She Claimed to be Royalty to Cover up her Tragic Upbringing in a Foundling Hospital with Guest Author and Attorney Justine Cowan

"Dorothy" was the name that the institution assigned to this new born baby girl that had been dropped off at this facility by the unmarried biological mother. At this time, there was unprecedented prejudice against illegitimate children and unwed mothers. This facility was government run and theoretically a highly regarded home for foundlings from the ages of 5 to 12 years old. At which point they were to have trained the children who were not returned to their families, with skills in order for them to be placed in homes as house maids, servants, etc. The environment that shaped Dorothy was brutal. Justine shares stories of her mom's experience of being pushed in the pool and held under the water before she even knew how to swim. Often her mother and other children were locked up in cupboards or closets, in the dark with no food or water for days on end. Physical, emotional and psychological abuse certainly took a toll on this young girls life. One that she never was fully able to recover from.

Justine, shares the stories of her experience growing up in California with her mother and father. Dorothy presented as sophisticated, upper class, a well educated woman. All that Justine knew was that her mother was of British Royalty. My guest grew up taking lessons for this and that, and yet never once met any of her so called "English Royalty" relatives. Her home was absolutely beautiful, the finest of everything imaginable, except perhaps, happiness.

On Justine's journey to retrace her mother's steps and visiting the institution, which now exists as a museum, she was able to see all the letters that her maternal grandmother had been writing on a regular basis, to the institution inquiring about her beautiful baby girl.  In response, the administration would  respond with a non committal letter with very little information.

Dorothy suffered tremendously from the abuse she had  endured all those years. It's so unfortunate that it was kept a secret until after her death.

"The Secret Life of Dorothy Soames" is a brilliant memoir, one of which should help us use this experience in order to help others struggling with emotional and mental illness.

Justine had to distance herself from her mom and all the years of living with someone with mental illness, before she could read her mother's life story. "By reading my grandmother's letters, I realized that there was a trait that my mother had, my mother had and that I have and that's tenacity, " says Cowan proudly. "Plowing through difficulties and not giving up."

Social Media for Justing Cowan:

WEBSITE: https://www.justinecowan.com/

IG:justinecowanauthor

TWITTER: @_JustineCowan

FB: JUSTINE COWAN

"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".

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