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

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Life Stories Podcast Listener Survey

In this episode of Life Stories, I sit down with children’s author Steph Katzovi to talk about the long road from a childhood dream to a published book series. Steph shares how she knew at just eight years old that she wanted to be a writer and how that dream stayed with her, even through law school and a successful corporate career as a speechwriter.

We talk about the leap of faith it took to walk away from stability and step into creativity, especially as a mom. Steph opens up about how her real-life experiences, like struggling with homesickness as a child, inspired her storytelling and shaped the heart behind her books.

Steph also shares her passion for helping kids build confidence, navigate friendships, and make positive choices through relatable characters and meaningful stories. This conversation is full of encouragement for anyone who feels called to try something new, reminding us that it’s never too late to pursue what’s been on your heart all along.

To connect with Steph, visit https://stephkatzovi.com/

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

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*Like and share this episode!
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*Buy me a virtual coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/lifestoriespodcast

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In this episode of Life Stories, I sit down with Ralph Estep Jr., also known as The Content Creator’s Accountant, to talk about the business side of creativity and what so many creators are missing behind the scenes.

Ralph shares why he started The Content Creator’s Accountant podcast and how his own journey led him to help creators move from confusion to clarity when it comes to their finances and systems.

We talk about the reality of building something from the ground up, the importance of having simple systems in place, and why so many creators struggle, not because they aren’t talented, but because they lack structure.

Ralph also gives honest insight into mindset, consistency, and what it really takes to grow something sustainable over time.

One of the biggest takeaways? Don’t rush the process. Grow into what you’re building, stay within your means, and be intentional about your purpose.

This conversation is full of practical wisdom, encouragement, and real talk for anyone creating content and wondering what comes next.

To connect with Ralph, visit https://www.contentcreatorsaccountant.com/

3 ways to support Life Stories:
*Like and share this episode!
*Subscribe to this channel!
*Buy me a virtual coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/lifestoriespodcast

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode of Life Stories, I sit down with Braxton Kilgo, founder of the “I Believe in You” (IBIY) movement. What started as a simple message on a sticker handed out to students in 2017 has grown into a global movement spreading kindness through bracelets and powerful personal connections.

Braxton shares how a life shift, from pursuing football to discovering purpose, led him to speak to students and ultimately spark something much bigger than he ever imagined. After hearing stories of kindness ripple through a school and into homes, he realized the impact wasn’t just for kids. It was for everyone.

Today, the IBIY bracelets travel across cities and countries, carrying messages of hope, encouragement, and connection. With the addition of a mobile app, each bracelet tells a story, creating a chain reaction of kindness around the world.

Braxton also opens up about the challenges of building a business from scratch, the fulfillment of living with purpose, and why four simple words can truly change a life.

To learn more about IBIY, visit https://www.ibelieveinyou.io/

3 ways to support Life Stories:

1. Like and share this episode!
2. Subscribe to this channel!
3. Buy me a virtual coffee at
https://buymeacoffee.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode of Life Stories, I sit down with Ryan Riggins, a former house flipper who made a powerful decision to change direction. After years of buying homes, often from families in difficult situations, Ryan realized the financial gain often came at someone else’s loss. That realization led him to switch sides and dedicate his work to protecting families instead.

Ryan now helps adult children navigate one of the most overwhelming seasons of life: managing an aging parent’s transition. He shares how predatory buyers operate, why families can unknowingly lose tens of thousands of dollars, and what options truly exist when it comes to selling a home.

We talk about the emotional weight of these decisions, the tension that can arise within families, and why preparation matters more than most people realize. Ryan also walks through practical strategies, red flags to watch for, and the importance of having honest conversations early—before a crisis forces quick decisions.

If you are caring for aging parents, walking through a transition, or simply want to be prepared for the future, this episode offers real, practical guidance you can use.

To connect with Ryan, visit https://rigginsstrategicsolutions.com/Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode, I sit down with Eric Robinson, a retired FBI agent with a truly unique story. Eric didn’t follow a lifelong plan to join the Bureau. In fact, he applied on a whim. But that one decision led him into a career filled with intense investigations, SWAT operations, and moments that most of us only see in movies.

Eric gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to work for the FBI: from the detailed application process to the realities of working cases involving terrorism, informants, and high-risk arrests. He shares how agents build trust with people, how cases come together, and even walks us through an award-winning investigation that led to a major conviction.

We also talk about the emotional side of the job, how agents process difficult situations, the importance of teamwork, and what it takes mentally and emotionally to do this kind of work. Eric clears up common misconceptions about the FBI and explains the difference between what we see in the headlines and what most agents actually do every day.

What makes Eric’s story even more powerful is his background as a pastor. He shares how his time in ministry shaped the way he approached people in law enforcement, and how lessons about accountability, change, and character carry over into every area of life.

This is a fascinating and meaningful conversation that will give you a whole new perspective on law enforcement, purpose, and the power of the choices we make.

To connect with Eric, follow him on Instagram @_eric_robinson

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this special Close to Home episode, we shine a light on something making a powerful impact right here in our own backyard: East Texas Giving Day. Kyle Penney, President of the East Texas Communities Foundation, joins us to explain how this one-day online event is transforming the way people give and how local nonprofits are supported.

Kyle walks us through how East Texas Giving Day works, from early giving to the 18-hour day of generosity and why bringing everything together in one place makes giving simple and meaningful. With over 300 nonprofits participating, this event connects donors directly to causes they care about ensuring every dollar goes exactly where they choose.

We also talk about the heart behind the event: helping nonprofits not just raise funds, but find new donors, build awareness, and continue their everyday work serving communities. Kyle shares how even the smallest donation plays a vital role and how the “viral” nature of sharing on social media helps expand the impact far beyond one person’s gift.

Beyond Giving Day, Kyle gives insight into the incredible work of the East Texas Communities Foundation, from managing endowments to awarding scholarships and helping families create lasting legacies through giving.

This episode is a reminder that there is so much good happening right here at home, and that every single one of us has the ability to be part of it.

Visit https://easttexasgivingday.org to learn more.

In this episode, I sit down with Heather Stewart, author, speaker, coach, and podcast host, to talk about something so many of us feel but don’t always say out loud… the pressure to hold it all together.

Heather shares her powerful personal journey, from a successful corporate career to a life-altering stroke that became a turning point. What she discovered during that time led her to create her Thriving Life Method, helping women move out of autopilot and into a life that actually feels like their own.

We talk about the hidden cost of constantly taking care of everyone else, how easy it is to lose yourself in the process, and why so many women feel exhausted even when everything looks “fine” on the outside. Heather also shares practical ways to start paying attention to your patterns, take small steps toward change, and reconnect with who you really are without blowing up your entire life.

This is an honest, relatable conversation about slowing down, letting go of guilt, and learning how to take care of yourself in a way that allows you to truly thrive.

To connect with Heather, visit https://heatherstewart.coach/

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode, I sit down with Diane Sorensen, a transformational coach who helps women, especially moms, move from chaos to connection in their everyday lives.

Diane shares her deeply personal story of what looked like a “perfect life” on the outside but felt overwhelming and unsustainable on the inside. A life-changing moment involving her daughter and a sudden divorce became the wake-up call that led her to begin asking one powerful question: “How did we get here?”

Through that journey, Diane began to uncover generational patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and the constant need to keep everyone else happy: patterns so many women don’t even realize they’re living in. She explains how these invisible behaviors create internal chaos and how learning to turn inward with curiosity can begin the process of real change.

We also talk about triggers, the importance of connection in parenting, and why so many struggles with our kids are actually rooted in our relationship with ourselves. Diane shares practical insights on how to recognize patterns, build stronger relationships, and begin listening differently. Not just to others, but to ourselves.

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation is around boundaries. Diane breaks down what boundaries really are (and what they aren’t), why they can feel so uncomfortable, and how they are actually the key to freedom, self-respect, and healthier relationships. She reminds us that motherhood isn’t about meeting a perfect standard. It’s a lifelong relationship that calls us into truth, presence, and growth.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or like you’re constantly giving to everyone else while losing yourself in the process, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone and that change is possible.

To connect with Diane, visit https://www.dianesorensen.net/

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode, I sit down with John David, a debut novelist whose first book The Bystander is already making waves in the thriller world. John shares what his career looked like long before fiction: spending decades in public relations, crisis communications, and ghostwriting and how writing has always been a thread running through his life.

We talk about what it really takes to write a novel (spoiler: it’s a lot of words and a lot of persistence), and how one real-life news story sparked the idea for his book. John walks us through his unique writing process, the challenges of staying motivated, and why pushing through self-doubt is one of the most important things a writer can do.

He also gives an honest look at the publishing world—what it’s like to face rejection, how hard it can be to get your work seen, and why he believes the industry is due for change.

Whether you’re a reader, an aspiring writer, or just someone who loves hearing how people step into something new, this conversation is full of insight and encouragement.

To connect with John, visit https://byjohndavid.substack.com/

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast