Fostering Change Podcast | Episode 284 | Jennifer Griffith

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

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.

Connect with Jennifer

Website: https://byjennifergriffith.com/

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📩 Have thoughts or questions? Reach out at fosteringchange@comfortcases.org —we’d love to hear from you!