Welcome to The Never Alone Podcast with Iris Fischer Smith — Episode 19.

In this heartfelt and honest episode, Iris, Karen, and returning guest Ann Averill talk about that “little voice inside” — the conscience.

From childhood stories about Girl Scouts, incubators, and swimming pools…
to teenage rebellion, shame, and identity struggles…
to adult consequences and spiritual freedom…

This episode explores:

• When do we first recognize right and wrong?
• What’s the difference between guilt and shame?
• How do small compromises shape our identity?
• Why do we sometimes ignore our conscience?
• And how do forgiveness and faith restore what’s broken?

Ann shares openly about how years of violating her conscience eventually led to a deeper spiritual awakening — discovering that true freedom comes not from hiding our failures, but from bringing them into the light.

If you’ve ever wrestled with regret, shame, or identity — this conversation will encourage you.

Order Iris’s book Never Alone: irisfsmith.com
Find Ann Averill’s book Unmoored: How an Adoptee Found Her True Identity on Amazon

Please Like, Subscribe, and Share to encourage someone else today.

Watch Episode 19 here: https://youtu.be/MsfhRjh2rQQ

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