Stories from Real Life

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 ...

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 connect...

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 ...

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 ...

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 emergenc...

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...

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/

Keywords

true crime, survival, family secrets, personal stories, crime family, Philadelphia, podcast, manipulation,...

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...

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 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/free

Podcasting Ma...

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...

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 trust...

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 b...

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.

Keywords

mem...

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 ethical issues he faced. Gonzales shares insights on diversity in leadership, the challenges of public service, and the importance of leaving a legacy.

Keywords 

Alberto Gonzales, American Dream, Birthright Citize...

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 ...

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 whi...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Cathy Nesbitt, a worm wrangler and laughter yoga leader from Ontario, Canada. They discuss the current political climate in Canada, Cathy's journey into worm composting, and the surprising connection between worms and laughter yoga. Cathy shares her insights on the benefits of laughter for health and creativity, the importance of laughter clubs, and how l...