ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Gwenda, short for Gwendoline, convinced her father to let her go into the circus as long as she got an official job or "booking." She did not want to get a traditional job such as working in the postal service, as her father had dreamed she'd do.
Gwenda and her mother were very very close but unfortunately her mother died way too early.
In spite of her parents, Gwenda became a Catholic. She fell in love with Stephen's father who was Italian and catholic.Well he had already abandoned the Catholic church by the time they met, but she was certain she could convince this enthusiastic atheist to come back to the church. And she was a success on both fronts.
Stephen did not enjoy his experience being raised in the Catholic church and schools. As a young boy Stephen struggles with anxiety, stealing from local vendors, fights and more.
Gwenda was a storyteller and that's one of manny gifts she gave to Stephen. Years later when Stephen was teaching Mindfulness lessons she came to some of his teachings.
Stephen left home in order to find himself. This journey had experiences of exploring Catholicism, Marxism, drugs, Buddhism, Mindfulness, compassion and more.
Years later while raising her children, Gwenda used the expression "never mind" when Stephen would come to her hurt or upset. She was say "never mind" and offer a smile and have them move on. Stephen was looking for more than that from his mother.
My guest trained as a Buddhist Monk in the Tibetan tradition for eight years. To this day he still uses and teaches his practice and he enjoys applying his practice to real life situations and can help others without them knowing it's a Buddhist technique.
I was looking for something but more importantly I was leaving behind stuff, everything," Stephen explains. Stephen asked his mother years later, why she hadn't protected him more from his father when he was younger . "She was angry at me for asking that, she was angry at herself. She thought she'd done what she could. She was protecting herself as well."
After reading Stephan's first draft of his book, "The Novice, Why I Became a Buddhist Monk", Gwenda said "Don't you think it would have been nice if we'd listened to you a little more when you were young?" Stephen got very emotional. Their relationship changed so much for the better after that. She was acknowledging that they could have done more. That was what I wanted to hear.
Gwenda had a big heart.
Bio:
Stephen has a fascinating story that could offer a unique perspective. His journey, shaped by both his mother and his unconventional upbringing, has deeply influenced his life and work. Growing up in a challenging environment, Stephen learned lessons from his family and from overcoming obstacles, which he now shares through his coaching and mindfulness framework. His story isn’t just about overcoming adversity but also about the lessons learned along the way, including how his relationship with his family, especially his mother, shaped his journey to becoming a Buddhist monk and later a TEDx speaker.
I believe his experiences of both struggling with and learning from his upbringing would provide a heartfelt and insightful conversation for your listeners, touching on themes of resilience, personal growth, and how those early life lessons shaped the person he is today.
BOOKS:
The Novice-Why I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit & What I Learned By Stephen Schettini
It Begins Silence-the art of mindful reflection-Al Practical Guide to Meditation based on the teachings of the
Historical Buddha By Stephen Schettini
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the.innermonk/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/stephen.schettini.3/
LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/schettini
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theinnermonk
X: Stephen Schettini
WEBSITE: THEINNERMONK.COM (https://schettini.com/)
"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/
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