Stories of Change & 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.

Stories of Change & Creativity is a society podcast hosted by Judy Oskam, with 120 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 82. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Judy Oskam hosts Stories of Change & Creativity, a society show with 120 episodes published.

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  Episode #120

  Stay Curious: How to Find Your Next Career Opportunity | Jane Scott

  Aug 11, 202613 min

  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 opportunities What Jane learned from living and working in Japan Why emotional intelligence matters How experience shapes the way we communicate and lead Why staying open can help you find your next step A 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 Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! Life doesn't come with a roadmap. On Stories of Change, Judy Oskam talks with entrepreneurs, leaders, artists, educators and students about moments that changed the direction of their lives. We talk about the decisions they make, the challenges they face, and what they learn along the way. Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please let me know. Check out my TEDx talk . Why you should take action - then figure it out.

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  Episode #119

  How Studying Abroad in Scotland Builds Confidence

  Jul 27, 202613 min

  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. Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! Stories of Change & Creativity explores the defining moments that shape who we become—and the lessons we learn along the way. Hosted by professor, storyteller, and proud Texan Judy Oskam. Together, we explore what happened and what we learn from the experiences that define us. Whether you're navigating a career transition, seeking personal growth or looking for inspiration to take your next step, you'll discover practical wisdom you can apply to your own life. Learn, grow, teach. Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please let me know. Check out my TEDx talk . Why you should take action - then figure it out.

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  Episode #118

  The Experience That Changed Her Life | Laura Stevenson

  Jul 19, 202634 min

  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 life How a study abroad internship became a defining moment Why reflection is essential to personal growth How international experiences prepare us for life—not just careers Laura's passion for travel, including why Paris captured her heart Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! Stories of Change & Creativity explores the defining moments that shape who we become—and the lessons we learn along the way. Hosted by professor, storyteller, and proud Texan Judy Oskam. Together, we explore what happened and what we learn from the experiences that define us. Whether you're navigating a career transition, seeking personal growth or looking for inspiration to take your next step, you'll discover practical wisdom you can apply to your own life. Learn, grow, teach. Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please let me know. Check out my TEDx talk . Why you should take action - then figure it out.

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  Episode #117

  Loredana Calabrese: Building Community Through Food, Family, and Connection

  Jun 23, 202616 min

  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 restaurant. Yes, the food was great but so was the atmosphere. In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity , I sit down with Loredana Calabrese to explore the experiences that shaped both her life and her family's restaurant. 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 Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! Stories of Change and Creativity explores the experiences that shape us and the lessons we learn along the way. Join host Judy Oskam as she uncovers the moments, experiences, and stories that shape who we become. Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please let me know. Check out my TEDx talk . Why you should take action - then figure it out.

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  Episode #116

  Emma Cross: From Childhood Dreams to a Life in Design

  Jun 22, 202625 min

  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 Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! Stories of Change and Creativity explores the experiences that shape us and the lessons we learn along the way. Join host Judy Oskam as she uncovers the moments, experiences, and stories that shape who we become. Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please let me know. Check out my TEDx talk . Why you should take action - then figure it out.

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