Mamas Well - Parenting Conversations on Foster Care and Adoption
88 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 44 ratingsThe Mama’s Well podcast is a place to fill our often empty buckets… a place to connect with others, as we explore the “gifts and the gaps” of foster and adoptive parenting. Mama’s Well provides a safe forum to ask difficult questions, questions we may feel uncomfortable asking our agency or caseworkers. It’s a place to gather insight and wisdom from those who have “been there” as well as place to grab some quick, user friendly, parenting tips or just a little bit of comfort when you’re feeling weary.
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Episodes
34. Unwrapping Resilience - with Dr. Bonnie Hubert
June 14, 2021 09:00 - 59 minutes - 116 MBIn this episode host Tara Hutton talks with Dr. Bonnie Hubert about the resilience of children from hard places and the four main types of resilience that can be learned and grown. For more on Dr. Bonnie Hubert visit: https://www.wedevelopyou.com/hubert ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://www.mamaswell.com/community... To download this week’s Wisdom from...
33. Does taking my foster child's trauma into account excuse bad behavior?
June 06, 2021 14:08 - 46 minutes - 92.4 MBThis week host Tara Hutton sits down with the Executive Director of CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County, TX. Ann Marie Ronsman to discuss the importance of Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) training for foster parents and everyone involved in the foster care system. To connect with Ann Marie visit https://casaspeaks4kids.com/about/staff/ ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From ...
32. Everyone needs an Advocate - Especially children… The Role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate
June 01, 2021 01:38 - 42 minutes - 84.4 MBIn this episode, host Tara Hutton talks with Lindsay Miller - Interim Development Director of CASA Montgomery County Texas. Everyone needs an advocate, someone to stand and fight for them, especially vulnerable children. They need a team of well informed, competent, compassionate and caring individuals who are willing to step in and step up to fight for the best interests of the child...and CASA was created to do just that. For more on Lindsay visit: https://casaspeaks4kids.com/casa-child-...
31. Behind every scar there is a story... Alexis Taylor on being beautifully broken
May 23, 2021 19:55 - 1 hour - 123 MBIn this episode of the Mamas Well Podcast host Tara Hutton guides Alexis Taylor thru her story of grief and loss, rape, abuse, toxic relationships, betrayal, unplanned pregnancies, contemplating abortion, single parenting, and adoption. Her journey has resulted in the birth of Beautifully Broken - Untold Stories, a platform that encourages others to find healing thru their stories. Connect with Alexis on Instagram at bb_untoldstories ______________________________________ Join the Mama...
30. Awareness equals advocacy with Dr. John De Garmo
May 17, 2021 13:37 - 47 minutes - 93.7 MBAwareness is one of the things that the foster adoptive community needs most! This week, host Tara Hutton, talks with TEDx speaker Dr. John De Garmo about a variety of topics including compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, post adoption depression, grief, COVID, and more. For more of Dr. John's story visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JQYUp6sEbY ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisd...
29. A Close Look at Three Major Challenges Facing the Foster Care Community
May 10, 2021 18:57 - 1 hour - 121 MBIn this episode of the Mamas Well Podcast host Tara Hutton and the founder of Fostering Family, Amber Knowles, discuss three of the major challenges facing foster and adoptive families. For more on Fostering Family visit: https://www.fostering-family.org/resources Or contact Amber Knowles here: [email protected] ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://...
28. Mothers Day BONUS Episode
May 08, 2021 18:40 - 12 minutes - 28.7 MBHost Tara Hutton gives some much needed encouragement to all the Mom's out there! Enjoy this short bonus episode and enjoy your special day! ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://www.mamaswell.com/community... To download this week’s Wisdom from the Well Card, as well as the cards for all past and future episodes.. https://mamaswell.com/wftw-sign-up/ ...
27. We gave him a home. He gave us a purpose - that changed EVERYTHING
May 03, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 138 MBIn this episode, host Tara Hutton is joined by Foster / Adoptive couple Bryan and Kristi Murphy. What began as an effort to help a foster child resulted in an inspiring transformation of their hearts, home and business. For more on how foster care revolutionized their world visit https://www.fitnessproject.us ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://www.mamaswell.com/com...
26. Two suitcases and 4000 miles... One foster/adoptive couple’s story of finding their children
April 26, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 127 MBThis week's episode features our very first zoom call podcast with host Tara Hutton and Foster/Adoptive mother Emily Westbrooks. It's an inspiring story of transatlantic journeys, searching for biological connection and more. ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://www.mamaswell.com/community To download this week’s Wisdom from the Well Card, as well as the ...
25. Why somedays we just want to wear yoga pants - with Dr. Jennifer Bogardus, PT, PhD
April 19, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 119 MBIn this episode host Tara Hutton sits down with Dr. Jennifer Bogardus for the second of two episodes. Dr. Bogardus, a Physical Therapist and adoptive mom of two special needs children, explains how trauma impacts the body and how a focus on mind, body and spirit can produce positive results in children from hard places. To connect with Dr. Bogardus you can reach out at https://www.ptwellness.org. ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcas...
24. How Foster / Adoptive children require parents to grow - One Mom's story
April 12, 2021 14:49 - 54 minutes - 107 MBIn this episode Foster / Adoptive mother Jennifer Bogardus shares her story of hope, struggle, and growth that has led back to hope again. To connect with Jennifer you can reach out at https://www.ptwellness.org. ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://www.mamaswell.com/community To download this week’s Wisdom from the Well Card, as well as the cards for a...
23. What's next for Mamas Well? with guest host Kyle Hutton
April 05, 2021 12:00 - 16 minutes - 37 MBIn this episode of the Mamas Well Podcast guest host and husband Kyle Hutton recaps the progress of the first few months and interviews Tara Hutton on the future of Mama's Well. ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://www.mamaswell.com/community To download this week’s Wisdom from the Well Card, as well as the cards for all past and future episodes.. https:...
Fighting anxiety and overwhelm with heart...
March 29, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 97.3 MBGuest Laura Ciampa, Heart Math Trainer, teaches us about the power heart Coherence and how we can use a simple 3 minute technique to ease stress, anxiety and overwhelm in ourselves and our children. To contact Laura email: [email protected] ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://www.mamaswell.com/community To download this week’s Wisdom ...
22. Fighting anxiety and overwhelm with heart...
March 29, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 97.3 MBGuest Laura Ciampa, Heart Math Trainer, teaches us about the power heart Coherence and how we can use a simple 3 minute technique to ease stress, anxiety and overwhelm in ourselves and our children. To contact Laura email: [email protected] ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://www.mamaswell.com/community To download this week’s Wisdom ...
21. Five things I've learned in the first 20 episodes
March 22, 2021 12:00 - 16 minutes - 35.2 MBIn this episode, foster / adoptive mom and host Tara Hutton shares five things she's learned from the first 20 episodes of the Mamas Well Podcast. Tips on attachment, regulation, self care and more in this weeks episode! ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://www.mamaswell.com/community To download this week’s Wisdom from the Well Card, as well as the cards ...
Five things I've learned in the first 20 episodes
March 22, 2021 12:00 - 16 minutes - 35.2 MBIn this episode, foster / adoptive mom and host Tara Hutton shares five things she's learned from the first 20 episodes of the Mamas Well Podcast. Tips on attachment, regulation, self care and more in this weeks episode! ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://www.mamaswell.com/community To download this week’s Wisdom from the Well Card, as well as the cards ...
Grieving hurts...AND, the only way out is through...
March 15, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBGrief and foster care / adoption are really two sides to the same coin. Foster parents are no strangers to the grieving process. Many have grieved infertility, miscarriage, failed adoptions, placement changes, loss of community, we even grieve the difference between the way things are and the way we thought they'd be...this episode featuring guest Jennifer Crowe touches on all of that and more. After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.com where you can connect with mor...
20. Grieving hurts...AND, the only way out is through...
March 15, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBGrief and foster care / adoption are really two sides to the same coin. Foster parents are no strangers to the grieving process. Many have grieved infertility, miscarriage, failed adoptions, placement changes, loss of community, we even grieve the difference between the way things are and the way we thought they'd be...this episode featuring guest Jennifer Crowe touches on all of that and more. After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.com where you can connect with mor...
6 ways to take care of yourself so you can take care of your children
March 08, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 124 MBIt's impossible to meet the needs of our kids if we consistently neglect our own. In this episode host Tara Hutton and social worker / adoptee Susan Packwood talk about 6 vital things that parents of kids from hard places can do to refuel their tanks. After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.com where you can connect with more information and resources designed to help you in your foster adoptive journey. ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well C...
18. Temper tantrum or something else? Tools for child and parental regulation.
March 01, 2021 13:00 - 41 minutes - 82.2 MBIs my child throwing a fit or is there something deeper going on? In this episode of the Mama’s Well Podcast host Tara Hutton and TBRI Practitioner Anna Valdez discuss the effect of trauma on regulation and ways to help ourselves and our foster/adoptive children navigate strong emotions. After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.com where you can connect with more information and resources designed to help you in your foster adoptive journey. __________________________...
