Born In June Raised In April

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Nationally recognized thought leader, April Dinwoodie, hosts a personal journey while exploring her adoption experience. We follow her as she examines her efforts to find love, identity, family, and connection. Each month April will candidly interview, discuss, and unravel, all matters surrounding…

April Dinwoodie


    • May 15, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 114 EPISODES

    4.8 from 122 ratings Listeners of Born In June Raised In April that love the show mention: april's, adoptee, adoptive parent, adoption, adopted, identity, process, family, journey, thoughtful, experience, voice, story, insight, thank, love, great podcast, best, listen, life.


    Ivy Insights

    The Born In June Raised In April podcast is a valuable and insightful resource for anyone interested in adoption, particularly transracial and transnational adoptees. Hosted by April Dinwoodie, a transracial adoptee herself, the podcast features guest speakers and discussions that provide a unique perspective on adoption. Whether you are an adoptee, an adoptive parent, or simply interested in learning more about adoption, this podcast offers thought-provoking conversations and personal stories that will resonate with listeners.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the wide range of topics covered. From the challenges and joys of transracial adoption to understanding the emotions and complexities surrounding adoption, each episode delves into important themes with sensitivity and depth. The conversations are honest, vulnerable, and thoughtfully explored, providing valuable insights into the experiences of adoptees from diverse backgrounds. Listeners can expect to gain new understanding and develop empathy for those touched by adoption.

    Another strong point of this podcast is April Dinwoodie's hosting style. She is open-minded, compassionate, and skilled at creating a safe space for her guests to share their stories. Her own experience as an adoptee allows her to ask meaningful questions and offer relevant perspectives throughout the discussions. Her authenticity shines through in every episode, making it easy for listeners to connect with her storytelling.

    There are few negative aspects to mention about this podcast. Some listeners may prefer more diversity among the guest speakers or wish for even deeper dives into certain topics. However, these minor drawbacks do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the podcast.

    In conclusion, The Born In June Raised In April podcast is an exceptional resource for anyone seeking insight into adoption experiences, particularly those involving transracial or transnational adoptions. April Dinwoodie's thoughtful approach as a host creates a space for important conversations that can help listeners better understand the complexities of adoption. Whether you are directly involved with adoption or simply curious about it, this podcast offers valuable perspectives and stories that will leave a lasting impact.



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    Latest episodes from Born In June Raised In April

    Mothering Out Loud: Stacey Gatlin on Advocacy, Identity, and the Yes We Adopt Village

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 67:17


    In this Mother's Day episode, April Dinwoodie sits down with Stacey Gatlin—founder of Yes We Adopt—to explore Black adoption, parenting after loss, and building community that centers authenticity and healing. Stacey shares her path through infertility, post-adoption depression, and the creation of Yes We Adopt—a platform that uplifts Black adoptive families, adopted persons, and birth parents. Together, they reflect on the power of community, the truth-telling needed in adoption spaces, and the mental and emotional load of mothering and leading out loud. A must-listen for anyone in the extended family of adoption or looking to parent with intention and care.

    Chapter One and the Innocent People Project with Jeff Forney

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 46:51


    In April 2025 I sit down with Jeff Forney, a photographer specializing in advertising, music and celebrity portraiture. Jeff is currently working on “The Innocent People Project” - taking photos of adoptees and sharing their stories. In this episode we dive into the reasons behind starting this project, what it has meant to him and so much more!

    Discussing Luck, Burdens & Blessings in Adoption with the Transracial Journeys Community

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 38:25


    In March 2025, I am so fortunate  and honored to welcome some of the members of the Transracial Journeys Community, Co-Directors Mary Halm and Karen Thomas. We dive into this idea of luck in adoption and the blessings and burdens that come along with this experience. We also hear from one of the Board of Directors of TRJ, and adoptive parent, Michelle Daray. There are so many incredible gems in this one! For any member of the adoption community, this is a must listen episode.

    How to Love a Transracially Adopted Person: Unlocking a Deeper Connection

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 49:30


    In February 2025, I give you the 9th installment of How to Love a Transracially Adopted Person. In this part of the series I am joined by someone who, for the past year, has been on this journey with me in the most personal way: my boyfriend, David Sutphen. While he wasn't adopted, he has personal connections to adoption and knows what it's like to be part of a blended family. These experiences, I believe, have shaped his identity, his sense of belonging, and his capacity to love me, a transracially adopted person. Join us as we talk about connections in adoption, identity, and love. I also humbly share a very personal example of how my default setting of abandonment played out following a very special birthday trip with David.

