The Story of Everyman

🎙️ Story of Everyman – Introduction (Grace Henderson Episode) “Welcome to the Story of Everyman.” It starts simple. A conversation. A moment. A story waiting to be told. “Our guest today is Grace Henderson.” A voice stepping into something new— “It is my first podcast.” And just like that… you’re not just listening to an episode— you’re witnessing a beginning. Because this show isn’t about perfection. It’s about honesty. It’s about real people, real stories, and the courage it takes to share them out loud. “Tell me what you do for a living.” A simple question… but behind it is a life, a journey, a story that didn’t happen overnight. This is where stories unfold. This is where voices matter. This is where Everyman becomes someone you can relate to. Welcome to The Story of Everyman.

🔥 NEW EPISODE | Story of Everyman 🔥 🎙️ Featuring Jaylin Raffety “Not a lot to do there other than bad things…” Jaylin’s story doesn’t begin with opportunity—it begins with challenge. A childhood that could’ve gone one direction… but didn’t. “Once I went homeschool, I didn’t want to go back…” “It allowed me to work with my dad…” What looked like a setback became a turning point. “I ended up saving up… and had the desire to work for myself…” At an age when most are still figuring things out, Jaylin was already building, already moving, already choosing a different path. “Just living.” But there’s nothing “just” about it. 👉 This episode is about resilience, growth, and what happens when you decide your story isn’t over. #StoryOfEveryman #EntrepreneurMindset #Resilience #LongviewTX #RealStories      

Bienvenidos nuevamente a La Historia de Everyman, el podcast donde exploramos las vidas, luchas y victorias de personas comunes cuyas historias nos inspiran. Hoy nos quedamos aquí en el Este de Texas para conversar con una empresaria local cuyo restaurante se ha convertido en un lugar especial para amigos, familias y la comunidad. Como escuchamos en la entrevista: “Restaurant… aquí, en el este de Tejas… is Ruby and Danny.” Ruby comparte su historia, su pasión por servir a la gente y el orgullo que siente al construir algo significativo para su familia y su comunidad. En un momento muy especial ella dice: “Cuando abrón Ruby… me siento muy contenta.” Se puede escuchar la emoción detrás de esas palabras — la alegría de abrir las puertas y ver que un sueño se hace realidad. Y quizá uno de los momentos más poderosos es cuando simplemente dice: “Yo me llamo Ruby.” Detrás de esas palabras sencillas hay una historia de esfuerzo, sacrificio y perseverancia — el tipo de historia que nos recuerda que cada negocio tiene un comienzo y cada éxito tiene un camino detrás. Hoy conversamos con Ruby, dueña de Ruby’s Mexican Restaurant en Longview, Texas, para conocer su historia, su familia y la pasión que mantiene viva su cocina y su comunidad.

Welcome to The Story of Everyman, the podcast where we sit down with ordinary people who have walked extraordinary paths. Today’s guest is someone many runners across Texas know well. As the episode begins we hear: “I have a pretty cool guest today named Briston, and he's the owner of Texas Outlaw Running.” But Briston Rains’ story didn’t begin with race finish lines or running companies. It started with a challenge most people can relate to. As he remembers those early days: “Like a warm-up lap, like half a mile and I could barely run half a mile.” Yet something inside him pushed him forward. What began as struggle slowly turned into discipline and purpose. Eventually he found himself pushing far beyond what he once thought possible. “I was running like 70 miles a week running eight, 10, 12 miles a day.” But this conversation goes deeper than running. Briston also shares the emotional journey of discovering the truth about his family and navigating relationships with the people who shaped his life. At one point he reflects on the complicated story surrounding his biological mother: “My real mother is the one that raised me… and my biological mother’s my biological mother.” It’s a powerful moment of honesty about identity, gratitude, and understanding where we come from. And somewhere along the way, all those miles on the road turned into something bigger. What began as a personal pursuit eventually grew into a company that now hosts races and builds community across Texas. As Briston explains: “These running company name ideas started coming to me in my head.” Those ideas would eventually become Texas Outlaw Running, a brand and movement that has inspired thousands of runners. Today we talk about perseverance, identity, faith, and the miles it takes to turn an idea into something real. So sit back and enjoy this episode of The Story of Everyman with Briston Rains, founder of Texas Outlaw Running.

🎙️ The Story of Everyman Podcast – Featuring Shawn Ingram Welcome to The Story of Everyman. There comes a moment in a man’s life when he stops… and looks back. “When you get to a certain age,” Shawn Ingram said, “I was looking at my life…” And what he saw wasn’t just success. It was absence. “And so I miss my family and I missed a lot. I've got a daughter that's 33 this year and I missed a great, great portion of her life.” Like many men, Shawn’s story didn’t begin with perfect footing. “Like a lot of us, unfortunately, I grew up in a divorce split home, divorced parents. So I never grew up with that parental unit.” Faith found him early… “My young life, that's where I grew up in Pentecostal Church.” But purpose… purpose would take time. Because there was something missing. “And I've never been able to plug into my community either.” But something happens when a man decides that his story isn’t over. Something happens when he chooses presence… over pursuit. When he decides, this chapter will be different. “I moved to Longview in 2015.” And here… he didn’t just find a place to live. He found a place to belong. “You said you wanted to be a part of the community.” Today, Shawn Ingram helps lead Longview Connections, a group built on something deeper than business. “We are a networking group… I think our biggest requirement is that our members are folks with integrity and honor and respect for one another.” Because in the end… This story isn’t about networking. It’s about redemption. It’s about family. It’s about community. And it’s about a man who decided that the rest of his life… Would be lived on purpose. This… Is the Story of Everyman. Featuring Shawn Ingram.  

Welcome to The Story of Everyman. Today’s guest is Peggy Riggs, a woman whose life reminds us that “everybody enjoyed being around me, but that wasn’t the truth.” Peggy is one of the contributing authors in Armor of Light, where, as she puts it, “they’re just chapters — each person has a chapter.” But her chapter carries weight, honesty, and courage. Peggy opens up about a journey marked by questions, pain, and faith, sharing, “when I wrote my chapter in the book, I had a lot of questions about some issues,” and acknowledging that “it’s been a painful experience.” She speaks candidly about anger, identity, and healing — even admitting, “I was angry with God,” and later realizing something powerful: “My story — I’m aware now that my story can help change people’s lives.” This is a conversation about truth over appearances, about long journeys and the people who walk them with us, and about the courage it takes to finally tell your story — not for sympathy, but for hope. This… is Peggy Riggs. And this is The Story of Everyman.

Welcome to The Story of Everyman—where real people tell the kind of stories that don’t fit neatly into a highlight reel. Today’s episode features Lee Mathis and the Brutally Handsome—a band that didn’t just come together through talent and timing, but through struggle, growth, and hard-earned clarity. In this conversation, Lee opens up about the road that led him here, including a very real battle with alcohol. He talks candidly about how drinking once had a grip on his life, how it clouded relationships, creativity, and direction—and what it took to finally step away from it. Not in a polished, rehearsed way, but with the honesty of someone who’s lived it. But this story isn’t told alone. We also hear from the bandmates who’ve stood alongside Lee—each bringing their own voice, history, and perspective. The lead singer and acoustic guitarist who helps shape the heart of the sound. The bass player who adds both rhythm and vocals. The drummer who keeps everything grounded and moving forward. And the lead guitarist whose style gives the music its edge and texture. Together, they talk about what it’s like to build something real—not just musically, but relationally. How trust matters. How showing up matters. And how sobriety didn’t take music away from Lee—it gave the band something stronger to build on. What comes through clearly is that this isn’t just a group of musicians sharing a stage. It’s a group of people who believe in each other, who’ve watched growth happen in real time, and who understand that clarity changes everything. This isn’t just a story about a band. It’s a story about survival, accountability, brotherhood, and choosing something better when the old way stops working. This is The Story of Everyman. And this is the story of Lee Mathis and the Brutally Handsome—music, recovery, and what happens when you decide to stay.

