1. My Biological Mom Did What Was Best For Both of Us with Guest Author Edward di Gangi 28:55

Set in the 1940s, as America emerged from the Great Depression and went to war,  Ed’s memoir, The Gift Best Given, recounts the search for his family and tells the story of a young woman’s courage as she overcame obstacles to achieve her dreams.  Ed’s biological mother’s name was Genevieve Knorowski and she was an aspiring professional ice skater. She left home at the age of 17 and traveled by train to Vancouver, Canada to begin her career,

Unexpectedly, Genevieve found herself pregnant at 23 with no significant partner by her side. She, along with her older sister and brother in law, kept this personal secret from the rest of the family, including her parents. At the time, Genevieve was a celebrity performer in the ice skating spectaculars  of the 1940’s and 50’s. 

The story unfolds so nicely in Ed’s book, but he’s sure it wasn’t as easy as that for Genevieve. As we were having our conversation, Ed mentioned that he’s already started writing a sequel.

I must make note that, Nina Di Gangi, Ed’s adoptive mom, was very loving and caring and went to great lengths to follow through with Genevieve’s wishes and desires for the best outcome for her son. And to this day, he still calls his adoptive mom,  “mom.” And it’s astonishing, the similarities between the two mothers. The coincidences/similarities in their likes and characteristics is profound.

It’s truly a remarkable story, that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

The Gift Best Given , a memoir, is now available online as well as on Ed’s website. All information is below.

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Jackie Tantillo loves being on both sides of the microphone –as Voice Over Artist and Producer/Engineer and in front of the camera as an On Camera Talent. She has been featured in National and International On Camera and Voice Over Commercials and Industrials. Over the years, she has mentored students with an interest in production and broadcasting and has volunteered with elementary school aged children in theatre production. Jackie is able to draw from her many years as a spokesperson and radio talent to bring warmth and insight to her many endeavors, including representative for organizations such as D.A.R.E., March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy and Easter Seals. A mom and the youngest of seven siblings, Italian American born in Rota Spain, Jackie or ‘Juani’ as her family and friends call her, comes from a very close knit family. Her knowledge of conversational French, Italian and Spanish has broadened the scope of her work. She lives in New Jersey and loves spending time with her family in the outdoors and traveling.