Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What's Next
Life doesn’t come with a roadmap. We’re all figuring it out as we go. I’m Judy Oskam, creator and host of Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next, a podcast about life transitions, career change and starting over. In each episode, I explore career changes, personal growth, new beginnings and the moments that change our direction. Maybe you’re facing a change, starting a new chapter or simply wondering what comes next. Either way, I hope you’ll hear a real story and take away a little wisdom that helps you find your own way forward. Because every story has something to teach us.
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Real Conversations. Life Lessons.
Life doesn't come with a roadmap.
On Stories of Change, Judy Oskam talks with entrepreneurs, artists, educators and students about moments that change the direction of their lives. We talk about the decisions they make, the challenges they face, and what they learn along the way.
Every conversation is an opportunity to learn from someone who's been there. Whether you're navigating a career transition, starting a new chapter, or simply wondering what's next, you'll hear personal stories and practical lessons you can apply to your own life.
Every episode helps you:
• Learn from the experiences—and mistakes—of others.
• Build the confidence to keep moving forward through uncertainty.
• Apply practical lessons to your own life, career, and relationships.
Because every story has something to teach us.
Featured Episodes
104
Nov. 27, 2025
Coming Home: Navajo Designer Amy Denet Deal on Identity, Healing, and Sustainable Fashion
What is home? Is it a place, a memory, a landscape—or a journey? In this episode, Judy Oskam explores the transformative meaning of home with Navajo Designer Amy Denet Deal. She's the founder of 4 Kinship, Indigenous Futures Forever, and the Diné Skate Garden Project. Amy’s story is one of remarkable courage and clarity. In her mid-50s, she left the corporate fashion world and returned to her Navajo roots. Her journey home reveals how healing and creativity intersect in powerful ways. In thi
119
July 27, 2026
How Studying Abroad in Scotland Builds Confidence
What if one trip could help you discover what you’re capable of? Three Texas State University students traveled to Scotland for a three-week education abroad program at Queen Margaret University. They arrived without knowing one another or exactly what to expect. In this episode, I pass the microphone to three Texas State University students studying in Scotland. Libby Sanchez, Sarah Hervey, and Kinbe Perez share what they are learning—not only in class, but about themselves. Libby, Sarah
107
Jan. 19, 2026
Singer-Songwriter Candace Hastings on Creativity, Purpose, and Living a Good Way (Mno-Bmadzewen)
In this music-filled episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam sits down with singer-songwriter and education leader Dr. Candace Hastings to explore what it means to live a creative life of purpose. They talk about identity, community, and meaning. Along the way, you’ll hear excerpts from Candace’s new album, including “Soft Place to Land” and “Horses I Left Behind,” songs shaped by memory, place, and belonging. Dr. Hastings is the Associate Vice Provost for the Center for Teach
106
Jan. 5, 2026
What to Say When Someone You Love Is Dying: The Good Goodbye with Dr. Maureen Keeley
What do you say when someone you love is dying—and you know your time together is limited? In this practical and compassionate episode, Judy Oskam talks with Dr. Maureen Keeley, a leading researcher on end-of-life communication, from Texas State University. Dr. Maureen Keeley offers a research-based framework for anyone caring for an aging parent, supporting a loved one through illness, or anticipating loss. Listeners will learn what matters most in end-of-life conversations and how small, ev
108
Jan. 26, 2026
Outlander as Public History: Dr. Alex Dold on Making History and Reading Accessible
If you’re a fan of Outlander, the historical fiction series set in Scotland, like I am, this episode is for you. In this conversation, I talk with Dr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold, a literary scholar and historian known as the “Doctor of Outlander,” about her academic journey and career path. We discuss how historical fiction can become public history — inviting people to connect with history beyond textbooks and classrooms. During this episode, you’ll learn how Outlander and other historical fictio
Recent Episodes
125
Oct. 4, 2026
How Hair Loss Led Kelly Engram to a New Purpose | Encore
Sometimes the thing we struggle with can lead us somewhere we never expected.
In this encore episode of Stories of Change, I’m revisiting my conversation with Kelly Engram, founder of Prairie Fire Hair.
Kelly had done a lot of different things in her life, but she never felt like she had found her passion. Then she began losing her hair.
Hair loss affected Kelly’s confidence and the way she saw herself. She tried wearing a wig, but at first she felt uncomfortable. She was convinced ever
In this encore episode of Stories of Change, I’m revisiting my conversation with Kelly Engram, founder of Prairie Fire Hair.
Kelly had done a lot of different things in her life, but she never felt like she had found her passion. Then she began losing her hair.
