Katie talks with Erin Brockovich (yes, that Erin Brockovich), who attributes her doggedness and fearlessness to her mother's  own unwavering determination, wrapped in a lifelong embrace of encouragement, love, and faith.  Erin's childhood memories are of unalloyed happiness and optimism. Betty Jo Pattee, born in Ponca City, Oklahoma,raised Erin and her siblings to see things through, however tough it gets. She was spiritual without belonging to any particular denomination. B.J. was the first to pinpoint her daughter's dyslexia, and became Erin's most ardent champion, determined to let Erin know she was different but far from inferior. <a href='https://katiehafner.com/our-mothers-ourselves-podcast/'>Our Mothers Ourselves</a> is an interview podcast that celebrates extraordinary mothers from all walks of life. Please share the one word that best describes your mother on the <a href='https://katiehafner.com/mother-word-cloud/'>Mother Word Cloud</a>.

Our Mothers Ourselves

Erin Brockovich has her mom, B.J. Pattee, to thank for her "stick-to-itive-ness."

Katie Hafner -- longtime  New York Times reporter and author of "Mother Daughter Me" -- interviews the offspring of one extraordinary mother. The concept is simple. And sometimes simple turns profound.