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

What if feeding your children didn't have to be a source of stress, guilt, or frustration?

In this episode, Dr. Liz Daniels, a board-certified pediatrician and registered dietitian, shares how parents can build healthier relationships with food while taking the pressure off themselves. We talk about picky eating, food preferences, sensory challenges, getting kids involved in the kitchen, and making small changes that add up over time. Liz also shares practical ideas for helping children explore new foods and explains why connection at the table matters more than getting every meal right.

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In this episode, Scott Fehrenbacher, CEO of Worship Road Radio, shares how his career in Christian media, higher education, and ministry has shaped his passion for reaching people through music. From his early work at Crosswalk.com to helping expand online education at Grand Canyon University, Scott has spent his career finding new ways to share the message of faith.

Scott discusses the power of Christian music to bring people closer to God, the importance of supporting emerging artists, and why Christian media needs to move beyond traditional thinking. He also shares why we...

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...

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...

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.

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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 wh...

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...

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...

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...

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.<...

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 remi...

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...

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://do...

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...

:::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.
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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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 cr...

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 wh...

Today I’m talking with Kim Rogers, better known as the viral “Worm Queen.” Kim spent more than 20 years working in Western medicine before her own long battle with chronic illness, endometriosis, Lyme disease, mold, and parasites led her on a very different healing journey. After feeling dismissed and without answers, Kim decided to become her own patient advocate, and that decision eventually changed the direction of her life.

Kim shares how one TikTok video about her experience with parasites went viral and led her to create RogersHood Apothecary and the ParaFy Parasite Cleanse Kit. We talk about...

In this episode, I’m talking with Dr. David Teitelbaum, an osteopathic physician, functional medicine practitioner, author, and someone who has spent more than 40 years helping people improve their health by looking beyond their symptoms. But his journey into human medicine started in an unexpected place: as a veterinarian. Dr. Teitelbaum shares the “God moment” that led him to leave veterinary medicine and pursue human medicine, and how spending a day with an osteopathic physician completely changed the direction of his career.

We talk about what functional medicine really means and why Dr. Teitelbaum believes there is a plac...

In this solo episode of Life Stories, I take a break from my usual guest conversations to share a little about my summer: the good, the difficult, and everything in between. From a relaxing vacation and time with my grandkids to celebrating my birthday, starting an exciting new project, losing a beloved cat, and facing some unexpected challenges, I open up about the ups and downs that are simply part of life.

Through all of it, there has been one constant: the faithfulness of God. I share why I picture God’s faithfulness like a bo...

After losing his five-year-old son Joey to Dravet syndrome, Michael Gomoll turned unimaginable grief into a mission of hope. He founded Joey's Song, a nonprofit that raises money for pediatric epilepsy research through incredible live music events featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and Grammy-winning artists.

In this heartfelt conversation, Michael shares Joey's story, explains epilepsy in a way anyone can understand, and talks about how music became Joey's greatest connection to the world. He also offers encouragement for families facing a new diagnosis, shares the inspiring growth of Joey's Song, and reminds us that when people...

We all know someone who seems to have everything together but what if they're quietly carrying the weight of everyone else's emotions?

In this episode, I sit down with life coach Caroline Holke to talk about the hidden struggles so many high-achieving women face. From people-pleasing and perfectionism to overthinking and replaying conversations, Caroline explains why these patterns develop and, more importantly, how we can begin to change them.

Caroline shares her own journey from a successful corporate marketing career to becoming a coach after experiencing firsthand how life-changing...

Laura Van Wormer has spent a lifetime telling stories. From working her way up at Doubleday Publishing to becoming a bestselling novelist, she has seen the publishing world from every angle. In this episode, she shares how a childhood love of storytelling, encouraged by her mother, led to a successful writing career and some unforgettable experiences with legendary authors and publishers.

Laura also opens up about the devastating car accident that nearly ended her writing career, how she found hope again through podcasting, and why she created The Class of '74: a serialized fictional...

In this episode, I sit down with Bridget Truxillo, a former Deputy Sheriff, SWAT officer, undercover narcotics detective, and now employment attorney and founder of Lady Law Shield. Bridget shares her remarkable journey from serving on the front lines of law enforcement to advocating for first responders across the country. She opens up about the challenges she faced as the only woman on a SWAT team, what ultimately led her to law school, and why she felt called to continue serving those who protect our communities.

We also talk about the hidden mental and emotional toll that...

Teenage girls today are facing more pressure than ever to fit in, measure up, and find their place in a constantly changing world. This week, I'm joined by Margaret Humphrey, founder of Choose to Live Freely and Dream Freely, to talk about why identity matters and how one caring adult can change the course of a young person's life.

Margaret shares how her own mentors inspired her passion for serving teen girls, the vision behind the first-ever Dream Freely Gathering, and why helping girls become anchored in Christ is more important than ever. We also talk about...

Sandy Rosenthal never imagined she would become the face of a movement that challenged one of the most powerful government agencies in the country. After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, she found herself asking hard questions, searching for answers, and ultimately founding Levees.org to uncover the truth about why the city flooded. What began with one determined woman and a simple website grew into a nationwide nonprofit that changed the conversation surrounding one of America's greatest disasters.

In this episode, Sandy shares the story behind her advocacy, the lessons she learned about courage, leadership, and perseverance...

What does it look like to follow a calling that begins with a simple desire to help others? In this episode, Simone shares how a heart for children and a mission trip to Uganda eventually led her to found Simone's Kids while she was still in college. What started as one small act of faith has grown into a thriving nonprofit that provides education, nutrition, and holistic care for hundreds of children. Along the way, she explains why empowering local leaders and building sustainable programs has always been at the heart of the ministry.

Simone also opens...

What does it take to turn a dream into reality, especially when the odds seem stacked against you? In this episode, I sit down with award-winning children's author and writing coach Rosie J. Pova to talk about her incredible journey from immigrating from Bulgaria to becoming a traditionally published children's author. Rosie shares how a lifelong love of words, years of perseverance, and a willingness to keep learning helped her build a successful career inspiring young readers and aspiring writers alike.

We also talk about the importance of reading to children, nurturing creativity at home...

Matthew Kenslow was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at six years old, but he never allowed a diagnosis to define his future. In this inspiring conversation, Matthew shares what life was like growing up with autism, the challenges he faced socially and academically, and the determination that helped him pursue his dream of becoming an educator. From speech therapy and special education classes to earning his teaching credentials and becoming a beloved substitute teacher, Matthew's story is one of perseverance, purpose, and hope.

We also talk about his books, his YouTube channel, and his mission to help others...

Twenty years ago, Liz Brewer turned one of the most difficult experiences of her life into a mission that continues to impact families today. After losing her father to Stage 4 lung cancer, she recognized a gap in support for families facing medical crises and created the Foundation Angel Program to connect them with practical help, financial assistance, and compassionate volunteers.

What happens when a former school counselor, juvenile probation officer, gang investigator, and private investigator spends more than 30 years on the front lines of the drug crisis?

In this eye-opening conversation, Dave Kopeny shares what he's learned about teen substance abuse, addiction, and the critical role parents play in prevention. Drawing from both his professional experience and his personal story of growing up in a family impacted by addiction, Dave offers practical, real-world advice for parents who want to protect their children before problems begin.

Dave explains why he believes the...

In this episode, Carolyn shares the deeply personal story behind her memoir, My Personal Holocaust, and the years-long journey that led her from hidden trauma to healing and freedom. After experiencing severe symptoms of PTSD in adulthood, she began a counseling process that uncovered repressed childhood memories and helped her understand the ways trauma had shaped her life. Carolyn explains dissociation in a relatable way and offers insight into how God designed the mind to protect us during overwhelming experiences.

Throughout the conversation, Carolyn discusses the role faith, counseling, and supportive community played in her healing. She...

What if the life you're looking for is already here?
In this thoughtful conversation, Ulrika Torquato shares her remarkable journey from medical doctor to opera singer, and ultimately to creating Joyering®, an app designed to help people notice the small moments of joy that are already present in everyday life. Born in Sweden, raised in Brazil, and now living in Switzerland, Ulrika's path has been anything but linear.
Together, we discuss the pressure of chasing success, the challenge of living with uncertainty, and why so many of us overlook the meaningful moments happening right in front of u...

Phebe Trotman is a multi-Hall of Fame athlete, award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and bestselling author of the Never Quit on a Bad Day book series. After spending decades competing at the highest levels of soccer, she discovered that some of life's greatest lessons come not from victories, but from setbacks, disappointments, and the courage to keep going.

In this episode, Phebe shares how sports helped shape her mindset, the importance of focusing on what you can control, and why growth often happens outside your comfort zone. We also talk about confidence, gratitude, resilience, and the power of...

What happens when someone who thought their life was over discovers that accountability, support, and hope can lead to a completely different future?

In this episode, Jesse Crosson shares his remarkable journey from addiction, arrest, and a lengthy prison sentence to becoming an author, advocate, and founder of the Second Chancer Foundation. Jesse opens up about the mentors, family members, and unexpected supporters who helped him rebuild his life and find purpose behind prison walls.

We also talk about the power of second chances, why connection and mentorship...