Podcasts about birth mothers

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.

Simulcast from our An Adoption Story series. Victor was adopted as a young boy and came to Auckland, New Zealand, when he was just four years old. Born in the town of Velikiye Luki in western Russia, his journey began with many unknowns.Now a science teacher and photographer in Christchurch, Victor has built a life full of curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections in New Zealand. Alongside his everyday life, he continues a deeply personal and emotional journey — that lifelong search for answers about his birth mother.This is his story.

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with Jessie Mattos—a birth mother, passionate advocate, and director of birth mother programs at Abiding Love Charities. Known online as @ittakesatriad, Jessie brings raw honesty and powerful insight into what it truly means to support every member of the adoption triad.Jessie bravely shares her own adoption journey, the complex emotions that followed placement, and how her healing truly began years later—after discovering the power of community and education. She dives into the realities of informed consent, post-adoption grief, and why love is not enough when it comes to ethical adoption.Together, Rebecca and Jessie explore how hopeful adoptive parents can show up with intentionality, humility, and a willingness to listen—even when it's uncomfortable. They also unpack red flags to look for when choosing an adoption agency, the do's and don'ts of pre-placement communication, and how open adoption requires effort and honesty from both sides.This episode is a must-listen for anyone hoping to adopt—and who wants to do it ethically, compassionately, and with long-term success in mind.Important LinksAbiding Love CharitiesBraveLoveRG Adoption ConsultingFollow Jessie on Instagram: @ittakesatriadTake the “Are You Ready to Adopt?” Quiz⏰ Chapters00:00 Intro – Why Every Side of the Triad Matters02:17 Who Is a Birth Mother, Really?05:11 Informed Consent & Risks Every Mom Deserves to Know07:26 Healing Through Education & Community11:20 Post-Placement Regret: What Causes It16:44 Understanding Birth Mom “Responsibilities”21:06 Red Flags in Adoption Agencies27:50 Toxic Positivity & Manipulative Language35:30 Grief After Placement: What Hopeful Parents Need to Expect40:11 Birth Fathers, Silence, and Support43:00 Language in Profile Books: What NOT to Say48:35 Communicating Directly with Expectant Moms55:44 How Adoptive Parents Can Truly Support a Birth Mom01:03:27 Double Standards in Adoption01:06:41 What Jessie's Most Proud Of01:13:10 What Every Adoptive Parent Should KnowTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday morning. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and a 5-star rating & review!

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: My husband and I are in the process of growing our family through adoption. It would be a domestic infant adoption, and we are hoping to cultivate a long-term relationship with the future baby's birth family. I noticed that whenever I feel hesitation when thinking about openness, I can bring myself back down to earth by recognizing that any hesitation results from making things about ME, not the baby or birth family. The one question I can't seem to navigate on my own is this...what do adopted children call their birth mothers? How do I, as a future adoptive mom, refer to the baby's birth mom? I want to respect the baby and birth mom; any insight on how families handle this would be so helpful! Resources:What Does Your Child Call Her Birth Mother?5 Tips for Navigating Sticky Situations with Birth ParentsPositive Adoption Language & Why It Matters Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content: Weekly podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

D. Yvonne Rivers is a returning guest. She is the host of the Birth Moms Real Talk Podcast.Since 1988, D. Yvonne Rivers Aka Phoebe has been a champion of a cause, from business success, domestic violence, re-entry, and adoption community. One facet of this global business expert is an esteemed speaker, facilitator, and trainer across the globe on four continents.Another facet of this woman started in 1973 with the birth of her son who she championed for family assistance for support to raise as an unwed mother at age 19. Life changes as she ‘did her best' to place her son in a loving home. Yvonne had such ambition and brilliance, finishing a pre-med program in 3 years and accepted to medical school. Yvonne's journey to become a ‘change-maker in her life and others began in 1973. Over 30 years, she continued the search with letters, journaling, speaking on panels and processing her grief and loss alone. Yvonne was unrelenting and never gave up. 2015 gave her a breakthrough with finding a picture of her son on social media. With boldness, she reached out, not knowing whether she would get rejection or acceptance. The Courage of a Birth Mother Overcomes All. Yvonne met her son in 2018. Through sitting in rooms of support groups and conferences, Yvonne found she had created a pathway of peace as a Birth Mother for herself and the “Now” is the time to help others in the adoption constellation. Yvonne launched “Birth Moms Real Talk podcast in June 2021. After Season One, BMRT podcast has reached over 185,000 persons and over five thousand downloads. BMRT hosts Saturday Chats with all members of the triad and has an audience who write letters and comments of the magnificence impact in their lives. Website: https://phoebemarketing.com/Black Voices Amplified Link: https://birthmomsrealtalk.com/episode/episode-71-yvonnes-journey-live-podcast-at-black-voices-amplified-summit-2024Music by Corey Quinn

