Bitter, Sweet: Forgiveness, Distance, and Understanding a Complicated Mother

*CONTENT WARNING* Stephanie Weaver’s memoir deals with child sexual abuse and incest.

Author Stephanie Weaver explores the deeply layered experience of loving—and losing—a complicated mother.

Drawing from her memoir BITTER, SWEET, Stephanie shares the story of her relationship with her mother, a woman shaped by generational trauma, emotional distance, and unspoken pain. Despite years of estrangement and unresolved conflict, Stephanie was surprised by the depth of her grief when her mother passed.

A full interview with Stephanie is part of Season 4 of “Record Scratch with Kara” and will air later this summer.

Stephanie Weaver helps individuals and organizations unlock their most powerful narratives. Her work bridges personal healing, professional development, and social advocacy. Stephanie stepped into the memoir space with her release of BITTER, SWEET.

Learn more about ho'oponopono.

STEPHANIE WEAVER

Website - StephanieWeaver.com

Instagram - @sweavermph

KARA KAVENSKY

Website: Kara Kavensky

Visit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.

Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass

Produced by Marilou Marosz

Original music written and performed by Adam W. Gibson

TIMESTAMPS

[01:24] Introduction: Stephanie Weaver

[02:51] Reluctant to discuss the past

[05:21] The role of victim

[07:10] A four-dollar yogurt

[08:11] Healing from exposure to narcissism

[10:00] An ancient practice: ho'oponopono

[11:30] Imagining what could have been