17. Three Vital Things to Know About Trauma and Technology and what to do about it…
February 22, 2021 17:48 - 50 minutes - 98.5 MBIt’s an unarguable fact. Technology is now more a part of our lives than it has ever been and there are no signs of that trend slowing any time soon. Riding the technology wave is difficult for anyone, and provides additional challenges for parents of children at any age. And when it comes to parenting our foster/adoptive kiddos, understanding the magnitude of affect that technology can have, and what to do about it, is imperative. After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.c...
16. The power of compassion in birth family relationships
February 16, 2021 10:00 - 48 minutes - 94.3 MBThis episode of the Mama’s Well Podcast features an interview with the birth mother of a former guest, Madison (Episode 15). Cindy Wright is now in recovery from a 35 year drug addiction and is able to have a healthy relationship with Madison and her foster mother, Nicole (Episode 8). Cindy and Tara discuss the healing nature of compassion and the unique opportunity that birth family relationships present for growth on all sides of the foster/adoptive triad. This story, though regretfully no...
15. Three things that every foster adoptive parent must hear from foster child Madison Wright
February 08, 2021 03:33 - 57 minutes - 113 MBWhat if our younger foster/adoptive children could tell us what they need. Wouldn’t that make life at least a little easier? If they could fast forward to their older, more healed selves and give us some pointers on how to better help them along the way, wouldn’t that be amazing? In this episode, beautiful soul and foster child, Madison Wright shares three things that every foster adoptive parent must hear. After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.com where you can connec...
14. Know your Attachment Style? Trauma expert, Anna Valdez brings clarity on creating Secure Attachment
February 02, 2021 00:07 - 1 hour - 136 MBIn this episode, trauma trainer and experienced foster mama to more than a dozen teen and pre-teen girls, Anna Valdez, brings clarity to Attachment theory and the four types of Attachment Styles. She helps us understand the importance of understanding our our attachment style so that we might create the kind of connection in our lives that allows our children with insecure attachment to earn a secure attachment, and yes, absolutely it can happen! After the episode be sure to visit https://...
13. Courtrooms Judges and Caseworkers, oh my!! Amber Robinson gives clarity to legalities of Foster care
January 25, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 120 MBExperienced foster parent mentor, Amber Robinson, brings a lot clarity to the legal processes involved in foster care. She discusses best practices for communicating important information to caseworkers, agencies, CASA and attorneys as well as many other helpful tips and stories including how she and her husband, Randall, have cultivated a beautiful relationship with the biological grandmother and siblings of their 2 adopted sons. After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.co...
12. *BONUS* Kyle and Tara on Navigating Bio family Relationships with Foster and Adopted kiddos
January 22, 2021 16:23 - 27 minutes - 56.8 MBNavigating biological family relationships with our Foster and adoptive kiddos is often difficult. It triggers heavy emotions that we don’t always know how to move through. Kyle and Tara discuss how their childhood of adoption has played into how they see their role in helping their adopted girls make sense of their biological family history. After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.com where you can connect with more information and resources designed to help you in your fo...
11. Virtual learning tips from TBRI educator Arnold Valdez
January 18, 2021 00:34 - 51 minutes - 99.8 MBTBRI Educator Arnold Valdez gives tips for virtual schooling and reminds us how trauma affects the learning process for our kids. Contact Arnold at [email protected] After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.com where you can connect with more information and resources designed to help you in your foster adoptive journey. ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well C...
10. Why foster and adoptive children struggle to learn
January 11, 2021 18:00 - 23 minutes - 49.8 MBChildren who have experienced trauma WILL typically struggle to learn. In this episode we talk about the importance of being aware of what our children are feeling, and what we are feeling, during learning time. And how to recognize the fears and vulnerabilities that can creep in when it comes to helping our them learn. After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.com where you can connect with more information and resources designed to help you in your foster adoptive journey....
9. Hard on the Heart - Surrender and Vulnerability in Parenting
January 04, 2021 01:49 - 18 minutes - 39.2 MBIn this episode Tara reminds us that the relationships we want require surrender and vulnerability, two things that challenge the most seasoned parent. After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.com where you can connect with more information and resources designed to help you in your foster adoptive journey. ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://w...
8. Establishing New and Healthy Normals for Teen and Pre-teen Foster Placements
December 28, 2020 14:58 - 57 minutes - 112 MBTeen and Pre-Teen foster children have endured levels of trauma that make the journey from disfunction to a healthy, new normal a huge challenge. In this weeks podcast we hear one mom’s story of faith, love, and consistency that has changed the life of one young lady and the entire Bender family. SPOILER ALERT - Don’t miss the video of Madison at the conclusion of the podcast! P.S. We'd like to add that Madison’s story was shared in this podcast with her full blessing. It is her hope that he...
7. Parenting tips for a calm and connected Christmas
December 21, 2020 16:23 - 38 minutes - 76.3 MBIn this episode of The Mamas Well Podcast, TBRI Practitioner, Anna Valdez, offers parents and caregivers several ways to prepare for holiday gatherings... She reminds us of the role our expectations play in our parenting during the holiday season and how communication is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves, our spouse, our children and our loved ones when it comes to setting our holiday up for success. After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.com where you can conne...
6. Veteran therapist Kellie Cole on the benefits of play therapy
December 14, 2020 20:00 - 51 minutes - 101 MBVeteran Therapist, Kellie Cole, on the Benefits of Play Therapy Play therapist, Kellie Cole, discusses therapeutic benefits of play. She answers common questions concerning play therapy, while providing ideas on how to use play in our homes to better to connect with our children. After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.com where you can connect with more information and resources designed to help you in your foster adoptive journey. ______________________________________ ...
5. Three reasons that play is one of the most powerful tools in my parenting toolbox...
December 07, 2020 17:37 - 26 minutes - 55.4 MBIn this episode Tara Hutton shares 3 reasons why play is one of the most powerful tools in our parenting tool box. After the episode be sure to visit https://www.mamaswell.com where you can connect with more information and resources designed to help you in your foster adoptive journey. ______________________________________ Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://www.mamaswell.com/community Subscri...
4. How I became aware of shame and the three things I needed from my parents...
November 29, 2020 21:53 - 19 minutes - 41.8 MBHost Tara Hutton shares her story of identifying childhood shame and the three things she needed from her parents. Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://www.mamaswell.com/community Mamas Well Merch: Order your limited “When Mama’s Well - All is Well T-Shirt” NOW! https://mamaswell.com/product/when-ma... Subscribe to Mamas Well YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC5B52aJ6... Subscribe and listen t...
3. From fear and loss to love and safety with Krystal Vento
November 24, 2020 10:00 - 58 minutes - 114 MBTara Hutton and former foster child Krystal Vento provide important insight into the heart and mind of children from trauma. Join the Mamas Well Community for the latest podcast releases, useful resources and Wisdom From The Well Cards HERE: https://www.mamaswell.com/community Mamas Well Merch: Order your limited “When Mama’s Well - All is Well T-Shirt” NOW! https://mamaswell.com/product/when-ma... Subscribe to Mamas Well YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC5B52aJ6... Subscribe an...
Adoptee Kyle Hutton on the tension between gratitude and grief and how music helps...
November 16, 2020 01:43 - 53 minutes - 104 MBKyle Hutton, Adoptee, Singer/Songwriter, and Husband of Mamas Well host Tara Hutton, shares his adoption story and describes how connecting with his birth family has brought him a sense of wholeness. He describes the tension adoptees face between gratitude and grief and how music helps him process the emotions of it all. Listen to “The Pearl” https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-pearl/387822868?i=387823008, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nE4FbdtJEI Join the Mamas Well Commun...
2. Adoptee Kyle Hutton on the tension between gratitude and grief and how music helps...
November 16, 2020 01:43 - 53 minutes - 104 MBKyle Hutton, Adoptee, Singer/Songwriter, and Husband of Mamas Well host Tara Hutton, shares his adoption story and describes how connecting with his birth family has brought him a sense of wholeness. He describes the tension adoptees face between gratitude and grief and how music helps him process the emotions of it all. Listen to “The Pearl” https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-pearl/387822868?i=387823008, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nE4FbdtJEI Join the Mamas Well Commun...
1. The "Gifts and Gaps" of Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma
October 30, 2020 00:47 - 20 minutes - 33.3 MBFoster and Adoptive Parents, are you feeling overwhelmed? In this first episode of the Mamas Well Podcast you'll be reminded that you’re not alone my friend... Parenting children who have experienced trauma, who have come to us from chaotic backgrounds is tough... there are gaps that need to be filled... attachments that have been broken. All too often there has been abuse and neglect. Trauma can make parenting challenging...and on top of that, we are often unaware of our own unresolved ch...