Adoption Advocacy Podcast

This is the February 2021 episode of the podcast. Today we have Victoria DiMartile with Wreckage and Wonder on to discuss the history of transracial adoption and adoption in the black community. We discuss Victoria's story of growing up as a transracial adoptee in a small white Kentucky town. Victoria talks about adoption in the black community, and the need for better appreciation, celebration, and understanding of the black family. We also discuss the need for more education in transracial adoption, and how what has been acceptable "colorblindness" has really been damaging to family relationships.   Connect with Victoria: website   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

This is the January 2021 Episode of Adoption Advocacy Podcast; Kirsta Bowman comes on the podcast, and we discuss how adoption agencies operate in the United States, and the unethical practices used by many. Kirsta shares with us the story of her own adoption, and how in the search for her biological family she found that her placement happened in less than ideal/ethical circumstances. Having an adoptive mother who started her own agency, Kirsta had first hand seat to what goes on behind the scenes in adoption, and discusses much of what she experienced. Also in this episode, Kirsta and I pull together information we have gathered in our collective research to describe how the industry works at each level of the adoption process.   Connect with Kirsta: Instagram   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

This is the December 2020 episode. Today we chat with Stephanie Oyler, Melissa Guida- Richards, and Ferera Swan - three transracial and transethnic adoptees. We discuss their collective experiences with the holidays, and they explain why it is so important to hold space for adoptees who come from different backgrounds and cultural traditions than their parents. We also discuss how important it is for adoptive families to be sensitive to the emotions and feelings that might arise during this time of year. Lastly, we talk about how they are all feeling as transracial and transethnic adoptees during this political climate, and how it has affected their relationships with adoptive and extended family members.   Connect with Stephanie: Facebook Instagram Consulting Site   Connect with Melissa: Facebook Instagram Website Twitter   Connect with Ferera: Facebook Instagram website twitter   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

This is the November 2020 episode of the podcast. Today we have Tiffany Henness with adoptee influencer network as our special guest. Tiffany discusses how she emerged from the fog after giving birth to her first born, it was an experience that brought her closest to experience of her first mother. She tells us how she began learning about adoption trauma and found it helped to processed it all through writing and sharing her experience with others. Before becoming involved in the adoption advocacy community, Tiffany was a fitness influencer on social media and during this time learned how to boost content and create community among others doing the same work. Tiffany shares that the fitness influencer groups she was a part of really helped give advice and feedback, keep creativity, inspiration, and connection flowing which really helped members to create content. Tiffany saw a this as a huge need in the adoptee community of influencers. She created adoptee Influencer Network as a group where adoptees could come together, work together, problem solve, get support, and  share each others content. Please check out Tiffany and adoptee influencer network online. Connect with Adoptee Influencer Network: Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Website Connect with Tiffany: Facebook Instagram Website

Brittany Nash is a Black domestic transracial adoptee and the founder of The Daily Adoptee blog and soon to be online publication that highlights the experience and expertise of transracial adoptees.   As an adoptee, turned foster child, who from Southern MN, she uses her experience of growing up in predominantly white spaces to connect the dots of the intent and impact of the adoption industry and foster care system as they align with history, politics, racism, discrimination, and mental health.    She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Communication from Bethany Lutheran College where her emphasis was Journalism and Business. While there she also worked for the college's Diversity Center where she started to kindle her passion for social advocacy. She combines her love for investigative journalism, descriptive writing, and racial justice to bring a unique adoptee narrative to adoption and foster care spaces. Timeline of Events and Key Legislation:  1921: Tusla Race Massacre 1935: Social Security Act 1939 -1945: World War ll  1945: Baby Scoop Era begins 1947: Cold War begins 1948: Executive Order 9981: Desegregation of the Armed Forces  1954: Civil Rights Movement 1955 - 1975 Vietnam War 1954: Browning vs Board of Edu 1961: ADC Foster Act 1962: Aid to Families with Dependent Children 1962: Public Welfare Amendment  1965: Death of Malcolm X 1964: Civil Rights Act 1968: Death of Martin Luther King Jr. 1968: Civil Rights Movement 1969: Death of Frank Hampton 1967: Loving vs the State of Virginia  1970: Baby Scoop Era ends 1971: War on Drugs begins 1978: Indian Child Welfare Act 1980: The Adoption Assistance & Child Welfare Act 1991: Cold War ends 1993: Family Preservation & Family Support Services Program (MEPA) begins 1994: The Multi-Ethnic Placement Act 1996: Inter-Ethnic Placement Provisions (revised parts of MEPA) 1997: the Adoption & Safe Families Act   Reference Articles: A Brief Legislative History of the Child Welfare System Brief History of the Drug War The case for national action- the negro famil Donate to the TRA Writers & Educators Fund  

