On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Jennifer Griffith, author of Both Sides of Then: Finding Love After Abandonment and host of the About Your Mother podcast.
This conversation centers on a deeply personal and universal question: how much of who we become is shaped by the relationship we have—or don’t have—with our mother?
Jennifer’s memoir explores abandonment, generational trauma, and the search for understanding and connection. While her story is not rooted in foster care, the themes resonate deeply. Many children in foster care experience separation from their biological parents, particularly their mothers, making this conversation especially relevant to identity, belonging, and emotional development.
Together, Rob and Jennifer explore how early relationships shape us, how patterns are passed down, and how telling the truth about our stories can open the door to healing and transformation.
Episode Highlights
How maternal relationships influence identity and self-worth
The lasting emotional impact of abandonment and separation
Understanding and breaking cycles of generational trauma
Why storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing
How these themes connect to the experiences of youth in foster care
About the Guest
Jennifer Griffith is an author, speaker, and host of the About Your Mother podcast, where she explores the stories that shape identity and relationships. Her debut memoir, Both Sides of Then: Finding Love After Abandonment, examines generational trauma, resilience, and the lasting influence of family history. Through her work, she encourages others to better understand their past and find meaning in the connections that define them.
Key Questions from This Episode
What did writing your story teach you about understanding where we come from?
Why is the “mother story” such a powerful lens for identity?
What does healing look like when relationships are complicated or absent?
How do early experiences of separation shape a child’s sense of self?
Where does healing begin for someone carrying a difficult family story?
Connect with Jennifer
🌐 Website: https://byjennifergriffith.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byjennifergriffith/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byjennifergriffith/
Closing Thought
Understanding where we come from doesn’t always give us easy answers — but it can give us clarity. And sometimes, that clarity is the first step toward healing, growth, and a different path forward.
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