Stories from Real Life

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

July 1, 2025 42 mins

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, ...

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Joseph Bolton is a gifted storyteller and an intrepid explorer of the human experience. With a passion for uncovering the untold narratives that shape our world, Joseph brings a unique blend of insight, empathy, and wit to every conversation. As the author behind the widely acclaimed website OldGrandmothersTree.com, Joseph has garnered a loyal following of readers who are drawn to his ability to breathe life into the stories of eve...

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Bob Furniss is a father who turned his grief into advocacy after losing his daughter Keesha to breast cancer. Bob discusses the mission of his organization, Warrior Princess, which focuses on early detection of breast cancer in young women. He shares the emotional journey of writing his memoir, 'On to Blue,' and the challenges of navigating grief as a family. Bob also reflects on his own health struggles with Parkinson'...

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Dante Wright’s story reads like a movie script, but every twist is real. Removed from his home at a young age and raised by various relatives until the age of 15, Dante faced instability, heartbreak, and the kind of challenges that derail even the strongest spirits. But against all odds, a chance encounter with a local judge rescued him from a group home and led him to courtrooms and justice.


Now a practicing attorney, Dante sh...

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Giorgio Natili, an Italian native and former professional windsurfer, shares his journey through various life experiences, including his transition into engineering management. Giorgio shares insights on the importance of embracing imperfection in leadership, fostering diversity and inclusion, and the ethical challenges posed by AI. He also discusses personal fears, cultural lessons learned from moving to the US, and his passion fo...

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Walter Dusseldorp, the founder and CEO of Dusseldorp and Associates, also known as the Dutch Mentor, shares his insights on the importance of mentoring versus coaching, the philosophy behind his Pure Leadership Power methodology, and the significance of self-awareness in leadership.


Want to be a guest on Stories from Real Life? Send Melvin Edwards a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/storiesf...

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Annie Korzen shares her unique journey in the entertainment industry, reflecting on her late start in acting, the challenges of ageism, and the impact of her looks on casting. She discusses her newfound fame on TikTok and the joy of storytelling, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection across generations. She also shares her experiences navigating modern slang, the importance of authenticity in content creation, a...

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In this engaging conversation, Andy Dietrich shares humorous and insightful stories from his life, including a wedding-crashing mishap, a cultural misunderstanding during fraternity rush, and the inspiration behind his book. He reflects on the lessons learned from these experiences and emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities in life. The discussion also touches on memorable moments witnessed in everyday settings, like Ch...

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In this episode, author Nick Peck discusses his debut novel, Only Way Out, which draws on his own experiences growing up in a traumatic environment. Peck discusses the importance of sports in overcoming adversity, the role of mentorship, and the transition from being an athlete to a journalist and author. He emphasizes the significance of support systems and the need for society to address issues like poverty and mental health. Thr...

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Drew Carmichael, a teen entrepreneur from Australia, shares his journey from growing up in Townsville to starting his first business at a young age, transitioning into e-commerce, and eventually founding his own business, The Cultivator. He discusses the importance of networking, learning from failures, and the support of his family in his entrepreneurial journey. 


https://thecultivator.co

https://drewc.com.au/

https://clarity.mi...

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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...

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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 hi...

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May 20, 2025 44 mins

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 ...

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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 grow...

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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, ...

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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...

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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.

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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-issues


Want to be a guest on Stories from...

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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 l...

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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 ...

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