Kate Carper comes on the podcast to discuss her experience with adoption. Kate tells us how she grew up with adopted siblings, and always felt like adoption was a part her future family making plan. After having two biological children, Kate and her husband explored how they could help a child in need through adoption. Through much research and soul searching, Kate discovered an agency that specialized in the adoption of children with down syndrome. Kate explains a lot about this agency and how they support expectant parents who have discovered their child has down syndrome, as well as facilitate adoptions. Kate and her husband adopted their son, and then later adopted a daughter. We further discusses how her family has sought out a more diverse community in which to raise their children, and how important that is, especially in transracial adoption. 

Matt comes on the podcast to discuss his experience as an adoptee, and how his life experiences shaped him. We also discuss his heartfelt reunion.    Connect with Matt: mattsevenoaksuk@gmail.com Twitter Instagram Article For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Geri Pfieffer comes on the podcast to discuss the reality of America's child welfare system. Geri began working and creating America's Taken when she lost her grandson to child protective services. I encourage everyone to take a listen to todays episode to further understand what is going on in this country's child welfare system, and the reform that needs to take place now. I was very happy to bring this topic to light through this episode and hope to do more episodes like this one in the future.    Connect with Geri: Website Facebook Instagram Twitter   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Laureen Pittman comes on the podcast to discuss her experience as an adoptee, and her book "The Lies that Bind." Growing up, adoption didn't mean that much to Laureen, it was just something that she knew to be a fact, but didn't think much further on it. As she got older, Laureen became more interested in her origins. As Laureen began the search for her birth parents, she discovered she had actually been born in prison. Everything she discovered she chronicled in her book "The Lies that Bind". Listen in to hear about Laureens journey! Connect with Laureen:  Book Blog Facebook Twitter For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Jesse Bradley comes on the podcast to discuss how life's twist and turns lead him to a journey of faith and adoption. Jesse was once a professional soccer player, whose career was cut short when a medication he took to prevent malaria built up toxic levels in his system, and he became too sick to play. Jesse later discovered god and became a pastor. He now leads a city wide movement for churches to become more multicultural. Jesse preaches to his congregation the need for people to open their homes to foster youth, and adoption. Jesse discusses his own journey with adopting his youngest child, and what adoption has meant to him.  Connect with Jesse: Website Instagram Twitter facebook   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

