Stories of Change & Creativity

Do you know your values? You might think you know your values, but are you living your values, right now? 

In this solo episode, Judy Oskam reflects on a recent experience she shared with her daughter, Danielle. Together, they attended the Becoming You intensive led by Dr. Suzy Welch at the NYU Stern School of Business. The New York workshop centered on values and purpose. It encouraged participants to explore what matter...

What does it really mean to be free? 

In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam sits down with Christian Ray Flores—a high-performance coach, entrepreneur, and author of the Little Book of Big Reasons to Love America: A Love Letter from an Immigrant. 

Christian has lived through revolutions and the fall of the Soviet Union. From that perspective, he offers a powerful take on the American spirit and freedom. He a...

In this powerful episode, Ontario veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford shows us what it truly means to live with passion and a sense of adventure. He's called the Worldwide Vet.   Dr. Redford travels the world combining his veterinary practice with global volunteer work.  Over the years, he has helped animals and communities in Jamaica, India, Panama, India and Ukraine.   

Dr. Cliff's journey proves that change is something to e...

Why are companies firing Gen Z employees — and what can be done to help them succeed?

In August, I attended the 2025 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference in San Francisco.  

My colleague, Dr. Nandini Bhalla of Texas State University, led a stellar panel titled “Why are companies firing Gen Z employees? Workforce Strategies and Solutions for PR’s Next Generation.”

The panel featured an all-star line...

On this episode I talk with Christine Blosdale – expert authority coach and  podcaster – about how to overcome imposter syndrome and establish yourself as a leader in your field. Christine offers real-world strategies to boost your confidence and elevate your personal brand.

Christine had a challenging childhood and it taught her resilience and the power of voice. Her mom was a single mother who worked nights. Christine's mothe...

In this short solo episode, I share some thoughts about my study abroad experience in Scotland.  It pushed me and my students out of our comfort zone, but that was a very good thing.   

I taught one of the first Edinburgh hub classes for Texas State University based at Queen Margaret University.   Our hub programs are short-term study abroad experiences where students earn credit while spending 3-weeks living and learning ...

How do you keep moving forward when the road isn’t clear? In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity – Scotland Edition, I sit down with Bety Téllez Mora, Content and Campaigns Officer at Queen Margaret University - Edinburgh. Bety navigates challenges and career pivots—across countries and creative fields.

From journalism to digital storytelling, Bety shares how embracing change, taking risks, and staying curious has helpe...

Study abroad Scotland. An unforgettable experience of culture, courage, and personal growth.  Texas State University junior Jamin Ochoa signed up for a  public relations class in Scotland and it's been a life-changing experience.  

Jamin  shares his journey of personal transformation from the campus of Queen Margaret University near Edinburgh.  

Key Takeaways

• Jamin connected to his family heritage in Scotland
• Ca...

Just say yes to opportunities. 

Grace White, a rising sophomore public relations major at Texas State University, shares her transformative experiences about her three-week study abroad program in Scotland.  Grace was a student in my Intro to Public Relations class at Queen Margaret University.  We sat down in the library on campus and I recorded our conversation on my iPhone.  We talked about how a classroom presentation evolved in...

Education abroad gives students the chance to discover the world beyond their familiar borders.  On this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity: Scotland Edition, I had the chance to talk with Angie Olmos.  Angie is a sophomore Mass Communication major minoring in International Studies at Texas State University.  She's in the Intro to Public Relations class I'm teaching this summer at Queen Margaret University near E...

What’s it like to leave the U.S. for the first time and study in a new country? In this short series I'm highlighting our Texas State University education abroad program in Scotland. Students and faculty spent three weeks living and working on the campus of Queen Margaret University, near Edinburgh, Scotland.  Join me as I sit down with students, faculty, and local professionals to capture their stories.

Tori, a sophomore adver...

Are you a professor, researcher or writer?  Do you battle with distraction and writer's block?  If so, a writing retreat might be just what you need to finish your project.  Retreats provide academics with distraction-free environments to focus solely on their writing projects, helping them make significant progress in a short time.

While teaching a class at Queen Margaret University in Scotland, I stumbled upon a writing retre...

For college grads

In this short solo-episode, I hope to send a message of encouragement to college grads.   

Standing at life's crossroads after graduation doesn't mean you need to have all the answers—just take that first step.  You've got this. 

The path reveals itself through action, so it's important to make a start.

Key Takeaways

• Feeling uncertain is normal and where the significant growth begins
• Life is...

Judy Oskam shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating and delivering her TEDx talk at Texas State University.  She turned the microphone over to her long time friend and mentor Carole Barasch about the process, challenges, and insights gained.  Earlier in her career, Carole was an award-winning TV news anchor and reporter and public relations professional.

This is an honest conversation about the emotional and strategic work t...

In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, I talk with Kyle Hawley, founder of Letterpress PLAY and creative director at 26 Keys. Kyle shares how growing up in a multi-generational household shaped her creative journey and her approach to entrepreneurship and motherhood.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Kyle’s path from a theater and mass communication student at Texas State University to entrepreneur
• How a thes...

Andy Bell had a life changing event that rocked his world.   And now he's working to change the world of education.  As CEO of Thinkery, Andy shares his vision for revolutionizing education by combining AI technology with joyful learning experiences.

During our conversation you'll learn: 

• how a brain cancer diagnosis gave Bell clarity and urgency about his mission to transform education
• that our traditiona...

Mark Paz II shares his journey from shy kid to award-winning communication professor and TEDx coordinator and coach at Texas State University. He's on a mission to build strong relationships and develop good people.

Mark was my TEDx coach and I think he's a rock star.  Thanks to his coaching,  I was able to find my voice, craft my message and deliver my talk from the red carpet.  

During our interview, you will learn how: <...

On this episode, I'm excited to share my interview with J.R. Gonzales.  J.R. shares his remarkable journey from growing up in South Texas to becoming a successful entrepreneur, speaker, and podcaster.  He's also a proud Texas State University graduate.  

J.R. recognizes his Latino heritage as a superpower that changed the trajectory of his life and career.  He traces his family roots to the 1700's and says 'my an...

In this solo-episode, I share some insight about the graduate class I'm teaching - Creative Problem Solving in Mass Communication.   I designed the class to connect students with creative entrepreneurs, business and media leaders.  This semester, my students have met with three fantastic guest lecturers.

• Wendy Conklin, founder of Chair Whimsy
• Dr. Carrie Angell, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau 
• Fred Poston III,...