Stories from Real Life

Melvin E. Edwards
  • 5.0 (33)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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

  1. Ep. 189 - Alison Gieschen: Sail On

    3D AGO

    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 role of resilience, fear, and personal transformation in challenging environments. * Storytelling techniques that draw inspiration from real world experiences and mythic imagination. * Practical tips for listeners dreaming of their own reinvention — whether through travel, writing, or life change. 🔸 Books & Projects Mentioned * Blue Ridge – Award-winning novel influenced by lifetime experience with people and place. * The Legend of Altor & Julia’s Vaulting Dream – Children’s and middle-grade fiction inspired by equestrian roots. * Riding the Waves of Reality: Tales of Turmoil and Triumph – Nonfiction sailing memoir. * The Seven – A sweeping novel blending fantasy with deep human themes of judgment, connection, and redemption. * Upcoming title: Seanna – Mermaid Tales (children’s ocean-themed fiction). Alison Gieschen's Website Stories from Real Life Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    39 min
  2. Ep. 188 - Lisa Rites: Death, Divorce, and the Grief Between Them

    FEB 10

    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 certified grief educator. The conversation explores cultural perceptions of grief, the importance of individualized support, and practical strategies for coping with loss. Lisa highlights the significance of journaling and the need for compassion in supporting those who are grieving. Ultimately, the episode conveys that healing is about learning to carry loss with grace and honesty. Lisa Rites website Stories from Real Life Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    37 min
  3. Ep. 187 - Kerry Damiano: Around the World in One Lifetime

    FEB 3

    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 how she evolved into a solo traveler, embracing the freedom and confidence that comes with exploring the world on her own terms. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming fears and how travel can serve as a powerful vehicle for personal growth and self-discovery. Ms. World Traveler’s YouTube channel Ms. World Traveler website Stories from Real Life website Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    33 min
  4. Ep. 186 - Dr. Ben Long: The Quiet Cost of Exhaustion

    JAN 27

    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 Dr. Ben Long (The Wholehearted MD), a physician and sleep specialist who approaches rest through both clinical science and spiritual reflection. Together, they explore how sleep deprivation shapes decision-making, moral clarity, professional identity, and overall well-being—especially in high-pressure fields like medicine. Ben shares insights from his work with patients and medical trainees, discusses the hidden cultural messages that discourage rest, and explains why sleep should be understood not as a luxury, but as a foundational practice for a meaningful life. In this episode, we discuss: * Why chronic exhaustion is often a systems problem, not a personal one * How sleep deprivation affects judgment, empathy, and moral decision-making * The intersection of faith, medicine, and rest * Why productivity culture undermines human flourishing * Practical ways to rethink sleep without increasing anxiety around it This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and quietly challenging—an invitation to reconsider what it means to live, work, and rest well. Guest: Dr. Ben Long (The Wholehearted MD) Host: Melvin E. Edwards Podcast: Stories from Real Life Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    49 min
  5. Ep. 185 - Kristan Swan: Learning to Listen to Your Own Life

    JAN 20

    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 design to coaching, and the concept of spiritual autobiography. Kristen introduces her unique journaling method, ‘Spaghetti on the Wall,’ which encourages self-awareness and non-judgmental observation. The conversation also explores the fear of success, the relationship between spirituality and professional growth, and the significance of support systems in building confidence. 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. Kristan Swan’s website Stories from Real Life website Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    44 min
  6. Ep. 184 - Dr. Nelva Lee: From the Classroom to the Campaign

    JAN 13

    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 Lee, a candidate for Georgia Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Lee shares her journey from being a homeschool mom to a healthcare leader and educator, emphasizing the importance of school choice, vocational training, and empowering parents. She discusses her leadership experiences, insights from government health policy, and the need for schools to support families. Dr. Lee also reflects on her faith’s role in public service and offers encouragement to students about discovering their purpose Dr. Nelva Lee Stories from Real Life .Keywords education, school choice, vocational training, leadership, empowerment, family support, public service, faith, Georgia, Dr. Nelva Lee Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    40 min
  7. Ep. 183 - Helton Pereira: Fire, Faith, Family, and the Fight for Purpose

    JAN 6

    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 at 15, pre-med student turned EMT, firefighter, paramedic, and now Lieutenant in the U.S. Fire Service. He joins us to share how one fire extinguisher instructor changed his life, why firefighters lose love for the job, and why putting life in the right order — Faith, Family, Fitness, Firefighting — is the only way to survive the weight of the fire service and still love it. What We Cover– Immigration and identity– Becoming an EMT and entering fire service by accident– Trauma, loss, and nearly burning out– Protecting marriage and kids while serving a demanding career– Creating a movement and writing a book– Why mentorship matters more than gear or tactics Links– The First Things First – Book & Resources: www.TheFirstThingsFirst.com Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    49 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    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 personal battle with Parkinson’s and early Alzheimer’s — and the controversial path that followed. My Brain Restore Burnett discusses: * His diagnoses and the moment he realized standard treatment offered no path to recovery * Why he turned to Japanese neurological research overlooked in Western medicine * The development of his proprietary processing method and why he believes it matters * What he can measure, what he cannot yet prove, and where critics are right to be skeptical * The ethical risks of self-experimentation when the alternative is slow decline * Why FDA limitations complicate public conversations about neurological recovery This is not a promotional interview. It is a rigorous, good-faith examination of claims, evidence, and uncertainty, designed to let listeners decide for themselves where they land. Topics Covered: * Parkinson’s disease * Alzheimer’s disease * Neurodegeneration and brain plasticity * Supplements vs. pharmaceuticals * Evidence standards and clinical trials * FDA regulation and medical claims * Patient-driven innovation Important Disclaimer:This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult licensed medical professionals before making health decisions. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    55 min
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5
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Melvin E. Edwards
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    189
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stories from Real Life Podcast
  • Show Website
    Stories from Real Life