HOST JACKIE TANTILLO -A Mental Health Journey that Began with Forgiveness With Guest Singer, Voice And Piano Teacher Christen Horne

Christen Horne refers to herself as a nerd, geek and gamer. She's a big fan of reading and loves Star Wars.

As an accomplished singer, she received her Masters in Opera Performance. In addition to the entire family being singers and musicians, archery became a big part of their lives as well.  When Karla, Christen's mother, was in high school she became the California State Champion Archer and the family still enjoys the sport today. 

Having a mom that worked wasn't that unusual for Christen. Her mom had been a paralegal for years after completing her associates degree.  As the three children were growing up, Karla was  leading worship at the local church.  They spent a lot of time at the church. But my guest says she enjoyed it because they were always singing.

Ms. Horne fondly remembers her mom embracing whatever fun activities the kids would be involved in, including  going to water parks and going down the water slides together, playing board games and spending quality time involved with the family. Years ago, Christen was actively involved in her community theatre programs.  She fondly retells the story of  the production of  "Fiddler On The Roof," when her mom and aunt  were  "volun-told' that they  had to play village fathers.  There were no other boys/male actors to play the part.  They still laugh about it today.

Christen considered her mother as being firm yet compassionate when it came to disciplining the three kids.  Homework definitely took the priority especially over video games. Homework wasn't done, no one got  to play. Christen says  "mom was always really good about helping us find the balance in things. Making sure we had time to play  and making sure we got our homework done."  

It wasn't until Christen started to realize  that she often hid her emotions, that she started to recall other instances from her childhood that were clearly  unhappy. She had suffered from depression at a young age that was left undiagnosed. She felt that her mother was embarrassed when Christen showed her true emotions. Horne shared with me that "through my mental health journey, I've gotten more comfortable being more myself around my mom."  Often feeling "this is my fault," Christen often blamed herself and felt that if her mother rejected her, it would be devastating.  It's scary to be a young child and not understand complicated emotional situation.

Working with coaches on a regular basis has helped Christen tremendously. "You pick one hurt, then move on to another," reflects Horne. Through working with her coaches she says her relationship with her mom is so much better and she's very grateful for all the support.

Christen is now working on her fantasy book which features her main character 'Alkara' who's named after mother and who also is an archer. Here is the link.  https://worldofurda.com/

Christen Horne https://lajollamusic.com/christen-horne-voice

https://hornestudio.lpages.co/

https://hornestudio.lpages.co/discover-our-classes/

"Should Have Listened To My Mother" is an ongoing conversation about mothers and the roles they play in our lives. And my guests answer the question, 'are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother'? You'll be amazed at what the responses are.

"Should Have Listened To My Mother" would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal relationships with their mother.

Some of my guests include Baritone Singer Christopheren Nomura, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist Tim Wacker, Activist Kim Miller, Freighter Sea Captain Terry Viscount, Film Production Manager Peg Robinson, Professor of Writing Montclair State University Dr. Bridget Brown, Tammy Steckler, attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter Mark Heingartner, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist, Maryellen Valyo Cole and Roger Evens, Property Manager in New Jersey and so many more talented and insightful women and men.

I've worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. I've interviewed so 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 my logo for "Should Have Listened To My Mother".

Check out my website for more background information: https://www.jackietantillo.com/

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

Find audio versions of the podcast here: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/60j14qCcks4AP3JUrWrc2M

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

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/60j14qCcks4AP3JUrWrc2M

Apple Podcasts

Facebook:

Should have listened to my mother

Jackie Tantillo

Instagram:

Should have listened to my mother

Jackietantillo7

LinkedIn:

Jackie Tantillo

YOUTUBE:

Should have listened to my mother