Life Stories Podcast

Shara Goswick
  • 5.0 (22)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Weekly

Sharing Stories. Inspiring Hope. Building Connections. I’m Shara Goswick, host of the Life Stories podcast, where I sit down with people from all over the world who are helping others in unique and powerful ways. My mission is simple: to remind people that there is still good in the world. Through Life Stories, I highlight nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, and everyday people who are making a difference. Each conversation is an opportunity to shine a light on kindness, resilience, creativity, and faith.

  1. 3d ago

    Building a Legacy of Hope, One Family at a time with Liz Brewer

    Twenty years ago, Liz Brewer turned one of the most difficult experiences of her life into a mission that continues to impact families today. After losing her father to Stage 4 lung cancer, she recognized a gap in support for families facing medical crises and created the Foundation Angel Program to connect them with practical help, financial assistance, and compassionate volunteers. During our conversation, Liz shares how the Angel Foundation FL has grown from a simple idea into a community-wide movement of businesses, volunteers, and donors serving families in crisis. We talk about the power of showing up, the importance of keeping service simple, and why helping others often starts with the smallest acts of kindness.To find out more about the Angel Foundation, visit https://angelfoundationfl.com/

    33 min

  2. Jun 25

    Protecting Our Kids: A Conversation with Dave Kopeny

    What happens when a former school counselor, juvenile probation officer, gang investigator, and private investigator spends more than 30 years on the front lines of the drug crisis? In this eye-opening conversation, Dave Kopeny shares what he's learned about teen substance abuse, addiction, and the critical role parents play in prevention. Drawing from both his professional experience and his personal story of growing up in a family impacted by addiction, Dave offers practical, real-world advice for parents who want to protect their children before problems begin. Dave explains why he believes the traditional "war on drugs" has failed, how today's drug landscape is more dangerous than ever, and why every parent needs to have proactive conversations with their children. We discuss warning signs parents shouldn't ignore, common misconceptions about teen drug use, the impact of social media, and how parents can become their child's biggest influence when it comes to making healthy choices. Dave also shares details about his upcoming book, Tip of the Spear, and his free parent resource community, ASAP Community. If you're a parent, grandparent, educator, or anyone who cares about the next generation, this conversation is full of insight, hope, and practical steps you can take today. To connect with Dave, visit https://asapcommunity.org/

    40 min

  3. Jun 22

    A Story of Survival, Healing, and Hope with Carolyn Sherrow

    In this episode, Carolyn shares the deeply personal story behind her memoir, My Personal Holocaust, and the years-long journey that led her from hidden trauma to healing and freedom. After experiencing severe symptoms of PTSD in adulthood, she began a counseling process that uncovered repressed childhood memories and helped her understand the ways trauma had shaped her life. Carolyn explains dissociation in a relatable way and offers insight into how God designed the mind to protect us during overwhelming experiences. Throughout the conversation, Carolyn discusses the role faith, counseling, and supportive community played in her healing. She shares why hope is often the key to moving forward, what true forgiveness really looks like, and why healing is rarely a straight path. This honest and encouraging discussion offers hope to anyone carrying wounds from the past and reminds listeners that freedom is possible, no matter how long they've struggled. To connect with Carolyn and learn more about her books, visit https://cordsofgrace.com/

    33 min

  4. Jun 18

    Finding Fulfillment Beyond Success with Ulrika Torquato

    What if the life you're looking for is already here?In this thoughtful conversation, Ulrika Torquato shares her remarkable journey from medical doctor to opera singer, and ultimately to creating Joyering®, an app designed to help people notice the small moments of joy that are already present in everyday life. Born in Sweden, raised in Brazil, and now living in Switzerland, Ulrika's path has been anything but linear.Together, we discuss the pressure of chasing success, the challenge of living with uncertainty, and why so many of us overlook the meaningful moments happening right in front of us. Ulrika explains how learning to slow down, pay attention, and appreciate life's simple gifts transformed her perspective and inspired the creation of Joyering®. This conversation is a gentle reminder that fulfillment may not be found in achieving more, but in noticing what is already here.To find out more about Joyering, visit https://joyering.com/