When the family from Chicago meets their daughter's birth mom, Sarah, they discover she's living in horrifying conditions. Why haven't the thousands they've paid Tara Lee for Sarah's expenses trickled down to her? Binge all episodes of Baby Broker, ad-free today by subscribing to The Binge. Visit The Binge Crimes on Apple Podcasts and hit ‘subscribe' or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access.  The Binge – feed your true crime obsession. A Sony Music Entertainment & Perfect Cadence production. Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Juno frames adoption as the simple alternative to abortion—but is that really the case? In this bonus episode, Dr. Gretchen Sisson returns to answer more of our biggest questions about adoption, including why adoption isn't the “solution” it's often made out to be, how birth mothers experience relinquishment, and what her research for Relinquished uncovered about the realities of adoption in the U.S. Mentioned in this episode: "Juno": Adoption Politics and Teen Pregnancy Tropes (Rom-Com Vom) CONNECT WITH US Instagram: @sexedwithdbpodcast TikTok: @sexedwithdbTwitter: @sexedwithdbThreads: @sexedwithdbpodcast YouTube: Sex Ed with DB ROM-COM VOM SEASON 11 SPONSORS: Lion's Den, Uberlube, Magic Wand, & Arya. Get discounts on all of DB's favorite things here! GET IN TOUCH Email: sexedwithdb@gmail.comSubscribe to our newsletter for behind-the-scenes content and answers to your sexual health questions! FOR SEXUAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Check out DB's workshop: "Building A Profitable Online Sexual Health Brand" ABOUT THE SHOW Sex Ed with DB is your go-to podcast for smart, science-backed sex education—delivering trusted insights from top experts on sex, sexuality, and pleasure. Empowering, inclusive, and grounded in real science, it's the sex ed you've always wanted. SEASON 11 TEAM Creator, Host & Executive Producer: Danielle Bezalel (DB) Producer: Sadie Lidji Communications Lead: Cathren Cohen Marketing Coordinator: Alex Bateman Logo Design: Evie Plumb (@cliterallythebest)  

Juno is arguably the most well-known depiction of adoption in pop culture... but what messages does it really send about relinquishment, teen pregnancy, and reproductive justice? Is adoption truly the “perfect alternative” to abortion as Juno would have us believe, or does this charmingly complicated 2007 film gloss over the realities of birth mothers and family separation? This week, we're joined by Dr. Gretchen Sisson, sociologist and author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, to break down Juno's thorny politics on choice, motherhood, and adoption. GUEST DETAILS Gretchen Sisson, Ph.D., is a qualitative sociologist studying abortion and adoption at Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at University of California, San Francisco. Her research was cited in the Supreme Court's dissent in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. She is the author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood. CONNECT WITH US Instagram: @sexedwithdbpodcastTikTok: @sexedwithdbTwitter: @sexedwithdb Threads: @sexedwithdbpodcast YouTube: Sex Ed with DB ROM-COM VOM SEASON 11 SPONSORS: Lion's Den, Uberlube, Magic Wand, + Arya. Get discounts on all of DB's favorite things here! GET IN TOUCH Email: sexedwithdb@gmail.comSubscribe to our newsletter for behind-the-scenes content and answers to your sexual health questions! FOR SEXUAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Check out DB's workshop: "Building A Profitable Online Sexual Health Brand" ABOUT THE SHOW Sex Ed with DB is your go-to podcast for smart, science-backed sex education—delivering trusted insights from top experts on sex, sexuality, and pleasure. Empowering, inclusive, and grounded in real science, it's the sex ed you've always wanted. SEASON 11 TEAM Creator, Host & Executive Producer: Danielle Bezalel (DB) Producer: Sadie Lidji Communications Lead: Cathren Cohen Marketing Coordinator: Alex Bateman Logo Design: Evie Plumb (@cliterallythebest)

If you have ever been curious about your DNA and who you are related to, you have probably used a service like 23andMe. This was the case for a North Carolina woman. AND Wallace, an old English Sheepdog who appears to have special powers, receives an award. To see videos and photos referenced in this episode, visit GodUpdates! https://www.godtube.com/blog/reunited-with-birth-mother-dna.html https://www.godtube.com/blog/old-english-sheepdog-special-powers.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Birth Mother Matters In Adoption Podcast Season 4, Episode 225; Birthfather Involvement in the Adoption Process Learn about Birth Fathers and their involvement in the adoption process.  Understand the adoption process and procedures about notifying a birth father about an adoption plan. Learn everything about adoption!  Listen now.

Birth Mother Matters Adoption S4, Ep224; We're Back Adoption Podcast Episode resuming our Adoption Podcast discussing related information and news about Domestic, International, and Foster Care Adoption.

Conversations is bringing you a summer treat — a collection of Richard's most memorable guests through out the years. Uncle Jack was forcibly removed from his mother as a baby and denied his Aboriginality. A one-off trip to Fitzroy connected him with a family he didn't know about, and promptly landed him in jail.Jack passed away in 2022. Help and support is always availableYou can call Lifeline 24 hours a day on 13 11 14In a career spanning more than half a century, Uncle Jack Charles used the stage to share painful and personal truths about being a Stolen Generations survivor.Uncle Jack was born in Melbourne in 1943. He was taken from his mother as a baby and ended up in Box Hill Boys' Home where he was abused and told he was an orphan.It was only towards the end of his life that Uncle Jack found out who his father was, finally knowing himself as a Wiradjuri man, as well as Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta.Uncle Jack's early life had been defined by addiction, theft and twenty-two stints in jail.But he forged a legacy as a giant of the arts, a tireless advocate for youth in detention and a trailblazing advocate for a fairer Australia.This episode of Conversations contains discussions about Aboriginal identity, Indigenous history, stolen generation, orphanages, boys homes, youth offending, foster families, birth mothers, family relationships, Lilydale High School, Victoria, Melbourne, Fitzroy, youth detention, home invasion, robbery, acting, performing, theatre, film, Sydney Opera House, Box Hill Boys' Home, orphans, sisters, brothers, siblings, addiction, heroin, jail, racism, advocacy, David Gulpilil, initiation, Bennalong.

