This is the email Melissa wrote to me after I had asked a little bit about the facts of she and her mother's relationship:Dr. Melissa Bird, "My relationship with my mom was complicated when I was younger. My father committed suicide when I was 6 and it broke my mothers heart. My childhood was chaotic and often violent, and yet my mom loved me the best she could with her shattered heart. I was a rebellious teenager and angry about so many things. It wasn't until 2017 when I was on a retreat in Scotland that I realized that my mom was a broken hearted woman, like so many of us who have had our lives shattered when our partners break our hearts. My mom's loving and compassionate soul is why I am the woman I have become today. Rather than seeing her as weak, as I did when I was younger, I realize that my mom is strong and powerful. She has shown me that even through the largest of heartbreaks, one can still carry on and make one's way in the world. I am the leader I am today because my mom always supported my crazy ideas, my drive to succeed, and even when I tried to push her away, my mom never gave up on loving me. She is one of my best friends and a true hero to me." My mom was adopted and my grandmother shaped who she and I both are. That might be another thread you want to tug at and if we don't have time, I know how fast 30 minutes goes because of my own podcast, that might be a different interview you want to do with her.My name is Dr. Melissa Bird and I am so glad you are here. I am a lay preacher, public speaker, author and podcaster.-I inspire personal understanding through contemplation, help people use their intuition to change their lives and communities, and encourage the healing of grief and loss through spiritual connection.​-I live and work in Corvallis, Oregon where I can often be found drinking Earl Gray tea with heavy cream while reading and waxing poetic about the beauty of life and love.*If you are looking to connect with an amazing and phenomenal human, who loves inspiring change in our lives and our ocmunities, the you are in the right place.*As a facilitator for groups and individuals, I push you to do the hard work, turn towards things that scare you and remind you that humor and love are the keys for transformation.​Melissa is very direct, "I cut right to the chase and challenge you to show up as the VERY BEST version of yourself. Whether it is through a 1:1 divination session or in a group of colleagues or friends, what I am able to do through my teaching gives you the hope you need in a world that feels so challenging and difficult. Socialwww.drmelissabird.com/www.facebook.com/birdgirl1001www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-bird-016640199/https://www.instagram.com/birdgirl1001/https://www.instagram.com/christinavlarsenFollow Melissa's run for Congress at@melissabirdforcongressHere is Melissa's website:https://www.drmelissabird.com/ Here is the link for my book:https://store.bookbaby.com/book/love-notes-and-prayers "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 the SHLTMM Podcast website for more background information: https://www.jackietantillo.com/Or more demos of what's to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantilloLink to website and show notes: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/Or Find SHLTMM Website here: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/Listen wherever you find podcasts: https://www.facebook.com/ShouldHaveListenedToMyMotherhttps://www.facebook.com/jackietantilloInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/shouldhavelistenedtomymother/https://www.instagram.com/jackietantillo7/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-tantillo/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@ShouldHaveListenedToMyMother