American Fight Stories with Dabar

Melissa Dabar
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

American Fight Stories with Dabar is a podcast about real people overcoming real battles. Hosted by Melissa Dabar—a Christian, lawyer, and registered nurse—each episode dives into powerful testimonies of survival, resilience, and transformation. Through raw, honest conversations, listeners gain insight, encouragement, and the motivation to keep fighting their own fight. One story at a time, we celebrate the strength of the human spirit.

  1. 1h ago

    Ty Scott on Running for Chancery Court Judge, 17th District, and Being a Better American

    Melissa Debar hosts Ty Scott on American Fight Stories with Dabar, praising him as a calm, prepared leader and “great American.” Ty introduces himself as a Hernando resident, chancery court staff attorney (law clerk) for seven years, National Guard officer with 19 years of service, and husband to Hannah Beth, a University of Memphis audiology professor, with two sons. He recounts growing up near Tupelo, attending Mississippi State (ROTC) and Ole Miss Law, and moving to DeSoto County. Ty explains what a staff attorney does, key functions of chancery court (family law, estates, guardianships, commitments), and the importance of even-keeled judges who follow the law, including recent joint-custody presumption and Albright factors. He shares deployments to Kuwait/Syria and Germany training Ukrainian soldiers, discusses leadership and family support, encourages voters to research judicial candidates and vote, and closes with a prayer and campaign info. Please email us your questions at dabarcares@dabarlaw.com You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

  2. Sep 29

    REPLAY - Seeking Truth with Bridget & Michelle Manuel

    While Melissa Dabar is taking a brief hiatus to spend time with her family in Arkansas, she decided to revisit the American Fight Stories with Dabar archives and bring listeners an early episode of the podcast. This episode is a replay from the early days of the show, before episodes were being published on Facebook, and it features the Manuel family as they share their heartbreaking story of loss, unanswered questions, and their ongoing search for justice. The family recounts the disappearance of Carl Manuel, a beloved elderly family member, along with several other tragic and suspicious circumstances involving members of their family. They discuss the devastating emotional impact of these losses and their frustration over what they believe were missed opportunities, mishandled evidence, and inadequate responses to their concerns. Despite years of searching for answers, the family says they have yet to find the justice and closure they are seeking. They continue to raise awareness about their loved ones and encourage anyone who may have information to come forward. As Melissa takes some time away with her family, join her for this important episode from the American Fight Stories archives—a story of family, loss, perseverance, and the determination to keep searching for answers. Please email us your questions at dabarcares@dabarlaw.com You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

  3. Sep 22

    REPLAY - He Tried to Kill Me: Jasmine Hoskins’ Fight for Her Life

    While American Fight Stories with Dabar host Melissa Dabar is taking a brief hiatus to spend time with her family in Arkansas, she thought it would be the perfect time to revisit the podcast archives and share an important story from the early days of the show. In this powerful conversation, Melissa sits down with Jasmine Hoskins, a domestic abuse survivor who bravely shared her story publicly for the very first time. Born and raised in West Point, Mississippi, Jasmine opens up about her childhood, her journey through life, and how she eventually met and married the man who would become her abuser. What began as a relationship she believed was built on love ultimately became a nightmare that nearly cost her life. Jasmine recounts the terrifying violence she endured, including an attempt on her life by her abuser. He was later convicted and sentenced to 42 years in prison. Through heartbreaking honesty and remarkable courage, Jasmine shares what it took to survive, heal, and begin reclaiming her life. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength it can take to speak up, confront the past, and keep moving forward. As Melissa enjoys some time with her family, take a journey back into the American Fight Stories archives and hear Jasmine’s story of survival, courage, and resilience. Please email us your questions at dabarcares@dabarlaw.com You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

  4. Sep 15

    Stephanie Dodd on Faith, Family, Recovery, and Resilience

    Host Melissa Dabar welcomes his friend Stephanie Patterson Dodd to American Fight Stories to discuss how faith, family, and service shaped her life and resilience. Stephanie shares her Memphis church upbringing, love of cooking and caring for others, and how losing her father at 18, then her mother and aunt a day apart after a texting-and-driving accident, led to deep grief and months of counseling. She describes becoming a single mom, later marrying Stacy Dodd, and learning healthier boundaries and perspective through Celebrate Recovery, where she addressed codependency and embraced flexibility beyond strict “black and white” living. Stephanie also highlights community support work including recovery connections, the Precious in Pink jail ministry that provides safe housing and structure for women leaving incarceration, mentoring youth through the Hope Center, and her real estate career building new homes. She also shares living with hidradenitis suppurativa and finding effective treatment that gave her life back. Please email us your questions at dabarcares@dabarlaw.com You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

  5. Sep 8

    Therapist Vicky Abbott on Addiction, Trauma & Recovery in Mississippi

    In this episode of American Fight Stories with Dabar, Melissa Dabar interviews Vicky Abbott, a licensed professional counselor in Mississippi with degrees from Ole Miss, certifications in addiction therapy, EMDR, and MRT, and experience working with drug court, CPS, probation, and serious criminal cases. They discuss how untreated mental illness and addiction can lead to death or prison, how trauma contributes to substance use, and why “functional” addiction is a myth. Vicky explains addiction’s effects on the brain, early substance exposure, work-life imbalance, and barriers like criminal background checks and childcare costs. She outlines Region IV Mental Health Services (often free or sliding scale), the second-offense DUI program and escalating consequences, marijuana-related DUI risks, and why EMDR requires stability. They highlight MRT’s accountability, goal-setting, and community service focus, local volunteer opportunities, and a call to seek help through Region IV Mental Health Services. Please email us your questions at dabarcares@dabarlaw.com You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

  6. Sep 1

    Coach Camp’s Fight Story: From Walls, Mississippi to Air Force, Fire Rescue, and Motivating Others

    In this episode of American Fight Stories with Dabar, Dabar interviews Coach Camp, a veteran podcaster from SRP Studios, about the “fight” to stay positive and build community. Coach Camp shares growing up humbly in Walls, Mississippi, with a loving family, church roots at First Baptist Church of Walls, and the independence of a simpler time. He explains how motivation and discipline changed his path: after struggling in school and retaking the ASVAB, he joined the U.S. Air Force, then became a Memphis firefighter/paramedic, special operations rescuer, and task force responder. After multiple shoulder surgeries forced his retirement, he transitioned into teaching paramedic school and building the Motivate with Coach Camp brand, speaking widely, addressing first responder challenges like moral injury, and writing a book titled Running In Circles. The episode closes with Coach Camp praying for Dabar and the studio. Please email us your questions at dabarcares@dabarlaw.com You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

  7. Aug 25

    Lorine Cady on Voting, Faith, and Fighting for America

    Host Melisa Dabar welcomes back Lorine Cady to discuss what Americans are “fighting” for today: loving America beyond party lines, taking personal responsibility, and voting as an informed citizen. Cady shares her experience as a poll worker, national convention delegate, and state party leader, emphasizing research, clear communication from elected officials, and the need for leaders who care about people. They reflect on DeSoto County’s growth in schools, hospitals, roads, and community life, and contrast it with the Mississippi Delta’s decline while highlighting opportunities for “home missions,” especially churches supporting children through Bible schools and outreach. The conversation also covers kindness and civility, the importance of church fellowship, revivals, spiritual growth, and a closing prayer for America, families, and communities Please email us your questions at dabarcares@dabarlaw.com You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

  8. Aug 18

    Jessica Marin | Hope Enrichment Center

    Jessica Martin began her mental health career in Nebraska in 2004, working with juveniles facing mental health and addiction challenges. After moving to Mississippi in 2016, she continued working with adults involved in the criminal justice system and became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2022. Jessica is passionate about helping people navigate trauma, addiction, attachment wounds, and relationship struggles. Trained in EMDR, she also works to educate others about the connection between trauma, attachment, and addiction. Her own experiences with familial trauma and faith have shaped her understanding of pain, resilience, and healing. Jessica practices at Hope Enrichment Center and helps explore community outreach opportunities to make mental health support more accessible. Outside of work, she enjoys life with her husband of nearly ten years and their rescued dogs and cats. Here is a link to a YouTube video about what EMDR is:  https://youtu.be/Pkfln-ZtWeY?feature=shared Here is the link to Hope Enrichment Center: https://www.hopeenrichmentcenter.com/ This is a good free attachment style quiz: https://www.learneabt.com/eabt-quiz And this is the free ACES quiz:  https://www.acesaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ACE-Questionnaire-for-Adults-Identified-English-rev.7.26.22.pdf Also, if people want to find a therapist, psychologytoday.com is a wonderful resource.  Please email us your questions at dabarcares@dabarlaw.com You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

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About

American Fight Stories with Dabar is a podcast about real people overcoming real battles. Hosted by Melissa Dabar—a Christian, lawyer, and registered nurse—each episode dives into powerful testimonies of survival, resilience, and transformation. Through raw, honest conversations, listeners gain insight, encouragement, and the motivation to keep fighting their own fight. One story at a time, we celebrate the strength of the human spirit.

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