"I use the language of supply and demand because this is a market-based system and it's uncomfortable for a lot of people, right? Because you're talking about a supply and demand of human beings." -- Gretchen Sisson Read the transcript here: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JESZ6VPKJMRTMRHX6ZMBHDB7   EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Gretchen Sisson, the author of the acclaimed book Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood. Gretchen's work stems from a decade-long qualitative sociological study that delves into the experiences of relinquishing mothers and critiques the American adoption system. We discussed her journey into this research, which began while she was working with pregnant and parenting young people in Boston. Gretchen highlighted the stigmatization of young motherhood and the disconnect between societal narratives and the lived experiences of these women. Her research emphasizes the complexities of adoption, particularly how it intersects with issues of reproductive health and justice. Gretchen shared insights from her book, revealing that the majority of women who are denied access to abortion end up parenting their children, with only a small percentage choosing adoption. This led to a discussion about the implications of the recent Dobbs decision and its potential impact on adoption rates, as well as the troubling commodification of children within the adoption system. Throughout our conversation, we explored the reactions to her book from both the adoption community and the broader public. While many adoptees have resonated with her work, some adoptive parents have expressed defensiveness. We emphasized the importance of listening to adoptees and understanding the systemic issues surrounding adoption. Gretchen also touched on the need for better support systems for both adoptive parents and adoptees, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of family structures and the complexities of parenting. We concluded with a call to action for listeners to engage with the voices of adoptees and to consider the broader implications of adoption in our society. I encourage everyone to check out Gretchen's book, available in various formats, and to connect with her on social media. Thank you for joining us in this important conversation about adoption and its many layers. ===============

Send us a textConnect with Jennifer:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chosenministries.us/Website: https://www.chosenministries.com/Hey friends! Today, we're diving into a topic that's deeply personal and essential—how we, as believers, can take action in the pro-life movement without fear or hesitation. I'm joined by Jennifer Bishop, the co-founder of Chosen Ministries, who is on a mission to make adoption accessible and provide support to birth mothers. Her story of overcoming infertility and embracing God's plan through adoption will inspire and challenge you to step into this calling.Jennifer opens up about her journey, from struggling with infertility to experiencing the incredible joy of adoption. She shares how Chosen Ministries came to life and why funding adoptions is crucial for families navigating the high costs of giving a child a loving home. We also discuss the importance of addressing misconceptions about adoption in the church and how believers can shift the narrative to celebrate adoption as God's best.This conversation is filled with eye-opening statistics, heartfelt testimonies, and practical ways you can get involved. Whether it's through supporting pro-life clinics, donating to adoption ministries, or creating safe spaces for women to heal, this episode will leave you fired up and ready to take action. Don't forget to share this with someone who needs to hear it and give us a 5-star review—it makes a world of difference!Connect with Angie Taylor on:IG: https://www.instagram.com/mrsangietaylor/?hl=enFB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090424997350

Relationship Reddit Stories, OP has discovered their birth mother whilst doing a DNA test, birth mother gets in touch. OP is curious about information such as medical but birth mother will only give OP information if he meets her.

Two Babies, Ten Weeks Apart Noah and April sit down with birth mother Jessica and adoptive mother Connie for a story that they have not heard before. Even after telling hundreds of adoption stories, nothing could have prepared them for this combination of embryo adoption and traditional adoption happening at once.  An Unexpected Match, with Unexpected Timing After getting married late in life, Connie and Matt struggled with expanding their family. The couple went through a miscarriage and decided to look at other options. They decided to pursue traditional adoption through an agency. They were set and ready to go when Connie heard about embryo adoption. The process moved so quickly and at the age of 43 Connie was pregnant! When Jessica found out she was unexpectedly pregnant with her third child at 21, she did not feel she could add another baby to the family.  She had just started school for a career she felt would change her and her son's lives. Through much thought, she decided adoption was her best option. She found a national agency and moved forward.  The agency, having no idea that Connie was pregnant, matched them.  Would the agency let Connie adopt 10 weeks after she delivered a baby? Would Jessica still choose to be matched to a mom who was already pregnant? Noah and April had so many question in this interview, and you can see how the connection between Connie and Jessica was a true match! Listen now to hear how this adoption story came together.

Dublin tenor Paul Byrom was adopted from St Patrick's Mother and Baby Home. In recent years he registered his interest to find information about his birth mother with the state's online system in 2021 to access information about his early life. Paul joined Sarah to talk about the process.

Kendra and her friend Brooke Pepe created a documentary called Daughter of a Lost Bird, which follows Kendra's journey of looking for her birth mother and reconnecting with her Native American roots. The film captures the first phone call, the letter Kendra received, and their emotional meeting. Kendra's birth mother, April, was open to being in the film and has been supportive throughout the process. The documentary has been screened at film festivals and aired on PBS World Channel. It is currently being prepared for online streaming. Kendra discusses the importance of cultural access and the revival of lost cultures. She also shares her career as a doula and the similarities between birth and death work. Kendra emphasizes the significance of holding space and being present in both these threshold moments. She talks about the pursuit of play and the need to find joy and fun in life. Kendra finds inspiration in her children and is working on unpacking the baggage of rest. FOLLOW KENDRA POTTER https://sistermoonwellness.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sister.moon.wellness/ https://www.daughterofalostbird.com/ FOLLOW ME www.realmotherfuckerspodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/realmotherfuckerspodcast/ https://www.youtube.com/@RealMoFosPodcast https://patreon.com/RealMotherFuckersPodcast DISCLAIMER This podcast has mature language and content. ADULT ears only — don't have this one on with your kids in the room. These are our opinions and experiences as moms, take what you like, or leave it. Don't be thinking we're telling you what to do. Seek professionals, do your research, and call the experts for help. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/realmotherfuckers/support

