Stories from Real Life
Why should you listen to this podcast? Because "Stories from Real Life" reminds us we’re not alone. In every episode, expert interviewer Melvin E. Edwards dives deep into the moments that shape who we are—messy, moving, sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking. Whether you're stuck, healing, or just curious about the human experience, these stories help you feel seen, understood, and connected. Want to be a guest on Stories from Real Life? Send Melvin Edwards a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/storiesfromreallife. www.podcastreallife.com storiesfromreallife.substack.com
Episodes
Guest: Scott Martin — Author, Coach, Advocate
Episode Description
In this deeply moving episode of Stories from Real Life, we sit down with Scott Martin — former elite soccer coach, author of Play From Your Heart, and living example of resilience in its rawest form.
Scott shares the moment his life changed forever after being diagnosed with Group A Strep and Necrotizing Fasciitis — an illness that left him without his hands and feet a...
What does it truly mean to coach — not just athletes, but young men navigating life?
In this powerful and reflective episode, we sit down with Boyd-Buchanan high school baseball coaches Matt Roberson and Gene Bowles for a conversation that goes far beyond wins and losses. Together, they share the defining moments that shaped their careers, the challenges that tested their resolve, and the unseen sacrifices that come with leading fro...
Today on Stories from Real Life, we’re joined by Tami Gaines, author of Preemie Parents: 26 Ways to Grow With Your Premature Baby, resilience strategist, and speaker who has inspired audiences of hundreds of thousands. Tami knows firsthand the challenges of raising premature twins while balancing life, work, and personal growth. In this episode, she shares her story of courage, the lessons she learned in the NICU, and practical ins...
🎙️ Episode Intro
In today’s episode of Stories from Real Life, we’re stepping inside the clubhouse with hospitality leader Joe Carlucci — a man who’s spent his career turning golf clubs and restaurants into communities.
From the kitchen to the course, Joe understands that great hospitality isn’t just about food or service — it’s about creating moments that make people feel seen, valued, and at home.
In this conversation, we talk abou...
🎧 Episode Intro:When firefighter and paramedic Jim Brown was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer, his life took a turn no training could prepare him for. Out of his struggle came something extraordinary — a nationwide guitar group that’s helping men find healing through music, honesty, and connection.
📝 Show Notes:In this heartfelt episode of Stories from Real Life, Melvin E. Edwards sits down with Jim Brown — cancer survivor, for...
🎧 Stories from Real Life
🎙️ Episode Title: “Engineering a Meaningful Life”
Episode Summary:
Dr. Tomás Estrada doesn’t just teach engineering — he teaches perspective. In this conversation, the Elizabethtown College professor opens up about the stories that shaped him, the moments that challenged him, and the students who changed the way he sees his work.
He talks about what it means to build something lasting — not only in the lab, b...
🎧 Stories from Real Life
Episode: “The Other Side of the Gun – Susan Snow’s Journey Through Trauma, Grief, and Forgiveness”
Summary:When Susan Snow was 17, her father — Los Angeles Police Detective Thomas C. Williams — was murdered in the line of duty. That single, devastating moment changed the course of her life forever.
For decades, Susan lived with the unseen weight of trauma and unhealed grief. It took years before she found the...
Beware: This conversation includes a discussion of alcoholism and suicide.
At 72, most people are slowing down. But for Rand Timmerman, life’s greatest challenge — and greatest healing — came on a 2,000-mile trek through the Appalachian Mountains. A Marine, lawyer, and recovering alcoholic, Rand set out with his 71-year-old brother to walk, reflect, and rediscover what really matters. This is a story about endurance, faith, and the...
Everyone carries a story about their father — the one we got, the one we needed, and maybe even the one we’ve become.
In this episode of Stories from Real Life, I talk with Patton Dodd, writer, editor, and author of The Father You Get: And the Ones You Make, Believe In, and Become.
Patton’s story explores what it means to inherit pain and still choose purpose, to face the past without being defined by it, and to discover grace in the...
In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Dr. Justin Woods about his book, Crowns of Valor, and the concept of Five Crowns Outreach. They discuss the importance of leadership development in Christianity, the dangers of cozy Christianity, and the significance of suffering for the gospel. Dr. Woods emphasizes the need for biblical literacy and the role of the church in raising the next generation o...
In this episode of Stories from Real Life, psychologist Dr. Alan Godwin discusses his new book, ‘Ties that Blind,’ which explores the deceptive narratives that shape our understanding of reality. He contrasts the reality-based community with the story-based fortress, emphasizing how collective narratives can blind individuals to the truth. Through personal anecdotes and psychological insights, Godwin highlights the importance of se...
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 ...
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