Stories from Real Life

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Dr. Justin Woods about his book, Crowns of Valor, and the concept of Five Crowns Outreach. They discuss the importance of leadership development in Christianity, the dangers of cozy Christianity, and the significance of suffering for the gospel. Dr. Woods emphasizes the need for biblical literacy and the role of the church in raising the next generation of leaders. The conversation also touches on the distinction between timeless principles and trendy ministry fads, encouraging listeners to focus on genuine faith and action.

https://authors.tertulia.com/drjustinrwoods-drafteldm83

https://www.patreon.com/cw/5CrownsOutreach

Want to be a guest on Stories from Real Life? Send Melvin Edwards a message on PodMatch, here:

https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/storiesfromreallife

www.podcastreallife.com

storiesfromreallife.substack.com

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, psychologist Dr. Alan Godwin discusses his new book, ‘Ties that Blind,’ which explores the deceptive narratives that shape our understanding of reality. He contrasts the reality-based community with the story-based fortress, emphasizing how collective narratives can blind individuals to the truth. Through personal anecdotes and psychological insights, Godwin highlights the importance of self-awareness, the role of forgiveness, and the necessity of courage in confronting uncomfortable truths. The conversation ultimately conveys a message of hope and the potential for personal and collective growth.

Dr. Godwin’s website

The Ties that Blind book

Stories from Real Life website

The Lost Cause

TRIGGER WARNING: Child trauma discussed in this episode.

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, we sit down with Adriene Caldwell — author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines — to explore what it really means to survive, heal, and rise. Adriene’s story is one of resilience forged through unimaginable hardship, from childhood trauma to the long road of rebuilding identity and trust. She shares how she found her voice, her faith, and ultimately, her freedom.

This conversation isn’t just about trauma — it’s about transformation. Adriene reminds us that healing isn’t a straight line, and that every scar tells a story worth sharing.

www.UnbrokenCaldwell.com

Want to be a guest on Stories from Real Life? Send Melvin Edwards a message on PodMatch, here.

www.podcastreallife.com

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In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards interviews Azgari Lipshy, an entrepreneur who shares her journey from starting her first business at 16 to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. Azgari discusses the influence of her family, the lessons learned from early failures, and her passion for helping others launch their own businesses. The conversation explores themes of freedom, success, mentorship, and the importance of taking risks in life.

Today, she’s built and sold multiple companies — and teaches others how to turn ideas into income. But behind the spreadsheets and systems is a deeper story: one of self-belief, burnout, failure, and the quiet strength it takes to start again.

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, Azgari opens up about the moments that shaped her, the lessons that nearly broke her, and the truth about building not just a business — but a life of purpose.

Azgari Lipshy

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards welcomes back music legend Norbert Putnam for a deep dive into his storied career. Norbert shares captivating anecdotes about his experiences with iconic artists such as Kris Kristofferson, Donna Summer, and Elvis Presley. He reflects on the collaborative nature of music production, the challenges faced by artists, and the profound impact of storytelling through sound. With insights into the music industry and personal reflections on human nature, this conversation is a treasure trove for music lovers and aspiring musicians alike.

Norbert Putnam

Norbert Putnam’s book

Kris Kristofferson

Donna Summer’s tribute to Dan Fogelberg

Quadrafonic Sound Studio

In this episode of ‘Stories from Real Life,’ host Melvin E. Edwards engages with Dr. Brad Duren, a history professor, to explore the intricate relationship between American politics, religious revivalism, conspiracy theories, and celebrity culture. They discuss how historical religious movements have shaped political landscapes, the influence of modern political rhetoric, and the role of community in shaping political identities among younger generations. The conversation also delves into the impact of conspiracy theories on American culture, the blurring lines between entertainment and politics, and the implications of these trends for the future of democracy. Dr. Duren emphasizes the need for a religious enlightenment that merges humility with enthusiasm, urging listeners to recognize the importance of history in understanding contemporary issues.

Great Awakenings

The Apprentice

The Divine Conspiracy

Brad L. Duren, Ph.D. serves as the Dean of Liberal Arts and Public Service at Tulsa Community College, and provides leadership support for the Social Sciences, Humanities, History & Political Science, Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Human Services, and Child Development & Education disciplines.

Do you ever feel like you notice things others miss, or get easily overwhelmed by noise, stress, or busy environments? You might be a highly sensitive person. In this episode, we explore what it really means to be highly sensitive—the challenges of deep feelings and overstimulation, as well as the hidden strengths like empathy, creativity, and intuition. Whether you’re an HSP yourself or you want to better understand someone in your life, this conversation reveals how sensitivity, far from being a weakness, can be a superpower.

Tammy Goen’s website

https://hsperson.com/

Want to be a guest on Stories from Real Life? Send Melvin Edwards a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/storiesfromreallife.

www.podcastreallife.com

storiesfromreallife.substack.com

Today I’m joined by Dean Taylor — speaker, mentor, and author — who helps fathers move from feeling stuck to living with clarity, courage, and purpose. After nearly three decades in healthcare leadership, Dean realized outward success didn’t match the life he truly wanted. Now, he equips dads to define their values, strengthen their faith, and leave a lasting legacy. In this conversation, we dig into his personal journey, practical tools, and the heart of what it means to live intentionally.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Start with Why

Miracle Morning

Want to be a guest on Stories from Real Life? Send Melvin Edwards a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/storiesfromreallife.

www.podcastreallife.com

storiesfromreallife.substack.com

My guest today is Iuri Melo — a licensed therapist, author, and co-founder of SchoolPulse, a program that brings daily encouragement, emotional support, and real-time communication to students across the country. Iuri has spent his career helping people discover resilience, hope, and healing, whether in schools, families, or individual lives.

In our conversation, we’ll dive into his personal journey, the lessons he’s learned from working with thousands of students, and how SchoolPulse is reshaping the way we talk about mental health and well-being in our schools.

This is an episode about courage, connection, and the power of showing up when people need it most.

Here’s a link to SchoolPulse.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Maria Gallucci, a real estate agent and author who grew up in a deaf family. They discuss the unique challenges and experiences of navigating both the hearing and deaf worlds, the importance of communication, and the role of empathy and love in bridging cultural gaps. Maria shares insights from her book, 'Raised in Silence,' highlighting the significance of family dinners, the lessons learned from being a child of deaf adults, and the misconceptions surrounding deaf culture. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusivity and understanding in communication, regardless of language.