Guest: Elissa Altman on Feeding the Story

James Beard Award-winning memoirist Elissa Altman joins Shit Show in Short Hills to talk about the power of writing through pain, navigating complex family dynamics, and finding identity in the messiest places. A former publishing executive turned acclaimed author, Elissa shares how food, memory, and storytelling became her lifelines. We explore the emotional truth behind her memoirs—including Permission—and what it takes to tell the stories we were taught to keep quiet. With wisdom, wit, and deep grace, Elissa reminds us that healing often begins with the courage to speak.