Noah Kahan Shares the ‘Real Golden Rule’ His Mom Taught Him in New Book — Read an Excerpt! (Exclusive)

**Noah Kahan Reflects on Maternal Wisdom in New Book ‘What I Learned from Mom’**

Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan is among 27 notable contributors to a new anthology titled *What I Learned from Mom: 27 Celebrated Individuals on How Mother’s Wisdom Shaped Their Lives*. The book, co-authored by Jeffrey Dunn and Sherrie Rollins Westin, is set to be released on 31st March by Regalo Press. Alongside Kahan, contributions include well-known figures such as Chelsea Clinton, Al Roker, Cindy Crawford, and Ken Burns.

All proceeds from the sales of this heartfelt collection will be directed to Sesame Workshop, the charitable foundation behind the iconic children’s programme *Sesame Street*. The collaboration aims to highlight the enduring impact of maternal teachings that shape the lives of diverse individuals.

In an excerpt shared with *People*, Kahan offers a glimpse into the invaluable lessons imparted by his mother, Lauri Berkenkamp. One of the central tenets of her wisdom—”You don’t have to like everyone, but you have to be kind”—has significantly influenced Kahan’s worldview. As he grapples with this philosophy, he reflects on its challenging nature, particularly in a world filled with negativity and hostility.

Growing up in small-town New Hampshire, Kahan describes his mother’s steadfast commitment to kindness, which she extended to their family, friends, neighbours, and even strangers. Despite Kahan’s frequent teenage scepticism, his mother remained unwavering in her belief that kindness was a crucial virtue.

Kahan recounts moments of youthful rebellion and frustration, often questioning how everyone could possibly deserve kindness. He presents scenarios that tested his understanding, such as litterbugs and chaotic drivers, illustrating the struggle between wanting to respond to negativity and adhering to his mother’s guiding principle.

Central to Kahan’s narrative is the story of his journey to becoming a musician. He recalls how, even during his “cringeworthy” early days of writing and performing, his mother supported him without reservation. Her patience and encouragement, he notes, were instrumental in nurturing his dreams.

“I would not blame my mum if she thought I was never going to be a rock star,” Kahan reflects. “But she never swatted my dream away.” Her ability to withstand the noise and chaos of Kahan’s budding musical ambitions epitomised unwavering support. Even when he struggled with self-doubt, she consistently provided a foundation of encouragement and belief.

Kahan’s musical journey was also marked by numerous open mic nights in their quiet town, where his mother would quietly support him through the ups and downs of live performances. The effort she put into attending these events, combined with her gentle encouragement, proved invaluable as he confronted the challenges of the music industry.

While reminiscing about these formative experiences, Kahan acknowledges that it was only after achieving success that he truly appreciated his mother’s kindness. The encouragement she provided continued to resonate throughout his artistic journey, serving as a reminder that belief in oneself can flourish in the warmth of unconditional support.

As Kahan prepares to release his fourth studio album, *The Great Divide*, on 24th April, he plans to embark on a sold-out tour, showcasing the culmination of his musical evolution. He credits much of this success to the teachings of his mother, whose love and kindness are ever-present in his work.

In closing, Kahan reiterates a profound lesson from his mother: “Kindness should be shown to the surly stranger on the highway.” He emphasises that kindness is not merely an act of preference; rather, it serves as a fundamental approach to interacting with the world around us, especially in moments of frustration.

*What I Learned from Mom* not only celebrates maternal influence but aims to inspire a broader conversation about the power of kindness in a world that often leans towards division and judgement. As Kahan eloquently claims: “In a world that presents so many opportunities to judge and deny, I remember my mother’s rule. Love you, Mum.”

The book will be available for pre-order and online purchase from 31st March, providing an opportunity for readers to engage with heartfelt stories of maternal wisdom from across various spheres of life.