Mother Loss, Memory, and Meaning with Kathryn Bertine

Kathryn shares the complexity of grief—from the unexpected moments of humor to the profound sense of peace that can accompany loss.

This episode is a powerful reminder that grief is not linear, not uniform—and never something to navigate alone.

Kathryn Bertine is an author of several books, a former professional athlete, an activist, and a documentary filmmaker. Kathryn played an instrumental role in getting women into the Tour de France. Today’s eight-day Tour de France Femmes stems from her activism and you can read or listen to the wild, true story of what really happens when we fight for change in her book, STAND.

KATHRYN BERTINE

Website: https://www.kathrynbertine.com

Instagram: @kathryn_bertine

KARA KAVENSKY

Website: Kara Kavensky

Visit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.

Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass

Produced by Marilou Marosz

Original music written and performed by Adam W. Gibson

TIMESTAMPS

[01:10] Introduction: Kathryn Bertine

[03:27] Tell me her name

[04:57] Shared athleticism

[06:23] Smoking and a benevolent white lie

[12:05] Caring for aging parents

[14:15] Coping with loss

[18:15] A very special keepsake

[19:49] Kathryn's advice

Now an author, the Living Colour drummer speaks about his mother, Annie Mae Baker Calhoun

Will Calhoun’s artistry spans more than three decades as one of the world’s best drummers—and he credits his mom’s heartbeat (his earliest memory) for introducing him to life’s cadence.

From Harry Belafonte to Living Colour, Will’s music career is one of diversity, curiosity, and exploration. A full interview with Will is part of Season 4 of “Record Scratch with Kara” and will air later this summer.

WILL CALHOUN

Website - WillCalhoun.com

Instagram - @willcalhoundrum

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willcalhounmusic/#

KARA KAVENSKY

Website: Kara Kavensky

Visit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.

Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass

Produced by Marilou Marosz

Original music written and performed by Adam W. Gibson

TIMESTAMPS

[01:10] Introduction: Will Calhoun

[02:28] Education, self-reliance, and spirituality

[04:44] Helping others

[06:08] An open and honest relationship

[08:25] Annie Mae Calhoun Way

[10:08] The center of the neighborhood

[12:19] It's not your time

[14:11] Harry Belafonte and The Grammy Awards

[15:48] Honoring Mom

Let the Words Fall Out: A Story of Trauma, Survival, and Grace

*Content Warning* Domestic violence is discussed.

Mesa Fama shares the complicated, often painful terrain of motherhood—both as a daughter and as a mother herself.

Mesa shares her earliest memories of her mother, shaped by domestic violence and instability, and the profound impact those experiences had on her life. Through honesty and vulnerability, she reflects on cycles of trauma, addiction, and abuse—and the moment she chose to break free.

Mesa Fama is a writer whose lovely words are found in the New York Times, The Mighty, and Medium. She is a reader, keeper of secrets, scars, and stars.

MESA FAMA

Website – mesafama.com

Substack: @mesafama Let The Words Fall Out

Instagram: @mesa.fama

KARA KAVENSKY

Website: Kara Kavensky

Visit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.

Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass

Produced by Marilou Marosz

Original music written and performed by Adam W. Gibson

TIMESTAMPS

[01:21] Introduction: Mesa Fama

[02:52] Instilling a love of reading and writing

[03:54] Breaking the cycle of abuse and addiction

[04:57] Seeing her own worth

[07:29] I'm sorry. Thank you.

[09:20] The past and parenting

[11:03] Forgiveness and grace

[13:51] Mother's Day