Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

The Last Hug

This is a unique one off episode. It is a conversation with 3 other dads and authors who wrote their story of grief in the book The Last Hug. You can purchase the book Here

Child Welfare from a Case worker and Therapist with Avni Panchal

    Avni Panchal is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has her own private practice in the Bay Area. In addition to therapy services, she provides training to social workers in the field, teaches at San Francisco State University and is the Clinical Advisor for Kaya. She continues to facilitate dialogue circles on various topics in both the public and private sectors. Her mission is to de-stigmatize mental health and help people recognize their inner strength and practice self-love. ...

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 ...

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 f...

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  [email protected]   Blog: https://www.ta...

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...

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 ...

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 wit...

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 yo...

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. https://linktr.ee/connectedparentswithangie [email protected] ConnectedParentsWithAngie I am also a certified mindset coach, and have seen firsthand how, with the right...

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.   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Mer...

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.Karenrobinson360.com https://www.healthrivedream.com/ Heal Thrive Dream Podcast     Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee...

Foster Care to Prison to Redemption with Steven Snook

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. https://mollydefrank.com/ Instagram LinkedIn Digital Detox ...

Advocating for Foster Youth with Shalamar Parrish

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 homel...

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. ...

Faith Finds Hope Through Adoption with Faith Ehiozuwa Rebroadcast

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. Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope Carmen Maria's Website Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenat...

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. WEBSITE PODCAST Email Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/R...

Kyle Maurer's Adoption Story

Kyle is a father of 6 kids through adoption and we dive into his story today. Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch!   Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare   https://patreon.com/fostercarenation   Website   https://fostercarenation.com ...

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 ...

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...

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 w...

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 expandin...

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:   … sa...

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/     Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fo...

A Lifetime of Overcoming with CJ Plain

You can find CJ's Youtube channel here   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7time...

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...

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 yo...

How To Do Adoption Well with Spring Gray

Trauma and Ramen with Aubren

Original source of the story: https://www.barrentoblessed.com Facebook Page   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our ...

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 ...

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 ...

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, work...

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, h...

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 a...

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. Website Podcast Isaiah 1 17 house Foster Care: An Unparallel...

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 cemete...

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 Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Cal...

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 snu...

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 D...

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 thei...

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 ...

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...

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...

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, trave...

Foster Youth Advocate Justin Black

  Find them on the web Justin's Podcast: Rose from Concrete   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here   https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch!   Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare   https://patreon.com/fostercarenation   Website   https://fostercarenation.com   C...

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 ...

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...