Stories from Real Life

Daniel K. Berman, PhD is the founder of CollegeSolutionsUSA, a college admissions coaching firm dedicated to guiding students through the complexities of higher education applications. A Harvard graduate with more than 30 years of experience in college admissions coaching, he has authored several books and earned hundreds of five‑star client reviews. Formerly a college instructor, Dr. Berman leverages an engaging and encouraging co...

In this episode of "Stories from Real Life," host Melvin E. Edwards sits down with Elizabeth Klaczynski, curator at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. They delve into the fascinating history of free Black Virginians from 1619 to 1865, exploring themes of freedom, identity, and resilience.

Elizabeth shares insights from her exhibition "Un/Bound," highlighting the untold stories of individuals who navigated systemic oppressi...

Today’s guest is a world-renown scientist and an educator — and a fearless peacebuilder. Dr. Zafra Lerman has spent her life using science not just to understand the world, but to change it. From creating groundbreaking science education programs that use art to captivate students, to founding the Malta Conferences, where scientists from enemy nations come together in the name of peace, her work proves that science has no borders w...

In this episode of 'Stories from Real Life', host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Misha Jones about her book 'About Damn Time'. Misha shares her journey of overcoming 15 years of silence and pain, motivated by the desire to give a voice to those who feel unheard. The conversation delves into the emotional struggles she faced, the impact of betrayal, and the importance of kindness and understanding in a judgmental society. Misha empha...

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He was once “Father God” — the chosen partner of cult leader Amy Carlson.

In this raw, powerful conversation, Andrew-Ryan Profaci shares how he got pulled into Love Has Won, what life inside the movement was really like, and how he found freedom on the other side, despite a devastating cancer diagnosis.

This is a story about belief, control, and what it really means to heal.

Links:

The War on Love book

Amy Carlson

Stuck in a...

He was once “Father God” — the chosen partner of cult leader Amy Carlson.

In this raw, powerful conversation, Andrew-Ryan Profaci shares how he got pulled into Love Has Won, what life inside the movement was really like, and how he found freedom on the other side, despite a devastating cancer diagnosis.

This is a story about belief, control, and what it really means to heal.

The War on Love book

Amy Carlson

Stuck in a cult?

Watch the Sto...

In this episode of "Stories from Real Life," host Melvin E. Edwards sits down with Bill Stitt, the mastermind behind Bill-E's Small Batch Bacon and restaurant. Dive into Bill's journey from a backyard bacon enthusiast to a nationally recognized brand owner. Discover the secrets behind his unique curing and smoking process, the importance of small batch production, and how live music serenades his bacon to perfection. Bill also shar...

In this episode of "Stories from Real Life," host Melvin E. Edwards sits down with Bill Stitt, the mastermind behind Bill-E's Small Batch Bacon and the beloved Bill-E's restaurant. Dive into Bill's journey from a childhood fascination with food manufacturing to creating a nationally recognized bacon brand. Discover the passion and dedication that fuels his small-batch approach, the unique story of serenading bacon with live music, ...

📝 Episode Summary:In this episode of Stories from Real Life, Moira Mills shares her journey as an unschooling advocate and parent, challenging traditional views of education and child-rearing. She explains why she believes real learning happens outside the classroom and how unschooling fosters curiosity, confidence, and deeper family connection. Moira opens up about the fears she had early on, what surprised her most, and how trus...

Episode Description:

Join host Melvin E. Edwards as he sits down with Dr. Oluwole Babatunde, a physician, psychiatrist, researcher, and author, to explore his remarkable journey from personal loss to professional success. Discover how Dr. Babatunde's philosophy of "Adapt and Advance" has shaped his life and can inspire yours.

Key Topics:

Overcoming the loss of both parents at a young age The role of faith in navigating life's challen...

Episode Description:

Join host Melvin E. Edwards as he sits down with Dr. Oluwole Babatunde, a physician, psychiatrist, and author, to explore his remarkable journey from personal loss to professional success. Discover how Dr. Babatunde's philosophy of "Adapt and Advance" has shaped his life and can inspire yours.

Key Topics:

Overcoming the loss of both parents at a young age The role of faith in navigating life's challenges Balancin...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards interviews Alabama Senate candidate Kyle Sweetser. They discuss Sweetser's motivations for running, the challenges facing Alabama, and his vision for a more inclusive political landscape. Sweetser emphasizes the importance of addressing healthcare, education, immigration, and economic development, while also advocating for voting rights and environmental sustainabili...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards interviews Alabama Senate candidate Kyle Sweetser. They discuss Sweetser's motivations for running, the challenges facing Alabama, and his vision for a more inclusive political landscape. Sweetser emphasizes the importance of addressing healthcare, education, immigration, and economic development, while also advocating for voting rights and environmental sustainabili...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards interviews Cristian Cibils Bernardes, a digital historian and founder of Autograph. Cristian shares his unique journey from Paraguay to Stanford University, highlighting the cultural contrasts he experienced. He discusses the entrepreneurial spirit instilled in him by his parents and the lessons learned from their business endeavors. Cristian reflects on his teaching...

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with voice actor Lea Sakran about her journey in storytelling, voice acting, and the life lessons learned from her characters. Lea shares insights from her multicultural upbringing, the importance of perspective in storytelling, and her experiences in the audiobook industry. She discusses her current projects, including her book about Gusto and Gusta, and offe...

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Alain Salas shares his journey from living on a sail boat in France to becoming a chiropractor and healer in the United States. He discusses the importance of understanding the subconscious mind, the impact of limiting beliefs, and how mind clearing can empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Dr. Salas emphasizes the need for a deeper connection between the mind and body...

Today’s guest, Lyubim Kogan, is a five-time first-generation immigrant, Winter Olympian, NYU Stern grad, and 9/11 survivor. From Wall Street to war zones, Lyubim’s life has been anything but ordinary.

He’s the founder of Wings4Heroes.org, where he helps amputee veterans rediscover joy and purpose through paragliding adventures. A bestselling co-author with Steve Forbes and speaker at the UN alongside Brian Tracy, Lyubim shares power...

📝 Episode Summary:In this episode of Stories from Real Life, Moira Mills shares her journey as an unschooling advocate and parent, challenging traditional views of education and child-rearing. She explains why she believes real learning happens outside the classroom and how unschooling fosters curiosity, confidence, and deeper family connection. Moira opens up about the fears she had early on, what surprised her most, and how trus...

Pam Hemphill shares her transformative journey from being a supporter of Trump to recognizing the dangers of misinformation and the importance of accountability. She recounts her experiences during the January 6 Capitol riot, her subsequent legal troubles, and her time in prison. Through her story, she emphasizes the need for truth, unity, and the power of personal redemption.

www.podcastreallife.com

Keywords

Pam Hemphill, January 6, ...