Stories from Real Life

GUEST: MARTY DUREN

Writer and former podcaster Marty Duren joins the show to provide a unique perspective on thankfulness and hope. He and host, Melvin E. Edwards, discuss their favorite music, memories, and bucket list travel destinations. We hope you will join the conversation and feel inspired to have a similar conversation with your own friends and family on Thanksgiving Day.

Episode sponsors:
Blinkist: https://blinkist-us.pxf.io/q4BPQO
Anker: https://anker.pxf.io/rQOYrQ

The full video is available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfMbDu9D33pLyWHp7hfREgQ

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Anna R. Holloway, PhD, is a retired Professor of English, and is a writer and editor. During her 46 years at Fort Valley State University, she taught writing, literature, and journalism. When she left her White Midwestern roots and went to segregated Georgia in the 1960s, she didn't know she would be teaching at an all-Black college. She certainly didn't know she would stay there for nearly 50 years. "Looking for Jazz: A Memoir about the Black College and Southern Town That Changed My Life" is her first published book.

annahollowaywrites.com
Book link: https://a.co/d/8kd8MXU

Episode sponsors:
Blinkist: https://blinkist-us.pxf.io/q4BPQO
Anker: https://anker.pxf.io/rQOYrQ

Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

GUEST: BILL CLABBY

Bill Clabby is a multi-lingual educator and administrator, who has taught and lived in several different countries over the course of his life. He also happens to be the father-in-law of Melvin E. Edwards' daughter. Clabby and Edwards have two grandchildren in common, including the one in the photo. Bill discusses living in France, Senegal, and Japan, and how he spends his time since retiring a few months ago.

You'll want to hear about his experience while traveling to Clabby, Northern Ireland - a town that was founded by his ancestors.


Episode sponsors:
Blinkist: https://blinkist-us.pxf.io/q4BPQO
Anker: https://anker.pxf.io/rQOYrQ

Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Host Melvin E. Edwards was the Master of Ceremonies during the Traditional Storytellers portion of the Wimberley (Texas) StoryFest over the weekend of October 12-14, 2023. He also interviewed various participants as they represented the theme of the weekend, which was "Story in all its forms." This episode is a brief summary of the singer-songwriters, filmmakers, and traditional storytellers. https://www.wimberleystoryfest.org/

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Guest: James Pence

James Pence had a heart attack in 2021 and was without a heartbeat for 45 minutes. He spent the next two years rehabbing his body and singing voice, which led him to the fulfillment of a lifelong dream -- getting a part in the production of "The Music Man."

James is a former pastor, author, motivational speaker, and chalk artist who used his talent as a part of a prison ministry, and a singer who competed in a local version of "The Voice." He has endured tragedies and unusual circumstances that he now uses as a bridge to encourage others who are facing challenges in life.

James Pence is an encourager and after hearing his stories, you'll also feel encouraged. We suggest you pull up a chair and your favorite beverage while listening to his soothing tones.

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GUEST: ROB MATWICK

In this special edition of the podcast, Texas Rangers Executive Vice President of Business Operations Rob Matwick stops by to discuss this October weekend's American League Championship Series (ALCS). This episode is special because Matwick has been an executive for both teams. It's also special because he hired Melvin E. Edwards for his first job out of college in 1988.

Take a look ahead at the upcoming ALCS, while you get a bird's eye view of the roads that led these men to an intersection in the offices of the Houston Astros more than 35 years ago.

Whether you're a fan of the Rangers, the Astros, or neither, you will enjoy this lighthearted episode.

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Guest: Linda Hall

In this episode that was recorded on-site in the office of FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, host Melvin E. Edwards was able to interview Linda Hall, the widow of FAME producer and owner Rick Hall. A benefit concert the day before was the reason he was in town, but after having lunch with Mrs. Hall, he decided that he wanted my audience to hear her story, too. At 82 years old, she still works at the studio every day and is truly the muscle behind the legacy of Muscle Shoals music.

She was initially reluctant to talk but agreed to give me a few minutes. She then started telling her stories of faith, resilience, love, and music that lasted for 45 minutes. he didn’t want to interrupt her, so he didn’t. This episode is presented without any interruptions.

FameStudios.com

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Dr. Hans Boas is the Director of Germanic Studies at the University of Texas-Austin, but until he arrived in Texas in 2001, he had no idea that the distinctive Texas German dialect even existed. Once he learned this fascinating fact, it became his life's work to record as many of the surviving speakers of Texas German as possible before it was too late.

Hear how the German immigrants' personal views on slavery conflicted with the Anglos who were already in the Republic of Texas in the 1840s, and how the two world wars doomed Texas German to eventual extinction. Listen as Dr. Boas explains how the merging of many German and Czech cultures near Houston gave America one of its most popular beers, and how a small group of Black Texans attended integrated German-language schools and learned to speak that dialect.

https://tgdp.org/

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Guest: Deb Powell

Deb Powell, the owner and operator of Port O'Connor (POC) Rod and Gun, has been fishing in this Texas town since childhood. She shares her favorite memories of fishing with her dad and siblings, and recalls all of the fish that got away. She also describes how you can bring your family or group to POC to fish during the winter and what you will need to know to make the most of your trip.

It was the first remote location recording of this podcast and it was a lot of fun!

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Guest: Rachel Ridge

Rachel is an author of six books and a Life Coach, though she didn’t begin those journeys until after her 50th birthday. She began painting in her 30s to make extra money to get her hair done.

In the midst of all of that, Rachel rescues and raises donkeys, and has learned enough lessons from them to fill all six books. She now shares those lessons to offer others much-needed encouragement and to help them pull out of the rut they’re in.

After hearing Rachel Ridge’s stories, your only choices will be supporting Team Racehorse or Team Donkey.

https://donkeyrescue.org/contact-us/

https://RachelAnneRidge.com

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