Stories from Real Life

TRIGGER WARNING: Child trauma discussed in this episode.In this episode of Stories from Real Life, we sit down with Adriene Caldwell — author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines — to explore what it really means to survive, heal, and rise. Adriene’s story is one of resilience forged through unimaginable hardship, from childhood trauma to the long road of rebuilding identity and trust. She shares how she found her voice, her faith, and ultimately, her freedom.This conversation isn’t just about trauma — it’s about transformation. Adriene reminds us that healing isn’t a straight line, and that every scar tells a story worth sharing.www.UnbrokenCaldwell.comWant to be a guest on Stories from Real Life? Send Melvin Edwards a message on PodMatch, here. www.podcastreallife.com storiesfromreallife.substack.com Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards interviews Azgari Lipshy, an entrepreneur who shares her journey from starting her first business at 16 to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. Azgari discusses the influence of her family, the lessons learned from early failures, and her passion for helping others launch their own businesses. The conversation explores themes of freedom, success, mentorship, and the importance of taking risks in life.Today, she’s built and sold multiple companies — and teaches others how to turn ideas into income. But behind the spreadsheets and systems is a deeper story: one of self-belief, burnout, failure, and the quiet strength it takes to start again.In this episode of Stories from Real Life, Azgari opens up about the moments that shaped her, the lessons that nearly broke her, and the truth about building not just a business — but a life of purpose.Azgari Lipshy Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards welcomes back music legend Norbert Putnam for a deep dive into his storied career. Norbert shares captivating anecdotes about his experiences with iconic artists such as Kris Kristofferson, Donna Summer, and Elvis Presley. He reflects on the collaborative nature of music production, the challenges faced by artists, and the profound impact of storytelling through sound. With insights into the music industry and personal reflections on human nature, this conversation is a treasure trove for music lovers and aspiring musicians alike.Norbert PutnamNorbert Putnam’s bookKris KristoffersonDonna Summer’s tribute to Dan FogelbergQuadrafonic Sound Studio Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of ‘Stories from Real Life,’ host Melvin E. Edwards engages with Dr. Brad Duren, a history professor, to explore the intricate relationship between American politics, religious revivalism, conspiracy theories, and celebrity culture. They discuss how historical religious movements have shaped political landscapes, the influence of modern political rhetoric, and the role of community in shaping political identities among younger generations. The conversation also delves into the impact of conspiracy theories on American culture, the blurring lines between entertainment and politics, and the implications of these trends for the future of democracy. Dr. Duren emphasizes the need for a religious enlightenment that merges humility with enthusiasm, urging listeners to recognize the importance of history in understanding contemporary issues.Great Awakenings The ApprenticeThe Divine ConspiracyBrad L. Duren, Ph.D. serves as the Dean of Liberal Arts and Public Service at Tulsa Community College, and provides leadership support for the Social Sciences, Humanities, History & Political Science, Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Human Services, and Child Development & Education disciplines. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Do you ever feel like you notice things others miss, or get easily overwhelmed by noise, stress, or busy environments? You might be a highly sensitive person. In this episode, we explore what it really means to be highly sensitive—the challenges of deep feelings and overstimulation, as well as the hidden strengths like empathy, creativity, and intuition. Whether you’re an HSP yourself or you want to better understand someone in your life, this conversation reveals how sensitivity, far from being a weakness, can be a superpower.Tammy Goen’s websitehttps://hsperson.com/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 Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Today I’m joined by Dean Taylor — speaker, mentor, and author — who helps fathers move from feeling stuck to living with clarity, courage, and purpose. After nearly three decades in healthcare leadership, Dean realized outward success didn’t match the life he truly wanted. Now, he equips dads to define their values, strengthen their faith, and leave a lasting legacy. In this conversation, we dig into his personal journey, practical tools, and the heart of what it means to live intentionally.Books mentioned in this episode:Start with WhyMiracle MorningWant 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 Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

My guest today is Iuri Melo — a licensed therapist, author, and co-founder of SchoolPulse, a program that brings daily encouragement, emotional support, and real-time communication to students across the country. Iuri has spent his career helping people discover resilience, hope, and healing, whether in schools, families, or individual lives. In our conversation, we’ll dive into his personal journey, the lessons he’s learned from working with thousands of students, and how SchoolPulse is reshaping the way we talk about mental health and well-being in our schools. This is an episode about courage, connection, and the power of showing up when people need it most.Here’s a link to SchoolPulse. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Maria Gallucci, a real estate agent and author who grew up in a deaf family. They discuss the unique challenges and experiences of navigating both the hearing and deaf worlds, the importance of communication, and the role of empathy and love in bridging cultural gaps. Maria shares insights from her book, 'Raised in Silence,' highlighting the significance of family dinners, the lessons learned from being a child of deaf adults, and the misconceptions surrounding deaf culture. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusivity and understanding in communication, regardless of language. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

I apologize for the distorted audio on my end. It’s still a good episode with plenty of helpful hints.In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Bart Merrell, known as the Side Hustle Samurai. Bart shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his childhood experiences on a pig farm to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of monetizing one's mindset, validating side hustle ideas, and the role of mentorship in achieving success. Bart emphasizes the need for financial resilience and preparedness for opportunities, as well as the significance of embracing new trends, particularly in AI. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to recognize opportunities in their own lives and take action.https://bartmerrell.com/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 Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Summer camp should be all about fun, freedom, and the great outdoors. But when severe weather strikes, those carefree moments can turn dangerous in an instant. That’s why Julie Kay Roberts launched Signal & Shield, a national initiative equipping over 12,000 youth camps with NOAA Weather Radios and training staff to act quickly when alerts sound.In this episode, Julie shares the urgent “alert gap” most camps face, why minutes matter in a storm, and how one simple device can save lives. We’ll explore the partnerships making it possible, stories from the field, and how you can help bring safety — and peace of mind — to camps everywhere.🎙️ Whether you’re a parent, camp leader, or just passionate about preparedness, this is a conversation that could save lives.www.psema.org/foundation/signal Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Gregg Korbon’s life was rooted in science, discipline, and achievement—through medicine, military service, martial arts, and teaching. But when his son, Brian, a deeply intuitive and gifted child, died just before his tenth birthday - just as he had predicted to his parents - everything changed. Out of unimaginable loss came dreams, synchronicities, and spiritual encounters that challenged the limits of reason. In this episode, we explore the themes of his book Beyond Reason: the transformative power of grief, the role of faith and intuition, and how loss can open us to a deeper consciousness of love and connection. Dr. Korbon also shares insights for those navigating grief, bridging the worlds of science and spirituality, and carrying forward the legacies of those we love.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 Beyond Reason bookstoriesfromreallife.substack.com Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Kenneth Webb has lived a life of constant reinvention—retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, former American Airlines employee, defense contractor, and now debut crime-thriller author. In this episode, we dive into his journey from Texas to Lima, Peru, and explore the real-life experiences that shaped his novel Trapped in Deception. Ken opens up about leadership, resilience, and creativity, while also sharing what it’s like to start over in a new country and a new career.https://kenwebb69.com/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 Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ What does it take to play bass for Elvis Presley, shape the Muscle Shoals sound, and produce hits for Jimmy Buffett? In this episode, legendary bassist and producer Norbert Putnam takes us behind the scenes of six decades in music history.From his early days in Muscle Shoals - where a small-town studio created a sound that shook the world - to his unforgettable sessions with Elvis, Jimmy Buffett, and so many others, Norbert shares the stories only an insider could tell. With honesty, humor, and a deep love for the craft, he reflects on the magic moments, the challenges of the studio, and the lessons he’s carried through a lifetime of music-making.Whether you’re a lifelong Elvis fan, fascinated by the Muscle Shoals legacy, or simply curious about how timeless songs come to life, this conversation will pull you straight into the heart of American music. Norbert Putnam’s bookMusic Pioneer Arthur AlexanderFame Recording Studio (Muscle Shoals, Alabama)Rick HallStories from Real Life website Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards converses with author D.H. Morris about her debut novel, 'The Girl of Many Crowns,' the story of her real-life ancestor, Princess Judith. The discussion delves into the inspiration behind the book, the importance of genealogical research, and the ethical considerations in historical storytelling. Morris shares her experiences living across four continents and how they shaped her perspective on history and character development. The conversation also touches on themes of autonomy, resilience, and the parallels between historical events and modern society, as well as the role of storytelling in social activism. Morris concludes with advice for aspiring writers and a heartfelt message about love and understanding.Amazon.com: The Girl of Many Crowns: The true story of a runaway queen and a powerful knight who defy an empire eBook : Morris, D. H.: Kindle StoreWant 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 Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

My guest today is Doug O’Brien — an internationally recognized expert in Ericksonian Hypnosis, NLP, and Sleight of Mouth patterns. A former concert pianist and Broadway musician turned master trainer, Doug has spent decades teaching and coaching people around the world in how to transform beliefs, unlock potential, and create lasting change. He’s also one of the leading voices bringing Havening Techniques into the coaching and therapy space. From performing at Carnegie Hall to guiding entrepreneurs, athletes, and creatives to peak performance, Doug’s journey is both fascinating and inspiring. Today, we’ll dive into his methods, his philosophy, and even a few personal stories that shaped his path.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.comNLP Coaching Services & Certified Hypnotherapist Expertise https://ericksonian.com/ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Our guest today is Paden Squires, an entrepreneur, CPA, tax strategist, and host of the podcast Behind Their Success. From leaving corporate finance to building his own firm from his living room, Paden has made it his mission to help business owners and high earners become healthy, wealthy, and wise. He’s also a “20 Under 40” honoree and a passionate voice for turning scarcity into abundance.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.comhttps://www.padensquires.com/links Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards interviews talent agent Albert Bramante, who shares his unique journey from psychology to the entertainment industry. Albert discusses the challenges actors face, including imposter syndrome and self-doubt, and how his background in psychology informs his approach to talent representation. He highlights the importance of resilience, the evolving trends in the entertainment industry, and the significance of connection in his work. The conversation concludes with Albert emphasizing the need to stay motivated and connected to one's purpose. 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.comwww.albertbramante.com Takeaways * Albert's journey began with a passion for psychology and the human mind. * He transitioned from acting to talent representation, finding joy in working with actors. * Imposter syndrome is a common issue among actors due to the competitive nature of the industry. * The entertainment industry is saturated, making it difficult for actors to find success. * Albert's doctoral dissertation focused on self-sabotage in performing artists. * He emphasizes the importance of resilience and grit in both acting and teaching. Albert believes in the power of connection and collaboration in his work. * He encourages aspiring actors to approach agents as partners, not employees. * The industry is seeing positive changes in diversity and inclusion. * Albert's book offers actionable strategies for overcoming self-sabotage. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards engages with Reginald Martin, founder of Kametaphysics, to explore the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern psychology. They discuss the origins of Kametaphysics, the role of spiritual archetypes, and how inherited limitations affect personal growth. Reginald shares transformative stories of individuals who have embraced these teachings, emphasizing the importance of joy as a guiding principle in life. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about comedic science, the impact of guilt and shame, and practical techniques for maintaining inner strength and balance. Reginald's vision for the future of Kametaphysics aims to foster a deeper understanding of self and community, encouraging listeners to live authentically and joyfully.Reginald Martin's WebsiteWant 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 Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Dr. Bruce Chalmer, a couples therapist and co-host of the podcast Couples Therapy in Seven Words. They discuss the origins of their podcast, the significance of the seven words that guide couples therapy, and the challenges couples face in therapy. Dr. Chalmer shares insights on how these principles apply beyond romantic relationships, memorable moments from their podcast, and the importance of communication and respect in relationships. He also addresses when couples should seek therapy and offers advice for those hesitant to start. The conversation concludes with Dr. Chalmer's key message: be kind, don't panic, and have faith.Link to send listeners to:https://brucechalmer.com/That's the link to find out more about my books. Our "Couples Therapy in Seven Words" podcast website is https://ctin7.com.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.comstoriesfromreallife.substack.com Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Today on Stories from Real Life, we’re diving into the world of fluffy coats, tangled curls, and one woman’s unexpected journey from doodle owner to product innovator. My guest is Elina Panteleyeva—the founder of Dood Woof, a grooming brand built especially for the unique needs of doodles and curly-coated dogs.What started as a personal struggle to care for her own pup turned into a business with a loyal following of pet parents across the country. We’ll talk about the spark behind her brand, the growing pet care industry, and the messy, joyful reality of turning a problem into a purpose.https://doodwoof.com/https://www.podcastreallife.com/Takeaways* Elena's family immigrated from Ukraine to Ohio, shaping her entrepreneurial spirit.* She started Dude Wolf after being laid off, viewing it as a sign to pursue her passion.* Building a community before launching a product is crucial for success.* Doodle dogs have unique grooming challenges that require specialized products.* Elena's background in project management helps her balance multiple tasks as a founder.* Social media often glamorizes entrepreneurship, but it comes with significant challenges.* Consistency and small daily progress are key to overcoming obstacles in business.* Success for Elena means having the freedom to live life on her own terms.* Listening to customers is essential for creating valuable products.* Starting a business doesn't require expertise; taking the first step is what matters. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe