Samara was born in in Baltimore, MD and lived in Jacksonville, Fla. till she was 25. At that point, Samara moved to Northwest North Carolina.

At a young age, Samara envisioned her life quite differently, especially in the kitchen. This is where the story begins....

"Marilyn didn't talk about her childhood very much because she doesn't have much that's positive to share, continues Samara. "When she was being raised, she was the product of what would be considered an illegitimate relationship. She was treated very much like the black sheep and the role that they found for her in the family was basically as something of a servant. She was always cooking and cleaning up after everybody. And over the years, she says she started making food for the family when she was seven. Over the years, she developed her kraft and honed her techniques and developed an actual love of her process."

My guest says that her mother was a rebellious teenager in the early 1940's. Marilyn's mother, Samara's grandmother, did not have a true presence in her daughter's life.

"To say that she was emotionally unavailable is pretty accurate," reflects Samara about her mom. "Why are you crying, it's not going to bring them back" is what Marilyn would say to her daughter if she was sad and crying about loosing someone."

Samara was drawn to her mom's passion of cooking. At the drop of a hat there'd be anywhere from 10 or more guests for dinner. Unfortunately, Samara would serve as the dish washer and cleaner and not an assistant to the chef.

Samara remembers distinctly her mom prepping food for the holidays. "Her Passover Seders, were the meals that stand out to this day. It was because they were never less than an elaborate affair. She'd start cooking days in advance to make the chopped liver and stick it in the fridge and make the Gefilte fish from scratch, you know, it was an ordeal, every year."

Today, the relationship is strained between mother and daughter. Marilyn was a stay at home mom and critically ill throughout Marilyn's life. Mom has been bedridden for five years. Both parents are medical professionals but as Marilyn says, "they both hold their cards very close."

Samara loves her mom. She says "my mom would give you the shirt off her back, she's was always very generous and a bit of a philanthropist." Despite their differences, Samara truly cares about her mom.

Samara's mother is very generous and giving and really a philanthropist with hopes and desires to help others succeed. Despite their differences and challenges in their relationship, Samara truly loves her mother.

Samara's current business -"Brew Naturals." It's all about Elderberries and introducing the local community and retail and online sales to the variety of snacks, honey, beer, treats, etc that she's created. Plus she loves collaborating with local businesses including breweries to a chocolatier, local creamery, etc. Hearing Samara talk about her Elderberry Apple Butter just makes my mouth water.

In Samara's words:

"I am a maker of gourmet elderberry products based in WNC. While nearly everyone familiar with elderberry comes to it by way of health and wellness, I'm endeavoring to change the conversation by highlighting its culinary applications. In this pursuit I have developed recipes using my elderberry syrup and had a number of collaborations with regional businesses from cafes/restaurants, creameries/chocolatiers, and even bars/breweries."

WEBSITE:

https://www.brewnaturals.com

https://www.facebook.com/brewnaturals

https://www.instagram.com/brewnaturals

"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".

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SHLTMM PODCAST:

Link to website and show notes: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/ and https://www.jackietantillo.com/

Or more demos of what's to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantillo

Listen wherever you find podcasts:

https://www.facebook.com/ShouldHaveListenedToMyMother

https://www.facebook.com/jackietantillo

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shouldhavelistenedtomymother/

https://www.instagram.com/jackietantillo7/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-tantillo/

YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/@ShouldHaveListenedToMyMother