The Story of Everyman

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.

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.