The Stories That Shape Us: A Son Reflects on Love, Loss, and a Larger-Than-Life Mother

Through vivid memories, family lore, and reflections shaped by time and loss, David paints a portrait of a woman who lived in imagination, defied convention, and used storytelling as both shield and superpower.

This episode is a masterclass in how the people who raise us—flawed, brilliant, human—leave lasting imprints on who we become.

David L. Robbins is the best-selling author of THE WAR OF THE RATS, LAST CITADEL, and LIBERATION ROAD — all focused on WWII events. Both of David’s parents were WWII Veterans. His mother was a WAC and his father survived the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The creator of The Mighty Pen Project, an intensive writing program for Virginia's military veterans and their families, in partnership with the Virginia War Memorial.

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

[01:10] Introduction: David L. Robbins

[03:04] Inherited traits

[04:17] Earliest memory

[05:25] Unbridled creativity

[06:53] The dark side

[09:03] Finding love at Pearl Harbor

[11:46] Go talk to them

[14:16] A love of children

[15:34] ... and gambling

[18:08] Sayings on sticky notes

[19:46] Bus trips to Atlantic City

[21:48] Courage in another's trouble