Stories from Real Life

Rodney Smith Jr.’s simple act of assisting a neighbor with lawn care has blossomed into a nationwide movement centered on compassion and kindness. Born in Bermuda on the Fourth of July, Rodney Smith Jr. is the hero Americans didn’t know we needed.

https://weareraisingmen.com/
https://weareraisingmen.com/donate/
https://rodneysmithjr.com/products/one-lawn-at-a-time

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Find out what would happen if our guests Michael Freeman and Doc Hubbard took the wheel as President of the U.S. or Commissioner of Baseball for a day. Spoiler alert: courtesy runners might be running for cover! Tune in to uncover the whys.

It has been one year since we launched the first episode of this podcast and we are celebrating by bringing back the first two guests. Last year, they were on Episodes 1 & 2. This time, they're together for Episode Number 60!

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It’s time to change the conversation about divorce. And that’s exactly what our guest today is trying to do. Sarah Armstrong is a Vice President of Global Marketing Operations at Google, and she never expected to be in this situation. However, based on her personal experiences, she decided to write 'The Mom’s Guide to a Good Divorce: What to Think Through When Children are Involved'. She defines a good divorce as one that puts the children first.

For anyone wondering how they will ever come out the other side of a divorce and keep their family whole, Sarah is an inspiration. She offers practical tips and advice for moms (and dads) by sharing her inspiring personal stories and provides sage advice for taking practical steps to work toward the best outcome in the midst of the worst of circumstances.

https://www.momsguidetogooddivorce.com/

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Today's guest, Heather Renee May, has a diverse background that gives her a unique perspective on life. Ballet was her first love, and she danced professionally until retirement. She's now an author, podcast host, musician, dog-lover, and wine-enthusiast, who tours wineries in her RV with her dog. Dotty.

Music has always had an important place in her life. A singer-songwriter under the stage name “Heather Ré”, she has released two albums, and performs on guitar and fiddle throughout the US, mainly at wineries and intimate venues.

https://www.heatherreneemay.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100034211354453
Instagram: _everydayismay

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Our guest today is a best-selling author of more than a dozen novels and essay collections. Acclaimed writer Sarah Bird is an NPR Moth storyteller, a winner of the Meryl Streep screenwriting competition, a member of the Texas Literary Hall of Fame, a finalist for the Dublin International Literary Award, and the hologram greeter for the Austin Central Library near the University of Texas campus.

Her latest book, Juneteenth Rodeo, is a homage to the Black cowboy because 1/4 of all early Texas ranch hands and bronco busters were enslaved or direct descendants of enslaved Americans. Host Melvin E. Edwards is, himself, a direct descendant of several of those cowboys, and because of that, he is one of the rare Black members of the Sons of the Republic of Texas.

Today's episode is part literacy and part acknowledgment of a forgotten past.

Saddle up and join Melvin E. Edwards and his fascinating conversation with award-winning author Sarah Bird.

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Jonathan Janz is the pen name of Craig Shaeffer, an American horror author of 16 novels and one collection of short fiction.

In 2011, Janz published his debut novel, The Sorrows. The book received praise from author Brian Keene, who called it "the best horror novel of 2012." Keene would also describe Janz as "One of the best writers in modern horror to come along in the last decade."

In March of 2023, Janz won the Wilburn-Thomas Award at the Scares That Care event in Williamsburg, VA. This is a charity event organized by author Brian Keene and the award is given to authors who have helped other writers and their community.

When he's not Jonthan Janz: Horror Author, he's Mr. Shaeffer, a high school English, film literature, and creative writing teacher in Indiana. He currently resides in Indiana with his wife and three children.

You won't want to miss how his students finally learned that mild-mannered Mr. Shaeffer was also famous writer Jonthan Janz.

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Lori Adams-Brown is an international speaker, business executive, and podcast host. She has lived all over the world and has a unique perspective when dealing with people from varying cultures and nationalities. It also helps that she speaks six languages.

Lori is a connector who puts people first and values the lasting partnerships she builds. She is an active listener who cares about the stories people share and is energized by communication and teamwork. She is also a lifelong learner and known for bringing innovative perspectives and questions to the decision-making table.

Join today's conversation with impressive leader Lori Adams-Brown and learn how becoming a better listener can improve your family and your work culture. For more information about today's guest, go to her website at Lori Adams-Brown (loriadamsbrown.com)

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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/

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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/

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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.

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