Stories of Change & Creativity

Outlander as Public History: Dr. Alex Dold on Making History and Reading Accessible

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 can build bridges between fans, public audiences, and academic inquiry. Alex also shares insights from her own path — from studying literature in Germany to completing a PhD in Scotland on Outlander as public history.  You'll hear how that journey reshaped her understanding of how stories can make reading and history more accessible for everyone.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow historical fiction functions as public historyWhy stories like Outlander make history feel accessible and emotionally resonantDr. Alex Dold’s academic journey — from pursuing language and literature to transforming it into public-facing scholarshipPractical ways listeners can continue engaging with history and reading outside formal academic spacesWhy This MattersHistorical fiction often gets dismissed as “just entertainment.” Alex’s work reframes it as public history.  It's a way that everyday readers and viewers connect with the past and develop meaningful questions. This episode invites listeners to:see the Outlander stories they love as gateways to learning,recognize curiosity as a valid path to knowledge, andthink about how reading habits can lead to deeper exploration.Guest InfoDr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold is a literary scholar and historian whose research focuses on historical fiction as public history. She completed her PhD in history examining the Outlander novels at the University of the Highlands and Islands, Centre for History, Dornoch.  Dr. Dold explored the role of Outlander in shaping how people engage with history beyond traditional academic spaces. You can find out more about Dr. Dold and her scholarship below: https://alexdold.com/OutlanderDr. Diana Gabaldon is the author of the award-winning The Outlander series.  You can learn more about about the series and Diana here.  The final season of Outlander airs in March 2026 on STARZ.  I'd love to hear from you - send me a text! Hi Friend - Thanks for listening! Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.

Singer-Songwriter Candace Hastings on Living a Good Way (Mno-Bmadzewen) Through Creativity and Purpose

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 Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship at Texas State University, an acclaimed singer-songwriter and a tribal member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her Potawatomi name is Mskwagishgokwe [Red Sky Woman].  Candace shares how being adopted and later discovering her Indigenous heritage helped her come “full circle,” shaping both her leadership and her songwriting. This episode features excerpts of Candace’s music, including “Soft Place to Land” and “Horses I Left Behind.”What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow Candace integrates creative practice and leadership in higher educationHow identity and heritage shape her songwriting The Potawatomi concept of mno-bmadzewen - walking in a good way on the earth—a life guided by balance, responsibility, and relationship with community and the landWhy curiosity and creativity are essential for learning, teaching, and innovationHow work and play overlap when your work is aligned with meaning Creativity and Letting the Song LeadCandace describes her musical genre as Americana—and says each song “tells her what it needs to be.” Sometimes that means swing (as in “Lone Star Christmas”) and sometimes it means a fully layered studio production.The song “Horses I Left Behind,” was written during Candace’s trips to Oklahoma where she deepened her connection to her Potawatomi roots. She told me that she later learned she drove past the cemetery where her grandmother was buried.  This gives special meaning to the song.  Candace has a new album coming out in spring 2026, featuring the following songs:Soft Place to Land (title track)Horses I Left BehindLove and Cowboys It’s Too Damn Hot Call Your Mama You can find out more about Candace Hastings and her music here:  https://www.candacehastings.com/ This episode was recorded at Live Oak Studios on the campus of Texas State University.   I'd love to hear from you - send me a text! Hi Friend - Thanks for listening! Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.

What to Say When Someone You Love Is Dying: The Good Goodbye with Dr. Maureen Keeley

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, everyday moments can become the memories that last a lifetime.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to rethink “final conversations” so you don’t wait until it’s too lateWhy there is no perfect goodbyeHow everyday routines can provide comfort, meaning, and connection at the end of lifeHow these conversations help you, not just the person who is dying The Six Themes of Final Conversations (Research-Based)Love messages – expressing love, reassurance, affection, and presenceIdentity messages – affirming strengths, values, and who someone has been in your lifeSpiritual or religious messages – faith, meaning, beliefs about death or the afterlifeEveryday talk – routine conversations, humor, shared activities, normal lifeHealing difficult relationships – addressing unresolved tension, softening anger, finding peaceTaking care of the business of death and dying – wishes, living wills, memorial plans, passwords, and practical guidanceDr. Maureen Keeley is a Professor of Interpersonal Communication at Texas State University.  She has studied end-of-life communication for more than two decades.  You can find Dr. Keeley and Dr. Yingling's book below: The Good Goodbye:  The Transformative Power of Conversation at the End of Life by Maureen P. Kelley, Ph.D. and Julie M. Yingling, Ph.D. This episode was recorded at Live Oak Studios on the campus of Texas State University.I'd love to hear from you - send me a text! Hi Friend - Thanks for listening! Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.

Try January: A New Year Mindset That Begins with Trying

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 choice… and the courage to try.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy trying is powerful How everyday choices shape identity and personal growthAn effective way to think about goals: learning vs. performanceThe lasting impact of mentorship and paying it forwardHow stepping into unfamiliar places can transform who we becomeWhy creativity begins with our surroundingsA gentle reminder to be kind—to others and to yourselfFeatured Voices Dr. Meg Jay, psychologist and author, on identity capital and why we are shaped by what we do, not just who we think we are. You can hear our podcast interview here.  Caroline Adams Miller, goal-setting expert, on dreaming boldly and balancing learning goals with performance goals.  We discussed Caroline's goal strategy in our 2025 interview.  Dr. Kelly Damphousse, President of Texas State University, on mentorship and paying it forward.  I'm honored Dr. Damphousse was my 100th podcast episode.  Wendy Conklin, artist and founder of Chair Whimsy, on how our environments spark joy and creativity.  Wendy wrote the book on creativity - you can find it here.Dr. Cliff Redford, veterinarian and global adventurer, on kindness.  You can listen to our interview at this link.  Students Jamin Ochoa and Angie Olmos, reflecting on how studying abroad in Scotland changed their perspective and confidence.  Check out my Scotland mini series here. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need encouragement to try something new this January. Thanks for listening—and here’s to making it a Try JanuaryI'd love to hear from you - send me a text! Hi Friend - Thanks for listening! Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.

Coming Home: Navajo Designer Amy Denet Deal on Identity, Healing, and Sustainable Fashion

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 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 episode, Judy and Amy talk about adoption and culture.  They both share an adoption connection. Returning to Her RootsAmy shares her early life story of being adopted out of her Navajo community in the 1960s—before the Indian Child Welfare Act.Amy describes the moment she chose to “come home” in 2019. Selling everything and driving to New Mexico to reconnect with her culture.Healing and IdentityAmy shares about meeting her birth mother for the first time .The emotional work of reconnecting with family, community, and heritage.From Fashion Executive to Indigenous Fashion LeaderA look inside Amy’s career in corporate fashion and the ethical concerns that pushed her toward sustainable design.The founding of 4 Kinship, a brand rooted in Indigenous artistry and community impact. Creating Spaces for the Next GenerationWhy skateboarding became a tool for youth empowerment, health, and suicide prevention.Long-term dreams of a fiber farm—possibly in Scotland—to support her daughter’s fashion future.The deep connection between land and clarity of purpose.Memorable Quote“Home to me is a feeling of calmness and clarity. Coming back to my homelands quieted the noise and helped me understand exactly why I’m here.” - Amy Denet DealA Reflection for YouJudy closes the episode with a question for listeners: What does home mean to you? Is it a place, a person, a memory—or a journey you're still traveling?Photo by Shaun Price. I'd love to hear from you - send me a text! Hi Friend - Thanks for listening! Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.