Stories from Real Life
by Melvin E. Edwards
**Honored as the American Writing Awards Male Hosted Podcast of the Year for 2026.**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
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Ep 227 -- Robbi Hall Kumalo: Finding Your Voice When Life Changes
Robbi Hall Kumalo, also presented as MS rŌbi and MS rŌbi K, is a Portland-based vocalist, composer, storyteller, teaching artist, memoirist, and podcaster. Her official biography lists work alongside Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, Jewel, Harry Belafonte, and Mary J. Blige. She…
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Ep. 226 -- Graig Kreindler: Painting the Past Back to Life
A baseball painting can hold more than a memorable play. It can hold a father’s favorite player, a vanished ballpark, or the face of someone history overlooked. On this episode of Stories from Real Life, Melvin E. Edwards welcomes artist Graig Kreindler, known as “The Painter of the National...
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Ep. 225 -- Reid Ryan: Growing Up in a Famous Shadow
Growing Up Ryan: Reid Ryan on Nolan, the Astros, and Finding His Own Way What do Nolan Ryan, Barney the purple dinosaur, and Texas A&M have in common? Reid Ryan has a story you’ll want to hear. The former Houston Astros president of business operations joins Melvin E. Edwards for a conversation...
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Ep. 224 - Pesa & Whitney Shayo: The Marriage Behind the Marriage Advice
What happens when the person you love brings a different definition of marriage into the relationship? Pesa and Whitney Shayo, founders of Live Your Best Marriage, join Melvin E. Edwards on Stories from Real Life for a conversation about the expectations couples inherit—and the understanding they...
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Ep. 223 - Lisa Heisner: When Your Politics No Longer Fit Your Faith
What happens when the political identity you inherited begins to collide with the faith that helped shape it? Melvin E. Edwards talks with educator and fellow John Brown University alum Lisa Heisner about faith, politics, race, and the difficult process of reconsidering long-held beliefs. Drawing...
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Ep. 222 - Rich Dunning: ‘Silence Was My First Language’
Content note: This episode includes discussion of childhood abuse, sexual abuse, addiction, and trauma. What happens when the silence that helped you survive becomes difficult to leave behind? Author Rich Dunning joins Melvin E. Edwards on Stories from Real Life for a deeply personal conversation...
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Ep. 221 - Sass Schaeffer: Who Are You Now?
What happens when the life you’ve spent years building suddenly no longer fits the person you’ve become? For identity coach Sass Schaeffer, that question isn’t theoretical. Her own journey through major professional and personal upheaval forced her to confront something deeper than how to rebuild...
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Ep. 220 - Patrick W. Naughton, Jr.: Saving Baker Battery
What would you do if you opened an old binder at an estate sale and realized you were holding a piece of World War II history? Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and military historian Patrick W. Naughton Jr. knew almost immediately that he had found something extraordinary. Inside the worn...
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Ep. 219 - Andre Robertson: Before the Pinstripes: How Andre Robertson Changed Texas Baseball
Andre Robertson on Texas, the Yankees, and the accident that changed everything Former Major League shortstop Andre Robertson joins Melvin E. Edwards to trace a career that moves from Orange, Texas to the University of Texas, the New York Yankees, and the 1981 World Series. He also reflects on…
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Ep. 218 - Margaret Eastman Smith: Faith, Family and Freedom
Margaret Eastman Smith grew up inside Moral Re-Armament (MRA), the international movement that emerged from the Oxford Group and sought to transform society through personal moral and spiritual change. For Margaret, however, MRA wasn’t simply a movement. It was family. In this episode of Stories...
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Ep. 217 - Dr. Michael Brandt: The Future of Facial Plastic Surgery
How do medicine, artistry, and psychology come together to transform lives? In this episode, award-winning journalist Melvin E. Edwards sits down with internationally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Michael Brandt for a thoughtful conversation about confidence, identity,...
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Ep. 216 - Clint Hurdle: Take The Long Way Home
Long before Clint Hurdle became one of baseball’s most recognizable managers, he was the kid everyone expected to become a star. A first-round draft pick of the Kansas City Royals in 1975, Hurdle reached the major leagues at 20 and soon found himself on the cover of Sports Illustrated under...
