Welcome to Episode 34 of Hear Where You Belong, where I have the distinct pleasure of hosting Roni Robbins—an award-winning author and seasoned journalist with 36 years of experience. Roni’s illustrious career spans roles as a freelance reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Medscape/WebMD, and as an editor for prestigious publications like the Atlanta Jewish Times and The Times of Israel. Her work has appeared in The Huffington Post, Forbes, the New York Daily News, Adweek, Healthline, and more, and she’s even interviewed celebrities such as Usher, Wolf Blitzer, and Hank Aaron.
In our engaging conversation, Roni reflects on her early passion for literature. As a high school student, her dedication to writing essays and crafting compelling stories landed her the role of copy editor for the yearbook, earning her a journalism scholarship that set the course for her career. Roni shares how those formative experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for storytelling, symbolism, and the art of creating intrigue—skills that encourage readers to explore hidden meanings and engage with texts on a profound level.
Throughout the episode, Roni delves into the idea that every individual has a unique belonging story, shaped by moments of inclusion and exclusion. She emphasizes that the search for meaning in literature mirrors our own search for identity and connection. Through her narrative, she reminds us that finding belonging—whether through the written word or through shared experiences—is a powerful catalyst for personal and communal growth.
Roni’s journey is also marked by her groundbreaking novel, Hands of Gold. Loosely based on the inspiring true story found in cassette tapes left by her maternal grandfather—a survivor of TB, a workplace shooting, an accidental killing, and a harrowing escape from anti-Semitism in pre-Nazi Europe—Hands of Gold has garnered numerous accolades. It won the 2023 International Book Awards and a gold medal in the 2023 Global Book Awards for multicultural fiction and biographical survival. The novel was also a finalist in the 2024 American Legacy Awards, the 2023 Readers’ Choice Book Awards for best adult book, and the 2022 American Fiction Awards for family saga. Notably, a copy of Hands of Gold is preserved in the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC—a testament to its enduring impact.
In this episode, Roni invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of belonging. She challenges us to share our stories—those moments when we felt included or left out—and to recognize the power these experiences hold in shaping our identities. Whether you’re a lover of literature, a passionate journalist, or someone on a quest for deeper connection, Roni’s insights offer a rich tapestry of wisdom and inspiration.
Join us for this dynamic conversation as we explore the intersections of literature, journalism, and the universal quest for belonging. Let Roni Robbins inspire you to look beyond the surface of every story, to find symbolism in the everyday, and to embrace the narrative of your own life.
Belonger, stay connected, stay true to yourself, and always remember, you Belong.
#HearWhereYouBelong #RoniRobbins #StoriesOfBelonging #LiteratureAndJournalism #HiddenMeanings #SymbolismInStorytelling #AuthenticConnection #BelongingStory #AwardWinningAuthor #Inspiration
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