What They're Worth

On this episode, we welcome our friend, boutique owner, and adoptee, Maria Alosi. Maria was adopted from Russia at age four and struggled with processing her adoption for much of her life. Maria shares her story of adoption identity and managing relationships, including how becoming a parent launched her into her own healing process. We also discuss the role of boundaries, connection, and full-disclosure relationships. If you are an adoptee, an adoptive/foster parent, or if you want to know how to understand and love adoptees better, listen in!

Come along and meet Bryan and Elizabeth, parents to three adopted boys. Learn how they came to adopt a young sibling group and years later, through many trials, adopted their oldest son when he was technically "aged out" of the foster care system. They encourage us to set realistic expectations, celebrate the little wins, and to continue the good fight, even when it might seem hopeless! You can follow Elizabeth on Instagram @mama_and_her_groms

From deciding not to foster at all to fostering and adopting 10 children, Amber and Alex get real about the beautiful mess of foster care and adoption. They encourage us that there is no shame in knowing your limits and boundaries, share how hard but worthwhile unconditional love is, and encourage us that though this is tough stuff, we can absolutely do it! Follow Amber and Alex on Instagram @fostering_family12 -- you won't regret it!

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, more commonly known as FASD is an under spoken phrase in the foster care and adoption community (and in the community overall). This episode is eye-opening and educational. Natalie learned about FASD firsthand after multiple diagnoses and advocating for the best treatment and support for her son. Finally, an FASD diagnosis brought clarity to their family and enabled them to begin making necessary adaptations to help her so thrive. Natalie and her husband now host their own podcast all about FASD education and started a website to create awareness and community. If you are considering foster care or adoption or already in the trenches, learn the signs and gain awareness of how you can best support children or adults struggling with the affects of FASD. Natalie's Instagram: @fasdhope Natalie's Website: http://www.fasdhope.com/ Natalie's Email: natalie@fasdhope.com Listen to Natalie's Podcast, FASD Hope anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Natalie's Book Recommendation: “Trying Differently Rather Than Harder: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders” by Diane Malbin (1999/2017) Proof Alliance- (FASD nonprofit) https://www.proofalliance.org/ NOFAS (FASD nonprofit) https://nofas.org/

Does the foster care system always honor children and their parents? Or does it sometimes miss complexity and fail to offer support to the family of origin, which could have preserved the unity of that family? Our guest today, Embo, is a resilient, passionate, driven, young woman; the daughter of immigrants trying to make it in America. She also so happens to be a former foster youth. Embo's story shines light on the flaws from her time in the system, the values that carried her through the hard times, and the convictions that continue to inspire her today. Follow along with Embo on Instagram @embopriscilla

In this episode, Michelle shares what life was like growing up with foster and adoptive siblings and how those experiences shaped who she is and her career path as a TBRI educator, parent coach, and Safe and Sound protocol practitioner. What we love and appreciate about Michelle’s episode is similar to what we love about all of the stories our guests bravely offer: transparency about the good and tough stuff surrounding growing up with her adoptive and foster siblings. In the second half of the episode, Michelle helps us understand a little more about TBRI and Safe and Sound Protocol. Michelle has been so kind as to share some resources with our listeners: Sign up for Bringing Playfulness Back- 5 day Play ideas which include calming ideas as well at www.hopeparenting.com/coaching-with-hcp Learn more about Safe and sound Protocol and sign up for the free checklist- www.hopeparenting.com/ssp-with-hcp You can find Michelle on Instagram @hopeful_connections_parenting

This episode’s guests feels like a childhood best friend. From seeing his fashion, photography skills, and enjoying his humor, you wouldn’t guess everything he went through growing up in a large family facing poverty in California. Richard entered foster care along with many of his siblings when he was 15-years-old. Through his story, we get a unique look and perspective into teenagers who enter care for the first time. Richard shares about what helped him to fight for himself and continue growing into a healthy person and how we can people the type of people teens in care need. This episode will make you laugh and have hope, and break your heart in the best way. A must-listen for any hopeful foster parent or anyone interacting with kids in the foster care system. Enjoy! You can find Richard on Instagram @richardgierman

Listen along to Cathy Crossno, the first birth mom guest on What They’re Worth, talk about the decision to choose adoption for her daughter nineteen years ago. Cathy talks about it all — the pregnancy, hospital stay, forming a relationship, guilt, shame, and God’s hand and forgiveness in the whole thing. We really appreciate her vulnerability, honesty, and reflection as she shares with us the hardest decision she ever made, along with the beautiful relationship she now holds with her daughter. You can find Cathy on Instagram @chasingcrossnos

