In this episode of Life Stories, I chat with Ben Albert, the creator of the Real Business Connections podcast network and founder of Grow Getters. When COVID hit, Ben was furloughed from his corporate marketing job, but what looked like a setback became the start of something extraordinary.
Ben shares how he transitioned from “Music Ben” to “Business Ben,” building a thriving podcasting and marketing career from scratch. His story is one of resilience, curiosity, and connection—and it’s full of insights for anyone who’s ever wanted to start something new.
Highlights:
*How losing his job during COVID helped Ben rediscover his purpose
*Why he calls podcasting his “university on wheels”
*The transformation from a music lover to a full-time entrepreneur
*What “speaking it into existence” means when starting a podcast
*How to build community and authentic connection in a digital world
*What Grow Getters is really all about—and why it’s not as intimidating as it sounds
Connect with Ben:
🎙https://realbusinessconnections.com/
🌐 https://www.skool.com/growgettersonly
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
In this inspiring episode of Life Stories, I sit down with Morgan DeNicola, Executive Director of the DeNicola Family Foundation, a global organization centered on four key passions: World Health, Humanitarian Recognition, Conservation, and Cultural Diplomacy.
Morgan shares how her family’s entrepreneurial spirit and deep sense of service led her to discover her purpose in humanitarian work. From her first life-changing trip to Africa to her efforts to bring compassion and understanding to every corner of the world, Morgan reminds us that kindness and diplomacy begin with our everyday relationships.
Highlights:
*How Morgan’s trip to Africa reshaped her life and career
*The meaning of cultural diplomacy—and how it applies to our daily lives
*The emotional highs and lows of humanitarian work
*Why practicing empathy and understanding can change everything
*How small acts of kindness can make a big difference
*The importance of mental health in philanthropy
*Morgan’s advice for anyone wanting to make an impact, no matter how small
*The launch of the Rising Star Humanitarian Award for kids making a difference
Connect with Morgan:
https://denicolafamilyfoundation.org/
https://www.instagram.com/morgan.slikerdenicola/
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
On today’s special anniversary episode, I’m reflecting on three incredible years of Life Stories! Join me as I share some of the most memorable moments from this past year, make a few exciting announcements, and recognize five standout guests with this year’s Life Stories Awards.
It’s a heartfelt look back at the inspiring people, powerful conversations, and meaningful connections that have made this journey so special. Thank you for being part of it!
In this episode:*Highlights from the past year of Life Stories
*A few exciting updates and announcements
*The 2025 Life Stories Award winners
*A big thank-you to all of you who listen, share, and support the show
Listen in and celebrate with me, because this milestone belongs to all of us!
In this episode, I sit down with Steve Short, co-author of The Simple Road Toward Financial Freedom, to talk about the inspiration behind the book he wrote with his longtime friend and financial advisor, Mark Schlipman. Together, they explore how money fits into a meaningful life — not as the goal, but as a tool that should align with what matters most.
Their book encourages readers to look at finances with honesty and clarity, showing that simplicity often leads to more freedom, less stress, and a better understanding of success.
Highlights from the episode:
*How Simple Road began through Steve and Mark’s shared experiences in the financial world
*The practical lessons they’ve learned about money, priorities, and balance
*Why simplicity is the foundation of long-term financial peace
*How perspective can change the way we approach success and wealth
*What Steve and Mark hope readers will take away from Simple Road
To find out more about The Simple Road Toward Financial Freedom, visit https://www.simpleroadbook.com/home-page
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
In this powerful episode, Portia shares the heart and hard-won wisdom behind her book Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go. We talk about reshaping hustle culture, embracing “shame-free wellness,” and why slowing down doesn’t mean giving up. Portia is honest about her own journey—living with kidney disease, navigating autism and ADHD, and redefining what wellness really looks like.
Key Takeaways:
*Hustle isn’t always toxic—learn to create a healthier relationship with ambition.
*The S.A.N.E. cycle: Slow down & reflect, Acknowledge reality, Navigate with intention, Evaluate & adapt.
*Why perfectionism often masks a need for love, safety, and belonging.
*Mini-retreats: small, powerful pauses to reconnect with yourself.
*Creating sustainable wellness for yourself, your family, or your workplace.
*The importance of treating yourself with compassion and creating “luxury and rest” without guilt.
Portia’s message is for everyone—students, caregivers, professionals, and leaders—who need permission to breathe, rest, and reclaim joy.
To find out more about Dr. Preston's work, visit https://portiapreston.com/
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
Dr. Cliff Redford isn’t just a veterinarian—he’s an adventurer, educator, and advocate for animals worldwide. In this Life Stories episode, Cliff shares how his passion for animal welfare has taken him far beyond the walls of his busy clinic, from rescuing street dogs in Jamaica to protecting wildlife in Africa.
You’ll hear how his documentary work brings global attention to animal rescue efforts and why he believes kindness and education are at the heart of meaningful change. Cliff’s experiences reveal the powerful impact one person can have when they follow their calling with courage and compassion.
Highlights from this episode include:
*Cliff’s journey from local veterinary practice to global missions
*Behind-the-scenes stories from his animal rescue adventures
*The importance of educating communities about responsible pet care
*How service and hope drive his work, no matter the obstacles
Whether you’re an animal lover, a dreamer with a big vision, or someone searching for a spark of inspiration, this conversation will remind you that small acts of compassion can ripple across the world.
You can find more about Dr. Cliff at https://drcliff.ca/ and https://www.instagram.com/wellingtonveterinary
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
Reese Brown, host of Making Meaning, joins me to talk about curiosity, courage, and the beauty of connecting with others. She shares what drove her to create a podcast about life’s biggest questions, her experience living abroad in Italy, and how she bridges the practical side of life with the search for purpose.
In this conversation, we talk about:
*Following the “spark” inside you and learning to trust it*How living abroad challenged and inspired her*Balancing the practical realities of life with a deep sense of meaning*Lessons from attending her first podcast conference*Becoming a certified life coach and listening deeply to others*Encouragement for anyone afraid to chase their dreams or share their story
Reese’s journey is a reminder that curiosity can transform our lives, and that we all have the power to “make meaning” no matter where we are.
To find out more about Reese and her work, visit https://www.thecoherecollective.com/ .
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
In this episode of Life Stories, I talk with Lindsay Newitter, a posture coach who helps people feel more confident and comfortable in their own bodies. Lindsay shares how improving posture isn’t just about standing straight—it’s about self-awareness, communication, and even emotional well-being.
What you’ll hear in this episode:* How Lindsay discovered her passion for posture coaching*The link between posture, confidence, and effective communication*Simple tips you can start using today to improve posture and presence*Stories of transformation from her clients*Why body language can shape how others perceive you—and how you perceive yourself
You can find out more about Lindsay and her coaching at https://www.lindsaynewitter.com/.
You can sign up for Lindsay's free training here: https://www.lindsaynewitter.com/get-free-training
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
In this episode of Life Stories, I sit down with Gail Showalter, a woman who turned her personal struggles into a powerful mission to help single moms thrive. Gail shares her journey from heartbreak to healing, and how her experiences shaped her passion for creating opportunities for women to rebuild their lives.
What you’ll hear in this episode:*Gail’s story of becoming a single mother of three*How going back to school changed her life and gave her purpose*The beginnings of her nonprofit dedicated to single moms*Why education and job skills make such a difference*The retreats and projects she’s led to encourage and uplift moms*Inspiring stories of women who have transformed their futures
This is a conversation full of hope, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone walking through change or supporting others on their journey.
To find out more about Gail and Single Moms EmpowerED, please visit https://www.gailshowalter.com/ and https://www.singlemomsempowered.org/.
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
In this inspiring episode of Life Stories, I talk with Laura Bratton—author, speaker, coach, and founder of Ubi Global. Laura shares her remarkable journey of losing her eyesight as a teenager, walking through grief, anxiety, and depression, and discovering the daily power of grit and gratitude. Today, she empowers others to face change and loss with resilience and hope.
Topics we cover:*Laura’s childhood, diagnosis, and the years she spent losing her sight*The deep grief, panic attacks, and depression she faced in high school*What “non-death loss” means and how it applies to all of us*The role of mentors, family, and friends in helping her move from “I can’t” to “I can”*How practicing gratitude shifted her perspective and gave her strength*Writing her book Harnessing Courage Through Grit and Gratitude—the painful and healing process*Founding Ubi Global and her mission to help people navigate change with resilience*Why grieving is not a weakness, but a vital part of healing
Laura’s story is not just about overcoming blindness. It’s about discovering courage in the face of overwhelming change and learning how grit and gratitude can transform any life challenge. Whether you’re facing loss, transition, or uncertainty, this episode will encourage you to keep moving forward.
To find out more about Laura and her work, visit https://www.laurabratton.com/
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
In this episode of Life Stories, I sit down with Karen Knight, who shares her journey from a busy career to dedicating her life to helping others discover the joy and fulfillment of volunteering. Karen’s passion for connecting people with opportunities to serve is both inspiring and practical, showing how even small acts of kindness can ripple into something much greater.
We talk about her own experiences, the challenges people face when deciding where and how to give their time, and the transformative impact volunteering has on communities and individuals alike.
Topics we cover:
*Karen’s story of how she began her work in volunteer engagement*The surprising benefits of volunteering beyond just helping others*Tips for finding the right place to serve*The ripple effect one person can create through consistent giving*Why volunteering is about connection as much as contribution
This conversation is a great reminder that making a difference doesn’t always require huge gestures—it starts with simply showing up.
To find out more about Karen's work, visit https://karenknight.ca/Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
#volunteer #peoplehelpingpeople #lifestoriespodcast #podmatch #kindness
In this episode of Life Stories, I sit down with Nancy Cavey, an experienced Social Security and disability benefits attorney who has dedicated her career to helping people navigate one of the most overwhelming and confusing processes—disability claims.
Nancy shares her passion for advocating for individuals and families who find themselves facing the daunting task of securing benefits. From the common pitfalls applicants face, to how she prepares clients for hearings, Nancy gives an inside look at what it really takes to succeed in a system that can often feel stacked against you.
She also discusses her book, Your Rights to Social Security Disability, and why she believes education is key to empowering people to fight for the benefits they deserve.
Whether you’re currently going through the disability process, supporting a loved one, or just curious about how the system works, this conversation with Nancy is filled with practical advice, encouragement, and hope.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
* Nancy’s journey into disability and Social Security law* Why so many claims are initially denied and how to respond* How she helps clients prepare for hearings with confidence* The importance of advocacy and education for claimants* Insight from her book Your Rights to Social Security Disability
To find out more about Nancy and the services her firm provides, visit https://caveylaw.com/ or call 727-477-3263.
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
What would your life look like if you had less clutter, less stress, and more freedom?In this episode of Life Stories, I’m joined by Rita Wilkins, an award-winning interior designer who is also known as the Downsizing Designer. After a life-changing experience, Rita discovered that owning less actually opened the door to living more fully. Today, she helps people all over the country simplify their homes and their lives so they can focus on what truly matters.Rita shares her journey from a life filled with “stuff” to a life filled with meaning and offers practical steps you can take to start decluttering, downsizing, and designing a home that supports the life you want to live.In this episode, you’ll hear:* How downsizing changed Rita’s life—and why she’s never looked back* Why letting go of excess creates space for joy, peace, and freedom* Practical tips to start decluttering without feeling overwhelmed* The connection between our physical space and our mental well-being* How to design your home to reflect the life you actually wantIf you’ve ever felt weighed down by too much stuff or too much chaos, Rita’s story will inspire you to see that less really can be more.Learn more about Rita and her work at: https://www.designservicesltd.com/Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683#podcast #design #declutter #peoplehelpingpeople
On today's episode, two past guests return with updates! Karen Smithson shares her continued journey to better health and inspiring others through Choosing to Reset, while Sheryl Kurland gives us new insights on her nonprofit Find Your Fabulosity, which uplifts domestic abuse victims with a simple tube of lipstick.You can find Karen at https://www.instagram.com/choosing_to_reset.You can find Sheryl at findyourfabulosity.org.
Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast?Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683
