Welcome to The Never Alone Podcast with Iris Fischer Smith — Episode 18.
In this episode, Iris and Karen are joined by longtime friend and author Ann Averill for a heartfelt conversation that spans generations — from the cultural upheaval of the Woodstock era to the deeply personal journey of writing, teaching, adoption, and discovering true identity.
Ann shares:
• What it was like coming of age during the dramatic cultural shift of the late 1960s
• The confusion young women faced as roles rapidly changed
• Her journey from young mother to writer and teacher
• The heartbreak of burnout and redefining purpose
• Searching for her biological roots as an adoptee
• And ultimately, how she discovered an identity deeper than career or genetics
Through laughter, honesty, and decades-long friendship, this episode reminds us that identity is not found in trends, titles, or even family history — but in something far more secure.
💛 If you've ever asked, “Who am I really?” — this conversation will resonate.
📘 Order Iris’s book Never Alone at : IrisFSmith.com
📚 Find Ann C. Averill’s books on Amazon : https://a.co/d/0emhOl9W

Watch Episode 18 here: https://youtu.be/5fScde-PAVA

Please Like, Subscribe, and Share to encourage someone else today.
#NeverAlone, #WoodstockGeneration, #BabyBoomers, #FindingYourIdentity, #AdoptionStory, #WomenOfFaith, #FemaleFriendship, #AuthorInterview, #ChristianPodcast, #LifeStories

Welcome to The Never Alone Podcast with Iris Fisher Smith —Episode 17. In this episode, Iris and her longtime friend and
co-host Karen Huerth Whitty talk about generational living — what it’s really
like when families live closer together (or under the same roof), and why so
many families are returning to that model today. Karen shares her family’s journey to Maine, the
challenges and blessings of living near her daughter and grandchildren, and how
love, faith, and community can bring healing after heartbreaking loss. Iris
connects it to a powerful reminder: we weren’t created to do life alone — and
sometimes the hardest seasons lead us back to what matters most.

Thanks for listening to The Never Alone Podcast – Episode 17 Have you ever lived
in a multi-generational home (or would you consider it)?

Tell us what worked—and what was hard. If this episode encouraged you, please LIKE ,
SUBSCRIBE , and SHARE . We’d love to hear from you: Have you experienced
generational living—or would you consider it?

Order Iris’s book Never Alone at: https://irisfsmith.com/

Watch Episode 17 here: https://youtu.be/cWnGgZCTrVo

#NeverAlone, #IrisFischerSmith, #Family, #GenerationalLiving, #Grandparents, #Faith, #Healing, #GriefAndHope, #Friendship, #Community

In this episode of The Never Alone Podcast, Iris Fisher Smith is joined by her brother Alan Fisher for a lively, informative, and heartfelt conversation about life in the 1940s.

Together, they reflect on major historical moments that shaped a generation — including the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, World War II, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency, Pearl Harbor, and the cultural shifts that followed. Woven throughout the discussion are personal family stories passed down from relatives who lived through these events, offering a rare and meaningful perspective on history as it was experienced firsthand.

From wartime production and classic films to early television, iconic figures, and moments of humor and nostalgia, this episode reminds us how deeply history influences who we are — and how important it is to remember the stories of those who came before us.

If you enjoy conversations about history, family, faith, and the resilience of the human spirit, this episode is for you.

👉 Please like, subscribe, and leave a comment — your support helps this channel grow.

📘 Order your copy of Never Alone by Iris Fisher Smith:
https://irisfsmith.com

In this deeply personal episode of The Never Alone Podcast, Iris Fisher Smith and co-host Karen Hearth Whitty reflect on the life and legacy of Iris’s beloved Aunt Elaine, who recently passed away at the age of 84.

Through heartfelt conversation, Iris shares how Aunt Elaine served as a mentor, constant presence, and guiding influence throughout her life — especially during times of loss and transition. The episode weaves together personal family history with major historical moments, including the Great Depression, World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency, and the resilience of people who lived through those defining eras.

This episode is a reminder that who we are is often shaped by those who walked before us — the stories they told, the wisdom they passed down, and the love they gave quietly but consistently. By remembering their lives, we gain clarity, perspective, and gratitude for our own.

If you’ve ever reflected on the people who shaped you, or wondered how history, faith, and family intersect in our personal stories, this episode is for you.

👉 If this episode resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment — it truly helps the channel grow.

📘 Order your copy of Never Alone by Iris Fisher Smith:
https://irisfsmith.com

In this heartfelt episode of The Never Alone Podcast, Iris Fisher Smith is joined by co-host Karen Hearth Whitty and special guest Cindy Kinney, a dear friend whose life reflects the true meaning of friendship.

Together, they explore what it really means to be a true friend in today’s distracted world — from showing up during life’s hardest moments to learning how to listen, communicate, and love with intention. The conversation also highlights the cultural differences between East Coast and West Coast relationships, the importance of presence over busyness, and why meaningful friendships don’t happen by accident — they are cultivated.

This episode is a reminder that we were never meant to do life alone. Real friendship requires effort, patience, honesty, and grace — but the reward is connection, comfort, and strength when we need it most.

Whether you’re feeling lonely, navigating grief, or simply longing for deeper relationships, this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, and hope.

👉 If you enjoy this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment — it truly helps the channel grow.

📘 Order your copy of Never Alone by Iris Fisher Smith:
https://irisfsmith.com

In Episode 13 of The Never Alone Podcast, Iris Fisher Smith is joined by co-host Karen Herth Whitty and returning guest Rachel Durham for a heartfelt conversation about the people and seasons that shape who we become — from childhood friendships, to mentors, to motherhood, grief, and rediscovering identity in new stages of life.

This episode continues the “Who Am I?” discussion — but through the lens of relationships that form our character. Together, Iris, Karen, and Rachel reflect on childhood influences, role models, spiritual mentors, and the blessing of friendships that stay — and those that come into our lives for only a season.

They also share deeply personal stories about:

• Growing up in different family dynamics
• How mentors and older women helped guide their faith and identity
• The beauty and challenge of motherhood and caregiving
• Identity tied to roles — and learning who you are beyond them
• Walking through loss — and finding strength and purpose again
• How God brings people into our lives at just the right time

💛 Gentle encouragement from this episode:
You were never meant to navigate life alone. The right friend, mentor, or conversation can change everything — sometimes for a moment, sometimes for a lifetime.

📘 Order Iris’s book Never Alone (stories, faith, family & history):
https://irisfsmith.com

🙏 If this episode touched your heart:
👍 Like | 💬 Share a comment | 🔔 Subscribe
Your support helps others discover the podcast and feel encouraged too.

Tags : Never Alone Podcast, Iris Fisher Smith, friendship and identity, who am I journey, Christian women podcast, mentors and faith, godly friendships, finding purpose through seasons of life, grief and healing, motherhood identity, faith and family stories, friendship that lasts, life seasons and growth, encouragement podcast, women of faith conversations, Christian storytelling, resilience and faith

Feeling unsure of who you are this season?
In Episode 12 of The Never Alone Podcast with Iris Fisher Smith, Iris and her dear friend/co-host Karen Herth Witty continue their life-giving conversation about identity, purpose, and how life changes shape who we become.
Life isn’t static — it’s a journey of seasons: daughter, wife, mom, grandma, friend, caregiver, creative, seeker… and sometimes all of those at once. In this episode, Iris and Karen talk honestly about how identity evolves, how friendships and community sustain us, and how we can find meaning even after loss, change, or seasons of uncertainty.
🎙️ In this episode you’ll hear about:
• How identity gets tied to roles like parenting, caregiving, and family
• What happens when people we love—like parents and mentors—leave our physical world
• The challenge of letting go of control and learning to trust
• Why friendship and meaningful connection are vital for emotional and spiritual health
• How to embrace purpose without pressure
• Honest stories about creativity, writing, and new seasons of life
💛 Encouragement for you:
You were never meant to walk life alone. Reach out to someone today—an old friend, a neighbor, a sibling, or even a casual acquaintance. A genuine connection can change both your day and theirs.
📘 Order Iris’s book Never Alone (stories, history, and encouragement):
https://irisfsmith.com
🙏 If this episode encouraged you:
👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe
Your engagement helps others find the podcast and experience its encouragement too.
#NeverAlonePodcast #FindingYourself #PurposeInLife #FriendshipMatters #IdentityJourney #FaithAndFamily #ChristianEncouragement #LifeSeasons #YouAreNotAlone

Feeling lonely or unsure of who you are in this season? Episode 11 is a real conversation about finding yourself, fighting isolation, and why friendship—with God at the center—still matters.

Welcome to The Never Alone Podcast with Iris Fisher Smith — Episode 11.
In this episode, Iris and her childhood friend/co-host Karen Herth Witty talk honestly about something every generation faces: finding yourself — and how loneliness and isolation can sneak in, even when life looks “busy” on the outside.
Together, they explore:
• Why friendship and community matter (and why we were never meant to do life alone)
• How “Who am I?” can change across different seasons of life
• The difference between acquaintances vs. close friends
• How to stay connected when friends and family are spread across the country
• Why it’s important to be mindful of what we watch, consume, and focus on
• Encouragement for anyone feeling isolated: reach out, one step at a time
As always, our heart is simple: Faith, family, friendship — with God at the center.

Watch now: https://youtu.be/8hC7Gureovk

Order Iris’s book Never Alone (and explore more episodes): irisfsmith.com
👍 If this episode encouraged you, please Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment — it truly helps others find the show.