Stories from Real Life

Dive into the compelling story of Colin Owensby as he shares how a severe car accident, personal tragedies, and remarkable sports achievements shaped his outlook on life, resilience, and purpose. This episode explores athletic discipline, overcoming loss, and finding strength through adversity.Main Topics:* The impact of sports on mental resilience and discipline* Personal tragedy: surviving a life-changing car accident* Building a toolkit of resilience and embracing gratitude* The journey from modeling in Europe to Hollywood and beyond* How grief influences life purpose and living with intentionIn this episode:* Colin recounts his transition from NCAA swimmer to ultramarathon runner and Ironman competitor* Insight into the mental and physical discipline required for elite athletic performance* Emotional recount of surviving a devastating car crash and losing his brother* The concept of the “Map of Resilience” and essential mental tools to overcome setbacks* Reflection on grief, love, and finding omens in everyday life* Stories of modeling in Milan, working on Hollywood sets, and traveling across Europe* Practical advice for building community, cultivating gratitude, and pursuing personal growthResources & Links:* Racers for Pacers* Veterans Future Foundation* Tony Robbins - Money Master the GameConnect with Colin:* Instagram* TikTokNote:To support Colin’s purpose and endurance journey, check the show notes for direct links to the foundations. Thank you for listening to Stories from Real Life. Be sure to subscribe and share your light wherever you go. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, grief educator Lisa Rites discusses the multifaceted nature of grief, emphasizing that it extends beyond death to include experiences like divorce and life transitions. She shares her personal journey through grief and how it led her to become a certified grief educator. The conversation explores cultural perceptions of grief, the importance of individualized support, and practical strategies for coping with loss. Lisa highlights the significance of journaling and the need for compassion in supporting those who are grieving. Ultimately, the episode conveys that healing is about learning to carry loss with grace and honesty.Lisa Rites websiteStories from Real Life Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

Sleep is often treated as negotiable — something we squeeze in after work, family, ambition, and obligation. But what if that assumption is costing us more than we realize? (Please excuse the audio problems on my end.)In this episode of Stories from Real Life, Melvin E. Edwards sits down with Dr. Ben Long (The Wholehearted MD), a physician and sleep specialist who approaches rest through both clinical science and spiritual reflection. Together, they explore how sleep deprivation shapes decision-making, moral clarity, professional identity, and overall well-being—especially in high-pressure fields like medicine.Ben shares insights from his work with patients and medical trainees, discusses the hidden cultural messages that discourage rest, and explains why sleep should be understood not as a luxury, but as a foundational practice for a meaningful life.In this episode, we discuss:* Why chronic exhaustion is often a systems problem, not a personal one* How sleep deprivation affects judgment, empathy, and moral decision-making* The intersection of faith, medicine, and rest* Why productivity culture undermines human flourishing* Practical ways to rethink sleep without increasing anxiety around itThis conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and quietly challenging—an invitation to reconsider what it means to live, work, and rest well.Guest: Dr. Ben Long (The Wholehearted MD)Host: Melvin E. EdwardsPodcast: Stories from Real Life Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

FOREVER Digital Storage - Their mission is to be the complete, permanent, and safe place where millions of families save and enjoy their memories for generations. Please support this sponsor of the podcast.In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards speaks with Dr. Nelva Lee, a candidate for Georgia Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Lee shares her journey from being a homeschool mom to a healthcare leader and educator, emphasizing the importance of school choice, vocational training, and empowering parents. She discusses her leadership experiences, insights from government health policy, and the need for schools to support families. Dr. Lee also reflects on her faith’s role in public service and offers encouragement to students about discovering their purposeDr. Nelva LeeStories from Real Life.Keywordseducation, school choice, vocational training, leadership, empowerment, family support, public service, faith, Georgia, Dr. Nelva Lee Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe