Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What's Next

Hosted by Judy Oskam

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128

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Nov 2026

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About the show

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 change is a choice. Sometimes it isn’t. I’m curious about how people find their way through it. What helped? What did they learn? Maybe you’re navigating a career change, moving through a life transition, or wondering what you want your next chapter to look like. These conversations are a reminder that there’s more than one way forward. Because 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. Welcome to Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next.

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November 7, 2026Episode 1328 min

What Happens When You Give It a Try

Saturday Perspective | 30 Days of What's Next What's something you've been wanting to try but keep putting off? Maybe you're worried you won't be good at it. Maybe you're waiting for the right time. Every Saturday in November, I'm taking a few minutes to reflect on the week's conversations and share an idea you can use in your own life. This week, our theme was Permission to Begin . And I've been practicing what I preach by picking up my guitar and playing a little music here on the podcast. I'm sharing some of my favorite moments from conversations with Mandy Rowden, founder of Girl Guitar; Jennifer Navarrete, founder of National Podcast Post Month; and Texas State student Jamin Ochoa, who studied abroad in Scotland. Mandy reminds us to quiet those old voices that tell us we can't do something—and find people who encourage us. Jennifer suggests treating something new as an experiment. You don't have to know how it will turn out. You just have to be willing to try. And Jamin shares how stepping outside his comfort zone helped him discover new confidence, even after returning home. Different stories, but they all got me thinking about what happens when we stop waiting and give something a try. One Idea to Take With You Think about something you've been wanting to try but keep putting off. Is there one person you could invite along? Send a text. Make a plan. Put something on the calendar. You don't have to be good at it. You don't have to know where it will lead. Just give it a try. About the Featured Guests Mandy Rowden is a singer-songwriter and founder of Girl Guitar, where she helps adults discover their creativity through music and community. Jennifer Navarrete is the founder of National Podcast Post Month (NaPodPoMo), an annual challenge that encourages podcasters to experiment and create 30 episodes during November. Jennifer also launched a business around her interests. Jamin Ochoa is a Texas State University student whose study abroad experience in Scotland helped him develop confidence and a willingness to try new things. Explore more episodes: https://www.storiesofchangepodcast.com/ This episode is part of 30 Days of What's Next , my own November podcast experiment. Coming up next: The Courage to Change . What happens when something you've tried starts to matter—and you're ready to make room for it? 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 .

November 6, 2026Episode 1317 min

Give Yourself Permission to Say Yes

Ideas Worth Sharing What would you do if you gave yourself permission to say yes? Maybe there's something creative you've wanted to try. A class you've thought about taking. Or an idea you've put off because life got busy. In this Ideas Worth Sharing episode, I'm sharing a book I really enjoyed: Life Whimsy: How to Think, Play, and Work More Creatively by Wendy Conklin, founder of Chair Whimsy. One of my favorite ideas from Wendy's book is the permission slip. A place to write down what you're giving yourself permission to do—and sign your name. Wendy also encourages us to make more room for play. You'll also hear a clip from my conversation with Wendy about creating a home and workspace filled with things that bring you joy. I also reflect on this week's conversations with Mandy Rowden , J ennifer Navarrete , and Jamin Ochoa . Each took a chance on something new without knowing exactly where it would lead. It's all part of our first week's theme, Permission to Begin . Questions We Explore Why do we sometimes need permission to try something new? It's easy to put off something we want to do because life gets busy, it feels impractical, or we're waiting for the right time. Wendy's permission slip offers a simple way to make a decision for ourselves. How can play and creativity help us create a life we enjoy? Wendy encourages adults to make time for play, experiment with new activities, and surround themselves with things they love. Her Play Every Day challenge is one way to begin. What small change can bring more joy into everyday life? It might be trying something different, making a creative space at home, or finally saying yes to an idea you've been considering. One Idea to Take With You This weekend, create your own permission slip. Write: I give myself permission to ____________________. Fill in the blank. Then sign your name. Maybe you're giving yourself permission to try something new, have more fun, or stop waiting until everything is perfect. Think about one small action you can take to make that permission real. You don't have to change your entire life this weekend. But you can start creating more of the life you want. Featured Book: Life Whimsy: How to Think, Play, and Work More Creatively by Wendy Conklin. Featured guest: Wendy Conklin is the founder of Chair Whimsy, known for her colorful, one-of-a-kind chairs. A former teacher and educational consultant, she has built a creative business that includes online courses and retreats for creative entrepreneurs. This episode includes an excerpt from my earlier conversation with Wendy. Listen and Connect Full Wendy Conklin interview : Life Whimsy with Wendy Conklin 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 .

November 6, 2026Episode 13014 min

Turning Your Interests Into a Business with Jennifer Navarrete

Could something you enjoy doing become a business? And if it does, how do you make room for the rest of your life? This is a challenge for many entrepreneurs and business leaders. In Part 2 of my conversation with Jennifer Navarrete, we talk about how her early interest in podcasting grew into Brewing Media, a family business that now includes both of her sons. Jennifer started by building community and sharing what she was learning. Over time, people who had heard her speak began asking for help. Those early connections became clients and referrals—sometimes years later. Now she’s thinking about another change. She wants to keep doing work she loves while making time for hiking, kayaking, cycling, and adventure. That means building systems, sharing responsibility, and giving her team room to lead. Questions We Explore How can an interest grow into a business? Jennifer shares how teaching others about podcasting and social media helped people get to know her work. When they were ready to start their own projects, some returned to hire her or referred others. How can you step back from a business you’ve built? Jennifer is developing the systems, processes, and team support that will allow the company to operate without her involvement in every detail. She plans to practice taking shorter breaks before working toward a month away. What does success look like beyond income and growth? Jennifer considers whether her work is personally, professionally, and financially rewarding. She also talks about measuring the impact of her community events through meaningful conversations and connections, rather than attendance alone. About the Guest Jennifer Navarrete is the founder of Brewing Media and National Podcast Post Month , or NaPodPoMo. She began podcasting in 2005 and now works alongside her sons and a production team to help clients create and share their own stories. 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 .

November 4, 2026Episode 12915 min

How Study Abroad Changed Jamin Ochoa’s Confidence and Career Plans

Have you ever come home from a new experience feeling more confident, then wondered whether that feeling would last? What happens when you return to the same campus, routines, and decisions? In the summer of 2025, I interviewed Texas State student Jamin Ochoa while we were studying abroad in Scotland. He talked about becoming more independent and trying things outside his comfort zone. More than a year later, we caught up to see what had stayed with him. Jamin shares how that experience helped him move from a familiar campus role into student government. It also changed the way he thinks about advertising, the places he might live, and the plans he once felt sure about. We talk about giving a new experience your full attention, the pressure of making your own decisions, and allowing your goals to change. You don’t have to travel overseas to find something unfamiliar. There may be an opportunity close to home. Questions We Explore Can the confidence from studying abroad last after you return home? For Jamin, it did. He describes feeling more independent, more confident in his decisions, and more willing to try unfamiliar experiences after returning from Edinburgh. How can you keep growing after a study abroad experience? Jamin chose a new campus challenge rather than returning to a role where he felt comfortable. Joining student government as chief of staff brought opportunities, friendships, and experiences he hadn’t expected. Can studying abroad change your career plans? Jamin began thinking about where he wanted to live alongside the work he wanted to do. An international advertising class expanded his interests further, and he connects travel with paying closer attention to other people’s experiences. One Idea to Take With You Think of one opportunity you’ve passed over because it feels unfamiliar. What would giving it your full attention look like? Start with one conversation, visit, or application. About the Guest Jamin Ochoa is a Texas State University senior who studied abroad in Scotland in summer 2025. His interests include advertising strategy, research, and insights, and he has served as student government chief of staff. 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 .

November 3, 2026Episode 12823 min

Rediscover Your Creativity with Mandy Rowden, Founder of Girl Guitar

Is there something creative you keep putting off because you don’t think you’re good enough—or life keeps getting in the way? For me, one of those things has been playing guitar. I’ve played off and on for years. That got me thinking about why we sometimes need permission to do something we enjoy. Singer-songwriter and entrepreneur Mandy Rowden knows that hesitation well. After burning out and returning to Austin from New York, she needed to pay her phone bill. She put together a six-week guitar class for eight women. What happened in that room became Girl Guitar. Mandy joins me to talk about making mistakes and helping adults try things they never thought they could do. We talk about songwriting as a way to process life. She also tells us about her plans to preserve the stories of Texas women songwriters. Bonus: She shares one of her original songs with us - it's fantastic! Questions We Explore How did Mandy Rowden start Girl Guitar? She organized a small women’s guitar class to cover her phone bill. The women wanted to keep meeting and the classes expanded into songwriting and bands. Do you need natural talent to learn guitar as an adult? Mandy challenges the idea that struggling at first means music isn’t for you. She reminds students that experienced musicians also practice and made mistakes. How can a supportive group help you build confidence? Mandy describes students who initially refuse to perform but eventually take part in a showcase. For her, the important moment is when they realize they did something they thought they couldn’t do—it builds confidence. About the Guest Mandy Rowden is a singer-songwriter and founder of Girl Guitar and the Texas Women Songwriters Festival. She's also a lecturer at Texas State University . Listen and Connect Mandy Rowden — music and more Girl Guitar — classes and community Texas Women Songwriters Festival Peace Where I used to Have None by Mandy Rowden. Used with permission. 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 .

November 2, 2026Episode 12721 min

Start Before You’re Ready: Jennifer Navarrete on Podcasting and NaPodPoMo

Have you ever had an idea you wanted to try, but kept putting it off? Maybe you weren't sure how it would turn out. Or maybe you thought you needed a better plan before getting started. I can relate. Jennifer Navarrete has another approach: give yourself permission to experiment. Jennifer is the founder of National Podcast Post Month, or NaPodPoMo, a November challenge to create and publish 30 podcast episodes. Back in 2007, Jennifer went looking for a podcasting challenge. When she couldn't find one, she decided to start it herself. With just three days to prepare, she invited her community to join her. Fifty podcasters participated that first year. During our conversation, Jennifer shares how that simple experiment grew into an ongoing creative challenge. I'm taking on the 30-episode challenge myself this November, so I was especially interested in Jennifer's advice about planning and trying new approaches. Questions We Explore What is NaPodPoMo, and do you have to publish an episode every day? Jennifer explains that the goal is to publish 30 episodes by November 30. You can prepare ahead, experiment with formats, and find an approach that works for you. (I'm not sure I'll publish every day - but we'll see.) How do you come up with enough ideas for 30 episodes? Jennifer suggests organizing a broad subject into weekly themes, using introductions, shorter conversations, and recaps to give the month some structure. What if you're afraid your idea won't work? Treat it as an experiment. Give yourself a defined period to try something, learn from it, and decide what you'd like to do next. About Jennifer Jennifer Navarrete began podcasting in 2005 and founded National Podcast Post Month in 2007. She's also the founder of Brewing Media. Listen and Connect National Podcast Post Month: https://napodpomo.org 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 .

November 1, 2026Episode 1264 min

30 Days of What's Next: An Experiment in Trying Something New

Have you ever thought about trying something new, but kept putting it off? Well, I'm trying something different this November. I'm releasing 30 podcast episodes in 30 days as part of National Podcast Post Month, or NaPodPoMo. I've been podcasting for years, but I've never attempted anything quite like this. And I'm treating it as an experiment. For the next 30 days, I'll be sharing conversations with people who've made changes, followed their curiosity and figured things out along the way. We'll explore what it takes to begin, the courage to change direction, discovering new possibilities, and finding your way forward when life doesn't go as planned. I'll also share a few solo episodes, weekly reflections, and One Idea Worth Sharing —books and insights that have made me think about change a little differently. I don't know exactly how this experiment will turn out. But that's part of the point. Questions We'll Explore Do you have to know how something will turn out before you begin? I'm testing that question myself this month. Sometimes the best way to learn is to try something and see what happens. What can we learn from people who've made meaningful changes? Throughout November, I'll be talking with people about the decisions they've made, the challenges they've faced, and what they've learned along the way. I'll be sharing some awesome interviews with artists, creatives and experts. What happens when you give yourself permission to experiment? That's what I hope to discover over these 30 days. I'll share what works, what doesn't, and what I learn about podcasting and change. National Podcast Post Month 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 .

October 5, 2026Episode 12529 min

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 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 identity Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable How curiosity can lead to an unexpected passion Taking action before you have everything figured out Giving yourself a chance About 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 .

September 26, 2026Episode 12423 min

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 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 .

September 14, 2026Episode 12319 min

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 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 homelands Adoption and reconnection Why service became an important part of coming home Her work creating opportunities for young people on Navajo Nation What Amy thinks about the next chapter of her life Amy 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 . 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 .