In speaking with my two guests, they shared stories of the three generations of writers in the family including, Irene’s mother, Wilma, followed by my guest, Irene and her son Brendan. Brendan is an award winning graphic novel/picture book author and acquiring editor at Blackstone Publishing where he also runs the TV and Film Division even made notice of having his maternal grandmothers published books on his desk.
Brendan shares that he was always supported and encouraged by his family with his passion for comic books which he started writing and drawing caricatures at a young age.
In time, Irene expressed “that the family was moving in a different direction and the divorce was almost inevitable.” Irene continues, “I’m highly emotionally intelligent and I finally found my tribe. I found people who spoke my language.” This all occurred once she went back to school for her Masters Degree in Counseling, and later on became a social worker.
Brendan raves about his childhood as a latch key kid. He loved growing up in Connecticut. And now as a father, he appreciates even more what it takes for parents to raise their children. And now he’s learned even more about what his mother was going through raising the four Deneen children.
Both Irene and Brendan claim to be emotionally intelligent-they are very good at listening to others, which Brendan feels that “not many people listen to one another these days.” Brendan has always been there for his mom as a sounding board. Irene says ” Brendan was my listening post.” When she needed to talk, she call Brendan.They have a special bond for sure. They respect one another.
Irene Deneen Murray: Irene Deneen Murray grew up in the 50’s, an era when a woman could be a nurse, teacher or secretary. She chose teacher because it pleased her mother. In truth the first half of her life was devoted to taking care of or pleasing her mother. At age 50 having raised 4 kids in a Hollywood -worthy suburb, Irene became a divorcee and learned to love being more adventurous than she had previously ever imagined. By then she was working as a social worker having recently earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Irene loves the natural world and has been a devoted hiker and later a biker, paddler and pretty consistently a practitioner of Yoga. She continues these pastimes presently sometimes to the chagrin of her children since they may picture her falling off a cliff, rolling over in her kayak or some other catastrophe. Her children and grandchildren are her greatest achievement. She is a good observer and has insight galore but is sometimes amazed at how each of her children has developed so uniquely.
Brendan Deneen is the author of the novelsThe Ninth Circle andThe Chrysalis, as well as the bestselling four-volume Night Night, Groot picture book series for Marvel/Disney. He’s also the author of the middle-grade graphic novelGreen Arrow: Stranded for DC Comics; the novels Morbius: Blood Ties and Guardians of the Galaxy: Annihilation:Conquest from Marvel/Titan, and Alien: Uncivil War from 20th Century Studios/Titan. His other graphic novel work includes multiple volumes of Flash Gordon, an original Island of Misfit Toys book, and the original graphic novel Scatterbrain.
In addition to his writing, Brendan has been working in the publishing and film/TV industries for twenty-five years, including development jobs with Scott Rudin Productions and Miramax, as well as editorial and book-to-film jobs with St. Martin’s Press and Tor Books. He currently works at Blackstone Publishing, where he’s an acquiring editor in addition to running the company’s film/TV division, which he created, and where he has dozens of literary projects set up at movie studios, streamers, and networks. His short stories and essays have been published by St. Martin’s Press, Reader’s Digest Books, 13Thirty Press, and Necro Publications.
Brendan Deneen’s Written Works:
NOVELS
The Ninth Circle
The Chrysalis
Morbius: Blood Ties
Guardians of the Galaxy: Annihilation-
-Conquest
Alien: Uncivil War
Tracer
GRAPHIC NOVELS
Scatterbrain
Flash Gordon: The Mercy Wars
Flash Gordon: Invasion of the Red Sword Flash Gordon: The Vengeance of Ming
The Island of Misfit Toys Green Arrow: Stranded
PICTURE BOOKS
Night Night, Groot
First Day of Groot!
Snow Day for Groot!
Summer Adventure for Groot!
“Should Have Listened To My Mother” is an ongoing conversation about mothers/female role models and the roles they play in our lives. Jackie’s guests are open and honest and answer the question, are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother and so much more. You’ll be amazed at what the responses are.
Gina Kunadian wrote this 5 Star review on Apple Podcast:
SHLTMM TESTIMONIAL GINA KUNADIAN JUNE 18, 2024
“A Heartfelt and Insightful Exploration of Maternal Love”
Jackie Tantillo’s “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast is a treasure and it’s clear why it’s a 2023 People’s Choice Podcast Award Nominee. This show delves into the profound impact mother and maternal role models have on our lives through personal stories and reflections.
Each episode offers a chance to learn how different individuals have been shaped by their mothers’ actions and words. Jackie skillfully guides these conversations, revealing why guests with similar backgrounds have forged different paths.
This podcast is a collection of timeless stories that highlight the powerful role of maternal figures in our society. Whether your mother influenced you positively or you thrived despite challenges, this show resonates deeply.
I highly recommend “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast for its insightful, heartfelt and enriching content.
Gina Kunadian
“Should Have Listened To My Mother” would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In 2018/2019, in getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal stories of their relationship with their mother, for better or worse and what they learned from that maternal relationship.
Some of my guests include Nationally and Internationally recognized authors, Journalists, Columbia University Professors, Health Practitioners, Scientists, Artists, Attorneys, Baritone Singer, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist, Activists, Freighter Sea Captain, Film Production Manager, Professor of Writing Montclair State University, Attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist, Property Manager, Chefs, Self Help Advocates, therapists and so many more talented and insightful women and men.
Jackie has worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. She has interviewed many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.
A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created the logo for “Should Have Listened To My Mother”.
Check out our website for more background information: https://www.jackietantillo.com/
Or more demos of what’s to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantillo
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