Life Stories Podcast

Raising Readers, Inspiring Dreamers, and Writing with Purpose with Rosie Pova

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, the realities of traditional versus self-publishing, and why encouragement can change the course of a child's life. Whether you're a parent, teacher, aspiring author, or someone chasing a dream of your own, Rosie's story is a reminder that persistence, purpose, and believing in yourself can take you farther than you ever imagined. To connect with Rosie, visit https://www.rosiejpova.com/ Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

Autism, Purpose, and Perseverance: A Conversation with Matthew Kenslow

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 better understand autism. Matthew offers practical encouragement for parents, educators, and anyone navigating life's obstacles, reminding us that disability does not diminish purpose. His message is simple but powerful: don't give up on who you are meant to be. You can connect with Matthew on his website: https://matthewkenslow.com/ or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matthewkenslow722

Building a Legacy of Hope, One Family at a time with Liz Brewer

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. During our conversation, Liz shares how the Angel Foundation FL has grown from a simple idea into a community-wide movement of businesses, volunteers, and donors serving families in crisis. We talk about the power of showing up, the importance of keeping service simple, and why helping others often starts with the smallest acts of kindness. To find out more about the Angel Foundation, visit https://angelfoundationfl.com/

Protecting Our Kids: A Conversation with Dave Kopeny

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 traditional "war on drugs" has failed, how today's drug landscape is more dangerous than ever, and why every parent needs to have proactive conversations with their children. We discuss warning signs parents shouldn't ignore, common misconceptions about teen drug use, the impact of social media, and how parents can become their child's biggest influence when it comes to making healthy choices. Dave also shares details about his upcoming book, Tip of the Spear, and his free parent resource community, ASAP Community. If you're a parent, grandparent, educator, or anyone who cares about the next generation, this conversation is full of insight, hope, and practical steps you can take today. To connect with Dave, visit https://asapcommunity.org/

A Story of Survival, Healing, and Hope with Carolyn Sherrow

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 shares why hope is often the key to moving forward, what true forgiveness really looks like, and why healing is rarely a straight path. This honest and encouraging discussion offers hope to anyone carrying wounds from the past and reminds listeners that freedom is possible, no matter how long they've struggled. To connect with Carolyn and learn more about her books, visit https://cordsofgrace.com/