    24 min

  5. Jun 15

    The Power of One More Step with Phebe Trotman

    Phebe Trotman is a multi-Hall of Fame athlete, award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and bestselling author of the Never Quit on a Bad Day book series. After spending decades competing at the highest levels of soccer, she discovered that some of life's greatest lessons come not from victories, but from setbacks, disappointments, and the courage to keep going.In this episode, Phebe shares how sports helped shape her mindset, the importance of focusing on what you can control, and why growth often happens outside your comfort zone. We also talk about confidence, gratitude, resilience, and the power of taking one small step forward when life feels overwhelming.To connect with Phebe and find out more about her books, visit https://neverquitonabadday.com/

    25 min

  6. Jun 11

    From Incarceration to Inspiration with Jesse Crosson

    What happens when someone who thought their life was over discovers that accountability, support, and hope can lead to a completely different future? In this episode, Jesse Crosson shares his remarkable journey from addiction, arrest, and a lengthy prison sentence to becoming an author, advocate, and founder of the Second Chancer Foundation. Jesse opens up about the mentors, family members, and unexpected supporters who helped him rebuild his life and find purpose behind prison walls. We also talk about the power of second chances, why connection and mentorship can change lives, and the important work the Second Chancer Foundation is doing with young people in juvenile detention. Jesse's story is a powerful reminder that no one should be defined by their worst moment and that hope can be found even in the most difficult circumstances. To connect with Jesse or to find out more about The Second Chancer Foundation, visit https://jessecrosson.com/ and https://www.second-chancer.org/ 3 ways to support Life Stories: *Like and share this episode! *Subscribe to this channel! *Buy me a virtual coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/lifestoriespodcast Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

    20 min

  7. Jun 4

    Turning Struggle Into Purpose: Alexa's Story

    When Alexa Denaburg was 28 years old, she was building a successful career in marketing, pursuing her MBA, and living what many would consider a dream life in New York City. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, her voice began to change. What started as occasional vocal interruptions quickly turned into a long and frustrating search for answers that ultimately led to a diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological voice disorder. In this conversation, Alexa shares what it was like to lose control of something most of us rarely think about, our ability to speak, and how that experience impacted her confidence, identity, career, and everyday life.Alexa opens up about the challenges of navigating misdiagnoses, advocating for herself within the healthcare system, and finding hope when traditional treatments didn't feel like the right path for her. She discusses the holistic practices that helped her reconnect with her body, calm her nervous system, and regain confidence in her voice. Through honesty, humor, and resilience, Alexa offers encouragement for anyone facing a diagnosis, a life transition, or an unexpected challenge. Her story is a powerful reminder that even when life doesn't go according to plan, we can still find purpose, healing, and a new way forward.To connect with Alexa, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/abalonik/3 ways to support Life Stories:*Like and share this episode!*Subscribe to this channel!*Buy me a virtual coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/lifestoriespodcastWant to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

    26 min

  8. Jun 1

    How Adversity Can Shape Your Purpose with Coach Q

    **My love/hate relationship with Zoom shows up in this week's episodes as only audio recorded.**In this episode of Life Stories, I sit down with Quinn Harwood, also known as Coach Q, to talk about how some of life’s most painful moments can become the catalyst for growth and purpose. Quinn shares his journey from chasing NBA dreams and playing professional basketball to walking through devastating personal loss, career setbacks, divorce, and uncertainty during Covid. Through those difficult seasons, he discovered a deeper calling to help others break through limiting beliefs and step into their full potential through life and leadership coaching.We also talk about the power of faith, identity, overcoming self-doubt, and why so many people tie their worth to performance. Quinn opens up about the lessons he’s learned through coaching, parenting, leadership, and writing his book GrowthTime!. This conversation is filled with encouragement, practical wisdom, and honest reminders that growth often comes through the hardest seasons of life.To connect with Quinn, visit https://coachqharwood.com/3 ways to support Life Stories:*Like and share this episode!*Subscribe to this channel!*Buy me a virtual coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/lifestoriespodcastWant to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

    23 min
See All (251)

5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Sharing Stories. Inspiring Hope. Building Connections. I’m Shara Goswick, host of the Life Stories podcast, where I sit down with people from all over the world who are helping others in unique and powerful ways. My mission is simple: to remind people that there is still good in the world. Through Life Stories, I highlight nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, and everyday people who are making a difference. Each conversation is an opportunity to shine a light on kindness, resilience, creativity, and faith.

Information

  • Creator
    Shara Goswick
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    251
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shara Goswick
  • Show Website
    Life Stories Podcast

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