BEFORE TURNING TWENTY, MY GUEST EXPERIENCED AND INDULGED IN MORE IN THE LA AREA, THAN MOST  PEOPLE IN A LIFETIME. MUSICIAN, CREATIVE, STORYTELLER AND WRITER, JENNIFER FINCH, WAS REMOVED FROM HER ADOPTIVE MOTHER’S HOME AT 11 YEARS OLD. SHE BECAME ASTUTE AT RUNNING AWAY FROM HOME BY THE AGE OF 13. AND AT 14, SHE GOT INTO DRUGS AND PUNK ROCK. SHE ADORED HER MOTHER WHO STRUGGLED WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUESAND JENNIFER SAYS “IT WAS A TIME WHEN WOMEN WERE PUNISHED FOR EXPLORING OTHER WAYS TO LIVE THEIR LIVES OUTSIDE OF THE NORM.”

JENNIFER FINCH IS THE BASS PLAYER AND VOCALIST IN THE SEMINAL PUNK BAND “L7.”    L7 MADE THEIR TELEVISION NETWORK DEBUT ON THE DAVID LETTERMAN SHOW IN 1992, THEY  HIT THE TOP 10 MUSIC CHART IN THE SAME YEAR. OCTOBER 2, 2025, L7 CELEBRATED THEIR 40TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE BELASCO THEATRE IN LOS ANGELES.

TODAY, WITH DECADES OF LIFE EXPERIENCE UNDER HER BELT,JENNIFER LOVES EXPLORING BIG IDEAS, RECOVERY, HOW TO MAKE CHANGE IN THE WORLD, SELF DEVELOPMENT,ART, SPIRITUALITY AND MORE. 

It's was such a pleasure meeting Jennifer. She"s real and down to earth. She's experienced a lot of life, especially at a young age and today she can look back with acceptance and wise reflection.

My guest was born at the Salvation Army center for Unwed Mothers in Los Angeles. As an adoptee, she has a wonderful perspective on family. She shares "family is built on love and not necessarily anything else." She spent a lot of time as a small baby and young child with other adopted children. Her parents told her that "some babies come from mommy's tummies and some do not. Family is family." Being adopted doesn't define Jennifer. 

Her parents split up after seven years. Her mother was experiencing mental wellness issues, social pressure issues and Jennifer was exposed to extreme behavior. Eventually, Jennifer did find her biological mother and her half sisters. 

"Curiosity, being open minded and humble" are Jennifer's super powers. "Sandy's resentment," Jennifer believes, "actually helped me to become more and have more acceptance and meet people where they're at instead of forcing narratives of how they should behave."

Sandy gave Jennifer many gifts, including the gift of understanding, compassion, the gift of wonderment, life is nuanced and that life isn't always convenient." Throughout her childhood/life she learned the importance of how to maintain friendships and the significance of showing up for other people.

Jennifer has been sober for thirty five years.

FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/jenniferpreciousfinch/
INSTAGRAM: @jenniferfinch
THREADS: @jenniferfinch
LINKEDIN:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinch/
X: @jennifinch
BLUESKY: @jenniferfinch
OTHER:
TIKTOK: private
WEBSITE:www.jenniferfinch.com

SUBSTACK:https://substack.com/@jenniferfinch?utm_source=explore_sidebar

"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-tantillo

Link 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/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