Hair loss affected Kelly’s confidence and the way she saw herself. She tried wearing a wig, but at first she felt uncomfortable. She was convinced ever
Sept. 26, 2026
When Plan A Doesn't Work: Sara McDaniel on Starting Over and Rebuilding a Life
What happens when the life you planned doesn’t happen? Sara McDaniel knows what it means to start over. After infertility and a devastating divorce changed the future she had imagined, she eventually moved home to Louisiana and began rebuilding her life. Along the way, she pursued a neglected 1926 cottage that wasn’t even for sale. Restoring that house became part of her own healing — and helped lead her toward a completely different life and career. Today, Sara is the creative force behin
123
Sept. 13, 2026
Coming Home: Amy Denet Deal on Navajo Identity, Purpose & What’s Next | Encore
What does it mean to come home—to a place, a culture, or even to yourself? In this encore episode of Stories of Change, I revisit my conversation with Navajo designer and entrepreneur Amy Denet Deal. Amy was adopted as a child and grew up in Indiana, far from her Navajo culture. After a successful career in the fashion industry and with her daughter heading off to college, Amy found herself asking a familiar question: What’s next? Her answer was to sell what she had in California and move
122
Aug. 30, 2026
How Wendy Conklin Became a Creative Entrepreneur: Betting on Herself
What does it take to leave a secure career, start a creative business and bet on yourself? Wendy Conklin was a successful teacher, writer and educational consultant. Then an upholstery class sparked a new creative interest. That small experiment eventually became Chair Whimsy. In this encore episode, Wendy shares how she became a creative entrepreneur and what gave her the courage to leave her established career. Making a midlife career change to pursue a creative business full time requir
121
Aug. 23, 2026
How do you keep going when life changes everything? Linda Fogg-Phillips. Encore Episode.
Life doesn’t come with a roadmap. And sometimes change comes whether we’re ready for it or not. Linda Fogg-Phillips, M.S., is a behavior-change expert, author, and co-founder of the Tiny Habits Academy, where she works alongside her brother, Dr. BJ Fogg, creator of the Tiny Habits method. But Linda’s understanding of change isn’t just professional. It’s deeply personal. In this encore episode of Stories of Change, Linda shares how she learned to navigate those changes and find a way forwar
120
Aug. 11, 2026
Stay Curious and Find Your Next Career Opportunity | Jane Scott
What if you don’t know exactly what comes next? Maybe that’s okay. Jane Scott didn’t follow a carefully planned career path. She stayed curious. She kept learning. And she paid attention when new opportunities came her way. Jane is Director of Marketing Communications at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her career has taken her from publishing to teaching English in Japan, marketing, communications and higher education leadership. In our conversation, Jane talks abou
119
July 27, 2026
How Studying Abroad in Scotland Builds Confidence
What if one trip could help you discover what you’re capable of? Three Texas State University students traveled to Scotland for a three-week education abroad program at Queen Margaret University. They arrived without knowing one another or exactly what to expect. In this episode, I pass the microphone to three Texas State University students studying in Scotland. Libby Sanchez, Sarah Hervey, and Kinbe Perez share what they are learning—not only in class, but about themselves. Libby, Sarah
118
July 19, 2026
The Experience That Changed Her Life | Laura Stevenson
At 20 years old, Queen Margaret University student Laura Stevenson traveled from Scotland to Martha's Vineyard for a six-month study abroad internship. At the time, it felt like nothing more than a graduation requirement. She had no idea she was living through a defining moment. In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, Laura reflects on the experience that changed her life. And she didn't recognize it until years later. Together, we explore how defining moments sometimes reveal thei
117
June 23, 2026
Can a Restaurant Bring People Together? Bella Italia, Family and Community with Loredana Calabrese
What happens when a restaurant encourages people to put away their phones and simply talk to each other? At Bella Italia in North Berwick, Scotland, a simple sign on the door reads: "We do not have Wi-Fi. Talk to each other. Pretend it's 1995." That sign caught my attention while I was teaching at Queen Margaret University in Scotland. But it was what happened inside the restaurant that stayed with me. In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, I talk with Loredana (Lora) Calabrese ab
116
June 22, 2026
What Shapes a Creative Career? Emma Cross on Design and Entrepreneurship
Scottish interior designer and entrepreneur Emma Cross shares how childhood experiences, creativity, travel, and a willingness to say yes shaped her life and career. Emma Cross knew she wanted to be a designer when she was five years old. In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, I sit down with Emma Cross, a Scottish interior designer and entrepreneur, to explore the experiences that shaped her life and career. I first discovered Emma's shop while exploring North Berwick, Scotlan
Reviews
'A natural interviewer'
Judy, you are a natural interviewer and a great strengths coach. Always enjoy the podcast, always inspiring and interesting.
- Liz
- April 12, 2022
- anonymous
- Nov. 26, 2021
- maggie5565
- March 10, 2020
- Ellen
- April 12, 2022
Thanks!
Dr. Oskam, Thank you for sharing your interesting and creative guests with us. Every podcast gives us pleasure in a small part of our day.
- None
- Nov. 26, 2021
- Juni
- April 12, 2022
- caylin1896
- Dec. 29, 2019