Smith is known as a drummer and vocalist for several alternative rock bands, including Blake Babies, Antenna, Mysteries of Life, Some Girls and Sunshine Boys.
[1] She is the author of Red Velvet Underground, a memoir and cookbook published in 2015 [2] and of I Quit Everything, "an account of one woman's quest to shed addictive substances and behaviors in her life - which dares to ask if we're really better off without them.
"[3] Smith attended Indiana University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in general studies.
She also earned a Master of Arts degree from Nottingham Trent University in creative writing.
Smith was a lecturer and undergraduate advisor for the Northwestern University Department of Radio/Television/Film until 2022.