That's What Friends Are For with Wade Rouse

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac interviews bestselling author Wade Rouse about his heartfelt and humorous new novel, That's What Friends Are For.Wade shares the inspiration behind That’s What Friends Are For and how the story explores the power of friendship, chosen family, identity, faith, and community. Through deeply personal insights and compelling storytelling, he reflects on overcoming adversity, embracing authenticity, and the vital role meaningful relationships play in shaping who we are.Throughout the conversation, Wade and Michelle discuss writing about belonging and found family, navigating identity and faith in today’s world, and using humor as a tool for healing and connection. The episode highlights why authentic friendships matter more than ever and why this novel resonates so strongly with readers seeking stories about resilience, acceptance, and living truthfully.What We're Talking About...Exploration of friendship, identity, and community in That's What Friends Are For and how these themes drive the emotional core of the novelHow bestselling author Wade Rouse uses humor to address serious topics like adversity, belonging, and personal growthAuthentic representation of LGBTQ+ experiences, including the challenges and triumphs of living openly and honestlyThe power and importance of chosen family in contemporary fiction and real lifeExploring faith outside organized religion, spiritual connection, and redefining belief on your own termsChapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:09 Themes of Friendship and Identity07:14 Humor as a Tool for Dealing with Pain13:13 The Concept of Chosen Family19:15 Faith and Community Beyond Organized Religion25:15 Character Development and Personal Stories31:40 The Importance of Friendship32:09 Being There for Each OtherLinks MentionedWade Rouse's website: https://waderouse.comViola Shipman Website: http://violashipman.comWade Rouse Facebook: authorwaderouseViola Shipman Facebook: authorviolashipmanWade Rouse Instagram: @authorwaderouseViola Shipman Instagram: viola_shipman