Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What's Next

Judy Oskam
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Life doesn’t come with a roadmap. We’re all figuring it out as we go. I’m Judy Oskam, and on Stories of Change, I talk with people about the changes and unexpected turns that have shaped their lives—and what they’ve learned along the way. Sometimes change is a choice. Sometimes it isn’t. I’m curious about how people find their way through it. What helped? What did they learn?  Maybe you’re navigating a career change, moving through a life transition, or wondering what you want your next chapter to look like. These conversations are a reminder that there’s more than one way forward. Because sometimes someone else’s story gives us a little wisdom, a new perspective, or just what we need to help us figure out what’s next. Welcome to Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next.

  1. 56m ago

    Behavior Design: Turning Ideas Into Action with Stephanie Weldy

    Have you ever had a great idea but got stuck on what to do first? Maybe you’re building a product or making a change at home. You know what you want. The first step is harder to pin down. In the first of two episodes, I talk with Stephanie Weldy about how behavior design can help. Stephanie is a certified Tiny Habits® coach who works with Dr. BJ Fogg, author of Tiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change Everything. She explains how getting specific about what you want someone to do can change the way you approach a problem. Questions We Explore What’s the difference between an aspiration and a behavior? An aspiration is what you want to achieve. A behavior is a specific action you or someone else can take to move toward it. How can brainstorming help you decide where to start? Stephanie describes an approach called “magic wanding.” Give yourself room to list several things that could help, then look at which ones fit the person and the situation. Why start with a tiny version of a new habit? A small action can be easier to fit into something you already do. Stephanie also talks about taking a moment to recognize that you followed through. One Idea to Take With You Pick one goal you care about and write down a few actions that could move you toward it. Choose one that feels doable. What’s the smallest version you could try right after something you already do? About the Guest Stephanie Weldy, M.Ed., works with BJ Fogg to teach innovators how to apply behavior design to products and services that support health and well-being. She previously led wellness programs in higher education, nonprofit, and government settings and is a certified Wellcoach and Tiny Habits® coach. About the Guest Stephanie Weldy, M.Ed.,  is an expert at the intersection of Behavior Design and employee well-being. She works with BJ Fogg, PhD, Stanford Behavior Scientist and NYT bestselling author of Tiny Habits, to teach industry innovators how to use Behavior Design in the products and services they are building to help people be healthier and happier. Stephanie previously led comprehensive wellness programs in higher education, non-profit, and government settings. Stephanie practices what she teaches daily as a working parent to two tiny humans (ages 5 and 7). She has a master's degree in Education in Community Health and is a certified Wellcoach and Tiny Habits® coach. Listen and Connect Continue with Part 2 for ways to apply behavior design to friendships, everyday routines, and work.  Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

    Behavior Design: Turning Ideas Into Action with Stephanie Weldy

  2. 1d ago

    Wear the Clothes: Jane Stewart on Reinvention and Building a Movement

    Have you ever looked up from the life you’ve built and thought, What do I want now? Jane Stewart asked herself that question after more than 20 years in the corporate world. What began as a personal change became a way to bring other women together. After both of her parents died, Jane Stewart decided to get help. In therapy, she began talking about childhood trauma. Then her therapist asked what her life was like at 16. Jane remembered spending her part-time pay on fashion magazines and studying everything from the fabric to how the clothes were styled. She’d forgotten how much she loved it. I interviewed Jane via Zoom from her home in Canada.  She talked about finding her way back to fashion and what happened when she started sharing that part of herself. At her Unbroken gathering in Calgary, women told her what they were trying in their own lives. That’s how Jane sees a movement taking shape, with women sharing what they’re doing and giving each other the courage to try.  And I agree - it is a movement.   Questions We Explore How did Jane Stewart rediscover an old passion after loss? A question in therapy brought back the hours she spent poring over fashion magazines as a teenager. Remembering what drew her to fashion helped her see something she wanted to make room for again. Why does Jane emphasize community in Inspired with Jane? She chose the word “with” because she wanted women to feel part of what she was building. Jane sees women sharing their own stories of change as part of the movement, each in her own way.   What’s one small way to start when you’re unsure what’s next? Jane suggests picking something you can do today. One example is wearing the jacket you’ve been saving for a special occasion on an ordinary errand and seeing how it feels. One Idea to Take With You “Wear the clothes” is Jane’s way of saying you can start living a little differently today. Think of one thing you’ve been putting off and take action. About the Guest Jane Stewart is the creator of Inspired with Jane. After more than 20 years in the corporate world, she turned to Western fashion storytelling, speaking and gathering women in community. Listen and Connect Stories of Change  •  Inspired with Jane Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

