Led By A Heartstring

This is your sign to slow down and take a break. In a world that doesn't sleep, it's easy to get caught up in it all. So, take a break. That's what I'm doing and I called the shots myself.This hiatus also serves as a purpose to slow down, process and digest the episodes of my podcast that have been release in the last month, but also the last 30 episodes that have been release as a whole.Don't be afraid to reach out for help.Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support.Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New seasonal episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is your sign to slow down and take a break. In a world that doesn't sleep, it's easy to get caught up in it all. So, take a break. That's what I'm doing and I called the shots myself. This hiatus also serves as a purpose to slow down, process and digest the episodes of my podcast that have been release in the last month, but also the last 30 episodes that have been release as a whole. Don't be afraid to reach out for help. Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support. Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia.   Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen. Led By A Heartstring is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New seasonal episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.au Original Music by Jonah Bobongie Produced by Jonah Bobongie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JOURNEY UPDATE: I've found a new address and a photo on Facebook that my body reacted to in a way in which is just knew this person is related to me. Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support.Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New seasonal episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JOURNEY UPDATE: I've found a new address and a photo on Facebook that my body reacted to in a way in which is just knew this person is related to me. Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support. Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia.   Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen. Led By A Heartstring is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New seasonal episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.au Original Music by Jonah Bobongie Produced by Jonah Bobongie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne is a current kinship carer in Queensland in 2022. She shares her experience as a carer and chats about the urgent need for Queenslanders and Australians to open up their hearts and homes to care for this country's most vulnerable children. Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support. Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia.   Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen. Led By A Heartstring is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New seasonal episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.au Original Music by Jonah Bobongie Produced by Jonah Bobongie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne is a current kinship carer in Queensland in 2022. She shares her experience as a carer and chats about the urgent need for Queenslanders and Australians to open up their hearts and homes to care for this country's most vulnerable children.Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support.Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New seasonal episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A passionate advocate for adoption and an adoptee herself, Vicki understands all sides of adoption, from the good times to the struggles. Whilst living overseas in Fiji as an expat, Vicki fostered a child.As her partner's business took them back to Australia Vicki heartbreakingly had to leave him in Fiji. Back in Australia, Vicki had numerous failed attempts at in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and natural conception, so she became an adoptive parent to two children.Vicki is passionate about giving back and works in the not-for-profit sector, currently at Shake It Up Foundation Australia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A passionate advocate for adoption and an adoptee herself, Vicki understands all sides of adoption, from the good times to the struggles. Whilst living overseas in Fiji as an expat, Vicki fostered a child. As her partner's business took them back to Australia Vicki heartbreakingly had to leave him in Fiji. Back in Australia, Vicki had numerous failed attempts at in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and natural conception, so she became an adoptive parent to two children. Vicki is passionate about giving back and works in the not-for-profit sector, currently at Shake It Up Foundation Australia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dara Read, author of 'We Love You Hundreds and Thousands' chats about her personal journey of reconnecting with her birth parents and how this led to her writing a vibrant children's picture book. We also chat about the special connection the book provided her and her birth family after the visit.Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support.Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dara Read, author of 'We Love You Hundreds and Thousands' chats about her personal journey of reconnecting with her birth parents and how this led to her writing a vibrant children's picture book. We also chat about the special connection the book provided her and her birth family after the visit. Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support. Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia.   Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen. Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.au Original Music by Jonah Bobongie Produced by Jonah Bobongie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you believe it's Season 3?! It's been such a long time since we last spoke and a lot has happened. So I catch you up with the last couple of months in my life from winning a Bronze at the Australian Podcast Awards to finding new information that will lead me to my birth family.Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support.Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New seasonal episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you believe it's Season 3?! It's been such a long time since we last spoke and a lot has happened. So I catch you up with the last couple of months in my life from winning a Bronze at the Australian Podcast Awards to finding new information that will lead me to my birth family. Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support. Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia.   Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen. Led By A Heartstring is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New seasonal episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.au Original Music by Jonah Bobongie Produced by Jonah Bobongie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah takes you back to listen to some iconic mosts of the podcast as we celebrate 1 Year of Led By A Heartstring!Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joining me today to discuss Aaron, David and Emmett's storyline in Australia's longest running and one of the most famous TV soapies, Neighbours is Executive Producer, Jason Herbison. Jason also has personal and deep connections to adoption which we will chat about later in the episode, so stay tuned for that. Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

During discussions with people in my support network, I came across the knowledge and learnings of how the brain connects and controls how your body reacts to certain events. These reactions form from very early ages that you may not even remember clearly as a memory. I wanted to delve into the topic of neuroscience as this genuinely interested me and made me wonder. I didn't necessarily want to do this episode on my own, so I invited neuropsychologist, Dr. Hannah Korrel (AKA.No Bull Pysch) to share her knowledge as a qualified clinician. We caught up the other day via Zoom and had a fun and inspiring chat about mental health, neuroscience, how early stages of life is so important and her new book, ‘How to Break Up with Friends'.Next week on the podcast, the executive producer of Neighbours, Jason Herbison, joins me on the show to discuss the storyline surrounding foster care that featured on the show last year. Jason also shares his story about adopting his own child with his partner recently and how that impacted the way the Neighbours depicted foster care and the thought of adoption in Australian media.Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We all face the birth lottery when we are welcomed to this world. We don’t get to choose the family we grow up with or where we are born or what colour our eyes are. I think most people in this world have dreams and ideas of how different their life would be growing up elsewhere. We are all in different socioeconomic regions with different benefits and downfalls. For adoptees, we can go through this lottery many times. Sometimes our families do choose us. Today I chat with social work student, Keren Rowaro, about the birth lottery and her adoption from Papua New Guinea to Brisbane as well. We discuss how we sometimes question how life would be different had we not have been adopted.Join me next week as I chat with neuropsychologist and author, Dr. Hannah Korrel about anxiety, depression and PTSD which can be caused from growing up in unstable or inconsistent homes. Adoptees, foster children and vulnerable children are at are higher risk of developing these mental illnesses than those who grow up with their biological families. We have a super chill and cool chat about mental health which ties in with Episode 2 from this season. Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Steph from Melbourne discusses the difficulties adoptees face if they aren't fully made aware of their birth culture or heritage isn't incorporated into the households they grow up in.Growing up she was taunted and called names above her darker skin tone, but never really knew why. It wasn't until she was an adult that she completed a DNA test to find out her origins.Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Phoebe was adopted from an orphanage in war torn Vietnam - at just ten days old. When they returned to Australia, Phoebe’s parents found out she was cross-eyed and she required several operations over many years under the late Fred Hollows to correct her eyesight.Phoebe is also an ambassador for Adopt Change Australia and Shake It Up Foundation. Listen as she describes what is was like growing up as an inter-country adoptee from Vietnam, growing up in rural New South Wales, Australia. Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As an adoptee, we all have that scenario in our head that the search and reunion will have the perfect outcome, where all of those questions will be answered, the feelings will be mutually happy, internal wounds healed and our culture reconnected with us. We imagine it will be like those years spent apart never happened. For some that’s not so much the case. For me, I’ve found many obstacles and roadblocks in my search and I’m still awaiting the reunion. What I’ve learnt or gathered throughout this journey from speaking with other adoptees and just from other people’s support in my life, is to prepare for any and every outcome. Which I am. Someone who I believe has had an incredibly successful and wonderful journey, searching and reuniting with his family is Alex Gilbert (I'm Adopted).Alex was born in Russia (Arkhangelsk) and was placed in the local orphanage for the first two years of his life until he was adopted by his New Zealand parents in 1994. In high school, he wanted to start search for his family at the basic level, 2009. Again, in March 2013 he started searching for his Russian birth parents, with whom he had no connection with growing up. He found his birth mother and then his biological father, who did not know about Alex’s existence until he contacted him in 2013 whilst in Russia meeting his mum for the first time. The story of his search for his birth parents first aired on New Zealand television in 2014 and he has since launched the I’m Adopted project, filmed ongoing vlogs on his YouTube channel, released two books and a documentary. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Subconsciously I have felt that my relationship with my adoptive mother Carol has changed over the last 6 months whilst searching for my birth mother. I’ve sort of felt a guilt, or an awkwardness form between us during this journey. It may and truly just be one-sided for me feeling this but there has been a shift in dynamics for myself. Carol returns to share her perspective on this last 6 months of the journey.Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Content Warning / Trigger Warning: Suicide, mental illness, substance abuse, addictionThroughout the closing months of 2020, Jonah was discovering a lot of information about his adoption and his past. Going into this journey, he felt like he was prepared for what was to come, however the news surrounding his conception rocked his world and Jonah found himself spiralling down into a dark mindset of suicidal thoughts. This episode is designed to continue the conversation of suicide awareness and combat any stigma that is attached to telling others about your true feelings so that they can be there for you during those times.Suicide and intentional self-harm are complex and can have multiple contributing factors, yet with timely and appropriate interventions they may be preventable.The following episode of ‘Led By A Heartstring’ discusses suicide and presents material that some people may find distressing. If this episode raises any issues for you, the following services can help and can be reached on the numbers following the organisation name:Lifeline 13 11 14Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.Crisis support services can be reached 24 hours everyday.Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode, we will be one step closer to connecting with my birth family. You will also have a first-hand insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hello, welcome to Season 2 of Led By A Heartstring! Jonah shares his last 6 months of investigation to find his mother and how he wants to shift listeners focus away from his story and onto other adoptees experiences in Australia and New Zealand.Subscribe and stick around, because by the end of every episode this season you will have a deeper insight on the psyche of an adoptee and other issues surrounding adoption in Australia. Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstring on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can find the project easily on Facebook. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Jonah explains what an intermediary service provides for adoptees and how he is utilising it to search and reunite with is birth mother. After receiving the documents back in last weeks episode that outlined his name before adoption and his birth mothers name, he feels using an intermediary will enable him to follow through on any leads in the most civil manner.Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're giving you this very personal insight on the moment Jonah called Carol announcing he had received a photograph of his birth mother holding him. Have a listen as Jonah's adoptive mum shows her support and love for Jonah to kick off the next step in this journey.Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

WE HAVE NEWS! Jonah just received his adoption records back from the Adoption & Permanent Care Services and he goes through and reacts to the information for the first time, live on the podcast! You don't want to miss this very exciting episode as he reacts to seeing this information in fact & figure. Towards the end of the episode, he shares a very special moment as he see's his birth mother's face for the very first time through a photograph that was provided to him.Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's time to start applying for more information on Jonah's adoption. Throughout the next half of the podcast season, Jonah will take you through his 'search and reunion' process to try and find his birth family! This episode, we follow along as Jonah fills out and files for his adoption records from the Adoption & Permanent Care Services in Queensland. He hopes that there is enough information from these records to lead him to the next step in the journey of actually contacting his birth family!Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As many of you know, I am very open about my adoption and I believe that’s all thanks to my adoptive mum Carol. I spoke with her in Episode 2 and you can take a listen to the conversation now or after you have your questions answered here on this very special bonus episode of Led By A Heartstring. Being open about my adoption has allowed for many people to reach out and share their stories, experiences and personal lives with me, as well as others curious about the adoption experience. Last week I posted on social media inviting you to ask me those burning questions that may have popped up in your mind whilst listening to my podcast, or hearing my interviews in other media. I received a fair amount of feedback from you and would love to get into answering some of these questions. Join my 'Inner Circle' on Patreon for exclusive content like videos and bonus episodes, as well as next week's episode EARLY!: https://www.patreon.com/ledbyaheartstringFind this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jonah is joined by the Chief Executive Officer of Adopt Change Australia, Renee Carter to discuss the latest numbers in out of home care across Australia, issues in which Adopt Change are focussing on at present and how change can be made in the community to support children who are seeking a healthy environment to grow and thrive in.Renee is passionate about influencing child welfare ‘policy and practice’ to deliver timely and effective outcomes for children. Through garnering community, sector and government support, Renee and Adopt Change hope to create better childhood experiences and brighter futures for children in need of permanent care.If you are thinking of becoming a carer or adopting in Australia, you can go to the Adopt Change website www.adoptchange.org.au to find more information on the organisation, programs, events and resources relevant to your queries.Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.This marks the end of the first half of season 1, which means I’ll be taking a short 3 week hiatus before we start searching for my family. I hope you’ve enjoyed the podcast so far as I’ve shared with you my feelings, friends, family and of course these incredible discussions with organisations trying to shift the view on adoption in Australia. While you wait for the next half of the season, I will be releasing some very special content for you to enjoy over on my Patreon which will be launched next Monday! Watch videos, behind the scenes content, show notes, family photos and Q&A’s which will be updated throughout this hiatus. Make sure you subscribe here as well as I may release some bonus episodes as well.Until we put the next piece of the puzzle together, I wish you all very well!Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jonah is joined by Jane Sliwka, a post adoption practitioner at Jigsaw Queensland, to chat about the support that is available for adoptees, as well as what to expect searching and reuniting with birth family.Jane is a post adoption practitioner at Jigsaw Queensland Post-Adoption Centre. Jane has had a long-term affiliation with Jigsaw Queensland, having volunteered in the past for the organisation and served on the Management Committee. Jane holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and a Masters of Social Work Studies. Jane's honours thesis was about adoption, attachment and self-esteem.You can listen to Jane Sliwka and Dr Jo-Anne Sparrow explore the adoption experience and interview other adoptees on their own podcast ‘Adopt Perspective’ available on your podcast app now. You can also visit www.jigsawqueensland.com for other information you may find relevant.Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support.Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jonah has a discussion with Lauren about the importance of self-identity as an emerging adult. Lauren proves that Jonah has aspects of identity for himself at the present and it can change in different periods of one’s life.In the second half of the episode, they both advocate for mental health and touch on why Lauren encouraged Jonah to seek counsel before launching this podcast and starting the journey of finding his birth family. Lauren currently works with WhyNot, a platform that helps amplify the voices of young people by creating a safe space for them to express and engage in issues that are important to them. We met at Queensland University of Technology where we studied together. In 2019 she established Long Way Entertainment; a company with the ethos to connect and collaborate with young creatives across Australia to produce interesting and engaging content and to most importantly learn from each other. I am very grateful for the opportunity to bring this project on board as a production there.Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support.Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jonah interviews his school friend, Ellaine to compare the life and family makeup of an adopted and non-adopted person. They share memories of going to school together and when Ellaine and their friends first found out Jonah was adopted and how they handle the conversations regarding adoption with him.Jonah also talks about the white picket fence between adoptees and their friends which is explored by 'The Silencing of Adoptees' and how he feels jealous of them every time he sees them.Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support.Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jonah interviews his sister, Jade, who was also adopted into the same family. Jade talks about her outlook on adoption and the impacts it had on her identity and inability to integrate with her adoptive family for personal reasons stemming from adoption.In the second half of the episode, Jonah is curious about the process of contacting birth family and Jade shares how she did this. All of Jade's life banked up to the moment where she could look in a someone and feel like she's looking into a mirror, where she can see herself and what makes up her identity. Due to this, she fast-tracked her connection with her birth family and this was describe as a 'bittersweet' approach due to the sudden flood of emotions and unexpected information.Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support.Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jonah interviews his mum, Carol, who adopted him in 1998 when he was a baby. Carol talks about why she decided to adopt, how she tried to keep parts of Jonah's culture and heritage with him as he grew up and the processes and procedures of adopting around that time. Hopefully we gage what it is like to be an adoptive parent along every step of the journey up until today; where I am on the search to find my birth family. Jonah also reads a poem very special to any adoptive families hearts, "Legacy of an Adopted Child".Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support.Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jonah explores the feelings and emotional barriers he personally faces every day. You will hear about his upbringing and memories in a linear story of events leading up to today that he pinpoints aspects of his experience with adoption to. These are very important pieces to the puzzle that will help bring together his self-identity puzzle.Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support.Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Led By A Heartstring. My name is Jonah and thanks for joining me on this journey that very few people will experience in their lifetime. I was adopted a 8 weeks old and only now am about to set out to find my birth family and you’re invited to follow along! I hope fill in the missing piece of my identity and answer to that constant pull on my heartstring tugging me back to my origins!I’ve decided to finally open up in raw conversations with those in my life so far and try to reconnect with others who should be. Over the course of the first season, I will be speaking with my adoptive family, close friends and professionals in adoption support. From this I hope you will gain first-hand insight on the adoption experience in Australia, issues surrounding the adoption process and personal challenges faced by adoptees.Let the journey begin.Content Warning: This podcast contains strong themes that may trigger emotional distress to some listeners. If you or anyone you know are experiencing distress of any nature, please do not hesitate to find professional support.Find this project easily on socials @LedByAHeartstringPod on Instagram, @HeartstringPod on Twitter and you can easily find the page on Facebook for other live updates as they happen.Led By A Heartstring is a 'Long Way Entertainment' production and is recorded in Brisbane, Australia. New episodes of the podcast are released weekly on a Monday. Send questions and other correspondence to: ledbyaheartstring@outlook.com.auOriginal Music by Jonah BobongieProduced by Jonah Bobongie & Lauren Pollock and can be contacted at: hello@longwayentertainment.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.