Melanye Rodriguez never expected to find her calling in the back of an old car with a bottle of scented lotion—but life has a way of leading us exactly where we need to go. A childhood spent outdoors, a knack for working through tension—both physical and emotional—and an openness to curiosity brought her into the world of massage therapy. But when a friend asked her to be her doula, Melanye’s world expanded in ways she never imagined.

In this episode of Untold Stories, Melanye shares her journey from an uncertain student to a thriving business owner, from a massage therapist to a birth coach. Along the way, she navigates personal losses, the weight of responsibility, and the profound moments that make up a life well-lived. Through healing hands, an unexpected mentor, and the quiet guidance of a beloved pet, Melanye finds herself exactly where she’s meant to be.

Untold Stories is a live storytelling event. Each performance features five local storytellers from all walks of life telling personal and transformative tales from their own lived experiences.

Each performance is based on a theme, and they all connect back to the culture of Northeast Florida. Untold Stories is not an open mic night, but a theatrical event curated by Artistic Director Barbara Colaciello. Each story performance is carefully crafted, and with the addition of a musical guest, each evening is akin to a series of mini-plays on a theme, taking you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from laughter and tears to introspection and inspiration. The live Untold Stories series is recorded for a podcast hosted by WJCT Public Media.