Kathleen was born in 1968 in Northern California. Her birth mother relinquished her for adoption immediately upon birth, and Kathleen was then adopted by a loving family who already had a 3-year-old adopted son. When Kathleen was 22 years old she found her birth mother. Thirty years later she learned that her birth father was an enforcer for the Hells Angels and was shot and killed when Kathleen was seven years old.She also learned that she has at least seven sisters and one brother on her father's side -- all from different mothers from the same birth father. Each of her siblings is about a year apart. Kathleen has met most of her siblings and remains in contact with each of them to this day.Kathleen is a sociology professor living with her spouse in Honolulu and continues to make sense of her adoption experience through a sociological lens.To hear the full call of Kathleen's Birth Mother: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjt5_vLQYK4LINK to hear the full call to Kathleen's Birth Mother.To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 14:55The Girls Who Went Away by Ann FesslerSeptember 7th in Kansas City, MissouriEventbrite: LIVE RECORDED PODCAST  with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & A PHOTO JOURNEY with Jeff Forney of The Innocent People ProjectRESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesGregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawJoe Soll & other adoptee resourcesFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementHiraeth Hope & HealingMoses FarrowNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. Our next Zoom is on 9/14 at 1 pm ET.Support the Show.To support the show - Patreon.

The Private Record — Episode 31 — When You Unexpectedly Run Into Your Birth Mother (Who You've Never Met) Time for a little change of pace! No cults this time, no murders, no medical horror stories... just a really cool and kind and sweet young woman with a very crazy story about the day she randomly ran into the one person she'd spent more time thinking about than any other person in all her life... the woman who gave birth to her. Amy-Leigh loves her adoptive parents. They ARE her parents. And always will be. But that doesn't mean she didn't always wonder what her 'real' mom was like. In fact, she wondered about her A LOT. And one day... in the most unexpected of places... she just... SAW her. If this one doesn't put a smile on your face or pull at your heartstrings... honestly, you might be a sociopath! Welcome to 'The Private Record', where ordinary people tell their most extraordinary stories. New episodes every Wednesday! Watch Unreleased Episodes and more at https://www.patreon.com/ThePrivateRecord If you liked this episode, please hit that 'like' button and subscribe to this channel for ALL NEW episodes, clips, announcements and more! And if YOU have a crazy story of your own and want to be on the show, go to theprivaterecord.com to submit yourself as a potential guest! We look forward to hearing from you! Follow us @ThePrivateRecord on all socials! And find Matt on IG @mattdelia for additional content related to the show and more! Get your Shoutout and support the show using HOLLER: https://holler.baby/theprivaterecord Submit your story at https://www.theprivaterecord.com Send us an email @ theprivaterecord@gmail.com Follow for more on socials @theprivaterecord tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/theprivaterecord instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theprivaterecord Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blake Lively had multiple reasons for feeling uncomfortable with her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni during filming. Simone Biles' birth mother, Shanon Biles, is publicly reaching out to her Olympic gymnast daughter, expressing a deep desire for reconciliation and forgiveness. Travis Kelce is sporting a new look, and it turns out Taylor Swift may have had a hand in it. Rob is joined by the charming Marc Lupo. Don't forget to vote in today's poll on Twitter at @naughtynicerob or in our Facebook group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney says she was a relative “ normal” kid whose family expected her tobehave at a certain standard because of her “ family influence” in her town .Early in Sydney's life, trauma and grief entered her life with the tragic lossof her mother. . She then became the “ mother figure” to her youngersiblings.Sydney became a mother without family support as other first/birth mothersexperienced. The “family decision “ of adoption was the next step.Conversations or discussions about this ‘life-changing” decision were notan option for Sydney .Sydney's journey in placement of her son was challenging . Sydney spokeof being an “ A “ student in school and upon becoming a birthmother, herlife then was considered “ blemished.” We spoke about the stereotypeplaced on birthmothers living a “broken life.” We spoke of this simply “ notbring true “.Sydney is a shining “voice” in the adoption constellation with herprofessional work in public policy and advocacy on the current adoptionlandscape.

Andrew Pierce, Consultant Editor and Columnist with the Daily Mail

“Psychedelics can offer a portal to other consciousnesses and open spaces beyond our regular reality.” -- Mee Ok Icaro (adoptee) “Psychedelics can be a powerful tool for deep work and accessing feelings”. - Leslie Pate Mackinnon (birth mom) “Psychedelics can lead to transformative experiences, dividing life into before and after the journey.” -- Beth Syverson (adoptive parent)    *********** All adoption constellation members (adoptees, birth/first parents, adoptive parents, and other allies) are invited to a Medicine Circle on July 7, 2024, led by Mee Ok Icaro and hosted by Unraveling Adoption. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/medicine-circle-for-the-adoption-constellationwith-mee-ok-icaro-tickets-925600595297  *********** Episode Summary: In this episode, we are joined by two previous guests, Leslie Pate Mackinnon and Mee Ok Icaro, to discuss the role of sacred plant medicine in their personal healing journeys and its potential to bring the adoption community together. Leslie, a birth mother, shares her experience of coming out of the adoption fog and how plant medicine has helped her access deep-seated trauma, both psychological and physical. She emphasizes the importance of doing thorough research, having a support system in place, and being open to sharing one's authentic self within the adoption community. Mee Ok, a Korean adoptee, highlights the transformative power of plant medicine in connecting with her ancestry and understanding the interconnectedness of her lineage. She emphasizes the need for adoptees to have a voice in the adoption narrative and the importance of collective healing within the community. Beth, an adoptive mother, shares her journey of exploring plant medicine as a means of healing her own trauma and supporting her son through his struggles. She reflects on the role of adoptive parents in collaborating with adoptees and birth parents to create a more compassionate and understanding adoption community. The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of integrating plant medicine into the adoption healing process, emphasizing the need for compassion, understanding, and collaboration among all members of the adoption constellation. The guests discuss the importance of personal healing as a foundation for collective healing and the potential for plant medicine to facilitate deeper connections and empathy within the adoption community. As the episode concludes, the guests offer insights and advice for individuals interested in exploring plant medicine within the context of adoption, encouraging a mindful and intentional approach to healing and fostering unity within the adoption community. The episode serves as a reminder of the power of compassion, understanding, and shared experiences in promoting healing and growth within the adoption community. ============== RESOURCES: Mee Ok's contact information: Connect with Mee Ok through her website: https://holdingcompassionate.space/ Find out about Mee Ok's November 2024 ayahuasca retreat at Soltara in Costa Rica: https://holdingcompassionate.space/soltara-retreat/ Follow Mee Ok:  on Substack: meeok.substack.com  on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dasmeeok  and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dasmeeok/ Leslie's contact information: Reach Leslie through her website: https://lesliepatemackinnon.com/ Follow Leslie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063478541379   Other resources mentioned in this episode: Read Michael Pollan's book, How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence: https://amzn.to/4cehIZF Soltara Healing Center (Costa Rica): https://tinyurl.com/meeok - use MEEOK at checkout for a $200 discount.  Indigenous Medicine Declaration summarized by Mee Ok Icaro: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tttSgW6k9Lfvj3KtPrYJXPJ8jjO_b6QV/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117433279134255670011&rtpof=true&sd=true Hear Mee Ok's previous Unraveling Adoption podcast episode, “Ayahuasca for Transforming Trauma and Pain with Mee Ok Icaro”: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/28697873 Hear Leslie's previous Unraveling Adoption podcast episode, “A Birth Mother's Perspective with Leslie Pate Mackinnon”: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/25530480   Other Resources: APtitude Support Group for Adoptive Parents Facing Adoption's Challenges: http://UnravelingAdoption.com/APtitude Other Parents Like Me - http://oplm.com Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents who have a child struggling with addiction: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/ ==============

If you liked Davy Chou's excellent 2022 movie, Return to Seoul, then Tracy O'Neill's new memoir, Woman of Interest, might be for you. Both movie and book are about an a female adoptee's return to South Korea in search of their mysterious birth mother. Chou's movie features a heartbreakingly lost Ji-Min Park wandering through life in the West and finally stumbling emptily onto the foggy truth of her Korean origins. O'Neill's non-fictional quest for her mother, in contrast, contains more agency and her quest eventually resulted in what her publisher describes as “the priceless power of self-knowledge.” There's is an awkwardness to my conversation with O'Neill which actually makes her appear more like the lost heroine in Return To Seoul than she might like to acknowledge. Or maybe, as some think, I'm just an aggressively insensitive interviewer. Tracy O'Neill is the author of the novels The Hopeful and Quotients. In 2015, she was named a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree, long-listed for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, and was a Narrative Under 30 finalist. In 2012, she was named a Center for Fiction's Emerging Writers Fellow. O'Neill teaches at Vassar College, and her writing has appeared in Granta, the New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, Bookforum, and other publications. She holds an MFA from the City College of New York and an MA, an MPhil, and a PhD from Columbia University.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.Keen On is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

-Adoptee, Birth Mother and Author Monica Hall talks about all things adoption. www.monicahall.com @practicallystillavirgin   *Trigger Warning- Sexual Abuse, drug use, language Subscribe, Rate and Review www.juliedixonjackson.com www.cutoffgenes.com  

Summary In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan shares stories from her client community about how families spent their time waiting for ICPC to clear in different states. She also discusses ideas for gifts to honor birth mothers on Birth Mother's Day and offers advice for adoptive parents who are asked to be in the delivery room with the birth mother. Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode The Adoption Roadmap Academy - email "Academy" to ⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠ RG Adoption Consulting - ⁠https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com/⁠ ⁠"The Adoption Roadmap: The Four-Step Process to Adopting Your Baby in Less Than a Year" By, Rebecca Gruenspan⁠ Chapters 00:00 Making the Most of the Waiting Period 12:11 Thoughtful Gifts for Birth Mother's Day 15:25 Being in the Delivery Room with the Birth Mother Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star review! THANK YOU! For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theadoptionroadmap/message

On this week's episode, I acknowledge all the gratitude and love that I feel from Mother's Day, both connecting with my own children and expressing appreciation to the women in my life who have been mother-mentors for me. And I emphasize how important it is to be sensitive on Mother's Day, knowing how emotionally charged, for a variety of reasons, this day can be.   I share a poignant poem, representing Birth Mothers who had to give up their children, written by Mary Jean Wolch-Marsh called “Breaking the Silence”. Please listen and allow this poem to deepen your sensitivity and compassion for those who had been silent about their motherhood for years. May we open our hearts, in solidarity with these Birth Mothers, to bring about collective healing on Mother's Day.  Enjoy the podcast!

One of the important things to do when sharing adoptee stories is try to empathize with our birth mothers. This is a special presentation of the "Who Am I Really?" podcast for "Birth Mother's Day". Working with Ed DiGangi (ep. 130) we highlight the stories of three birth mothers, Yvonne, Sarah, and Laura who share their personal stories of being stigmatized, coerced, and misinformed about their child's adoption. They share their struggles carrying the memory of the children they placed, the process of mental and physical recovery from giving birth, and the secrecy some held for years about what they had endured as young women. Birth Mother's Day is observed on the Saturday before Mother's Day in order to honor birth mothers' experiences. D. Yvonne Rivers - Host of Birth Moms Real Talk podcastLaura Engel - Author of You'll Forget This Ever HappenedSarah Maury Swan - Writer and multiple book authorEd DiGangi, Adoptee - Author of The Gift Best GivenWho Am I Really?Who Am I Really? Website Share Your StoryDamon's story Find the show on:InstagramFacebookAppleYouTubeSpotifyGoogleTuneIn StitcherPlayer FMPodbean

I continue the conversation with Nik Nadeau, 36, a Korean adoptee who is in reunion with his Korean birth mother. He is a secret, unable to meet his half-siblings who are also in their 30s, or be acknowledged by his mother, publicly. His relationship with his mother is qualified by language barriers, time and mutual grief, and love. We start off this episode with Nadeau recalling the experience of when he first introduced his then-girlfriend, a bilingual Korean-American, to his Korean mother. 

