Healing Through Laughter: Turning Painful Memories into Stories Worth Sharing

More Than a Test

In today's episode, we'll explore the power of storytelling and how it can give voice to the untold stories and unspoken experiences of individuals. We'll learn how Ruta Sepetys, initially hesitant to share their writing, embarked on a journey to discover their family's untold story and ended up creating a novel that became a New York Times bestseller.

Sepetys’ transition from the music industry to writing was not an easy one, but their former music clients supported their decision and encouraged them to pursue their passion. We'll hear about the challenges and triumphs they faced while slowly transitioning careers and infusing their own personal story into their writing. But it's not just about Sepetys’ journey. We'll also delve into the transformative power of experiences, such as the speaker's immersion in a gulag for research purposes. We'll explore the impact it had on them and how it ultimately influenced their own writing, giving them the ability to preserve the stories of survivors.

Timestamps

[00:00:02] Internationally acclaimed author, Ruta Sepetys, shares about an inspiring school visit.

[00:05:04] Hidden family secret inspires bestselling music editor.

[00:07:34] Seeking mentors, including younger generations, shaped Sepetys.

[00:11:25] "Do not try this… Immersion experience in a gulag."

[00:15:25] Sepetys’ favorite book is set in Spain. Meticulous research and firsthand experiences.

[00:19:58] Books hold immense power, shaping and comforting.

[00:23:58] Steps to becoming a novelist summarized.

[00:26:33] Book inspires unity through personal storytelling.

[00:32:31] Motherhood anxiety, finding validation, embracing oneself.

[00:33:08] Resilient, creative parents embraced life and opportunity.

[00:39:48] "Incredible book, funny story, multiple copies."

Connect with Ruta Sepetys

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rutasepetys/

Website: https://rutasepetys.com/books/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

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