What makes us “never alone”? In this episode, author Iris Fisher Smith and her lifelong friend Karen share candid stories about Iris’s father—his Boston roots, friendship with Leonard Nimoy, capture during the Korean War, and the community that brought him back. With humor, faith, and heart, Iris shows how family, friendship, and God at the center can carry us through trauma and loss.
In this episode you’ll hear:
Iris’s father’s early life in Charlestown & the West End (Boston)
POW story: shot down, MIA, and recovery with community support
A Senator named John F. Kennedy who wouldn’t give up
Post-war “shell shock” (PTSD) through a family lens
How friendship & faith form a safety net (Jeremiah 29:11)
Why the podcast ties back to Iris’s memoir Never Alone
Get the book & extras:
📖 Never Alone by Iris Fisher Smith — trailers, photos & more:
https://irisfsmith.com/
Join the community:
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Chapters:
Cold open & welcome
Iris’s father’s Boston beginnings
Leonard Nimoy & high school memories
Korean War, MIA, and return home
Community, faith & healing PTSD
Marriage, family, and real-life resilience
Takeaways + next episode preview
Hashtags: #NeverAlone #FaithAndFamily #IrisFisherSmith #Resilience #KoreanWar #POWStory #BostonHistory #Community #PTSD #Hope