EPISODES

Family business owner Loredana (Lora) Calabrese shares how Bella Italia became a community gathering place built on family values and human connection. There's a sign on the door at Bella Italia in North Berwick, Scotland, that reads: "We do not have WiFi. Talk to each other. Pretend it's 1995." I first discovered Bella Italia while exploring North Berwick during a study abroad program with Texas State University students at Queen Margaret University. I noticed something special about the restau...

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...

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 discover...

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 m...

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, adopt...

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...

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...

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 at Te...

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 ...

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 fiction...

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 Teachi...

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, ever...

January is often framed as a month of restriction—Dry January, less sugar, less indulgence, less everything. But what if January wasn’t about giving things up? What if it was about trying ? In this Try January episode, Judy Oskam weaves together powerful insights from past conversations to explore how meaningful change begins. Experts comment on building identity capital and setting goals, mentorship, creativity, adventure, and kindness. This episode reminds us that change often starts with a c...

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 this ...

What if celebration isn’t something “extra,” but something essential to living a meaningful, connected life? If you're like me, you're always looking for reasons to celebrate and enjoy life. In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, I sit down with Dr. R. Jon McGee—anthropologist, author, and longtime Texas State University professor— to explore the topic of celebration. We met at the Live Oak Podcast Studio on the campus of Texas State University. For more than forty years, Dr. McG...

How do sports, culture, and communication shape who we are? In this episode, Judy Oskam talks with University of Alabama Sports Scholar Dr. Kenon Brown. Dr. Brown is a professor of advertising and public relations, co-director of the Beyond Sports Initiative, and co-author of the book - The United States of Sport: Media Framing and the Influence of the Intersection of Sports and American Culture. During our conversation we explore how sports reflect American society, how branding and communicat...

What’s your relationship with money? Do you worry about having enough? Does money guide all of your decisions? In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity , I talk with Mary Liz Burns about the psychology of money . She has more than two decades of experience in personal finance communications and media. Mary Liz has an MBA with a focus on financial psychology and is a certified senior advisor. After a successful career in corporate communications and public relations — including 22 yea...

For our 100th episode, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Damphousse , the 10th president of Texas State University. A sociologist by training, President Damphousse talks candidly about the midnight moment that set the tone for his presidency. He shares his personal journey – from growing up in a trailer court with no plans for college to becoming a university president. We also discuss the university’s momentum — from a campus master plan to the research trajectory toward R1 and a move to the Pac-12 t...

Do you know your values? You might think you know your values, but are you living your values, right now? In this solo episode, Judy Oskam reflects on a recent experience she shared with her daughter, Danielle. Together, they attended the Becoming You intensive led by Dr. Suzy Welch at the NYU Stern School of Business. The New York workshop centered on values and purpose. It encouraged participants to explore what matters most and to design a life that aligns with those priorities. Judy shares i...

What does it really mean to be free? In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity , Judy Oskam sits down with Christian Ray Flores —a high-performance coach, entrepreneur, and author of the Little Book of Big Reasons to Love America: A Love Letter from an Immigrant. Christian has lived through revolutions and the fall of the Soviet Union. From that perspective, he offers a powerful take on the American spirit and freedom. He also shares how living your brand and leaning into your unique e...

In this powerful episode, Ontario veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford shows us what it truly means to live with passion and a sense of adventure. He's called the Worldwide Vet. Dr. Redford travels the world combining his veterinary practice with global volunteer work. Over the years, he has helped animals and communities in Jamaica, India, Panama, India and Ukraine. Dr. Cliff's journey proves that change is something to embrace no matter what your age. Whether he's performing surgeries in a war zo...

Why are companies firing Gen Z employees — and what can be done to help them succeed? In August, I attended the 2025 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference in San Francisco. My colleague, Dr. Nandini Bhalla of Texas State University, led a stellar panel titled “Why are companies firing Gen Z employees? Workforce Strategies and Solutions for PR’s Next Generation.” The panel featured an all-star lineup of experts: Caitlin Haskins – Vice President of AI, Big Data ...

On this episode I talk with Christine Blosdale – expert authority coach and podcaster – about how to overcome imposter syndrome and establish yourself as a leader in your field. Christine offers real-world strategies to boost your confidence and elevate your personal brand. Christine had a challenging childhood and it taught her resilience and the power of voice. Her mom was a single mother who worked nights. Christine's mother instilled a knowingness in her that her opinion mattered. You'll l...

In this short solo episode, I share some thoughts about my study abroad experience in Scotland. It pushed me and my students out of our comfort zone, but that was a very good thing. I taught one of the first Edinburgh hub classes for Texas State University based at Queen Margaret University . Our hub programs are short-term study abroad experiences where students earn credit while spending 3-weeks living and learning overseas. Takeaways • Students connected with each other while developing de...