In this special re-aired episode of The Defender Podcast, we delve into the depths of motherhood with Scarlet Hiltibidal, an international adoptive mom. As we approach Mother's Day and Birth Mother's Day, Scarlet shares her poignant journey of motherhood, offering insights into both its biological and adoptive forms.GUESTScarlet Hiltibidal has three daughters, one brought home through international adoption. She is also an author of several books, including "Afraid of All the Things," "You're the Worst Person in the World," and the "Anxious" bible study, and many other books. She writes regularly for Parent Life magazine, Home Life magazine, and "She Reads Truth." She, her husband, and family live in southern California. HOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services and its ministry arms.CO-HOSTDr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.RESOURCESThe ministries carried out through Lifeline are only possible because of partnerships with the Body of Christ. When others give their time, knowledge, and resources, we can continue working together to live out God's call to care for the vulnerable. Vessels of Hope is our faithful community of monthly donors. We would love for you to join this incredible group that helps provide stable ministry month in and month out. Visit https://lifelinechild.org/monthly-giving/ to impact lives and spread the gospel around the world. LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples. FOLLOW USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

In this episode of the Defender podcast, we honor Birth Mother's Day. Dr. Rick Morton welcome listeners into a special conversation featuring one of Lifeline's Pregnancy Counselors, Lauren Eddie, along with two remarkable birth mothers. Together, they discuss the significance of Birth Mother's Day, sharing personal insights, emotions, and reflections on the courageous decision these two women made to choose adoption. Join us as we celebrate their love, strength, and the profound impact of their choices.GUESTSLauren Eddie joined the Lifeline team in January of 2018, where she serves as Pregnancy Counselor Supervisor. Hailing originally from New Orleans, LA, she pursued her undergraduate studies in social work at Mississippi College before furthering her education at The University of Alabama for graduate school. Lauren's views her work as both a calling and a ministry, relishing the opportunity to express love and care for clients, inspired by the love of Christ. Brooke and Amanda are two birth mothers who embarked on their pregnancy and adoption placement journey with Lifeline by their side.HOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services and its ministry arms.CO-HOSTDr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.RESOURCESBirth mothers are some of the most brave and selfless women we will ever meet. We want to surround these women with holistic care when they enter our doors. The Well is an fund that helps meet the physical needs of women in unexpected pregnancies. It allows our pregnancy counselors to not only walk with women through their pregnancy but to also help them cover rent, utilities, medical costs, food, transportation, and many other needs throughout their pregnancy, hospital stay, and after.  When we care for and meet physical needs, we also have opportunities to share about Christ and the hope and freedom of His gospel. Give to The Well fund, and help us care fully for women we serve. Pregnant? Considering Adoption? Lifeline Pregnancy Counseling offers free, confidential, and no-pressure services to help YOU decide if adoption is right for you and your baby.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples. FOLLOW USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

Nik Nadeau, 36, met his Korean birth mother 14 years ago. In this episode, he talks about his creative writing process and about how he's unlocked feelings about the reunion and his own identity as a transnational adopted person. 

Welcome to our latest episode of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast! In this thought-provoking discussion, I delve into the complexities surrounding the decisions made by birth mothers and pregnant individuals to place children for adoption in the United States with Gretchen Sisson, PhD.    She is a sociologist with Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health at the University of California, San Francisco, and the author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, a critical, ten-year examination of domestic adoption. Centering the stories of relinquishing mothers, the book chronicles our country's refusal to care for families at the most basic level, and instead allow cultural and political ideas of adoption to advance an individual, private solution to large-scale social problems. A "comprehensive and harrowing debut" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) that "contributes to our national conversation of what reproductive justice really means" (Gloria Steinem), Relinquished is a necessary examination for our post-Dobbs era.   Adoption is a deeply personal and often emotionally charged journey, shaped by a myriad of factors including societal pressures, personal circumstances, and individual beliefs. Through insightful interviews and expert analysis, we unravel the layers of this complex topic, shedding light on the diverse experiences and perspectives of birth mothers and pregnant people.   Join us as we explore the nuanced reasons behind adoption decisions, from considerations of financial stability and educational opportunities to the emotional toll of unexpected pregnancies and societal stigma. We'll also discuss the importance of providing comprehensive support and resources to birth mothers throughout the adoption process, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met with empathy and understanding.   Whether you're an adoptive parent, adoption professional, or simply interested in understanding the dynamics of adoption in the United States, this episode offers valuable insights and perspectives that will deepen your understanding of this important topic.   Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes. Together, let's foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the complexities of adoption and the individuals impacted by this profound journey.   GIVEAWAY INFORMATION: As a thank you for being such an amazing community I am giving away one (1) copy of Gretchen's book, “Relinquished.” The winner will be announced on March 20th, 2024.   To enter you must:   Subscribe to my Youtube Channel @adoptee_thoughts Comment your favorite part of the episode For additional entries tag a friend in the comments that you think would benefit from listening to this podcast episode Enter within 10 days from the release of this episode on March 25th, 2024 Winner Will be announced on April 5th, 2024   Connect with Gretchen here:   https://www.instagram.com/gretchen.sisson/ You can purchase her book here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/relinquished-the-politics-of-adoption-and-the-privilege-of-american-motherhood-gretchen-sisson/19995515?ean=978125028 _______________________________________________  For more adoption content, please like and follow: @adoptee_thoughts    https://www.tiktok.com/@adoptee_thoughts  https://www.instagram.com/adoptee_thoughts/  https://www.adopteethoughts.com    ___________________________________________________  When I wrote an essay about finding out I was adopted much later in life for @huffpost I never expected it to go viral and then find my passion in adoption education and advocacy for ethical, trauma-informed, and child-centered adoption practices. Reviews of "What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption"    “A powerful, worthwhile addition to the growing body of work on race and parenting.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review    “Melissa Guida-Richards lays bare a painful truth: That loss is central to adoption. For those who are adopted transracially and transnationally, the disappearance of culture, familiarity, and language carry added complexity. With grace and sensitivity, Guida-Richards offers clear, insightful guidance for adoptive parents to help their sons and daughters navigate the isolation, racism, and longing they inevitably feel.” —Gabrielle Glaser, author of American Baby    You can purchase my books here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2247656/melissa-guida-richards/    You can read the essay here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/transracial-adoption-racial-identity_n_5c94f7eae4b01ebeef0e76e6  @TamronHallShow Hall Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfSuIqd8RfY Good Day LA Interview with Michaela : https://www.foxla.com/video/989201 Good Day La: ___________________

Kate Wolf speaks with sociologist Gretchen Sisson about her first book, Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood. The book is based on interviews Sisson conducted over the last decade with birth mothers who relinquished their children for private adoption in the US. Most often Sisson found that these women deeply regretted their decision, and that poverty was the driving force behind it. Alongside the harrowing stories of the women who Sisson spoke with, her book also looks at the history of adoption in the United States and its ties to conservative Christianity, as well as family policing systems of the state. In an age of narrowing reproductive freedom, when adoption is touted by the Supreme Court as an answer to the need for abortion, Relinquished asks hard questions about the compatibility of the practice with the possibility for true reproductive justice. Also, Brad Gooch, author of Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring, returns to recommend Candy Darling by Cynthia Carr.

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of identity, where the past and present collide in a mosaic of loss and discovery? Monica Hall's life is a living embodiment of such a crossroads, as she gracefully carries the dual mantle of being both an adoptee and a birth parent. In this episode, Monica recounts her story of growing up in a Catholic family in Alaska, the heart-wrenching decisions she faced as a teenager, and the complex journey of self-discovery that followed. Join us to unravel the intricate layers of Monica's identity as she opens up about her upcoming memoir and the challenges that led her to write it.Her narrative doesn't shy away from the painful realities of her past, including the immense pressure of a young girl navigating an unplanned pregnancy within the confines of her religious upbringing. Listen closely as Monica reflects on her determination to hold her baby despite overwhelming opposition, and witness the transformation that unfolds from her darkest moments to a life-affirming reunion with her daughter after 18 years of separation.Website: monicahall.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/monicahallauthor/FB: https://www.facebook.com/Monica.hall27Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.#adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteestories #adopteestrong #adoptionreality #adopteejourney #adoption #wanderingtreeadoptee 

"I think adoptees who are going to go try to find their family have to recognize that... once you get into the process, you just have to roll with it, right? You have to be optimistic and hopeful and just play it out." -- David R. Ford Episode Synopsis In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, host Beth Syverson delves into the complexities of adoption alongside her guest, David R. Ford, an adoptee who reunited with his birth family 20 years ago. The episode explores the theme of family relationships, especially in the context of reunion with birth families. Beth introduces David as an adoptee who was adopted at birth through a private adoption handled by a lawyer. David shares his early childhood experiences and the limited information he had about his birth parents, including the revelation that he had a seven-year older brother. Despite not initially feeling the need to find his birth parents, David's journey to reconnect with his birth family began in his late 30s. Through a series of events, David eventually reunites with his birth mother and discovers he is one of seven children, four of whom were given up for adoption. The podcast delves into the complexities of navigating newfound relationships with siblings and birth family members, highlighting the challenges and joys that come with such reunions. Beth also brings on Tibby, David's wife, to provide insights into the experience of being a spouse navigating the complexities of adoption reunion. Tibby shares her perspective on the intense emotions and dynamics that come with welcoming new family members into their lives. The episode touches on the importance of supportive adoptive parents, the emotional toll of navigating difficult family dynamics, and the significance of maintaining core values and boundaries throughout the reunion process. David reflects on the metaphorical significance of the title of his memoir, "Blind in One Eye," and the journey of self-discovery and acceptance that comes with reuniting with one's birth family. As the episode wraps up, Beth encourages listeners to explore the resources and support available on the Unraveling Adoption website, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance and validation in the adoption journey. The episode concludes with a message of staying safe and embracing authenticity in navigating the complexities of adoption and family relationships. ===============

Mark Hickox is a highly intelligent and thoughtful heartlander who radiates success wherever he goes. He has worked in several fields and has brought his special brand of expertise to the farrier industry. As he built his first farrier business in Montana, he and I would often talk, and I was amazed at how he was able to create his business in such a short time. Life had other plans for Mark and his family, so he ended up on the other side of America, but the farrier industry is hard to leave, and Mark's story of coming back to it is a great one. This episode is brought to you by Victory Racing Plates and Horseshoe Nails. We are cleared for take-off.  Timestamps [00:00] Introduction  [00:38] Early Life Background [07:22] College Life and Career Beginnings [12:02] The Moving Life: The Decision [16:37] The Story of Meeting Marks Wife [18:25] Surviving the Joplin Tornado [22:40] Career Change Reasons [24:30] Journey to Horseshoeing School [26:10] Lessons from First Business Year [28:40] Overcoming Cancer: A Personal Story [34:23] Reunion with Birth Mother [37:20] Business Turnaround Story [39:59] Changing Again [42:20] Victory Racing Plate Company Insights [45:51] Relocating Back to Arkansas [47:45] Return to the Industry [48:32] A Joke to Lighten the Mood [48:55] Tips for a Good First Impression [52:20] Cameraman Recruitment [53:13] Open Discussion Segment [56:39] Tool of the Week For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/  

Adoption. While it might not seem like a typical 'money' topic, trust us, it's significantly impacted our lives, both personally and financially.

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

Adoption is usually framed through the lens of the adoptive family, but what about the birth mother, the one who makes the decision to relinquish her baby?

Adoption is usually framed through the lens of the adoptive family, but what about the birth mother, the one who makes the decision to relinquish her baby?

We like to think of adoption as an unmitigated social good – a practice that UCSF sociologist Gretchen Sisson says “makes possible the maintenance of both the heteronormative family ideal beloved by the right and the nontraditional, chosen family ideals embraced by the left.” But Sisson says that framing ignores the experiences of birth mothers, who tend to have far less socioeconomic power than adoptive parents and who bear the complicated and even traumatic consequences of relinquishing an infant. Sisson conducted more than 100 interviews with birth mothers who relinquished their children to learn how they came to decide on adoption and the impact that decision has had on them and their families. Her new book is “Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood.” Guests: Gretchen Sisson, qualitative sociologist studying abortion and adoption at Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF; author, "Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood” - her research was cited in the Supreme Court's dissent in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Serina Chacon, birth mother based in Northern California

Jenny is a wife of 28-1/2 years, a mother of 6 and a grandmother of 5. She is a birth mother and adoptive parent. Last year she and her husband adopted a boy who is 17, and her oldest is her 31-year-old ONLY daughter, who she had an open adoption with. Jenny says the open adoption with her daughter included face-to-face visits, and that she was included and welcomed by the adoptive family for the first 18 years of her daughter's life. Because of her experience as a birth mother, she feels it is very important for the correct information to be given to girls who find themselves at a crossroads with what to do with an unexpected pregnancy. As an adoptive parent herself, she says that adoptive parents should know the truth about adoption and stresses how important it is for them to get the education and healing they need from the reasons they are seeking to adopt before they do so. Jenny says this is her story, her experiences, her journey, and she is sharing this to help others. She realizes that in sharing her version, she will be talking about others that may have a differing account of the events discussed in this episode, and that they have the right to their experience as well. 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

In this made-for-movie episode, Nadean Stone reads excerpts from her memoir No Stone Unturned: A Remarkable Journey to Identity. Nadean was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1981, at a time when very little information and resources were available. However, that is not where Nadean's story begins. Six days after her birth, her mother gave her up for adoption, which led to a 44-year search for her birth mother utilizing DNA technology and innovative detective skills. Her search challenged the laws in Ontario regarding non-adoptees access to their birth records. In July 2018, Nadean filed a petition with the UN Commission on the Rights of the Child illuminating numerous Articles of the UN Convention that the Province of Ontario has violated in its treatment of illegally adopted children. She is currently exploring the transformation of her memoir into a television series.✨Highlights from the show:[00:02:25] Ovarian cancer diagnosis.[00:06:07] Difficult decision for more children.[00:11:49] Finding birth mother through DNA.[00:16:35] Creating a TV series.[00:20:17] Do not be defined by your challenges.

Mark Narrations Uploads - Playlist51,092 views • Nov 23, 2023 • Mark Narrations Uploads - PlaylistRelationship Reddit Stories, OP wonders if she is wrong that she refuses to convince her step-daughter to meet her bio-mother.

Join us for a discussion of how adoption looks and feels from all sides of the adoption triad. Our guests will be the authors Sara Easterly, Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard, and Lori Holden of their new book, Adoption Unfiltered .In this episode, we cover:Adoptee Perspective:23 adoptees contributed to this section of the book. What are some of the issues adoptees may face?Compliance and people-pleasingFantasy AttachmentsShameInterracial AdopteesThe Danger in the Rescue NarrativeRole of religion in adoption for adoptees, birth mothers/expectant mothers, and adoptive parentsBirth Mother:Before birth mothers get the chance to ask for help, they ask for mercy. Advertisements and search algorithms when searching for adoption informationLack of neutral supportLack of post-placement support—lingering trauma and grief—It's a different type of grief and trauma.Adoptive ParentInsecurity—who's the real parentAdoption Unfiltered OnlineThis podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them. Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family buildingPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamilySupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

You're really going to want to tune in to hear the story of triplets separated at birth through adoption. It is particularly interesting to hear how they have processed the experience differently and how they feel about adoption.In this episode, we talk about:Kathleen's (the birth mom) experience. Why did she decide to place two of the babies for adoption?When did you find out you were triplets?What was the agreement at the time of adoption about the degree of openness?Was this openness agreement followed, and how do you feel about that?The podcast focuses on the loss of the sibling connection. How did the separation affect each of you?How do/did Kendall and Julianne feel the loss of your birth mom and not being parented by her?Primal Wound?The focus in the podcast, understandably, was on the reunion of the three sisters. However, I'm curious about the reunion between Jules and Kenny and Kathleen, their birth mom.Feeling the odd one out? Donor conception? Who was the driving force behind finding the sperm donor? Did connecting with the donor fulfill anything for you?What are the lingering impacts of having been separated at birth?This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them. Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family buildingPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamilySupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily