Hospital stays can be overwhelming, confusing, and at times unsafe—and most families don’t know what to look for or how to speak up. In this episode, Dr. Julie Siemers, a nurse, educator, and patient safety expert with more than 40 years of experience, shares the real risks inside hospitals and the practical steps every patient and family member can take to stay safe. Her stories are powerful, her advice is clear, and her mission is to help families advocate with confidence before harm occurs.
In This Episode, We Cover:
*Why preventable medical harm is so common—and the true statistics Julie discovered while researching patient safety.
*The number one hidden cause of hospital errors: communication breakdown.
*What patients should do before entering a hospital, including how to research safety grades.
*How to speak up respectfully when something doesn’t seem right, even if you’re afraid of being dismissed.
*The most important questions to ask at nurse shift change.
*How to properly prepare aging parents or vulnerable loved ones for a hospital stay.
*What to do if you feel brushed off by medical staff and how to use the chain of command.
*Real stories from Julie’s career that reveal how harm happens—and how it can be prevented.
*A look at Julie’s book, her upcoming patient safety app, and her nonprofit work to educate families.
To find out more about Julie and her work, visit https://drjuliesiemers.com/.
To find the health grade of the hospitals in your area, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org
#podcast #podcasting #podmatch #sharagoswick #lifestoriespodcast #lifestories #conversation #interview #healthcare #hospital #nursing #doctor #patientsafety #care #communication #peoplehelpingpeople 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, I sit down with Debbie Weiss, best-selling author, speaker, and host of the Maybe I Can podcast, to talk about what it really looks like to rewrite your story after decades of caregiving, loss, and self-sacrifice.
Debbie opens up about becoming a caregiver at just 17 years old, navigating her father’s stroke, raising a son with multiple diagnoses, supporting a husband through mental and physical illness, and ultimately facing widowhood. For years, she believed her circumstances defined her… until an unexpected trip with friends at age 50 sparked an aha moment that changed everything.
In this conversation, Debbie shares how she traded a lifetime of “why me?” thinking for a mindset of ownership, courage, and small, sustainable steps. She walks us through the mindset shift that helped her lose 90 pounds, write two books, appear on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and launch her powerful new life-approach, The Sprinkle Effect™.
If you’ve ever put yourself last, felt stuck in survival mode, or wondered whether it’s “too late” to chase a dream… you need this episode. Debbie’s message is filled with hope, honesty, humor, and practical wisdom for every woman ready to reclaim her joy.
In This Episode We Cover:*How Debbie spent 40 years in caregiving roles and what it cost her
*The Bermuda trip that sparked her mindset awakening
*What “victim mentality” looked like in real life — and how she recognized it
*Why small changes (“sprinkles”) matter more than big leaps
*Her 3.5-year journey to losing 90 pounds and what actually worked
*What it felt like to speak publicly for the first time
*How she ended up writing a memoir and landing on The Kelly Clarkson Show
*The importance of saying no and setting boundaries
*How The Sprinkle Effect and Workbook help women change their lives one small step at a time
Connect with Debbie Weiss: https://www.debbierweiss.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: People Helping People, host Shara Goswick sits down with Frankie Casey, co-founder of Floss, a groundbreaking new platform using emotional intelligence to match patients with the right dentist.
Frankie shares his journey from a 22-year career in wealth management to launching a tech-driven healthcare startup alongside his wife, a practicing dentist in London. Together, they set out to solve a real problem—why millions of people avoid or ghost their dental appointments.
Through this conversation, Frankie reveals how emotional intelligence, trust, and empathy can transform not just patient experiences but entire industries.
Find out more about Floss here: https://floss-dental.co.uk
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 of Life Stories: People Helping People, Shara sits down with Janelle Martin, founder of the Mind Connection Brain Health Center in Houston, Texas. Janelle opens up about her deeply personal journey through abuse, parental alienation, and her daughter’s battle with addiction. What began as heartbreak became a mission — to understand recovery, heal her family, and help others find hope through brain-based and trauma-informed therapies.
Today, Janelle is an addictions counselor, licensed professional counselor, and microcurrent neurofeedback provider helping people heal from trauma, anxiety, addiction, and more. She also shares about her books — Losing Her, Finding Us, co-written with her daughter, and her contribution to Rising Above, both written to bring light and connection to others walking through similar pain.
Together, Shara and Janelle discuss the power of faith, healing, and restoration, and how our brains and hearts can truly recover through connection, compassion, and courage.
Topics covered:
*Janelle’s journey from abuse and heartbreak to healing and purpose
*Parental alienation and its lasting impact on families
*Walking alongside a child struggling with addiction
*How recovery transformed both Janelle and her daughter’s lives
*The science and power behind microcurrent neurofeedback and brainspotting
*Encouragement for parents walking through similar pain
Connect with Janelle Martin: https://www.tmcbrainhealthcenter.com/
In this fascinating episode of Life Stories: People Helping People, Shara talks with Mica L. Anders, a professional genealogist, historian, and artistic placemaker whose work helps individuals uncover forgotten family stories. What started as a hobby turned into a calling — helping people trace their roots, heal old family wounds, and understand their identities in a deeper way.
Mica shares how her background in art led her to create genealogy quilts, how DNA testing can reveal surprising truths, and how she helps both descendants of enslaved people and enslavers navigate their shared history. She also opens up about her work as the first history fellow at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum, where she uncovered stories of African Americans who lived in Minnesota long before statehood.
This conversation is full of insight, empathy, and encouragement — reminding us that everyone’s story matters and that curiosity about our past can bring healing and connection in the present.
Topics include:
*How Mica turned her love of art and history into a career
*The challenges and beauty of African American genealogy
*The surprising stories DNA can reveal
*Why recording family stories now is so important
*The healing that can come from understanding your ancestry
*Her work uncovering early African American life in Minnesota
Connect with Mica: https://www.andersgenealogicalservices.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 inspiring and deeply honest conversation, Jordan Bailey shares how creativity, faith, and healing have shaped her journey. From discovering her artistic gifts and pursuing design school to launching her playful baking brand Weirdough, Jordan’s story is one of courage, growth, and rediscovering her worth in God.
::CONTENT WARNING: Attempted suicide is discussed in this conversation.::
We talk about:
How a mentor helped Jordan see her creativity as a calling
The move that changed her life and reconnected her with faith
What it really means to “record over lies with truth”
How God used community, therapy, and creativity to bring healing
Why food became a language of belonging and connection
The heart behind her TEDx Talk and her message to “build tables, not pedestals”
Why she believes the most important thing is to just keep trying
Jordan’s journey reminds us that we don’t have to have everything figured out — we just have to be willing to take the next right step.
Connect with Jordan: Home | Jordan Bailey
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 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