Stories from Real Life

Filmmaker, writer, and director Melissa Jo Peltier ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "The Dog Whisperer") joins the show to discuss some of her best-known projects, in addition to her recent documentary, "The Game is Up." Find out what she and her husband, director John Gray ("The Ghost Whisperer"), are working on together.

The "Real Life" theme song is by Bombay Beach Revival.

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Dallas-area attorney Monica Haft is a first-generation American, born to a mother from Colombia and a father from Cuba. When she started school, she didn't speak English. She learned, grew, and flourished, so when she talks about the American Dream, she has credibility. Does she think that dream is still a reality today?

The original theme song is performed by Bombay Beach Revival;

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Musician and writer Sean Dietrich, popularly known as "Sean of the South," talks about his invitation to the Grand Old Opry, his dad, being a BBQ judge, Southern fried chicken, and the new nickname, "Mark Twang," that I gave him. Join this humorous and heartfelt conversation.

https://seandietrich.com/

This episode also marks the debut of the new "Stories from Real Life" theme song, written and performed by Bombay Beach Revival.

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Independent travel agent Rachel Taylor gives tips for booking the best trips for everyone, regardless of their budget. She also tells about her favorite vacations, her strongest advice, and her obsession with Disney theme parks. vacationmagicbyrachel.com.

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Known on social media as The Orchard Keeper, Dr. Lenny Wells is a University of Georgia Professor of Horticulture, a pecan farmer, and an author. He's also The Andy Griffith Show's biggest fan.

Thankfully, with all of that knowledge, he clears up the correct pronunciation of "pecan."

https://lennywellswords.com/

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Presidential historian Lewis Ben Smith joins the show on this Presidents Day to discuss his favorite- and least-favorite Presidents, among other interesting details about the men who have held the highest office in the United States.

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Two of the leaders of the Tucson-based Wholistic Transformation join the show to talk about their nonprofit organization and how we can all get involved in helping young adults transition from foster care to the adult world. Bryan Benz is the Founder and CEO and Pat Quinn is the President of the Board of Directors of that organization.

https://wholistictransformationtucson.com/

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Bob Lutz, the founder and executive director of League 42, an inner-city youth baseball program in Wichita, Kansas, joins the show to discuss the recent vandalism and destruction of the local Jackie Robinson statute. It's purely coincidental that this episode happens to be 42 minutes long.

To support League 42: https://league42.org/
(316) 530-4542

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Political consultant and strategist Lee Spieckerman has thoughts about a lot of subjects. He's especially passionate about politics, fiscal policy, and racial reconciliation. He was battling a cold, but what he had to say to these public figures came through loud and clear.

- Donald Trump
- Joe Biden
- Nikki Haley
- The Squad
- Charlie Kirk
- Jerome Powell

Tune in to find out.

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During his time as a locksmith, John Thorsson has heard a lot of stories. Once, he answered the call for a man whose angry girlfriend had thrown his keys on top of a 3-story building. Another time, the police were called to the address of fighting siblings while he was opening their front door. Locksmithing is more interesting than you might have imagined! Tune in and hear the details of these common tales.

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