Stories of Belonging: Roni Robbins on the Art of Hidden Meanings and Authentic Connection
Welcome, Belongers! I’m thrilled to share Episode 34 of Hear Where You Belong, where I had an incredible conversation with Roni Robbins—an award-winning author, seasoned journalist, and passionate storyteller with over 36 years of experience.
Roni’s journey in literature began in high school when her love for writing essays not only landed her the copy editor role for the yearbook but also earned her a journalism scholarship that set her on a remarkable career path. Today, Roni is a freelance reporter for prominent publications like The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Medscape/WebMD, and her work has appeared in major outlets such as The Huffington Post, Forbes, the New York Daily News, and Adweek. Her experience spans roles as an editor at the Atlanta Jewish Times and The Times of Israel, and she’s interviewed influential figures including Usher, Wolf Blitzer, and Hank Aaron.
In our conversation on this episode of Hear Where You Belong, Roni shared how her passion for literature evolved into a lifelong commitment to uncovering the hidden symbolism in storytelling. She explained that by embedding subtle meanings into her narratives, she not only captivates readers but also invites them to delve deeper into each story, sparking curiosity and engagement. This unique approach to writing—where every detail matters and every symbol tells a story—resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pull of a great narrative.
Roni also reflected on the concept of belonging, emphasizing that each of us has a personal story shaped by our experiences of inclusion or exclusion. Her insights reminded me that our individual journeys are interwoven with the collective tapestry of human experience. In her words, “Our stories are the bridges that connect us, revealing the common threads of hope, struggle, and triumph.” She encouraged listeners to embrace their own belonging stories and to share those moments of connection and transformation.
A standout moment in our discussion was when Roni delved into her first novel, Hands of Gold. Loosely based on an inspiring true story drawn from her maternal grandfather’s cassette tapes, the novel weaves a tale of survival and resilience against the backdrop of historical adversity. Hands of Gold has not only garnered prestigious accolades—including the 2023 International Book Award, a gold medal in the 2023 Global Book Awards for multicultural fiction, and finalist honors in the 2024 American Legacy Awards—but also earned a place in the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Roni’s ability to transform personal and historical pain into a powerful narrative is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling.
This episode is a celebration of storytelling’s capacity to reveal hidden truths and to build authentic connections. Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or simply someone searching for meaning in the everyday, Roni’s journey is a source of inspiration. She reminds us that every story, no matter how small, has the power to illuminate our path and help us find where we truly belong.
I invite you to watch Episode 34 of Hear Where You Belong and immerse yourself in this fascinating conversation with Roni Robbins. Let her insights on literature, journalism, and the art of hidden meanings inspire you to share your own belonging story. Together, we can celebrate the diverse narratives that shape who we are and how we connect with the world.
Belonger, stay connected, stay true to yourself, and always remember, you Belong.
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