Stories of Change and Creativity

Stories of Change and Creativity is a podcast about personal growth, life transitions, and the experiences that shape who we become. Hosted by university professor, storyteller, and proud Texan Judy Oskam, each episode features conversations with people whose lives were changed by a defining moment or unexpected opportunity. From Texas to Scotland and beyond, you'll discover stories of resilience and purpose —because every story has something to teach us.

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Defining Moments. Life Lessons. Real Conversations.

Stories of Change and Creativity is a podcast about personal growth, life transitions, and the experiences that shape who we become.

Hosted by university professor, storyteller, and proud Texan Judy Oskam, each episode features conversations with people whose lives were changed by a defining moment or unexpected opportunity.

From Texas to Scotland and beyond, you'll discover stories of resilience and purpose —because every story has something to teach us.

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Featured Episodes

Singer-Songwriter Candace Hastings on Creativity, Purpose, and Living a Good Way (Mno-Bmadzewen)

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

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Outlander as Public History: Dr. Alex Dold on Making History and Reading Accessible

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

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What to Say When Someone You Love Is Dying: The Good Goodbye with Dr. Maureen Keeley

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

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The Experience That Changed Her Life | Laura Stevenson

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 their

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Can a Restaurant Bring People Together? Bella Italia, Family and Community with Loredana Calabrese

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

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What Shapes a Creative Career? Emma Cross on Design and Entrepreneurship

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

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How Do Life's Hardest Moments Lead to Purpose? Kelly Engram's Story

115

June 16, 2026

How Do Life's Hardest Moments Lead to Purpose? Kelly Engram's Story

What experiences shape who we become?
In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, Judy Oskam talks with Kelly Engram, educator, Texas State University graduate, and founder of Prairie Fire Hair.

Kelly's journey has been full of challenges and turning points. As a young single mother, she was busy working and raising her son. Kelly started college but life got in the way. She returned and finished school years later, earning both a Bachelor's and Master's degree. Along the way she disco

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Graduation Reflections: Stories About Student Success and Life After College

114

May 23, 2026

Graduation Reflections: Stories About Student Success and Life After College

Graduation season always makes me reflective. In this first short solo episode from my new Making Life Work series, I share some thoughts from commencement weekend at Texas State University. The stories unfolding behind every graduate walking across the stage — stories about growth, creativity, and figuring out what comes next.

Our students have experience in journalism and storytelling projects, student media, internships, national competitions, and education abroad courses. I also reflect o

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I Never Thought I’d Be a Mother: Adoption, Motherhood & Lessons from My Daughters

113

May 9, 2026

I Never Thought I’d Be a Mother: Adoption, Motherhood & Lessons from My Daughters

In this Mother’s Day episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam talks with her daughters, Danielle and Jessica, about adoption, family, and experiences that shape identity and creativity.

Judy reflects on the decision to adopt from China. She shares how motherhood changed her understanding of creativity and personal growth.

Dani and Jess share their perspective on parenting, identity, and what it means to grow together across generations. They also talk about foster families,

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Innovation in Texas: Entrepreneurship, Workforce Development & Economic Growth with Justin McKenzie

112

April 11, 2026

Innovation in Texas: Entrepreneurship, Workforce Development & Economic Growth with Justin McKenzie

How innovation is transforming Texas—and where the biggest opportunities are emerging.

In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, I had the chance to talk with entrepreneur Justin McKenzie, host of The Building Texas Show. We explore innovation across Texas—from small towns to major cities—and discuss workforce development and emerging industries.

Justin shares insights from his career journey, along with lessons from interviewing leaders across the state.

This episode is perf

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How is AI changing the way we solve problems? Dr. Aniruddha Bora

111

April 3, 2026

How is AI changing the way we solve problems? Dr. Aniruddha Bora

What does it really mean to solve a problem in the age of AI?
In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, I sat down with Dr. Aniruddha Bora, assistant professor of computer science at Texas State University, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we think about problem solving. I met Dr. Bora when I moderated a panel at South by Southwest (SXSW) at Texas House as part of the Texas State University Global Innovation Roundup.

From his early interest in science

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What Makes a Great Journalist? Dino Chiecchi on Reporting, Mentorship & Real-World Experience

110

March 1, 2026

What Makes a Great Journalist? Dino Chiecchi on Reporting, Mentorship & Real-World Experience

How does experiential learning prepare college students for real-world careers?

At Texas State, journalism students don’t just study reporting — they do it. They cover major news events and interview real people. Students report on impactful stories like the aftermath of the school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and the 2025 deadly Central Texas flooding.

In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam talks with Dino Chiecchi, associate professor of practice

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Health After 40 for High Achievers: Identity-Based Habits with Tony Sherock

109

Feb. 24, 2026

Health After 40 for High Achievers: Identity-Based Habits with Tony Sherock

If you’re a high-achieving professional who feels successful everywhere except your health, this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity might be for you. I can certainly relate!

Many driven professionals excel in their careers but struggle with health in midlife because they apply the same optimization mindset that works at work to their bodies. In this episode, Judy Oskam talks with Tony Sherock, Certified Personal Trainer— Health Behavior Specialist and Tiny Habits® Certified Coach. He

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Why You Should Take Action - Then Figure It Out

In my TEDx talk, Why You Should Take Action - Then Figure It Out, I shared how moving forward — even without all the answers — leads to growth and unexpected opportunities. Here, we bring that idea to life with candid conversations, expert insights, and tools you can use to navigate challenges and tap into your creative potential.