This is a special edition of Story of Everyman. We talk about our introduction through my local page, All Things Longview. She brought one of her artists, Jodi to share a little about herself. She shares details about a mural on a retaining wall in Longview, which, once completed, will be the second largest Mural in the state of Texas. Enjoy this special episode.

    Episode: Corey Wade – The Outcast, The Craftsman, The Everyman Within In The Story of Everyman, we go beyond headlines and highlight reels to uncover the raw, unfiltered human stories that remind us who we are. Each week, host John Silos sits down with someone whose journey mirrors the quiet battles and victories we all share — stories that breathe, break, and rebuild what it means to live with purpose, humility, and heart. This episode brings us face to face with Corey Wade — a man whose laughter carries both grit and grace, and whose story unfolds like a weathered map of East Texas roads. Corey was born right here in Longview, and at almost fifty years old, he’s lived through the spectrum of what small-town life can shape — the good, the bad, and the misunderstood. From his earliest days at Pine Tree, a school long labeled as “the rich white kid school,” Corey never fit the mold. He wasn’t the cool kid, wasn’t the athlete, wasn’t the rebel smoking under the stairs. He was something else entirely — the outcast skateboarder, the one who drifted between worlds, never quite belonging but always paying attention. His story captures the feeling of growing up on the edge of acceptance, in a time when identity was shaped by what you weren’t allowed to be. As the conversation unfolds, Corey opens up about what it meant to be “the nerdy skateboarder” — intelligent enough to be placed in the Academically Gifted Minors program, yet restless enough to walk away from it all. He talks about how curiosity became rebellion, how potential can feel like a cage when you’re too young to understand it, and how that quiet defiance shaped the man he would later become. But The Story of Everyman is never just about where we’ve been — it’s about what we carry forward. Through laughter and reflection, Corey reveals the irony and wisdom that come with age: the realization that getting older doesn’t automatically bring serenity or understanding. It just sharpens the edges of what’s real. In this heartfelt sit-down, John and Corey explore friendship, regret, humor, and grace — those intangible truths that link us all together under the same human sky. The episode is less an interview and more a mirror, one that shows us how easily our stories can overlap, no matter how different our paths. The Story of Everyman isn’t about fame or fortune — it’s about the ordinary people who carry extraordinary lessons. It’s about resilience, the beauty of imperfection, and the quiet courage of showing up in your own life — again and again. So pull up a chair, take a breath, and listen. Because this — this is The Story of Everyman. And today, it’s Corey’s turn to tell it.

In every life, there are shadows… and yet, there is light. Today, we invite you into the story of a woman who has walked through both. Marquett Ridgeway was born in Dallas, carried through childhood moves and memories, the eldest of three — a daughter, a sister, and a soul shaped by both joy and pain. From the shy halls of Mesquite High School to the bright lights of choir and theater, she learned to find her voice, even when the world tried to silence it. Because behind her quiet strength is the truth of survival. Marquett endured the unthinkable — the wounds of sexual abuse — and still chose not only to live, but to rise. She became a mother, a nurturer, and a beacon of resilience for her daughters and for all who meet her. Her journey is not one of defeat, but of defiance. Not one of endings, but of new beginnings. Through pain, she found courage. Through silence, she found song. This is not just her story. This is the story of survival, of strength, of Everyman. This… is the story of Marquett Ridgeway.

Welcome to The Story of Everyman — where ordinary voices share extraordinary journeys. Today, we open the door to a story rooted in resilience, movement, and faith. Our guest, Maleke, carries with him the echoes of the Gulf Coast and the quiet roads of East Texas. Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, his path has wound through Dangerfield, the heart of Longview, and back again — each step shaping who he is today. What began as a new face in the pews of Washington Church soon became a trusted hand in the hum of the production team. But beyond the soundboards and lights lies a deeper story — of leaving and returning, of finding identity in the shifting ground between places, and of discovering where home truly is. This is not just the story of one man — it is a reflection of every soul searching for belonging, for purpose, for roots that run deeper than soil. Join us, as we sit with Maleke, and listen. Because in his voice, we may hear pieces of our own.

Welcome… to The Story of Every Man. A journey where faith and struggle, hope and hardship, meet on sacred ground. Today, we walk beside Art. Born in Shreveport, yet rooted in Dallas — a city that has always been his anchor, his home through every storm, his ground through every trial. From the weight of a father’s battles… to the shadow of end-of-life moments… to the search for love that carries, sustains, redeems — this is more than one man’s testimony. It is a reflection of all of us — the fight to rise, the will to endure, and the grace of God woven through it all. So lean in. Hear the heartbeat of a man’s story — and in it, discover a piece of your own.

There is a Local barber in Longview, Texas Name Adam Smith. I have several friends who know him and would tell me he had a great story and he should be on my podcast. As fate would have it, I ran into one of his employees who introduced herself to me and said he should be on the podcast. With that, I invited Adam to Story of Everyman to learn what his story was. It was one of growing up with a twin sister, living in a life in which struggle was not the exception, it was the norm. He learned how to survive from an early age, and soon found himself in the throws of addiction and self destructive behaviors that shoved him into the unwelcoming arms of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He found himself falling further and further into the hands of the devil. He will share moments of this part of his life. He will share the moment he gave his life to his higher power and never looked back and how he has been blessed since. He shares the hardest moment of his recovery. He talks about finding the love of his life. He share the impact of people in his life. So, clear your mind and take in on this the story of Adam Smith.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Brittany Ridgeway, a young woman whose life has been anything but easy—but every chapter has made her stronger. Brittany grew up without her father, learning hard truths in his silence, still she finds forgiveness and love for him. Her mother became her rock, working multiple jobs and putting her own dreams on hold just to provide for Brittany and her sister. That sacrifice would shape Brittany’s view of love, survival, and what it means to show up. She tells us about a long-term relationship that stretched over years—one that looked solid from the outside, but inside was full of quiet heartbreak. Letting go wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. From that breaking came a surprising new beginning—love, rediscovered, in someone familiar. Brittany now chooses to walk by faith, trusting that every twist in her story had a purpose. She closes by speaking directly to the two friends who have meant the world to her. Her words are simple, but powerful—a reminder of how much we need each other. This is Brittany’s story: full of pain, perseverance, and unexpected grace.

Welcome to The Story of Every Man, where courage, healing, and truth take center stage. We’re honored to share the journey of Juli Dorsey. A very much anticipated episode — a woman whose strength was created through life's trials and tribulations. Through heartbreak, confusion, and moments of deep discomfort, Juli found something many never do: herself. She’s here to speak openly about the raw process of reclaiming her voice, setting boundaries, and learning to live life on her own terms. Once thought to be a rival of the host, she clarifies how she has come to understand him better. Her story is a powerful reminder that growth often begins in the most uncomfortable places, and that the path to self-love is rarely easy — but always worth it.

Welcome to The Story of Everyman, where real voices echo through the complexity of life—and today’s voice is one of quiet resilience and radiant rebirth. Meet Re'Beka Howie. Born into the world under uncertain circumstances, she entered life with a lingering question—was she even supposed to be here? Raised in a high-stress environment and enduring the trauma of sexual abuse, Re'Beka had to navigate love, identity, and survival on her own terms. But this is not just a story of pain—it's a story of awakening. A journey that led her to unexpected faith, serendipitous love, and one of the most profound miracles of all: a powerful reconnection with the woman who brought her into this world—her mother. Re'Beka’s story is raw, real, and ultimately redemptive. And as she shares her truth, may you find pieces of your own story rising to the surface, reminding you that even the most broken roads can lead us home.

