Life Stories Podcast with Shara Goswick: Real People. Inspiring Stories. Making a Difference.

In this powerful episode, Portia shares the heart and hard-won wisdom behind her book Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go. We talk about reshaping hustle culture, embracing “shame-free wellness,” and why slowing down doesn’t mean giving up. Portia is honest about her own journey—living with kidney disease, navigating autism and ADHD, and redefining what wellness really looks like.

Key Takeaways:
*Hustle isn’t always toxic—learn to create a healthier relationship with ambition.
*The S.A.N.E. cycle: Slow down & reflect, Acknowledge reality, Navigate with intention, Evaluate & adapt.
*Why perfectionism often masks a need for love, safety, and belonging.
*Mini-retreats: small, powerful pauses to reconnect with yourself.
*Creating sustainable wellness for yourself, your family, or your workplace.
*The importance of treating yourself with compassion and creating “luxury and rest” without guilt.
Portia’s message is for everyone—students, caregivers, professionals, and leaders—who need permission to breathe, rest, and reclaim joy.

To find out more about Dr. Preston's work, visit https://portiapreston.com/

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683

Dr. Cliff Redford isn’t just a veterinarian—he’s an adventurer, educator, and advocate for animals worldwide. In this Life Stories episode, Cliff shares how his passion for animal welfare has taken him far beyond the walls of his busy clinic, from rescuing street dogs in Jamaica to protecting wildlife in Africa.

You’ll hear how his documentary work brings global attention to animal rescue efforts and why he believes kindness and education are at the heart of meaningful change. Cliff’s experiences reveal the powerful impact one person can have when they follow their calling with courage and compassion.

Highlights from this episode include:
*Cliff’s journey from local veterinary practice to global missions
*Behind-the-scenes stories from his animal rescue adventures
*The importance of educating communities about responsible pet care
*How service and hope drive his work, no matter the obstacles

Whether you’re an animal lover, a dreamer with a big vision, or someone searching for a spark of inspiration, this conversation will remind you that small acts of compassion can ripple across the world.

You can find more about Dr. Cliff at https://drcliff.ca/ and https://www.instagram.com/wellingtonveterinary

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683

Reese Brown, host of Making Meaning, joins me to talk about curiosity, courage, and the beauty of connecting with others. She shares what drove her to create a podcast about life’s biggest questions, her experience living abroad in Italy, and how she bridges the practical side of life with the search for purpose.

In this conversation, we talk about:

*Following the “spark” inside you and learning to trust it*How living abroad challenged and inspired her*Balancing the practical realities of life with a deep sense of meaning*Lessons from attending her first podcast conference*Becoming a certified life coach and listening deeply to others*Encouragement for anyone afraid to chase their dreams or share their story

Reese’s journey is a reminder that curiosity can transform our lives, and that we all have the power to “make meaning” no matter where we are.

To find out more about Reese and her work, visit https://www.thecoherecollective.com/ .

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683

In this episode of Life Stories, I talk with Lindsay Newitter, a posture coach who helps people feel more confident and comfortable in their own bodies. Lindsay shares how improving posture isn’t just about standing straight—it’s about self-awareness, communication, and even emotional well-being.

What you’ll hear in this episode:* How Lindsay discovered her passion for posture coaching*The link between posture, confidence, and effective communication*Simple tips you can start using today to improve posture and presence*Stories of transformation from her clients*Why body language can shape how others perceive you—and how you perceive yourself

You can find out more about Lindsay and her coaching at https://www.lindsaynewitter.com/.

You can sign up for Lindsay's free training here: https://www.lindsaynewitter.com/get-free-training

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683

In this episode of Life Stories, I sit down with Gail Showalter, a woman who turned her personal struggles into a powerful mission to help single moms thrive. Gail shares her journey from heartbreak to healing, and how her experiences shaped her passion for creating opportunities for women to rebuild their lives.

What you’ll hear in this episode:*Gail’s story of becoming a single mother of three*How going back to school changed her life and gave her purpose*The beginnings of her nonprofit dedicated to single moms*Why education and job skills make such a difference*The retreats and projects she’s led to encourage and uplift moms*Inspiring stories of women who have transformed their futures

This is a conversation full of hope, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone walking through change or supporting others on their journey.

To find out more about Gail and Single Moms EmpowerED, please visit https://www.gailshowalter.com/ and https://www.singlemomsempowered.org/.

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683

In this inspiring episode of Life Stories, I talk with Laura Bratton—author, speaker, coach, and founder of Ubi Global. Laura shares her remarkable journey of losing her eyesight as a teenager, walking through grief, anxiety, and depression, and discovering the daily power of grit and gratitude. Today, she empowers others to face change and loss with resilience and hope.
Topics we cover:*Laura’s childhood, diagnosis, and the years she spent losing her sight*The deep grief, panic attacks, and depression she faced in high school*What “non-death loss” means and how it applies to all of us*The role of mentors, family, and friends in helping her move from “I can’t” to “I can”*How practicing gratitude shifted her perspective and gave her strength*Writing her book Harnessing Courage Through Grit and Gratitude—the painful and healing process*Founding Ubi Global and her mission to help people navigate change with resilience*Why grieving is not a weakness, but a vital part of healing
Laura’s story is not just about overcoming blindness. It’s about discovering courage in the face of overwhelming change and learning how grit and gratitude can transform any life challenge. Whether you’re facing loss, transition, or uncertainty, this episode will encourage you to keep moving forward.
To find out more about Laura and her work, visit https://www.laurabratton.com/
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683

In this episode of Life Stories, I sit down with Karen Knight, who shares her journey from a busy career to dedicating her life to helping others discover the joy and fulfillment of volunteering. Karen’s passion for connecting people with opportunities to serve is both inspiring and practical, showing how even small acts of kindness can ripple into something much greater.
We talk about her own experiences, the challenges people face when deciding where and how to give their time, and the transformative impact volunteering has on communities and individuals alike.
Topics we cover:
*Karen’s story of how she began her work in volunteer engagement*The surprising benefits of volunteering beyond just helping others*Tips for finding the right place to serve*The ripple effect one person can create through consistent giving*Why volunteering is about connection as much as contribution
This conversation is a great reminder that making a difference doesn’t always require huge gestures—it starts with simply showing up.
To find out more about Karen's work, visit https://karenknight.ca/Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
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