In this episode of “Stories from Real Life,” host Melvin E. Edwards welcomes Kerry Damiano, known as Ms. World Traveler, who shares her incredible journey of exploration across more than 145 countries. Kerry discusses how her passion for travel was ignited by her mother’s adventurous spirit and how she evolved into a solo traveler, embracing the freedom and confidence that comes with exploring the world on her own terms. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming fears and how travel can serve as a powerful vehicle for personal growth and self-discovery.

Ms. World Traveler’s YouTube channel

Ms. World Traveler website

Stories from Real Life website

Sleep is often treated as negotiable — something we squeeze in after work, family, ambition, and obligation. But what if that assumption is costing us more than we realize? (Please excuse the audio problems on my end.)

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, Melvin E. Edwards sits down with Dr. Ben Long (The Wholehearted MD), a physician and sleep specialist who approaches rest through both clinical science and spiritual reflection. Together, they explore how sleep deprivation shapes decision-making, moral clarity, professional identity, and overall well-being—especially in high-pressure fields like medicine.

Ben shares insights from his work with patients and medical trainees, discusses the hidden cultural messages that discourage rest, and explains why sleep should be understood not as a luxury, but as a foundational practice for a meaningful life.

In this episode, we discuss:

* Why chronic exhaustion is often a systems problem, not a personal one

* How sleep deprivation affects judgment, empathy, and moral decision-making

* The intersection of faith, medicine, and rest

* Why productivity culture undermines human flourishing

* Practical ways to rethink sleep without increasing anxiety around it

This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and quietly challenging—an invitation to reconsider what it means to live, work, and rest well.

Guest: Dr. Ben Long (The Wholehearted MD)

Host: Melvin E. Edwards

Podcast: Stories from Real Life

In this episode of Stories from Real Life, host Melvin E. Edwards engages with Kristen Swan, who shares her insights on personal growth, curiosity, and the importance of reflection during life transitions. They discuss the impact of early life experiences on curiosity, the journey from landscape design to coaching, and the concept of spiritual autobiography. Kristen introduces her unique journaling method, ‘Spaghetti on the Wall,’ which encourages self-awareness and non-judgmental observation. The conversation also explores the fear of success, the relationship between spirituality and professional growth, and the significance of support systems in building confidence.

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Kristan Swan’s website

Stories from Real Life website