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...

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 ground up. He emphasizes the importance of giving back through nonprofit work, living an audacious life, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Jim also highlights the significance of character, mentorship, and embracing uncertainty in business, while sharing insights on ...

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.comWant 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/...

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 emotional and psychological challenges she has faced since August 2023.https://www.ancillaryk9.com/blog/understsanding-aggression-in-dogs-signs-your-dog-has-aggresion-issuesWant to be a guest on Stories from Real Life? Send Melvin Edwards a message on PodMatch, here: https://ww...

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 experiences with cancer, the challenges of navigating the medical system, and the importance of community support. The conversation highlights the beauty of life, the process of healing, and the ongoing journey of love and remembrance.https://www.tonystewartauthor.com/Want to...

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...

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 significance of soft skills in business. Richard also explains his love for pinball machines and how they relate to his life philosophy. The conversation highlights the balance between technology and human connection in today's world.Want to be a guest on Stories from Real Li...

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...

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 challenges during turbulent times, and her political journey as a lifelong Republican who has recently endorsed Democratic candidates. The conversation also delves into the implications of government cuts on emergency management and the importance of effective communication in dis...

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 insights on identifying abusers. She discusses the importance of wrestling with God, acknowledging anger, and being real in one's relationship with God. She also explores the concepts of love and forgiveness from a biblical perspective, highlighting her own experiences and the...

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 you can predict all of the turns in this true story!https://thehallclosetpodcast.com/Keywordstrue crime, survival, family secrets, personal stories, crime family, Philadelphia, podcast, manipulation, justice, betrayal, John Hall, criminal justice, family dynamics, trau...

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...

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 he faced in college, and his career in the district attorney's office. Ken's story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the impact of role models for individuals with disabilities.https://kenkunken.com/Promoting memoir: “I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken S...

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...

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 conversation, Alex shares the journey of creating PodMatch, a platform designed to connect podcast hosts and guests. He also discusses the impact of podcasting on individuals and society.Podmatch.com/freePodcasting Made SimpleKeywordspodcasting, PodMatch, storytelling, entrep...

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.Keywordsparentin...

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...

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 story being adapted into a movie, and the lessons learned from her experiences. Lizbeth also highlights her podcast, Persistence U, which focuses on trauma, resilience, and the power of persistence.Keywordsmemoir, trauma, resilience, family dynamics, writing, child abductio...