Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What's Next

Judy Oskam
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Monthly

Life doesn’t come with a roadmap. We’re all figuring it out as we go. I’m Judy Oskam, creator and host of Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next, a podcast about the changes and unexpected turns that shape our lives. In each episode, I talk with people from all walks of life about what they’ve experienced, what they’ve learned and how they found a way forward. We explore career changes, personal growth, new beginnings and the moments that change our direction. Maybe you’re facing a change, starting a new chapter or simply wondering what comes next. Either way, I hope you’ll hear a real story and take away a little wisdom that helps you find your own way forward. Because every story has something to teach us.

  1. 5d ago

    How Wendy Conklin Became a Creative Entrepreneur: Betting on Herself

    What does it take to leave a secure career, start a creative business and bet on yourself? Wendy Conklin was a successful teacher, writer and educational consultant. Then an upholstery class sparked a new creative interest.  That small experiment eventually became Chair Whimsy. In this encore episode, Wendy shares how she became a creative entrepreneur and what gave her the courage to leave her established career. Making a midlife career change to pursue a creative business full time required Wendy to take a calculated risk. She realized that staying in an unfulfilling career had become harder than facing the unknown. In this episode • What happens when misery becomes greater than the fear of the unknown • Why Wendy left a secure career to start her own business • How mistakes helped her become a stronger designer and entrepreneur • Two practices that helped Wendy keep growing • Why creative entrepreneurs need mentors and supportive communities Wendy’s story reminds us that betting on yourself doesn’t always begin with a big leap. Sometimes it begins with curiosity and one small step in a different direction. Please follow along for real stories, take away a little wisdom and maybe find something that helps you figure out what's next.

  2. Aug 23

    How do you keep going when life changes everything? Linda Fogg-Phillips

    Life doesn’t come with a roadmap. And sometimes change comes whether we’re ready for it or not. Linda Fogg-Phillips, M.S., is a behavior-change expert, author, and co-founder of the Tiny Habits Academy, where she works alongside her brother, Dr. BJ Fogg, creator of the Tiny Habits method. But Linda’s understanding of change isn’t just professional. It’s deeply personal. In this encore episode of Stories of Change, Linda shares how she learned to navigate those changes and find a way forward—one small step at a time. Over a period of years, she faced the loss of her son, the collapse of her family’s home-building business, bankruptcy, and her husband’s battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s. We also talk about Tiny Habits, Linda’s idea of “Pearl Habits,” and how reframing difficult moments can help us respond differently to the changes we didn’t choose.   You can find out more about Pearl Habits here.  In this episode: Navigating loss and unexpected changeWhy small steps can make a differenceMoving from “Why me?” to “What can I learn?”Using Pearl Habits to reframe difficult momentsThe importance of celebration  Please follow along for real stories, take away a little wisdom and maybe find something that helps you figure out what's next.

    How do you keep going when life changes everything? Linda Fogg-Phillips

  3. Aug 12

    Stay Curious and Find Your Next Career Opportunity | Jane Scott

    What if you don’t know exactly what comes next? Maybe that’s okay. Jane Scott didn’t follow a carefully planned career path. She stayed curious. She kept learning. And she paid attention when new opportunities came her way. Jane is Director of Marketing Communications at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her career has taken her from publishing to teaching English in Japan, marketing, communications and higher education leadership. In our conversation, Jane talks about the experiences that shaped her along the way—and why she believes it’s important not to get so focused on one destination that you miss another opportunity. We also talk about emotional intelligence and what she learned from living and working in another country.  Those experiences helped shape the way she communicates and leads today. One thing that stayed with me from our conversation: Jane doesn’t point to one big turning point that changed everything. Her career was built step by step. I think there’s a lesson in that for all of us. You don’t always need to have the whole path figured out. Sometimes you just need to stay curious, keep learning and be open to what comes next. In this episode: How curiosity can lead to unexpected opportunitiesWhat Jane learned from living and working in JapanWhy emotional intelligence mattersHow experience shapes the way we communicate and leadWhy staying open can help you find your next stepA question to think about: What opportunity might you notice if you stopped worrying about having everything figured out? Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next with Judy Oskam Please follow along for real stories, take away a little wisdom and maybe find something that helps you figure out what's next.

    Stay Curious and Find Your Next Career Opportunity | Jane Scott

  4. Jul 27

    Study Abroad in Scotland: Student Stories of Growth and Confidence

    What if one trip could help you discover what you’re capable of? Three Texas State University students traveled to Scotland for a three-week education abroad program at Queen Margaret University. They arrived without knowing one another or exactly what to expect. In this episode, I pass the microphone to three Texas State University students studying in Scotland. Libby Sanchez, Sarah Hervey, and Kinbe Perez share what they are learning—not only in class, but about themselves. Libby, Sarah, and Kinbe arrived in Scotland without knowing anyone else on the 3-week trip.  They didn't know what to expect.  The time abroad challenged them to navigate a new country, try unfamiliar things, and become more confident. Libby discovered a more adventurous side of herself. Sarah found that studying abroad offered something a vacation could not: time to learn, grow, and form real connections. Kinbe gained confidence traveling independently and talking with new people—skills she will carry into her career. Lessons Learned  Take initiative, even when you are unsure.Fear could lead to growth. New environments can bring out strengths you did not know you had.Studying abroad is about more than academics. It builds confidence, independence, and connection.Meaningful learning happens outside the classroom.About the Students Libby Sanchez is a Digital Media Innovation major at Texas State University. She is a talented photographer who thrives in a new environment. Sarah Hervey is a psychology major with a minor in religious studies. Her lifelong interest in travel and the outdoors led her to Scotland. Kinbe Perez is a journalism major with a concentration in sports media. As she prepares for graduation, she is taking home greater confidence and new friendships.   Please follow along for real stories, take away a little wisdom and maybe find something that helps you figure out what's next.

    Study Abroad in Scotland: Student Stories of Growth and Confidence

  5. Jul 20

    The Experience That Changed Her Life | Laura Stevenson

    At 20 years old, Queen Margaret University student Laura Stevenson traveled from Scotland to Martha's Vineyard for a six-month study abroad internship. At the time, it felt like nothing more than a graduation requirement.  She had no idea she was living through a defining moment. In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, Laura reflects on the experience that changed her life.  And she didn't recognize it until years later. Together, we explore how defining moments sometimes reveal their true value - in the rear view mirror. Laura shares how living and working in the United States helped build her confidence and independence. It wasn't until she began helping students prepare for their own international experiences that she realized the greatest value of study abroad wasn't the work itself—it was the personal growth that came from stepping outside her comfort zone. So far, Laura has traveled to nearly 50 countries and serves as an International Officer at Queen Margaret University.  In this role, she helps students recognize the life-changing value of international education while they're still living it. As I listened to Laura's story, I was reminded that defining moments rarely jump up and grab us. Sometimes we only understand their significance when we look back and connect the dots. I certainly can relate. In This Episode Why Laura almost overlooked one of the most important experiences of her lifeHow a study abroad internship became a defining momentWhy reflection is essential to personal growthHow international experiences prepare us for life—not just careersLaura's passion for travel, including why Paris captured her heart Please follow along for real stories, take away a little wisdom and maybe find something that helps you figure out what's next.

    The Experience That Changed Her Life | Laura Stevenson

  6. Jun 23

    Can a Restaurant Bring People Together? Bella Italia, Family and Community with Loredana Calabrese

    What happens when a restaurant encourages people to put away their phones and simply talk to each other? At Bella Italia in North Berwick, Scotland, a simple sign on the door reads: "We do not have Wi-Fi. Talk to each other. Pretend it's 1995."  That sign caught my attention while I was teaching at Queen Margaret University in Scotland.  But it was what happened inside the restaurant that stayed with me. In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, I talk with Loredana (Lora) Calabrese about family and why creating a place where people truly connect may be more important today than ever.  I noticed something special about the restaurant. Yes, the food was great but so was the atmosphere.   Lora shares the story of her father, Giovanni Mastrocinque, and his journey from Italy to Scotland. Through hard work, he built a successful family business that continues to bring people together more than four decades later. What struck me most about Lora's story is that Bella Italia isn't really a story about a restaurant. It's a story about people. It's about creating a place where families gather and memories are made. When I later told local interior designer Emma Cross that I was planning to interview Lora, she said, "That's where everyone goes for celebrations." This simple comment made me even more curious about the story behind Bella Italia and the family who built it. In this Episode • The story behind Bella Italia and its founding in 1981 • Giovanni Mastrocinque’s journey from Italy to Scotland • The famous "No WiFi" sign and why it resonates with customers • Lessons Lora learned from her father about hard work and perseverance • Building a family business across generations • Creating a place where people feel welcome and valued Connect with Bella Italia Bella Italia Restaurant North Berwick, Scotland Please follow along for real stories, take away a little wisdom and maybe find something that helps you figure out what's next.

    Can a Restaurant Bring People Together? Bella Italia, Family and Community with Loredana Calabrese

  7. Jun 22

    What Shapes a Creative Career? Emma Cross on Design and Entrepreneurship

    Scottish interior designer and entrepreneur Emma Cross shares how childhood experiences, creativity, travel, and a willingness to say yes shaped her life and career. Emma Cross knew she wanted to be a designer when she was five years old. In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, I sit down with Emma Cross, a Scottish interior designer and entrepreneur, to explore the experiences that shaped her life and career. I first discovered Emma's shop while exploring North Berwick, Scotland. It's a 20 minute train ride from Queen Margaret University, home of our Texas State University Hub program.  Drawn in by the color and design, I was curious about the person behind the brand. Two of my Texas State University students selected Emma's business for our class branding project.  This gave me the perfect reason to reach out to Emma and learn more about her story. During our interview, Emma talked about growing up in the servants' quarters of a grand estate and how that experience shaped her dreams.  She told me she finds inspiration from travel, family and classic films. Emma was captivated by Doris Day's role as an interior designer in Pillow Talk, an early influence that helped spark a lifelong passion for design.   She still goes back to Doris Day's iconic style for ideas.   Emma's path to becoming an interior designer and entrepreneur wasn't a straight line.  She didn't get into art school. Instead, she built her career through experience, curiosity and a willingness to say yes when opportunities appeared—even when she didn't have everything figured out. She said yes.   In This Episode • How childhood experiences influence creativity and career choices • Doris Day, Pillow Talk, and early influences on design • The role of color, creativity, and personal style • Building an interior design business through experience and opportunity • Lessons from entrepreneurship and creative business ownership • Learning to say yes before everything is figured out Connect with Emma Cross Interior Designer | Entrepreneur | Creative Business Owner Website: emmacrossonline.com Emma Cross - The Store  Please follow along for real stories, take away a little wisdom and maybe find something that helps you figure out what's next.

    What Shapes a Creative Career? Emma Cross on Design and Entrepreneurship

  8. Jun 16

    How Do Life's Hardest Moments Lead to Purpose? Kelly Engram's Story

    What experiences shape who we become? In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, Judy Oskam talks with Kelly Engram, educator, Texas State University graduate, and founder of Prairie Fire Hair. Kelly's journey has been full of challenges and turning points.  As a young single mother, she was busy working and raising her son.   Kelly started college but life got in the way.   She returned and finished school years later, earning both a Bachelor's and Master's degree.  Along the way she discovered a passion for teaching and helping others succeed. One of the experiences that shaped Kelly most was a personal struggle with hair loss. It challenged her confidence and self-image.   She talks candidly about this during our interview.  And now she helps other women regain their confidence and embrace who they are. Together, Judy and Kelly explore confidence, identity, and what happens when we give ourselves permission to grow. It's a conversation about discovering passion and finding purpose in a way you never thought possible.   The Experience That Shaped Kelly Hair loss challenged Kelly's confidence, self-image, and sense of identity. Through that experience, she learned to give herself grace, embrace change, and stop letting fear define how she saw herself. Her struggle ultimately became the foundation for her purpose and life's work.   Lessons from Kelly's Journey • Confidence grows when we stop focusing on how others see us and start accepting ourselves. • Passion is often discovered through action and experience. • The experiences we would never choose often become the experiences that shape us most. • It's never too late to discover a new direction, a new passion, or a new purpose. Memorable Quote "The world doesn't see my heart. The world doesn't see my mind...." — Kelly Engram About Kelly Engram Kelly Engram is the founder of Prairie Fire Hair, a Texas-based company dedicated to helping women experiencing hair loss regain confidence through education, personalized support, and luxury wigs. A Texas State graduate, educator, and entrepreneur, Kelly combines lived experience with compassion and expertise to help women navigate issues of identity, confidence, and personal transformation. CONNECT WITH KELLY https://prairiefirehair.com/ https://www.instagram.com/prairiefirehair/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Prairie-Fire-Hair/61572911695599/ Please follow along for real stories, take away a little wisdom and maybe find something that helps you figure out what's next.

    How Do Life's Hardest Moments Lead to Purpose? Kelly Engram's Story
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About

Life doesn’t come with a roadmap. We’re all figuring it out as we go. I’m Judy Oskam, creator and host of Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next, a podcast about the changes and unexpected turns that shape our lives. In each episode, I talk with people from all walks of life about what they’ve experienced, what they’ve learned and how they found a way forward. We explore career changes, personal growth, new beginnings and the moments that change our direction. Maybe you’re facing a change, starting a new chapter or simply wondering what comes next. Either way, I hope you’ll hear a real story and take away a little wisdom that helps you find your own way forward. Because every story has something to teach us.

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