Life Stories Podcast with Shara Goswick: Real People. Inspiring Stories. Making a Difference.

In this episode, Lindsay Knerl shares her 22-year journey as a homeschooling mom, working professional, author, and entrepreneur. She explains how her family found a homeschooling approach that worked for them, even while raising children, building careers, and navigating life's unexpected challenges. Lindsay also addresses common homeschooling concerns, including cost, socialization, curriculum, and teaching subjects you may not feel equipped to teach. She shares practical advice for parents considering homeschooling and explains why allowing children to discover their interests, develop life skills, and learn through everyday experiences can be just as valuable as traditional academics. To learn more about Linsey and her work, visit https://www.linseyknerl.com/ To order Homeschool Hacks, visit https://a.co/d/01kUTI7l #books #homeschooling #homeschool #parenting #lifestoriespodcast #podcast #peoplehelpingpeople #podmatch #entrepreneur Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode of Life Stories, I sit down with Jody Hudson, author of My Promise to Alex and founder of the Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation. Jody shares the heartbreaking journey of her daughter, Alex, who spent ten years searching for answers to a mysterious illness before finally being diagnosed with Lyme disease. Despite countless doctor visits, incorrect diagnoses, and debilitating pain, Alex held on to her faith and continued to care for others. After losing Alex in 2018, Jody felt called to carry on her daughter's mission by helping other families navigate Lyme disease and supporting research and patient care. Jody also opens up about her own journey through foster care, adoption, divorce, financial hardship, and the challenges of raising a child with a chronic illness. She shares how her faith helped her keep moving forward, how she wrote and self-published her award-winning memoir, and why she believes it's possible to find joy again after losing a child. This is an honest conversation about faith, resilience, grief, and the importance of extending kindness and grace to others, because we never truly know what someone else is going through. To connect with Jody, visit https://www.alexhudsonlymefoundation.org/ #podcast #podmatch #lifestoriespodcast #peoplehelpingpeople #books #lymedisease #chronicillness #faith #nonprofit Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode of Life Stories, I talk with Ilene Marcus, author, speaker, leadership coach, and inventor, about managing annoying people, understanding our own reactions, and finding ways to handle life’s challenges with kindness and humor. Ilene shares lessons from her years in executive leadership, her experiences with cancer and an unexpected career setback, and how those challenges shaped her perspective on resilience. We also talk about how she turned a frustrating cooking problem into her invention, the iLean-Pan, and how aspiring entrepreneurs can take the first steps toward bringing their ideas to life. We discuss recognizing our patterns, responding instead of reacting, learning to laugh at ourselves, and finding the courage to try something different. Ilene shares practical advice for dealing with difficult people, getting out of our own way, and taking action instead of putting things off. To connect with Ilene, visit ilenemarcus.com. To find out about Tech Stars, visit https://www.techstars.com/ To purchase an ilean-pan, visit https://ilenemarcus.com/about/the-ilean-pan/ #podcast #podmatch #podcasting #lifestoriespodcast #entrepreneur #inventions #techstars #resilience #cooking #innovation Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode, Ashley Hicks shares the heart behind her book, Sleeping Beauty: The Why and How to Live a Life of Sexual Purity. Drawing on more than 20 years of working with teenage girls, she explains why sexual purity goes beyond rules and abstinence. It’s about understanding our identity in Christ, protecting our hearts, and making thoughtful choices in relationships. We also discuss setting boundaries, choosing supportive friendships, and having ongoing, honest conversations with our children about dating and sexual purity. Ashley offers encouragement for parents and young women, reminding us that even when we have regrets about the past, God offers forgiveness, grace, and the opportunity to begin again. To connect with Ashley, visit https://www.pincministries.com/ You can order her book here: https://a.co/d/069s7Urb #podcast #lifestoriespodcast #purity #parenting #conversations #boundaries #dating #forgiveness #grace #relationship Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

Life Stories is celebrating four years! In this special anniversary episode, I look back on another year of conversations, connections, and incredible people who are making a difference in the world. I share some of my favorite highlights, including interviewing 94 people, reconnecting with someone who helped build my confidence, meeting fellow podcasters in person, and stepping outside my comfort zone by participating in an online summit. I also talk about working toward my goal of interviewing someone from all 50 states, reading books written by my guests, trying new ways to connect with my audience, and an unexpected opportunity to enter a podcasting contest. As I reflect on how much I've grown over the past four years, I'm reminded of why I started this podcast and how much I still love connecting with people and sharing their stories. Thank you for being part of this journey! If you've listened to Life Stories, I'd love for you to leave a review, share this episode with someone who might enjoy it, or reach out and tell me what you enjoy most about the podcast. Your support means more than you know and helps me continue sharing stories of people making a difference. Here's to another year of Life Stories! Links mentioned in this episode: Rick and Clancy Denton: https://www.theloudquiet.com April Garcia: https://www.aprildaygarcia.com/ Nika Maples: https://nikamaples.com/ My interview with Nika: https://youtu.be/PRkJOgaeH4I Podmatch.com Access Speakers: https://accessspeakers.biz/ Candy Messer: https://www.youtube.com/@BizTipsWithCandy You can vote for me as Top Host here: https://tophost.org/2026/shara-goswick #podcast #podcasting #sharagoswick #lifestoriespodcast #books #booktok #podcastanniversary

What does it really take to build a strong blended family when everyone comes into the relationship with their own history, traditions, parenting styles, and challenges? Amy shares the honest story of blending her family with her husband Chris, including the trial and error of bringing their children together, learning how to parent as a team, and creating a home where every child felt like they belonged. Amy also opens up about some of the hardest seasons her family faced, including multiple battles with cancer, grief, and the challenges that came with parenting through difficult circumstances. She shares why being transparent with children, giving yourself grace, surrounding yourself with people who have walked the road before you, and maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship can make such a difference. Most of all, Amy offers encouragement to never give up on your family and to keep the door open, even when relationships become difficult. To connect with Amy, visit https://shorturl.at/0xW6K #lifestoriespodcast #peoplehelpingpeople #podmatch #marriage #blendedfamily #parenting #grace #encouragement #podcast #traditional Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

What do you need to know before you suddenly find yourself caring for an aging parent? Nicole Hilgenkamp, founder of Your Parents Keeper, shares practical advice for preparing before a crisis happens. We talk about the importance of getting important documents in order, understanding the different stages of caregiving, preventing falls, and building a caregiving team. Nicole also shares some of the regrets she has from caring for her own mother, including things she wishes she had known about dementia, home safety, and available resources. She explains the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, along with a few things families should know about Medicare. To find out more about this incredible program, visit https://yourparentskeeper.com/ Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

What if the young adult you think is stuck or unmotivated is actually dealing with anxiety, overwhelm, or a lack of the right support? Returning guests Blake Baumann and Pickens Calhoun join me to talk about the evolution of their work at Ideal Minds, where they help neurodivergent young adults build independence, confidence, executive-function skills, and direction. We also talk about their expanded work with parents, why communication matters, how parents can move from rescuing to guiding, and new ways technology can reduce some of the challenges neurodivergent young adults face in the workplace. Find out more at idealmindscoaching.com. #podcast #lifestoriespodcast #autism #autismspectrumdisorder #neurodivergent #books #neurodivergence #executivefunction #lifeskills #parenting #coaching Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

What if you’re not too old to start something new? After 35 years in Human Resources, Kirk McCarley became a career and life coach, helping people consider new possibilities and take steps toward what they want to do. We also talk about his work with ESPN, teaching Spinning, and the lessons he has learned from pursuing such different interests. Kirk also shares about his book, Thoughts for My Kids...and Other People’s Kids, and why he believes age brings something valuable: experience and wisdom. His message is a reminder that it’s never too late to try something new or discover what you were made for. To connect with Kirk, visit https://theseedsowercoach.com/ Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this solo episode, Shara shares a few personal and podcast updates, including the book she’s reading that is challenging her as a mom of an adult son with autism. She also talks about the changes she’s making to her podcast booking process, a new autism-related project she’s working on, and upcoming milestones: four years of podcasting and her 300th episode. Shara also reflects on learning to trust what she has to offer and reminds us that something that may seem small to us could be exactly what someone else needs. Whether it’s sharing an experience, sending an encouraging message, or simply taking the next step, you never know the difference you might make in someone else’s life. Thanks for listening! Links mentioned: Buy Me A Coffee: https://shorturl.at/w2VCKMy interview on Coincidence or God: https://shorturl.at/9fZRI Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

