Families carry stories — some we share openly and others that remain hidden for years.

In this episode of Girl, Take the Lead!, Yo Canny sits down with award-winning author Leslie A. Rasmussen to talk about her latest novel, When People Leave, and the powerful role family relationships play in shaping who we become.

Leslie’s newest book follows three sisters who return to their childhood home after the unexpected loss of their mother. As they search for answers, they uncover long-held family secrets and discover how differently each of them processes the same experience.

In their conversation, Yo and Leslie explore the complexity of sibling relationships, the emotional layers of family dynamics, and how storytelling can help us better understand our lives.

Leslie also shares her fascinating career journey — from writing television comedies for stars like Roseanne Barr, Burt Reynolds, Norm Macdonald, and Drew Carey, to becoming an award-winning novelist whose stories explore identity, family bonds, and the resilience we discover in life’s most difficult moments.

At the heart of the episode is a reminder that the stories we tell — and the ones we uncover — shape how we see ourselves and each other.

In This Episode You'll Learn About:

How sibling relationships influence the way we experience life’s challenges
Why family secrets often shape our understanding of the past
How storytelling can help us process complex emotions
The importance of community and connection during life’s transitions
Leslie’s journey from Hollywood television writer to award-winning novelist
Why following your creative passion sometimes requires taking risks

Leslie A. Rasmussen

Leslie A. Rasmussen is an award-winning author and former television comedy writer who has written for well-known comedians and shows including Gerald McRaney, Burt Reynolds, Roseanne Barr, Norm Macdonald, Drew Carey, The Wild Thornberrys, and Sweet Valley High.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Leslie graduated from UCLA before launching her career in television writing.

After stepping away from the entertainment industry to raise her two sons, she earned a master’s degree in nutrition and ran her own business for ten years. During that time, she continued writing humorous essays and has been published more than twenty times in the Huffington Post.

Leslie is the author of three novels:

After Happily Ever After — winner of more than fifteen awards
The Stories We Cannot Tell — winner of eleven awards and featured on NPR and XM radio
When People Leave — released in May 2025

She frequently speaks on panels about female empowerment and is a member of the Writers Guild of America, Women in Film, and the UCLA Alumni Association.

Leslie lives in Southern California with her husband and two sons.

Memorable Moments from the Episode

On family dynamics

“Sisters can argue, tease each other, and still know that the bond between them will always be there.”

On storytelling

“Fiction can help people see themselves in the characters and feel less alone.”

On life’s unexpected paths

“You never know where your life is going to end up.”

Leslie’s Advice to Her 20-Something Self

“Keep writing, follow your passion, and take more risks. Even if you fail, you might succeed.”

Connect with Leslie A. Rasmussen

Website
https://www.lesliearasmussen.com

283. Sisters, Secrets, and the Stories That Shape Us with Leslie A. Rasmussen