    Chosen, Searching, and Seen: The Community We Need in Adoption

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 25:11


    For many adopted persons, the journey to understanding identity and belonging is filled with complexities, questions, and the need for community. In this episode, host April Dinwoodie is joined by Tracie Carlson, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and fellow adopted person, to explore how growing up adopted shaped their identities and how finding community became essential to their journeys. From the experience of being "chosen" to the emotional realities of searching for family, April and Tracie discuss what it means to be truly seen and supported. They reflect on the both/and of adoption, the power of connection, and how creating spaces of belonging can change lives—not just for adopted persons, but for the world.

    December 2024: Adoption & Evolving Traditions

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 22:45


    Host April Dinwoodie sits with producer Kyle Ferreira to discuss how holiday traditions have evolved over the years. April also shares thoughts about the baby in the manger, the nativity and the “Holiday Miracle” as it relates to adoption.

    November 2024: Who is Around Your Holiday Table?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 24:41


    In November 2024, host April Dinwoodie sits with Producer Kyle Ferreira to talk about the both/and of her holiday table. April also shares helpful tips for transracially adopted persons when it comes to the holiday season.

    October 2024: Adoption, Costumes and Code-Switching

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 25:11


    In October 2024, Host April Dinwoodie sits with producer, Kyle Ferreira to talk about the idea behind code switching and wearing masks as it relates to a transracialy adopted persons experiences. We also hold space for April as her birthday approaches later this month.

    September 2024: Moving with Confidence & Clarity

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 28:19


    This month host April Dinwoodie sits down with producer Kyle Ferreira to talk about the recent Transracial Journeys Camp that April is involved in each year and how beneficial this camp is to building confidence and clarity around some of the more difficult aspects of transracial adoption.

    August 2024: Adoption on MY Terms: Language and Agency For Adopted Persons

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 29:48


    As the school year kicks off, host April Dinwoodie sits down with producer Kyle Ferreira to have a conversation about language as it relates to expressing experiences of adoption. In this episode, April breaks down the reasons for why she refers to her self as an “Adopted Person”. And why she refers to her parents as either “Parents of Origin” or “Parents of Experience”. 

    July 2024: Freedom, Family, & VP Kamala Harris

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 18:16


    With July 4th as a backdrop, this month, producer Kyle Ferreira and host April Dinwoodie have a conversation about thoughts and experiences surrounding freedom and independence. We also discuss representation and the impact VP Kamala Harris.

    June 2024: The Father of All Holidays

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2024 30:02


    This month, for Fathers' Day, I sit down with my producer to have a conversation about my thoughts and emotions at the intersection of adoption and Fathers' Day.  

    May 2024: Mothers' Day & Adoption Reflections with JuneinApril

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 30:48


    This month, just after Mothers' Day, I sit down with my producer to have a conversation about my thoughts and emotions as it relates to adoption and Mothers', mothering, and Mothers' Day

    April 2024: I'm Adopted & I Cry A Lot (April Showers Bring May Flowers)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 11:46


    In this episode, host April Dinwoodie shares her very personal journey of sadness, grief, and loss connected to adoption and family separation.  

    March 2024: Four Women Connected to Adoption

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 11:27


    In honor of Women's History Month for March 2024, I share how four women, four mothers who never knew each other helped shape my understanding of the many women connected to adoption. 

    February 2024:  How to Love a TRA: “She Cried”

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 8:56


    In February 2024, I give you the 8th installment of How to Love a Transracially Adopted Person, titled “She Cried.” In this part of the series I recount recently trying to find an old letter that my bio cousin had sent me but in trying to find that I stumbled upon the letter I had originally sent my birth mother that she had sent back to me but upon opening it this time I found something new. This discovery conjured up a new sense of love and loss.   

    January 2024: The Intersection of Social Media & Adoption

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 22:36


    The new year is upon us but I still continue to see the same inappropriate social media postings surrounding children and youth who have been adopted particularly Black & Brown children being adopted into white families. In this January episode, I dive into how important it is to protect adopted children from social media exploitation. I also discuss the urgency of physical protection of Black and Brown adopted children and youth and the role hair touching plays.

    My Holiday Wishlist in 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2023 15:08


    As another year ends for JuneinApril, I take a quick look back on the amazing family members/guests I had on the show this year. I am so blessed to have so many amazing human beings in my life and honored that they would take the time to talk about my journey with me! Along with this, I wrapped up the year with three wishes for 2024 and beyond.

    November: A Seat at the Table

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 12:12


    For National Adoption Awareness Month I discuss my involvement with Adopt Us Kids and the incredibly rewarding event I have been part of for a few years now. And as the winter holidays begin, I talk about the importance of involving the ones closest to us to the holiday table.

    Wearing the Mask, Birthday Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2023 17:59


    During my Birthday month I take sometime to reflect on what I know about my beginnings and thoughts and questions about the day I was born. And because it's Halloween, I get into the realities of masking feelings surrounding the emotions that can come up at this time of year. 

    Going back to School with JuneinApril

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2023 6:53


    As fall begins this year, I take this time to sit and reflect on Septembers of my past and the feelings and emotions I had round what it was like going back to school and getting back into that academic rhythm. I also discuss what parents and professionals can do better to help ensure that their child feels safe and secure in their transitions back to school.

    Always Learning, Always Growing with School psychologist, Dr. G

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2023 41:19


    As we prepare children for back to school, who better to discuss this transition as it relates to adoption than Dr. Orit Goldhamer (aka Dr. G.) Dr. G works as a school Psychologist at the Churchill School in New York City, where we work together to create affinity spaces for students, supportive spaces for parents, and educate the broader school community. Drawing on her two decades of experience we discuss what students, parents, and professionals need to be doing better for those experiencing adoption.

    July 2023: Sweet & Special Conversations with Nieces & Nephews

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 85:40


    This month, I bring together some of my nieces and nephews of experience. From oldest to youngest, Albert, Mackenzie, Michon, Kyle & Cooper. These are my sibling's kids, the ones who grew up knowing their Aunt “A” looked a bit different but never questioned why I was there or the love that we had for one another. My relationships with all of my nieces and nephews were the stepping stones to a lot of the work that I do today with youth. If you ever wanted to know more about me and how I build relationships with children and young people, this is the episode to listen to!!

    June 2023: An Ode to the Only Dad I've Ever Known, Tom-Dog

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2023 9:39


    In this short episode, I talk with my brother of experience, Jim and his wife Keiko about all the reasons why we love our father! I also am able to bring in a special guest, my father's great grandson, Jim's grandson, my great nephew, Landon James to talk about his “Old Papa”

    Putting Puzzles Pieces Together w/Family of Origin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2023 19:42


    Part of a new limited series, this episode is about my mother of origin, Helen June. With help from cousin Sean McCarthy & nephew Drew Tandal, we dive into the emotions surrounding our journey of finding family of origin as well as how they see Helen in me.

    May 2023: An ode to Sandra D

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2023 20:14


    Part of a new limited series, this episode celebrates my mother of experience, Sandra Dinwoodie. With the help from my older brother Jim and his wife Keiko, we dive into all the things our mom got right and they ways she continues to inspire the next generations. 

    April Showers Brings May Flowers: Exploring Emotion, Environment, and Elevation

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2023 11:37


    Part of a new limited series, this episode explores some of my emotions connected to  transracial adoption juxtaposed to my surroundings as a kid. I also pull in my parents to hear from them on how they raised me and my siblings as well as what they think that could have done better. 

    Family Connections, Luck & Where it All Started with Madeline Bell

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 56:47


    After 7 years of conversation with some of the most poignant and inspirational people I have had the privilege to know; I sit down with the person who inspired me to start this podcast in the first place, my birth cousin, Madeline Bell. We cover family connections, luck in Adoption and so much more! 

    A Look Back on 7 Years of Born in June Raised in April Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2023 32:18


    In this February episode, I take a look back on the last 4 seasons of the show; I've had some remarkable guests with some even more profound highlights & conversations. I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who has been apart of this journey with me!

    A look back on 7 years of Born in June, Raised in April Part 1: How It Started

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2023 22:13


    Later this year, the Born in June, Raised in April podcast will relaunch with a new format and new content! But before we do, I have to pay homage to the many amazing people who made this all possible! In January 2023, I take a look back on the first 3 seasons of the show; how this all started, who planted the seed, and some of the incredibly profound guests I was blessed to have on the show!

    December 2022: The gift of Nathan Ross

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2022 65:12


    For the December 2022 Episode I welcome dear friend, colleague, and fellow transracial adoptee, Nathan Ross. In this episode we discuss his experiences of family, holidays around this time of year, as well as other parts of the year and we also dive into some of the harder parts of adoption/ foster care as it relates to racial identity development.

    A Journey of Sisterhood and Adoption with Cassandra and Julia

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2022 79:47


    In this November episode April welcomes sisters Cassandra and Julia for a healing and heartfelt conversation about their journey of sisterhood and adoption. This month during National Adoption Awareness Month, we go deep into the importance of knowing where you come from and who you are connected to, the life-long impact of adoption, and the reality that there is no one way to experience adoption. 

    Birthdays, Masks, and Bullying: A personal conversation with JuneinApril

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2022 38:46


    It's another year around the sun…My Birthday month has arrived and I decided to sit down with my producer Kyle Ferreira to discuss all the things October has to teach us! Along with the theme of Birthdays, and with Halloween quickly approaching, Kyle and I dive into what it means to “Wear a Mask” as a cover for what we may be feeling. It's also National Bullying Prevention Month, and we make room to break down the terrible situation  that happened in LA earlier this month, with an elected official making racist remarks about a transracially adopted child.

    September 2022: Talking with Steve Wyche

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2022 67:58


    In September 2022, I sit down with NFL'S Chief National Reporter, Steve Wyche. Although Steve doesn't have a personal connection to adoption, he does have a personal understanding of what it means to move around the world as a biracial person in America. This month, Steve and I discuss our shared experiences of identity development, our lives growing up, and the incredible impact Colin Kaepernick's kneeling in protest against police brutality of people of color, has had on the world. 

    All things Adoption and Back to School with JuneinApril

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2022 45:13


    In August 2022, I sit down with my producer/nephew, Kyle to discuss all things “Back to School”. We dive into our thoughts around what it was like for us during school, our feeling around this ever growing fear of school shootings, what parents and professionals can do to help alleviate some of their children's worries, and the importance of connection and validation.

    The intersection of Freedom & Adoption with Milton Washington

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2022 58:13


    In July 2022, I sit with Korean American adoptee, Milton Washington. Orphaned and adopted at the age of eight, and brought to the States at the age of ten, Milton had plenty to say and stories to tell about his experiences in a new family, with a new language and new culture. This month we discuss the intersection between freedom and independence as it relates to adoption, family, and identity. 

    June 2022: Fatherhood, Trauma, and Resilience with Derek Clark “The Rapping Dad”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 66:02


    In June 2022 I sit down with author, inspiring motivational speaker, and viral sensation, Derek “Rapping Dad” Clark! Derek and I discuss so much from foster care to fathering with so many poignant moments shared. And of course he wouldn't be the “Rapping Dad” without dripping a rhyme or two! DISCLAIMER: This episode contains challenging subject matter including violence, suicide, & sexual violence. Viewer discretion advised...

    Mother's Day and Adoption with Amira Rose Davis

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2022 60:38


    In May 2022 April sits with transracially adopted person, Amira Rose Davis. Amira is the Assistant Professor of History, African American Studies, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Penn State University. This month April and Amira discuss the intersections of Mother's Day, Birthdays, and adoption. They also take time to share their thoughts around the recent abortion laws and tragic school shootings.

    April 2022: "Ask Me Anything" Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 51:36


    In April 2022, host April Dinwoodie sits down with her producer to answer questions from listeners.  This episode April dives into all things identity, family, facing embracing differences and this month's theme of naming & claiming as well as “April showers, bring May flowers”. 

    ask me anything april dinwoodie
    We're Adopted Lucky Us? A conversation with Susan Ito

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 54:15


    In this Women's History Month episode host April Dinwoodie sits down with an amazing women, writer, editor, performer, teacher and adopted person, Susan Ito. Together they discuss the complex realities around what it means to be lucky in adoption as well as the importance of documenting narratives in adoption.

    Love as a Verb with Hannah Jackson Matthews and Bret Matthews

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2022 52:23


    In a month filled with love and rooted in Black History, I sit down with adult transracial adoptee Hannah Jackson Matthews and her husband, Bret Matthews. Hannah is a writer, educator and a champion of the healing and humanity of transracial adoptees. Together, the three of us discuss the complexities of love, racial identity, relationships, and transracial adoption.

    2022: Reclaiming the Calendar with Adoptee Advocate, Haley Radke

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2022 52:49


    For this January 2022 episode, I sit down with adoptee advocate and the creator and host of the Adoptees On, Haley Radke. Haley and I discuss how we, as adopted persons, often experience the calendar differently than non-adopted persons, and how adoption can teach the world about grief.

    Adoption, Identity & Traditions with La Tika Jeffery

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2021 50:23


    Ending 2021 with someone I deeply cherish, former foster youth, adult adoptee and consultant, La Tika Jeffery. This month we discuss adoption as an adult and how La Tikas life circumstances impact her very clear choice to be a stay at home mom. We also dive deep into breaking old traditions and creating new healthier ones.

    NAAM 2021: Making Room for Adoption at the Family Table

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2021 13:12


    For National Adoption Awareness Month, I highlight some past conversations with guests that remind us of how adoption can show up at our holiday tables, how adopted children may feel the moment they realize they don't look like their adoptive parents and how we must make room for the uncomfortable visitor of adoption to ensure adoption is experienced at the highest level of elevation.

    Adoption, Identity and the Masks we Wear with Terrence Coffie

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 41:43


    It's October which means one thing, Halloween, candy, and of course costumes and masks. This month, April is joined by the founder of Educate Don't Incarcerate, a mentoring program that focuses on criminal, juvenile and educational reform, Terrence Coffie. April and Terrence steer directly into how masks have affected their lives growing up adopted or as a foster youth and even now as adults.

    "Back to School" with Nam Holtz

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2021 49:34


    It's September 2021 and that means Back to School! This month we sit with Korean Transracially adopted person Nam Holtz. Nam produced and directed a documentary film titled “Found in Korea”. The film follows Nam as she journeys back to Korea in search of her culture, roots, and identity. We dive deep into this idea of parents and professionals who are on this journey of better understanding adoption and foster care.

    Talking Trauma and Adoption with Dr. Bruce Perry

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2021 46:04


    In this August 2021 episode we go back to school and continue our journey to better understand adoption with Dr. Bruce Perry.  Dr. Perry is co-author along with Oprah Winfrey of “What Happened to You?” a book about the impact of trauma. We dive deep into Dr. Perry's work with the neurosequential model and the importance of asking “what happened to you?” vs “what's wrong with you?” specifically related to adoption and identity.

    An Urgent Conversation About Education with Cami Anderson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2021 50:34


    For this July 2021 episode we steer into an urgent conversation about what is and is not happening in education today.  Host April Dinwoodie is joined by 2018 guest Cami Anderson to talk about the future of education and what parents and grown-ups that care about children need to know.  Cami's Thirdway Solutions Group supports policy, government, non-profit, corporate, and philanthropic leaders in pursuit of equity and justice to find innovative solutions to their most vexing challenges.

    education urgent cami anderson
    Surviving the White Gaze with Rebecca Carroll

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2021 49:29


    This month, host April Dinwoodie sits down with culture critic, podcast host, and author of the stunning memoir Surviving the White Gaze, Rebecca Carroll. In this spirited conversation, the two discuss identity, family, difference of race and culture and of course, what adoption can teach the world.

    All You Can Ever Know about May with Nicole Chung

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2021 51:50


    In this month’s episode, host April Dinwoodie sits down with writer, editor and author of “All You Can Ever Know,” Nicole Chung to discuss adoption, identity, and the mother of all holidays, Mother’s Day!

    Dawn is April Fresh: Sisters in Adoption

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2021 45:06


    This month host April Dinwoodie welcomes her sister Dawn for a conversation that is as beautiful and authentic as their bond. From being dressed as twins as little girls to finding even more love and connection as adults, these sisters have so much to share about how together the navigated adoption and differences of race.

    fresh adoption sisters april dinwoodie

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