Stories from Real Life

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

Anna R. Holloway, PhD, is a retired Professor of English, and is a writer and editor. During her 46 years at Fort Valley State University, she taught writing, literature, and journalism. When she left her White Midwestern roots and went to segregated Georgia in the 1960s, she didn't know she would be teaching at an all-Black college. She certainly didn't know she would stay there for nearly 50 years. "Looking for Jazz: A Memoir about the Black College and Southern Town That Changed My Life" is her first published book.annahollowaywrites.comBook link: https://a.co/d/8kd8MXUEpisode sponsors: Blinkist: https://blinkist-us.pxf.io/q4BPQO Anker: https://anker.pxf.io/rQOYrQ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

GUEST: BILL CLABBYBill Clabby is a multi-lingual educator and administrator, who has taught and lived in several different countries over the course of his life. He also happens to be the father-in-law of Melvin E. Edwards' daughter. Clabby and Edwards have two grandchildren in common, including the one in the photo. Bill discusses living in France, Senegal, and Japan, and how he spends his time since retiring a few months ago. You'll want to hear about his experience while traveling to Clabby, Northern Ireland - a town that was founded by his ancestors.Episode sponsors: Blinkist: https://blinkist-us.pxf.io/q4BPQOAnker: https://anker.pxf.io/rQOYrQ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Host Melvin E. Edwards was the Master of Ceremonies during the Traditional Storytellers portion of the Wimberley (Texas) StoryFest over the weekend of October 12-14, 2023. He also interviewed various participants as they represented the theme of the weekend, which was "Story in all its forms." This episode is a brief summary of the singer-songwriters, filmmakers, and traditional storytellers. https://www.wimberleystoryfest.org/ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Guest: James PenceJames Pence had a heart attack in 2021 and was without a heartbeat for 45 minutes. He spent the next two years rehabbing his body and singing voice, which led him to the fulfillment of a lifelong dream -- getting a part in the production of "The Music Man." James is a former pastor, author, motivational speaker, and chalk artist who used his talent as a part of a prison ministry, and a singer who competed in a local version of "The Voice." He has endured tragedies and unusual circumstances that he now uses as a bridge to encourage others who are facing challenges in life.James Pence is an encourager and after hearing his stories, you'll also feel encouraged. We suggest you pull up a chair and your favorite beverage while listening to his soothing tones. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

GUEST: ROB MATWICKIn this special edition of the podcast, Texas Rangers Executive Vice President of Business Operations Rob Matwick stops by to discuss this October weekend's American League Championship Series (ALCS). This episode is special because Matwick has been an executive for both teams. It's also special because he hired Melvin E. Edwards for his first job out of college in 1988.Take a look ahead at the upcoming ALCS, while you get a bird's eye view of the roads that led these men to an intersection in the offices of the Houston Astros more than 35 years ago.Whether you're a fan of the Rangers, the Astros, or neither, you will enjoy this lighthearted episode. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Guest: Linda HallIn this episode that was recorded on-site in the office of FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, host Melvin E. Edwards was able to interview Linda Hall, the widow of FAME producer and owner Rick Hall. A benefit concert the day before was the reason he was in town, but after having lunch with Mrs. Hall, he decided that he wanted my audience to hear her story, too. At 82 years old, she still works at the studio every day and is truly the muscle behind the legacy of Muscle Shoals music.She was initially reluctant to talk but agreed to give me a few minutes. She then started telling her stories of faith, resilience, love, and music that lasted for 45 minutes. he didn’t want to interrupt her, so he didn’t. This episode is presented without any interruptions.FameStudios.com Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Hans Boas is the Director of Germanic Studies at the University of Texas-Austin, but until he arrived in Texas in 2001, he had no idea that the distinctive Texas German dialect even existed. Once he learned this fascinating fact, it became his life's work to record as many of the surviving speakers of Texas German as possible before it was too late.Hear how the German immigrants' personal views on slavery conflicted with the Anglos who were already in the Republic of Texas in the 1840s, and how the two world wars doomed Texas German to eventual extinction. Listen as Dr. Boas explains how the merging of many German and Czech cultures near Houston gave America one of its most popular beers, and how a small group of Black Texans attended integrated German-language schools and learned to speak that dialect.https://tgdp.org/ Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Guest: Deb PowellDeb Powell, the owner and operator of Port O'Connor (POC) Rod and Gun, has been fishing in this Texas town since childhood. She shares her favorite memories of fishing with her dad and siblings, and recalls all of the fish that got away. She also describes how you can bring your family or group to POC to fish during the winter and what you will need to know to make the most of your trip. It was the first remote location recording of this podcast and it was a lot of fun! Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Guest: Rachel Ridge Rachel is an author of six books and a Life Coach, though she didn’t begin those journeys until after her 50th birthday. She began painting in her 30s to make extra money to get her hair done. In the midst of all of that, Rachel rescues and raises donkeys, and has learned enough lessons from them to fill all six books. She now shares those lessons to offer others much-needed encouragement and to help them pull out of the rut they’re in. After hearing Rachel Ridge’s stories, your only choices will be supporting Team Racehorse or Team Donkey. https://donkeyrescue.org/contact-us/https://RachelAnneRidge.com Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Guest: Rick Hall, Jr.You may not know Rick Hall's name, but you know the music that Rick Hall developed as the founder and producer of FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. In this episode, we talk to Rick Hall Jr. about the motivation that led his dad into the music business and breaking through Alabama's segregation attitudes on the 60th anniversary of his worldwide musical legacy.You won't want to miss the stories about Rick Hall's run-in with Aretha Franklin's husband, which caused Hall to eventually lose his famed "Swampers" session musicians to Atlantic Records Executive Jerry Wexler. While those things were happening, Rick Jr. was doing his best to "corrupt" the angelic Donny Osmond behind the scenes in that rural Alabama town. Tune in to hear the rest of the story. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Patrick Chovanec's family's idea of a vacation was to pile into the car and drive to a national landmark. That all changed when his father decided to take the family to China in 1986. Since then, he has become one of the U.S.' primary experts on Chinese politics and economics. He has spent much of his life living in China since then.A college economics professor on two continents, Patrick Chovanec has traveled to over 50 countries, including being one of the few Americans to visit North Korea. Chovanec is a frequent commentator in both the international and Chinese media. His insights into Chinese economics, business, politics, and culture have been featured on CNN, BBC, PBS, NPR, CBS, ABC, CNBC, Voice of America, and Bloomberg, as well as many others.He recently earned his private pilot's license and wrote a book about that process. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Because of Jim Crow laws, Darrin Evans' father - an Army Drill Sargeant - was never allowed to go to a public pool. Yet, he taught himself to swim in the river and insisted that his children also learn to swim. He considered it a survival skill. Statistics show that if a parent doesn't know how to swim, the chances are very high that their children will never learn. That's significant because of the 3,500 annual drownings in the U.S., half of those who died never intended to be in any body of water. Basic water safety training could have saved their lives. Darrin is passionate about swimming. He's also passionate about preserving history within its proper context. Stop by and listen to a ranging conversation that will cause you at times to think deeply and other times to laugh heartily. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Guest: Bob Kendrick Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick is the ultimate storyteller. He can take you from the pitcher's mound with Satchel Paige to the batter's box with Josh Gibson in the time it takes a fastball to travel 60 feet, 6 inches. Hear Mr. Kendrick bring to life the players, fans, and superfans who keep alive the enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues. Stories like:The more you know about Buck O'Neil, the more you want to know. Baseball legend Ted Williams is the primary reason why Negro Leagues stars are now included in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki became the first Japanese position player in MLB, and because of that, he felt a special bond with those Negro Leagues players who broke their color barrier in the 1940s. Lend Bob Kendrick your ears and he will make your day better. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Guest: Dinn Mann This week's episode features a man whose grandfather owned the Houston Astros baseball team and designed the Astrodome stadium to outsmart the Texas summer heat. He was also the Houston mayor who desegregated that city a decade before other southern cities were federally mandated to do so. As a result, Houston is now the most diverse city in America, according to a 2021 study by WalletHub. Dinn Mann, a former MLB executive and intellectual property pioneer, is the CEO of GOATnet and the co-founder of Playrs Holdings.This episode takes an emotional journey to endorse the importance of a person's legacy -- the one they inherit and the one they leave behind. For more information on Goatnet: https://www.goatnet.com/To read more about Roy Hofheinz: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Hofheinz Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Guest: Michael FreemanThe best gift that Michael Freeman ever received was a chance to throw out a ceremonial First Pitch for his beloved Minnesota Twins. It was a gift given to him by his wife of 40 years. Ironically, the First Pitch for the Twins and his "first pitch" to his wife were less-than-stellar performances, though both did result in positive outcomes with memorable stories to tell.Here is the story of Michael Freeman, who was raised in Freeman, South Dakota, and graduated from Freeman High School. That's where his story begins. It certainly doesn't end there.Freeman has led an eventful life. Among the highlights was the time that Oprah intercepted his fax to another client and hired him to write a speech for her. But that doesn't beat the time that President Ford kicked him out of a hotel room during a political campaign. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Guest: Doc Hubbard (Episode 1)The debut episode of this podcast features a fun and freewheeling interview with Dr. Jeff "Doc" Hubbard, a retired educator and administrator from Southern California. To celebrate his 65th birthday and 20th year of sobriety, Doc took a train ride from California to fulfill his lifelong dream of visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. The 10,000-mile rail and road trip included stops in Chicago for a deep-dish pizza, an unexpectedly harrowing taxi ride, and soul-stirring visits to Memphis and Delta Blues museums.This episode is supported by a subtle soundtrack that honors Hubbard's spiritual connection with Western culture and music. Pull up a seat, get comfortable, and come along for the ride. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe