Listen to Stories from Real Life, Every Tuesday and Friday.

Episodes

March 26, 2024

Lights, Camera, Action

Filmmaker, writer, and director Melissa Jo Peltier ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "The Dog Whisperer") joins the show to discuss some of her best-known projects, in addition to her recent documentary, "The Game is Up." Find ...

Listen to the Episode
March 19, 2024

Monica's America

Dallas-area attorney Monica Haft is a first-generation American, born to a mother from Colombia and a father from Cuba. When she started school, she didn't speak English. She learned, grew, and flourished, so when she talks a...

Listen to the Episode
March 12, 2024

Conversation with Sean of the South

Musician and writer Sean Dietrich, popularly known as "Sean of the South," talks about his invitation to the Grand Old Opry, his dad, being a BBQ judge, Southern fried chicken, and the new nickname, "Mark Twang," that I gave ...

Listen to the Episode
March 5, 2024

Vacation Magic by Rachel

Independent travel agent Rachel Taylor gives tips for booking the best trips for everyone, regardless of their budget. She also tells about her favorite vacations, her strongest advice, and her obsession with Disney theme par...

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 27, 2024

Sowing Seeds w/ The Orchard Keeper

Known on social media as The Orchard Keeper, Dr. Lenny Wells is a University of Georgia Professor of Horticulture, a pecan farmer, and an author. He's also The Andy Griffith Show's biggest fan. Thankfully, with all of that ...

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 19, 2024

2024 Presidents Day Special

Presidential historian Lewis Ben Smith joins the show on this Presidents Day to discuss his favorite- and least-favorite Presidents, among other interesting details about the men who have held the highest office in the United...

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 13, 2024

Wholistic Transformation: Life after Foster Care

Two of the leaders of the Tucson-based Wholistic Transformation join the show to talk about their nonprofit organization and how we can all get involved in helping young adults transition from foster care to the adult world. ...

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 6, 2024

Jackie Robinson Statue Destroyed in Kansas

Bob Lutz, the founder and executive director of League 42, an inner-city youth baseball program in Wichita, Kansas, joins the show to discuss the recent vandalism and destruction of the local Jackie Robinson statute. It's pur...

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 30, 2024

Inside the Unorthodox Mind of Lee Spieckerman

Political consultant and strategist Lee Spieckerman has thoughts about a lot of subjects. He's especially passionate about politics, fiscal policy, and racial reconciliation. He was battling a cold, but what he had to say to ...

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 30, 2024

Locked (Out) and Loaded

During his time as a locksmith, John Thorsson has heard a lot of stories. Once, he answered the call for a man whose angry girlfriend had thrown his keys on top of a 3-story building. Another time, the police were called to t...

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 23, 2024

Baseball and Hip Hop

Houston Astros broadcaster Robert Ford grew up in The Bronx, NY envisioning himself playing for the NY Mets. Instead, he became only the 4th Black play-by-play announcer in MLB history. In this episode, hear about his journey...

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 16, 2024

President Alexander Hamilton

What kind of President would Alexander Hamilton have been if he had not died during that famous duel with VP Aaron Burr? Could he have ended slavery without a Civil War? Would he have replaced James Madison in the historical ...

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 9, 2024

The Problem with Potential

Too often, our dreams are shattered before we ever give them a chance to develop. In this episode, 26-year-old entrepreneur and author Joe Ignace shares the secrets that made him a Top 1% salesman at his company, and how you ...

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 2, 2024

Leaving the Klan, Part 2

What do you get when a descendant of slaves meets a former Klansman? Well, as they say in Texas, we're fixing to find out. This is Part 2 of the two-part eye-opening interview. Listener discretion is advised. https://www....

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 2, 2024

Leaving the Klan, Part 1

What do you get when a descendant of slaves meets a former Klansman? Well, as they say in Texas, we're fixing to find out. This is Part 1 of the two-part eye-opening interview. Listener discretion is advised. https://www.re...

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 26, 2023

Life Disrupted by Death

Dr. Jan Canty is a psychologist, writer, photographer, educator, consultant, podcast host, and cancer survivor, whose cancer has just returned for a second bout. She tells us some sobering stories of how her life was tragical...

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 19, 2023

Country-Fried Soul Christmas

Talented musician Daniel DeBlanke, known professionally as Bombay Beach Revival, once ended up on tour with the legendary Prince. Yes, THAT Prince! He joins the show to talk about all things music related, including his unex...

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 12, 2023

Philadelphia Freedom

Melissa Quinn Amour's family has been in Pennsylvania since the time of William Penn, so she's deeply invested in the culture of the Keystone State and The City of Brotherly Love. She's also passionate about a few other thing...

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 5, 2023

The Write Stuff

Journalist Bob Cox's parents and grandparents left Texas and Arkansas to seek their fortunes in California. So, how did he end up leaving California to seek his fortune in Texas? In this episode, Cox examines his life as a ...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 28, 2023

Documentaries that Make a Difference

Documentarian Mary Beth Minnis isn't the person you might expect to produce a film about Juneteenth, but when she was approached by Rasool Berry and Our Daily Bread Ministries, the executive producers of Juneteenth: Faith & F...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 21, 2023

Things We're Thankful For

GUEST: MARTY DUREN Writer and former podcaster Marty Duren joins the show to provide a unique perspective on thankfulness and hope. He and host, Melvin E. Edwards, discuss their favorite music, memories, and bucket list tra...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 14, 2023

Education in Black and White

Anna R. Holloway, PhD, is a retired Professor of English, and is a writer and editor. During her 46 years at Fort Valley State University, she taught writing, literature, and journalism. When she left her White Midwestern roo...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 7, 2023

At Home and Abroad

GUEST: BILL CLABBY Bill Clabby is a multi-lingual educator and administrator, who has taught and lived in several different countries over the course of his life. He also happens to be the father-in-law of Melvin E. Edwards'...

Listen to the Episode
Oct. 24, 2023

Live from Wimberley StoryFest

Host Melvin E. Edwards was the Master of Ceremonies during the Traditional Storytellers portion of the Wimberley (Texas) StoryFest over the weekend of October 12-14, 2023. He also interviewed various participants as they repr...

Listen to the Episode