Stories from Real Life

Ep. 203 - Johnzelle Anderson: Rewriting Your Life’s Mixtape

Release Date: May 19, 2026 Episode: Number 203 Guest: Johnzelle Anderson, LPC, Author of Mixtape: A Memoir ## Episode Summary What if your memories weren’t just chapters in a book, but tracks on a mixtape? In this episode of Stories from Real Life, we sit down with Licensed Professional Counselor and author Johnzelle Anderson to discuss his powerful new memoir, Mixtape. Johnzelle opens up about the “soundtrack of survival”—from navigating the complex “in-between” of identity and race to the profound clinical work of helping others retrieve lost pieces of their own stories. Whether you’re interested in the mechanics of narrative therapy or the deeply personal journey of a man reclaiming his voice, this conversation offers a rhythmic look at what it means to heal. ## Key Discussion Points * The Mixtape Metaphor: Why music and “tracks” provide a better framework for trauma and memory than traditional chronological storytelling. * Sankofa & Retrieval: The West African concept of “reaching back to fetch what was lost” and how it applies to modern mental health. * Identity in the “In-Between”: Johnzelle’s experience being raised in whiteness while living in a Black body, and the realization of racism within “safe” spaces. * Clinical Insight: A look at EMDR and narrative therapy—how we can “re-record” the negative loops playing in our minds. * Lawful Atrocities: How systemic injustices manifest as personal psychological wounds. ## Resources Mentioned * Read: Mixtape: A Memoir [https://example.com] by Johnzelle Anderson (Released March 2026) * Connect: Panoramic Counseling [https://example.com] – Johnzelle’s clinical practice. ## About the Guest Johnzelle Anderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), therapist, and author dedicated to helping individuals navigate trauma through narrative and EMDR therapy. His work bridges the gap between clinical expertise and authentic storytelling, focusing on resilience, identity, and the power of reclaiming one’s narrative. ## Connect with Stories from Real Life * Website: Media Well Done [https://example.com] * Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your stories. Listener Challenge: What is one “track” from your past that you’re ready to re-record? Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #RealLifeMixtape. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe [https://storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Ep. 202: Aaron Ryan: The Story of My Life

Podcast: Stories from Real Life Host: Melvin E. Edwards Guest: Aaron Ryan Release Date: May 12, 2026 Episode Summary Award-winning and bestselling author Aaron Ryan joins Stories from Real Life to discuss the discipline, persistence, and creativity required to build a life around storytelling. With a career spanning science fiction, dystopian fiction, children’s books, nonfiction, and business writing, Aaron has established himself as a prolific voice in independent publishing. His bestselling Dissonance alien invasion saga has reached readers around the world, with one installment adapted for the screen and currently being pitched to streaming networks. In this episode, Aaron shares lessons from his journey as a writer, entrepreneur, voice actor, and creative professional. He discusses the realities of self-publishing, the habits that sustain productivity, and the mindset required to keep creating across multiple stages of life. This conversation is especially valuable for writers, entrepreneurs, and creators seeking practical insight into building momentum and maintaining creative discipline. In This Episode, You’ll Learn * What separates writers who finish books from those who never do * The biggest misconceptions about self-publishing * How discipline drives creative productivity * Why storytelling skills transfer across careers and industries * The mindset required to sustain a long-term creative career * How reinvention can become a competitive advantage * What it takes to build a career as an independent author Aaron Ryan’s Website [https://authoraaronryan.com/] Stories from Real Life [http://podcastreallife.com] Media Well Done, LLC [http://mediawelldonellc.com] Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe [https://storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Ep. 201 - Jason Prokowiew: Fighting a Two-Front War in My Own Home

Show Notes Release Date: May 5, 2026 Guest: Jason Prokowiew, author of War Boys About the Episode: How do you learn to love a man you were raised to fear? In this episode, we speak with author Jason Prokowiew about his transformative new memoir, War Boys. Jason shares the harrowing history of his father’s survival in Nazi-occupied Belarus and explores how that trauma rippled through their suburban American household. We dive into the “braiding” of two lives: a father fighting for survival and a son fighting for his identity as a queer man. Key Topics Discussed: * The 50-Hour Tapes: How Jason used long-form interviewing to bridge the emotional gap with his father before his passing in 2002. * Inherited Trauma: The reality of growing up with an abusive, alcoholic parent whose “survival mode” never truly turned off. * The “Replacement” Family: Understanding his father’s drive to have 13 children as a response to losing his mother and sister in the bombing of Minsk. * Queer Identity & Resilience: How Jason navigated loneliness and shame while finding his own voice in a house dominated by his father’s presence. * The Power of Storytelling: Why claiming your own narrative is the final step in the healing process. Resources Mentioned: * Book: War Boys: A Father and Son Memoir (Trio House Press - July 1, 2026) * Watch: Jason Prokowiew on Stories from the Stage (WBUR) * Connect: Follow Jason’s work and upcoming book events on social media. Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us bring more stories of resilience to your ears. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe [https://storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Ep. 200 - Melvin E. Edwards: Announcing the Release of 'Nuremberg, Mississippi'

Episode 200: A Milestone and a Premiere To celebrate this double-milestone, this episode reflects on the journey to 200 episodes of Stories from Real Life and announces the global launch of the debut novel, Nuremberg, Mississippi. Episode Summary In this special edition, we mark the 200th episode of the podcast by diving deep into the intersection of historical justice and narrative storytelling. We explore the process of bringing Nuremberg, Mississippi to life — a story that interrogates institutional design and moral responsibility through a lens of literary fiction. Key Highlights * The Genesis of Nuremberg, Mississippi: How narrative journalism and a fascination with legal procedure shaped the world of Henry Logan and his wife, Helen. * From Research to Reality: Bridging the gap between historical institutional structures and the fictional landscape of the novel. Release Information Nuremberg, Mississippi officially launches on May 1, 2026. You can order on the website MediaWellDoneLLC.com [http://MediaWellDoneLLC.com] or on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. The novel is available through all major retailers and is the flagship release from Media Well Done, LLC. For those in the Texas area, keep an eye out for details regarding the upcoming local bookstore signings. The first two events will be in the San Antonio area: May 3: The Twig Bookshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (San Antonio’s Pearl District) May 9: Book Haus, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. (New Braunfels) Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe [https://storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Ep. 199 - Nancy Jasin Ensley: The Tire Swing

Guest: Nancy Jasin Ensley [https://nancyjasinensley.com/] Host: Melvin E. Edwards Release Date: April 28, 2026 Episode Summary Nancy Jasin Ensley is a multifaceted creator whose work is deeply rooted in her 54-year career in healthcare and her personal journey of transformation. Here are the key details about her life, career, and literary contributions: Professional Background * Healthcare Career: Nancy has spent over five decades in the medical field. Her roles have been diverse, including Registered Nurse, Hospice Specialist, Legal Nurse Consultant, Coding Specialist, and Clinical Supervisor. * The “Nurse’s Promise”: A defining moment in her career (and a centerpiece of her memoir) is her commitment to the “I won’t leave you alone” philosophy, stemming from a traumatic experience caring for a severely burned patient. * Education & Teaching: Beyond clinical practice, she has served as an educator, sharing her medical and legal expertise with others in the field. Literary Work & Genres Nancy is a highly prolific author who writes across a vast spectrum of genres. Her passion for writing began at age five with a poem dedicated to her mother. * Memoir: * The Tire Swing: A Memoir About Survival: Her most personal work, chronicling her “metamorphosis” from a frightened, abused child to a successful professional and matriarch. The tire swing in her grandmother’s yard serves as the central metaphor for her refuge and resilience. * Fiction & Thrillers: * Orphans: A Young Adult novel involving two boys caught in a high-stakes terrorist plot. * Mitered Corners: A gripping fiction title that often explores intense emotional and medical themes. * Indigo-35: A venture into science fiction/thriller territory. * Children’s Literature: * Bernard Bartholomew Bostlebean (3-B) Series: Stories about a boy with a unique planetary heritage (his father is from outer space) that teach lessons on diversity, respect, and self-worth. * Isla and the Imaginary Iguana: A whimsical exploration of imagination for younger readers. * Poetry: Her work has been recognized by the National Library of Poetry, reflecting a rhythmic and reflective quality that carries over into her prose. Personal Life * Location: She lives in rural Michigan, which provides a quiet backdrop for her creative process. * Family: She is married to her husband, John, and is the matriarch of a large family including five children and fourteen grandchildren. * Interests: She is known for her love of her King Charles Cavalier dog and has a deep interest in historical eras like Vaudeville, which inspired her short story A Penny for Your Thoughts. Important Dates & Announcements * May 1, 2026: The official launch of Nuremberg, Mississippi. Mark your calendars for the release! Also, it will be the 200th episode of this podcast. Don’t miss it! * July 1, 2026: Submissions open for the PEN/Faulkner Award. Stay tuned for updates on our manuscript entry. Connect with the Show * Website: Media Well Done [https://www.google.com/search?q=%23] * Follow Melvin: Keep up with the latest journalism and author updates on social media. * Support the Podcast: If these stories move you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Next Episode: The Big 200! You won’t want to miss it. Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe [https://storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]