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Life Stories Podcast with Shara Goswick: Real People. Inspiring Stories. Making a Difference.
Life Stories Podcast with Shara Goswick: Real People. Inspiring Stories. Making a Difference. episodes
- Genealogy, Healing, and the Stories That Shape Us
In this fascinating episode of Life Stories: People Helping People, Shara talks with Mica L. Anders, a professional genealogist, historian, and artistic placemaker whose work helps individuals uncover forgotten family stories. What started as a hobby turned into a calling — helping people trace their roots, heal old family wounds, and understand their identities in a deeper way.
Mica shares how her background in art led her to create genealogy quilts, how DNA testing can reveal surprising truths, and how she helps both descendants of enslaved people and enslavers navigate their shared history. She also opens up about her work as the first history fellow at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum, where she uncovered stories of African Americans who lived in Minnesota long before statehood.
This conversation is full of insight, empathy, and encouragement — reminding us that everyone’s story matters and that curiosity about our past can bring healing and connection in the present.
Topics include:
*How Mica turned her love of art and history into a career
*The challenges and beauty of African American genealogy
*The surprising stories DNA can reveal
*Why recording family stories now is so important
*The healing that can come from understanding your ancestry
*Her work uncovering early African American life in Minnesota
Connect with Mica: https://www.andersgenealogicalservices.com/
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a1668321 min - Parent First, Advocate Always: The Heart Behind Connection Therapy ClinicIn this heartfelt episode of Life Stories: People Helping People, Shara speaks with Stephanie Fluger, founder of Connection Therapy Clinic in California, a clinic born from her own experience as a mom raising a son with autism. After years of navigating therapy sessions, missed milestones, and feeling isolated and unheard, Stephanie decided to do something about it.
Stephanie teamed up with her son’s therapists to create a clinic that focuses on connection over checklists — supporting not only the children but also the parents and therapists. Stephanie shares how her clinic’s child-led approach allows every child to be treated as an individual, not a diagnosis.
Together, Shara and Stephanie talk about:
*The lack of support for parents navigating autism
*How Connection Therapy Clinic prioritizes parent involvement and therapist care
*The misconceptions surrounding autism and therapy
*Tips for parents who want to travel with their autistic children
*Stephanie’s newest project — an AI-powered parent resource designed to provide neurodiverse-affirming, scientifically based support.
If you’ve ever felt unseen or overwhelmed as a parent of a child with autism, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone — and that meaningful change can start with one mom’s heart to help others.
Connect with Stephanie at https://www.connectiontherapyclinic.com/
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a1668323 min - When Creativity Becomes Healing — Jordan Bailey’s Journey
In this inspiring and deeply honest conversation, Jordan Bailey shares how creativity, faith, and healing have shaped her journey. From discovering her artistic gifts and pursuing design school to launching her playful baking brand Weirdough, Jordan’s story is one of courage, growth, and rediscovering her worth in God.
::CONTENT WARNING: Attempted suicide is discussed in this conversation.::
We talk about:
How a mentor helped Jordan see her creativity as a calling
The move that changed her life and reconnected her with faith
What it really means to “record over lies with truth”
How God used community, therapy, and creativity to bring healing
Why food became a language of belonging and connection
The heart behind her TEDx Talk and her message to “build tables, not pedestals”
Why she believes the most important thing is to just keep trying
Jordan’s journey reminds us that we don’t have to have everything figured out — we just have to be willing to take the next right step.
Connect with Jordan: Home | Jordan Bailey
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
34 min - Real Conversations, Real Growth, Real Business Connections
In this episode of Life Stories, I chat with Ben Albert, the creator of the Real Business Connections podcast network and founder of Grow Getters. When COVID hit, Ben was furloughed from his corporate marketing job, but what looked like a setback became the start of something extraordinary.
Ben shares how he transitioned from “Music Ben” to “Business Ben,” building a thriving podcasting and marketing career from scratch. His story is one of resilience, curiosity, and connection—and it’s full of insights for anyone who’s ever wanted to start something new.
Highlights:
*How losing his job during COVID helped Ben rediscover his purpose
*Why he calls podcasting his “university on wheels”
*The transformation from a music lover to a full-time entrepreneur
*What “speaking it into existence” means when starting a podcast
*How to build community and authentic connection in a digital world
*What Grow Getters is really all about—and why it’s not as intimidating as it sounds
Connect with Ben:
🎙https://realbusinessconnections.com/
🌐 https://www.skool.com/growgettersonly
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
28 min - Changing the World Through Cultural Diplomacy: A Conversation with Morgan DeNicola
In this inspiring episode of Life Stories, I sit down with Morgan DeNicola, Executive Director of the DeNicola Family Foundation, a global organization centered on four key passions: World Health, Humanitarian Recognition, Conservation, and Cultural Diplomacy.
Morgan shares how her family’s entrepreneurial spirit and deep sense of service led her to discover her purpose in humanitarian work. From her first life-changing trip to Africa to her efforts to bring compassion and understanding to every corner of the world, Morgan reminds us that kindness and diplomacy begin with our everyday relationships.
Highlights:
*How Morgan’s trip to Africa reshaped her life and career
*The meaning of cultural diplomacy—and how it applies to our daily lives
*The emotional highs and lows of humanitarian work
*Why practicing empathy and understanding can change everything
*How small acts of kindness can make a big difference
*The importance of mental health in philanthropy
*Morgan’s advice for anyone wanting to make an impact, no matter how small
*The launch of the Rising Star Humanitarian Award for kids making a difference
Connect with Morgan:
https://denicolafamilyfoundation.org/
https://www.instagram.com/morgan.slikerdenicola/
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a1668332 min - Celebrating Three Years of Life Stories!
On today’s special anniversary episode, I’m reflecting on three incredible years of Life Stories! Join me as I share some of the most memorable moments from this past year, make a few exciting announcements, and recognize five standout guests with this year’s Life Stories Awards.
It’s a heartfelt look back at the inspiring people, powerful conversations, and meaningful connections that have made this journey so special. Thank you for being part of it!
In this episode:*Highlights from the past year of Life Stories
*A few exciting updates and announcements
*The 2025 Life Stories Award winners
*A big thank-you to all of you who listen, share, and support the show
Listen in and celebrate with me, because this milestone belongs to all of us!34 min - Money, Mindset, and the Simple Road
In this episode, I sit down with Steve Short, co-author of The Simple Road Toward Financial Freedom, to talk about the inspiration behind the book he wrote with his longtime friend and financial advisor, Mark Schlipman. Together, they explore how money fits into a meaningful life — not as the goal, but as a tool that should align with what matters most.
Their book encourages readers to look at finances with honesty and clarity, showing that simplicity often leads to more freedom, less stress, and a better understanding of success.
Highlights from the episode:
*How Simple Road began through Steve and Mark’s shared experiences in the financial world
*The practical lessons they’ve learned about money, priorities, and balance
*Why simplicity is the foundation of long-term financial peace
*How perspective can change the way we approach success and wealth
*What Steve and Mark hope readers will take away from Simple Road
To find out more about The Simple Road Toward Financial Freedom, visit https://www.simpleroadbook.com/home-page
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a1668337 min - Faith, Finance, and the Future: Paris’s StoryIn this episode, I sit down with Paris, a licensed financial services agent who’s passionate about helping people build a solid financial foundation and take control of their future. Paris shares how he got started in the industry, what keeps him motivated, and the importance of education when it comes to money.
He’s not here to sell — he’s here to serve, and that shines through as he talks about guiding families through financial decisions that can change generations.
In this episode, we talk about:*How Paris found his purpose in financial services
*What it really means to create generational wealth
*Why understanding money starts with having the right mindset
*Common mistakes people make with finances — and how to fix them
*How faith, discipline, and education all play a role in building a stable future.
To find out more about Paris' work, visit https://pariscluff.com
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a1668346 min - Restoring Hope: The Global Impact of Abuse Recovery Ministry & ServicesIn this powerful episode of Life Stories: Ministries Making a Difference, I sit down with Stacey Womack, founder of Abuse Recovery Ministry & Services (ARMS). ARMS is a nonprofit she began nearly three decades ago after feeling a clear call from God to help those impacted by abuse.
What started with a stay-at-home mom homeschooling six children has grown into a worldwide ministry offering free recovery programs for women experiencing or recovering from abuse. ARMS also provides intervention programs for men and women who use abusive behaviors and training for churches and organizations that want to respond wisely and compassionately.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
*How God called Stacey into ministry when she least expected it
*The incredible story behind ARMS’ start and global growth
*The different forms of abuse — including emotional, financial, and spiritual — that often go unnoticed
*Why many people don’t recognize their own situation as abusive
*How ARMS walks alongside survivors with compassion, understanding, and practical tools for healing
*The importance of addressing abuse from both sides — those who experience it and those who cause harm
ARMS now operates across the U.S. and internationally, offering in-person and Zoom-based recovery groups in multiple languages and is helping women (and men) reclaim hope, healing, and purpose.
Learn more or get help: https://abuserecovery.org
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a1668338 min - Why ADHD Doesn’t Define Our Children with Roman WydenIn this episode of Life Stories, I sit down with Roman Wyden, filmmaker, podcaster, and author of ADHD Is Over. Roman shares the deeply personal story of his son’s ADHD diagnosis and what it’s taught him about labels, learning differences, and how we can better support kids both at home and in school.
What began as a confusing and frustrating diagnosis turned into a mission: to help parents and educators understand the difference between the very real struggles children face and the labels we place on them. Roman now uses his voice, book, and podcast to challenge assumptions about ADHD and to bring fresh insight into how kids learn, think, and thrive.
We discuss:
*Roman’s journey through his son’s ADHD diagnosis.
*Why “the struggle is real, but the label is not.”
*The impact of labels on children in the school system.
*How parents can advocate for their kids without shame or fear.
*Why teachers play such a crucial role in reframing ADHD.
This conversation will encourage parents, educators, and anyone who loves a child to see ADHD in a new light—focusing on understanding and support, not just a diagnosis.
To find out more about Roman and his work, visit https://www.adhdisover.com/
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a1668335 min
About Life Stories Podcast with Shara Goswick: Real People. Inspiring Stories. Making a Difference.
From the publisher's feed
Sharing Stories. Inspiring Hope. Building Connections.
I’m Shara Goswick, host of the Life Stories podcast, where I sit down with people from all over the world who are helping others in unique and powerful ways. My mission is simple: to remind people that there is still good in the world.
Through Life Stories, I highlight nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, and everyday people who are making a difference. Each conversation is an opportunity to shine a light on kindness, resilience, creativity, and faith.