What if being a good dog owner starts with learning to see the world through your dog’s eyes? Darin O. Saw-Bellisario, Ph.D., creator of the Good Owners Guide to Dogs, joins me to talk about why he left a successful career in science and management consulting to help dog parents find reliable information. We also talk about the information chaos online, understanding individual dogs and why he created dogGPT to make trustworthy guidance easier to access. Find out more about Good Owners Guide to Dogs here: https://www.goodowners.guide/https://doggpt.com/hello@goodowners.dog

What happens when two people love each other but come from very different cultural and family backgrounds?What happens when two people love each other but come from very different cultural and family backgrounds? In this episode, Pesa and Whitney Shayo share their experience of building a marriage across cultures: Pesa is from Kenya and Whitney is from Kansas. After 22 years of marriage and raising four daughters, they’ve learned firsthand how differences in traditions, family expectations, communication, and even money can create unexpected challenges. Pesa and Whitney share practical advice for couples, including questions to ask before marriage, the importance of staying curious about each other’s backgrounds, and why something that looks like a disagreement about money or parenting may actually be rooted in something much deeper. To find out more about Live Your Best Marriage and to take their free quiz, visit https://liveyourbestmarriage.com/ Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

:::In this episode we discuss the dangers of human trafficking and there is mention of sexual abuse. If you are someone you know feels they are in a possible trafficking situation, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 and https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en::: In today's episode, Lea Marie shares her powerful story of surviving human trafficking and explains why she is now passionate about educating others. She talks about how vulnerability, the desire to feel loved and accepted, and connections made online can create opportunities for traffickers to manipulate and control someone. Lea also explains why victims don't always recognize that they are being trafficked, the warning signs parents and others should know, and why human trafficking can happen to people from all kinds of backgrounds. She shares how she eventually got help, what happened after she escaped, and why the aftermath can be one of the most difficult parts of survival. Today, Lea uses her experience to raise awareness, connect survivors with resources, and encourage parents, teenagers, and others to learn the warning signs. Most importantly, she wants survivors to know they don't have to be the "perfect victim" to deserve help and that their worst experience does not have to become their entire identity. You can find out more about Lea's story and connect with her here: https://leamarieadvocacy.github.io/Lea-Marie.HT-awareness/https://www.tiktok.com/@_mariehawk_?_r=1&_t=ZT-99oYzwKFrED Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode, I’m talking with Michael Flannery, a musician, sound designer, professor, and author whose career has taken him from a college dorm-room recording studio to a major-label record deal and opening for Outkast on their Stankonia tour. Michael shares what happened when a song he recorded in his dorm room unexpectedly became a hit, what it was like performing for thousands of people, and how he rebuilt his career after his band was dropped by the label. We also talk about his journey into teaching, what he’s learned from his students, why anyone can write a song, and how letting go of our inhibitions can help us become more creative. Michael explains the science behind why our recorded voices sound so different to us and shares his thoughts on AI-generated music and what it could mean for the future of creativity. He also talks about his upcoming book, The Practice of Songwriting, and why developing a creative practice is something anyone can do. To find out more about Michael's work and to order his book, visit https://www.thepracticeofsongwriting.com/ Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode, I talk with Mike Wysocki about career readiness and helping students make informed decisions about their future. Mike shares what he learned after spending 30 years in tech sales, why he believes students shouldn’t simply choose a career based on money or someone else’s advice, and practical ways they can explore different careers before committing. We also talk about networking, job shadowing, trades, entrepreneurship, and the importance of knowing that there are many paths to a successful career. To connect with Mike and to order his book, visit https://careersbythepeople.com/ Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode, I talk with Forrest McSweeney, founder of The Uplift Project, a nonprofit working with small business owners and families in remote communities in Guyana. Forrest’s connection to South America began when he was just three years old, traveling with his father and experiencing communities and cultures far beyond the typical tourist destinations. Those early experiences gave him a lasting perspective on how differently people can live depending on where they are born. Forrest explains how The Uplift Project identifies hardworking entrepreneurs who have the skills and determination to grow but lack the capital to take the next step. From providing a larger oven to a baker, a sewing machine to a seamstress, or equipment to farmers, the goal is to give people the tools they need to build something sustainable for themselves and their families. We also talk about clean water, school supplies, resilience, and the lessons Forrest has learned from the people he meets. His approach is simple: listen to what people say they need, trust their ability to build, and make every dollar go as far as possible. To find out more about The Uplift Project, visit https://upliftproject.org/ You can connect with Forrest on all social platforms @UpliftProjectgy Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

Today I’m talking with Chef Steff about food, music, community, and the courage to take a chance on yourself. From her childhood as her mom’s “sous chef” to creating private culinary experiences and her “Good News is on the Menu” project, Steff shares how cooking became a way to connect with people and bring more joy into their lives. We also talk about stepping outside your comfort zone, finding something you love, and using whatever gifts you have to help others. Steff’s message is simple: take the next step, be kind, and look for ways to make a difference. To find out more about Chef Steff's Curated Experiences, visit https://shefsteff.com/. Connect with Steff on Instagram @GoodNewsisOnTheMenu Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode, I talk with Marcus Walker, CEO of Daily Bread Ministries in San Antonio, about what it really means to help people who are experiencing poverty and food insecurity. Daily Bread rescues food that would otherwise go to waste and provides it to churches and community organizations, but Marcus explains that the ministry is about much more than putting food on someone's table. Food is a tool for building relationships, restoring dignity, and creating opportunities for deeper conversations and lasting change. Marcus and I talk about why poverty is about more than a lack of food, money, or resources, and how broken relationships can play a significant role. He shares why Daily Bread focuses on equipping churches through education, including financial and parenting courses, rather than simply meeting immediate needs. We also talk about the importance of remembering someone's name, giving people choices, and seeing the person behind the circumstances. Marcus shares how his own perspective on poverty has changed over the years and leaves listeners with a simple encouragement: don't underestimate what God can do with one small step. To find out more about Daily Bread Ministries in San Antonio, visit https://dbmsa.org/ Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

Today I’m talking with Allan Glanfield, a Canadian entrepreneur, husband, and dad who decided that waiting for “someday” wasn’t good enough. Allan and his family packed up their lives, rented out their home, and began traveling the world with their two young children. From Greece and Italy to France, England, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, their family has embraced a lifestyle centered around spending time together, experiencing different cultures, and giving their kids opportunities to see the world from a different perspective. Along the way, Allan has also been building Chuck, a Canadian meat snack brand created from a problem his own family experienced while traveling. He shares what it’s like to build a food business without investors or a large team, why solving a real problem matters more than having perfect branding, and what he has learned from starting and failing at other businesses. Allan’s story is a reminder that you don’t necessarily have to wait until everything is perfect to make a change. Sometimes, you just have to take that first step and figure out the rest along the way. To find out more about Chuck, visit https://eatchuck.com/ Connect with Allan on Instagram @eatchuck Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

Today I’m talking with Jobert E. Abueva about burnout, life transitions, and what it means to pause long enough to really ask ourselves what matters. Jobert shares how his successful career running Clairol Herbal Essences eventually led him to a point of burnout where he realized he had been ignoring his own wellbeing. That experience became the turning point that inspired The Janus Plan, a six-step framework built around looking honestly at the past before deciding how we want to move forward. We talk about why so many of us struggle with resolutions, how to recognize when we’re quietly out of alignment, and why taking care of ourselves needs to come before deciding what we want to accomplish next. Jobert also shares three simple questions we can ask whenever we find ourselves at a crossroads: What has worked that we want to continue? What can we let go of? And what is this season or situation trying to teach us? This is a practical conversation for anyone who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready to begin again with more intention. To find out more about Jobert and pre-order his book, visit https://joberteabueva.com/ Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast