The noted motivational speaker and performer David Roche discusses his new book Standing at the Back Door of Happiness: And How I Unlocked It (Harbour Publishing, 2024), with Joseph Planta.

Standing at the Back Door of Happiness: And How I Unlocked It by David Roche (Harbour Publishing, 2024). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Standing at the Back Door of Happiness

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

David Roche joins me now. He’s just published a new essay collection Standing at the Back Door of Happiness: And How I Unlocked It. The book discusses his upbringing, the vascular malformation that he was born with, his “seriously Catholic” childhood, and his devotion to the Democratic Workers Party. Readers will find out about the journey he took to better understanding how his facial difference is viewed by others, and how he’s coped with everything that life has thrown at him. The book is often funny, and it’s instructive in how Mr. Roche has treated others: with compassion, love, and acceptance. One of the better lessons in the book is how one’s mere presence can do so much. David Roche is a popular motivational speaker and performer. He’s taken his one-man show The Church of 80% Sincerity on tour around the world. He’s had several roles in film and documentaries, and in 2021, he was named to the Order of Canada. He is a volunteer for the Sunshine Coast Hospice, and with his partner Marlena, leads storytelling and writing workshops. The website for more is at www.davidroche.com. He joined me from his home in Roberts Creek, British Columbia last week. This new book is from Harbour Publishing. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, David Roche; Mr. Roche, good morning.

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