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Thriving Adoptees - Inspiration For Adoptive Parents & Adoptees
Another episode with a difference courtesy of two ladies with huge hearts. Empathy for others in the adoption constellation is foundational to thriving and communication. Listen in as birth mother Laura and adoptee Hannah explore the path to empathy. Hannah Andrews was born in Chicago and was adopted as an infant during the Baby Scoop Era. She was raised on a Midwestern farm with two older adoptee brothers. In 2018, a chance meeting with author birthmother Laura Engel sent Hannah in search of her own history. She found more questions than answers, but found guidance and community from fellow triad members. She joined the AKA board to provide that same support to others. Hannah is a writer, pianist & pet enthusiast . She lives in San Diego, CA with her dog Josie and three Pussycats .https://www.instagram.com/hannahshannonmashup/https://medium.com/@writingsbyhannahandrewshttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074619925818https://www.adoptionknowledge.org/our-board-of-directors.htmlHere's a bit about Laura and her book from her website:My book is about Laura, a woman who lived her life with her secrets finds her greatest secret unearthed at age 67. The child she was forced to give up for adoption when she was 17 in an Unwed Mothers Home in New Orleans unexpectedly sends her an email. Meeting her 49 year-old son rocked her world and cracked her soul wide open. She found the acceptance and love she had always denied herself had been with her all along. My book tells an incredibly sad story but ends with a story of grace, hope, and extraordinary joy.https://www.facebook.com/lauralengelauthor/https://www.instagram.com/storytellerlaura/https://lauralengel.com/https://lauralengel.com/books/Listen to Laura's previous interview here https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/goodby-shame-with-birth-mother-laura-engel Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.
Jennifer is an adoptee born in Orange County, California, in 1963. The first six weeks of her life remain a mystery. Although she was adopted by a loving family, her journey has not been easy. As part of the Baby Scoop Era, she was relinquished at birth and spent her early weeks in foster care.Her adoptive family, led by the daughter of a well-known artist and former model, provided a stable home, but Jennifer always felt like she wasn't enough. She grew up as the middle child with two brothers: her older brother, who was also adopted, and her younger brother, the biological son of her adoptive parents, who had been surprised by his arrival, as they had previously been told they couldn't have children.Jennifer always knew she was adopted, though she can't remember being explicitly told. As she grew older, she became curious about her origins and began wondering who she might resemble. This curiosity led her down a destructive path, turning to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope. Years of rebellion, running away, and conflicts with her parents culminated in her legal emancipation at age 15.Things continued to spiral out of control until she ended up in a treatment center in Portland, Oregon. Once she had regained clarity, Jennifer realized she needed to understand her medical history, and so began a search for her biological family. Remarkably, it only took three hours for a search specialist to find them.However, not all reunions are as heartwarming as one might hope. Jennifer's birth mother, sadly, had no interest in reconnecting and refused to meet her. Despite this, Jennifer did find a half-brother with whom she still maintains a relationship. Tragically, her birth mother passed away in 2023, never having met the daughter she had given life to in 1963. In Jennifer's words, “It's her loss.” Coincidentally, just weeks after her birth mother's death, Jennifer's adoptive mother passed away as well.Today, Jennifer has come to terms with the reality that she will never know the woman who gave birth to her. Meeting other biological family members has become a meaningful part of her journey. She is currently working on her memoir, Sometimes You Just Need a Lollipop: A Very Adult Story of My Spiritual Awakening, a candid exploration of her life's struggles, her search for self, and her spiritual growth.You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Magic Mind Adoptee 20 LinkUSE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONmagicmind.com/adoptee20JOIN US in March 8th in Atascadero, California - Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered + More! Leave your email for more info!Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is on January 4th @ 1 pm ET.Support the showTo support the show - Patreon.
Please join me as I talk with Lorah Gerald about the courage required to navigate life as an adopted person, and as an advocate for the rights of children and adopted people. Lorah is a Baby Scoop Era, domestic, same race adopted person. Lorah is also known as The Adopted Chameleon, and can be found at Lorah Gerald (@theadoptedchameleon) • Instagram photos and videos (20+) Facebook Lorah Gerald, The Adopted Chameleon | Kundalini Yoga Classes/Videos, Community, Support Group | Patreon She can also be found on tiktok, and as a guest and speaker on a number of podcasts and events. Read on the episode today: https://www.facebook.com/TheAdoptedChameleon/posts/pfbid02NV7744DZ2Qy2JVMqHvGeSrmY2ZiCr9xyfnT9c7AGCN6wMBuwTpbnBNKtMdmJu4bjl What is NAAM? About National Adoption Month | Child Welfare Information Gateway The opinions of the host and their guests are just that, their opinions. The host is not a lawyer, a therapist or an adoption professional. Thank you for listening!
Please join me as I speak with TJ Johnson. TJ is a musician, English teacher and Baby Scoop Era adopted person. She writes on Medium as The Onyx Phoenix. She contributed to the anthology Strangers by Adoption. The Onyx Phoenix. – Medium An Open Letter To My Father. An adoptee writes a letter to her… | by The Onyx Phoenix. | Adoptere: Auditing the Narrative | Oct, 2024 | Medium The Onyx Phoenix (@redbyrde1960) | TikTok This conversation is part of our effort to amplify the voices of adopted people and others impacted by adoption during the month of November. Please be aware that this episode includes graphic descriptions of child abuse. Mentioned in the episode: Amazon.com: Strangers By Adoption: 10 Adoptees Share Their Stories of Rejection and Abuse: 9780578495743: Sippel, Doris Michol, Musser, Sandy, Sippel, Doris Michol, Musser, Sandy, Sippel, Doris Michol, Yarrow, Patricia Vivien: BooksHome - Saving Our SistersPound Pup LegacyMoses Farrow The opinions of the host and their guest are just that, their opinions. The host is not a lawyer, therapist or adoption professional. Every state and region had its own child abuse reporting laws and helplines. We are including the link to the national helpline. If you know or suspect that a child is being abused, please report. National Child Abuse Hotline - Childhelp Thank you.
Please join me as I speak with Baby Scoop Era, domestic adoptee Sophi Richman Fletcher. Sophi shares with us a piece she wrote on the search for her father, what she discovered, and how her discovery has been pivotal in her own self-empowerment. Sophi can be found on Facebook as Sophi Richman Fletcher. Sophi welcomes questions about the search process and on managing expectations in search and reunion. She can be messaged through FB Messenger. Mentioned in the show: No Apologies for Being Me, a blog by The Adopted Genealogist, Lynn Grubb Lynn Grubb (noapologiesforbeingme.blogspot.com) The Sunshine Boys: Southern Gospel History - Sunshine Boys (sghistory.com) National Adoption Awareness Month was established to promote adoption. Adopted people have been working to reframe the conversation centering the voices of adult adopted people in order to shift the prevailing narrative. There are many resources that people can explore to learn more about the deconstruction of the adoption narrative. We encourage listeners to listen to podcasts produced by adoptees, read books and articles, and visit adoptee produced content on IG, FB, Tiktok and X, as well as blogs on blogspot, wordpress, substack and other platforms. The opinion of the host and their guest are just that, their opinions. The host is not a lawyer, therapist or adoption professional. Thank you for listening!
Hi! As we begin yet another National Adoption Awareness Month, the podcast will be sharing on the history and function of the event, along with the stories and perspectives of some of us who are impacted by adoption. Mentioned in the podcast today: About National Adoption Month | Child Welfare Information Gateway Data and Statistics: AFCARS | The Administration for Children and Families https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R43025/11 US Adoption Statistics | Adoption Network Places you can find information on the experiences of adoptees and mothers who are deconstructing from the adoption narrative: this podcast! Adoptees of Tiktok Adoptees on IG Adoptees on Twitter(X) The many podcasts hosted by adopted people Adoptees United | Identity, Citizenship, Equality Where Adoptee Voices Meet – An Adoptee Centric Connect Group Adoptee Rights Law Center PLLC Adoptees for Justice Home | ARC There are many state based adoptee rights groups also: California Alliance for Adoptee Rights, Georgia Alliance for Adoptee Rights, Adoptee Advocates of Michigan, Virginia Alliance for Adoptee Rights, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, and more. Adoption Trauma Network (@adoptiontraumanet) • Instagram photos and videos Adoptee Reading: An Adoption Book Catalog - Books Written & Recommended By Adoptees Concerned United Birthparents The Family Preservation Project – Where Moms and Resources Meet Home - Saving Our Sisters The opinions of the podcast host are just that, their opinions. The host is not a lawyer, therapist or adoption professional. The host is a Late Discovery, Baby Scoop Era, Intercountry, Same Race Adopted person whose identity also intersects with the LGBTQ and the Disabled community. Thank you for listening!
Lorah Gerald is a Baby Scoop Era, same-race domestic, pre-Roe adoptee. She posts as The Adopted Chameleon on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. She is a certified Trauma Informed Kundalini yoga instructor and Reiki Master. Along with her work as a yoga instructor, she is an adoptee advocate. She leads the Adoptee Connect Tulsa group, started the adoptee private group The Adopted Chameleons, where she leads an art therapy group and body doubling group monthly, and works on the steering and implementation committee in Oklahoma for those affected by adoption and foster care. She works with people leading those agencies to get better mental health care to adoptees and former foster youth in her state. She works to help us all be the best version of ourselves. When we heal ourselves, we heal the world. Website: https://lorahgerald.com/ Adoptees Connect Tulsa: https://www.facebook.com/adopteesconnecttulsa Adopted Chameleons Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/z1QXeiFhW7bhWEr6/ Connect With Melissa: -Email Melissa here: mindyourownkarma@gmail.com -Click here for the Mind Your Own Karma Website -Click here for Somatic Mindful Guided Imagery -Find Mind Your Own Karma on Facebook -Find Mind Your Own Karma on Instagram -Find Mind Your Own Karma on YouTube -Click here for a comprehensive list of adoptee/adoptee trauma-informed practitioners. Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. ________ WANT TO BE A GUEST? (click to email mindyourownkarma@gmail.com) Mind Your Own Karma – The Adoption Chronicles Podcast educates listeners on the realities of adoption through the stories of adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents. We delve into their journeys, exploring identity, the emotional impacts of adoption, and the complexities that are involved when a child is removed from their biology. We also tackle tough topics like transracial adoption and adoption ethics, featuring experts and advocates. By sharing these diverse perspectives we hope to not only educate the world, but also give hope and healing to those deeply affected by adoption trauma. *** This podcast's mission is on adoption education. If you have an expertise that you think would be beneficial to anyone touched by adoption and would like to be on the podcast, get in touch with me. #adopt #adoption #adoptee #adopteevoices #adopteesspeak #adoptionpodcast #adopteepodcast #mindyourownkarma #primalwound #adopted #adoptionjourney #thefog #adoptionfog #comeoutofthefog #hypnotherapy #jayshetty #hypnosis #somatic #attachmentstyles #subsconscioushealing #subconscious #whatwasimadefor #adoptiveparents #birthmother #whoami #constellationconversation #firesideadoptees #grief #emotionalpain #adoptionawareness #birthfamily #biologicalfamily #dna #adoptiontrauma #emotionaltrauma #primalwound #emotionalhealing #findmyfamily #smgi #bekind #eatingdisorders #hypnotherapy #somatichealing #somaticexperiencing #listenable #listenablestory #reunion #adopteereunion #ancestry #ancestrydna #23andme #adoptionstory #dna #reactiveattachment #rda #lifecoach #therapy #traumainformed #kundalini #yoga #reikihealing --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melissa-ann-brunetti/support
Shelly is a private domestic adoptee, born 2 years post Baby Scoop Era in North Carolina. She was raised a minister's daughter, along with her younger sister that her adoptive parents conceived. She was forced to become a birthmother at 17. She has 5 children, and her oldest daughter is adopted due to illegal rehomings. Trying to find answers for herself and her adoptive daughter....the journey began. Shelly fought the system to find out her identity, place of birth, and date of birth. She lost and ended up paying $4,000 to find out who she was and where she came from. She began her search before DNA was available. Because of her personal journey, she became a Search Angel for others. She quit her career and began searching and doing reunifications for other adoptees. She believes we all deserve answers — it is our inherent right. Links: Www.theanswerswedeserve.com Connect With Melissa: -Email Melissa here: mindyourownkarma@gmail.com -Click here for the Mind Your Own Karma Website -Click here for Somatic Mindful Guided Imagery -Find Mind Your Own Karma on Facebook -Find Mind Your Own Karma on Instagram -Find Mind Your Own Karma on YouTube -Click here for a comprehensive list of adoptee/adoptee trauma-informed practitioners. Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. ________ WANT TO BE A GUEST? (click to email mindyourownkarma@gmail.com) Mind Your Own Karma – The Adoption Chronicles Podcast educates listeners on the realities of adoption through the stories of adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents. We delve into their journeys, exploring identity, the emotional impacts of adoption, and the complexities that are involved when a child is removed from their biology. We also tackle tough topics like transracial adoption and adoption ethics, featuring experts and advocates. By sharing these diverse perspectives we hope to not only educate the world, but also give hope and healing to those deeply affected by adoption trauma. *** This podcast's mission is on adoption education. If you have an expertise that you think would be beneficial to anyone touched by adoption and would like to be on the podcast, get in touch with me. #adopt #adoption #adoptee #adopteevoices #adopteesspeak #adoptionpodcast #adopteepodcast #mindyourownkarma #primalwound #adopted #adoptionjourney #thefog #adoptionfog #comeoutofthefog #hypnotherapy #jayshetty #hypnosis #somatic #attachmentstyles #subsconscioushealing #subconscious #whatwasimadefor #adoptiveparents #birthmother #whoami #constellationconversation #firesideadoptees #grief #emotionalpain #adoptionawareness #birthfamily #biologicalfamily #dna #adoptiontrauma #emotionaltrauma #primalwound #emotionalhealing #findmyfamily #smgi #bekind #eatingdisorders #hypnotherapy #somatichealing #somaticexperiencing #listenable #listenablestory #reunion #adopteereunion #ancestry #ancestrydna #23andme #adoptionstory #dna #reactiveattachment #rda #lifecoach #therapy #traumainformed #searchangel #searchangels --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melissa-ann-brunetti/support
Shelly is a private domestic adoptee. Born 2 years post Baby Scoop Era in North Carolina. She was raised a minister's daughter, along with her younger sister that her adoptive parents conceived. She was forced to become a birthmother at 17. She has 5 children, and her oldest daughter is adopted due to illegal rehomings. Trying to find answers for herself and her adoptive daughter....the journey began. Shelly fought the system to find out her identity, place of birth, and date of birth. She lost and ended up paying $4,000 to find out who she was and where she came from. She began her search before DNA was available. Because of her personal journey, she became a Search Angel for others. She quit her career and began searching and doing reunifications for other adoptees. She believes we all deserve answers — it is our inherent right. Links: Www.theanswerswedeserve.com Connect With Melissa: -Email Melissa here: mindyourownkarma@gmail.com -Click here for the Mind Your Own Karma Website -Click here for Somatic Mindful Guided Imagery -Find Mind Your Own Karma on Facebook -Find Mind Your Own Karma on Instagram -Find Mind Your Own Karma on YouTube -Click here for a comprehensive list of adoptee/adoptee trauma-informed practitioners. Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. ________ WANT TO BE A GUEST? (click to email mindyourownkarma@gmail.com) Mind Your Own Karma – The Adoption Chronicles Podcast educates listeners on the realities of adoption through the stories of adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents. We delve into their journeys, exploring identity, the emotional impacts of adoption, and the complexities that are involved when a child is removed from their biology. We also tackle tough topics like transracial adoption and adoption ethics, featuring experts and advocates. By sharing these diverse perspectives we hope to not only educate the world, but also give hope and healing to those deeply affected by adoption trauma. *** This podcast's mission is on adoption education. If you have an expertise that you think would be beneficial to anyone touched by adoption and would like to be on the podcast, get in touch with me. #adopt #adoption #adoptee #adopteevoices #adopteesspeak #adoptionpodcast #adopteepodcast #mindyourownkarma #primalwound #adopted #adoptionjourney #thefog #adoptionfog #comeoutofthefog #hypnotherapy #jayshetty #hypnosis #somatic #attachmentstyles #subsconscioushealing #subconscious #whatwasimadefor #adoptiveparents #birthmother #whoami #constellationconversation #firesideadoptees #grief #emotionalpain #adoptionawareness #birthfamily #biologicalfamily #dna #adoptiontrauma #emotionaltrauma #primalwound #emotionalhealing #findmyfamily #smgi #bekind #eatingdisorders #hypnotherapy #somatichealing #somaticexperiencing #listenable #listenablestory #reunion #adopteereunion #ancestry #ancestrydna #23andme #adoptionstory #dna #reactiveattachment #rda #lifecoach #therapy #traumainformed #searchangel #searchangels --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melissa-ann-brunetti/support
Carolyn Hill-Bjerke is an adoptee born in 1967, during the Baby Scoop Era.She was born to 20-year-old students at the University of Connecticut.Carolyn's biological mother was put into a maternity home. Her fathermoved to New York City and became a lawyer. He worked in theentertainment business.Carolyn was in foster care for the first five months of her life as herbiological mother resisted relinquishment until she no longer could.Carolyn grew up in the Washington, DC area as the daughter of a nuclearengineer and a doctor. She was an artist and writer who wasmisunderstood in her early life. Carolyn attended Syracuse University and moved to New York City in 1989. Carolyn worked as a journalist before launching her career in advertising and film production. Carolyn is still a production executive, consultant, and agent – www.carolynreps.com Carolyn also earned her MFA in Poetry from Columbia University in 2003. Upon meeting her biological father in 2011, Carolyn learned her family name – Pennella – means “of the pen” in Italian signifying a lineage inwriting.Carolyn met her husband, the artist Wayne Bjerke, in New York City. Theylive in Connecticut near where she was born. Carolyn and Wayne havethree children. The oldest, Paige Bjerke, now attends the University ofConnecticut.Carolyn's Substack - https://carolynhill.substack.comCarolyn's Book - https://www.amazon.com/Things-Dont-Want-Talk-About-ebook/dp/B01AIGC3R8To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 11:28The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri Eventbrite: LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & A PHOTO JOURNEY with Jeff Forney of The Innocent People Project RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesGregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawJoe Soll & other adoptee resourcesFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryHiraeth Hope & HealingMoses FarrowNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.orgAdoptee Therapist DirectorySupport the Show.To support the show - Patreon.
Steve Inskeep is an adoptee and adoptive parent born in 1968, the peak year for adoptions in America during the Baby Scoop Era. He is a host of NPR's Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.Known for interviews with presidents and Congressional leaders, Steve has a passion for stories of the less famous: Pennsylvania truck drivers, Kentucky coal miners, U.S.-Mexico border detainees, Yemeni refugees, California firefighters, and American soldiers.And now adoptees can be added to that list. Recently, he published an in-depth article in The Atlantic about America's long history of secret adoption:NO ONE'S CHILDREN - America's long history of secret adoptionA native of Carmel, Indiana, Inskeep is a graduate of Morehead State University in Kentucky and resides in Washington, DC.To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 15:51Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen SissonLIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & PHOTO EVENT with JEFF FORNEY of THE INNOCENT PEOPLE PROJECT - September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri.RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesGregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawJoe Soll & other adoptee resourcesFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryHiraeth Hope & HealingMoses FarrowNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.orgAdoptee Therapist DirectoryIf you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is 7/13 at 1pm ET.Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, Barbara, Sandra, Darla, Lisa and Karen.Support the Show.To support the show - Patreon.
Mark Diebel has been married for almost 46 years and has two sons and two grandchildren. He has been serving as an Episcopal priest in parish ministry for thirty-six years. He was reunited with his birth mother, a second-generation Japanese immigrant, in 2004 when he was 49. A year later he learned that his natural father, a Cuban doctor, was killed in a bizarre accident in Matanzas Cuba in 1970. Over the years, he has learned about both of his first parents and visited their homes in Hawaii and Cuba. As an Episcopal priest, he advocated for adoptees and donor-conceived persons to have access to their personal information and their right to know their origins and their parentage. In May 2012, he wrote an essay, Human Nature and Truthfulness in Adoption and Donor Conception Practice, for the Journal for Christian Legal Thought. He explores the relationship between Christian theology and contemporary adoption practices. He talks about his adoption experience, adoption practices in general, race, and identity in sermons. Mark is currently working with The Episcopal Church as it begins to examine its complicity in the practice of forced adoptions during the Baby Scoop Era. He is retired and living close to his grandchildren in Owensboro, Kentucky.To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 9:03Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen SissonRESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesGregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawJoe Soll & other adoptee resourcesFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryHiraeth Hope & HealingMoses FarrowNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.orgAdoptee Therapist DirectoryIf you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is 7/13 at 1pm ET.Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, Barbara, Sandra and Lisa.Support the Show.To support the show - Patreon.
Carl Niedzielski, named John DellaPenna at birth, was born in Western Massachusetts during the Baby Scoop Era of the late 1960s, and was relinquished and then adopted at some point at or soon after birth. Due to the low birthweight documented on his original birth certificate, it is assumed he spent time in NICU and also probably in foster care or in an orphanage such as the one operated by the agency that managed his adoption, Brightside for Children. As he has learned more about the impact of early childhood trauma, and connected more dots between his life experiences and the research in that area, a focus of his searching has been on finding out about his first few months of life; but the task has been challenging and may not ever be successful. While Carl always knew he was adopted, he did not learn about his biomom until 5 years ago, when he obtained his original birth certificate, which gave his biomom's name, Gladys, and also the surprising information that she had been 41 years old at the time of his birth— in the 1960s, that would have been considered a very high risk pregnancy. He has recently been surprised again, when a random re-check of old Ancestry data yielded first contact with a bona fide biological relative. But that is when the story got weirder and led to the resolution many adoptees face: A more shocking story than expected, more information than ever hoped for, but still persistent gaps that with passing time are unlikely to be filled. Professionally, Carl works as a Senior Director, Grants and Research Development for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He is a passionate mental health advocate, reader, armchair detective, binger of all things, urban hiker, word-gamer, and beacher. He is a beginner in the adult adoptee community, but you can find him on social media occasionally participating in many of the wonderful online communities for adult adoptees. In this episode we weave Carls personal journey with his professional insights. He sheds light on the reality of suicide research along with a bounty of ideas on how we can take action. Resources mentioned: AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)NAMI( National Alliance on Mental Illness)https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/
Art meets advocacy when the transformative power of storytelling takes the spotlight. As a playwright, Suzanne Bachner channeled the raw emotions and experiences of the adoptee's pursuit into narratives that resonate beyond the stage, touching hearts and influencing legislative change. This episode doesn't merely trace Suzanne's path to discovering her beginnings; it also celebrates the broader victories for adoptee rights, highlighting the vital role of the arts in this movement. Through the craft of live performances, we've seen the adoption narrative shift and gain momentum, even as we continue to advocate for unrestricted access to original birth certificates and the fulfillment of every adoptee's right to know their heritage.When Suzanne speaks, we listen - the echoes of a past era and the soul-searching journey of an adoptee become palpable - a narrative woven from the threads of the Baby Scoop Era, where the controversial practices of Louise Wise Services and the emotional odyssey of finding one's roots take center stage. Suzanne's candid recounting are far from a tale of disloyalty to her adoptive family, it emerges as a tender testament to the complex layers of identity and the hunger for truth that defines many adoptees' lives.Listening to Suzanne's journey, our hearts are woven into the fabric of her experiences, reflecting the spirit of resilience that defines the adoptee community. We discuss the significance of these shared stories, the advocacy that propels us forward, and the interconnectedness that fosters a sense of belonging within our ranks. Join us as we traverse the emotional landscape of adoption, celebrate the strides made in adoptee rights, and affirm the enduring strength found in the community's collective voice.
Please join Lynn and I as we discuss the Interlude titled Waiting. Lynn prefers the title Delusional, and its hard to argue. This is the next episode in a series discussing the book Conceiving Christian America; Embryo Adoption and Reproductive Politics by Risa Cromer. The focus of the book is on reproductive rights and justice. As adopted people, we hope to explore not just these topics but also how the move to erode reproductive rights and to conflate adoption with abortion are illuminated in this book. Any errors are our own. Mentioned in the episode: Conceiving Christian America: Embryo Adoption and Reproductive Politics (Anthropologies of American Medicine: Culture, Power, and Practice) - Kindle edition by Cromer, Risa. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. What Is a Loaded Language? (with pictures) (languagehumanities.org) Three Identical Strangers (2018) - IMDb The opinions of the hosts are their own. The hosts are not lawyers or fertility specialists. Both are adopted people. Lynn is a Baby Scoop Era, Domestic, Transracial adoptee . Ande is a Baby Scoop Era, Transnational, Late Discovery Adoptee and a former Evangelical. Thank you for listening!
NZ's baby scoop era marks a dark time in our country's history, where children were stolen from their mothers under a state-know-best policy. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz CREDITS Written and read by Paula Penfold Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Have you ever felt like a piece of your identity was missing? Mary Ellen Gambuti joins us to weave the heartfelt narrative of her life as an adoptee from the baby scoop era, a time when societal pressures and moral expectations often forced the hand of birth parents. Her candid recollection begins with the harrowing tale of her abandonment at birth, her experience in a foundling home, and the eventual adoption by a military family—an upbringing that carved a unique background against the backdrop of growing up in the vibrant tapestry of multiple states and countries. As if life's puzzle wasn't complex enough, imagine grappling with the "primal wound"—the deep-seated trauma faced by adoptees from early separation. Mary Ellen bravely shares her internal struggle, reflecting on how this early rift sowed seeds of identity challenges and loss that lingered into her adult life. Adding another layer, we discuss the hero narrative of military families and how that shaped her emotions and understanding of gratitude, obligation, and belonging. Her insights serve as a beacon for the adoption community, illuminating the crucial need for specialized therapy and support systems.Our conversation underscores the universal right for adoptees to access their adoption records—a vital piece in the puzzle of self-understanding. Her story, chronicled in "I Must Have Wandered: An Adopted Air Force Daughter Recalls," provides an intimate look into an adoptee's search for connection and the profound layers that shape a life story. Connect with Mary Ellen here: https://linktr.ee/SCMelCheck out her book: https://a.co/d/0htiDkPFind your people, cherish your people and love your people.#adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteestories #adopteestrong #adoptionreality #adopteejourney #adoption #wanderingtreeadoptee
TRIGGER WARNING: THEMES OF SUICIDE. Laura was a teenage girl in the '60s when she found out she was pregnant. With no support from the father of the child and feeling the shame of her circumstances from her parents, Laura found herself in a home for unwed mothers, feeling forced to give her baby up for adoption. Laura wrote a book about her experience called You'll Forget This Ever Happened, and according to Laura, one of the most rewarding things about writing her book has been readers reaching out to tell her how much her book has helped them as well as increased their knowledge of women's lives in the 1960s and the Baby Scoop Era. Laura L. Engel, an award-winning author, is originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She moved to San Diego, California over 55 years ago. She lives with her husband, Gene and their beloved golden retriever, Layla. She is the mother of 5 adult children and 10 adored grandchildren. Two scenes from Laura's book have been performed live on stage at the San Diego Memoir Showcase and she is published in four Shaking the Tree anthologies as well as many online magazines including Writers Digest. Today finds Laura's life-long dream to write a book fulfilled. Her award-winning memoir You'll Forget This Ever Happened was published May 2022 by She Writes Press. It became a Best Seller on Amazon and finalist in the 2023 International Book Awards and in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Awards. In August of 2023, Laura was honored to be selected as the Local Author for San Diego's Downtown Central Library. You can reach Laura at: https://www.lauralengel.com IG @storytellerlaura FB @lauralbaliusengel.com The organizations I told you about that help birthmothers who do not want to choose adoption: SAVING OUR SISTERS https://www.savingoursistersadoption.org BRAVE LOVE www.bravelove.org For Birthparents: CUB: Concerned United Birthparents https://www.concernedunitedbirthparents.org If you or someone you know would like to tell their adoption story on the podcast (anyone in the adoptee constellation), please send an email to mindyourownkarma@gmail.com, and your story will be considered for the podcast. _________ Due to the LONG-LASTING EMOTIONAL FALLOUT that can be part of adoption, I highly support the GENTLE HEALING SUPPORT of SMGI: Somatic Mindful Guided Imagery. For more information on this groundbreaking and highly successful method, go to https://www.somatichealingjourneys.com Please seek professional help if you find yourself struggling with some of the realizations that you may experience during this episode. This podcast's mission is on adoption education. If you have an expertise that you think would be beneficial to anyone touched by adoption and would like to be on the podcast, get in touch with me. I love to help fellow adoptees by helping to promote your latest project or expertise. It's time WE educate the world!! Check out the MYOK website for resources, ALL episodes of the podcast, and more about me! https://www.mindyourownkarma.com Follow me on Socials! MYOK on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mind_your_own_karma MYOK on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindyourownkarma MYOK on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindYourOwnKarma #adopt #adoption #adoptee #adopteevoices #adopteesspeak #adoptionpodcast #adopteepodcast #mindyourownkarma #PrimalWound #adopted #adoptionjourney #thefog #adoptionfog #adoptiveparents #birthmother #firstmother #mindyourownkarma #constellationconversation #firesideadoptees #adoptivefamily #adoptionawareness #birthfamily #biologicalfamily #biologicalmom #biologicaldad #biologicalsister #biologicalbrother #birthmom #biologicalparents #biologicalsiblings #birthfather #biomom #biodad #biofamily #biosister #biobrother #adoptionsecrets #adoptiontrauma #emotionaltrauma #emotionalhealing #findmyfamily #smgi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melissa-ann-brunetti/support
TRIGGER WARNING: THEMES OF SUICIDE. Laura was a teenage girl in the '60s when she found out she was pregnant. With no support from the father of the child and feeling the shame of her circumstances from her parents, Laura found herself in a home for unwed mothers, feeling forced to give her baby up for adoption. Laura wrote a book about her experience called You'll Forget This Ever Happened, and according to Laura, one of the most rewarding things about writing her book has been readers reaching out to tell her how much her book has helped them as well as increased their knowledge of women's lives in the 1960s and the Baby Scoop Era. Laura L. Engel, an award-winning author, is originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She moved to San Diego, California over 55 years ago. She lives with her husband, Gene and their beloved golden retriever, Layla. She is the mother of 5 adult children and 10 adored grandchildren. Two scenes from Laura's book have been performed live on stage at the San Diego Memoir Showcase and she is published in four Shaking the Tree anthologies as well as many online magazines including Writers Digest. Today finds Laura's life-long dream to write a book fulfilled. Her award-winning memoir You'll Forget This Ever Happened was published May 2022 by She Writes Press. It became a Best Seller on Amazon and finalist in the 2023 International Book Awards and in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Awards. In August of 2023, Laura was honored to be selected as the Local Author for San Diego's Downtown Central Library. You can reach Laura at: https://www.lauralengel.com IG @storytellerlaura FB @lauralbaliusengel.com The organizations I told you about that help birthmothers who do not want to choose adoption: SAVING OUR SISTERS https://www.savingoursistersadoption.org BRAVE LOVE www.bravelove.org For Birthparents: CUB: Concerned United Birthparents https://www.concernedunitedbirthparents.org If you or someone you know would like to tell their adoption story on the podcast (anyone in the adoptee constellation), please send an email to mindyourownkarma@gmail.com, and your story will be considered for the podcast. _________ Due to the LONG-LASTING EMOTIONAL FALLOUT that can be part of adoption, I highly support the GENTLE HEALING SUPPORT of SMGI: Somatic Mindful Guided Imagery. For more information on this groundbreaking and highly successful method, go to https://www.somatichealingjourneys.com Please seek professional help if you find yourself struggling with some of the realizations that you may experience during this episode. This podcast's mission is on adoption education. If you have an expertise that you think would be beneficial to anyone touched by adoption and would like to be on the podcast, get in touch with me. I love to help fellow adoptees by helping to promote your latest project or expertise. It's time WE educate the world!! Check out the MYOK website for resources, ALL episodes of the podcast, and more about me! https://www.mindyourownkarma.com Follow me on Socials! MYOK on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mind_your_own_karma MYOK on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindyourownkarma MYOK on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindYourOwnKarma #adopt #adoption #adoptee #adopteevoices #adopteesspeak #adoptionpodcast #adopteepodcast #mindyourownkarma #PrimalWound #adopted #adoptionjourney #thefog #adoptionfog #adoptiveparents #birthmother #firstmother #mindyourownkarma #constellationconversation #firesideadoptees #adoptivefamily #adoptionawareness #birthfamily #biologicalfamily #biologicalmom #biologicaldad #biologicalsister #biologicalbrother #birthmom #biologicalparents #biologicalsiblings #birthfather #biomom #biodad #biofamily #biosister #biobrother #adoptionsecrets #adoptiontrauma #emotionaltrauma #emotionalhealing #findmyfamily #smgi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melissa-ann-brunetti/support
Lorah Gerald is a same race, domestic, Baby Scoop Era, preRoe adoptee. She posts as The Adopted Chameleon on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Patreon, and Pinterest. She co-facilitates Adoptees Connect Tulsa and has a private Facebook group for adoptees and all MPEs called The Adopted Chameleons. She started her social media pages after her reunion with her biological family.She was raised as an only child in her adoptive family. This was the first time in her life she had ever seen or been in contact with anyone in her biological family. Her birth mother ignored her and rejected her attempts at reunion. She was a secret to her whole family. Reunion was a rollercoaster of emotions. It opened up feelings she had suppressed. She found writing, being creative, and telling her story was therapeutic. Her pages connected her with others who are experiencing adoption trauma. Since that time she has been educating people on the trauma of adoption and how we can help heal ourselves. To better deal with her trauma, she became a certified kundalini yoga instructor, TIYT-Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy instructor, and Reiki Master. With her training in trauma, yoga therapy, and energy healing, she shares these tools online and in person in her weekly yoga classes and workshops. Working with these techniques, she now better understands her trauma and how to help others on their path to being their best and authentic selves. All of her social media accounts, articles, podcast interviews, classes, workshops, and more can be found on her website.The Adopted Chameleons group link.Adoptees Connect Tulsa I Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito.Use Discount MAKINGOF for 30% off.Thank you for our past support: S12F.Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawJoe Soll & other adoptee resourcesFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryTo learn more about: CAAR visit the Facebook PageIf you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Ann Mikeska, Darra Robins, A.M. Homes, Kelly Layton & Karla.Support the showTo support the show - Patreon.
Gabe is on a mission not to feel shame about his acne. A listener writes in to see if she can ethically pursue someone who wants different things than her long-term. Podcasters Sarah Reinhardt & Louise Browne join the chat to share their own adoption stories, the role of coercion in adoption and why adoption is so misunderstood. And finally, the etiquette of inside jokes. Heartbreak feels good in a place like this.Watch clips and the full TLDRI episodes AND listen to the full Wednesday episodes:https://www.patreon.com/justbetweenusThis has been a Gallison ProductionProduced by Melisa D. Monts and Diamond MPrint ProductionsPost-Production by Coco LlorensProduction Assistance by Melanie D. WatsonSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/just-between-us/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Katherine Sanford is yet another adoptee caught up in the Baby Scoop Era of U.S. closed adoptions and the restrictive laws that prevent access to birth records. It wasn't until 2017, with the help of two spit-in-a-tube ancestry kits, that she could finally answer the one crucial question she longed to answer: “Who am I?” Katherine writes about her experience in the award-winning book, Storked! You can follow her at www.kcsanford.comI Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito. Use Discount MAKINGOF for 30% off. Magic Mind - The World's First Productivity Shot™Use code: ADOPTION20 to save on your subscription.Available in all Sprouts in January 2024Thank you to our sponsor S12F.Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawJoe Soll & other adoptee resourcesFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryTo learn more about: CAAR visit the Facebook PageIf you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies, Kathryn Haddad, April Dury, David Behar, Chris Manby, Jamie Johnson, Sandra Umney, Patrick Hawes, Anna Brook, Niamh Graham, Lisa Baylasri, Beverly Halsey, Gina Funaro, Karen Lane, Janet Kane, JR, Stacie Witbeck, Karen Bruckner, Kate Hackett and Virginia McQueen.Support the showTo support the show - Patreon.
When we recently discussed orphan trains, one thing that stood out to us was that the policies and practices during this time were adoptive parent-focused. This problem persisted over time, like during the Baby Scoop Era. In this episode, we discuss why this focus on adopters is problematic, and actionable ways adoptive parents can shift the focus in the adoption community toward adoptees and biological parents.
Confessions of a Freebird - Midlife, Divorce, Dating, Empty Nest, Well-Being, Mindset, Happiness
Did you know that between 1945 and 1973, four (4) million US mothers put their children up for adoption?As an adoptee and in honor of National Adoption Month, I wanted to bring light to the false narrative around adoption. Adoption is more than just a legal process; it's a life-altering journey that can deeply, influence our sense of identity, the way we perceive belonging, and how we connect or don't connect with others.These are issues I've struggled with and so have my two guests today, Sarah and Louise. Adoption is complex and there are ripple effects it has on adoptees, and their families, and can change lives directly and indirectly. In today's episode, I speak with Sarah Reinhardt and Louise Browne, hosts of “Adoption: The Making of Me” podcast. One of the top-rated podcasts on adoption!!We dive deep and discuss:What is the Baby Scoop Era?Sarah and Louise's intimate adoption stories and how it has affected them. The effects adoption has on self-worth and feelings of guilt. The trauma of being separated at birth from your birthmother and how it shows up in adult relationships.The challenges of being adopted and how it can increase your chances of having anxiety, addiction, mental health issues, or being incarcerated.Why adoptees need open and honest conversations. How having the right support group or community can impact an adoptee.Sarah and Louise also share their invaluable insights and reflections from their 4 seasons of “Adoption: The Making of Me” podcast. Including the importance of the industry and its multidimensional impact on our society. Click here to purchase “American Baby”Click here to purchase “Journey of the Adopted Self”Enjoy this heartfelt conversation about adoption and the profound ways it shapes lives.XO,LaurieClick here to receive “8 Things You Should Stop Doing In Midlife to Find More Freedom”Sign up for my newsletter here to stay up to date on my upcoming offerings and podcast interviews!Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoConnect with me:Website: www.laurieejames.comEmail: laurie@laurieejames.comInstagramFacebookLinkedinConnect with Sarah and Lousie:Website: www.adoptionthemakingofme.comEmail: themakingofmepodcast@gmail.com Facebook: Adoption: The Making of MeIG: @themakingofmepodcastTwitter: makingofmepdcst***************************************************************************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.
