Stories from Real Life

TRIGGER WARNING: Child trauma discussed in this episode.

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, we sit down with Adriene Caldwell — author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines — to explore what it really means to survive, heal, and rise. Adriene’s story is one of resilience forged through unimaginable hardship, from childhood trauma to the long road of rebuilding identity and trust. She shares how she found her voice, her faith, ...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards interviews Azgari Lipshy, an entrepreneur who shares her journey from starting her first business at 16 to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. Azgari discusses the influence of her family, the lessons learned from early failures, and her passion for helping others launch their own businesses. The conversation explores themes of freedom, success, mentorsh...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards welcomes back music legend Norbert Putnam for a deep dive into his storied career. Norbert shares captivating anecdotes about his experiences with iconic artists such as Kris Kristofferson, Donna Summer, and Elvis Presley. He reflects on the collaborative nature of music production, the challenges faced by artists, and the profound impact of storytelling through soun...

In this episode of ‘Stories from Real Life,’ host Melvin E. Edwards engages with Dr. Brad Duren, a history professor, to explore the intricate relationship between American politics, religious revivalism, conspiracy theories, and celebrity culture. They discuss how historical religious movements have shaped political landscapes, the influence of modern political rhetoric, and the role of community in shaping political identities am...

Do you ever feel like you notice things others miss, or get easily overwhelmed by noise, stress, or busy environments? You might be a highly sensitive person. In this episode, we explore what it really means to be highly sensitive—the challenges of deep feelings and overstimulation, as well as the hidden strengths like empathy, creativity, and intuition. Whether you’re an HSP yourself or you want to better understand someone in you...

Today I’m joined by Dean Taylor — speaker, mentor, and author — who helps fathers move from feeling stuck to living with clarity, courage, and purpose. After nearly three decades in healthcare leadership, Dean realized outward success didn’t match the life he truly wanted. Now, he equips dads to define their values, strengthen their faith, and leave a lasting legacy. In this conversation, we dig into his personal journey, practical...

My guest today is Iuri Melo — a licensed therapist, author, and co-founder of SchoolPulse, a program that brings daily encouragement, emotional support, and real-time communication to students across the country. Iuri has spent his career helping people discover resilience, hope, and healing, whether in schools, families, or individual lives.

In our conversation, we’ll dive into his personal journey, the lessons he’s learned from w...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Maria Gallucci, a real estate agent and author who grew up in a deaf family. They discuss the unique challenges and experiences of navigating both the hearing and deaf worlds, the importance of communication, and the role of empathy and love in bridging cultural gaps. Maria shares insights from her book, 'Raised in Silence,' highlighting the significance ...

I apologize for the distorted audio on my end. It’s still a good episode with plenty of helpful hints.

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Bart Merrell, known as the Side Hustle Samurai. Bart shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his childhood experiences on a pig farm to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of monetizing one's mindset, validating side ...

Summer camp should be all about fun, freedom, and the great outdoors. But when severe weather strikes, those carefree moments can turn dangerous in an instant. That’s why Julie Kay Roberts launched Signal & Shield, a national initiative equipping over 12,000 youth camps with NOAA Weather Radios and training staff to act quickly when alerts sound.

In this episode, Julie shares the urgent “alert gap” most camps face, why minutes matte...

Dr. Gregg Korbon’s life was rooted in science, discipline, and achievement—through medicine, military service, martial arts, and teaching. But when his son, Brian, a deeply intuitive and gifted child, died just before his tenth birthday - just as he had predicted to his parents - everything changed. Out of unimaginable loss came dreams, synchronicities, and spiritual encounters that challenged the limits of reason. In this episode,...

Kenneth Webb has lived a life of constant reinvention—retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, former American Airlines employee, defense contractor, and now debut crime-thriller author. In this episode, we dive into his journey from Texas to Lima, Peru, and explore the real-life experiences that shaped his novel Trapped in Deception. Ken opens up about leadership, resilience, and creativity, while also sharing what it’s like to start over i...

🎙️ What does it take to play bass for Elvis Presley, shape the Muscle Shoals sound, and produce hits for Jimmy Buffett? In this episode, legendary bassist and producer Norbert Putnam takes us behind the scenes of six decades in music history.

From his early days in Muscle Shoals - where a small-town studio created a sound that shook the world - to his unforgettable sessions with Elvis, Jimmy Buffett, and so many others, Norbert sha...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards converses with author D.H. Morris about her debut novel, 'The Girl of Many Crowns,' the story of her real-life ancestor, Princess Judith. The discussion delves into the inspiration behind the book, the importance of genealogical research, and the ethical considerations in historical storytelling. Morris shares her experiences living across four continents and how the...

My guest today is Doug O’Brien — an internationally recognized expert in Ericksonian Hypnosis, NLP, and Sleight of Mouth patterns. A former concert pianist and Broadway musician turned master trainer, Doug has spent decades teaching and coaching people around the world in how to transform beliefs, unlock potential, and create lasting change. He’s also one of the leading voices bringing Havening Techniques into the coaching and ther...

Our guest today is Paden Squires, an entrepreneur, CPA, tax strategist, and host of the podcast Behind Their Success. From leaving corporate finance to building his own firm from his living room, Paden has made it his mission to help business owners and high earners become healthy, wealthy, and wise. He’s also a “20 Under 40” honoree and a passionate voice for turning scarcity into abundance.

Want to be a guest on Stories from Real ...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards interviews talent agent Albert Bramante, who shares his unique journey from psychology to the entertainment industry. Albert discusses the challenges actors face, including imposter syndrome and self-doubt, and how his background in psychology informs his approach to talent representation. He highlights the importance of resilience, the evolving trends in the enterta...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards engages with Reginald Martin, founder of Kametaphysics, to explore the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern psychology. They discuss the origins of Kametaphysics, the role of spiritual archetypes, and how inherited limitations affect personal growth. Reginald shares transformative stories of individuals who have embraced these teachings, emphasizing the importan...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Dr. Bruce Chalmer, a couples therapist and co-host of the podcast Couples Therapy in Seven Words. They discuss the origins of their podcast, the significance of the seven words that guide couples therapy, and the challenges couples face in therapy. Dr. Chalmer shares insights on how these principles apply beyond romantic relationships, memorable moments f...