What do meeting a serial killer and befriending Rosa Parks have in common?

For Scott Wells, they’re both chapters in one extraordinary life.

On this episode of Living OUT Loud, I sit down with author Scott Wells for a conversation that went places I never expected.

Scott takes us back to a chilling encounter with a man he would later believe was serial killer Robert Durst, an experience that ultimately helped inspire his novel Phantom Ranch.

But then there’s another remarkable chapter of Scott’s life.

Years earlier, while serving his mission, Scott met and befriended the legendary Rosa Parks. Yes, that Rosa Parks. And hearing him talk about the woman behind the history books, and the impact she had on him personally, is something I won't soon forget.

But this conversation is about more than the famous people Scott has crossed paths with.

We talk about being gay, faith and identity, family, belonging, the stories we carry, the wild places that call us back to ourselves, and why certain encounters can change the trajectory of our lives forever.

Some people have a story.

Scott Wells seems to have lived several of them.

This is one of those Living OUT Loud conversations that reminds us that we never really know which person, moment, or unexpected turn will become part of the story of who we eventually become.

🎙️ Living OUT Loud with Michele Flamer-Powell
Guest: Scott Wells, author of Phantom Ranch

Takeaways

• Embracing personal truth
• The impact of formative experiences. Coming out is a lifelong journey
• Writing can facilitate self-expression

https://www.scottwellsauthor.com/

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Scott Wells
• 02:53 Scott's Early Life and Mission
• 05:49 Life-Changing Encounters
• 12:30 Reflections on Rosa Parks
• 17:50 Coming to Terms with Identity
• 24:36 Navigating Relationships and Regrets
• 32:17 The Journey of Coming Out
• 35:44 The Experience of Writing a Book
• 46:08 The Grand Canyon: A Magical Place
• 51:50 Living Out Loud: Embracing Authenticity