Coming Out of the Fog with Melissa Brunetti "As an adoptee, you want to be wanted. I thought, well, shoot, if I don't take this guy, I don't know if anyone else is going to come along." - Melissa Brunetti Even though Melissa was an adoptee with a FABULOUS adoptive family, she realized that she was "in the fog" of adoption trauma in mid-life. In this episode, we delve into Melissa's heart-wrenching quest to unravel the mysteries of who she is, her traumatic relinquishment and reunion story, and her healing path.
Paige Adams Strickland is a teacher and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. She is an adoptee in reunion from the Baby-Scoop-Era who searched and found her biological family in the 1980s. Paige has written books and also film and play reviews, found on her WordPress blog, as a way to elevate the voices and talents of members of the adoption constellation. Her two memoirs about being adopted are AKIN TO THE TRUTH and AFTER THE TRUTH. She has a work in progress with a working title of BORN ADOPTED & FINDING MY TRUTH. Born Adopted is geared toward teen and young adult readers. She is married with two daughters, three grandchildren and four spoiled-rotten cats. Paige's Links: https://wordpress.com/view/stricklandp.wordpress.com naapunited.org Amazon links to books: Akin to the Truth: https://a.co/d/4Tu1JCC After the Truth: https://a.co/d/5uIJSGi ______ ***If you or someone you know would like to tell their adoption story on the podcast (anyone in the adoptee constellation), please send an email to mindyourownkarma@gmail.com, and your story will be considered for the podcast. ***This podcast's mission is on adoption education. If you have an expertise that you think would be beneficial to anyone touched by adoption and would like to be on the podcast, get in touch with me. I love to help fellow adoptees by helping to promote your latest project or expertise. It's time WE educate the world!! ***Please seek professional help if you find yourself struggling with some of the realizations that you may experience during this episode. Check out the additional content on my website & subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.mindyourownkarma.com MYOK on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mind_your_own_karma MYOK on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindyourownkarma Mind Your Own Karma YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEnNaW22x33MVMuKGqYIDyw The Karma Files YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thekarmafiles --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melissa-ann-brunetti/support
The Lifelong Impact of Adoption with Michael Grenfell "When we receive or find new information, we have to then reorient ourselves with that information, with a new foundation or a new guidepost. It's deep identity structure stuff that we're continually renegotiating all the time throughout this journey." - Michael Grenfell In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, guest Michael Grenfell opens up about the profound impact of adoption on identity. As he shares his experiences, the complexities of navigating family dynamics and the lasting effects of adoption are unveiled. But just when it seems like resolution is within reach, conflict erupts within the family, leaving Michael in a precarious situation with no clear path forward. Tune in to discover how this adoptee's journey unfolds and the resilience he displays in the face of adversity. In this episode, you will be able to: Comprehend the critical part fathers take on in the adoption narrative, Probe into the complexities confronting adoptees in their quest to locate their birth parents, Discern how adoption imprints on an adoptee's sense of identity and self-understanding, See the necessity of candid dialogue and trust within adoptive families, Realize the power of DNA testing in an adoptee's expedition to find their biological kin. ===============
**This podcast may contain triggering content about adoption.** Greg was born California in 1969 and placed in a closed adoption as an infant after spending 6 weeks in foster care, which was a common practice with Baby Scoop Era adoptions. Growing up, he sensed a certain ill-fit with his family, and found out about his adoption when he was 10. In 2006, at age 37, he finally discovered and made contact with his biological maternal side, and has experienced all the attendant ups-and-downs that so often accompany reunion. He was able to connect with his paternal family in late 2021, and is currently navigating the landscape and complexities of those newly-emerging relationships. Since coming out of the fog in 2021, Greg has been an active member of the online and in-person adoptee communities. Listen in for some deep insights. ***If you or someone you know would like to tell their adoption story on the podcast (anyone in the adoptee constellation), please send an email To MindYourOwnKarma@gmail.com and your story will be considered for the podcast. ***This podcast's mission is on adoption education. If you have an expertise that you think would be beneficial to anyone touched by adoption and would like to be on the podcast, get in touch with me. I love to help fellow adoptees by helping to promote your latest project or expertise. It's time WE educate the world!! ***Please seek professional help if you find yourself struggling with some of the realizations that you may experience during this episode. Check out the additional content on my WEBSITE and subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.mindyourownkarma.com MYOK on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mind_your_own_karma/ MYOK on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindyourownkarma Mind Your Own Karma YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEnNaW22x33MVMuKGqYIDyw The Karma Files YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNFid63lwQOTlUHw65LX8BA --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melissa-ann-brunetti/support
Hannah Andrews is a U.S. domestic adoptee, born in Chicago during the Baby Scoop Era, raised on a farm in central Illinois. After semi-retiring she moved to San Diego and started writing again ( a lifelong love) but, definitely not about adoption. Hannah mostly ignored all things adoption until 2018 when she met a birthmother and author at a Writers Conference in San Diego. Everything changed in that moment. She began searching, found that not only had she moved at one time within 2 blocks of her birth mom in Venice Beach, CA, but that she had died a decade earlier (months before Illinois changed its OBC law though she didn't know the law had even changed until years later). Hannah also began reading and consuming all things related to adoption, especially adoptee and first mother authored memoirs. Now, that is all she writes, and attend CUB (Concerned Birthparents) and AKA (Adoption Knowledge Affiliates) adoptee support groups and serve on the board of AKA as well. Hannah is an advocate for open records, and supports a push for a national apology to the Baby Scoop generation as well as more transparency in the industry across the board. Mentions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX2Vm18TYwg&t=186sMusic by Corey Quinn and invitational by MDT
In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss the second adoptee memoir in a three-part series, "Who Am I Really" by Damon Davis. Following their discussion, they have a conversation with Greg Gentry.Greg was born California in 1969 and placed in a closed adoption as an infant after spending 6 weeks in foster care, which was a common practice with Baby Scoop Era adoptions. Growing up, he sensed a certain ill-fit with his family, and found out about his adoption when he was 10. In 2006, at age 37, he finally discovered and made contact with his biological maternal side, and has experienced all the attendant ups-and-downs that so often accompany reunion. He was able to connect with his paternal family in late 2021, and is currently navigating the landscape and complexities of those newly-emerging relationships. Since coming out of the fog in 2021, Greg has been an active member of the online and in-person adoptee communities.To find Greg: Fireside Adoptees & Adoptees ConnectIf you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: Who Am I Really by Damon DavisThank you to our sponsor S12F.If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support. Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall and Janet MacDonald.Support the showTo support the show - Patreon.Support the showTo support the show - Patreon.
In this episode, Sarah and Louise continue Season Three with a discussion of the first adoptee memoir in a three-part series - starting with "The Mistress's Daughter" by A.M. Homes. They then speak with Ruth Bendig.Ruth Bendig is a “Baby Scoop Era” domestic adoptee. The oldest of her adoptiveparents' three children, she and her brothers were all relinquished as infants and raised in the Midwest.Becoming a mother jump-started a desire to learn more about her biological history.WIth the support and encouragement of her adoptive parents she began to search, first through the state, then, when that proved to be a dead end, through DNA testing. She is now in reunion with siblings and cousins on both sides of her biological family.If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. HomesThank you to our sponsor S12F.If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support. Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino and Colleen McCall.If you'd like to support the show, you can do it here: https://www.patreon.com/themakingofmepodcastMindful ConsumingConversations that focus on supporting a deeper connection with our spending power.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.
We are just switching our name from Safe Home Podcast to Unraveling Adoption, and this is the first full episode under our new name. In this week's episode, Beth Syverson chats with Leslie Pate Mackinnon, a licensed clinical social worker and an adoption activist for the past 30 years. Leslie is a seasoned and well-respected therapist in the adoption community. She is a nationally known trainer who travels across the country training therapists, agencies and child welfare workers about the psychological issues inherent in adoption and third-party reproduction. Following four decades of successful practice in Atlanta, Leslie and her husband relocated to Asheville, NC. Leslie comes to this work by way of being a birthmother in the 1960s, the Baby Scoop Era. She understands adoption trauma deeply, both as a lived experience and as a therapist for all members in the adoption constellation - adoptees, birthparents, and adoptive parents. On Safe Home Podcast, we've had 8 episodes so far with adoptees, and 1 episode with another adoptive parent, but this is our first episode from the birth mom's perspective, which is a super-critical piece of this puzzle. ===============
D.W. Hogan's Website D.W. Hogan's Facebook D.W. Hogan's Instagram D.W. Hogan's Twitter Julia Daily's WebsiteJulia Daily's Twitter Julia Daily's FacebookJulia Daily's Instagram Julia Daily's Linked In Julia Daily's Goodreads Authors Over 50 Podcast Links:Amazon MusicSpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts - authors over 50Julia Daily's WebsiteThank you, Holly Shannon, Zero to Podcast coach and host of Culture Factor 2.0. https://hollyshannon.com and Sean McNulty, Sound Engineer.
Daphne Keys is a Baby Scoop Era Maryland adoptee. Please join us as we discuss Daphnes attempts to obtain her identifying documents, the recent efforts by Maryland adoptees to pass legislation guaranteeing access, and how taking up quilting has been a source of therapy. Mentioned in the show: Baby Scoop Era: a period from 1945 to 1973 where a high rate of adoptions took place in the United States. Shame and coercion were common characteristics of this period. Similar practices occurred in other countries, with varying names given to the phenomenon. Maryland Adoption Law: Maryland Original Birth Certificates | Adoptee Rights Law SB331: A bill that would have allowed Maryland adoptees unrestricted access to their original birth certificates< regardless of year born .MD SB331 | 2021 | Regular Session | LegiScan Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities is an arm of the Catholic Church that has been heavily involved in adoption for decades. Unadoptable: a term used for children who were not considered suitable for adoption, usually due to disability or medical conditions, and other factors such as race, age or undesirable appearance. The opinions of the host and their guest are just that, opinions. The host is not a lawyer.
Thriving Adoptees - Inspiration For Adoptive Parents & Adoptees
What's the journey from hardship, anxiety and grief to love, joy and hope. Lisa Ann explores our burdens, how they develop over the stages of our lives and how to relieve ourselves of our burdens...Adopted at the tail end of the Baby Scoop Era, Lisa Ann's multiple decades of searching for family finally broke through with the submission of her DNA in 2018. She has learned over the past few years the importance of listening to others who are in the community, how more adoptees need to be heard, the benefits of changing the adoption narrative from all roses to reality, the impacts the journey has on all family and friends and how just talking it out can be one of the best forms of self-care available.Lisa Ann is very driven, can be an overthinker and works to find peace with the wins and losses of her journey. She strongly believes in the power of acceptance through connection with other people who are adopted; and genuinely hopes her experience can lift others up as they too go through the process. Influenced by many adoptees with prestigious blogs, podcasts and memoirs, Lisa Ann embarks on this endeavor by focusing on being open to other perspectives, direct about her path taken, honest about emotions experienced and now very public about her adoption experience.Wandering Tree Adoptee Blog and Podcast are powered by Lisa Ann. She is a writer and commentator focused on sharing her personal journey of adoption, searching for biological family and the nuances of reunion.https://wanderingtreeadoptee.com/
In our new series, What Happened Then, AYM features stories from a part of our history unknown to many. Karen Wilson-Buterbaugh spent twenty years researching and writing The Baby Scoop Era. In 2007, Karen founded the Baby Scoop Era: Research, Education, and Inquiry (BSERI) organization to support millions of women forced to surrender their babies between 1945 and 1972. Young and in love, Karen found herself pregnant at 17 years old. The events that followed were an emotional and humiliating experience. First, she was sent to a wage house, then to a maternity home, where she was labeled an inmate. She found herself isolated from everyone she knew and expected to surrender her child. Karen was not alone. The Baby Scoop Era represents a time when millions of single unwed mothers went into maternity homes where they lived in secrecy and shame. This is Karen's story. “It was a very humiliating experience. And by this time, I was so incredibly depressed. I remember crying a lot and looking out the window at a church, wishing I was free instead of a prisoner of this place. So I called my mother, and I said I was feeling very suicidal. I said, 'You have to get me out of here. I'm leaving; I'm walking out the door. And I don't care where I go, but I'm not staying here anymore.' ” – Karen Wilson Buterbaugh Surrendering To understand what had happened to her, Karen found materials explaining her situation then. One such resource stated, "It is essential that the parent most involved, psychologically, in the daughter's pregnancy also be dealt with in a manner identical with the one suggested in dealing with the girl. Time is of the essence; the maturation of the fetus proceeds at an inexorable pace. An ambivalent mother, interfering with her daughter's ability to arrive at the decision to surrender her child, must be dealt with as though she (the girl's mother) were a child herself. (Marcel Heiman, M.D. in "Out-Of-Wedlock Pregnancy In Adolescence," Casework Papers 1960) "Our days were spent talking about pregnancy. Not knowing what was going on in our bodies, we didn't have any schooling about it. Nobody gave us classes, which was intentional; they did not want us to bond with the baby...the child was always called 'The Baby' because they saw us bonding with them as a negative. We would get in the way of us surrendering our babies." – Karen Wilson-Buterbaugh The Myth The adoptions were shrouded in secrecy. Mothers were seen as misguided women who discarded their babies. Institutions perpetuated this myth, further compounding the young women's pain. "The emotional support or counseling was that you've made this mistake and need to correct it. The correction is that you must surrender your baby because you are not equipped, old enough, or experienced enough to raise the baby. So the child has to go to a married couple. That was the only counseling we received. It was a daily mantra of you have sinned." – Karen Wilson-Buterbaugh Young women believed it was their fault, and the only reparation was to surrender their baby so that child may live "a good life." For the confused mothers - cut off from everything familiar, including their families - the only people they had were each other. Sadly, they were told to forget the mothers they met. To hear more from Karen Wilson-Buterbaugh and her experiences during the Baby Scoop Era, download and listen to the episode. Bio Karen Wilson-Buterbaugh is Executive Director of the Baby Scoop Era Research Initiative, Executive Director of Origins International, co-founder of Mothers for Open Records Everywhere (MORE) and founding member of Mothers Exploited By Adoption (MEBA). Karen's personal story appears in Ann Fessler's book, "The Girls Who Went Away, the Hidden History of Girls Who Surrendered Babies for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe v. Wade" She is co-author of Adoption Healing: A Path to Recovery for Mothers who Lost Children to Adoption,
Mary Ellen Gambutti is a South Carolina, Baby-Scoop Era adoptee. She is the author of numerous pieces in literary magazines, and the author of several books, including: I Must Have Wandered: An Adopted Air Force Daughter Recalls, Stroke Story, My Journey There and Back and Coming to Terms: My Journey Continues. Her new memoir, I must have wandered, can be found at: https://books2read.com/ap/ngkMkl/Mary-Ellen-Gambutti She can be found at : https://megam-author.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ellen-gambutti-author/, www.instagram.com/maryelleng.author, www.facebook.com/M.E.Gambutti.Author/, twitter.com/melcmg Mentioned in the show: South Carolina Adoption Law: South Carolina Original Birth Certificates | Adoptee Rights Law Baby Scoop Era: Baby Scoop Era - Wikipedia The age of reason in the Catholic Church: Age of reason catholic (elrenosacredheart.com) Ghost Kingdom: the imgainary family created by adoptees to fill in for the missing family lost through adoption The FOG: sometimes referred to as Fear, Obligation, Guilt. The Fog for adoptees are the coping mechanisms adoptees develop in order to deal with the trauma of adoption when they lack the language and support system needed to navigate the loss at the root of adoption. The opinions expressed in the podcast are just that, opinions. The host is not a lawyer.
Emma Stevens is an adoptee from the Baby Scoop Era and author of the book, The Gathering Place. You can find her book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zP4JwP Emma's story is heartbreaking and healing at the same time as we discover the ends to which she had to endeavor in order to find her real identity. It's a familiar story of how adoptees often venture off on a quest alone to find truth only to realize it's a very rocky road of unexpected setbacks, rejection and disappointment. Despite the obstacles Emma has been able to find peace and talks through her trauma with me in an effort to help those who may still on the journey. Special thanks to our sponsor! This episode is brought to you by Eight Sleep.?Good sleep is the ultimate game changer and the Eight Sleep Pod is the ultimate sleep machine. For me, the three pillars of health are: Sleep. Nutrition. Exercise. Sleep, especially on a thermo-regulated bed at the right temperature customized for me, has been the key to feeling my best and performing at a high level. The Eight Sleep Pro Pod is a game-changer! If you sleep with someone every night like I do, you would normally have to compromise with your partner on temperature… But not with Eight Sleep. The Pod is the only sleep technology that dynamically cools and heats each side of the bed, to maintain the optimal sleeping temperature for what your body needs. With the pod, you can start sleeping as cool as 55°F or as hot as 110°F. You control everything with an app on your phone and it's really easy. The result: Clinical data shows that Eight Sleep users experience up to 19% increase in recovery, up to 32% improvement in sleep quality, and up to 34% more deep sleep. The new Pod 3 enables more accurate sleep and health tracking with double the amount of sensors, delivering you the best sleep experience on Earth. The Pod is not magic, but it feels like it. Go to eightsleep.com/BRY to start sleeping cool this Summer and save a lot with my special code.
Today's episode features a moving story from a woman who recalls her first pregnancy in the late 1960s. The pregnancy was unintended. She was 18. Her parents, her social setting, and the cultural expectations of the time suggested that she had two options: either to marry her then boyfriend and start a family or have the baby in secret and surrender the newborn to the social workers who vaguely tended to her in the Home for Unwed mothers where she spent the end of her pregnancy and birth. Raised in the catholic faith to strict parents, abortion was not something she'd think to pursue, and it wasn't legal or easily accessed, especially for a women who wasn't married. My guest reflects on how dramatically cultural views of sex and marriage have changed since she was first pregnant, and how her feelings about these topics have changed as well.for extended show notes, see: http://warstoriesfromthewomb.com/
Born during the Baby Scoop Era, relinquished at birth, and adopted shortly thereafter, I began the search for my birth-family at the age of 15, but was strongly discouraged by an adoption social worker. Finally, in my 50's, I found the courage to undertake my search and discovered that despite my best efforts to deny it, the experience of being adopted permeated just about every aspect of my life. Taking this journey has been essential and healing. I highly recommend it. Surround yourself with people who will support you as you learn your origin story and weave it into your history. You deserve your truth.
In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Lorah Gerald, an adoptee, an intuitive, a Kundalini Yoga Instructor, and writer. Lorah hopes to help others heal their trauma, adopted or not, by sharing her lived experiences as an adoptee as well as her education in breath work, energy healing and natural intuitive abilities. ===============
Andrea is a licensed clinical social worker. She is also a search angel with the Search Squad. Andrea was one of the first people I interviewed when I began this podcast. A non-adoptee, or Kept person, Andrea has devoted a great deal of energy to an intentional exploration of adoptees lived experience. Through countless hours of reading adoptee memoir, blogs and articles; listening to podcasts and viewing recordings, and via her work as a search angel, Andrea has worked to become informed and to gain a greater understanding of how adoption impacts adopted people. Mentioned in the show/ Resources: DNA Detectives: a private Facebook group founded by CeCe Moore, genetic genealogist. The group is dedicated to assisting people with genetic genealogy work Search Squad: Search Squad is a private Facebook group which provides free assistance for adoptees, birth parents, biological family through trained, vetted volunteers Family Preservation: attempts to provide assistance to families with the intent of keeping families together. The Girls Who Went Away: by Ann Fessler. This book is an important discussion of the history of coercive treatment of unwed pregnant women sent away to give birth in secret in the decades prior to Roe v Wade. The children born were lost to adoption or to the foster care system. Adopteereading.com: a website dedicated to providing a list of books written by or recommended by adoptees. Finding Family: my search for roots and the secrets in my DNA, by Richard HIll. Hill's memoir recounts his use of DNA to unravel the secrets of his origins. Adoptee podcasts and blogs: There are many good lists of podcasts and blogs by adoptees that can be found by simply googling Adoptee podcasts and Adoptee blogs. I have partial lists included with these two blog posts: https://theadoptionfilescom.wordpress.com/2022/01/14/adoptee-podcasts/ https://theadoptionfilescom.wordpress.com/2022/01/14/adoptee-blogs/ Baby Scoop Era: a period from approximately 1946 to 1975(dates vary) where coercive adoption industry practices resulted in up to four million babies being given up for adoption in the United States alone. Similar practices occurred in other countries.
Laureen Pitman is a Baby Scoop Era adoptee, born and raised in the closed state of California. Laureen is the author of the memoir The Lies that Bind. She is active in the adoptee community, writing for her blog adoptionmytruth.com, participating in roundtables like The Red Couch Rebuttal, contributing to the anthology The Adoptee Survival Guide, and in other projects. Mentioned in the podcast: California Adoptee Access laws: adopteerightslaw.com Adoption Records (ca.gov) Please be aware that each county may have slightly different procedures and forms available for adoptees. California is a sealed state. Waiver of Confidentiality: California requires adoptees and family members to file a waiver giving permission for contact to be included in the adoptees file. If the adoptee and a family member have both filed a waiver saying Yes, they agree to contact, the state is supposed to pass on the contact information. Non-Identifying information: California adoptees can contact the county where their adoption took place or go through the Adoption Records portal listed above to request their redacted information. Private Investigator: adoptees sometimes resort to hiring a private investigator to assist with searching for family members. This can be quite expensive. Always remember to check to see if the person is licensed, reputable investigator. You can go to bsis.ca.gov to check license status. Ghost family/Kingdom: first coined by Betty Jean Lipton, this refers to the fantasy family created by adoptees as stand-ins for the family we have been separated from CUB, Concerned United Birthparents: a support group for parents and adoptees. concernedunitedbirthparents.org Commercial DNA companies: there are a number of commercial DNA companies that are useful for adoptees. They have DNA tests as well as subscription services for their databases. The largest company is Ancestry.com. 23andme.com is popular for medical information as well as matches. other companies include My Heritage, Gedmatch, and Familytreedna Search assistance: on Facebook, there are the DNA Detectives, the Search Squad, the Search Co-op. There are others, but these are the three I am familiar with. A search angel provides assistance for FREE. Because there is a lot going on in the community right now with the SCOTUS announcement and conflation of adoption with abortion, and because this is going out on Mother's day, I am including the contact information for mental health hotlines. It is important that we be kind to ourselves and give ourselves permission to seek help when we need it. National Mental Health Hotline | 866-903-3787 Mental health support: get help - Canada.ca Mental Health Helpline for Urgent Help - NHS (www.nhs.uk) Helplines - Immediate confidential free support | Mental Health Commission (mhc.wa.gov.au) Finding an adoptee competent therapist can be challenging. One source I have found is Growbeyondwords.com. I suggest asking specific questions to determine if a therapist is trauma competent. You can find support from the online adoptee community as well. Check out my earlier blog posts for lists of podcasts, and blogs.
Paige Adams Strickland is a Baby Scoop Era adoptee from Cincinnati, Ohio. She researched and found biological family in 1987-88 before modern technologies. Her state records were open although her adoption was considered “closed” at the time. She is a wife, mom of 2 daughters, grandmother of 2, a teacher and fitness instructor. She loves reading, gardening, writing and spending time with family and friends. She writes book, play and film reviews for the NAAP newsletter and for her blog at: https://stricklandp.wordpress.com/ (https://stricklandp.wordpress.com/) as a way to elevate adoptee voices. She is the author of 2 memoir books: Akin To The Truth, about growing up adopted and After the Truth, about life as an adopted adult, parent, worker, friend and individual navigating the reunion experience. Her books are available on http://amazon.com/ (Amazon.com). Music by Corey Quinn
In 1960, free-spirited Doreen is a recent high-school grad and waitress in a Chicago diner. She doesn't know Margie, sixteen and bookish, who lives a sheltered suburban life, but they soon meet when unplanned pregnancies send them to the Holy Family Home for the Wayward in rural Illinois. Assigned as roommates because their due dates line up, Margie and Doreen navigate Holy Family's culture of secrecy and shame and become fast friends as the weight of their coming decision — to keep or surrender their babies — becomes clear. Except, they soon realize, the decision has already been made for them. Holy Family, like many of the maternity homes where 1.5 million women “relinquished” their babies in what is now known as the Baby Scoop Era, is not interested in what the birth mothers want. In its zeal to make the babies “legitimate” in closed adoptions, Holy Family manipulates and bullies birth mothers, often coercing them to sign away their parental rights while still under the effects of anesthesia. What happens next, as their babies are born and they leave Holy Family behind, will force each woman to confront the depths and limits of motherhood and friendship, and fight to reclaim control over their own lives. Join us for a conversation with author Kelly O'Connor McNees as she discusses The Myth of Surrender, exploring a hidden chapter of American history that still reverberates across the lives of millions of women and their children. _______________________________________________ Produced by Natalie Freeman, Lance Morgan, & Michael Kowaleski. Theme: "I Love All My Friends," an unreleased demo by Fragile Gang. Visit https://www.skylightbooks.com/event for future offerings from the Skylight Books Events team.
Kate Murphy was adopted during the Baby Scoop Era. Her long search for family yielded results through the wonder of DNA in 2015. Now in reunion, she finds peace and acceptance through connection with other people who were adopted. Kate is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a psychotherapy practice in Atlanta, GA. She specializes in working with members of the adoption constellation with a focus on adoptees. She knows that processing the loss and grief caused by relinquishment is challenging to do alone. Kate believes it's possible to understand yourself better, take charge, and live with more purpose and joy.Recommendation: https://adoptionsupport.org/adoption-competency-initiatives/training-for-adoption-competency-tac/Kate has been co-facilitating the Adoptee Voices Writing Group founded by Sara Easterly. Music by Corey Quinn
Dirk is a transracial adopted person who was adopted by white parents in 1960 during the Baby Scoop Era. He was raised is a small town in Central Illinois where he was the only person of color. Dirk has an older adopted brother and two sisters who were naturally born by his parents. His racial identity was a question mark for the first 50 years of his life. Dirk thought he was one race until it was confirmed that he was another. He came out of the fog about a year and a half ago, he is married with four grown children.In this episode, we talk about the ache of not belonging, of not seeing yourself reflected back in those around you. Dirk's ready smile, deep faith and passion for helping other adopted people navigate the issues of identity jumps straight to the heart.
Hi! Welcome to another episode of The Adoption Files. Please join me as I talk with Lisa Ann about the challenges of being adopted in Iowa and seeking your documents. We discuss how so many of us must become detectives, utilizing DNA tests, learning to decipher the meaning of centimorgans and the perils of making contact with matches. Lisa Ann is a closed adoption adoptee from the Baby Scoop Era, who authors the blog and hosts the podcast: The Wandering Tree. These focus on Lisa's experiences of searching and reunion, how the journey has been shared with family and friends and the impact it has had on their lives. You can connect with Lisa Ann viz the website: wanderingtreeadoptee.com Or, look for her via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Audible or other podcast platforms. Resources: Dna Detectives Facebook page: A private page dedicated to helping people use DNA to find biological family for adoptees, foundlings, donor-conceived individuals, unknown paternity and other types of unkown parentage cases. This group is open to non-adoptees also. Adoption Reunions; Sioux City, Iowa Facebook group for Sioux City parents children and siblings involved in adoption through Florence Crittenton Home, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services or private attorneys https:/www.facebook.com/groups/1758507587707530 Iowa Adoptees and Family Coalition Facebook Group: A coalition of adult adoptees, birth and adoptive family members joining together to change the Iowa laws restricting access to Original Birth Certificates (OBCs) and to educate Iowans about adoptin and searching. https:/www.facebook.com/IowaAdopteeRights Iowa Department of Public Health HF855: signed into law on May 19 2021. Adoptees born before 1 January 1971 can receive noncertified copy of their OBC. If adoptee is deceased, an entitled family member may apply. https:/idph.iowa.gov/health-statistics/Open-Adoption. The new law does contain a redaction clause, worded as a contact preference form. If a parent does not wish to be contacted, they may fill out the form and all identifying information will be redacted. Family Tree Magazine Podcast: www.familytreemagazine.com/genealogy-podcast DNA Painter: dnapainter.com/tools/sharedcmv4 Use the tools found on DNA Painter to help demystify your DNA results. They have four tools that use different pieces of your information to assist in determining DNA relationships. The Leeds Method-DNA Color Clustering: www.dnaleeds.com/the-leeds-method: a spreadsheet that helps to sort DNA matches into color-coded groups based on shared ancestors. *Being real here. I had every intention of reading and absorbing all of the editing instructions and making this neat and clean. Or, if that didn't work, hire some eighth grader to mock me whilst taking my money to do it for me. I also thought my spouse would be well, and I would not be waiting to see if a neurologist could fit us into their schedule so they could take pictures of his brain. As I sit here typing this, all I can say is that the last six weeks have been challenging.Yes, I am throwing myself upon your mercy. Please listen to the conversations for the content, and ignore the technical difficulties. If I can't figure this sh*t out for myself by the end of January, I am finding someone to trade with who will teach me the ways of the editing suite. Until then, much love and gratitude for your patience and compassion.
Becky is a fellow Baby Scoop Era adoptee. Born in the state of Ohio, Becky is the Queen of Persistence. Please join us as we discuss her over THIRTY year pursuit of her documents and her identity; plus, antique tractors. Becky Conrad Drinnen is co-facilitator for Adoption Network Clevelands DNA Discoveries support group. She has written articles tor two adoption anthologies, Adoption in the Social Media Age and The Adoptee Survival Guide. She has also been a guest on Haley Radke's wonderful Adoptees On podcast. You will also note that my lack of editing skill is once again highlighted in this episode, as I do battle with the perils of unstable internet connections, and Becky patiently waits for me to get my act together. Organization mentioned in the episode: Adoption Network Cleveland: https://adoptionnetwork.org
Michelle Madden is a fellow Baby Scoop era adoptee. She is also a mom, a Reading Specialist who has been working as a Special Education teacher for many years, and a marvelous person. Join us as we talk about the crucial nature of medical histories, and the difficulties of navigating not just one, but two countries bureaucracies in her search for answers. Baby Scoop Era: The Baby Scoop Era was a period of time from roughly 1945 to the 1970s. The Baby Scoop Era was characterized by the shaming of unwed mothers into relinquishing their children for adoption. Adoptions were often shrouded in secrecy, and the falsification of birth records was common. Grey Market Adoption: this is an adoption that takes place through a lawyer rather than through an agency. They are sometimes facilitated by doctors. They are legal, but ethically questionable. Clinical Geneticist: a clinical geneticist is a doctor who works with patients dealing with conditions related to a hereditary issue Adoptee-centric therapist: an adoptee centric therapist is a therapist educated in the issues that confront adopted people. Often, the therapists are adoptees themselves, and uniquely situated to understand the challenges adoptees face. Illinois adoptee access to records law: In 2011, Illinois amended their laws, allowing adoptees born before 1946full access to their original birth certificates. Adoptees born after that date who are over 21years of age may receive their original birth certificate if their birth parent did not file a veto before November of 2011. *note: I am new at this podcast business. You will hear me say Oops at the beginning of this broadcast. Do not be alarmed. That was me realizing I had accidentally hit record before I was ready to record. I thought, I will just edit that out later. If only my computer was so agreeable. I am learning as I go along.
Join hosts, adoption coaches and adoptive parents, Susan David and Gayle Swift, as they interview adoption author, adoptee, and adoptee genealogist, Lynn Grubb for an enlightening first discussion about genetic genealogy for adoptees. Lynn lets us in on what you need to know before starting and some other considerations you might not have considered. As always, your hosts focus on Adoption Attuned practices that help families raise healthy and happy adopted children. Our guest, Lynn Grubb, offers a variety of perspectives: she is an Adoptee, a Kinship Adoptive Parent, and Editor of the The Adoptee Survival Guide: Adoptees Share Their Wisdom and Tools. Lynn also writes at her blog, No Apologies for Being Me. Born in Chicago, Illinois in the middle of the Baby Scoop Era, Lynn grew up wondering where she came from and why she was given up for adoption. At the age of 40, Lynn embarked on a search for her roots, had a reunion with her maternal family and fourteen years later, found her birth father thanks to genetic genealogy She is currently working on a memoir to be published in 2021. Lynn also serves as “The Adopted Genealogist” on Facebook where she uses her expertise to help other adoptees find family. Lynn writes from the perspective of many hats: adult adoptee, kinship adoptive parent, step-parent, biological parent and child advocate. When not writing, you can find her at any live concert. She currently serves as President of the Adoptee Rights Coalition, which advocates for adopted people to receive equal access to their original birth certificates.
Wendy Libowitz is a Baby Scoop Era adoptee, born in New York City in July 1968 and adopted through Louise Wise Services. She is a nurse practitioner with two adult daughters and resides in Massachusetts. Music by Corey Quinn Support this podcast
Join hosts, adoption coaches and adoptive parents, Susan David and Gayle Swift, as they interview adoption author, adoptee, adoptee genealogist, and adoptive parent, Lynn Grubb for an enlightening discussion about the adoptee experience. Let's continue to discover together Adoption Attuned considerations as we strive to raise healthy and happy adopted children. And for those of you with adult adopted children, what can you do now? Lynn offers a variety of perspectives: she is an Adoptee, a Kinship Adoptive Parent, and Editor of the The Adoptee Survival Guide: Adoptees Share Their Wisdom and Tools. Lynn also writes at her blog, No Apologies for Being Me. Born in Chicago, Illinois in the middle of the Baby Scoop Era, Lynn grew up wondering where she came from and why she was given up for adoption. At the age of 40, Lynn embarked on a search for her roots, had a reunion with her maternal family and fourteen years later, found her birth father thanks to genetic genealogy She is currently working on a memoir to be published in 2021. Lynn also serves as “The Adopted Genealogist” on Facebook where she uses her expertise to help other adoptees find family. Lynn writes from the perspective of many hats: adult adoptee, kinship adoptive parent, step-parent, biological parent and child advocate. When not writing, you can find her at any live concert. She currently serves as President of the Adoptee Rights Coalition, which advocates for adopted people to receive equal access to their original birth certificates.
In this episode, Deidre and I discuss… -Her personal journey as an adoptee -How she found her birth parents -Open and closed adoptions -Adoption narratives, tropes, and clichés -The “Baby Scoop” Era and how society decides who is a fit parent -What “coming out of the fog” means for adoptee. -Life lessons that she has taken away from her experience The book she mentions is The Primal Wound by Nancy Verrier. Deidre Rodman Struck is a Brooklyn-based pianist, singer, and songwriter. She is a teaching artist for Carnegie Hall and has 3 jazz CDs out on the Sunnyside label. Her business, The Song Inside, launched in May 2021. www.thesonginside.me Learn more about host Ali Krasner and her community Emerge and Shine here: Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/emergeandshyne Instagram: www.instagram.com/emergeandshine
The deaths of a baby girl and her mother shed light on America's horrific “Baby Scoop Era.”
She felt unworthy. Shame, combined with lack of belonging, began to take over her life. A decision had to be made. It was either to find a way to overcome the obstacles in front of her or suffer for the rest of her life. As most of us can relate, it is moments like these that define who we are. Moments, filled with tragedy and pain that make us stop what we're doing and reflect. For Holly Lysne, an adoptee from the Baby Scoop Era and avid journaler, the healing process was no different. She said, “I decided to fight back. I was not going to let that sense of shame win.” I asked, “How did you do it?” She said, “Mindfulness.” A practice through which you face your deepest and darkest emotions. A practice that will take you on a journey as you seek answers to questions such as, “What are my feelings? What are my emotions? And where do they stem from?” A practice that has helped Holly develop a different perspective on suffering and pain. A perspective, which made her realize that pain and suffering are temporary. Remember: nothing lasts forever. When life gets hard, know that a brighter day will follow! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: On Adoption: Listen to your heart On Relationships: It's always a work in progress On Meditation: Take a walk in nature, find quiet time, focus on a single simple task On Pain: It's temporary On Our Judgements of Others: They often reflect our own shortcomings On Developing Trust: Take it one day at a time
Gabe is on a mission not to feel shame about his acne. A listener writes in to see if she can ethically pursue someone who wants different things than her long-term. Podcasters Sarah Reinhardt & Louise Browne join the chat to share their own adoption stories, the role of coercion in adoption and why adoption is so misunderstood. And finally, the etiquette of inside jokes. Heartbreak feels good in a place like this.Watch clips and the full TLDRI episodes AND listen to the full Wednesday episodes:https://www.patreon.com/justbetweenusThis has been a Gallison ProductionProduced by Melisa D. Monts and Diamond MPrint ProductionsPost-Production by Coco LlorensProduction Assistance by Melanie D. WatsonSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/just-between-us/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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