Stories from Real Life

Melvin E. Edwards
  • 5.0 (35)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Semiweekly

**Honored as the American Writing Awards Male Hosted Podcast of the Year for 2026.** 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. 206 - Owen Ó Súilleabháin: Ancient Songs for Modern Lives (Encore Episode)

    6d ago

    Ep. 206 - Owen Ó Súilleabháin: Ancient Songs for Modern Lives (Encore Episode)

    Irish singer, composer, storyteller, poet, teacher, and leadership guide Owen Ó Súilleabháin brings a rare blend of music, memory, spirituality, and cultural wisdom to the conversation. Raised in one of Ireland’s most respected artistic families, Owen inherited a deep relationship with song, story, poetry, and the ancient traditions of Ireland. His mother, Rev. Nóirín Ní Riain, Ph.D., is a renowned sacred singer, theologian, and spiritual director; his late father, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, was a celebrated composer, pianist, musicologist, and founder of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. Owen’s work lives at the intersection of art and human transformation. With a background in philosophy, Greek and Roman civilization, and Peace and Development Studies, he uses music, poetry, conversation, and Celtic spirituality to help people reconnect with creativity, presence, purpose, and the deeper currents of their own lives. Owen has collaborated with and worked alongside major artistic figures including The Chieftains, Sinéad O’Connor, Steven Spielberg, Russell Crowe, Nigel Kennedy, David Whyte, and John O’Donohue. His current work includes leadership coaching, cultural journeys through Ireland, and creative communities rooted in Celtic spirituality, seasonal ritual, song, and story. In this episode, Owen helps us explore what ancient songs can teach modern people about grief, belonging, listening, creativity, and the human longing to be fully alive. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 2m
  2. Ep. 205 - Nancy Deyo: Mountain High, Valley Low

    Jun 2

    Ep. 205 - Nancy Deyo: Mountain High, Valley Low

    Episode Summary Nancy Deyo is a former Silicon Valley CEO, Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute Fellow, and author of the forthcoming memoir Perilous Ascent. After a medical crisis on Mount Kilimanjaro, Nancy entered a fifteen-year journey through misdiagnosis, chronic pain, opioid dependence, and identity collapse. In this episode of Stories from Real Life, Nancy shares how the strategies that once defined her success—discipline, endurance, ambition, and pushing through—eventually had to be reexamined. Her story is not about a simple cure or a clean comeback. It is about learning to live differently when life no longer responds to effort in the same way. This conversation explores chronic pain, medical uncertainty, high-performance culture, shame, adaptation, and the deeper meaning of resilience. In This Episode, We Discuss * The medical crisis Nancy experienced on Mount Kilimanjaro * How chronic pain reshaped her identity and daily life * The long road through misdiagnosis and medical uncertainty * Opioid dependence in the context of chronic pain * The emotional cost of high-performance culture * Why “pushing through” can sometimes become harmful * Attending graduate school while unable to sit * Rebuilding a meaningful life without pretending everything is fixed * Her forthcoming memoir, Perilous Ascent * A more honest definition of resilience Memorable Themes One of the most powerful ideas in this conversation is that resilience does not always mean pushing harder. Sometimes resilience means recognizing limits, grieving the life that changed, and adapting with honesty rather than force. Nancy’s story will resonate with anyone living with chronic illness, navigating burnout, facing medical uncertainty, caregiving for someone in pain, or rebuilding after a major life disruption. About Nancy Deyo Nancy Deyo is a former Silicon Valley CEO and Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute Fellow. Her forthcoming memoir, Perilous Ascent, reflects on a fifteen-year journey through chronic pain, misdiagnosis, opioid dependence, and personal transformation after a medical crisis on Mount Kilimanjaro. Through her writing and speaking, Nancy offers a candid look at what it means to live inside pain, question old definitions of strength, and find a new way forward. Connect with Nancy Read Nancy’s Substack: Life Inside Pain with Nancy Deyo Media Well Done, LLC Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    44 min
  3. Ep. 204 - Dr. Craig Yorke: I Was Raised to be Perfect

    May 26

    Ep. 204 - Dr. Craig Yorke: I Was Raised to be Perfect

    Discover the compelling journey of Dr. Craig Yorke, a Black neurosurgeon, author of Steep, as he reflects on his experiences growing up in Boston, navigating racial identity, and the nuances of success in a demanding profession. This episode offers insights into overcoming societal pressures, the importance of memory and history, and the lessons learned from decades in medicine. In this episode, we discuss: * The distinction between resume virtues and obituary virtues, and how Dr. Yorke shifted his focus midlife * The rarity of Black neurosurgeons and his experience moving from Boston to Kansas * The influence of Dr. Yorke’s parents and their long-term impact on his life and career * The weight of surgical outcomes, grief, and the mental resilience required in neurosurgery * How cultural and social history are woven into his personal narrative and medical journey * The meaning behind the cover art of Steep, inspired by Ramon E. Cajal’s neuroanatomical drawings * The importance of understanding historical context for both Black and white readers * Lessons on humility, control, and compassion for physicians and parents alike * A heartfelt reflection on how his family celebrated his achievements, and the significance of his parents witnessing his success * Dr. Yorke's website * Media Well Done, LLC * Stories from Real Life Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    40 min
  4. Ep. 203 - Johnzelle Anderson: Rewriting Your Life’s Mixtape

    May 19

    Ep. 203 - Johnzelle Anderson: Rewriting Your Life’s Mixtape

    Release Date: May 19, 2026 Episode: Number 203 Guest: Johnzelle Anderson, LPC, Author of Mixtape: A Memoir ## Episode Summary What if your memories weren’t just chapters in a book, but tracks on a mixtape? In this episode of Stories from Real Life, we sit down with Licensed Professional Counselor and author Johnzelle Anderson to discuss his powerful new memoir, Mixtape. Johnzelle opens up about the “soundtrack of survival”—from navigating the complex “in-between” of identity and race to the profound clinical work of helping others retrieve lost pieces of their own stories. Whether you’re interested in the mechanics of narrative therapy or the deeply personal journey of a man reclaiming his voice, this conversation offers a rhythmic look at what it means to heal. ## Key Discussion Points * The Mixtape Metaphor: Why music and “tracks” provide a better framework for trauma and memory than traditional chronological storytelling. * Sankofa & Retrieval: The West African concept of “reaching back to fetch what was lost” and how it applies to modern mental health. * Identity in the “In-Between”: Johnzelle’s experience being raised in whiteness while living in a Black body, and the realization of racism within “safe” spaces. * Clinical Insight: A look at EMDR and narrative therapy—how we can “re-record” the negative loops playing in our minds. * Lawful Atrocities: How systemic injustices manifest as personal psychological wounds. ## Resources Mentioned * Read: Mixtape: A Memoir by Johnzelle Anderson (Released March 2026) * Connect: Panoramic Counseling – Johnzelle’s clinical practice. ## About the Guest Johnzelle Anderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), therapist, and author dedicated to helping individuals navigate trauma through narrative and EMDR therapy. His work bridges the gap between clinical expertise and authentic storytelling, focusing on resilience, identity, and the power of reclaiming one’s narrative. ## Connect with Stories from Real Life * Website: Media Well Done * Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your stories. Listener Challenge: What is one “track” from your past that you’re ready to re-record? Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #RealLifeMixtape. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    32 min
  5. Ep. 202: Aaron Ryan: The Story of My Life

    May 12

    Ep. 202: Aaron Ryan: The Story of My Life

    Podcast: Stories from Real Life Host: Melvin E. Edwards Guest: Aaron Ryan Release Date: May 12, 2026 Episode Summary Award-winning and bestselling author Aaron Ryan joins Stories from Real Life to discuss the discipline, persistence, and creativity required to build a life around storytelling. With a career spanning science fiction, dystopian fiction, children’s books, nonfiction, and business writing, Aaron has established himself as a prolific voice in independent publishing. His bestselling Dissonance alien invasion saga has reached readers around the world, with one installment adapted for the screen and currently being pitched to streaming networks. In this episode, Aaron shares lessons from his journey as a writer, entrepreneur, voice actor, and creative professional. He discusses the realities of self-publishing, the habits that sustain productivity, and the mindset required to keep creating across multiple stages of life. This conversation is especially valuable for writers, entrepreneurs, and creators seeking practical insight into building momentum and maintaining creative discipline. In This Episode, You’ll Learn * What separates writers who finish books from those who never do * The biggest misconceptions about self-publishing * How discipline drives creative productivity * Why storytelling skills transfer across careers and industries * The mindset required to sustain a long-term creative career * How reinvention can become a competitive advantage * What it takes to build a career as an independent author Aaron Ryan’s Website Stories from Real Life Media Well Done, LLC Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    51 min
  6. Ep. 201 - Jason Prokowiew: Fighting a Two-Front War in My Own Home

    May 5

    Ep. 201 - Jason Prokowiew: Fighting a Two-Front War in My Own Home

    Show Notes Release Date: May 5, 2026 Guest: Jason Prokowiew, author of War Boys About the Episode: How do you learn to love a man you were raised to fear? In this episode, we speak with author Jason Prokowiew about his transformative new memoir, War Boys. Jason shares the harrowing history of his father’s survival in Nazi-occupied Belarus and explores how that trauma rippled through their suburban American household. We dive into the “braiding” of two lives: a father fighting for survival and a son fighting for his identity as a queer man. Key Topics Discussed: * The 50-Hour Tapes: How Jason used long-form interviewing to bridge the emotional gap with his father before his passing in 2002. * Inherited Trauma: The reality of growing up with an abusive, alcoholic parent whose “survival mode” never truly turned off. * The “Replacement” Family: Understanding his father’s drive to have 13 children as a response to losing his mother and sister in the bombing of Minsk. * Queer Identity & Resilience: How Jason navigated loneliness and shame while finding his own voice in a house dominated by his father’s presence. * The Power of Storytelling: Why claiming your own narrative is the final step in the healing process. Resources Mentioned: * Book: War Boys: A Father and Son Memoir (Trio House Press - July 1, 2026) * Watch: Jason Prokowiew on Stories from the Stage (WBUR) * Connect: Follow Jason’s work and upcoming book events on social media. Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us bring more stories of resilience to your ears. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    40 min

  7. May 1 ·  Bonus

    Ep. 200 - Melvin E. Edwards: Announcing the Release of 'Nuremberg, Mississippi'

    Episode 200: A Milestone and a Premiere To celebrate this double-milestone, this episode reflects on the journey to 200 episodes of Stories from Real Life and announces the global launch of the debut novel, Nuremberg, Mississippi. Episode Summary In this special edition, we mark the 200th episode of the podcast by diving deep into the intersection of historical justice and narrative storytelling. We explore the process of bringing Nuremberg, Mississippi to life — a story that interrogates institutional design and moral responsibility through a lens of literary fiction. Key Highlights * The Genesis of Nuremberg, Mississippi: How narrative journalism and a fascination with legal procedure shaped the world of Henry Logan and his wife, Helen. * From Research to Reality: Bridging the gap between historical institutional structures and the fictional landscape of the novel. Release Information Nuremberg, Mississippi officially launches on May 1, 2026. You can order on the website MediaWellDoneLLC.com or on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. The novel is available through all major retailers and is the flagship release from Media Well Done, LLC. For those in the Texas area, keep an eye out for details regarding the upcoming local bookstore signings. The first two events will be in the San Antonio area: May 3: The Twig Bookshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (San Antonio’s Pearl District) May 9: Book Haus, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. (New Braunfels) Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    27 min
  8. Ep. 199 - Nancy Jasin Ensley: The Tire Swing

    Apr 28

    Ep. 199 - Nancy Jasin Ensley: The Tire Swing

    Guest: Nancy Jasin Ensley Host: Melvin E. Edwards Release Date: April 28, 2026 Episode Summary Nancy Jasin Ensley is a multifaceted creator whose work is deeply rooted in her 54-year career in healthcare and her personal journey of transformation. Here are the key details about her life, career, and literary contributions: Professional Background * Healthcare Career: Nancy has spent over five decades in the medical field. Her roles have been diverse, including Registered Nurse, Hospice Specialist, Legal Nurse Consultant, Coding Specialist, and Clinical Supervisor. * The “Nurse’s Promise”: A defining moment in her career (and a centerpiece of her memoir) is her commitment to the “I won’t leave you alone” philosophy, stemming from a traumatic experience caring for a severely burned patient. * Education & Teaching: Beyond clinical practice, she has served as an educator, sharing her medical and legal expertise with others in the field. Literary Work & Genres Nancy is a highly prolific author who writes across a vast spectrum of genres. Her passion for writing began at age five with a poem dedicated to her mother. * Memoir: * The Tire Swing: A Memoir About Survival: Her most personal work, chronicling her “metamorphosis” from a frightened, abused child to a successful professional and matriarch. The tire swing in her grandmother’s yard serves as the central metaphor for her refuge and resilience. * Fiction & Thrillers: * Orphans: A Young Adult novel involving two boys caught in a high-stakes terrorist plot. * Mitered Corners: A gripping fiction title that often explores intense emotional and medical themes. * Indigo-35: A venture into science fiction/thriller territory. * Children’s Literature: * Bernard Bartholomew Bostlebean (3-B) Series: Stories about a boy with a unique planetary heritage (his father is from outer space) that teach lessons on diversity, respect, and self-worth. * Isla and the Imaginary Iguana: A whimsical exploration of imagination for younger readers. * Poetry: Her work has been recognized by the National Library of Poetry, reflecting a rhythmic and reflective quality that carries over into her prose. Personal Life * Location: She lives in rural Michigan, which provides a quiet backdrop for her creative process. * Family: She is married to her husband, John, and is the matriarch of a large family including five children and fourteen grandchildren. * Interests: She is known for her love of her King Charles Cavalier dog and has a deep interest in historical eras like Vaudeville, which inspired her short story A Penny for Your Thoughts. Important Dates & Announcements * May 1, 2026: The official launch of Nuremberg, Mississippi. Mark your calendars for the release! Also, it will be the 200th episode of this podcast. Don’t miss it! * July 1, 2026: Submissions open for the PEN/Faulkner Award. Stay tuned for updates on our manuscript entry. Connect with the Show * Website: Media Well Done * Follow Melvin: Keep up with the latest journalism and author updates on social media. * Support the Podcast: If these stories move you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Next Episode: The Big 200! You won’t want to miss it. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

    29 min
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5
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

**Honored as the American Writing Awards Male Hosted Podcast of the Year for 2026.** 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
    206
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stories from Real Life Podcast
  • Show Website
    Stories from Real Life

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