Welcome to Moments Between the Silence—where the quietest voices often hold the loudest truths. We’re stepping into the world of someone who rarely invites you in. Brant is a man of few words. He comes and goes like a passing breeze—noticed, yet never fully known. To many, he's a mystery. Quiet. Reserved. Always present, but somehow distant. But behind that stillness lies a story—one shaped by a childhood full of twists, quiet lessons, and defining moments. In this rare conversation, Brant opens up, piece by piece, revealing what life has taught him, and how those lessons carved the young man he is today. And just when you think you've heard it all—he shares something unexpected. A surprise that might just change how you see him… and maybe how you see yourself. So take a breath. Lean in. This is Brant’s moment.

Today’s guest is someone who truly embodies strength—inside and out. We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Doug Daley: a dedicated chiropractor, CrossFit extraordinaire, and above all, an exceptional husband and father. Dr. Daley’s journey has taken him from the world of physical therapy to mastering the art of chiropractic care—and he’s brought his deep love for health and movement with him every step of the way. But beyond the clinic and the gym, Doug’s true power comes from the foundation he’s built with his family and his unwavering faith. In this episode, Doug opens up about his path into healthcare, the grit and grace behind his athletic pursuits, what it means to lead his family with purpose, and how his wife and faith have shaped the man he is today. Whether you're chasing your own health goals, striving to be a better parent or partner, or simply seeking a dose of real inspiration—this one’s for you. Let’s get into it with Dr. Doug Daley.

    Some stories break your heart. Some stories heal it. And then there are those rare stories—like the one you're about to hear—that do both.   Today, we welcome Krista, a woman whose life has been shaped by love, discipline, rebellion, heartbreak, and ultimately, redemption.   She grew up in a good home, surrounded by family, learning from a stepfather who believed in discipline and strong values. He was firm, sometimes too firm, but his intentions were never cruel. He was trying to prepare Krista and her sisters for a world that wouldn’t be easy on them. But youth often rebels against restraint, and Krista—spirited, determined—began walking a path she thought was her own.   That path led her to a man who seemed perfect—charming, attentive, everything she thought love should be. But behind the facade was a darkness she never saw coming. What started as affection turned into years of manipulation, control, and pain. She lost herself in that relationship, trapped in a cycle of fear and false hope.   But Krista’s story is not one of defeat—it’s one of survival. One of faith. One of finding the courage to walk away, to rebuild, to rediscover herself. She found strength in a place she never expected: in faith, in healing, and in reconnecting with the father she never truly knew.   This is Krista’s story—a journey through hardship, through loss, through finding her way back to love, not just from others, but within herself. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.   This is The Story of Every Man.

SOE: Today, we’re honored to welcome Pam, an inspiring author and the editor behind the Her Voice movement—a powerful series of books featuring stories from various authors who have navigated life’s challenges, including trauma, and emerged stronger. Originally from California, Pam brings her own deeply personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma, and she’s here to share her story, insights, and the impact of Her Voice with us. Welcome, Pam! 

Jose Sanchez is a dedicated immigration attorney based in Longview, Texas. Drawing from his personal journey as an immigrant, he understands firsthand the challenges and hopes associated with navigating a new country. Raised by two loving parents who instilled in him the values of perseverance and integrity, Jose’s path to law was both inspired and intentional. After completing his education and earning his law degree, he not only embraced the rigor of legal practice but also enriched his perspective through extensive travel, exploring diverse cultures and legal systems around the globe. Today, he leverages his unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to passionately advocate for his clients, guiding them through the complexities of immigration law and helping them achieve their American dreams.

Trinity Jackson and Kat, some of the authors behind Her Movement, bring a powerful and deeply personal series that shares their journeys through life's trials and tribulations. With raw honesty and heartfelt storytelling, they reflect on their past struggles, the challenges they faced while growing up, and the moments that tested their strength. Through it all, they discovered faith, which became the foundation for their transformation and healing. Now, in their newest season of renewal, they invite readers to walk alongside them as they embrace growth, resilience, and the power of redemption. Her Movement is more than a series—it's a testament to hope, faith, and the beauty of overcoming. We look forward to interviewing more of the authors in this series. Make sure to follow to be updated of new additions.

Welcome to the Story of Every Man, where we bring you real stories. Today, we’re diving into the journey of a man who turned his dreams into reality—Johnny Sanchez. A proud Longview native, Johnny was born to immigrant parents, built a thriving local roofing company from the ground up, and found strength in faith along the way. He’s a devoted husband who married his college sweetheart, and his story is one of perseverance, love, and coming closer to God. Get ready to be inspired—let’s jump in!

Meet the Castanon Sisters, Genesis, and Kimberly. They share their story about growing up being born years. They discuss relationship perspectives. They express how life was like as an immigrant family in the US, and how they have persevered. Their story is one of family and faith with a lot of humor.

This episode of Story of Everyman covers a young man from Tyler, Texas named Carlos Leguizamo. He tells his story about losing his father to an apparent suicide, growing up with without his father, getting bullied in life, and how he dealt with coping with childhood trauma, and Sexual Abuse as a child.

This episode of Story of Everyman covers a young man from Tyler, Texas named Carlos Leguizamo. He tells his story about losing his father to an apparent suicide, growing up with without his father, getting bullied in life, and how he dealt with coping with childhood trauma, and Sexual Abuse as a child.

This week we get an intimate look into the life of a very good friend of mine, Case Fields. Casey talks about growing up, great loss in his life and how he coped with it. We talk about his faith and how he came find faith after time away from his. He shares his personal relationship with his pastor. We walk away with another view from another person in our life and a greater understanding of life.

If you don't know Monica Keasler, she is accused of making the calls that ultimately had Peanut the squirrel and a raccoon taken from their owners and euthanized. About a week and a half ago, New York authorities entered Mark Longo's residence in New York with a warrant and removed the two animals. Look for some one to blame the internet found this East Texas mother of 2 twins to hammer their blame on. This is her defense...

This episode we dive into the life of Cody Knight, and he gives you an intimate look into his life from being born in Las Vegas to Finding love, and faith. Cody now leads a ministry at Motion Church that helps guide individuals who has just found faith on their next steps to getting closer to Jesus.  

On this Episode of Story of every man we talk with A local Saxophone player who goes by the name of "Low D". I was first introduced to him at a local event and was hooked on his playing, and his style of stage presence. You can tell he enjoys playing, and entertaining a crowd. He can play anything from classical to contemporary music. If you are ever in the longview area. Look him up and check him out. You can also look at his face book page.

On this edition, we are talking about happiness. What is happiness? Is Joy and Peace part of happiness or a prerequisite? Are people happy all the time? I have to preface that the opinions shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and no one else's. We will site anything we can to help the viewer when possible. Thank you for watching.

Child to immigrant parents, Texas raised, Marine veteran, family, and successful real estate agent. Join us as we spend some time with Ashley who won a local poll for real estate agents in our face book group, named All Things Longview. Her story is amazing.

Here we examine and share each other's perspective of the 2 Main Laws of the Bible. Love God and Love your Neighbor. 

Here we examine and share each other's perspective of the 2 Main Laws of the Bible. Love God and Love your Neighbor. 

Welcome, in this I discuss relationships in dating, and marriage with me co-host and special guest Luis. Let's start with saying, this is a discussion amongst individuals and not experts. There are many aspects to this topic that are valuable and have individual has input on, this means we are going to have to return to the topic in future podcasts. You will see how each person on my panel comes from different background and contributes their own viewpoints to the discussion. It is important to say our opinions are those of are own and do not reflect those of any entity names in the episode. If you enjoy this podcast please hit the like button, subscribe and come back as we continue to grow the topics.

Together with Hannah, Chris, and Matt we explore motivation and how we can motivation those around us to work towards their goals. What drives us as people to achieve goals and let others fall to the wayside.  Hope you enjoy this episode. 

Together with Hannah, Chris, and Matt we explore motivation and how we can motivation those around us to work towards their goals. What drives us as people to achieve goals and let others fall to the wayside.  Hope you enjoy this episode.