Difficult Waters To Navigate with Guest Author Ken Gagne. Looking Back at S3E2

Should Have Listened to My Mother Podcast

My guest grew up in Chicopee, MA, a mill town, textiles/paper, with hard working moms and dads just trying to provide for their families. The large immigrant community was trying to develop new skills while developing new ties with their new neighbors. Ken's father's family was from Quebec, Canada and his mom, Cindy, her family immigrated from Scotland.

There's quite a bit to this story that Ken shared with me and I'm not going to reveal all of it other than saying it was at times very difficult to navigate. When things are left better off not spoken about, that leaves lots of unanswered questions.

Ken was often made to feel that he was the special son, the baby of the family, the youngest boy. His 2 older sisters were always there to help out but Ken definitely got his fair share of attention. However, there were 2 other brothers that Ken tells us about in our interview. It's heartbreaking, yet at times maybe one can understand why the decision was made so many years ago.

One of the hardest challenges for Ken as a young boy, was that he "didn't want to be the cause of any more pain for my parents. I grew up trying to do all the right things. My parents were so forgiving." Yet there was always the underlying feeling that "he and his sisters were born to fill the void left by his brothers."

I thought that this was overwhelming and exhausting for a little boy but Ken "thinks that this gave him a real purpose in life. "I turned myself into a person who always did my best, not a perfectionist. Mom just wanted us to do our best." Ken never cut a class, didn't drink till he was of legal age and never got into trouble because he hoped he was helping his parents.

When Ken started working as a producer for the NBA (National Basketball Association), he basically walked through those doors as a lucky, young ambitious kid. Twenty nine years passed and he walked out as a talented, resolute adult with so many questions to answer. He was determined to write about his life and his family and it's all captured in "You're Gonna Miss Me Some Day."

Robert and David were the answer to lots of those questions. He couldn't turn back time but he has them to thank for giving him clarity and peace.

Hope you enjoy our conversation.

Ken's Website: https://kengagnebooks.com/

BOOKS

You're Gonna Miss Me Someday

Wave Her Home

The Unknowing

Pirates Never Take Turns!

https://www.amazon.com/Ken-Gagne/e/B099TRH83L%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

"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 were 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. My guests and I

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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