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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 everyone could tell. Then something changed. One day Kelly caught her reflection in a grocery store freezer door and realized she had forgotten she was wearing a wig. She looked at herself and thought, I look really cute. That small moment opened the door to something much bigger. Kelly got curious. She started learning more about wigs and eventually discovered a passion she never expected—helping other women dealing with hair loss. One of my favorite stories in our conversation is about a woman in her 60s who had stopped going out because of her hair loss. After connecting with Kelly and finding a wig that helped her feel more like herself, she went to dinner with a friend she hadn’t seen in two years. Kelly’s story isn't really just about hair. It's about identity, taking action and giving yourself a chance to discover what might be next. In this episode, we talk about: Hair loss, confidence and identityGetting comfortable with being uncomfortableHow curiosity can lead to an unexpected passionTaking action before you have everything figured outGiving yourself a chanceAbout Kelly Engram Kelly Engram is an educator and entrepreneur whose own experience with hair loss led her to create Prairie Fire Hair, a business that helps other women facing similar challenges. What began as a personal search for confidence became an unexpected source of purpose. Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

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 behind Simply Southern Cottage and the author of The Bright Side of the Other Side, a memoir about resilience, faith and second chances. In this conversation, we talk about starting over, grieving the life you expected and taking risks before you feel ready Sara also shares how her background as a teacher and her lifelong love of old houses helped shape an unexpected entrepreneurial path.  Watching her friend and fellow entrepreneur Wendy Conklin take a leap gave Sara permission to imagine a different path for herself. Her story is a reminder that if Plan A doesn't work out — there's always another path forward. In this Episode, you'll hear about ·       Starting over after divorce and infertility — and grieving the life you thought you would have ·       How restoring a 1926 cottage became part of Sara’s healing and a metaphor for rebuilding her life ·       The role of mentors in giving us permission to pursue a new direction ·       Why Sara believes you sometimes have to take the risk before you feel completely ready ·       How mistakes can become opportunities to “monitor and adjust” rather than reasons to quit Memorable Quotes “My Plan A did not work out the way I wanted it to.” — Sara McDaniel “You just have to do it scared.” — Sara McDaniel “If there is a dream in your heart, just do it. And if it doesn’t work, another door will open. But what if it does work?” — Sara McDaniel Guest Bio: After a devastating divorce, Sara McDaniel moved to Minden, Louisiana, and walked away from her corporate career to rebuild her life. Restoring a dilapidated 1926 cottage became a powerful metaphor for her own healing—each nail and brushstroke echoing the faith and hope that guided her forward. Sara now shares this journey of resilience and transformation online, inspiring people to embrace second chances. Beyond renovating homes, she founded Phillip’s Cottage, a transitional haven for women and children in recovery, and opened Purvéy, a vintage and reloved clothing emporium in historic downtown Minden.  Her story proves that from broken foundations, new beginnings can rise. Links: Website. https://simplysoutherncottage.com/ IG: @simplysoutherncottage Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

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 to New Mexico to reconnect with her Navajo roots. What followed became much more than a move. Amy began learning about her culture and finding ways to use the skills she had developed during her career to serve her community. Through her work with 4KINSHIP and Indigenous Futures 4EVER, Amy has focused on creating opportunities for Native youth and giving back to Navajo Nation. She also shares what returning home has taught her about identity, empathy, healing, and purpose. In this episode, we talk about: Why becoming an empty nester led Amy to ask, “What’s next?”Amy's decision to leave California and return to her Navajo homelandsAdoption and reconnectionWhy service became an important part of coming homeHer work creating opportunities for young people on Navajo NationWhat Amy thinks about the next chapter of her lifeAmy says returning home gave her something she had been searching for much of her life: a sense of calm and clarity about where she belongs. And maybe that’s the question at the heart of this conversation: What helps you quiet the noise and get clearer about where you belong—and what matters next? Learn more about Amy Denet Deal and her work through 4KINSHIP and Indigenous Futures 4EVER. About 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, and on Stories of Change, I talk with people about the changes and unexpected turns that have shaped their lives—and what they’ve learned along the way. Sometimes someone else’s story gives us a little wisdom, a new perspective, or just what we need to help us figure out what’s next. Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

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 required Wendy to take a calculated risk. She realized that staying in an unfulfilling career had become harder than facing the unknown. In this episode • What happens when misery becomes greater than the fear of the unknown • Why Wendy left a secure career to start her own business • How mistakes helped her become a stronger designer and entrepreneur • Two practices that helped Wendy keep growing • Why creative entrepreneurs need mentors and supportive communities Wendy’s story reminds us that betting on yourself doesn’t always begin with a big leap. Sometimes it begins with curiosity and one small step in a different direction. Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

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 forward—one small step at a time. Over a period of years, she faced the loss of her son, the collapse of her family’s home-building business, bankruptcy, and her husband’s battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s. We also talk about Tiny Habits, Linda’s idea of “Pearl Habits,” and how reframing difficult moments can help us respond differently to the changes we didn’t choose.   You can find out more about Pearl Habits here.  In this episode: Navigating loss and unexpected changeWhy small steps can make a differenceMoving from “Why me?” to “What can I learn?”Using Pearl Habits to reframe difficult momentsThe importance of celebration  Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

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 about the experiences that shaped her along the way—and why she believes it’s important not to get so focused on one destination that you miss another opportunity. We also talk about emotional intelligence and what she learned from living and working in another country.  Those experiences helped shape the way she communicates and leads today. One thing that stayed with me from our conversation: Jane doesn’t point to one big turning point that changed everything. Her career was built step by step. I think there’s a lesson in that for all of us. You don’t always need to have the whole path figured out. Sometimes you just need to stay curious, keep learning and be open to what comes next. In this episode: How curiosity can lead to unexpected opportunitiesWhat Jane learned from living and working in JapanWhy emotional intelligence mattersHow experience shapes the way we communicate and leadWhy staying open can help you find your next stepA question to think about: What opportunity might you notice if you stopped worrying about having everything figured out? Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next with Judy Oskam Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

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, and Kinbe arrived in Scotland without knowing anyone else on the 3-week trip.  They didn't know what to expect.  The time abroad challenged them to navigate a new country, try unfamiliar things, and become more confident. Libby discovered a more adventurous side of herself. Sarah found that studying abroad offered something a vacation could not: time to learn, grow, and form real connections. Kinbe gained confidence traveling independently and talking with new people—skills she will carry into her career. Lessons Learned  Take initiative, even when you are unsure.Fear could lead to growth. New environments can bring out strengths you did not know you had.Studying abroad is about more than academics. It builds confidence, independence, and connection.Meaningful learning happens outside the classroom.About the Students Libby Sanchez is a Digital Media Innovation major at Texas State University. She is a talented photographer who thrives in a new environment. Sarah Hervey is a psychology major with a minor in religious studies. Her lifelong interest in travel and the outdoors led her to Scotland. Kinbe Perez is a journalism major with a concentration in sports media. As she prepares for graduation, she is taking home greater confidence and new friendships.   Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

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 true value - in the rear view mirror. Laura shares how living and working in the United States helped build her confidence and independence. It wasn't until she began helping students prepare for their own international experiences that she realized the greatest value of study abroad wasn't the work itself—it was the personal growth that came from stepping outside her comfort zone. So far, Laura has traveled to nearly 50 countries and serves as an International Officer at Queen Margaret University.  In this role, she helps students recognize the life-changing value of international education while they're still living it. As I listened to Laura's story, I was reminded that defining moments rarely jump up and grab us. Sometimes we only understand their significance when we look back and connect the dots. I certainly can relate. In This Episode Why Laura almost overlooked one of the most important experiences of her lifeHow a study abroad internship became a defining momentWhy reflection is essential to personal growthHow international experiences prepare us for life—not just careersLaura's passion for travel, including why Paris captured her heart Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

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 about family and why creating a place where people truly connect may be more important today than ever.  I noticed something special about the restaurant. Yes, the food was great but so was the atmosphere.   Lora shares the story of her father, Giovanni Mastrocinque, and his journey from Italy to Scotland. Through hard work, he built a successful family business that continues to bring people together more than four decades later. What struck me most about Lora's story is that Bella Italia isn't really a story about a restaurant. It's a story about people. It's about creating a place where families gather and memories are made. When I later told local interior designer Emma Cross that I was planning to interview Lora, she said, "That's where everyone goes for celebrations." This simple comment made me even more curious about the story behind Bella Italia and the family who built it. In this Episode • The story behind Bella Italia and its founding in 1981 • Giovanni Mastrocinque’s journey from Italy to Scotland • The famous "No WiFi" sign and why it resonates with customers • Lessons Lora learned from her father about hard work and perseverance • Building a family business across generations • Creating a place where people feel welcome and valued Connect with Bella Italia Bella Italia Restaurant North Berwick, Scotland Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

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, Scotland. It's a 20 minute train ride from Queen Margaret University, home of our Texas State University Hub program.  Drawn in by the color and design, I was curious about the person behind the brand. Two of my Texas State University students selected Emma's business for our class branding project.  This gave me the perfect reason to reach out to Emma and learn more about her story. During our interview, Emma talked about growing up in the servants' quarters of a grand estate and how that experience shaped her dreams.  She told me she finds inspiration from travel, family and classic films. Emma was captivated by Doris Day's role as an interior designer in Pillow Talk, an early influence that helped spark a lifelong passion for design.   She still goes back to Doris Day's iconic style for ideas.   Emma's path to becoming an interior designer and entrepreneur wasn't a straight line.  She didn't get into art school. Instead, she built her career through experience, curiosity and a willingness to say yes when opportunities appeared—even when she didn't have everything figured out. She said yes.   In This Episode • How childhood experiences influence creativity and career choices • Doris Day, Pillow Talk, and early influences on design • The role of color, creativity, and personal style • Building an interior design business through experience and opportunity • Lessons from entrepreneurship and creative business ownership • Learning to say yes before everything is figured out Connect with Emma Cross Interior Designer | Entrepreneur | Creative Business Owner Website: emmacrossonline.com Emma Cross - The Store  Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

What experiences shape who we become? In this episode of Stories of Change, 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 discovered a passion for teaching and helping others succeed. One of the experiences that shaped Kelly most was a personal struggle with hair loss. It challenged her confidence and self-image.   She talks candidly about this during our interview.  And now she helps other women regain their confidence and embrace who they are. Together, Judy and Kelly explore confidence, identity, and what happens when we give ourselves permission to grow. It's a conversation about discovering passion and finding purpose in a way you never thought possible.   The Experience That Shaped Kelly Hair loss challenged Kelly's confidence, self-image, and sense of identity. Through that experience, she learned to give herself grace, embrace change, and stop letting fear define how she saw herself. Her struggle ultimately became the foundation for her purpose and life's work.   Lessons from Kelly's Journey • Confidence grows when we stop focusing on how others see us and start accepting ourselves. • Passion is often discovered through action and experience. • The experiences we would never choose often become the experiences that shape us most. • It's never too late to discover a new direction, a new passion, or a new purpose. Memorable Quote "The world doesn't see my heart. The world doesn't see my mind...." — Kelly Engram About Kelly Engram Kelly Engram is the founder of Prairie Fire Hair, a Texas-based company dedicated to helping women experiencing hair loss regain confidence through education, personalized support, and luxury wigs. A Texas State graduate, educator, and entrepreneur, Kelly combines lived experience with compassion and expertise to help women navigate issues of identity, confidence, and personal transformation. CONNECT WITH KELLY https://prairiefirehair.com/ https://www.instagram.com/prairiefirehair/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Prairie-Fire-Hair/61572911695599/ Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

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 on my own unexpected journey from journalism and public relations into higher education. This episode also features remarks from Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse recognizing graduates, mentors, faculty, family members, and the support systems that help students move forward. In this Episode Graduation and personal growthStudent success and storytellingInternships, study abroad, and leadership experiencesReinvention, uncertainty, and career journeysThanks for listening to Stories of Change & Creativity — documenting growth and making life work, one story at a time. Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

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, adoption stories, and the Chinese belief in the “red thread of fate” — the invisible connection between people who are meant to find one another. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How adoption shaped Judy’s journey to motherhoodLessons children teach parents about creativity and perspectiveReflections on infertility, IVF, and adoptionThe meaning behind the “red thread of fate”Memorable Comments “There’s no rulebook when it comes to parenting.”“Maybe we all have red threads in our lives.”"I always like to say that in every lifetime I think that you're my mother." - JessIf you enjoy conversations about adoption, motherhood, famil, and personal growth, this episode is for you. Follow Danielle Oskam on Instagram: @danioskam Follow Jessica Oskam on Instagram: @jessicaoskam Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

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 perfect for anyone interested in innovation and career opportunities in Texas. You’ll Learn Where innovation is happening across TexasWhy workforce development matters for future jobsHow local leaders shape economic growthAbout Justin's passion for Texas and Texas State University Advice for entrepreneurs and studentsKey Takeaways Opportunity exists across Texas—not just in big citiesStrong communities and leadership drive innovationThe future of work is evolving quicklySuccess starts with taking action and learning as you goAbout Justin Justin McKenzie is an entrepreneur and host of The Building Texas Show, a podcast focused on highlighting innovation and economic development across Texas. He is a two-time Texas State graduate with experience in manufacturing, startups, and workforce strategy. Follow Justin McKenzie on LinkedIn Visit The Building Texas Show website Subscribe on YouTubeThis interview was recorded at Live Oak Studios on the campus of Texas State University.  Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.

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 in India to his work in applied mathematics, Dr. Bora shares how interdisciplinary thinking can lead to meaningful innovation. I found Bora to be smart, kind and a joy to be around.  His energy is contagious.     Key Takeaways Problem solving starts with the right questions—not just the right toolsAI is most powerful when combined with mathematics and real-world dataInnovation often happens at the intersection of disciplinesUnderstanding what you don’t know is essential to learningThe future of education is about guiding curiosity, not just delivering answersWhy This Episode Matters As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, the ability to think critically and solve meaningful problems is more important than ever. This episode offers a fresh perspective on how curiosity and creativity can drive real-world impact. Learn more about Dr. Aniruddha Bora, assistant professor of computer science at Texas State University, and his work in artificial intelligence and real-world applications here. This podcast episode was recorded at the Live Oak Podcast Studio at Texas State University.  Photo by Texas House.  🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with a colleague, student, or friend who’s interested in AI and creative problem solving. Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.