Cassandra Adams comes on the podcast to discuss how she discovered she was actually donor conceived, and the man who had raised her was not actually her biological father. We discuss the complexities of being a donor conceived person, and what needs to change to make donor conception more ethical.   Connect with Cassandra: Facebook Instagram Donor Conceived Facebook Group YouTube YouTube YouTube Documentary Petition to keep Donor Conceived records open for a minimum of 50 years Featured Article We Are Donor Conceived   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Linda L. Franklin comes on the podcast to discuss her experience as a first mother who placed her son for adoption during the baby scoop era. Linda tells us her story of placing her son through the Gladney Agency, her life after placement, her reunion, and what lead to her writing her book "Ill Always Carry You".   Connect with Linda: Twitter Personal Facebook Author Facebook website   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Today on the podcast, Paige Adams Strickland discusses her experience with adoption, and her two books "Akin to the Truth" and "After the Truth". Paige tells us about her adoptee experience as a child, and what lead to her searching for her biological roots. We also discuss what lead to her publishing two books about her experience finding her biological family.    Connect with Paige: Website Facebook Instagram "Akin to the Truth" "After the Truth"   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Today on the podcast we have Kelli Belt. She is an adoptive mother and created of the Podcast "Beauty is Rising". Kelli discusses her journey with adopting her daughter from Ethiopia, the process to get her to the united states, parenting a child with her daughters background, and what it has taught her. Kelli works with other adoptive parents to teach and share ways of helping ones own adopted child. In this episode Kelli does not share her daughters story, rather her story when it comes to her transformation and growth as a result of adopting her daughter.    Connect with Kelli: Instagram   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Blake comes on the podcast to discuss his experience as an adoptee born in the United States, and adopted in the UK. Blake discusses his difficult childhood and his feelings about being an adoptee. We also discuss Blakes views on adoption and adoption in the LGBTQ community. Connect with Blake: Facebook Group- Queer We Go   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Laura Gray comes on the podcast to discuss her experience with adoption as a first mother. Laura, as a teen, found herself pregnant for a second time after already having twins. With the help of her mother, she looked into placing her child for adoption. Soon after starting a prayer chain she was re-connected with a church friend from New Jersey, where she used to live, and she decided to place her child with her and her husband. Shortly after the placement, Laura realized this couple did not have any intention of keeping their promises to her about maintaining a relationship with her child. In this episode, Laura details the ups and downs of being a first mother, and what she has learned, and what she wishes other people would know before considering adoption.    Connect with Laura: Personal Facebook Page The Secondhand Children   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

Elena Hall comes on the podcast to discuss her experience as an adoptee from Russia. Elena discusses her experience as an international adoptee, and navigating the complex emotions surrounding adoption. We discuss her feelings about Russia no longer allowing international adoption and how her journey has lead her to writing both her books and going into the social work field.  Connect with Elena: Facebook Instagram Website "Through Adopted Eyes" "Through Adopted Hearts"   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Janelle comes on the podcast, along with her son David. They discuss the foster care system and the formation of their family. We also discuss the issue of how children who end up is foster care are placed for adoption, and the importance of keeping sibling groups together.  Although David is a minor, we have kept his real name, identity, and full story out of this episode. David is passionate about sharing his experience and heartbreak over loosing his two younger siblings in hopes to help change the system to work for keeping sibling groups together. David is also in the process of publishing a book, which he is very excited about.   Connect with Janelle: Story Book Website Instagram   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

Today on the podcast, Christian Mayer discusses his experience as an international/ transracial adoptee from Chile. Christian tells us how he began experiencing challenges as an adolescent surrounding his adoption, and how this later lead to a reunion with his first family, and struggle with alcoholism. Through his recovery process he realized how adoptees are over-represented in those seeking treatment and decided to be proactive in helping young adoptees navigate these issues.    Connect with Christian: The Brightening Center Email For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Marcie comes on the podcast to discuss her experience as a first mother of loss to adoption.  Marcie and I discuss what lead her to the decision to place her first daughter for adoption, their reunion, as well as her advocacy in the adoption community. She currently serves as Vice President and Treasurer for the Indiana Adoptee Network, and has recently released the memoir "The Shoebox Effect".  Connect with Marcie: Website Book Facebook Twitter Instagram   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Ferera Swan comes on the podcast to discuss her journey as an adoptee. We discuss what its like to be an advocate in the adoption community,  as well as navigating the complexity of reunion. I am super excited to interview Ferera, her advocacy has made such a difference in the adoption community. I know we have all seen her impactful memes, now get a glimpse of her personal journey.    Connect with Ferera: Website Facebook Facebook Music Instagram Twitter   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Today on the podcast my Dad and I have a conversation about adoption, particularly my adoption! We discuss his life and background and his decision to adopt. We also discuss what the process was like for him, how he remembers my childhood, and how my advocacy has changed his views on adoption/ the world in general. 

