Rebel Heart: Ellen R.B. Smith on Finding Strength, Laughter, and Belonging in a Turbulent Youth

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show’s Art of Living series. I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang, and today we’re about to dive into a remarkable story of resilience, humor, and self-discovery.

Our guest is Ellen R.B. Smith, author of a deeply personal and captivating new memoir that chronicles her coming-of-age journey amid societal upheaval. From an idyllic childhood that took a sudden turn after her parents’ divorce to being labeled a "troublemaker" by her small town, Ellen’s story is raw, honest, and ultimately inspiring. But beneath the rebellious exterior is a young soul grappling with loneliness, searching for acceptance, and learning how to stand up for herself—often through laughter, tears, and unexpected friendship.

This isn’t just a memoir; it’s a celebration of resilience, inclusion, and the unbreakable bonds we forge in life’s most challenging moments. With wit and poignancy, Ellen shows us how life's struggles can become stepping stones, and how even the darkest times hold the potential for growth.

Today, Ellen will share why she wrote this memoir—not for revenge, but to offer hope to those struggling in broken homes, feeling like outsiders, or just trying to find their place in the world. Whether it’s the hilarity of youthful escapades or the weight of profound realizations, Ellen’s story serves as a powerful reminder that we’re all a work in progress. And sometimes, the most important lessons are hidden beneath the surface of a good joke.

So, get ready for a conversation filled with laughter, insight, and inspiration. I’m thrilled to welcome Ellen R.B. Smith to The Not Old Better Show.

My thanks to Ellen Smith for her generous time today.  My thanks to Executive Producer Sam Heninger for all his work in keeping our show as good as it is, and as good as it can be.  My thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast.  Be well, be safe and let’s talk about better.  The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast. We’ll see you next time.  

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