I got a tip that one of our Smithers graduates was releasing a new book.
Rob Goddard, from across the world and "down under," was able to send me his press release and filled me in on some of his background growing up in Smithers that I was so curious about. With the help of the internet and e-mail, and Rob being a prolific writer, I can let him tell his story in his own words.
“I’ve called Australia home since 2011 and don’t have plans to move back, but Smithers will always be part of me. The last time I visited was three years ago for my mom’s celebration of life—a deeply meaningful return to the place where it all began.
"I was born and raised in Smithers and moved away just before my 18th birthday, after graduating from Smithers Secondary School. Before that, I attended St. Joseph’s Elementary. Growing up, I loved the access we had to the outdoors—hunting, hiking, skating, snowboarding, swimming—you name it. Both my parents had properties surrounded by nature, so adventure was always just outside the door. It was the perfect place for a kid to grow up.
"There were so many special moments—birthday parties, fort-building missions, and days spent exploring the wild. But there were also tough times, especially navigating life as a young gay kid in a small town, often feeling isolated and alone. I write more about that in the book."
The book is called Behind the Smile in which Goddard explores the emotional masks people wear.
It has been described as "a powerful, reflective journey into the emotional masks we all wear to survive."
Goddard is a life coach, speaker, and former Mr. Gay Canada. Rob Goddard.
The book is part memoir, part self-inquiry guide and explores common survival patterns—such as perfectionism, control, independence, and approval-seeking—and how they silently shape our sense of self.
"Goddard shares his personal story alongside universal themes, inviting readers of all identities and experiences to reconnect with the truth beneath the performance," as press release stated.
”Whether you’re gay or straight, male or female, corporate or creative - this book isn’t about identity. It’s about honesty. And if you don’t see yourself in Rob’s story, you’ll see yourself in one of the masks."
Behind the Smile will be available via Amazon and directly through www.liftingstones.com.au/behind-the-smile.
“This isn’t just a book for queer people,” Goddard said. “It’s for anyone who’s ever smiled through the pain, held it together when they were falling apart, or forgotten who they really are under the roles they’ve learned to play.
Rob is also known from Season 2 of The Amazing Race Canada.
Note: Last week we had a column about Rob’s sister Elena Goddard, who came back to Smithers as part of her Canadian tour debuting her new album The Roaring 20s. A few weeks before her tour, Elena had completed the London Marathon.
If you have items for this column please email sonja.lester.b.c@gmail.com or phone 250-8474414