    Wear the Clothes: Jane Stewart on Reinvention and Building a Movement

  3. 1d ago

    The Courage to Change: Weekly Preview

    Is there something you want to try, but you keep waiting for the right time? It’s week two of my 30 Days of What’s Next experiment, and we’re talking about the courage to change when you’re still figuring things out.  Here's what's coming up in the next few days.   On Monday, I talk with Western fashion storyteller Jane Stewart about grief and finding her way back to herself and something she loved. After Jane lost both of her parents, a question in therapy took her back to who she was at 16. She remembered how much fashion had meant to her. Jane reminds us to Wear the Clothes!  Inspired with Jane.  On Tuesday and Wednesday, behavior design expert Stephanie Weldy joins me for a two-part conversation about making a habit small enough to fit the day you already have. Then on Thursday, come with me to Georgetown, Texas. I sat down with artist and master hatter Nate Funmaker in his shop near the square.  We talk about how a favor for a friend turned into his life’s work. Nathaniel's Custom Hats.  On Friday, I’ll share one idea you can use from BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits. I’ll be back Saturday with what stayed with me and Sunday with a look at what’s coming next.  Questions we explore How did Jane Stewart reconnect with herself and something she loved after loss? A question in therapy got Jane thinking about who she was at 16. It helped her remember how much she loved fashion. Note: This conversation is about much more than fashion.  What is the movie test for understanding behavior design? Stephanie asks whether a film director could show the action on screen. “See my friends more” becomes something you can picture, like picking up your phone and texting one friend to meet for coffee. How did Nate Funmaker become a master hatmaker?  A friend asked him to help, and Nate figured he’d stay a few months. Years later, he builds hats in his Georgetown shop using equipment that’s more than a century old.  One idea to take with you Pick one change you’ve been putting off. Now try Stephanie’s movie test. If someone filmed your first step, what would they see you do today? Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

    The Courage to Change: Weekly Preview

  4. 2d ago

    What Happens When You Give It a Try

    Saturday Perspective | 30 Days of What's Next What's something you've been wanting to try but keep putting off? Maybe you're worried you won't be good at it. Maybe you're waiting for the right time.  Every Saturday in November, I'm taking a few minutes to reflect on the week's conversations and share an idea you can use in your own life. This week, our theme was Permission to Begin. And I've been practicing what I preach by picking up my guitar and playing a little music here on the podcast. I'm sharing some of my favorite moments from conversations with Mandy Rowden, founder of Girl Guitar; Jennifer Navarrete, founder of National Podcast Post Month; and Texas State student Jamin Ochoa, who studied abroad in Scotland. Mandy reminds us to quiet those old voices that tell us we can't do something—and find people who encourage us. Jennifer suggests treating something new as an experiment. You don't have to know how it will turn out. You just have to be willing to try. And Jamin shares how stepping outside his comfort zone helped him discover new confidence, even after returning home. Different stories, but they all got me thinking about what happens when we stop waiting and give something a try. One Idea to Take With You Think about something you've been wanting to try but keep putting off. Is there one person you could invite along? Send a text. Make a plan. Put something on the calendar. You don't have to be good at it. You don't have to know where it will lead. Just give it a try.   About the Featured Guests Mandy Rowden is a singer-songwriter and founder of Girl Guitar, where she helps adults discover their creativity through music and community. Jennifer Navarrete is the founder of National Podcast Post Month (NaPodPoMo), an annual challenge that encourages podcasters to experiment and create 30 episodes during November.  Jennifer also launched a business around her interests.  Jamin Ochoa is a Texas State University student whose study abroad experience in Scotland helped him develop confidence and a willingness to try new things. Explore more episodes: https://www.storiesofchangepodcast.com/ This episode is part of 30 Days of What's Next, my own November podcast experiment. Coming up next: The Courage to Change. What happens when something you've tried starts to matter—and you're ready to make room for it? Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

    What Happens When You Give It a Try

  5. 3d ago

    Give Yourself Permission to Say Yes

    Ideas Worth Sharing  What would you do if you gave yourself permission to say yes? Maybe there's something creative you've wanted to try. A class you've thought about taking. Or an idea you've put off because life got busy. In this Ideas Worth Sharing episode, I'm sharing a book I really enjoyed: Life Whimsy: How to Think, Play, and Work More Creatively by Wendy Conklin, founder of Chair Whimsy. One of my favorite ideas from Wendy's book is the permission slip. A place to write down what you're giving yourself permission to do—and sign your name. Wendy also encourages us to make more room for play. You'll also hear a clip from my conversation with Wendy about creating a home and workspace filled with things that bring you joy. I also reflect on this week's conversations with Mandy Rowden, Jennifer Navarrete, and Jamin Ochoa. Each took a chance on something new without knowing exactly where it would lead. It's all part of our first week's theme, Permission to Begin. Questions We Explore Why do we sometimes need permission to try something new? It's easy to put off something we want to do because life gets busy, it feels impractical, or we're waiting for the right time. Wendy's permission slip offers a simple way to make a decision for ourselves. How can play and creativity help us create a life we enjoy? Wendy encourages adults to make time for play, experiment with new activities, and surround themselves with things they love. Her Play Every Day challenge is one way to begin. What small change can bring more joy into everyday life? It might be trying something different, making a creative space at home, or finally saying yes to an idea you've been considering. One Idea to Take With You This weekend, create your own permission slip. Write: I give myself permission to ____________________. Fill in the blank. Then sign your name. Maybe you're giving yourself permission to try something new, have more fun, or stop waiting until everything is perfect. Think about one small action you can take to make that permission real. You don't have to change your entire life this weekend. But you can start creating more of the life you want. Featured Book: Life Whimsy: How to Think, Play, and Work More Creatively by Wendy Conklin. Featured guest: Wendy Conklin is the founder of Chair Whimsy, known for her colorful, one-of-a-kind chairs. A former teacher and educational consultant, she has built a creative business that includes online courses and retreats for creative entrepreneurs. This episode includes an excerpt from my earlier conversation with Wendy. Listen and Connect Full Wendy Conklin interview: Life Whimsy with Wendy Conklin Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

    Give Yourself Permission to Say Yes

  6. 4d ago

    Turning Your Interests Into a Business with Jennifer Navarrete

    Could something you enjoy doing become a business? And if it does, how do you make room for the rest of your life?  This is a challenge for many entrepreneurs and business leaders.  In Part 2 of my conversation with Jennifer Navarrete, we talk about how her early interest in podcasting grew into Brewing Media, a family business that now includes both of her sons. Jennifer started by building community and sharing what she was learning. Over time, people who had heard her speak began asking for help. Those early connections became clients and referrals—sometimes years later. Now she’s thinking about another change. She wants to keep doing work she loves while making time for hiking, kayaking, cycling, and adventure. That means building systems, sharing responsibility, and giving her team room to lead.   Questions We Explore How can an interest grow into a business? Jennifer shares how teaching others about podcasting and social media helped people get to know her work. When they were ready to start their own projects, some returned to hire her or referred others. How can you step back from a business you’ve built? Jennifer is developing the systems, processes, and team support that will allow the company to operate without her involvement in every detail. She plans to practice taking shorter breaks before working toward a month away. What does success look like beyond income and growth? Jennifer considers whether her work is personally, professionally, and financially rewarding. She also talks about measuring the impact of her community events through meaningful conversations and connections, rather than attendance alone. About the Guest Jennifer Navarrete is the founder of Brewing Media and National Podcast Post Month, or NaPodPoMo. She began podcasting in 2005 and now works alongside her sons and a production team to help clients create and share their own stories. Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

    Turning Your Interests Into a Business with Jennifer Navarrete

  7. 5d ago

    How Study Abroad Changed Jamin Ochoa’s Confidence and Career Plans

    Have you ever come home from a new experience feeling more confident, then wondered whether that feeling would last? What happens when you return to the same campus, routines, and decisions? In the summer of 2025, I interviewed Texas State student Jamin Ochoa while we were studying abroad in Scotland. He talked about becoming more independent and trying things outside his comfort zone. More than a year later, we caught up to see what had stayed with him. Jamin shares how that experience helped him move from a familiar campus role into student government. It also changed the way he thinks about advertising, the places he might live, and the plans he once felt sure about. We talk about giving a new experience your full attention, the pressure of making your own decisions, and allowing your goals to change. You don’t have to travel overseas to find something unfamiliar. There may be an opportunity close to home. Questions We Explore Can the confidence from studying abroad last after you return home? For Jamin, it did. He describes feeling more independent, more confident in his decisions, and more willing to try unfamiliar experiences after returning from Edinburgh. How can you keep growing after a study abroad experience? Jamin chose a new campus challenge rather than returning to a role where he felt comfortable. Joining student government as chief of staff brought opportunities, friendships, and experiences he hadn’t expected. Can studying abroad change your career plans? Jamin began thinking about where he wanted to live alongside the work he wanted to do. An international advertising class expanded his interests further, and he connects travel with paying closer attention to other people’s experiences. One Idea to Take With You Think of one opportunity you’ve passed over because it feels unfamiliar. What would giving it your full attention look like? Start with one conversation, visit, or application. About the Guest Jamin Ochoa is a Texas State University senior who studied abroad in Scotland in summer 2025. His interests include advertising strategy, research, and insights, and he has served as student government chief of staff. Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

    How Study Abroad Changed Jamin Ochoa’s Confidence and Career Plans

  8. 6d ago

    Rediscover Your Creativity with Mandy Rowden, Founder of Girl Guitar

    Is there something creative you keep putting off because you don’t think you’re good enough—or life keeps getting in the way? For me, one of those things has been playing guitar. I’ve played off and on for years. That got me thinking about why we sometimes need permission to do something we enjoy. Singer-songwriter and entrepreneur Mandy Rowden knows that hesitation well. After burning out and returning to Austin from New York, she needed to pay her phone bill. She put together a six-week guitar class for eight women. What happened in that room became Girl Guitar. Mandy joins me to talk about making mistakes and helping adults try things they never thought they could do. We talk about songwriting as a way to process life.  She also tells us about her plans to preserve the stories of Texas women songwriters.  Bonus:  She shares one of her original songs with us - it's fantastic!  Questions We Explore How did Mandy Rowden start Girl Guitar? She organized a small women’s guitar class to cover her phone bill. The women wanted to keep meeting and the classes expanded into songwriting and bands. Do you need natural talent to learn guitar as an adult? Mandy challenges the idea that struggling at first means music isn’t for you. She reminds students that experienced musicians also practice and made mistakes. How can a supportive group help you build confidence? Mandy describes students who initially refuse to perform but eventually take part in a showcase. For her, the important moment is when they realize they did something they thought they couldn’t do—it builds confidence.  About the Guest Mandy Rowden is a singer-songwriter and founder of Girl Guitar and the Texas Women Songwriters Festival.  She's also a lecturer at Texas State University.  Listen and Connect Mandy Rowden — music and more Girl Guitar — classes and community Texas Women Songwriters Festival Peace Where I used to Have None by Mandy Rowden.  Used with permission.  Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

    Rediscover Your Creativity with Mandy Rowden, Founder of Girl Guitar
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Life doesn’t come with a roadmap. We’re all figuring it out as we go. I’m Judy Oskam, and on Stories of Change, I talk with people about the changes and unexpected turns that have shaped their lives—and what they’ve learned along the way. Sometimes change is a choice. Sometimes it isn’t. I’m curious about how people find their way through it. What helped? What did they learn?  Maybe you’re navigating a career change, moving through a life transition, or wondering what you want your next chapter to look like. These conversations are a reminder that there’s more than one way forward. Because sometimes someone else’s story gives us a little wisdom, a new perspective, or just what we need to help us figure out what’s next. Welcome to Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next.

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