Today on the podcast I read my adoption file. I only recently discovered that this is something an adoptee can request from the agency they were adopted from; and, in this episode, I open my files for the first time. In these files I discover some information about what transpired before my relinquishment given from the perspective of my birthmother and birth-maternal grandmother. I also read the nursing notes from the week I spent as a newborn in the hospital before my placement. This is an episode I decided to do for my birthday, which is December 7. These files give just some of the insight into the events surrounding my birth.  Birthdays are somewhat different for adopted persons. Birthdays a are the day we were born, yes, but also the day we were separated from our biological families. I know for me, I was never held by my first mother, my birthday is the day I was born then rushed out of the delivery room, the day I became a dependent of the state of Texas, while I lay alone in a hospital nursery for 7 days waiting for the placement with my adoptive parents. As adopted people, all our stories are different. Some know how their first few days went, others do not. I thought by doing this episode, by sharing my own personal journey, it could shed some light on the adoptee experience.    For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Kevin comes on the podcast to discuss his journey as a transracial adoptee. Kevin always felt positive about his adoption experience, and it wasn't until the death of his adoptive mother, who encouraged him to search for his biological roots, that Kevin did a DNA test. Upon receiving the results of this test, he not only discovered biological family members, he also found a daughter he never knew he had who had been placed for adoption.  Connect with Kevin: Email   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

Lyndy comes on the podcast to discuss her adoptee journey. Lyndy tells us how her first parents were married, but felt they could not provide a good home for a baby and decided to place her for adoption at birth. After struggling as a child with feelings around being adopted, she had a reunion with her first parents as a young teenager. Lyndy discusses the difficulties she had navigating this reunion and how her faith lead her to a more positive outlook on her life circumstances and healing. Lyndy is the author of the book "Adopted Twice Study", a bible study for those struggling to see God's plan, and "Adopted Twice for Kids".    Connect with Lyndy: Website Email: adoptedtwicsbs@gmail.com Instagram     For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Jana Rupnow comes on the podcast to discuss her experiences with adoption and what lead her to a career in donor conception counseling. Jana, along with her twin brother, were adopted shortly after birth in the 1970s. Jana discusses how she always saw her adoption as a positive experience, and did not process the deeper emotions surrounding her adoption until she experienced secondary infertility, and the adoption of her daughter from China. We uncover her journey from adoptee to adoptive parent, and how experiencing her daughters grief lead to her processing her own grief surrounding adoption. Jana is a licensed therapist and through her work, saw a need for counseling with those considering donor conception. I encourage those who are interested in this topic to truly hear out what Jana has to say, and listen to our discussion on this issue. We do not discuss whether donor conception should be allowed, but the ethical issues that surround it. Many people today are turning to donor conception as a way to start a family, and at the same time, very little guidance is being given about what that could mean for their child. Jana tells us about the need to educate those taking this route, since the better educated people are, the better they are able to parent their donor conceived child. Donor conception is here, whether we agree with it or not, and educating those who wish to take that path is the best way to ensure it is being done in the most ethical way possible.    Connect with Jana: Website Blog- Three Makes Baby   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

Kimi Kawabori comes on the podcast to discuss her adoptee journey and how she has found healing through clairvoyance and connecting with her ancestors. Kimi grew up in a conservative household, she was raised by parents who had been imprisoned in the WWII Japanese internment camps. Growing up, Kimi found it best to suppress her intuition and clairvoyant thoughts. As Kimi grew up and faced hardships, she rejected the mental illness diagnosis she was once given, and began a journey to make sense of her "problems". It was then she found a community that would help her develop her gifts. Kimi and I discuss her life growing up as an adoptee, her tough journey through her late teens/ early twenties, and how connecting to who she truly was and with her ancestors has brought her peace. We wrap up with Kimi explaining how we have all been sent here and chosen by our ancestors to fulfill our life journey, and how abandoning hopelessness can truly help us navigate a more full, healthful life.  Connect with Kimi: Website For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

**note when Lorri mentions Phil, she is speaking of Phil Donahue. She worked on his show during the time she placed her daughter.   Lorri Antosz Benson comes of the podcast to discuss her experience placing her daughter for adoption in the early 1980s. Lorri authored two books about adoption "To have and not to Hold", and "Adopting Hope". We discuss her life and the circumstances surrounding her placing her daughter for adoption, their reunion, and her work with the adoption community since. We wrap up with what Lorri wishes every member of the adoption triad knew about adoption.  Contact Lorri: Facebook Facebook Page Instagram Twitter Website For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

Today on the podcast, Maria Hernandez shares her story as an adoptee. She tells us how she was given to her adoptive father by her birth mother in the Philippines, and later raised for several years by her adoptive aunt while her father relocated and set up a life for them in Canada. Maria discusses how difficult it was for her growing up not knowing her full story, and her journey to finding the answers today. We discuss important adoptee issues such as mental health, growing up being adopted, relationships, having children, and searching for ones roots.    Connect with Maria: Instagram Facebook   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

Leanda Weimer comes on the podcast to discuss her work in attachment focused therapy. We discuss how important it is for adoptive parents to learn their attachment style, as well as do their own emotional work when choosing to parent through adoption. Leanda discusses how adoptive parents must focus on attaching to their children and not vice-versa, and how a persons attachment style greatly impacts their parenting. We wrap up  with therapy techniques that have helped adoptive and foster families heal and bond.  Connect to Leanda: Facebook Instagram leandalinw@yahoo.com   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

Keith Sciarillo comes on the podcast to discuss his journey toward self discovery, and his experiences with adoption. Keith is a late discovery, transracial adoptee who entered reunion with his birth family shortly after discovering his adoption status. We discuss Keith story, how what he has been through has affected his life, and his path moving forward. We also discuss how adoptees disclose their adoption status to their children, and what that means for future generations. We wrap up discussing what Keith wishes people knew about adoption.   Connect with Keith: Facebook Instagram YouTube For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

Dr. Linda Russell comes on the podcast to discuss her journey with adoption. In 1997, Linda's daughter experienced an unplanned pregnancy, and Linda's family was faced with the decision of whether to parent the child, or place the child for adoption. Living in the bible belt, and being conservative Christians, Linda's family believed that adoption would be the best choice for both their child and their future grandchild. Shortly after placement, the adoption plan in which they were promised fell through, and the whole family was left heartbroken. The dreams Linda had for her daughter, which she believed would have been shattered by keeping her child, were actually shattered by the trauma of the adoption. After everything that occurred, Linda decided to return to school to learn about the psychology of adoption, what had actually happened to her family, and help others navigate the same situation she once faced. Linda focus' on the trauma, for both the first family and especially the adoptee, and the importance of attachment. Check out this episode to hear all about Linda's journey and experience!!   Contact Linda: Website Counseling Website Facebook Instagram   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Ereka Howard comes on the podcast to discuss her adoption journey. Ereka discusses how her biological mother and grandmother came to the United States from Cuba on the Mariel Boatlift. At birth, Ereka was placed in foster care and then was later adopted from a local adoption agency in Dallas, Texas. Ereka was reunited with her birth grandmother in college when she reached out to her through social media. Unfortunately, Ereka was never able to meet her first mother, she had passed away years prior. Ereka discusses her healing journey- from feelings of grief and rejection, to working as a motivational speaker and inspiring others.    Connect with Ereka: website Instagram Facebook   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

Brooke Randolph comes on the podcast to discuss her journey with adoption. Brooke is an adoptive parent, but long before adopting, she became interested in studying the psychology of adoption. Brooke helped found an international adoption agency, and specialized helping adoptive parents prepare for this next chapter of their lives. Through her experience with international adoption, she saw the need for older children in these countries to find homes, and she herself decided to adopt. After becoming an adoptive parent, Brooke opened her own private practice and focuses on helping her patients overcome personal traumas, and heal with ehe use of Brain-spotting. Brooke explains this psychological technique of brain-spotting, and how she has seen it help her patients.    Contact Brooke: Website Website Facebook Instagram Twitter 7 Core Emotional Issues in Adoption   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

Chris Breedlove comes on the podcast to share his story as a late discovery adoptee. Chris is the author of the book "Diehr Breedlove", a memoir chronicling his search for self-discovery, and reunion with his birth family. He describes how his relationship with each of his birthparents have evolved, and how he has integrated the reality of being an adoptee in his life, and come to peace with it.    Contact Chris:   Instagram   Website   "Diehr Breedlove"   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

A few weeks ago, it was confirmed through ancestry DNA that the man who is believed to be my birthfather, William, is actually, my birth father. While we all assumed this to be the case, its been a kind of surreal experience accepting this as a fact into my life. This week I wanted to do a special episode, a special fathers day episode- to find out a little more about the man who I share half of my DNA with. Unfortunately, William passed in 2010. He is survived by his mother and two sisters, as well as a son named Spencer. Spencer and I have known each other for a few years, and for this episode, we decided to record our first phone conversation for the podcast. I decided to do this because, this is adoption; and for me its a bit of an insight for me into what might have been. Would my experience have been similar to Spencers? What was William like? What was it like to have him as a Dad? and whats his family like? and whats it like to be a part of that?

Denise comes on the podcast to discuss her experience as an adoptee, and her journey from anger and pain to compassion and appreciation of her adoption experience. Born addicted and left in the hospital by her birthmother, Denise was placed in foster care. When her adoptive parents met her, they instantly fell in love and adopted her. Denise grew up in a loving home with endless opportunities, but always felt a bit of pain when reflecting on her origin story, especially on her birthday. While in college, Denise had an "Ah-ha" moment while doing a project on an event that had changed her life, and she chose adoption. Denise realized while she had been viewing her adoption from the pain it had caused her, she had not seen all the blessings it had brought to her life. Denise advocates for other adoptees to share their stories and talk about their adoption experience as a way to heal from the pain caused by abandonment. Denise's book "They Chose Me" is out for release soon!!!   Contact Denise:   Instagram   denise.defoe@gmail.com   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram      

Jennifer comes on the podcast discuss generational trauma, and its impact on families. Jennifer tells her complex story of how adoption, and disruption of the mother/child bond affected her family for generations. When Jennifer's daughter became pregnant as a senior in high school,  she, along with her family, decided to place the child for adoption. After the placement they came to the realization that adoption wasn't all that was promised, and the trauma left an open hole in the heart of their family. Despite discovering all this, and coming to terms with it, Jennifer had a deep down feeling that something else inside her had driven her to think that having her daughter place the child was ok. Through the help of counseling, Jennifer realized how having a mother who placed a son for adoption before her birth, and then abandoned her at age 5- affected how she bonded and related with her children. We wrap up talking about how to end the generational trauma we all carry, the trauma that was passed down to us from the generations that came before.   Contact Jennifer:  facebook   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Michael is a transracial adoptee who was brought to America from Colombia at the age of two. His adoptive parents did not complete paperwork in their home state to finalize his adoption, and thus he was never made an American citizen. Michael is a husband and father of 2, with one on the way - and is now facing deportation. Michael has never left the country, has no memory of Colombia, and does not speak the language. Today, he is very lucky to have an employer that has allowed him to continue working, and a wife who is financially able to sponsor him while he seeks citizenship; but, tens of thousands of adoptees have not been so lucky. They have been sent back to countries they have no memory of, to countries with a language they do not speak, to a place they were taken from- to be children of American parents. I’m honored Michael trusted me to share his story, and we are able to shed some light on a narrative that is definitely being suppressed in this country.     IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW CAN HELP- Contact Michael: Twitter Facebook     For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Renee Gelin comes on the podcast to tell her story, and discuss her organization, Saving Our Sisters (S.O.S). Renee lost her son to adoption in 2011. She lacked the resources and support at the time to parent her son, and believed she was doing the best for him by placing him for adoption. After placement she began learning and experiencing the lifelong psychological affects that adoption has on both the adoptee and first family. She also began to realize that adoption, in her case, as well as many others, was a permanent solution for a temporary problem. Renee founded SOS to help women in the midst of a crisis pregnancy keep their children, if they wish to parent, and promote family preservation. SOS has a network of “sisters on the ground” to help educate vulnerable women considering adoption, and find them resources and support in their area. Currently, SOS has helped preserve hundreds of families. If you or someone you know is considering adoption- please reach out to Renee at the links below. If you would like to help Saving Our Sisters, they are always looking for sisters on the ground to help women all over United States. You can also donate to SOS through their website, a small amount goes a long way in helping a family stay together. Website Personal Email S.O.S. Email Facebook Twitter Instagram   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram

Amanda comes on the podcast to discuss her experience as an adopte, born in Colombia, adopted, and raised in Sweden. We discuss the roles grief, guilt, and attachment play in adoption. Amanda also explains the contradictory emotions that are constantly at play for adoptees. We wrap up by discussing Amanda’s blog “This Adoptee Life”, where she is shares voices of adoptees from around the world.   This Adoptee Life links: Website Email Instagram Facebook Twitter    

Kelsey discusses her journey to becoming a potential adoptive parent. We discuss her experience with three disrupted adoptions, and how her views on adoption, especially the ethics of it, have changed. We discuss what lead Kelsey to speak out about the unethical practices of adoption agencies, and how she believes its up to adoptive and prospective adoptive parents to lead the way in stopping these practices from continuing into the future.   Connect with Kelsey: Instagram   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

For all adoptees and birthfamily interested in helping, please write a brief testimony explaining why opening the records is so important to you and email them to: pdtestimony@cga.ct.gov Be sure to include your testimony is about Senate Bill 972  THIS IS A SPECIAL CALL TO ACTION PODCAST EPISODE. Desiree comes on the podcast to talk about her experience as an adoptee, and how she began her work in adoptee rights legislation. She is currently working with Access Connecticut to open the birth records of adoptees in this state. She tells us how important it is for adoptees to tell their story when reaching out to legislators. Together we are asking listeners to please help by clicking the link below to Access Connecticut’s website and follow the instructions on how you can help Connecticut adoptees access their birth records.     Connect with Desiree: Facebook Twitter   Connect with Access Connecticut: Facebook Twitter Website   Sign up on Access Connecticut website to send testimony, or email testimony to: pdtestimony@cga.ct.gov   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

** note- in this episode Melissa discusses adoptee suicide. She states one in four adoptees commit suicide- but what is meant is attempt. Adoptees are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than non adoptees.   Melissa comes on the podcast to discuss what its like to be an transracial, late discovery adoptee. We talk about the impact discovering her adoption had on her, and how it changed the way she identified racially and culturally. We wrap up discussing the impact race has on adoption, and what its like for an adoptee to become a parent. Connect with Melissa: Twitter Instagram Facebook Website   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com   Find the podcast on social media: facebook twitter instagram  

Monica comes on the podcast to share her experiences as an adoptee, and as a birthmother. She discusses the obstacles she has had to overcome, reunion with her birth family and daughter, and finding a path toward healing. We talk about the compassion needed in the adoption community, and the importance of being open to the experiences of others in the adoption triad.  Connect with Monica: Twitter Facebook Instagram Website   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com Find the podcast on social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram  

** note in this episode Vin discusses adoptee suicide. The exact statistic is that adoptees are 4 times more likely to commit suicide than non adoptees.    Vin Adoptee comes on the podcast to tell his story. We discuss what its like to be an international adoptee, racial issues, bullying, and overcoming adversity. Vin also tells us about the facebook groups he administrates, and the importance of having a group for prospective and adoptive parents, that is run by adoptees.    Connect with Vin: facebook instagram twitter   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com Find the podcast on social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram    

Michaela discusses what it's like to have a sibling whose an adoptee. We talk about how her views on adoption have changed, and supporting the adoptee in your life!   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com Find the podcast on social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Destini tells her story. We discuss trauma, grief, and healing.   Connect with Destini: Instagram   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com Find the podcast on social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram

An introduction to the mission of this podcast, and a little background on creator and host Francie Frisbie.   For more information on Adoption Advocacy Podcast, and to participate in this episodes discussion board, please visit: http://www.adoptionadvocacypodcast.com Find the podcast on social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram