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Tue, 20 Jun 2023 - 1h 01min

211 - Life After Trauma with Phillip Harter

I have never told this story in public and I have not told everything that is here, probably ever. I have always felt a pulling to the children and families who are or have been involved in this system, or have suffered in the darkness of our world. I’m going to include a bio that is taken from the first chapter of my book. That first chapter is a letter to my reader and it is the heart of that letter. However, that bio in grounded much more in the recovery years, and I it is important when talking to foster families to talk about the tough stuff that comes first. I have a strong desire to tell the story of healing, but in order to appreciate being saved, it is necessary to recognize the conditions that precipitated the need for it. For these reasons, I have added a much more detailed account of my childhood for consideration.

I know the story that follows is overly dramatic and may at times seem sensational. However, it is important to offer the following disclaimer: as I will mention below, It has been clearly demonstrated first within my own meditation and consideration and later confirmed in my medical and psychological records that my early (Oregon and before) memories have been compromised by intentional manipulation, I also have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. Consequently, my memory of this entire period and even presently has been greatly affected. I have recounted my history as I remember it and as I have pieced it together. It is impossible that any child’s memories not be influenced by the accounts of those around us. This is certainly true in my case. Furthermore, many of the people who surrounded me as I was growing up shared some common traits that make their influence wholly unreliable. However, I have done my very best to apply as much perspective and logic to these recollections as possible; to give an accurate accounting of events as they seem to have taken place. I have intentionally left out points that cannot be substantiated by multiple sources. And as this is a trait I had to devise and develop early just to gain the most basic concept of who I am or where I came from: I am confident that this is as accurate a narrative as I can offer at this time.

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Tue, 30 May 2023 - 1h 08min

210 - Supporting the Supporters with Nikki Hertzler

Nikki Hertzler resides in northern Nevada. She and her husband have lived in several states before settling with their three children in Nevada. Nikki is an elementary teacher and as a speaker, she speaks on the importance of early childhood development as well as on foster care. Her family enjoys participating in their church ministries and being on outdoor adventures. A few years ago, with their biological children on the brink of leaving home, the Hertzlers felt God calling them to foster. Since then, they have been introducing their foster children to the fun of hiking, skiing, and Lake Tahoe.

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Tue, 16 May 2023 - 53min

209 - Autistic Me with Christopher Scott Wyatt

Dr. Christopher Scott Wyatt is an autistic self-advocate and father of two neurodiverse daughters. He earned a doctorate while researching online education for students with autism spectrum disorders. His experiences living with physical and neurological differences shape his parenting. Wyatt consults with schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations on issues of autism, Neurodiversity, and active inclusion. C. S. Wyatt, MFA, PhD autisticme@tameri.com Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/ Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/ https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/ https://twitter.com/autisticme Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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Tue, 09 May 2023 - 49min

208 - Your Trauma is NOT My Trauma with Maccabee Griffin

Imagine the stage is set, the lights are dimmed, and the audience is waiting with bated breath. This is where my journey began - in the theater. I spent over two decades honing my craft, perfecting my skills, and pouring my heart and soul into every performance. But in 2005, I knew it was time to step away from the spotlight and serve something greater than myself. So I joined the US Army and dedicated myself to defending our country for the next 9 1/2 years.

When my military service ended in 2015, I thought my life was set on a different course. I returned to school to get a degree in Supply Chain Management, but fate had other plans. Life brought me back to my passion, but this time with a twist. I found inspiration in tabletop role-playing games, which reignited the fire in my soul.

As I built my portfolio and connected with clients from all over the world, I knew it was time to take my skills to the next level. That's when Beyond the Pen was born. This podcast is my way of bringing characters to life, one way or another. I'm a full-time voice actor, character development coach, and creator, and I'm on a mission to share my love of storytelling with as many people as possible.

So, here I am today, living proof that life is full of surprises. My journey has been a winding path, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Every step has led me to this moment, and I'm excited to see where it takes me next.

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Tue, 11 Apr 2023 - 54min

207 - Complex Trauma with Andrea Hanson

Andrea has worked with clients across the globe who are seeking a deep recalibration from a state of trauma response to a state of self-love, creativity, wholeness, and flow.

Andrea has dedicated years training to become highly specialized and effective in artfully blending a mosaic of techniques from body movement, somatic release, integration, breathwork, psychedelic-assistance, and much more to provide gentle, yet life-changing bespoke intensives for clients who are ready for a big shift.

www.andreahanson.net

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Tue, 28 Mar 2023 - 59min

206 - Walking Out of The Sex Trafficking Industry with Hannah Spanke

Hannah is a passionate advocate for authentic happiness, and sustainable healthy relationships, starting with the one we have with ourselves. She is a Licensed Authentic Tantra Practitioner, Board Certified Clinical Sexologist, and Relationship & Life Coach specializing in helping individuals become their happiest selves through inner & outer work while learning to understand and relate to their partners & family in the best ways possible. She is a trauma-informed practitioner who works with techniques designed to get to the root of the issues. She incorporates astrology, human design, Tibetan Buddhist Tantra, along with other spiritual teachings to ensure the most holistic approach to creating a happy life for herself and her clients. Hannah is not afraid to speak her mind and shares openly about her unorthodox past, as a way to empower others to live a life authentic to THEM, heal from their past, and become educated on how they can avoid unnecessary trauma in the future.

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Tue, 21 Mar 2023 - 53min

205 - Growing Through Unhealthy Adoption with Michelle McGough

Michelle McGough is an adoptee and individual who survived the foster care system as an infant. After being placed with a family she endured constant abuse until she reached adulthood. Left with only the coping mechanisms she developed to survive, she entered the military followed by the private sector before working through the trauma. Once she got to the other side of healing she found new ways to live and thrive that enabled her to find purpose by helping others to heal and grow. Today you can find Michelle on Instagram as ThePracticalCatalyst and on her website: https://www.thepracticalcatalyst.com.

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Tue, 14 Mar 2023 - 1h 09min

204 - Foster and Adoptive Mom Angie Grandt

I am a mom of 2 very different children – in regard to their biology, their needs, their attachment, their experiences. I have worked in the special education field for more than 2 decades intimately hearing, seeing, and feeling parents struggle to connect with their children who have developmental delays.

AngieGrandt@outlook.com

ConnectedParentsWithAngie

I am also a certified mindset coach, and have seen firsthand how, with the right tools and support, real connections are possible. My mission is to guide as many parents as possible toward building strong, connected relationships with their children. I have built a coaching program to provide a whole new level of support for growth that parents raising exceptional, emotionally intense children need. As an adoptive mom and former foster mom, speech pathologist, early interventionist, coach, and autism specialist, I have a wide range of insight to pull from. I’ve been through the trenches both personally and professionally of disability, trauma, behaviors, and loss of hope. I guide parents back to hope, growth, and building a stronger relationship than they ever thought possible.

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Tue, 21 Feb 2023 - 48min

203 - Interracial Adoption with Zachary Daniel

Zachary Daniel is a Midwest native. He comes to Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey to discuss how his adoption experience shaped himself and his family. He graduated with a degree in Nuclear Medicine but eventually founded his own investment firm Digital Edge Wealth Management. He draws his energy from family and friends. Zach recently authored his debut novel, Manifest Destiny.

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https://www.Karenrobinson360.com

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 - 55min

202 - Heal Thrive Dream with Karen Robinson, LCSW

Karen Robinson, MSW, ACSW, LCSW

Trauma Recovery Expert

I'm a licensed therapist with 24 years of clinical experience specializing in trauma recovery, anxiety, and depression. I provide holistic care to create transformation and healing for trauma survivors.

https://www.healthrivedream.com/

Heal Thrive Dream Podcast

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Tue, 27 Dec 2022 - 45min

201 - Foster Care to Prison to Redemption with Steven Snook

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 - 56min

200 - Digital Detox with Molly DeFrank

I’m a former politico-turned stay-at-home mom. I married my college sweetheart and a week later began working for an actor-turned-Governator.

After a few years, I put that life on hold to raise several amazing tiny people. I assumed stay-at-home mom life would prove easier than the fast pace and stress of the working world. Nope. But I wouldn’t trade the time spent loving and pouring into my precious humans for anything.

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A Place to call Home - the book

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 - 56min

199 - Advocating for Foster Youth with Shalamar Parrish

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 - 40min

198 - A Place to all Home with David Ambroz

David Ambroz is a national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate. President Obama recognized him as an American Champion of Change. He currently serves as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon, coordinating with non-profits and community leaders for social good. Previously he led Corporate Social Responsibility for Walt Disney Television and served as the Los Angeles City Planning Commission's President and a California Child Welfare Councilmember. After growing up homeless and in foster care, he graduated from Vassar and later from UCLA School of Law (J.D.). He is a foster dad and lives in Los Angeles, CA.

David's Website

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Tue, 29 Nov 2022 - 49min

197 - A Foster Care Journey with Darren and Theresa Carter

Darren W Carter and Theresa Carter join us in this episode to talk about their lives, struggles, and joys through the lens of being foster parents. They are both strong parents and business owners located in Cleveland, Ohio.

We talked all about bio kids, adopted kids, foster kids, and godchildren. We dove into tough questions about learning to guard your heart and working diligently to help bio parents get their lives on track so they can care for their own kids.

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 - 45min

196 - This Is Me I Am Adopted with Fiona Myles

This is me Fiona Myles, born in the mid-60s. I’m married to the amazing Brian a gorgeous redhead. We have one daughter Georgie and a son Connor. Manchester has been our home for the past 18 years, a fabulous metropolis full of energy and history. I started writing and telling stories from a fairly young age. My Mum bought me a typewriter when I was eight or nine years old. I battered away at that little typewriter day in and day out. Life moved on and the typewriter was laid to rest. Fast forward 45 years and the laptop becomes my new typewriter. My passion as an author and blogger was reignited with a strong desire to bring hope in an awful period of time called “Lockdown.” Visit the website HERE

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 - 59min

195 - Understanding Attachment in Foster Care with Sarah Salisott

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 - 1h 14min

194 - Faith Finds Hope Through Adoption with Faith Ehiozuwa Rebroadcast

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 - 1h 05min

193 - From Foster Kid to a Helping Hero with Patty Waters

Patty Waters enjoys bringing people, ideas, and inspiration together and hopes to form a dialogue that shares a unique perspective from an adopted teenager. Patty and her 3 siblings were adopted by the Waters family at the age of 13 and grew up in Austin, Texas. Patty and her siblings were in the foster care system for 5 years. She earned her Masters in Healthcare Administration and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Houston – Clear Lake and currently works as a Healthcare Management Recruiter. Patty has high hopes to encourage and empower current and former foster care youth to pursue their dreams by sharing her story and is grateful to have the opportunity to be a CASA volunteer.

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Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 - 1h 03min

192 - A Memoir of Courage and Hope with Carmen Maria Navarro

Carmen María is a stepmom of four, a biological mom of two, and a foster mom of a few children who she loves, sometimes at a distance. With her memoir, Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope, she endeavors to bring awareness to the issues surrounding the foster care system and share her passion for protecting vulnerable youth.

Carmen Maria's Website

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Tue, 18 Oct 2022 - 1h 02min

191 - TBI In Foster Care and Adoption with Dr Jen Blanchette

I help brain injury survivors find the tools and support they need to LIVE again. I have over 10 years of training and experience in brain injury therapy and neuropsychological testing. My superpower is curiosity, out-of-the-box thinking, and a huge heart for people who are trying to rebuild their lives after an accident or illness.

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Tue, 11 Oct 2022 - 42min

190 - Kyle Maurer's Adoption Story

Kyle is a father of 6 kids through adoption and we dive into his story today.

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Tue, 04 Oct 2022 - 1h 02min

189 - Traveling Different with Dawn Barclay

Dawn M. Barclay is an award-winning author who has spent a career working in different aspects of the travel industry. She started as an agent with her parents’ firms, Barclay Travel Ltd and Barclay International Group Short-Term Apartment Rentals, and then branched out into travel trade reporting with senior or contributing editor positions at Travel Agent Magazine, Travel Life, Travel Market Report, and most recently, Insider Travel Report. She is a mother of two and resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley. She also writes fiction as D.M. Barr and holds leadership roles in several writer organizations

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https://www.eileendevine.com/

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 - 51min

188 - The Resilience Room with Eileen Devine

Eileen Devine, LCSW lives in Portland, Oregon, and has over twenty years of clinical experience. She is also the mother of a teenager with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, a serious brain-based disability that has challenging behavioral symptoms. She believes that when we understand the way a child's brain works, we then understand the meaning behind challenging behaviors and begin to see them as symptoms of a child’s differences. Eileen's goal is to not only support parents in feeling more competent and confident in connecting with their child by parenting from a brain-first perspective but to also recognize their experience as the parent of a child with extraordinary needs and the impact this has on their sense of self and well-being. When these two sides of the coin can be equally addressed, there is less frustration and increased hope in this unique parenting journey. Through this work with parents, Eileen has created The Resilience Room Membership Community and the Brain First Parenting Program, both designed to support parents in their unique parenting journey. In addition to her one-to-one and group work with parents, she also facilitates dozens of workshops and trainings a year and is an instructor for the C.A.S.E. Institute’s Training for Adoption Competency Post-Masters Certification Program.

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Tue, 20 Sep 2022 - 57min

187 - Sex Trafficking with Stephanie Olson

Stephanie Olson is a speaker, an author, and the Chief Executive Officer of The Set Me Free Project, a prevention education organization on human trafficking, social media safety, and healthy relationships. Stephanie has a mission to share that each person has an intrinsic value that cannot be changed. Her work on teaching resilience in life and leadership has inspired people across the United States. In her conversational and humorous style, Stephanie will inspire and empower. Living with years of parent abandonment, eating disorders, alcoholism, and domestic and sexual violence, she overcame through determination, faith, and resilience. She turned her trauma into triumph.

Now, a sought-after speaker, Stephanie runs a successful nonprofit organization and loves to speak to audiences of all kinds (faith-based and non) inspiring, encouraging, and bringing hope everywhere she speaks.

Website

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https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/resilience-in-life-and-leadership/id1588808625

Books

https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Passing-What-Are-Waiting/dp/099145491X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=309YPDGD2O7I8&keywords=stephanie+olson&qid=1662929030&sprefix=stephanie+olson%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1

Email:

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JOIN US ON SEP 18, 2022 at 8pm Central for our first live group chat on zoom RIGHT HERE

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Tue, 13 Sep 2022 - 41min

186 - Finding Help Thru Therapy and Coaching with Carlos Laack LMFT

Carlos Laack is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California. Mr. Laack provides psychotherapy specializing in anxiety, depression, travel mental health, and trauma. He has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from National University and has been practicing for more than ten years. Mr. Laack has personal experience with mental health as he is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In spite of that, he has achieved success in being a psychotherapist and is expanding his private practice to help others with generalized anxiety, bipolar disorder, and travel-related mental health issues.

info@psychforachange.com/

310-896-8078

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Tue, 06 Sep 2022 - 42min

185 - Ugandan Street Kid to Foster Dad with Peter Mutabazi

I am Peter Mutabazi.

And this is my story.

As a child in Uganda, I grew up with shelter, food and clothing scarcity. But more than that, I grew up with safety scarcity. I feared for my life from a father who threatened me, and frequently called me “garbage” and “useless.” Parents are supposed to protect their children. When my father didn’t, I ran away from home to live on the streets in Kampala.

Four years of doing whatever I needed to survive, a young couple:

… saw me

… heard me

… told me I wasn’t alone

… and showed me that I mattered.

They sent me to school. They put a roof over my head. They clothed me. And fed me three meals a day. And allowed me to be a child. So I could grow up to do the same for others.

I decided to do for other children what this one couple did for me.

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Tue, 30 Aug 2022 - 50min

184 - The Foster Care Freakshow with Tess Scott

Tess Scott is a bio-mom, foster mom, and an adoptive mom. You can check out her book and website below!

Tess' book

https://tessscott.com/

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Tue, 23 Aug 2022 - 49min

183 - A Lifetime of Overcoming with CJ Plain

You can find CJ's Youtube channel here

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Tue, 16 Aug 2022 - 1h 05min

182 - An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom with Ed Hajim

At the age of 3, Ed Hajim is kidnapped by his father, driven cross-country, and told his mother is dead. He presses his face against the car window, watches the miles pass and wonders where life will take him.

Where you’d least expect.

In a memoir filled with human drama, wisdom and timeless life lessons, ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED: An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom (Skyhorse; March 2, 2021) tells the improbable story of how Hajim bounced from foster homes to orphanages, in a daily struggle to survive, to living the American dream as an accomplished Wall Street executive and model family man with great moral fiber and the means to give back to a world that seemed intent on rejecting him.

It’s a powerful story touched with family trauma, deprivation, and adversity balanced by a life of hard work and philanthropy.

“While his childhood travails of loneliness, isolation, and poverty would have broken most people, Ed channeled his survival instincts and conquered his inner demons to become a loving family man and a beloved leader of people,” says Raj Echambadi, Dunton family dean at D'Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University.

Hajim served as a senior executive at such firms as E.F. Hutton, Lehman Brothers, Furman Selz and other financial institutions, regularly transforming fledgling operations into profitable growth machines. His life accomplishments were rightfully acknowledged in 2015 with the Horatio Alger Award, given to Americans who exemplify the values of initiative, leadership, and commitment to excellence and who have succeeded despite personal adversity.

On the Road Less Traveled is packed with anecdotes of how Hajim used his ingenuity to achieve his goals and also provides insight into what he learned from some of his life’s defining moments:

“My childhood disadvantages became advantages in later life.” “By living in 15 to 20 different locations, I learned how to adjust to different circumstances, became good at it, and almost looked forward to it; I was not afraid to change.” “Tough situations, hostile and abusive, taught me how to appreciate good times and handle difficult situations with less anxiety.” “My lack of a present family forced me to seek out external mentors and better understand the need for partners/people who cared.” “By being alone, I developed self reliance and was not afraid to be self-directed.” “Being very poor produced a drive for financial independence and appreciation for money.” “Not having control produced a strong drive to seek freedom as a goal.” “Later in life I realized that my childhood seemed to give me a foundation for recognizing the need for balance between self, family, work and community.”

Throughout his career, Hajim was guided by his instincts to know when a situation had run its course. “Sometimes it’s better to sever ties and leave on your own, even if the next step is unknown,” he writes. “That’s often the road less traveled, but it’s so worth the journey.”

The “unknown” also played a major part in Ed’s personal life, when a long-kept secret he couldn’t possibly have imagined was revealed.

Joel Seligman, president emeritus of the University of Rochester, says, “Ed Hajim’s On the Road Less Traveled does full justice to a remarkable life lived by a remarkable man. You will learn much about why one man who began with nothing achieved so much and did so much for so many.”

ED HAJIM, the son of a Syrian immigrant, is a seasoned Wall Street executive with more than 50 years of investment experience. He has held senior management positions with the Capital Group, E.F. Hutton, and Lehman Brothers before becoming chairman and CEO of Furman Selz. Hajim has been the co-chairman of ING Barings, Americas Region; chairman and CEO of ING Aeltus Group and ING Furman Selz Asset Management; and chairman and CEO of MLH Capital. He is now chairman of High Vista, a Boston-based money management company. In 2008, after 20 years as a trustee of the University of Rochester, Hajim began an eight-year tenure as chairman of the university’s board. Upon assuming that office he gave the school $30 million—the largest single donation in its history—to support scholarships and endow the Edmund A. Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Through the Hajim Family Foundation, he has made generous donations to organizations that promote education, health care, arts, culture, and conservation. In 2015, he received the Horatio Alger Award, given to Americans who exemplify the values of initiative, leadership, and commitment to excellence and who have succeeded despite personal adversities.

You can find his book HERE

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Tue, 09 Aug 2022 - 1h 02min

181 - Releasing Adoption Trauma with Ann Hince

I am just like many other people. Just like you perhaps? I had a childhood with plenty of trauma and dysfunction. I had PTSD into my 30s, the result of two alcoholic parents. I became a software engineer because it was so comforting to know that logic could work in part of my life, even though it never seemed to work in my chaotic life as a child. In my 30s and 40s I was afforded the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom to my two boys. Realizing how traumatized I still was when my boys were young, I set out to become the calm mom I wanted to be. I changed. Things changed. Life changed. I had no idea where I was heading, I just continued to do “my release work” which is what I called it. Nothing felt better, so why not?

And here I am years later, the calm mom I wanted to be (well, most of the time), with powerful brainwaves (see below), with others feeling calm around me, with seemingly magical events happening daily, and with the ability to sense and release tension deep within my body.

My goal is to reach those people who really want inner change, and inner peace, and those who have the desire and will to do the inner work. There are many who do not want to look inside, but if you are someone who does, who really wants change, then it is my pleasure to show you the path.

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Tue, 02 Aug 2022 - 56min

180 - How To Do Adoption Well with Spring Gray

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 - 1h 10min

179 - Trauma and Ramen with Aubren

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Tue, 19 Jul 2022 - 1h 23min

178 - L.I.F.E. Adventures in Adoption with Anna Maria DiDio

Anna Maria DiDio, MSW is an adoptive mother and was inspired to write her memoir, Love at the Border, An Adoption Adventure after her own family journey to Mexico. Now her L.I.F.E.* Adventures children’s books feature stories about adoption, foster care, stepchildren, and all blended families from the point of view of the child. Anna Maria hopes that her books encourage open and honest exploration of what children are thinking and feeling within their own unique families. Anna Maria has a BA in Psychology from Villanova University and an MSW in Family Specialization from the University of Pennsylvania. For over twenty years, Anna Maria DiDio has devoted her time and talents to many non-profit organizations focusing on women, girls, and families globally. She is currently President of Women International Leaders (WIL) of Greater Philadelphia, which provides microfinance loans and empowerment grants to women in under-resourced countries. Anna Maria is at her most creative when she is traveling and experiencing new people, places, and things to eat and then writing about it!

She can be found at home in Philadelphia walking everywhere, swimming laps, reading biographies, or baking chocolate chip cookies. Anna Maria's books can be found on Amazon; travel writing and other essays on The Bean's Talk – her Medium publication. More information can be found on her website AMDiDio.com.

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Tue, 12 Jul 2022 - 55min

177 - Adoptee and Adoptive Stories with ReGina Smithwick

ReGina Smithwick was born in Harlem, NY, raised in Mount Vernon, NY, and Teaneck, NJ. She now resides in Winterville, NC with her three children.

She is the founder of ReGina Smithwick Enterprises LLC, providing Certified Life Coaching. She is also the creator and producer of Let's Talk 1943. In addition, she is a Motivational Speaker and Author of Adoption: The Unknown Blessing. She also publishes many self-help journals, available for purchase on Amazon. Regina attended Virginia State University and received her Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from National University. She is also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

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Tue, 05 Jul 2022 - 1h 01min

176 - Foster Parents Need Community Too with Marcy Pusey

Marcy is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner, speaker, Story Coach, and the best-selling author of books for adults and for children. She does her best writing on retreats with a nearby hot tub, in any castle, or within view of the sea.

Over the last twenty years, Marcy has worked with children, adults, families, and couples through private practices, group homes, foster family agencies, community-based services, wrap-around programs, workshops, trainings, and speaking at conferences. In addition, Marcy has fostered multiple children, in addition to adopting two and birthing two.

Marcy is the best selling, award-winning author of Reclaiming Hope: Overcoming the Challenges of Parenting Foster and Adopted Children, Parenting Children of Trauma: The Foster-Adoption Guide to Understanding Attachment Disorder, Speranza’s Sweater, and many more. Watch her TEDx talks and learn more about her work, writing, and other resources at www.marcypusey.com and www.miramarepontepress.com. Join her free Facebook community called Reclaiming Hope: You are More Than Your Trauma.

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Tue, 28 Jun 2022 - 1h 05min

175 - Neurodiversity in Foster Care with The Mcleod Fam

Eeka McLeod’s journey to building her family began when she made the decision to pursue her dream of adopting a child. After becoming a licensed foster parent while in graduate school, she started welcoming children into her home. Throughout her time fostering, Eeka cared for 18 children and eventually adopted three with disabilities: Eli, Evan and Ella.

The self-described “family of misfits'' has made a name for themselves on social media during the pandemic with unapologetically real, hilarious content that showcases the triumphs and challenges of their daily life. Their devoted fanbase includes 126 million likes and 2.5 million followers on TikTok, over 108,000 followers on Instagram, as well as over 164 million views and over 241,000 subscribers on YouTube. Eeka is passionate about using the family’s platform to advocate for acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Six year-old Evan, who is queer, has become a social media star in her own right thanks to her love of wearing long dresses and colorful hairstyles. Her story has garnered coverage from well-known media outlets including the Today Show, CBS News and Out Magazine to name a few.

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Tue, 21 Jun 2022 - 1h 07min

174 - Daily Struggles inside Foster Care and Adoption with Jilanna Goble

Jillana Goble is a speaker, author, and advocate. She holds a master’s degree in teaching. Together with her husband, Luke, she parents five children ranging in age from preteen to young adult. Jillana is the founder of an unprecedented initiative that has turned into a statewide movement called Every Child Oregon. In 2019, she published No Sugar-Coating, a book with practical suggestions and insight for prospective foster parents. She’s passionate about getting the faith community—as well as the community at large—to link arms with the state’s overburdened child welfare system to uplift vulnerable children in foster care and those who serve them.

Jillana Goble's Website

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Tue, 14 Jun 2022 - 1h 15min

173 - Therapist, Foster and Bio-Mom Carrie Bock LCP-MSHP

Carrie Bock, LPC-MHSP of By The Well Counseling is a Christian Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in helping clients with anxiety and OCD overcome wounding childhood experiences via online counseling across Tennessee. Carrie is the host of the Hope for Anxiety and OCD podcast which is a welcome place for struggling Christians to reduce shame, increase hope, and develop healthier connections with God and others.

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Isaiah 1 17 house

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Tue, 07 Jun 2022 - 1h 11min

172 - Trauma and Faith in Foster Care and Adoption with Kim Peacock

Kim Peacock is the author of Victorious Heart, which details her handling of grief over the loss of her 17-year-old daughter. It also provides insightful advice for those seeking to support and help those who grieve. She has raised six children, residing with her second husband in a log house in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Several years ago, they relocated from the desert of Southern California. She is the CFO of Peacock Engineering, a cemetery construction company that specializes in cemetery improvement and expansion. Through her blog, Wild Victorious Heart, and her book and speaking Kim acts as a grief mentor to others in need. Her blended family includes a step-daughter, a daughter with her current husband, and three adopted children. She also has several grandchildren.

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Tue, 31 May 2022 - 46min

171 - Foster to Adopt with John and Shannon Sorenson

John and Shannon Sorenson faced infertility and became foster parents. After a long journey, they became adoptive parents to a sibling group of brothers and ended up having a biological son. Then the real test came when they faced down the teen years while dealing with a childhood cancer diagnosis.

This is their non-profit: Gabe's Giving Tree

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Tue, 24 May 2022 - 1h 13min

170 - Foster Care in Texas with Drs. Megan and Hailey Arnold

Dr. Hailey Arnold is a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner; however, she is best described as an entrepreneur. Constantly finding solutions to problems, Dr. Arnold spends her days formulating nutritional products and genetic tests for children of all ages. She is married to Dr. Megan. They are both doctors and moms of two toddlers and a beagle. Being moms who are in the foster to adopt world, it was quite a shock! Their two kiddos, who Megan swears are part tornado and part snuggle bug.

Personally, Megan has tried to conceive and was unsuccessful. She has seen the nutrition issues and heartache that result from that process. Hailey is a two-time uterine cancer survivor and has been rebuilt, so to speak, in her remission.

All of these personal experiences contribute to her story and aid in propelling them forward in pursuit of not only personal health but also the health of children and growing families.

She is an active clinician, educator, public speaker, and published author. With a passion for neurosensory differences and autoimmunity, Dr. Arnold has created multiple businesses that allow children to get healthy naturally. She believes long-term health truly starts in childhood, and she seeks to educate children (and their parents) in ways that help them make the best decisions about wellness.

This is her website: https://nutritots.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nutritotsusa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutritotsusa/

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Tue, 17 May 2022 - 55min

169 - Understanding Grief and Trauma with Veronica Bratcher

Veronica earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling She is an independently licensed therapist in three states, including Utah, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. She has been an active member in the adoption and counseling field, working with adults and youth with a specialty in grief, trauma, and behavior challenges. She is an adoptive mother who has experienced first hand the challenges that youth can struggle with and has a personal investment in healing. She is the Clinical Director and program creator for Wildflower Mountain Ranch, a treatment program for early adolescent girls. New author of "Missing Pieces Matter :Understanding Comparative Grief & Trauma, How It Hurts & How to Heal" set for release in Spring 2022 and host of new podcast "The Complicated Adult" podcast unpacking why we do the things we do AND the skills to manage this human roller coaster. www.veronicabratcher.com LinkedIn Facebook Psychology Today Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here

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Tue, 10 May 2022 - 1h 03min

168 - Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption with Rita Sorenon

Rita Soronen is the President & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, which has just commissioned a Harris poll to survey Americans about their attitude towards adoption.

While more than half of adults in the U.S. (67%) agree that every child is adoptable, many remain wary of adopting teenagers.

In fact, only 3% of respondents considered adopting a teenager as their first choice and 30% felt that teens who were not adopted by the time they turned 18 would be just fine on their own. This opinion was reflected at the start of the pandemic when only a few states implemented policies to prevent youth from aging out of the system during the pandemic leaving them to fend for themselves.

Youth who age out of the foster care system without being adopted – around 20,000 a year – are at higher risk for negative outcomes like homelessness, unemployment, early parenthood or incarceration.

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is unique in that it specializes in foster care adoption and provides support for trained adoption professionals dedicated to finding homes for kids who have been in care the longest and are most at risk of aging out.

Here is the complete 2022 U.S. Survey Findings.

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Tue, 03 May 2022 - 56min

167 - Miss Oklahoma's Journey Through Foster Care and Adoption With Morgan Wolf

“Morgan Wolf is Miss Oklahoma for America Strong. Morgan works in veterinary medicine specializing in animal rehab. Going through foster care herself, her mission is to be an advocate for all adoptees and those going through foster care. She was blessed to compete on a national stage in Miss for America Strong in Las Vegas against all 49 states. Morgan has had the opportunity to be a special guest for the grand opening of Tulsa Girls Home, a home for teen girls that have gone through foster care. Sharing her story of success at public schools and being a special guest for events to help spread awareness including, cancer research, autism awareness, controlling the population of stray cats in the Tulsa area, joining a Children’s Hospital parade, and being present for military veteran’s parade. Morgan’s favorite hobby is being cast as Princess Jasmine and Wonder Woman under Storybook Princesses. Doing charity work, birthday parties, and multiple meet and greets. Her favorite quote is, “You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved”

Morgan found out that she was adopted at the age of 23. After diving into a search for her bio family she was able to connect with her bio siblings. Here is her story...

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Tue, 26 Apr 2022 - 54min

166 - This Is Me I Am Adopted with Fiona Myles

This is me Fiona Myles, born in the mid 60s. I'm married to the amazing Brian a gorgeous red head. We have one daughter Georgie and a son Connor. Manchester has been our home for the past 18 years, a fabulous metropolis full of energy and history. I started writing and telling stories from a fairly young age. My Mum bought me a typewriter when I was eight or nine years old. I battered away at that little typewriter day in and day out. Life moved on and the typewriter was laid to rest. Fast forward 45 years and the laptop becomes my new typewriter. My passion as an author and blogger was reignited with a strong desire to bring hope in an awful period of time called "Lockdown." Visit the website HERE Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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Tue, 19 Apr 2022 - 58min

165 - Over 100 Foster Kids in 6 Years with Mr Jay

Mr. Jay is a M.A.T. & Ministry Certified, Professional Relationship Coach, Certified Betrayal Trauma Practitioner, Certified Special Education Teacher, Author, Air Force/Army Veteran, Inspirational/Public Speaker, Activist, Wedding Officiant, Adoptive Parent.

He is also a certified Betrayal Trauma Practitioner. Betrayal Trauma is trauma suffered when a person (on whom you thought you could rely, and deeply trust) breaks or violates that trust. This could be a parent/ spouse/ boss/ sibling/ neighbor/ friend etc. and could be emotional, financial, physical, spiritual, personal, etc. Betrayal trauma is unlike other betrayals due to the fact that it is very personalized/intentional in nature.

Find his coaching services HERE

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Tue, 12 Apr 2022 - 1h 07min

164 - They Took My Baby! with Tina Fumo

Tina is the first-born child of Italian immigrants. Her home growing up was busy, loud, and had the best meals known to mankind. Though Italian was her first language, Tina became an A+ student all through grammar, high school and eventually continued her education at Ryerson in Toronto. She moved west then spent the bulk of her young life in Banff where she became a mom, raised her child, and worked for 30 years. After living for a few years with the 'empty nest' Tina met her future husband and moved to Edmonton. Though not the biological grandfather of Tina's newborn grandchild, her husband bonded with the baby in his own way. Whereas Tina and her daughter experienced an emotional roller coaster of trauma and joy when dealing with MCFD (ministry of child & family development) it was her husband who was the rock throughout it all and made the decision to return to BC to face the social workers in court.

An instinctual pull as old as time - a grandmother wanting to hold her newborn grandchild - pulls readers into an unbelievable ordeal. Author Tina Fumo travels to a small BC town and finds herself in the most stressful situation of her life. The 'authorities' have apprehended her two week old grandbaby and what she and her family go through to get their baby back will absolutely shock you. Her book, Fancy Prison, will surely make you cry. Maybe even laugh. But make no mistake, what you find out, in the end, will make you shake your head and wonder if this is even Canada anymore?

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Tue, 05 Apr 2022 - 43min

163 - Finding Bio Family After Adoption with Navy Commander Theresa Carpenter

Theresa Carpenter is an active-duty Navy Commander where she has served for the past 25 years. Her passions include helping military women succeed and the professional development of the craft of public relations. As an introspective writer, she muses about the human experience for her blog, Theresa’s Tapestries. Tapping into her love of storytelling through the visual medium, she runs a YouTube channel with her husband where they share their experiences with saving money, DIY projects, traveling, and enjoying time together. Her latest endeavor launched last April is her podcast S.O.S (Stories of Service), which features ordinary people from all walks of life who show up in service to their communities. She is also the best-selling co-author of Complicated Alliances, which tells the stories and struggles of women who serve in the military and those married to one who serves. She lives in Norfolk, Virginia with her husband Harry and their Boxer dog Jayda, who also has her own social media presence on Instagram. Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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Justin's Podcast: Rose from Concrete

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 - 59min

162 - Foster Youth Advocate Justin Black

Find them on the web

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Tue, 22 Mar 2022 - 1h 03min

161 - A Seed of Hope for Foster Youth with Chaney Fletcher

Chaney Fletcher's Bio:

Hey there I'm Chaney Fletcher I'm 28 years old, married and I have five biological and two bonus children, one who is an angel. I have lost both of my parents, my father at 12 from brain cancer and my mother at 24 from her alcoholism. I entered foster care at 16 and aged out at 18. My journey hasn't been easy but because of a small seed of hope, I found EMDR therapy. I have worked on healing my trauma and now I can live in the present and enjoy creating my happiness and chasing my dreams. Now I focus on sharing my story of how childhood trauma can affect you even as an adult but that it's also possible to heal and have a life after. It's led me to start my business Fostering New Hope LLC to help others overcome whatever they are facing and create their own happiness as well through Life Empowerment Coaching and writing books.

You can find her book Surviving to Thriving on amazon

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Tue, 15 Mar 2022 - 1h 03min

160 - Empathy and Angst Through Group Homes with Shannon Weatherly

Shannon is a former therapist turned COO, as well as an amateur podcaster. Her career started in child welfare and made a series of twists and turns leading her to where she is today running clinical trials.

Growing up, Shannon always wanted to “help other kids”. As a five year old, she wanted to be a “pediatric surgeon”, but quickly realized she was not good at neither science nor math. Entering college at the University of Georgia, Shannon set out to be a teacher, but was told the “kids would beat her up”, so she finished with a degree in Educational Psychology and went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Counseling.

In 1998, Shannon took her first job at a large group home where she changed job titles 5 times in just as many years. Post group home life, Shannon began to work in the addictions field where she work at local, state and Federal levels making her way to The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Desiring to return home to North Carolina, Shannon left DC in 2014 and has since experienced new found friendships, job loss, a total left turn in her career path, moved too many times, a global pandemic, and started her own podcast, launching February 5, called 126 Days: Stories on Life & Work.

She is the human to a dog named Edie and aunt to two nieces. Her favorite food is cheese and her favorite color is green.

Find Shannon:

IG: @126dayspod

Email: 126DaysInfo@gmail.com

You can find Shannon's podcast page on Instagram.

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Tue, 08 Mar 2022 - 1h 11min

159 - Adopted Twice to Post Traumatic Faith with Jill Riley

Jill has over 30 years of experience as a minister. She has served as both lead pastor and staff pastor over the years as well as been a part of planting three churches. She now works with the Evangelical Covenant Church. As a business consultant and leadership coach, Jill has worked extensively in the areas of leadership development and strategic planning. Jill has first-hand knowledge of issues concerning mental health as she has struggled with mental illness for the majority of her life. She has Complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, and dissociative disorder. A published author and editor, Jill is now a full-time blogger, journalist, and podcaster. She is working and writing to break the stigmas around mental illness and open conversation about mental health in the Church. Her podcast is Post Traumatic Faith.

You can find out what she is all about at www.jillriley.com

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Tue, 01 Mar 2022 - 56min

158 - College Money for Foster and Adoptive Families with Brad Baldridge

Ever wonder about college money for kids who have been in care, are currently in care, or your adopted kids? Brad Baldridge specializes in just this sort of thing!! You can find all about him on his website tamingthehighcostofcollege.com Brad's podcast blog and email can also be found there.

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Tue, 22 Feb 2022 - 1h 04min

157 - Adoption and Trauma with Anastasia Lee

Anastasia Lee volunteers with FundFC.

Check out their website to see how you can help!

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Tue, 15 Feb 2022 - 1h 02min

156 - Foster Care as a Calling with Lindsey

Lindsey and her husband decided at a young age that they felt called to serve as foster parents. She tells of their journey working with older youth in the foster care system.

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Tue, 08 Feb 2022 - 1h 19min

155 - Foster Care from Every Angle with Lily Cory

Lily's story has foster care and adoption at the beginning, middle, and in her future. She is on the board for The Mockingbird Society. Check them out if you are interested in youth advocacy. Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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Mon, 31 Jan 2022 - 1h 14min

154 - 9 Pillars for Success for Foster Parents with Sandi Kwesell

Sandra’s life journey is the result of her brother’s mental health issues that ended in his suicide at the age of eighteen. Sandra was determined to find solutions for other families that her family could not find, and she succeeded! She moves forward with determination and focuses to bring her parenting program to national awareness as she reminds herself and others who are struggling that, “It doesn’t have to be this way.” The Pillars for Success reflects her lifelong search for answers, healing, and balance in relationships that can prevent never-ending challenges and repeated crises that are traumatic for everyone. Sandi on the web: https://www.pillarsforsuccess.com/ People can contact me via email at: info@pillarsforsuccess.com Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation

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https://www.ThinkUnbrokenPodcast.com

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 - 1h 04min

153 - Foster Care Through the Eyes of Michael Unbroken

Michael hosts the Think Unbroken Podcast. His life led him through trauma and a truly unique path through the world of foster care!

His story can help all of us begin to see our world through the lens of healing wounds.

You can find him everywhere online @michaelunbroken

Michael was born to a hyper-abusive drug addict mother who cut his finger off at 4 years old, a step-father you pray you never have, and a racist grandmother that pushed him into an identity crisis. By the time he was 9, his family was in poverty and often homeless all while being a member of the Mormon Church. At twelve, he was adopted by his grandmother and quickly turned to drugs and alcohol to survive the continuing abuse. Despite multiple learning disabilities and not graduating high school on time, Michael found success in Corporate America in his early twenties. However, success only made things worse. Michael found himself morbidly obese, high and drunk daily, and ultimately self-sabotaging everything around him. It was not until finding his inner power through his Mirror Moment and choosing to do whatever it took to work through childhood trauma that his life really began.

Michael Anthony is the author of the best-selling book Think Unbroken and is a coach, mentor, and educator for adult survivors of child abuse. Michaels spends his time helping other survivors get out of "The Vortex" to become the hero of their own story and take their life back. Michael hosts the Think Unbroken podcast, teaches at Think Unbroken Academy and is on a mission to create change in the world.

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https://www.facebook.com/7TimeDad

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 - 46min

152 - Sharing God thru Foster Care with Luke Zitzman

Luke Zitzman is a pilot with the US Coast Guard and a foster dad. He is literally protecting our country from threats, both foreign and domestic! Luke and his wife have had many placements in their home since being stationed at their current duty station in Alabama.

Their relationship with God has played a major role in choosing to take care of children in need.

Living life intentionally is also one of the guiding principles that led them into their foster care story.

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 - 56min

151 - Zoe finds God in Foster Care

Zoe, a 16-year-old girl found herself in a difficult situation trying to be an adult before her time. After a volatile situation in her bio-mom's home, she tried to go it on her own and ended up dealing with all the problems a young girl might find.

She was eventually picked up by the police and placed in foster care where she was introduced to a Christian family. Her journey led her down some much healthier paths that will hopefully lead her to a life that will be amazing!

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 - 47min

150 - Stable Moments Podcast With Rebacca Britt

Today we talked to Rebecca Britt from The Stable Moments Podcast. She found our podcast and wanted to talk to us about our involvement with kids who have experienced trauma and ended up in the foster care system. Her organization, Stable Moments is a mentorship program curriculum utilizing equine-assisted learning and community mentors to achieve life skills for children impacted by early developmental trauma. It was a great opportunity to talk to someone who works toward the same goals as us, from a different angle.

You can find her at stablemoments.com and her podcast at stablemoments.com/podcast or on Spotify or any of the major podcast platforms.

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 - 1h 16min

149 - Tom and Courtney Gilmour's amazing journey.

This episode of Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey was Amanda and I talking with another crazy couple of foster parents. Tom and Courtney Gilmour have an amazing story about coming from foster care and becoming foster parents and how it has shared the heart of their family! We talked about all the things that we hold dear about being a unique family.

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 - 2h 07min

148 - Erin Reader

Erin was adopted as an infant from South Korea. Being raised in Minnesota, she was obviously different from most of the kids around her. However, her family and friends made it an enjoyable childhood. Listen as she tells her story of how adoption has become an opportunity for her and blessed her and her family!

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 - 43min

147 - Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Presents - Regulation, Dis-regulation, and Re-regulation for kids and adults.

Jason and Amanda on a Youtube Live talking about the effects of trauma on adults and the children they are trying to raise. You can see the video on our youtube channel Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 - 38min

146 - Caroline Bailey from Barren to Blessed

Caroline Bailey is from Southwest Missouri. She has worked in child welfare for 18 years. She runs the blog barrentoblessed.com and Facebook Page or Instagram with the same name - barren to blessed. She and her husband fostered for 4 years and adopted 2 children from care. They are that rare family that ended up adopting the only 2 kids placed with them! They also did respite a few times but decided to close their license after the adoption of their daughter. She also writes for adoption. com and has been featured on various blogs and websites.

In this episode, we explore her journey through foster care, adoption and her barrenness that began with an emergency hysterectomy at age 11!

Her personal struggle has given her the ability to help others walk gracefully through their own!

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 - 1h 41min

145 - FMLA - with Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

This is a youtube live with Jason and Amanda where we are discussing the benefit of FMLA surrounding new placements and needed time off of work and the protection it affords with your employer.

This is a benefit that neither one of us knew about and you may not either. As with anything involving the important things in your life, be sure to contact the experts in your life such as an HR Director that can give you the scoop as it pertains to your employer and your employee status.

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 - 15min

144 - Youtubelive - Saying No

This week's show is all about saying no. Always be willing to say no if it is the best thing for the kids! This was the audio from a Youtube live video we tried. I think it is going to be a new weekly feature.

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 - 20min

143 - Trauma and ramen with Aubren Dudley

Aubren Dudley tells the story of trauma and ramen. Her son opens up and tells her the story that inspired millions of views on her Facebook Post and was featured on Good Morning America. Her training and years of service working with at-risk youth in the foster care system told her the story she was hearing was important to listen to. 19 million Facebook users agreed. Listen as she tells the story and discusses the importance of understanding trauma-informed decisions.

https://jasonmpalmer.com

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 - 1h 21min

142 - Case Workers not getting things done quickly enough??

On this Youtube Live, we talked about the struggles of dealing with and being a social worker or case manager. This topic was inspired by a social media post we saw from this week's guest on the big show. Be sure to check it out too. It is called Trauma and Ramen with Aubren Dudley. Be sure to rate and review the podcast on whatever platform you use!

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 - 13min

141 - Youtube Live - Saying No

We are trying something new. We are uploading a video version of these shorter podcasts to youtube on our channel Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey! Let us know what you think!

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 - 28min

140 - Hope for Amy Part 3

In this episode of Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey "Amy" finishes telling her story. She is a rare case of a biological parent with issues that she is willing to talk about. Her riveting story involves overcoming her struggles with drugs. And details her long road back to having a home with her kids. Her openness, honesty, and vulnerability is an amazing opportunity to see foster care from the other side.

Please leave us a rating and review, it helps others be able to find the show!

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 - 38min

139 - IntervIew With Lifestyle Savant

I talked with Mark Savant from the Lifestyle Savant Podcast. We talked about foster care, podcasting, social media and how it affects our ability to get our message out to the masses. It was a great chance to connect with another Dad who is busy changing the world with his mission!

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 - 18min

138 - Hope For Amy Part 2

In this episode of Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey "Amy" tells her story. She is a rare case of a biological parent with issues that she is willing to talk about. Her riveting story involves drug use, manufacturing, sales, death, and the effect it had on her children. Her openness, honesty, and vulnerability is an amazing opportunity to see foster care from the other side. Today she does the hard work to try to get her kids back!

Please leave us a rating and review, it helps others be able to find the show!

Come find us online:

http://jasonmpalmer.com

https://www.facebook.com/7TimeDad/

Sat, 18 Jan 2020 - 28min

137 - Hope For Amy Part 1

In this episode of Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey "Amy" tells her story. She is a rare case of a biological parent with issues that she is willing to talk about. Her riveting story involves drug use, manufacturing, sales, death, and the effect it had on her children. Her openness, honesty, and vulnerability is an amazing opportunity to see foster care from the other side.

Please leave us a rating and review, it helps others be able to find the show!

Come find us online:

http://jasonmpalmer.com

https://www.facebook.com/7TimeDad/

Sat, 11 Jan 2020 - 27min

136 - The Legacy Of Standing With Turtle Part 5

Foster care began as a passion for us and has led us into adoption as well. This is the finale of Turtle's story. This story is as true and accurate as we could tell it from memory over the last 6 years. I hope you have enjoyed the story.

If you aren't on an iPhone, you can find us on Google Play - Spotify - Tune In - Overcast - or anywhere you get your podcasts. Just search "Jason and Amanda Palmer"

Sun, 05 Jan 2020 - 20min

135 - The Legacy Of Standing With Turtle Part 6

Foster care began as a passion for us and has led us into adoption as well. This is the finale of Turtle's story. This story is as true and accurate as we could tell it from memory over the last 6 years. I hope you have enjoyed the story.

Stay tuned for Amy's story coming up next. Amy tells her story of addiction, jail, drugs, and losing her children to the foster care system for a while. Listen in as she recounts her long journey back to becoming an intact family again.

http://jasonmpalmer.com

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 - 18min

134 - The Legacy Of Standing With Turtle Part 4

Foster Care is a wild ride. Listen to part 4 of Turtle's exciting and sometimes dangerous journey with us through his time as a foster kid!

Don't forget to subscribe to the channel so you don't miss out on the next step in his story!

Sat, 28 Dec 2019 - 16min

133 - The Legacy of Standing With Turtle Episode 3

Foster care is a tricky business that takes you to places and experiences that you never expected. Whether you are looking at domestic adoption, foreign adoption or a kinship adoption there are certain to be surprises along the way. You will most likely be working with DFS, CPS, or some other form of the child welfare system.

If you are adopting a child, you want to adopt a baby, or becoming a foster parent there are going to be unexpected hurdles along the way.

This is our story of fostering a child and eventually working through the kinship adoption process.

Sat, 21 Dec 2019 - 20min

132 - The Legacy of Standing with Turtle Episode 2

Episode 2 of The Legacy of Standing With Turtle. In this episode, we talk about drugs, gang affiliation, and death. Turtle finally comes into care and we are relieved to finally have some authority figures step into his life and begin providing some structure to his young life. We struggle through figuring out how to navigate his life and our own family tragedies.

Find us at: http://jasonmpalmer.com

Sat, 14 Dec 2019 - 21min

131 - The Legacy of Standing With Turtle Episode 1

The foster care system brought us a little guy we called "G," this is the first of a 5 part series telling his story. We are talking drugs, prostitution, gangs and plenty of other twists in his origin story.

http://jasonmpalmer.com

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 - 21min

130 - Interview with Jahnyia Palmer

Jahnyia found herself in foster care at 2 years old. She and her brother were witnesses to their father's murder. Their mother was a heroin addict. After 2 years in foster care, we adopted them into our family. Today, we talked about life after foster care and how she navigates middle school as an adopted kid.

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 - 12min

129 - Carl's Story

Amanda and I had the joy of fostering "Carl" in our home for almost a year. Here is one of our stories that was beautiful and hard at the same time!

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 - 40min

128 - Interview With Turtle

Foster care and adoption are deep topics, so I decided to interview a subject expert: my 6-year-old son. He spent 2 years in foster care in our home, and has been adopted for the last 3 years. His answers can be poignantly simple, even when they are a little bit silly!

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 - 12min

127 - Our Origin story

Jason and Amanda talk about the reasons why foster care became a part of their life.

Don't forget to subscribe!

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 - 21min

126 - Origin Story

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 - 22min

125 - Brain Science in Foster Care with Lauren Spigelmyer

Parenting and educating children is one of the greatest experiences in life, but it comes with plenty of emotionally draining challenges. Join behavioral health specialist Lauren Spigelmyer each week as she discusses strategies and tips for how to hack your brain, build and strengthen relationships, and teach people how to recognize and neutralize their emotional states. If you aren’t happy with a child’s behavior, are feeling stressed out, or just want to learn more about emotions and the brain.

Over the past 10 years, I've helped SOOOO many people learn about the brain and how it impacts learning and emotional well-being, which in turn changes behavior. With my master's degree in education, professorship at University of Pennsylvania and running The Behavior Hub, I thrive on building brain and research-based, child-driven trainings and courses with the whole child in mind. Being an adventurer, I love to find nontraditional solutions and make sure that boundaries are pushed. You won't get anything ordinary from me! Links: @thebehaviorhub https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/ Discovery call: https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/courses Courses: https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/courses Podcast: https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/press Blog: https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/blog Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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Tue, 04 Jan 2022 - 1h 01min

124 - The Bond with Foster Care Author Angelo (AM) Grotticelli

"The Bond" is a powerful memoir that chronicles the strength of the relationships formed among a collection of unrelated siblings who forged a remarkable, separate, and permanent family within a foster home.

Kirkus.com calls it: "A poignant, infuriating, informative, and ultimately triumphant account of an unusual clan."

BookLife.com wrote: "Grotticelli's unsparing honesty about his birth and foster families will make readers wince and keep them marveling at the indomitability of these children. That the foster siblings were able to forge familial bonds with each other is extraordinary."

OnlineBookClub.com said: "This is a book about real people, real lives and real feelings. It is the story of their triumph over adversity and their struggle to find the kind of family love that many of us take for granted."

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Tue, 28 Dec 2021 - 1h 07min

123 - Infertility and Foster Care with Shannon Ketchum

Shannon Ketchum is a wife of 18 years, fur mom, foster mom sister and introvert! She has been dealing with infertility for 18 years due to endometriosis, hypothyroidism, PCOS and a pelvic spasm condition. She's the founder of Embrace Bravery, a support ministry for women with infertility, a blogger, author and speaker. And the most recent part of her journey is of her stepping into foster parenting almost 2 years ago. Her desire is to support others dealing with infertility and those in their foster parenting journey know that they aren't alone, but have someone in their corner.

Her BOOK is right here.

Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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https://journeytomydaughter.com/

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 - 51min

122 - Journey To My Daughter with Jennifer Asher

Jennifer tells her story of writing a book all about her adoptive daughter's story and Jennifer's journey to her. You can find her online at

Facebook

Instagram

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Tue, 14 Dec 2021 - 55min

121 - Success After International Adoption with Jonathan Joseph

I am an international adoptee from Colombia who was adopted at 9 months with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy. My story is one of perseverance and the power of adoption to not only change lives but also highlights some of the traumas/struggles inherent in being an adoptee even when things go “right” as it were. I would like to speak on the work adoptive or foster parents should do to ensure they’re balancing their needs/wants/comfort with the perspectives of an adult adoptee reflecting on their experience growing up unaware of their adoption until they were in adolescence. Lastly, I’d like to share about my work in ed-tech & publishing for kids through the lens of these experiences and especially how they resonate for those who are also transracial (raised a different culture/ethnicity than their own.)

Jonathan's Little Red Fashion website

Or find him on Instagram

Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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Tue, 07 Dec 2021 - 59min

120 - FFY Helping Kids in Care with Cheryl Williams

Cheryl Williams was born in Chicago, Illinois, but currently resides in Austin, Texas. She obtained a degree in early childhood education and has over 20 years of experience working with non-profit organizations before building Fundamentals for Foster Care. She has previously been a part of the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Cheryl has also worked with care communities that provide practical support for those with terminal illnesses. She has also participated in Restoration Blessings, an organization that gives practical aid for single mothers in Pflugerville, Texas.

Her website is www.fundfc.org

You can find her on FaceBook as well

Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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Tue, 30 Nov 2021 - 1h 18min

119 - Thanksgiving 2021

Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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Tue, 23 Nov 2021 - 18min

118 - Diverse Foster Care Perspectives with Natasha and Rachel from the "Just as Special" podcast

Natasha (a foster mom) and Rachel (a mentor to kids in care) are co-hosts of the Just As Special podcast which is the place to learn about foster care from diverse perspectives. Each episode, sisters Natasha and Rachel bring you a deeply personal interview with a former kid in care, foster care professional or non-traditional foster family so we can all learn how to give kids in care a better tomorrow.

Just As Special also offers foster parent training, a statewide database of foster care resources, and other foster care tips for parents, volunteers, and those looking to get involved.

You can find them us on all social media platforms @JustAsSpecial.

Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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Tue, 16 Nov 2021 - 1h 15min

117 - Talking Foster Care and Adoption with Turtle

I decided to talk to my son this week about his feelings on Foster Care and Adoption since he is a subject matter expert (even though he is only 8).

He is brutally honest sometimes and even though I don't always like the "brutal" part of his honesty, I am proud that he feels free to tell me what he really thinks!

Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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Tue, 09 Nov 2021 - 30min

116 - Support For Bio Dads in Foster Care with Jason and Amanda

In the foster care system, the bio dad is often the forgotten parent. In our experience bio dads have had the highest rate of reunification. How can we support bio dads through this difficult process?

Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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Tue, 02 Nov 2021 - 22min

115 - Jennifer Asher's Adoption Journey

My website is www.journeytomydaughter.com. I can be found on all social media by searching Jennifer Rose Asher. I am listed under this name on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and I think I am the only one with this name.

You can also get to my website with the address www.jenniferroseasher.com.

Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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Tue, 26 Oct 2021 - 57min

114 - One Foster Teen's College Success Story with Shari Walker

An up-and-coming content creator, marketer, playwright/screenwriter, and columnist who is a fast learner, comfortable working with an array of different personalities, and passionate about advocacy through storytelling (check out my portfolio: www.HerOddSelf.com) Featured in 89.3 KPCC, PBS SoCal, Education Week, Los Angeles Female Playwright Initiative (LAFPI), and the Santa Monica Daily Press (SMDP), and Good News Radio Magazine. Not only am I an award-winning playwright via my one-woman show that I wrote, produced, and performed in during the Hollywood Fringe Festival about my life before, during, and after foster care entitled "SugarFree: Foster Care Cognitive Dissonance". I am also a former foster youth passionate about writing and storytelling for social change who is inspiring people to "Thrive Not Just Survive" through writing, keynote speaking, thought-leadership blogging, and podcasting, and whose superpower is leading with empathy. Currently advancing my skills in marketing, communication, branding, and copywriting. Social Media Anchor/Spotify: https://anchor.fm/heroddself Website: https://heroddself.com/ Podcast: https://anchor.fm/heroddself Blog: https://medium.com/@HerOddSelf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroddself/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HerOddSelf Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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