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Ep. 215 - Diane Les Becquets: Between Heaven and the Rest of My Life
National bestselling novelist Diane Les Becquets joins Stories from Real Life for an unforgettable conversation about survival, faith, creativity, and the remarkable healing power of nature. Known for literary novels that immerse readers in America’s wild landscapes, Diane has earned acclaim for...
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Ep. 214 - Connie Kwan: Building Better Habits Through Better Stories
Key Points Keywords storytelling, habits, identity, product management, entrepreneurship, AI, personal development, childhood influences, curiosity, leadership AI, storytelling, human connection, personal habits, failure, hope, kindness, technology, creativity, identity Summary In this episode of...
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Ep. 213 - Neil Taylor: Me and My Old Man...and My Son
Neil Taylor’s father, Patrick, died in March 2021. Six days later, Neil’s son was born and given Patrick as his middle name. Caught between grief and new life, Neil realized that his son would never know his grandfather unless Neil found a way to carry Patrick’s voice and story forward. That...
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Ep. 212 - Scot Loyd: Nolan Xavier Wells Reminds Me of Roy
Show Notes In this episode of Stories from Real Life, Melvin E. Edwards welcomes writer, historian, and author Scot Loyd for a thoughtful conversation about faith, race, historical memory, and personal transformation. Prompted in part by the national reckoning following the murder of George…
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Ep. 211 - Jeff Gomez: Why Fans May Save Hollywood
Unmasking the Power of Stories with Jeff Gomez: From Franchises to AI Get ready to dive into a world where storytelling is not just an art, but a force for change. Jeff Gomez, the mastermind behind iconic universes like Halo, Avatar, and Spider-Man, shares his daring insights on building worlds...
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Ep. 210 - Gretchen Hertler: The Kindness That Endures
You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode with Gretchen Hertler, a woman whose life so beautifully exemplifies resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to helping others. From her journey through personal trauma to her lifelong mission of caring for newborns and her powerful stories…
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Ep. 209 - Kyle Sweetser: Semi-Sweet Home Alabama
Explore the insights of Kyle Sweetser, a recent U.S. Senate candidate from Alabama, as he shares lessons learned from talking to diverse communities, challenging stereotypes, and navigating political divides. Discover how genuine listening and honest conversations can impact community trust and...
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Ep. 208 - Colin Owensby: Beyond the Finish Line
Dive into the compelling story of Colin Owensby as he shares how a severe car accident, personal tragedies, and remarkable sports achievements shaped his outlook on life, resilience, and purpose. This episode explores athletic discipline, overcoming loss, and finding strength through adversity....
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Ep. 207 - Amy Hawk: What Would Judas Do? (Encore)
Show Notes: Amy Hawk — Author, Bible Teacher, and Truth-Teller What happens when faithfulness to Jesus begins to put you at odds with the religious community that shaped you? In this episode of Stories from Real Life, I sit down with Amy Hawk, an author, Bible teacher, and writer whose work...
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Ep. 206 - Owen Ó Súilleabháin: Ancient Songs for Modern Lives (Encore Episode)
Irish singer, composer, storyteller, poet, teacher, and leadership guide Owen Ó Súilleabháin brings a rare blend of music, memory, spirituality, and cultural wisdom to the conversation. Raised in one of Ireland’s most respected artistic families, Owen inherited a deep relationship with song…
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Ep. 205 - Nancy Deyo: Mountain High, Valley Low
Episode Summary Nancy Deyo is a former Silicon Valley CEO, Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute Fellow, and author of the forthcoming memoir Perilous Ascent. After a medical crisis on Mount Kilimanjaro, Nancy entered a fifteen-year journey through misdiagnosis, chronic pain, opioid…
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Ep. 204 - Dr. Craig Yorke: I Was Raised to be Perfect
Discover the compelling journey of Dr. Craig Yorke, a Black neurosurgeon, author of Steep, as he reflects on his experiences growing up in Boston, navigating racial identity, and the nuances of success in a demanding profession. This episode offers insights into overcoming societal pressures, the...
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Ep. 203 - Johnzelle Anderson: Rewriting Your Life’s Mixtape
Release Date: May 19, 2026 Episode: Number 203 Guest: Johnzelle Anderson, LPC, Author of Mixtape: A Memoir ## Episode Summary What if your memories weren’t just chapters in a book, but tracks on a mixtape? In this episode of Stories from Real Life, we sit down with Licensed Professional Counselor...
