Stories from Real Life

Stories from Real Life

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Stories from Real Life episodes

  • Ep. 145 - Couples Therapy in Seven Words

    In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Dr. Bruce Chalmer, a couples therapist and co-host of the podcast Couples Therapy in Seven Words. They discuss the origins of their podcast, the significance of the seven words that guide couples therapy, and the challenges couples face in therapy. Dr. Chalmer shares insights on how these principles apply beyond romantic relationships, memorable moments from their podcast, and the importance of communication and respect in relationships. He also addresses when couples should seek therapy and offers advice for those hesitant to start. The conversation concludes with Dr. Chalmer's key message: be kind, don't panic, and have faith.

    Link to send listeners to:

    https://brucechalmer.com/

    That's the link to find out more about my books. Our "Couples Therapy in Seven Words" podcast website is https://ctin7.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



    Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
    49 min
  • Ep. 144 - Building Dood Woof: The Power of Community

    Today on Stories from Real Life, we’re diving into the world of fluffy coats, tangled curls, and one woman’s unexpected journey from doodle owner to product innovator. My guest is Elina Panteleyeva—the founder of Dood Woof, a grooming brand built especially for the unique needs of doodles and curly-coated dogs.

    What started as a personal struggle to care for her own pup turned into a business with a loyal following of pet parents across the country. We’ll talk about the spark behind her brand, the growing pet care industry, and the messy, joyful reality of turning a problem into a purpose.

    https://doodwoof.com/

    https://www.podcastreallife.com/

    Takeaways

    * Elena's family immigrated from Ukraine to Ohio, shaping her entrepreneurial spirit.

    * She started Dude Wolf after being laid off, viewing it as a sign to pursue her passion.

    * Building a community before launching a product is crucial for success.

    * Doodle dogs have unique grooming challenges that require specialized products.

    * Elena's background in project management helps her balance multiple tasks as a founder.

    * Social media often glamorizes entrepreneurship, but it comes with significant challenges.

    * Consistency and small daily progress are key to overcoming obstacles in business.

    * Success for Elena means having the freedom to live life on her own terms.

    * Listening to customers is essential for creating valuable products.

    * Starting a business doesn't require expertise; taking the first step is what matters.



    Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
    29 min
  • Ep. 143: The College Game Plan: Smart Strategies for Students and Families

    Daniel K. Berman, PhD is the founder of CollegeSolutionsUSA, a college admissions coaching firm dedicated to guiding students through the complexities of higher education applications. A Harvard graduate with more than 30 years of experience in college admissions coaching, he has authored several books and earned hundreds of five‑star client reviews. Formerly a college instructor, Dr. Berman leverages an engaging and encouraging coaching style to empower applicants and their families with the insider knowledge needed for successful college and graduate school admissions. youtube.com+3linkedin.com+3linkedin.com+3.

    www.podcastreallife.com

    Website: BestPersonalStatements.comEmail: [email protected] (Write: “Matchmaker sites” in the Subject line.)

    Kindle eBook: How to Write Winning College Application Essays

    16personalities.com



    Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
    37 min
  • Ep. 142 - Free Black Virginians in a Slave Society

    In this episode of "Stories from Real Life," host Melvin E. Edwards sits down with Elizabeth Klaczynski, curator at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. They delve into the fascinating history of free Black Virginians from 1619 to 1865, exploring themes of freedom, identity, and resilience.

    Elizabeth shares insights from her exhibition "Un/Bound," highlighting the untold stories of individuals who navigated systemic oppression with creativity and determination. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges our understanding of American history and identity.

    PodcastRealLife.com

    https://virginiahistory.org/exhibitions/unbound-free-black-virginians-1619-1865

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-klaczynski-05ba0824/

    https://virginiahistory.org/unbound-free-black-virginians-1619-1865-traveling-exhibition

    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



    Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
    48 min
  • Ep. 141 - The Art of Science & The Science of Peace

    Today’s guest is a world-renown scientist and an educator — and a fearless peacebuilder. Dr. Zafra Lerman has spent her life using science not just to understand the world, but to change it. From creating groundbreaking science education programs that use art to captivate students, to founding the Malta Conferences, where scientists from enemy nations come together in the name of peace, her work proves that science has no borders when it comes to hope.

    Her work has been recognized globally, including multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations, the U.S. Presidential Award for Mentoring Minorities in Science presented by President Bill Clinton, and the prestigious Andrei Sakharov Award for Human Rights from the American Physical Society. She has also been honored by UNESCO, the U.S. State Department, and leading peace and science organizations worldwide.

    Pull up a chair. It’s story time—with Dr. Zafra Lerman.

    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

    https://a.co/d/dmrgpEw

    The amazon link to my book, Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey. All proceeds go to support the Malta Conferences Foundation's next conference.

    https://www.zafralerman.com/



    Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
    46 min
  • Ep. 140 - Misha Jones: Raw

    In this episode of 'Stories from Real Life', host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Misha Jones about her book 'About Damn Time'. Misha shares her journey of overcoming 15 years of silence and pain, motivated by the desire to give a voice to those who feel unheard. The conversation delves into the emotional struggles she faced, the impact of betrayal, and the importance of kindness and understanding in a judgmental society. Misha emphasizes that everyone has their battles and that a little love can go a long way in healing.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Misha Jones and Her Journey

    04:46 Empowering the Silenced: Who the Book is For

    10:11 Struggles of Mental Health and Societal Perception

    16:35 The Fight for Justice: Navigating Medical Negligence

    27:33 Confronting the Past: Courtroom Revelations

    33:05 The Role of Children in Personal Resilience

    45:17 Critique of Christianity and Judgment



    Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
    51 min
  • Ep. 139 - Andrew-Ryan Walked Away from a Cult (Part 2/2)

    Part 2 of 2:

    He was once “Father God” — the chosen partner of cult leader Amy Carlson.

    In this raw, powerful conversation, Andrew-Ryan Profaci shares how he got pulled into Love Has Won, what life inside the movement was really like, and how he found freedom on the other side, despite a devastating cancer diagnosis.

    This is a story about belief, control, and what it really means to heal.

    Links:

    The War on Love book

    Amy Carlson

    Stuck in a cult?

    Watch the Stories from Real Life video on YouTube

    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

    #Cults #SurvivorStory #PodcastEpisode #LoveHasWon #MotherGod #AndrewRyanProfaci #StoriesFromRealLife



    Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
    47 min
  • Ep. 138 - He Walked Away from a Cult. Then He Told Me Everything. (Part 1/2)

    He was once “Father God” — the chosen partner of cult leader Amy Carlson.

    In this raw, powerful conversation, Andrew-Ryan Profaci shares how he got pulled into Love Has Won, what life inside the movement was really like, and how he found freedom on the other side, despite a devastating cancer diagnosis.

    This is a story about belief, control, and what it really means to heal.

    The War on Love book

    Amy Carlson

    Stuck in a cult?

    Watch the Stories from Real Life video on YouTube

    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

    #Cults #SurvivorStory #PodcastEpisode #LoveHasWon #MotherGod #AndrewRyanProfaci #StoriesFromRealLife



    Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
    53 min
  • Ep. 137 - Smoke, Salt, and Southern Grit: The Story of Bill-E’s

    In this episode of "Stories from Real Life," host Melvin E. Edwards sits down with Bill Stitt, the mastermind behind Bill-E's Small Batch Bacon and restaurant. Dive into Bill's journey from a backyard bacon enthusiast to a nationally recognized brand owner. Discover the secrets behind his unique curing and smoking process, the importance of small batch production, and how live music serenades his bacon to perfection. Bill also shares insights on balancing tradition with innovation and the challenges of scaling a specialty food business. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with passion, perseverance, and, of course, bacon! #BaconLover #Entrepreneurship #Foodie

    https://www.billesbacon.com

    https://www.billesbacon.com is the official website for Bill-E’s Small Batch Bacon, where listeners can learn more about Bill E.’s unique, music-infused bacon and place orders online for nationwide shipping via Goldbelly.

    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



    Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
    44 min
  • Video - Smoke, Salt, and Southern Grit: The Story of Bill-E’s

    In this episode of "Stories from Real Life," host Melvin E. Edwards sits down with Bill Stitt, the mastermind behind Bill-E's Small Batch Bacon and the beloved Bill-E's restaurant. Dive into Bill's journey from a childhood fascination with food manufacturing to creating a nationally recognized bacon brand. Discover the passion and dedication that fuels his small-batch approach, the unique story of serenading bacon with live music, and the challenges of scaling a specialty food business. Whether you're a foodie, an entrepreneur, or simply a bacon lover, this episode offers a flavorful blend of inspiration and insight. Tune in to learn how tradition and innovation can coexist in the culinary world.

    https://www.bill-es.com/bill-es-bacon

    #BaconLovers

    #SmallBatchBacon

    #FoodEntrepreneur

    #CulinaryJourney

    #StoriesFromRealLife



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

About Stories from Real Life

From the publisher's feed

**Honored as the American Writing Awards Male Hosted Podcast of the Year for 2026.**