Transforming Adversity into Action: A Veteran’s Journey to Advocacy with Author Tristian Smith

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Tristian Smith, author of the book Against All Odds. Tristian Smith is not just an author—he's a living testament to resilience and transformation. His powerful memoir, "Against All Odds," chronicles his harrowing journey from a turbulent foster care system—where he lived in over 25 homes and attended 13 different schools—to emerging as a United States Army Officer, foster youth advocate, and inspiring speaker. Tristian’s unique story combines firsthand experience with a deep commitment to changing the narrative for foster youth. He brings not only a compelling personal history but also actionable insights on overcoming adversity, the importance of mentorship, and the urgent need for systemic reform in foster care. Podcast hosts looking for a guest who can engage audiences on topics ranging from personal transformation and mental health to advocacy and veteran experiences will find Tristian’s story both moving and motivational. Book him to share a narrative that is as impactful as it is inspiring.

 

In my book review, I stated Against All Odds by Tristian Smith is a memoir, as well as a how-to manual for surviving in and fixing the foster care system.

 

Tristian found himself in the foster system as a young boy. Like most kids in the system, they are there through no fault of their own. These kids keep hoping to find connection and security - something that, according to Tristian, is rare to find in the current foster care system.

 

After helping readers understand his own story and how it felt to be pushed and pulled from home to home like an object rather than a person, he spends the second half of the book talking to kids in the system and people concerned with the system.

 

After reading the book, I felt an urgency to find a way to help create a better system for the kids who find themselves in need of care. I have also begun looking into being a mentor for teens as they move toward aging out of the system. And Tristian's words to kids in foster care are words for anyone who finds themself in a difficult situation.

 

His goal is to help others while shining a light on a broken system. Without a doubt, he did just that.

 

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Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290

 

You can follow Author Tristian Smith on LinkedIn: @tristianwsmith

 

Purchase Against All Odds on Amazon:

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4dhpROn

Ebook: https://amzn.to/4iSo0QZ

 

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

IG: @terimbrown_author

X: @terimbrown1

 

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors

 

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