“I am my mother’s only daughter,” explains Bergstein. Both of Rachelle’s parents eventually remarried. Her father has two daughters from a subsequent marriage. And Rachelle’s mom, has remarried twice. Rachelle’s parents were very much in love and married right out of college. At around the age of five years old, her parent’s split up and Rachelle lived with her mother though there was joint custody between her parents. Rachelle admits that they did a pretty good job of not pushing and pulling her into their disagreements up until just prior to her wedding!
Pauline eventually went to graduate school and became a psychologist and Rachelle says “she’ll work into her eighties, she loves it so much.” “She had a lot of drive and intelligence that was sort of sitting somewhere and not used. Eventually she learned how to use it.” says my guest. There were humble beginning after the divorce, but Pauline eventually found her calling and nothing can stop her now.
Getting support from her mom regarding her writing and being able to have honest open conversations was always helpful, yet Pauline didn’t like it “when I dressed sexy. I could pierce my ears, dye my hair, no tattoos till 18. My mother also has a really loud laugh” recalls Rachelle. So loud that Rachelle will sometimes ask her mother to not laugh so loud if they’re out in a restaurant.
Some of Rachelle’s favorite Judy Blume books include, “Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret,” “Blubber,” “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” and so many more. But it was Ms. Blume’s natural writing style that enthralled not only Rachelle but teens and young adults around the world, even today. There was a period in the 1980’s that Judy Blume was one of the most banned author in America. She wrote about somewhat sensitive topics that her audience was looking to learn more about, but not from their parents. Topics such as menstruation, puberty, parental divorce, sexuality, women’s lib/feminism and so much more.
One of many things that Rachelle is grateful for is that her mother was very open about speaking with her about a woman’s body and sexuality.
Again, it was reflective for Rachelle to write this latest book “The Genius of Judy Blume-How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us.” She clearly saw many similarities in both her mother and Ms. Blume’s life. Though the transition of being a young divorcee with children was challenging, once these women hit their stride, they found themselves unstoppable.
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“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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