Story Sessions™: Where Your Story Matters

n this insightful episode of "In the Margins," Laura Lyn Donahue sits down with Karin Tramm, an accomplished educator, writer, and military spouse. Karin shares her journey from teaching in Guam to living in diverse cultures across the globe, including Germany, the Philippines, Spain, and Italy. Her experiences have shaped her into a resilient and adaptable individual, offering a unique perspectiv...

Join Laura Lyn as she delves into the inspiring journey of Simona Pappalardo, a cross-cultural expert and coach. Originally from Milan, Simona shares her transformative experiences from her expatriation in Malaysia to her permanent move to the United States. Discover how her early exposure to the English language opened doors to global opportunities and how she transitioned from a successful engin...

Join me for an enlightening conversation with Malaysia Harrell, a remarkable military veteran who has transformed her life experiences into a mission of healing and empowerment. As the founder of Blissful Life Consulting, Malaysia guides women through spiritual transformation, helping them overcome trauma and align with their true purpose. In this episode, she shares her personal journey, includin...

Join us for an inspiring episode of "In the Margins" featuring Emily Nydam, author of Journeying Home . Emily shares her journey from attorney to author, revealing how her great aunt's keepsake box sparked the idea for her novel. Discover the intertwining lives of two women across different centuries, and how Emily's personal experiences shaped her storytelling. This episode delves into themes of...

Join us for an extraordinary episode of "In the Margins" with Rebecca Black, author of "Facing the Elephants" and her upcoming 2026 release, "Raising Prey." * Rebecca opens up about her harrowing journey from escaping a decade-long nightmare to becoming a beacon of hope for others. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of speaking out. Discover how Rebecca's courage inspired others...

In this special Thanksgiving episode of 'In the Margins,' host Laura Lyn Donahue explores the deeper meaning of gratitude. Moving beyond lists and quick exercises, she invites listeners to awaken to a clearer view of life, embracing gratitude as a profound way of seeing and experiencing the world.

In this heartfelt episode of "In the Margins," host Laura Lyn Donahue sits down with Alexa Bigwarfe at the Military Influencer Conference in Atlanta. Alexa shares her journey from being an intelligence officer in the Air Force to becoming a stay-at-home mom and a published author. She opens up about the challenges of her high-risk pregnancy with twins, the loss of her daughter Katherine, and how s...

In this special Veterans Day re-release, we revisit a profound conversation with Rich Merritt, a former Marine whose journey traverses the complex intersections of faith, identity, and courage. From his upbringing in a fundamentalist church to his service in the Marine Corps, and his life as an author, Rich shares his story of resilience and authenticity. This episode invites listeners to reflect...

In this engaging conversation, Tauni Crefeld shares her journey from military police to corporate fixer, discussing her experiences and insights on leadership, particularly for women navigating their careers. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, finding mentors, and overcoming biases in the workplace. Tauni also introduces her books, ' The Fixer' and 'Own Your Path', and hints at her up...

Join us on "In the Margins" as we explore the captivating journey of Kim Orendor, an award-winning author and journalist. In this episode, Kim discusses her latest book, "A Bigfoot Homecoming," and shares how her experiences in China and her passion for storytelling have influenced her writing. Discover her insights on overcoming self-doubt, the importance of trusted feedback, and the courage to p...

In this episode of In The Margins, host Laura Lyn Donahue speaks with Rich Merritt, who shares his journey from a strict fundamentalist upbringing in South Carolina to his experiences in the Marine Corps and the adult film industry. Rich discusses the impact of his religious education, the struggles of coming out, and his path to recovery from substance abuse. He reflects on the importance of kind...

In this conversation, Chris Krueger, a US Army Ranger veteran and author of 'Walking Away from the Ledge', shares his journey from military service to personal struggles with identity, addiction, and mental health. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, vulnerability, and seeking help, while also discussing the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and the impact of his experiences o...

In this engaging conversation, Julie Tully shares her journey as an award-winning author and the insights she has gained through her experiences living abroad and writing her memoir, 'Dispatches from the Cowgirl.' The discussion delves into themes of empathy, the importance of quiet reflection, the power of storytelling, and the challenges of perfectionism. Julie emphasizes the universality of hum...