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S1E30 Luke’s Story: A Life of Service
A small town, a football scholarship, and a choice that didn’t make sense to most.Luke Mickelson grew up in a place where hard work was expected, problems were yours to solve, and showing up for…
S1E29 Martin’s Story: Chasing More Than Success
Martin Palethorpe did everything right—career, promotions, success on paper. And still, it wasn’t enough.He shares what happens when achievement stops feeling like fulfillment. From a disciplined…
S1E28 Dana’s Story: Overcoming Fear
A childhood between Idaho and New Jersey shaped a quiet sense of distance early on—never fully rooted in one place. Then, at twelve, a violent car accident left Dr. Dana Cowles feeling helpless in a…
S1E27 Vanita’s Story: Between Cultures and Continents
Born into an Indian family with roots in Vietnam, Vanita Prisha Daryanani grew up in Taiwan—learning Mandarin, celebrating Chinese New Year, and navigating what it meant to look different from…
S1E26 Stacie’s Story: Redefining Success Her Own Way
A waitress at 16. Running federal tech projects with no formal training. Buying a $50M software company on instinct. Starting over after a 28-year marriage ended.Stacie Shifflett has built and…
S1E25 Katrina’s Story: Creating Yourself
What if life isn’t about finding yourself, but creating yourself? Katrina Purcell has tested that idea in every way — from taking an unexpected class that changed her career, to returning to school…
S1E24 Dave’s Story: Horses, Highways, and a Harley-Davidson
What can a horse teach you about trust, identity, and starting over?Dave “Letterfly” Knoderer didn’t just learn to train horses. He learned how to rebuild a life. From playing drums in the circus as…
S1E23 Julie’s Story: Between Two Cultures
Julie Pham arrived in the United States as a refugee. But her story didn’t stop at survival.From navigating life between Vietnamese and American identities to earning a PhD, taking over her parents’…
S1E22 David Shar's Story: It All Started With an Ice Cream Shop
David Shar thought he was learning about running a business. Instead, he began questioning what actually makes people show up, take responsibility, and grow at workFrom cleaning kennels to owning an…
S1E21 David’s Story: A Life Shaped by Maps
An artist who studied politics, built a business around historical maps, walked away from convention, and now lives off-grid in the mountains.David Deigthon’s path moves across countries,…
S1E20 Alan’s Story: Dreamer, Doer, and Achiever
Alan Lazaros lost his father at just two years old, and life became even more difficult at 14 when his stepfather left, taking financial security with him. A gamer who built his first computer at 12,…
S1E24 Dave’s Story: Horses, Highways, and a Harley-Davidson
What can a horse teach you about trust, identity, and starting over?Dave “Letterfly” Knoderer didn’t just learn to train horses. He learned how to rebuild a life. From playing drums in the circus as…
S1E19 Chris’s Story: How Taekwondo Shaped Everything
It started with a kid inspired by a TV show — and a mentor who made a promise that changed everything.Chris Natzke’s path moves through martial arts, Taekwondo, college football, national…
S1E18 Tobi's Story: A Journey to Germany
Tobi Ojekunle shares his life story, from growing up in Ibadan, Nigeria, to moving to Germany to study engineering.In this episode, Tobi talks about his family upbringing in Nigeria, the importance…
S1E17 Rand’s Story: A Life Like the Appalachian Trail
Rand Timmerman is a Vietnam War veteran, former military lawyer, and recovering alcoholic who reached a point in life where standing still was no longer an option. After the death of his…
S1E16 Diane’s Story: A Life Shaped by Family and Music
Diane Phillips shares her life story, shaped by family experiences, relationships, and music.She talks about growing up in an unstable home marked by alcoholism, poor health, and loss, and how those…
S1E15 Ken’s Story: From College Injury to a Career in Law
At just 20 years old, Ken Kunken’s life changed forever. A catastrophic spinal cord injury during a college football game left him nearly paralyzed and facing a future doctors believed would be…
S1E14 Avonley's Story: From Childhood Tragedy to Resilient Triumph
Avonley Lightstone’s life is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. At just three years old, she survived a devastating house fire in India that claimed her mother’s life, and later faced…
S1E13 Barry’s Story: A Journalist’s Journey Across Continents
Barry Maughan’s journey from Australia to Africa is a story of curiosity, courage, and the unexpected opportunities that shape a life. Inspired by a childhood surrounded by broadcasting, Barry…
S1E12 Steve’s Story: From the Marines to Entertainment Law
What happens when you grow up being told you’re “good for nothing” — and one day decide that story ends?Steve Gallegos shares a raw and honest conversation about identity, self-worth, and the moments…
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Real People. Real Stories. has published 30 episodes since October 2025, covering topics in Society & Culture.
Real People. Real Stories. is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 25m.
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