Episodios

  • Ep. 132 - Voices Carry: Lea Sakran’s Adventures in Storytelling
    Jul 11 2025

    In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with voice actor Lea Sakran about her journey in storytelling, voice acting, and the life lessons learned from her characters. Lea shares insights from her multicultural upbringing, the importance of perspective in storytelling, and her experiences in the audiobook industry. She discusses her current projects, including her book about Gusto and Gusta, and offers advice on creativity and self-trust.

    https://www.leasakran.com/

    Takeaways

    I've learned to believe in my own skills.

    We only hear about the success, not the failures.

    It's important to take different perspectives.

    Every language has a certain culture.

    I always loved telling stories or inventing stories.

    Storytelling helps to understand situations.

    Writing is a possibility to create a reality.

    The narration is very important for audiobooks.

    Translation is a huge work and a great challenge.

    Trust yourself, be yourself and listen to yourself

    .



    Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
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    27 m
  • Ep. 131 - From Sailor to Healer: A Transformative Path
    Jul 8 2025

    In this enlightening episode, Dr. Alain Salas shares his journey from living on a sail boat in France to becoming a chiropractor and healer in the United States. He discusses the importance of understanding the subconscious mind, the impact of limiting beliefs, and how mind clearing can empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Dr. Salas emphasizes the need for a deeper connection between the mind and body, and how true healing comes from within. He also provides insights into the flaws of traditional goal-setting approaches and offers practical advice for personal growth and transformation.

    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

    https://themindclearing.com/contact-us/

    For the listeners who are interested, i have a one time limited offer: 30% off on the complete package basic mind clearing and goal & success clearing. 20% off Goal & Success Clearing treatments

    Takeaways

    Dr. Salas transitioned from a sailing lifestyle to healing due to a calling to help others.

    He emphasizes the importance of understanding the subconscious mind in personal development.

    Limiting beliefs can sabotage success and promote failure.

    Mind clearing techniques can help individuals overcome emotional and physical challenges.

    Cultural differences in food and socialization impact personal experiences.

    Dr. Salas faced significant challenges, including divorce and health issues, which shaped his perspective.

    The mind-body connection is crucial for holistic healing.

    Self-sabotage often stems from subconscious programming established in early life.

    Goal setting should incorporate both conscious and subconscious strategies for success.

    True empowerment comes from within, allowing individuals to take control of their lives.



    Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
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    49 m
  • Ep. 130 - Keeping Promises in Freefall: Lyubim Kogan’s Journey from Olympian to Hero’s Wings
    Jul 4 2025

    Today’s guest, Lyubim Kogan, is a five-time first-generation immigrant, Winter Olympian, NYU Stern grad, and 9/11 survivor. From Wall Street to war zones, Lyubim’s life has been anything but ordinary.

    He’s the founder of Wings4Heroes.org, where he helps amputee veterans rediscover joy and purpose through paragliding adventures. A bestselling co-author with Steve Forbes and speaker at the UN alongside Brian Tracy, Lyubim shares powerful lessons on resilience, service, and what it truly means to keep a promise — especially when the path ahead is uncertain.

    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

    👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wings4heroes/above-it-all-or-how-no-one-can-take-away-your-dreams

    Takeaways

    Lyubim Kogan's journey as a five-time immigrant showcases resilience.

    The importance of community support for immigrants is crucial.

    Pursuing dreams can lead to unexpected paths in life.

    Wings for Heroes aims to support wounded veterans in need.

    Apathy is a significant threat to societal compassion.

    Personal stories can have a global impact.

    The journey of an immigrant often involves cultural assimilation.

    Kogan emphasizes the importance of keeping promises to veterans.

    Volunteering and donating blood can make a difference.

    Every individual can contribute to a greater cause.



    Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
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    1 h y 6 m
  • Ep. 129 - 'I Was There on J6:' Pam Hemphill Explains Why She Rejected Trump's Pardon
    Jul 1 2025

    Pam Hemphill shares her transformative journey from being a supporter of Trump to recognizing the dangers of misinformation and the importance of accountability. She recounts her experiences during the January 6 Capitol riot, her subsequent legal troubles, and her time in prison. Through her story, she emphasizes the need for truth, unity, and the power of personal redemption.

    www.podcastreallife.com

    Keywords

    Pam Hemphill, January 6, Capitol riot, political awakening, redemption, truth, accountability, MAGA, disinformation, personal journey

    Takeaways

    Pam's political awakening began years before 2020.

    She felt misled by far-right propaganda.

    The Capitol riot was a shocking experience for her.

    Pam faced legal consequences for her actions on January 6.

    Her time in prison was transformative and challenging.

    She rejects the idea of a pardon from Trump.

    Pam emphasizes the importance of accountability.

    She believes the black community can save democracy.

    Her journey is about seeking truth and redemption.

    Pam encourages listeners to investigate and think critically.



    Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe
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    43 m
  • Ep. 128 - Where the Roots Speak: Joseph Bolton and the Living Stories of Old Grandmother’s Tree
    Jun 27 2025

    Joseph Bolton is a gifted storyteller and an intrepid explorer of the human experience. With a passion for uncovering the untold narratives that shape our world, Joseph brings a unique blend of insight, empathy, and wit to every conversation. As the author behind the widely acclaimed website OldGrandmothersTree.com, Joseph has garnered a loyal following of readers who are drawn to his ability to breathe life into the stories of everyday people, transforming them into captivating tales that resonate on a profound level.


    https://oldgrandmotherstree.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



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesfromreallife.substack.com
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    40 m
  • Ep. 127 - Breast Cancer Warrior: A Father's Perspective on His Daughter's Cancer Battle
    Jun 24 2025

    Bob Furniss is a father who turned his grief into advocacy after losing his daughter Keesha to breast cancer. Bob discusses the mission of his organization, Warrior Princess, which focuses on early detection of breast cancer in young women. He shares the emotional journey of writing his memoir, 'On to Blue,' and the challenges of navigating grief as a family. Bob also reflects on his own health struggles with Parkinson's disease and offers advice for healthcare professionals on supporting families dealing with cancer. The conversation emphasizes the importance of love, support, and proactive health measures.

    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


    https://warriorprincess.org/


    https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bob-Furniss/author/B0DTP4ZJV3?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true


    Keywords

    breast cancer, early detection, family support, grief, health advocacy, personal stories, cancer journey, emotional challenges, healthcare advice, Parkinson's disease



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesfromreallife.substack.com
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    40 m
  • Ep. 126 - From Homeless Kid to Criminal Defense Attorney (Juneteenth early release)
    Jun 19 2025

    Dante Wright’s story reads like a movie script, but every twist is real. Removed from his home at a young age and raised by various relatives until the age of 15, Dante faced instability, heartbreak, and the kind of challenges that derail even the strongest spirits. But against all odds, a chance encounter with a local judge rescued him from a group home and led him to courtrooms and justice.


    Now a practicing attorney, Dante shares his remarkable journey - what kept him going, the mentors who showed up when he needed them most, and the grit it took to survive foster care and graduate from law school. We also dive into how his experiences shape the way he practices law today, and what he wants to change about the system he beat.


    This is an episode about survival, success, and rewriting the narrative.


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


    https://www.podcastreallife.com/

    https://www.dantewright.net/optin

    https://poindexterwright.com/

    https://a.co/d/6lGg0L9


    Keywords


    Dante Wright, mentorship, law school, childhood adversity, criminal defense attorney, personal growth, resilience, life-changing moments, inspirational stories, overcoming challenges, criminal defense, mentorship, overcoming adversity, faith, identity, memoir, community engagement, personal growth, legal system, inspiration


    Chapters


    00:00 The Unexpected Encounter

    04:12 A Life Transformed by Mentorship

    09:55 Navigating Childhood Challenges

    13:09 The Journey to Law School

    18:16 Proving Oneself in the Legal Field

    19:13 Inspiration Behind Becoming a Criminal Defense Attorney

    21:09 Overcoming Early Life Challenges

    23:50 The Evolution of a Mentorship

    28:37 Understanding the Criminal Justice System

    30:43 The Role of Faith in Overcoming Adversity

    33:10 Rewriting Identity and Building a Legacy

    35:22 Transforming Past Experiences into Strengths

    36:30 The Purpose Behind the Upcoming Memoir

    38:53 Future Plans and Community Engagement

    41:44 Embracing Challenges and Making Attempts



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesfromreallife.substack.com
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    46 m
  • Ep. 125 - Giorgio Natili on Vision, Vulnerability & the Human Side of Leadership
    Jun 17 2025

    Giorgio Natili, an Italian native and former professional windsurfer, shares his journey through various life experiences, including his transition into engineering management. Giorgio shares insights on the importance of embracing imperfection in leadership, fostering diversity and inclusion, and the ethical challenges posed by AI. He also discusses personal fears, cultural lessons learned from moving to the US, and his passion for DJing.


    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


    https://www.linkedin.com/in/giorgionatili/


    Keywords


    leadership, imperfection, engineering management, diversity, inclusion, AI ethics, personal growth, windsurfing, cultural lessons, DJing, Italy


    Sound Bites


    "You lose money basically as a professional windsurfer."

    "I decided to get rid of this fear."

    "Perfection is a cliche. It just doesn't exist."

    "You have to rely on their expertise."

    "Active listening doesn't mean just repeating back."

    "AI cannot be the subject matter expert."

    "Be the first ambassador of respect."




    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesfromreallife.substack.com
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    47 m