Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What's Next

Have you ever had an idea you wanted to try, but kept putting it off?

Maybe you weren't sure how it would turn out. Or maybe you thought you needed a better plan before getting started. I can relate. 

Jennifer Navarrete has another approach: give yourself permission to experiment.

Jennifer is the founder of National Podcast Post Month, or NaPodPoMo, a November challenge to create and publish 30 podcast episodes.

Back in 2007, Jennifer went looking for a podcasting challenge. When she couldn't find one, she decided to start it herself. With just t...

Have you ever thought about trying something new, but kept putting it off?

Well, I'm trying something different this November.

I'm releasing 30 podcast episodes in 30 days as part of National Podcast Post Month, or NaPodPoMo. I've been podcasting for years, but I've never attempted anything quite like this.

And I'm treating it as an experiment.

For the next 30 days, I'll be sharing conversations with people who've made changes, followed their curiosity and figured things out along the way.

We'll explore what it takes to begin, the courage to change...

Sometimes the thing we struggle with can lead us somewhere we never expected.

In this encore episode of Stories of Change, I’m revisiting my conversation with Kelly Engram, founder of Prairie Fire Hair.

Kelly had done a lot of different things in her life, but she never felt like she had found her passion. Then she began losing her hair.

Hair loss affected Kelly’s confidence and the way she saw herself. She tried wearing a wig, but at first she felt uncomfortable.  She was convinced everyone could tell.

Then somet...

What happens when the life you planned doesn’t happen?

Sara McDaniel knows what it means to start over. After infertility and a devastating divorce changed the future she had imagined, she eventually moved home to Louisiana and began rebuilding her life. Along the way, she pursued a neglected 1926 cottage that wasn’t even for sale. Restoring that house became part of her own healing — and helped lead her toward a completely different life and career.

Today, Sara is the creative force behind Simply Southern Cottage and the author of The Bright Side of the Other...

What does it mean to come home—to a place, a culture, or even to yourself?

In this encore episode of Stories of Change, I revisit my conversation with Navajo designer and entrepreneur Amy Denet Deal.

Amy was adopted as a child and grew up in Indiana, far from her Navajo culture. After a successful career in the fashion industry and with her daughter heading off to college, Amy found herself asking a familiar question: What’s next?

Her answer was to sell what she had in California and move to New...

What does it take to leave a secure career, start a creative business and bet on yourself?

Wendy Conklin was a successful teacher, writer and educational consultant. Then an upholstery class sparked a new creative interest.  That small experiment eventually became Chair Whimsy.

In this encore episode, Wendy shares how she became a creative entrepreneur and what gave her the courage to leave her established career.

Making a midlife career change to pursue a creative business full time required Wendy to take a calculated risk. She realized that staying in an u...

Life doesn’t come with a roadmap. And sometimes change comes whether we’re ready for it or not.

Linda Fogg-Phillips, M.S., is a behavior-change expert, author, and co-founder of the Tiny Habits Academy, where she works alongside her brother, Dr. BJ Fogg, creator of the Tiny Habits method. But Linda’s understanding of change isn’t just professional. It’s deeply personal.

In this encore episode of Stories of Change, Linda shares how she learned to navigate those changes and find a way forward—one small step at a time.

Over a per...

What if you don’t know exactly what comes next?

Maybe that’s okay.

Jane Scott didn’t follow a carefully planned career path. She stayed curious. She kept learning. And she paid attention when new opportunities came her way.

Jane is Director of Marketing Communications at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her career has taken her from publishing to teaching English in Japan, marketing, communications and higher education leadership.

In our conversation, Jane talks about the experiences that shaped her along the way—and why she believes it’s important...

What if one trip could help you discover what you’re capable of?

Three Texas State University students traveled to Scotland for a three-week education abroad program at Queen Margaret University. They arrived without knowing one another or exactly what to expect.

In this episode, I pass the microphone to three Texas State University students studying in Scotland. Libby Sanchez, Sarah Hervey, and Kinbe Perez share what they are learning—not only in class, but about themselves.

Libby, Sarah, and Kinbe arrived in Scotland without knowing anyone else on the 3-week trip.  They didn...

At 20 years old, Queen Margaret University student Laura Stevenson traveled from Scotland to Martha's Vineyard for a six-month study abroad internship. At the time, it felt like nothing more than a graduation requirement. 

She had no idea she was living through a defining moment.

In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, Laura reflects on the experience that changed her life.  And she didn't recognize it until years later. Together, we explore how defining moments sometimes reveal their true value - in the rear view mirror.

Laura shares how living and working in th...

What happens when a restaurant encourages people to put away their phones and simply talk to each other?

At Bella Italia in North Berwick, Scotland, a simple sign on the door reads: "We do not have Wi-Fi. Talk to each other. Pretend it's 1995." 

That sign caught my attention while I was teaching at Queen Margaret University in Scotland.  But it was what happened inside the restaurant that stayed with me. In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, I talk with Loredana (Lora) Calabrese about family and why creating a place where people tr...

Scottish interior designer and entrepreneur Emma Cross shares how childhood experiences, creativity, travel, and a willingness to say yes shaped her life and career.

Emma Cross knew she wanted to be a designer when she was five years old.

In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, I sit down with Emma Cross, a Scottish interior designer and entrepreneur, to explore the experiences that shaped her life and career.

I first discovered Emma's shop while exploring North Berwick, Scotland. It's a 20 minute train ride from Queen Margaret University, home of our...

What experiences shape who we become?

In this episode of Stories of Change, Judy Oskam talks with Kelly Engram, educator, Texas State University graduate, and founder of Prairie Fire Hair.

Kelly's journey has been full of challenges and turning points.  As a young single mother, she was busy working and raising her son.   Kelly started college but life got in the way.   She returned and finished school years later, earning both a Bachelor's and Master's degree.  Along the way she discovered a passion for teaching and helping others succeed.

One of the...

Graduation season always makes me reflective. In this first short solo episode from my new Making Life Work series, I share some thoughts from commencement weekend at Texas State University.  The stories unfolding behind every graduate walking across the stage — stories about growth, creativity, and figuring out what comes next.

Our students have experience in journalism and storytelling projects, student media, internships, national competitions, and education abroad courses.  I also reflect on my own unexpected journey from journalism and public relations into higher education.

This episode also features remarks from Texas State University President Kelly Damp...

In this Mother’s Day episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam talks with her daughters, Danielle and Jessica, about adoption, family, and experiences that shape identity and creativity.

Judy reflects on the decision to adopt from China.  She shares how motherhood changed her understanding of creativity and personal growth.

Dani and Jess share their perspective on parenting, identity, and what it means to grow together across generations. They also talk about foster families, adoption stories, and the Chinese belief in the “red thread of fate” — the invisible connection between people who are meant to...

How innovation is transforming Texas—and where the biggest opportunities are emerging.

In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, I had the chance to talk with entrepreneur Justin McKenzie, host of The Building Texas Show. We explore innovation across Texas—from small towns to major cities—and discuss workforce development and emerging industries.

Justin shares insights from his career journey, along with lessons from interviewing leaders across the state.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in innovation and career opportunities in Texas.

You’ll Learn

What does it really mean to solve a problem in the age of AI?

In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, I sat down with Dr. Aniruddha Bora, assistant professor of computer science at Texas State University, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we think about problem solving.  I met Dr. Bora when I moderated a panel at South by Southwest (SXSW) at Texas House as part of the Texas State University Global Innovation Roundup.

From his early interest in science in India to his work in applied m...

How does experiential learning prepare college students for real-world careers? 

At Texas State, journalism students don’t just study reporting — they do it. They cover major news events and interview real people.  Students report on impactful stories like the aftermath of the school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and the 2025 deadly Central Texas flooding.  

 In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam talks with Dino Chiecchi, associate professor of practice at Texas State University.  He's a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of newsroom experience. 

During our conversation, we explore...

If you’re a high-achieving professional who feels successful everywhere except your health, this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity might be for you.  I can certainly relate!

Many driven professionals excel in their careers but struggle with health in midlife because they apply the same optimization mindset that works at work to their bodies. In this episode, Judy Oskam talks with Tony Sherock, Certified Personal Trainer— Health Behavior Specialist and Tiny Habits® Certified Coach.  He explains how identity-based habits can create lasting health change.

This conversation reframes health as part of who you are, no...

If you’re a fan of Outlander, the historical fiction series set in Scotland, like I am, this episode is for you. In this conversation, I talk with Dr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold, a literary scholar and historian known as the “Doctor of Outlander,” about her academic journey and career path.  We discuss how historical fiction can become public history — inviting people to connect with history beyond textbooks and classrooms.

During this episode, you’ll learn how Outlander and other historical fiction can build bridges between fans, public audiences, and academic inquiry. Alex also shares insights from her own path — from...

In this music-filled episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam sits down with singer-songwriter and education leader Dr. Candace Hastings to explore what it means to live a creative life of purpose.  They talk about identity, community, and meaning. Along the way, you’ll hear excerpts from Candace’s new album, including “Soft Place to Land” and “Horses I Left Behind,” songs shaped by memory, place, and belonging.

Dr. Hastings is the Associate Vice Provost for the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship at Texas State University, an acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter and a tribal member of the Citize...

What do you say when someone you love is dying—and you know your time together is limited? In this practical and compassionate episode, Judy Oskam talks with Dr. Maureen Keeley, a leading researcher on end-of-life communication, from Texas State University.  

Dr. Maureen Keeley offers a research-based framework for anyone caring for an aging parent, supporting a loved one through illness, or anticipating loss.  Listeners will learn what matters most in end-of-life conversations and how small, everyday moments can become the memories that last a lifetime.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

January is often framed as a month of restriction—Dry January, less sugar, less indulgence, less everything. But what if January wasn’t about giving things up? What if it was about trying?

In this Try January episode, Judy Oskam weaves together powerful insights from past conversations to explore how meaningful change begins. Experts comment on building identity capital and setting goals, mentorship, creativity, adventure, and kindness.  This episode reminds us that change often starts with a choice… and the courage to try.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What is home?
Is it a place, a memory, a landscape—or a journey? In this episode, Judy Oskam explores the transformative meaning of home with Amy Denet Deal.  She's the founder of 4 Kinship, Indigenous Futures Forever, and the Diné Skate Garden Project.

Amy’s story is one of remarkable courage and clarity. In her mid-50s, she left the corporate fashion world and returned to her Navajo roots. Her journey home reveals how healing and creativity intersect in powerful ways.

In this episode, Judy and Amy talk about adoption and culture.  They bo...

What if celebration isn’t something “extra,” but something essential to living a meaningful, connected life?  If you're like me, you're always looking for reasons to celebrate and enjoy life. 

 In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, I sit down with Dr. R. Jon McGee—anthropologist, author, and longtime Texas State University professor— to explore the topic of celebration.  We met at the Live Oak Podcast Studio on the campus of Texas State University.  

For more than forty years, Dr. McGee lived with and learned from Maya communities in southern Mexico. He explained how rituals cre...

How do sports, culture, and communication shape who we are?  In this episode, Judy Oskam talks with University of Alabama Sports Scholar Dr. Kenon Brown.
 
 Dr. Brown is a professor of advertising and public relations, co-director of the Beyond Sports Initiative, and co-author of the book -  The United States of Sport: Media Framing and the Influence of the Intersection of Sports and American Culture.
 
During our conversation we explore how sports reflect American society, how branding and communication shape identity, and how career pivots can open doors to purpose and passion. From the rise of wo...

What’s your relationship with money? Do you worry about having enough? Does money guide all of your decisions?  

In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, I talk with Mary Liz Burns about the psychology of money. She has more than two decades of experience in personal finance communications and media.  Mary Liz has an MBA with a focus on financial psychology and is a certified senior advisor.

After a successful career in corporate communications and public relations — including 22 years with AARP — Mary Liz realized the missing piece in most money conversa...

For our 100th episode, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Damphousse, the 10th president of Texas State University. A sociologist by training, President Damphousse talks candidly about the midnight moment that set the tone for his presidency.   He shares his personal journey – from growing up in a trailer court with no plans for college to becoming a university president.

We also discuss the university’s momentum — from a campus master plan to the research trajectory toward R1 and a move to the Pac-12 that reshapes TXST’s national profile.

In this episode you’ll learn:<...

Do you know your values? You might think you know your values, but are you living your values, right now? 

In this short episode, Judy Oskam reflects on a recent experience she shared with her daughter, Danielle. Together, they attended the Becoming You intensive led by Dr. Suzy Welch at the NYU Stern School of Business. The New York workshop centered on values and purpose. It encouraged participants to explore what matters most and to design a life that aligns with those priorities.

Judy shares insights about tools such as the Values Bridge assessment, the E...

What does it really mean to be free? 

In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam sits down with Christian Ray Flores—a high-performance coach, entrepreneur, and author of the Little Book of Big Reasons to Love America: A Love Letter from an Immigrant. 

Christian has lived through revolutions and the fall of the Soviet Union. From that perspective, he offers a powerful take on the American spirit and freedom. He also shares how living your brand and leaning into your unique expertise can open the door and make a real...

In this powerful episode, Ontario veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford shows us what it truly means to live with passion and a sense of adventure. He's called the Worldwide Vet.   Dr. Redford travels the world combining his veterinary practice with global volunteer work.  Over the years, he has helped animals and communities in Jamaica, India, Panama, India and Ukraine.   

Dr. Cliff's journey proves that change is something to embrace no matter what your age. Whether he's performing surgeries in a war zone, learning to surf, or starting boxing at age 48, Dr. Redford lives life to the full...

Why are companies firing Gen Z employees — and what can be done to help them succeed?

In August, I attended the 2025 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference in San Francisco.  

My colleague, Dr. Nandini Bhalla of Texas State University, led a stellar panel titled “Why are companies firing Gen Z employees? Workforce Strategies and Solutions for PR’s Next Generation.”

The panel featured an all-star lineup of experts: