Stories from Real Life

In this episode, I asked several people from all over the country to pronounce the following words. Their results are captured here in this fun and brief experiment.1. Oil 2. Iron 3. Naked 4. Vehicle 5. Wash 6. Dawn 7. Right 8. Water 9. Pecan 10. Buggy 11. Cement 12. Can’t 13. Light 14. Night 15. On 16. Fixing 17. Aunt 18. Hair www.podcastreallife.com Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Ben Marsh is a pastor at First Alliance Church in Winston-Salem, NC. He lives there with his wife and two teenaged daughters. He has a dog, Hank, and a cat, who apparently changed its identity. The story of how that happened is almost unbelievable. Ben has a heart for immigrants and is disturbed by what he is witnessing in today's political discourse.Before you listen, you should know that he puts olives in chili. Find out why. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Nate Bell is an outspoken Never Trump conservative and has been politically homeless since 2016. A lifelong Republican until 2015, Nate served in the Arkansas State House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017 where he chaired the State Agencies and Government Affairs Committee, served as House Chair of the Legislative Audit Subcommittee on State Agencies, and as House co-chair of the Joint Committee on Constitutional Amendments.After 3 terms in office, Nate chose not to seek re-election, but he remains politically active and stirs up “good trouble.” He and his wife of 34 years live sustainably and off-grid on 225 wilderness acres in a unique home they built themselves. They have 2 grown daughters and one grandson. Tune in for a conversation with Nate Bell that will nudge you to think deeper about your political choices. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

In today's episode of "Stories from Real Life," hosted by Melvin E. Edwards, we feature Dr. Karen Swallow Prior. She is a renowned international speaker, professor, and author with a diverse portfolio of books on topics from theology to literature, with a particular focus on 18th-century British Literature.Despite recent notable disagreements with the Southern Baptist Convention, her faith remains unwavering. Her passion for words and profound reverence for The Word are central to her life.During the discussion, she explores the impact of Christian worldviews on historical events, including the abolition movement and the cause of animal safety.Tune in for a conversation with Dr. Karen Swallow Prior that promises to enlighten and inspire. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Our guest, Dr. Daniel Silliman, is the news editor for Christianity Today magazine. Three weeks ago, he released his newest book "One Lost Soul - Richard Nixon's Search for Salvation" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Nixon's resignation from the presidency. Nixon is a complicated historical figure who wrestled with God for most of his life. Today's episode will help us discover if he was eventually able to find what he was looking for. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Meredith Wills has a Ph.D. in solar astrophysics and is a sports data scientist. She's a physicist and a baseball analyst, who happens to also be a world-class knitter. Rumor has it, Lynda Carter wears a Meredith Wills costume for Halloween.Wills' grandfather may or may not have worked at Area 51.Let's see how she weaves these interests into another fascinating episode of "Stories from Real Life." Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Eriksen Dickens is a storytelling wizard, crafting "legacy documentaries" that spotlight businesses, foundations, or individuals with fascinating tales to tell. These cinematic gems capture life through a lens of positivity, preserving legacies for generational to enjoy.https://platinumpeek.com/ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Garret Williams is known on Twitter as @TexansCommenter and runs a page called Houston Stressans. He is a contributing writer for the Sporting News and covers the Houston Texans for that publication and his page. How many wins does he project for Houston this year? You might be surprised! Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Minnesota's very own Pat Kahnke is the Joey Chestnut of muskrat skinners, once taking the hides off hundreds of rodents in a single day. Though his sobering takes on Christianity and politics are serious, wondering if he once met Ted Cruz at a high school science conference is not.After Prince, Bob Dylan, and Mike Lindell, Kahnke is probably Minnesota's most famous resident. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Rodney Smith Jr.’s simple act of assisting a neighbor with lawn care has blossomed into a nationwide movement centered on compassion and kindness. Born in Bermuda on the Fourth of July, Rodney Smith Jr. is the hero Americans didn’t know we needed.https://weareraisingmen.com/https://weareraisingmen.com/donate/https://rodneysmithjr.com/products/one-lawn-at-a-time Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Find out what would happen if our guests Michael Freeman and Doc Hubbard took the wheel as President of the U.S. or Commissioner of Baseball for a day. Spoiler alert: courtesy runners might be running for cover! Tune in to uncover the whys.It has been one year since we launched the first episode of this podcast and we are celebrating by bringing back the first two guests. Last year, they were on Episodes 1 & 2. This time, they're together for Episode Number 60! Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

It’s time to change the conversation about divorce. And that’s exactly what our guest today is trying to do. Sarah Armstrong is a Vice President of Global Marketing Operations at Google, and she never expected to be in this situation. However, based on her personal experiences, she decided to write 'The Mom’s Guide to a Good Divorce: What to Think Through When Children are Involved'. She defines a good divorce as one that puts the children first. For anyone wondering how they will ever come out the other side of a divorce and keep their family whole, Sarah is an inspiration. She offers practical tips and advice for moms (and dads) by sharing her inspiring personal stories and provides sage advice for taking practical steps to work toward the best outcome in the midst of the worst of circumstances. https://www.momsguidetogooddivorce.com/ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Today's guest, Heather Renee May, has a diverse background that gives her a unique perspective on life. Ballet was her first love, and she danced professionally until retirement. She's now an author, podcast host, musician, dog-lover, and wine-enthusiast, who tours wineries in her RV with her dog. Dotty.Music has always had an important place in her life. A singer-songwriter under the stage name “Heather Ré”, she has released two albums, and performs on guitar and fiddle throughout the US, mainly at wineries and intimate venues.https://www.heatherreneemay.com/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100034211354453Instagram: _everydayismay Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Our guest today is a best-selling author of more than a dozen novels and essay collections. Acclaimed writer Sarah Bird is an NPR Moth storyteller, a winner of the Meryl Streep screenwriting competition, a member of the Texas Literary Hall of Fame, a finalist for the Dublin International Literary Award, and the hologram greeter for the Austin Central Library near the University of Texas campus.Her latest book, Juneteenth Rodeo, is a homage to the Black cowboy because 1/4 of all early Texas ranch hands and bronco busters were enslaved or direct descendants of enslaved Americans. Host Melvin E. Edwards is, himself, a direct descendant of several of those cowboys, and because of that, he is one of the rare Black members of the Sons of the Republic of Texas.Today's episode is part literacy and part acknowledgment of a forgotten past.Saddle up and join Melvin E. Edwards and his fascinating conversation with award-winning author Sarah Bird. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Jonathan Janz is the pen name of Craig Shaeffer, an American horror author of 16 novels and one collection of short fiction.In 2011, Janz published his debut novel, The Sorrows. The book received praise from author Brian Keene, who called it "the best horror novel of 2012." Keene would also describe Janz as "One of the best writers in modern horror to come along in the last decade."In March of 2023, Janz won the Wilburn-Thomas Award at the Scares That Care event in Williamsburg, VA. This is a charity event organized by author Brian Keene and the award is given to authors who have helped other writers and their community.When he's not Jonthan Janz: Horror Author, he's Mr. Shaeffer, a high school English, film literature, and creative writing teacher in Indiana. He currently resides in Indiana with his wife and three children.You won't want to miss how his students finally learned that mild-mannered Mr. Shaeffer was also famous writer Jonthan Janz. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Lori Adams-Brown is an international speaker, business executive, and podcast host. She has lived all over the world and has a unique perspective when dealing with people from varying cultures and nationalities. It also helps that she speaks six languages.Lori is a connector who puts people first and values the lasting partnerships she builds. She is an active listener who cares about the stories people share and is energized by communication and teamwork. She is also a lifelong learner and known for bringing innovative perspectives and questions to the decision-making table.Join today's conversation with impressive leader Lori Adams-Brown and learn how becoming a better listener can improve your family and your work culture. For more information about today's guest, go to her website at Lori Adams-Brown (loriadamsbrown.com) Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Risa August was a triathlete until discovering she had a brain tumor that affected her motor skills. After surgery to remove the tumor, she dealt with her setbacks by riding her bike. Then she rode her bike from Canada to Mexico. Last month, she rode across Spain. Though her brain tumor, who she calls "Bubba," has returned and has presented a new set of challenges, she remains resilient and optimistic. Listen to this episode and feel inspired to do something you've never done before - or thought you couldn't do again. More information on this guest is available at https://www.risaaugust.com/ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Joel Schwartzberg is a New Yorker with Texas roots - or a Texan with New York roots. Either way, he now lives in NJ and wants to be friends with fellow Jersey folks Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. While he waits for that to happen, he trains business leaders make their words matter, writes about improving one's communications style, and helps average people give better toasts at weddings. If you want to know how to improve your next speech, listen in for some simple, yet significant improvements you can make.https://www.joelschwartzberg.net/ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Bob LeMent is recognized as one of the first podcasters in the world. Now with over 1,500 episodes under his belt on his show, Static Radio, he joins "Real Life" to share his interesting and funny stories. He also discusses the past, present, and future of podcasting. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Donna Leigh Scott has some great stories to tell. She was a brief beauty contestant winner, an actress, singer, and model, Donna also built a high-profile court reporting business that kept her busy for nearly 5 decades. She's also the widow of character actor Tim Scott, who is best known as Pea Eye Parker in "Lonesome Dove." But her favorite stories are about her 4 grandchildren. Listen in! Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Texas high school tennis coach Jason Edwards graces the mic for the show's 50th episode! Through the family's confectionary lineage, Coach Edwards honors his grandfather's memory, intertwining the sweetness of that legacy with the joy of nurturing five adoptive boys alongside his wife.Introduction by Jon Williams. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Contemporary Christian Music legend and Grammy winner Bryan Duncan's career has spanned 6 decades and he has accumulated 16 #1 CCM chart hits. With a singing voice like Simply Red's Mick Hucknell and a comedy edge like a late-night host, Duncan has plenty of stories to share in his own unique style. From his childhood with his evangelist parents to his memorable songs with Ambrosia lead singer David Pack, every story has a punchline and a melody. Listen in, then go discover (or rediscover) his music. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

No matter how much you know about Germany, you probably never consider baseball when you think of that European country. In this episode, we have Antonio Lopez, Fraynel Mercado, and Alex Torres, the latter two guests are U.S. military personnel based on the Kaiserslautern Complex. All three are baseball players for the Kaiserslautern Bears and are ambassadors for both countries, as well as the game of baseball.To support the team, go to its website at https://ktown-bears.com/.Beginning with this episode, you'll start hearing the voice of Jon Williams. He's the creative force behind the new episode intros. Thanks, Jon! Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Pastor Stephen Simpson and attorney Rob Ryan return to continue the conversation from early April. "Men of Goodwill, Part 2" follows the men's discussion of race, religion, politics, and manhood. These potentially volatile issues are addressed with boldness and sensitivity. Listen in and comment below to add your voice to the conversation. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Dixon Monk is only an 11th grader, but he has already committed to play NCAA Division I baseball at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., one of the toughest academic schools in the country. I worked with Dixon's mother for over 15 years, so I've known him his whole life. His parents, Dexter and Maneka Monk, talk about the challenges of raising a true scholar-athlete in a sport with only a 6% Black participation rate. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Otto Gallaher is a master of reinventing himself. He became an attorney after leaving his previous career as a construction worker. He was a corporate businessman before that. In his daily life, he's a husband, father of three daughters, ordained minister, musician, Eagle Scout, and Texan. After doing genealogy research, he learned he is a direct descendant of two signers of the Mayflower Compact.Step in the zone. Otto zone.We also discuss mental health issues. If you're experiencing mental challenges and need to reach out to a professional, just dial 988. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

This episode was inspired by Beyoncé's new Country album, called "Cowboy Carter." With three Black people in the discussion, this edition is part history lesson, part music appreciation, and part self-identification. My guests this week are Lynne Childress from Maryland and Darrin Evans from North Carolina. We talk about Country music, what defines genres and audiences, and the musical gatekeepers who think THEY get to decide what defines those genres and the audiences. "Real Life" theme song by Bombay Beach Revival. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Master storyteller and baseball historian Bob Kendrick returns to the show to get the 2024 baseball season started the right way. Listen to his stories of Negro Leagues baseball greats in a way that only he can tell them. This also happens to be the 100th anniversary of the Kansas City Monarchs franchise and the first Negro Leagues World Series. What do those events mean for the museum? Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

What does it mean to be a man of goodwill in the age of social media? Real-life friends Stephen Simpson (pastor), Rob Ryan (attorney), and Melvin E. Edwards (host) discuss the hot-button issues of politics, religion, and race, and attempt to make sense of Christian involvement in 21st-century party politics. Despite the 80-minute conversation, you'll be left wanting more.Ryan was suffering from a sinus infection, which affected his voice. Still, he was a great guest."Stories from Real Life" theme song by Bombay Beach Revival. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Filmmaker, writer, and director Melissa Jo Peltier ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "The Dog Whisperer") joins the show to discuss some of her best-known projects, in addition to her recent documentary, "The Game is Up." Find out what she and her husband, director John Gray ("The Ghost Whisperer"), are working on together.The "Real Life" theme song is by Bombay Beach Revival. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Dallas-area attorney Monica Haft is a first-generation American, born to a mother from Colombia and a father from Cuba. When she started school, she didn't speak English. She learned, grew, and flourished, so when she talks about the American Dream, she has credibility. Does she think that dream is still a reality today?The original theme song is performed by Bombay Beach Revival; Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Musician and writer Sean Dietrich, popularly known as "Sean of the South," talks about his invitation to the Grand Old Opry, his dad, being a BBQ judge, Southern fried chicken, and the new nickname, "Mark Twang," that I gave him. Join this humorous and heartfelt conversation.https://seandietrich.com/This episode also marks the debut of the new "Stories from Real Life" theme song, written and performed by Bombay Beach Revival. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Independent travel agent Rachel Taylor gives tips for booking the best trips for everyone, regardless of their budget. She also tells about her favorite vacations, her strongest advice, and her obsession with Disney theme parks. vacationmagicbyrachel.com. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Known on social media as The Orchard Keeper, Dr. Lenny Wells is a University of Georgia Professor of Horticulture, a pecan farmer, and an author. He's also The Andy Griffith Show's biggest fan. Thankfully, with all of that knowledge, he clears up the correct pronunciation of "pecan."https://lennywellswords.com/ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Presidential historian Lewis Ben Smith joins the show on this Presidents Day to discuss his favorite- and least-favorite Presidents, among other interesting details about the men who have held the highest office in the United States. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Two of the leaders of the Tucson-based Wholistic Transformation join the show to talk about their nonprofit organization and how we can all get involved in helping young adults transition from foster care to the adult world. Bryan Benz is the Founder and CEO and Pat Quinn is the President of the Board of Directors of that organization. https://wholistictransformationtucson.com/ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Bob Lutz, the founder and executive director of League 42, an inner-city youth baseball program in Wichita, Kansas, joins the show to discuss the recent vandalism and destruction of the local Jackie Robinson statute. It's purely coincidental that this episode happens to be 42 minutes long.To support League 42: https://league42.org/(316) 530-4542 Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Political consultant and strategist Lee Spieckerman has thoughts about a lot of subjects. He's especially passionate about politics, fiscal policy, and racial reconciliation. He was battling a cold, but what he had to say to these public figures came through loud and clear.- Donald Trump- Joe Biden- Nikki Haley- The Squad- Charlie Kirk- Jerome PowellTune in to find out. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

During his time as a locksmith, John Thorsson has heard a lot of stories. Once, he answered the call for a man whose angry girlfriend had thrown his keys on top of a 3-story building. Another time, the police were called to the address of fighting siblings while he was opening their front door. Locksmithing is more interesting than you might have imagined! Tune in and hear the details of these common tales. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Houston Astros broadcaster Robert Ford grew up in The Bronx, NY envisioning himself playing for the NY Mets. Instead, he became only the 4th Black play-by-play announcer in MLB history. In this episode, hear about his journey, as well as his family's role in the careers of Kurtis Blow, The Beastie Boys, and LL Cool J, and the development of Hip Hop music, in general. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

What kind of President would Alexander Hamilton have been if he had not died during that famous duel with VP Aaron Burr? Could he have ended slavery without a Civil War? Would he have replaced James Madison in the historical timeline?In this episode, author Lewis Ben Smith discusses his interesting novel of alternative history that answers many questions and leaves us with many more.https://lewisliterarylair.blogspot.com/https://lewisbensmith.com/https://www.youtube.com/@indianasmith8152 Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Too often, our dreams are shattered before we ever give them a chance to develop. In this episode, 26-year-old entrepreneur and author Joe Ignace shares the secrets that made him a Top 1% salesman at his company, and how you can leverage your own talents to make an impact on those with whom you come in contact.https://joeignace.com/ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

What do you get when a descendant of slaves meets a former Klansman? Well, as they say in Texas, we're fixing to find out. This is Part 2 of the two-part eye-opening interview. Listener discretion is advised. https://www.refugemovie.com/https://www.parents4peace.org/ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

What do you get when a descendant of slaves meets a former Klansman? Well, as they say in Texas, we're fixing to find out. This is Part 1 of the two-part eye-opening interview.Listener discretion is advised.https://www.refugemovie.com/https://www.parents4peace.org/ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Jan Canty is a psychologist, writer, photographer, educator, consultant, podcast host, and cancer survivor, whose cancer has just returned for a second bout. She tells us some sobering stories of how her life was tragically disrupted by the tragic death of her husband. https://jancantyphd.com/ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Talented musician Daniel DeBlanke, known professionally as Bombay Beach Revival, once ended up on tour with the legendary Prince. Yes, THAT Prince!He joins the show to talk about all things music related, including his unexpected choice for favorite Christmas movie.His Christmas songs are interjected throughout this episode, so listen in, and add yourself as a new fan to the "country-fried soul" music of Bombay Beach Revival. Bombay Beach Revival songs in this episode: 1. Christmas is Here 2. White Christmas 3. Merry Christmas 4. TroubleSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1W7pMXb6n6ZUUM9Axqi9tL?si=Ss9AjjO-TDG9RcXeh8b2VQYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIjRhXxcr11KDeLGtdKsyxQ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Melissa Quinn Amour's family has been in Pennsylvania since the time of William Penn, so she's deeply invested in the culture of the Keystone State and The City of Brotherly Love. She's also passionate about a few other things, including her hometown Phillies, the Beatles, and the Christmas season. Find out what happens when you ask her about Philly fans throwing snowballs at Santa Claus.Listen in to this conversation and you will leave with a smile on your face. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Journalist Bob Cox's parents and grandparents left Texas and Arkansas to seek their fortunes in California. So, how did he end up leaving California to seek his fortune in Texas?In this episode, Cox examines his life as a long-time journalist and explains how a college course in philosophy unexpectedly set him on his career course. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Documentarian Mary Beth Minnis isn't the person you might expect to produce a film about Juneteenth, but when she was approached by Rasool Berry and Our Daily Bread Ministries, the executive producers of Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom, she jumped in head-first. Faith and freedom are ideas that we can celebrate all year around, so we're choosing to consider those topics during this holiday season. Documentary Film Producer & Executive Producerwww.MaryBethMinnis.comCheckout: experiencevoices.org/juneteenth Sponsors:Critter and Crumbhttps://www.etsy.com/shop/critterandcrumb/?etsrc=sdtBlinkist: https://blinkist-us.pxf.io/q4BPQOKey ideas from bestselling non-fiction books, distilled by experts into bitesize text and audio. Explore our vast library of over 5,500 titles. Anker: https://anker.pxf.io/rQOYrQAnker is the global leader in charging technology. This includes wireless charging, car charging, and our best-selling portable and wall chargers. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

GUEST: MARTY DUREN Writer and former podcaster Marty Duren joins the show to provide a unique perspective on thankfulness and hope. He and host, Melvin E. Edwards, discuss their favorite music, memories, and bucket list travel destinations. We hope you will join the conversation and feel inspired to have a similar conversation with your own friends and family on Thanksgiving Day. Episode sponsors: Blinkist: https://blinkist-us.pxf.io/q4BPQO Anker: https://anker.pxf.io/rQOYrQ The full video is available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfMbDu9D33pLyWHp7hfREgQ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe