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

Happy New Year, friends! I hope you are enjoying the first day of 2024. On the podcast today I share some thoughts about what I've learned as I hosted Life Stories in 2023. There was lots of growth for me in multiple ways, and I am hopeful about what is in store for the podcast in the new year. May you listen and reflect and be encouraged for the growth in your own life, be it in big or small ways. As always, thanks for listening!

Today’s conversation with Jenna Cooley is incredibly moving! Despite knowing Jenna since childhood, I never knew the full story of her journey to motherhood. Hearing it from her own perspective was truly inspiring, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Tune in for a heartfelt and uplifting episode. Thank you for listening!

While exploring unique non-profits across the US, I discovered Icing Smiles and was thrilled when they agreed to join me! Icing Smiles is an amazing organization that bakes cakes for families with children battling critical illnesses. They’ve found that a simple cake can bring a smile to a child's face during tough times, and it truly works! I absolutely love what they do and I hope you enjoy our conversation. You might even be inspired to get involved! Thanks for listening!

Imagine the dedication it takes to grow a 150-acre farm solely to combat food insecurity. That’s the incredible mission of JK Community Farm in Purcellville, VA. With the support of thousands of volunteers each week, this farm donates hundreds of thousands of pounds of fresh produce annually to local food pantries. I was thrilled to speak with Samantha about their impactful work. Tune in to learn more, and visit jkcommunityfarm.org for more information.

In today's episode, I sit down with Norma Norris, the visionary founder of Candle, Inc. (Reality Tour). This remarkable non-profit uses innovative methods to educate both children and adults on the long-term consequences of drug use. Based in Pennsylvania, Candle, Inc. has expanded its reach to several states. Discover more about this impactful program at candleinc.org. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation! Thanks for listening!

This episode is close to my heart as we dive into the world of disability-inclusive theater with Melissa Smith. She founded Backlight Productions, a theater company showcasing actors with disabilities, and I’m excited to see their shows live! Melissa has also penned her first book, The Great Changeup, to guide interactions with people with disabilities. Pre-order it at friendsoffranklincounty.com and learn more about Backlight Productions at backlightproductions.org. Thanks for tuning in!

I had a fantastic chat with Izabel from People Helping People Utah! This organization is transforming women’s lives by preparing them for workforce success. Learn more about their impactful work at phputah.org. Thanks for tuning in!

Today’s podcast features an inspiring chat with Nechami Tenenbaum, CEO of Defiance Beauty. Nechami is making waves in women’s advocacy, and I was thrilled to learn about her impactful work. Discover more about Defiance Beauty at defiancebeauty.com. I hope you enjoy our conversation—thanks for listening!

Today, I chat with the co-founders of OHgo, a non-profit in Ohio that brings essentials and joy directly to communities in need. It was a pleasure speaking with them, and I hope you enjoy our conversation. Discover more about OHgo at ohgoreach.org. Thanks for listening!

Music plays a huge role in my family’s life, and today I explored how neurologic music therapists at Perfect Harmony Health are making a difference daily. Discover their impactful work at perfectharmonyhealth.com. For more on music therapy, check out musictherapy.org and nmtacademy.co. Thanks for listening!