…

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. Nau...

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April 11, 2025

Ep. 106 - Former Trump Official Remembers Her Role in Sharpie-Gate

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...

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April 8, 2025

Ep. 105 - The Church's Betrayal: A Survivor's Story

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...

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April 4, 2025

Ep. 104 - The Dark Side of Family: A True Crime Story

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...

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April 1, 2025

Ep. 103 - Show Up, But Don’t JUST Show Up

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 o...

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March 28, 2025

Ep. 102 - Quadriplegic Lawyer Never Gave Up on His Dreams

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...

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March 25, 2025

Ep. 101 - Behind the Scenes of 'Tales from the Crypt'

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...

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March 21, 2025

Ep. 100 - Alex Sanfilippo Celebrates 100th Episode of My Podcast

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...

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March 18, 2025

Ep. 99 - The Challenge of Launching Young Adults Today

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, includ...

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March 11, 2025

Matthew Lesko Still Helping People Find Free Money

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 g...

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March 7, 2025

A Final Act of Love

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 n...

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March 4, 2025

Woman Kidnapped as a Kid, Rescued Her Own Kidnapped Kids

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...

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Feb. 28, 2025

Former AG Alberto Gonzales: Bush’s Diverse Cabinet Easily Tops Trump’…

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...

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Feb. 25, 2025

Principles First with a Side of Mayo

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 land...

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