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Ep. 202: Aaron Ryan: The Story of My Life
Podcast: Stories from Real Life Host: Melvin E. Edwards Guest: Aaron Ryan Release Date: May 12, 2026 Episode Summary Award-winning and bestselling author Aaron Ryan joins Stories from Real Life to discuss the discipline, persistence, and creativity required to build a life around storytelling.…
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Ep. 201 - Jason Prokowiew: Fighting a Two-Front War in My Own Home
Show Notes Release Date: May 5, 2026 Guest: Jason Prokowiew, author of War Boys About the Episode: How do you learn to love a man you were raised to fear? In this episode, we speak with author Jason Prokowiew about his transformative new memoir, War Boys. Jason shares the harrowing history of his...
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Ep. 200 - Melvin E. Edwards: Announcing the Release of 'Nuremberg, Mississippi'
Episode 200: A Milestone and a Premiere To celebrate this double-milestone, this episode reflects on the journey to 200 episodes of Stories from Real Life and announces the global launch of the debut novel, Nuremberg, Mississippi. Episode Summary In this special edition, we mark the 200th episode...
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Ep. 199 - Nancy Jasin Ensley: The Tire Swing
Guest: Nancy Jasin Ensley Host: Melvin E. Edwards Release Date: April 28, 2026 Episode Summary Nancy Jasin Ensley is a multifaceted creator whose work is deeply rooted in her 54-year career in healthcare and her personal journey of transformation. Here are the key details about her life, career,...
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Ep. 198 - Dr. Stuart Jones: For the Love of Stephen
Guest: Dr. Stuart D. Jones, Author of For the Love of Stephen Release Date: April 21, 2026 Episode Overview In a society that often measures value by productivity and “normalcy,” what does it mean to be whole? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Stuart D. Jones to discuss his deeply moving...
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Ep. 197 - Eric Robinson: How a Pastor Became an FBI Agent
Join us as Eric Robinson shares his extraordinary transition from being a Baptist pastor to a seasoned FBI agent, blending faith, intuition, and law enforcement expertise to navigate some of the most challenging situations. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How Eric’s faith and pastoral experience...
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Ep. 196 - Matt O'Neill: Why Your Mood is Your Greatest Asset
Episode Show Notes Guest: Matt O’Neill Host: Melvin E. Edwards Category: Mindset / Business / Personal Development Episode Summary We’ve all been told the same story: work hard, hit the milestones, and happiness will find you. But what happens when you reach the summit—the $8M business, the #1...
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Ep. 195 - Antonio Michael Downing: Becoming Yourself in a World That Misunderstands You
Author and broadcaster Antonio Michael Downing joins Melvin E. Edwards for a powerful conversation about identity, reinvention, and belonging. Born in Trinidad and raised in rural Canada, Downing’s life has taken him through multiple identities — musician, performer, writer, and now host of CBC’s...
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Ep. 194 - Lisa Parda: When Your Plans Change
Stories from Real Life: Lisa Parda on Pivoting, Leadership, and Impact In this episode, Lisa Parda shares her journey from aspiring air traffic controller to successful real estate broker, media personality, and author. She discusses the importance of authentic leadership, embracing change during...
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Ep. 193 - Al Isaacs: Searching for My Mother after 53 Years
Guest: Al Isaacs Episode Summary What would you do if you discovered—after decades—that the story of your own life wasn’t true? Would you want to know the truth? Comedian, writer, and performer Al Isaacs spent most of his life believing he knew exactly where he came from. But in his fifties, a...
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Ep. 192 - Mark Firehammer: The Lost Art of Being Human
📝 Show Notes Guest: Mark Firehammer Author, musician, creative advocate, founder of Creative Humanity Alliance Discussion Highlights: * Creativity as a pathway to human connection * Cultural pressures toward conformity vs authenticity * Writing allegorical fiction for modern readers * Perception...
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Ep: 191 - Craig Randall: Stop Scoring Teachers. Start Growing Them.
Episode summary: Teacher observation is supposed to improve teaching and learning—but Craig Randall argues that in many schools it produces fear, limits risk-taking, and reduces growth. Craig shares the core principles of Trust-Based Observations (TBO), including strengths-based walkthroughs,...
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Ep. 190 - Miles Spencer: What Happens When Curiosity Becomes a Career
In this episode, Miles Spencer shares his incredible journey of curiosity-driven ventures, fearless risk-taking, and the power of storytelling to lead, inspire, and preserve legacy across generations. Discover how adventure and entrepreneurial spirit intersect in his life and learn practical...
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Ep. 189 - Alison Gieschen: Sail On
Show Notes (Bullet Points) 🔸 Key Topics Covered * Alison’s journey from running a horse farm and teaching to sailing around the world. * How her early passion for adventure propelled her toward blue-water sailing. * The creative process of writing while essentially living on the ocean. * The…
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Ep. 188 - Lisa Rites: Death, Divorce, and the Grief Between Them
In this episode of Stories from Real Life, grief educator Lisa Rites discusses the multifaceted nature of grief, emphasizing that it extends beyond death to include experiences like divorce and life transitions. She shares her personal journey through grief and how it led her to become a…
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Ep. 187 - Kerry Damiano: Around the World in One Lifetime
In this episode of “Stories from Real Life,” host Melvin E. Edwards welcomes Kerry Damiano, known as Ms. World Traveler, who shares her incredible journey of exploration across more than 145 countries. Kerry discusses how her passion for travel was ignited by her mother’s adventurous spirit and…
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Ep. 186 - Dr. Ben Long: The Quiet Cost of Exhaustion
Sleep is often treated as negotiable — something we squeeze in after work, family, ambition, and obligation. But what if that assumption is costing us more than we realize? (Please excuse the audio problems on my end.) In this episode of Stories from Real Life, Melvin E. Edwards sits down with…
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Ep. 185 - Kristan Swan: Learning to Listen to Your Own Life
In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards engages with Kristen Swan, who shares her insights on personal growth, curiosity, and the importance of reflection during life transitions. They discuss the impact of early life experiences on curiosity, the journey from landscape...
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Ep. 184 - Dr. Nelva Lee: From the Classroom to the Campaign
FOREVER Digital Storage - Their mission is to be the complete, permanent, and safe place where millions of families save and enjoy their memories for generations. Please support this sponsor of the podcast. In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Dr. Nelva…
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Ep. 183 - Helton Pereira: Fire, Faith, Family, and the Fight for Purpose
FOREVER Digital Storage - Their mission is to be the complete, permanent, and safe place where millions of families save and enjoy their memories for generations. Please support this sponsor of the podcast. Episode Summary: Today’s guest is Lt. Helton Pereira — born in Rio de Janeiro, immigrant…
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Ep. 182 - Mark Burnett: The Healing That No Doctor Prescribed
FOREVER Digital Storage - Their mission is to be the complete, permanent, and safe place where millions of families save and enjoy their memories for generations. Please support this sponsor of the podcast. In this episode, we speak with Mark Burnett, founder of My Brain Restore™, about his...
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Ep. 181 - Matthew Pridgen: Confronting America’s Hardest Truths
FOREVER Digital Storage - Their mission is to be the complete, permanent, and safe place where millions of families save and enjoy their memories for generations. Please support this sponsor of the podcast. Episode SummaryIn this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks…
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Ep. 180 - Scott Miller: Love, Loss, and a Sci-Fi Legacy
Sponsored by: FOREVER Digital Storage - Their mission is to be the complete, permanent, and safe place where millions of families save and enjoy their memories for generations. Episode Summary:In this episode, we sit down with Scott Miller—broadcaster, storyteller, and creator of The Lost Sci-Fi...
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Ep. 179 - Danny Johnson: Clean Comedy, Real Stories, and the Road
Guest: Danny Johnson — Comedian, Storyteller, “The Everyday Comic” FOREVER Digital Storage - Their mission is to be the complete, permanent, and safe place where millions of families save and enjoy their memories for generations. Please support this sponsor of the podcast. Episode Summary In this...
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Ep. 178 - Russell Van Brocklen: The Truth About Dyslexia That Schools Don’t Teach
FOREVER Digital Storage - Their mission is to be the complete, permanent, and safe place where millions of families save and enjoy their memories for generations. Please support this sponsor of the podcast. Episode Summary: In this episode, New York State Senate–funded dyslexia researcher Russell...
About this show
**Honored as the American Writing Awards Male Hosted Podcast of the Year for 2026.**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
Hosted by
Melvin E. Edwards