“Nothing goes to waste when it comes to love.” Annie Marek-Barta entered foster care at the age of 17 and was adopted when she was 26 years old. Take a seat and listen to Annie tell her story of an abusive past, God’s handiwork in her adult adoption, and the impact of foster parents saying yes. She is truly an inspiration, and we feel so privileged we had the chance to connect with her. We promise this is an episode you won’t want to pause. You can find Annie on Instagram @anniemarekbarta

Today’s episode is a first! Our first male adoptee voice on the show and our first professional athlete! Steven Benedict shares his story of growing up in foster care and as an adoptee, from his bond with his passionate and fierce adoptive mother, learning and broadening his perspective about his birth mother, coping with loss, to developing a healthy masculinity and providing the support our boys need. This episode is for anyone who knows or loves young men or simply needs an empowering and thought-provoking story. Connect with Steven: Instagram @steviey_b and @fostering_success Website: https://www.stevieyb.com/ Enjoy!

Today’s guest, Kaycee, saw a need in her community and filled it. She and her husband started a nonprofit, Reel Hope, which creates video interviews with children waiting for adoptive families in Minnesota. While creating these videos, they met their then 12-year-old son! On this episode we get real about the perceptions of adoption in the church and the world, Mom-guilt and unrealistic expectations, the importance of jumping in, and the difference building relationships makes in gaining the courage to step into foster care and adoption. If you’re considering foster care or adoption, or are simply curious about a role you can play, this episode is for you!

Melissa Corkum is a transracial adoptee and adoptive mom, parent trainer and enneagram coach. She is also a cohost over at The Adoption Connection podcast. What doesn't this superwoman do? Grab some coffee and sit down with us as Melissa shares with us her personal story of adoption, adopting her children, and her passion for post-placement support. Melissa has kindly gifted our listeners free access to her and her cohost, Lisa's Compassion Challenge for foster and adoptive parents. Check it out at www.theadoptionconnection.com/wtw

There couldn’t be a more timely episode as our nation wrestles with issues of racial injustice. We recorded this episode prior to the murder of George Floyd, but the content is even more relevant now. Our guest on this episode, Lydia, is a transracial adoptee turned adoption worker. Lydia reflects on her experience of being a different race within the family, the community, and the church. Lydia is transparent about her journey in discovering her identity as an adoptee, a Christian, and a Black woman. She reminds us that adoptee and biological mom voices are not heard nearly enough. Grab your thinking caps and a heart to listen to this powerful testimony. To hear more from Lydia, be sure to follow her on Instagram. Her handle is @adoptee2adoptionworker

Kristina Pihanich 7:55 AM (16 minutes ago) to me Healing is not a one time gig. Our guest, Tina Bauer, shares her journey of healing as an adoptee and past foster youth against the odds. There is nothing more powerful than a story of a life lived and learned. Join us as we reflect on attachment, labels, and how adoptive parents can foster and support healing in the lives of their children. We are inspired by this passionate, vulnerable, young woman who is allowing her pain to become a bridge for others. You won’t want to miss this. You can find Tina on Instagram- c.m.db

On today's episode, Olivia and Jordan join us to tell us their heart and mission of helping those in foster care. Olivia, her husband, and her family head a nonprofit organization, Champions of Change, where their missions statement is, "Little Deeds. Huge Impact." Not currently foster or adoptive parents, they've helped thousands of children in foster care and others in need through their philanthropy. Learn the little deeds and huge impact this family has spearheaded as we interview Olivia and her ten year old daughter, Jordan. Visit their website at https://championsofchangeusa.org/

On today’s episode, our guest Courtney tells a tale of her family’s journey to bring home their son. The details? Their son is overseas and he has a heart condition that is exactly what Courtney and her husband resolved they couldn’t handle. Join us to learn about the international adoption process, selection process, travel, waiting, and the joys and struggles of caring for a medically high needs child. There is nothing easy about this journey, but it’s beautiful, and it’s especially clear that the Lord and this family have a heart for this.

Episode 12: Rooted Here by What They're Worth

Do you believe in miracles? Our guest this episode, Erin will give you a run for your money if you don’t. There is no doubt that pursuing parenthood through adoption is not for the faint of heart. Many have the perception that infant adoption is easier or less complicated than other forms. Many underestimate the multiple layers of decisions and choices that lead an infant into their adoptive home. With grace, faith, kindness, and bravery, Erin recounts the story of becoming a mother to her children. If you need some encouragement and a reminder that your work and prayers are not in vain, this is it. This episode brought tears to our lives. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we did.

Despite the rise of exposure to foster care and adoption in the media, many families and many kids in foster care are dealing with their battles in secret. Our guest this episode, Katie Rose of Attach Families, has made it her life mission to change that fact. Katie started her nonprofit with the goals of educating society about the crisis of developmental trauma and reactive attachment disorder and the need for appropriate treatment, and aims to create safe places for support and acceptance for families and those affected most, the children. Katie has been “through the ringer” but she has stayed in the fight and is the proud parent of two adopted sons. Her story will fire you up- and hopefully lead you to do something about it. Be sure to follow Katie and Attach Families on any social site or at attachfamilies.org

What if instead of listing obstacles we listed opportunities? What if we stopped limiting ourselves and stretched the boundaries instead? Trish and Roy, both therapists with no set plan to be foster parents, stepped up when God called them to be obedient to parent a large sibling group. They aren’t the traditional pairing of parents. They’re best friends. They didn’t live together when this all started. In the moment where they were needed, they dropped everything to make a safe home for their children. And now, years later, they’re still in it and killing it by inspiring us all that these kids are truly worth it. Humor, storytelling, and golden nuggets of wisdom are in this episode along with two of the most inspiring people we have had the honor of knowing. If you need the encouragement that God will make a way when it seems there is no way, this is the episode for you. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed the conversation. And look for more from Trish in the coming episodes! You can find Trish's resources here: https://www.trishjonker.com/

Disruption. It’s a word everyone hears but people don’t often talk about. It can be uncomfortable and intimidating to consider a child you welcome into your home may leave without the happy ending that was once dreamed. On this episode, we welcome guest Dorina Goetz who transparently shares her experiences with various types of disruptions. Dorina spares no punches when she shares about what she’s learned, how she’s grown, and why she stays an advocate for foster care and adoption through it. No matter who you are, this episode will challenge and inspire you- right in the midst of your fears or doubts. We hope you enjoy!

There is no better recipe than passion and purpose. Our guests on episode 7 are Anne Marie and Roger Jackson, foster parents, creators, and new business owners know all about this beautiful combination. If you want to be inspired and challenged, this is the episode for you. Listen as the Jackson’s share their hearts for design, what they learned about themselves and the foster care system, and their plea for all people to find a need and discover how their gifts may meet it. Shop their gorgeous/functional line of home goods at throughthesea.com and follow them on Instagram @throughthesea. Interested to join the cause? Start a chapter or join an existing chapter of national angels (visit www.austinangels.org or on Instagram @nationalangels)

On this Valentine’s special of What They’re Worth, the podcast is honored to host special guest April Dinwoodie. April is a transracial adoptee, podcast host, and adoption advocate and educator. Of all the many beautiful things she is, she is transparent and honest, sharing about the complex but beautiful nature of love in foster care and adoption. There is no way to listen and not learn a little more about how we can love authentically and sacrificially for the kids who are certainly worth it. Visit April's Site: https://aprildinwoodie.com/

What’s better than seeing a whole sibling group adopted into the same family and being able to stay together? The answer is not much! Of course, parents who enter this beautiful challenge are used to hearing, “How do you do it? Are you nuts?” Our guest this episode, Telly, is joining us to share about her brand of crazy with a family of 8 going on 9! She adopted 4 siblings about a year ago and has quite the story to tell. We also reflect on expectations, how to stay organized, and what to consider if you’d like to open your home and heart to siblings. This episode is sure to make you laugh and think, so don’t miss it!

In today's episode, we unravel the foster care fear of many: reunification. We invite our guest, Laura to share about her experience in foster care, specifically reunification with biological family and how she tackles this emotionally and with her own children. Episode four explores how foster parents aren't necessarily awesome for being able to "let go" of foster children, but their willingness to do so is the goal of the process.

Hello, friends! Today, we dive into some of the biggest things we said we'd never do as parents, but definitely have done or continue to do. If you've experienced mom/dad guilt, this episode is probably for you. We get real about screen time, chicken nuggets (what?!), bribes, and doubts and insecurities. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @whattheyreworth

Welcome back, friends! Today, we dive into some logistical components of foster care and adoption. We outline 5 major reasons people do not pursue foster care and adoption: 1) It's too expensive & I don't have enough space! 2) I don't want to get too attached. 3) But, the baggage! 4) I don't think I could love someone else's kid. 5) I could never do that! Book Recommendation- To the End of June by Cris Beam: https://www.amazon.com/End-June-Intimate-American-Foster-ebook/dp/B009JWCRJC What are your barriers or questions? Submit them to our instagram page @whattheyreworth or email us at whattheyreworth@gmail.com If you loved today's episode, please leave a review!

This is “What They’re Worth,” a podcast exposing the truths of everyday people who are willing to enter the beautiful mess of foster care and adoption. Today's episode is our first ever! Join us as we overview our purpose here on, "What They're Worth" and share our hearts and some of our stories regarding foster care and adoption.