Podcasts about Foster care

✅ The "wooden box method" that transforms phone habits ✅ Why asking "What's the point of fatherhood?" changes everything ✅ How foster care taught them about the infinite value of every child ✅ Why each of your kids needs different parenting approaches   FULL SHOW NOTES   SUMMARY What if the secret to raising kids who aren't addicted to screens isn't about restricting technology—but about making real life more compelling? In this episode, young dad Kieran Lenahan shares practical wisdom from the trenches of parenting four kids under six, including foster care experiences that changed everything. You'll discover why the simple question "What's the point of fatherhood?" should guide every parenting decision, and how a wooden box might be the game-changer your family needs. TAKEAWAYS The fundamental question every dad should ask and keep asking: "What is the point of fatherhood?" Let this guide your decisions rather than just reacting to whatever gets thrown at you. Make real life more compelling than screens by creating engaging experiences—if physical reality is exciting, screens lose their allure naturally. The wooden box method: Put phones in a physical container and commit to never looking at your phone when kids are asking for your attention. Each child needs different parenting approaches—situational leadership applies to fatherhood, so learn to speak each kid's unique "language." Foster care teaches you that every child has infinite value—there's no such thing as "practice" when it comes to loving and caring for any child. GUEST Kieran Lenahan is the founder of Malachi Daily, a scripture memory tool used by over 70,000 people to memorize Bible verses through gamified daily emails. He's an entrepreneur, coach, and father of four children under six, including children through foster care. Kieran and his wife are passionate about making real life more compelling than screens, intentional parenting, and helping families build rhythms around scripture memory. He lives with his family and leads initiatives that blend faith, technology, and practical parenting wisdom. LINKS Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book Malachi Daily (Free Scripture Memory Newsletter) WhisperFlow App (Voice Transcription) Previous Jamie Winship episodes on Dad Awesome QUOTES "The biggest thing is thinking about what is the point of fatherhood? Let that be a really helpful guiding question as you enter fatherhood, and you can keep asking that as you go." "We think that life is good and God created it in the physical real world to be good. If we can make that as compelling as possible, screens lose their allure." "We will never be looking at our phone when our kids are asking for our attention. I never want our kids to feel like our phone is more important than they are." "Not each of our kids needs the exact same type of parenting. The best leaders understand how to speak the language of that team member in a way that's going to motivate them." "If we don't know who we are, it's really hard to live an effective, faithful, obedient life. If that's true for us, how much more true is that for our kids?"

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Are you educated and informed on the issues around weed and vaping, including THC, nicotine, and the signs of addiction? Listen to this interview with Dr. Krishna White. She is an attending physician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, with board certifications in Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine, and Addiction Medicine. In this episode, we discuss:Can you explain why kids who've experienced trauma, prenatal substance exposure, or who are neurodivergent may be at greater risk for turning to substances like marijuana or vaping?How are kids typically using marijuana today? (edibles, vaping THC, traditional smoking, oils)Are kids generally aware of what they're consuming, especially when it comes to the potency of today's marijuana?What are some of the short-term effects of marijuana use in adolescents?What long-term impacts are you seeing in your clinical practice, especially for kids whose brains are still developing?Now let's move to vaping – what it is, why it's so popular, and what we need to know about how kids are using it. Can you break down what vaping is and what substances kids may be inhaling?Why is vaping so appealing to tweens and teens, even those who've never used another substance?What are some of the immediate health concerns tied to vaping in young people?And long-term—what are you most worried about when it comes to kids who are vaping regularly?What strategies can adoptive, foster, or kinship caregivers use to help buffer or “substance-proof” their kids?How early should conversations about marijuana and vaping begin?For kids who already have a higher vulnerability, what are some protective factors or environments that help reduce their risk?What are some signs that a child might be using marijuana or vaping—even if they're trying to hide it?If a child has already started using, how can caregivers respond in a way that's both firm and supportive?When does occasional experimentation cross the line into something that needs professional help?What are nicotine pouches – why are they appealing and what are the short or long term impacts we should know about?What would you say to a caregiver who's feeling overwhelmed or ashamed that this is part of their child's story?If you could offer just one piece of advice to a caregiver trying to navigate this with their teen, what would it be?Resources:Prenatal Exposure, Part 2: Parenting Tweens and TeensAre Kids Exposed Prenatally More Likely to Abuse Alcohol & Drugs?Preventing Teen Substance Abuse - Center for Parent and Teen CommunicSupport 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

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams interview Ariana Rodriguez, Miss Kentucky 2025. Ariana shares her inspiring journey from being a homeless child in foster care to winning the title of Miss Kentucky! She discusses her advocacy work through The Lucky Ones Foundation, which aims to empower youth in foster care and educate the public about the foster care system. Ariana emphasizes the importance of amplifying the voices of children in care and the need for social support. The conversation also touches on the role of pageantry in advocacy and the life skills necessary for youth aging out of foster care. They also discuss the critical importance of equipping kids in foster care with crucial life skills. This is a great conversation and Ariana's resiliency and drive to dream big while amplifying the voices of others is really inspiring. Checkout Ariana's nonprofit, The Lucky Ones, which provides essential resources and support for kids in foster care. She also has a podcast--The Lucky OnesTakeawaysAriana's journey from foster care to Miss Kentucky is inspiring.The importance of social support for youth in foster care.Advocacy for children's voices in the foster care system is crucial.The Lucky Ones Foundation aims to educate and empower foster youth.Life skills education is essential for youth aging out of foster care.Ariana's podcast amplifies the voices of those in the foster care system.Social workers need to listen to children to make effective changes.The pageant platform can be a powerful tool for advocacy.Ariana's initiatives focus on both foster care and agricultural education.Community support is vital for the success of initiatives like The Lucky Ones. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

This week, I welcome back Rob Henderson, the social psychologist, author, and commentator who coined the concept of luxury beliefs: ideas that confer status on the upper class while inflicting real costs on lower-income communities. Rob was last here in early 2024 discussing his memoir, Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class, which chronicles his journey through California's foster system to the Air Force, and onward to Yale and Cambridge. In this conversation, we explore what he's been thinking about since the book's release—particularly the so-called “mating crisis,” why many young people delay or avoid partnerships and family, and what that means for the future. We also dissect the emergence of Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayoral hopeful who, according to Rob (and I would concur), embodies luxury beliefs in action. Finally, Rob answers questions from Substack readers. Rob will be a speaker at our Unspeakeasy Small Gathering for Big Ideas weekend, October 11-12 in New York City. Programming and ticketing info here. GUEST BIO Rob Henderson is the author of Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class. He grew up in foster homes in Los Angeles and in the rural town of Red Bluff, California. After enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at the age of seventeen, he subsequently attended Yale on the GI Bill and was then awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge, where he obtained a PhD in psychology in 2022. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and his Substack newsletter is sent each week to more than 70 thousand subscribers. HOUSEKEEPING

(02:12) Scripture foundation and setting up the topic from Psalm 68 (07:16) Bryce's background in ministry and entrepreneurship(10:00) Discussion on foster care (12:20) Shocking statistic: 80% of foster youth age out in a difficult situation (18:01) How pastors can help and get involved with foster care (25:00) Connection between foster care and human trafficking (27:51) Introduction to Bryce's podcast "Fracture to Flourish" Key Statistics: 20,000 youth age out of foster care annually80% of those who age out are incarcerated, dead, or addicted within 3 yearsLess than 1% of aged-out foster youth go to college60-70% of trafficking victims had contact with foster care systemRecommended Resources: Podcast: "Fracture to Flourish"Organizations: Orphan Care Alliance, Foster the City, Forever HomesContact: Bryce@accessventures.org

Welcome to our final Best of Summer episode of Fostering Change!

On Tuesday's show: President Donald Trump wants specialized National Guard units ready to deploy to U.S. cities to quell civil disturbances and ensure public safety and order. We discuss what that means, whether we could see troops deployed here, and whether this is largely a pretense to step up immigration enforcement.Also this hour: A new Texas law expands when someone can be detained for psychiatric evaluation. Some welcome the change while others worry it crosses a line. We discuss the debate over involuntary treatment and its cost.Then, a recent investigation by the Texas Observer explores the murky legal world of some private foster and adoption agencies.And we meet a competitive Scrabble player.

(02:12) Scripture foundation and setting up the topic from Psalm 68 (07:16) Bryce's background in ministry and entrepreneurship(10:00) Discussion on foster care (12:20) Shocking statistic: 80% of foster youth age out in a difficult situation (18:01) How pastors can help and get involved with foster care (25:00) Connection between foster care and human trafficking (27:51) Introduction to Bryce's podcast "Fracture to Flourish" Key Statistics: 20,000 youth age out of foster care annually80% of those who age out are incarcerated, dead, or addicted within 3 yearsLess than 1% of aged-out foster youth go to college60-70% of trafficking victims had contact with foster care systemRecommended Resources: Podcast: "Fracture to Flourish"Organizations: Orphan Care Alliance, Foster the City, Forever HomesContact: Bryce@accessventures.org

Bonnie Corcoran will talk about her beloved daughter Brenna who was diagnosed with DIPG, just 8 months after Bonnie and her husband Robert had taken custody of her, then adopted her when she was 3 1/2 years old. Brenna was born with a Cocaine addiction thanks to a family member and was welcomed by Brenna, her husband Robert, and their 5 other children, all of whom were at least 10 years older then she was. Brenna fought her DIPG as much as she could, before passing away on September 6th of 2022. 

Send us a textJayne Amelia Larson talks with performer and former foster youth,  Renée Santos. Renée is a fierce multi-hyphenate performer — actor, writer, comedian — whose work lives at the intersection of raw truth and bold humor. In 2025, she's been touring nationally with her critically-acclaimed one-woman dramatic solo show, CROSSROADS — a gripping, emotionally honest theatrical journey about her experience growing up in the foster care system. Through powerful storytelling and unflinching vulnerability, the show explores identity, survival, and what it means to reclaim your narrative.Best known for her sharp wit and fearless presence, Renée first made her mark in stand-up comedy and continues to bring her signature mix of social commentary and edgy charm to comedy stages nationwide. Whether she's bringing audiences to tears with deeply human storytelling or tears of laughter with a perfectly timed punchline, Renée is committed to using her voice — and her full artistic range — to spark connection, healing, and hilarity.Visit her website here.See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast

What starts as a deep dive into international trade and entrepreneurship turns into one of the most powerful conversations I've had on this podcast.Lucas Payne opens up about his journey—from being emancipated at 15 and bouncing through the foster care system, to becoming the founder of Force Global Supply, a company disrupting the construction supply chain by cutting out middlemen and creating direct pipelines between developers and global manufacturers.We talk about adoption, fatherhood, trauma, race, family, and what it really means to choose love and build legacy. If you've ever felt like your past disqualified you, this episode will shift your mindset.We also cover how Lucas is changing lives in West Africa through sustainable well drilling and clean water projects.Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or just someone searching for purpose—this episode is for you! #TheDillonEnglandShowWATCH + LISTEN HERE:▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4_bqWGeYdw&list=PLffwW3y5ztaNFYaHrxMzvWEU0L5iNMZsJ▶️ PlayTV: https://playtv.parler.com/c/imdillonengland

Wade Muhlhauser: Plugged INTO Recovery | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this gripping episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, the CEO of Plugged In Recovery, Wade Muhlhauser, shares his remarkable journey from homelessness and a 20-year struggle with opioid addiction to founding a network of 14 sober living homes and a treatment center in Arizona. Wade candidly discusses his chaotic childhood in foster care, shaped by his father's meth addiction, and his own spiral into alcoholism and OxyContin dependency, driven by a delusion that painkillers boosted his performance, inspired by artists like Lil Wayne. He reflects on multiple relapses, the transformative power of faith, and how divine timing and key relationships fueled the creation of Plugged In Recovery. Now working alongside his redeemed father, Wade's story underscores the universal potential for recovery, the need for extended treatment stays, and his vision to spark a ripple effect in the recovery community, making this episode a powerful ode to resilience and redemption.#TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:04:00 - From Homelessness in Arizona to CEO00:07:16 - Essence of Recovery and Comeback Stories00:10:41 - Purpose as Rent for Sobriety00:11:18 - Early Life Trauma and Family Addiction00:13:03 - Childhood in Foster Care and Meth Exposure00:15:15 - First Drink and Progression to Pills00:18:03 - High School Struggles and First Relapse00:24:00 - Multiple Relapses and Treatment Attempts00:45:00 - Building Plugged In Recovery Sober Livings00:58:06 - God's Role in Business Success01:08:57 - Transition to Treatment Center and Legacy

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian and co-host Travis welcome Greg and Valerie, a couple who have made a significant impact in the foster care community. They share their journey of becoming foster parents, the challenges and joys of raising four adopted children, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation touches on the importance of sibling relationships, the chaos of parenting, and the resilience required in foster care. Greg and Valerie emphasize the need for compassion and understanding in their home, creating a supportive environment for both their children and the foster kids that come through their doors. In this conversation, Greg and Valerie share their journey in foster care and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of community support and engagement. They discuss their experiences with fundraising, the role of faith in fostering, and how businesses can contribute to the cause. Their insights highlight the ripple effect of advocacy and the need for more families to step up and support children in need.TakeawaysValerie is the driving force in their household.Fostering involves taking risks for the sake of children.Every yes to something means a no to something else.Horses teach us about beauty and unpredictability, similar to parenting.The couple went from zero to four children in under a year.Chaos in a large family can lead to happiness and bonding.Their children learned compassion through welcoming foster kids.The dynamics of fostering can be complex, especially with biological children.It's important to remember the trauma that foster kids have experienced.Creating a stable environment helps foster kids feel secure. Foster care requires community support and advocacy.Fundraising events can significantly impact foster care initiatives.Corporate support is crucial for fostering awareness and funding.Faith communities have a unique opportunity to engage in foster care.Normalizing foster care can encourage more families to participate.Building relationships is essential for successful foster care outcomes.Awareness is as important as recruiting new foster families.Foster care impacts various societal issues, including homelessness and mental health.Every individual can contribute to foster care in meaningful ways.The journey of fostering can be rewarding despite its challenges. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

Wednesday's third hour.

Tuesday's second hour.

By the time Maryanne was 16 years old, she had been arrested for murder. In and out of foster and adoptive homes since age 10, she had run away, been trafficked and assaulted, and finally pointed a gun at the latest man to take her into his car. She pulled the trigger and fled. But with no family to turn to and few dependable friends, it did not take long for the police to catch up with her.In court, the defense blamed neither traffickers, nor Maryanne, but Washington state itself—or rather, its foster care system, which parents thousands of children every year. The courts did not listen to that argument, but the award-winning journalist Claudia Rowe did.Washington state is not alone, of course. Each year, hundreds of thousands of children grow up in America's $30 billion foster care system, only to leave and enter its prisons, where a quarter of all inmates are former foster youth.Weaving Maryanne's story with those of five other foster kids across the country—including an 18-year-old sleeping on the New York City subways; a gangbanger-turned graduate student; and a foster child who is now a policy advisor to the White House—Rowe paints a visceral survival narrative showing exactly where, when, and how the system channels children into locked cells. Balanced with accounts from psychologists, advocates, judges, and foster parents, Wards of the State paves a road to reform by pulling back the curtain on our country's longstanding foster care-to-prison pipeline and the searing realities faced by kids who may be sitting in classrooms next to your own children.She is the author of "Wards of the State: The Long Shadow of American Foster Care." https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07F9XZYL4http://www.yourlotandparcel.org

On today's episode, Franco Vega talks about some big news that is going on here at The RightWay Foundation, and how this is one large step to ending foster care homelessness.

Show NotesIn this episode of One in Ten, host Teresa Huizar speaks with Dr. Dylan Jones, a postdoctoral fellow at Penn State University, about the nuanced circumstances surrounding partial sibling placements in foster care. They explore the frequency, reasons, and impacts of cases where some siblings are placed in foster care while others remain at home. Key topics include the legal gaps in sibling visitation rights, the common scenarios leading to partial placements, and the implications for children's safety and well-being. Dr. Jones shares insights from his research utilizing Incans data and outlines future directions in understanding and improving outcomes for these children.  Time  Topic 00:00 Introduction to Sibling Separation in Foster Care 02:36 Exploring the Reasons for Sibling Separation 05:06 Frequency and Implications of Split Sibling Groups 05:48 Legal Gaps and Study Overview 08:52 Key Findings on Split Home Groups 12:23 Re-Reports and Long-Term Outcomes 19:40 Practical Implications for Caseworkers 21:26 Future Research Directions 27:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  ResourcesSometimes, Only Some Siblings Go to Foster Care: Exploring Split Sibling Groups in a Nationwide Sample - PubMedSupport the showDid you like this episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Top headlines for Thursday, August 14, 2025In this episode, a shocking case where a Texas megachurch pastor and his family were defrauded of over $18,000 by scammers posing as Wells Fargo employees, highlighting the dangers of sophisticated financial scams. Next, we discuss a noteworthy appeal from a coalition of 80 faith leaders in Ohio, urging the nation's largest supermarket chain to reconsider its stance on LGBT support. Lastly, we confront the harrowing reality of child maltreatment in the United States, as Naomi Schaefer Riley uncovers the tragic statistic of over 2,000 young lives lost each year, primarily under the age of three. 00:11 Texas megachurch pastor alleges scammers stole $18K01:03 Okla. governor champions new law barring men from women's prisons01:59 Ohio pastors call on Kroger to end 'radical LGBT policies'02:54 Marine spiked woman's drink with abortion drugs: lawsuit03:53 Expert warns foster care crisis puts young children in danger05:04 Lawmakers warn Texas school district over anti-Israel curriculum06:10 Episcopal diocese helps provide over 100K meals for GazaSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsTexas megachurch pastor alleges scammers stole $18K | Church & MinistriesOkla. governor champions new law barring men from women's prisons | PoliticsOhio pastors call on Kroger to end 'radical LGBT policies' | BusinessMarine spiked woman's drink with abortion drugs: lawsuit | U.S.Expert warns foster care crisis puts young children in danger | PodcastLawmakers warn Texas school district over anti-Israel curriculum | EducationEpiscopal diocese helps provide over 100K meals for Gaza | Church & Ministries

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Most children will experience bullying at some point. What can parents do to help protect their children and to help their children cope if they are bullied? Host Dawn Davenport, Executive Director of Creating a Family, the national infertility & adoption education and support nonprofit, interviews Brooke Randolph, LMHC, a child and family therapist and author of The Bully Book: A Workbook for Kids Coping with Bullies; and Debora Gish, LCSW, with Adoption Connection with 20 experience working with kids and families.In this episode, we discuss:What is bullying?Distinction between bullying and typical childhood cliquish behavior or “mean girl” behavior or kidding around behavior of middle school boys.How to help kids not be over-sensitive to teasing or taunting. For example, a first grader having a hard time distinguishing between name-calling meant to bully and the kind of taunts that are part and parcel with schoolyard games like tag (e.g., he went to the teacher over “na na na na na na, you can't get me”).What children are at greater risk for bullying?Why do children bully?CyberbullyingBullying on the school bus.How effective are the classic things we tell kids about how to handle bullies?Effective tips for helping kids handle bullying.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

n this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we sit down with Gabriel Covarrubias, CEO of MSC Integration—a company transforming how businesses secure their people and property with cutting-edge technology. Gabriel's story is remarkable: from navigating a challenging upbringing in foster care to building a national security firm that deploys AI-powered surveillance trailers, cloud-based systems, and integrated protection for high-risk environments.  We cover:

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian and co-host Travis welcome Kim Botto, an author and advocate for children in foster care and those with disabilities. They discuss the importance of trauma-informed care, the need for inclusive spaces in churches, and the role of hope and belonging in the lives of children. Kim shares her experiences and insights on how to create environments where every child can thrive, emphasizing the need for safe adults who believe in them. The conversation highlights practical strategies for churches and communities to better support children facing challenges, ultimately aiming to foster a sense of belonging and hope.TakeawaysEvery child deserves to belong in a safe environment.Trauma-informed care is essential for supporting children.Churches need to change their mindset to be more inclusive.Hope is the expectation that something good will happen.Belonging is about being accepted for who you are.Children with trauma need safe adults who believe in them.Behavior is a form of communication for children in distress.Visual schedules can help children feel secure and prepared.It's important to connect with children before correcting their behavior.Creating inclusive spaces benefits all children, not just those with visible disabilities.Checkout Kim's resources including her book and podcast:https://kimbotto.com/ Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In the wake of federal legislation meant to improve the foster care system, county children's services agencies are struggling with soaring placement costs.

This week, I welcome back Rob Henderson, the social psychologist, author, and commentator who coined the concept of luxury beliefs: ideas that confer status on the upper class while inflicting real costs on lower-income communities. Rob was last here in early 2024 discussing his memoir, Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class, which chronicles his journey through California's foster system to the Air Force, and onward to Yale and Cambridge. In this conversation, we explore what he's been thinking about since the book's release—particularly the so-called “mating crisis,” why many young people delay or avoid partnerships and family, and what that means for the future. We also dissect the emergence of Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayoral hopeful who, according to Rob (and I would concur), embodies luxury beliefs in action. Finally, Rob answers questions from Substack readers. Rob will be a speaker at our Unspeakeasy Small Gathering for Big Ideas weekend, October 11-12 in New York City. Programming and ticketing info here. GUEST BIO Rob Henderson is the author of Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class. He grew up in foster homes in Los Angeles and in the rural town of Red Bluff, California. After enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at the age of seventeen, he subsequently attended Yale on the GI Bill and was then awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge, where he obtained a PhD in psychology in 2022. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and his Substack newsletter is sent each week to more than 70 thousand subscribers. Want to hear the whole conversation? Upgrade your subscription here. HOUSEKEEPING

Rob Henderson is the best-selling author of Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class. He grew up in foster homes in Los Angeles and in the rural town of Red Bluff, California. After enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at the age of seventeen, he subsequently attended Yale on the GI Bill and was then awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge, where he obtained a PhD in psychology in 2022. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. Rob's writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe, among other outlets, and his Substack newsletter is sent each week to more than 70 thousand subscribers.FOLLOW: @robkhendersonhttps://substack.com/@robkhenderson?utm_source=global-searchIn this thought-provoking episode, Kelsi Sheren sits down with Rob Henderson to explore the concept of "luxury beliefs"—ideas and opinions that confer status on the affluent while imposing costs on the less fortunate. Delve into how these beliefs shape societal norms and policies, often leaving the most vulnerable to bear the consequences. Through engaging dialogue, Rob shares insights from his personal journey and research, challenging listeners to reconsider the impact of their own beliefs. Tune in for a compelling discussion on the intersection of privilege, policy, and social responsibility.Substack: https://substack.com/@kelsisheren - - - - - - - - - - - -SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS - - - - - - - - - - - -RHO Nutrition - Code: KELSI20 -  https://rhonutrition.com/KELSIKetone IQ- 30% off with code KELSI - https://ketone.com/KELSIGood Livin- 20% off with code KELSI - https://www.itsgoodlivin.com/?ref=KELSIBrass & Unity - 20% off with code UNITY - http://brassandunity.com - - - - - - - - - - - - -SHOPB&U Jewelry & Eyewear: https://brassandunity.com - - - - - - - - - - - - -Follow #thekelsisherenperspective- - - - - - - - - - - - -CHARITYHeroic Hearts Project - https://www.heroicheartsproject.orgAll Secure Foundation - http://allsecurefoundation.orgDefenders of Freedom -https://www.defendersoffreedom.usBoot Campaign - https://bootcampaign.org

In this episode, I sit down with Grace Yung Foster, a Korean adoptee, foster care alumna, and NYU MBA graduate who shares her powerful story of navigating identity, systemic barriers, and the nonprofit world. Grace opens up about growing up in white environments, the struggle with internalized racism, and how becoming a mother sparked a turning point in embracing her heritage and herself. Now, as the founder of the Inclusion Initiative, Grace is creating spaces for adoptees and foster youth of color to find community, mentorship, and professional support that she didn't have. IN THIS EPISODE:Grace's experience growing up as a transracial adoptee in foster careChallenges she faced in the nonprofit sector and leadership rolesThe internalized racism and self-acceptance journey that transformed her lifeHow motherhood became a catalyst for embracing her Korean identityThe founding and mission of the Inclusion Initiative, focused on building community and access for adoptees and foster youth of colorThe importance of authentic mentorship and allyship in breaking systemic barriersGrace's story sheds light on the often unseen struggles of adoptees and foster youth of color, especially in professional spaces where representation and support can be scarce. Her honest reflections and dedication to creating inclusive communities remind us all of the power of visibility, self-love, and advocacy.TIMESTAMPS:[00:30:00] Discussing the underrepresentation of people of color, especially women, in nonprofit leadership and the limits of advanced degrees in breaking systemic barriers[00:32:00] Personal reflections on feeling silenced despite credentials and expertise in leadership roles[00:34:00] The decision to walk away from nonprofit leadership and create a space to embrace and amplify marginalized voices[00:36:00] The racial reckoning of 2020–2021 and how workplace conversations about race often felt performative and incomplete[00:38:30] Challenges of acceptance within Asian communities as a transracial adoptee raised in a white family[00:42:00] Growing up minimizing Korean identity due to pressure to assimilate in predominantly white environments[00:44:00] The impact of internalized racism and learned self-hate during youth and early adulthood[00:45:30] The turning point of impending motherhood sparking the desire to reclaim and embrace cultural identity[00:48:30] The importance of unlearning unconscious bias and committing to ongoing self-reflection and cultural competency[00:51:30] Feeling excluded from nonprofit sector despite education and experience, highlighting the lack of authentic mentorship and sponsorship[00:54:30] The stigma around foster care and adoption in professional spaces and the invisibility of foster alumni leaders[00:56:30] The critical role of authentic mentorship and the difficulty in finding mentors who share or understand lived experiences[01:02:00] Building the Inclusion Initiative to create access, community, and visibility for adoptees and foster alumni facing systemic barriers[01:04:00] How the Inclusion Initiative supports career navigation, networking, and leadership development for marginalized identitiesAfter a career in nonprofits and getting her MBA, Grace Yung Foster wanted to do something with more impact. She is now the Founder & CEO of The Inclusion Initiative that focuses on changing the future of work and close the professional opportunity gap Adoptees and Foster Care Alumni often face due to a lack of an established network. Through The Inclusion Initiative, she works to create belonging. The company was born from Grace's lived experience in struggling to achieve the professional and...

In today's episode, we're talking about how foster care has impacted our families: the hard parts and the really good ones. Foster care is mission work, and like anything meaningful, it comes with its share of challenges and rewards. If you're curious about foster care or are already in it and looking for people who truly understand, this conversation is for you. We share how this journey has stretched us, grown our faith, and pushed us to rely on God more than ever. It's been refining in all the best (and hardest) ways. We believe we're all called to make disciples, and sometimes that looks like opening our homes to kids who need love and stability. Foster care has helped us develop tools we didn't know we needed, and we've seen so much growth, both in ourselves and our families. At the end of the day, God is good no matter what, and this experience has taught us to trust Him in deeper ways. Episode Highlights:  How Foster Care has Impacted Our Families Foster Care is Mission Work  The Bigness of God Hard Conversations with Bio Kids   Find More on Hope Bridge: Visit Our Website  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook  Foster Our Community Instagram  Register for the FASD Workshop

SummaryIn this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith speaks with Nole Pitts, who shares his unique experience of being adopted and growing up in a foster care system. Nole recounts the emotional day he discovered he was adopted at the age of five, the transition to foster care, and the complexities of navigating relationships with both his biological and foster families. He reflects on the impact of these experiences on his identity, the challenges of adolescence, and the importance of understanding family dynamics. Nole's story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the significance of family legacy in shaping one's life.

Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with social activist, entrepreneur, and foster turned adoptive father, Mark Daley. Mark has over two decades of experience in message development, communication strategy, and public policy, including as a communications director and spokesperson for then-Senator Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. He has worked with more than thirty members of Congress, numerous governors, and other elected officials. He is the founder of One Iowa, the state's largest LGBTQ+ equality organization, and TheFosterParent.com, a national platform to connect interested families with foster organizations. He's written a wonderful  book about his family's growing journey: "Safe: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care, and the Risks We Take for Family."Find about more about his book and work here:  Mark Daley and TheFosterParent.comSee bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Does your child struggle to get or stay organized? Is homework a battle you dread every day? Prepare yourself to support your children for the Back to School season with this interview with Dr. Richard Guare. He's a neuropsychologist and board-certified behavior analyst focused on autism, learning, attention, and behavior disorders, and acquired brain injuries. He is the co-author of Smart But Scattered: The Revolutionary Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential.In this episode, we discuss:Define executive skills in a way that makes sense to a parent or caregiver who is unfamiliar with the term.Why are these executive skills essential for school success and independence?How does early childhood trauma, neglect, or prenatal substance exposure delay or disrupt a child's executive skill development?What kinds of executive skill delays are common in children who've experienced foster care, adoption, or early adversity?How might a parent or caregiver begin to see a child's delays in executive skill deficits in school?Define the strengths-based approach to teaching executive skills. How can we structure our homes and daily routines to best support what our kids will face during the school day?And practical strategies for supporting your student after school?What language can parents and caregivers use with our kids, and with teachers and support staff, to frame a child's behavior in terms of execution skills vs. defiance or distraction?Why is it important for parents and caregivers to understand their own executive skills strengths and struggles?Top “takeaways” you want to encourage and support parents and caregivers to consider.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

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Laura Mobley, who shares her extensive experience in the foster care and adoption space. They discuss the launch of the Fostering Front Door initiative, aimed at providing a curated resource for individuals interested in foster care. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the differences between fostering and adoption, and the need for accessible information to guide potential foster parents on their journey. They also discuss the challenges and needs of the foster care system, emphasizing the importance of providing resources and support for potential foster parents. They explore the necessity of creating a space for individuals to learn about fostering, the role of continuing education, and the significance of relationships in the lives of children in foster care. The introduction of FosterCon as an educational initiative is highlighted, along with the various support options available for those involved in the foster care system.Foster Front Door website: https://americaskidsbelong.org/lp/fostering-front-door-program Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

If you're listening to this, chances are it was passion that first pulled you into your role in the foster care community—whether you're a professional, a caregiver, an advocate, or a faithful supporter. But here's something you might not have realized yet: just because you started in one role doesn't mean that's where you'll stay. As we grow and gain experience, our passions often deepen and shift—and one of the beautiful things about this work is discovering new ways to use your gifts to serve children and families in need. My guest for this conversation knows this well! He has seen this work from nearly every angle. Thomas Dent has welcomed children into his home as an adoptive and former foster parent. He has also worked inside Mississippi's child welfare system as their former Director of Faith Based and Volunteer Services and Foster Parent Liaison. He knows the challenges that come with this calling, but in the face of those battles, Thomas carries a deep, steady hope in Jesus—the Father of the fatherless. In this episode, you'll hear some of the challenges of working within a broken system, what a blessing a supportive community can be to vulnerable families, how your passion makes your work personal, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/thomas-dent-275/

This week, we're talking with Sandra Flach, mom of 8 (5 through adoption), advocate for foster and adoptive families, and someone who knows firsthand what it's like to parent kids with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Two of Sandra's children are diagnosed with FASD, and she's passionate about helping other parents understand and navigate this journey.Sandra shares her own parenting story, why so many kids are misdiagnosed, and the surprising fact that 1 in 20 school-aged children are impacted by FASD—more than autism. She's all about giving parents the tools and encouragement they need, and you'll walk away from this conversation with so many practical insights.Sandra will be speaking at our upcoming FASD workshop. You won't want to miss it. Make sure to register for the workshop using the link below.Episode Highlights: Meet Sandra!Foster Care & Adoption What is FASD?FASD SymptomsFind more on Guest:Justice for OrphansSandra's WebsiteFind More on Hope Bridge:Register for the FASD WorkshopSchedule Coffee with a Hope Bridge Team MemberVisit Our Website Follow us on InstagramFollow us on Facebook Foster Our Community Instagram Register for the FASD Workshop

Politics?  Running for office?  Yikes!  That wasn't in Jeannette Wilson's plans at all.  Was it in God's plans?  Yep!  What did she decide to do when her plan didn't match God's??  Find out by listening to this episode.  Enjoy!Reach Out to Me:Website: www.dontignorethenudge.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/dontignorethenudgeIG: @dontignorethenudgepodcastPrivate FB group to WATCH interviews: www.dontignorethenudge.com/facebook__________________________________________________________________________________________Business/Personal Coaching with Cori:www.corifreeman.com(951) 923-2674

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.How do you know your child with prenatal substance exposure is ready to potty train? How do you start potty training a child with impacts from prenatal substance exposure, like developmental delays? This Weekend Wisdom offers practical strategies and encouragement to help you stay motivated and keep up the good work.Resources:Raising a Child with Prenatal Substance ExposureHow Do I Potty Train a Child with Prenatal Substance Exposure?Prenatal Exposure, Part 1: Parenting Babies through Elementary AgesSupport 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

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Attorney Felita Cornog. An adoption attorney and foster care advocate. Felita Cornog shares her personal journey from a traumatic childhood—losing her mother to domestic violence and her father to incarceration—to becoming a passionate advocate for children in foster care. She discusses the differences between adoption and foster care, the emotional toll of her work, and how others can support children in the system even if they don’t become foster parents themselves.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Attorney Felita Cornog. An adoption attorney and foster care advocate. Felita Cornog shares her personal journey from a traumatic childhood—losing her mother to domestic violence and her father to incarceration—to becoming a passionate advocate for children in foster care. She discusses the differences between adoption and foster care, the emotional toll of her work, and how others can support children in the system even if they don’t become foster parents themselves.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Attorney Felita Cornog. An adoption attorney and foster care advocate. Felita Cornog shares her personal journey from a traumatic childhood—losing her mother to domestic violence and her father to incarceration—to becoming a passionate advocate for children in foster care. She discusses the differences between adoption and foster care, the emotional toll of her work, and how others can support children in the system even if they don’t become foster parents themselves.

A court win for an Oregon mom who wants to help kids in foster care, OB-GYNs and state pro-life laws, explaining the “heat index” and police use private DNA labs to help solve cold cases. Plus, and unexpected lunch date, Cal Thomas on the Gaza food crisis, and the Thursday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Ambassadors Impact Network. Providing faith driven entrepreneurs the opportunity to apply for funding that aligns with their values. More at ambassadorsimpact.comFrom Nicea Conference 2025, a celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, the most widely confessed and majestic expression of the Christian faith, underpinning the essence of the gospel we confess. Join church leaders from over two dozen countries in the same place Christians gathered 1700 years ago. WORLD subscribers enjoy 20% conference registration with promo code WORLD20. Visit www.niceaconference.comAnd from WatersEdge Kingdom Investments — personal investments that build churches. 5.05% APY on a three-month term. WatersEdge.com/investWatersEdge Kingdom Investments - WatersEdge securities are subject to certain risk factors as described in our Offering Circular and are not FDIC or SIPC insured. This is not an offer to sell or solicit securities. WatersEdge offers and sells securities only where authorized; this offering is made solely by our Offering Circular.

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Join us for a look at where CreatingaFamily.org - and this podcast - began and where we are heading from here. We talk today with Dawn Davenport, the founding Executive Director of the organization, as she prepares to retire from Creating a Family.In this episode, we discuss:Tell us how and why you started Creating a Family. Why start a non-profit?The Complete Guide to International Adoption: The Step by Step Guide to Finding Your ChildDo any significant moments stand out from those early days of setting a path forward?Who were the hands-on folks behind the scenes in those early days?What were some of your hopes and dreams for this new venture when you started podcasting?What were some of your most memorable challenges?How has the world of podcasting changed in the 18 years since you launched this one?Were there one or two “big fish” you were excited to get?How have you seen the Creating a Family podcast impact the families we serve? The professionals?What are the most significant challenges you see facing our community of listeners / adoptive, foster, and kinship families in 2025? Do you have any lessons you'll take from this season of your life – as a professional and/or as a parent?What are you most excited about for the future of CreatingaFamily.org?Do you have any retirement plans? 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

Zohran Mamdani's primary win in the NYC mayoral run shocked many, who wondered why people would support a candidate with so many poorly thought out policy proposals. What is the explanation for the ⁠⁠enduring popularity of socialism⁠⁠—particularly among the young and very privileged? In this episode,⁠⁠ Meghan Murphy⁠⁠ speaks with ⁠⁠Rob Henderson⁠⁠ about these questions and more, including what the future holds for Gen Z and the secret to enduring relationships. ⁠⁠⁠Rob Henderson⁠⁠⁠ is the author of ⁠⁠⁠Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class⁠⁠⁠.The Same Drugs is on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @thesamedrugs_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Meghan Murphy is on X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@meghanemurphy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @meghanemilymurphy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Find The Same Drugs merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fourthwall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Support this podcast with a ⁠⁠⁠donation⁠⁠⁠!

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Today, we dive into the disturbing findings from an Health & Human Services investigation into organ donation, revealing that some patients were still alive when the process began. We sit down with Dr. Raymond Lynch from HHS to unpack these issues, the reforms underway, and the redemptive hope organ donation offers when done right. Plus, we celebrate Christian music's mainstream surge with artists like Forrest Frank, react to Cosmopolitan's article about Relatable's impact, and address the troubling rise of $8,000 fake baby dolls, exposing their spiritual implications. Share the Arrows 2025 is on October 11 in Dallas, Texas! Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sharethearrows.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for tickets now! Sponsored by: ⁠Carly Jean Los Angeles⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carlyjeanlosangeles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Good Ranchers⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.goodranchers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠EveryLife⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.everylife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy Allie's new book, "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/4COtBxy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Timecodes: (01:27) Intro (05:45) Cosmopolitan article (18:00) Christian music is exploding (26:11) Reborn dolls (46:00) Organ donations (Dr. Raymond Lynch) --- Today's Sponsors: A'del — Try A'del's hand-crafted, artisan, small-batch cosmetics and use promo code ALLIE 25% off your first time purchase at AdelNaturalCosmetics.com Seven Weeks Coffee — Experience the best coffee while supporting the pro-life movement with Seven Weeks Coffee; use code ALLIE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sevenweekscoffee.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to save up to 25% off your first order, plus your free gift! Concerned Women for America — For a donation of $20 or more, you will get a copy of their new book, written by the CEO and President, Penny Nance, A Woman's Guide, Seven Rules for Success in Business and Life. Go to ⁠⁠⁠ConcernedWomen.org/Allie⁠⁠⁠ for your copy today. Paleovalley — When you choose Paleovalley, you're not just snacking—you're making a statement. Get 15% off your first order at ⁠paleovalley.com⁠, code ALLIE. --- Episodes you might like: Ep 1202 | Ohana Means... Foster Care? Why the 'Lilo & Stitch' Remake Is So Controversial https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1202-ohana-means-foster-care-why-the-lilo-stitch/id1359249098?i=1000712331902 Ep 1191 | Shane & Shane on Finding Faith in a Bar & Singing the Psalms https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1191-shane-shane-on-finding-faith-in-a-bar/id1359249098?i=1000709053612 --- Buy Allie's book, You're Not Enough (& That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alliebethstuckey.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Relatable merchandise – use promo code 'ALLIE10' for a discount: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.blazemedia.com/collections/allie-stuckey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: I have a question that may be well suited for a weekend wisdom episode. I'm aware of the reasons that a domestic infant adoption may fail, but I've also read about foster children having failed adoption(s) and then aging out of the system. What are some of the main reasons that a foster child experiences a failed adoption? How does that look different than (or the same as) a failed domestic infant adoption? Resources:Failed Adoptions:Help, I Don't Think I Can Continue With This Adoption!Adoption Disruptions/Dissolutions – How to Prevent and When to AcceptEvaluating Risk Factors in Foster Care AdoptionFailed Adoption Matches:Predicting and Coping with Failed Adoption MatchesHow Common are Failed Adoption Matches?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

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kimberly Kelly. A real estate broker and entrepreneur who overcame a challenging upbringing in foster care, teen motherhood, and systemic adversity to become a successful businesswoman. Kimberly shares her journey of resilience, faith, and determination, offering inspiration to anyone facing difficult circumstances. Her story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of believing in oneself.

Being called by God to do something you feel ill-equipped to do can be somewhat of a frightening place to be. That is where Katie Lassiter, our storyteller from our Montgomery, Alabama community group, found herself when her husband approached her about becoming a foster family.   Katie was adamant she could not do it as she didn't think she was mentally strong enough.  But, as you will see in her story, when God calls you to something, He will equip you with the strength and the resources you need.    What are you being called to today? Katie's story is going to encourage you to take a step towards that calling even if you feel unprepared because the Lord will indeed empower you.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - God's plan is always better than your plan. - If you feel God is calling you to something, just take one step and let Him lead. - God's grace is sufficient for you in your weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9)   Links: Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Katie and our past storytellers!!   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including an interview with Robyn Kown.  This is the third and final episode of our “Meet the Hosts” series on Patreon!   Register for our Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story workshop being offered in-person on September 10th; 9:30 AM -12:00 PM CST Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series   Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings starting back up in  the Fall

How does growing up in foster care shape you as a leader? Chéla Gage is the former Vice President Global Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer, workforce mental health advocate, inclusion expert, and host of the 1 Million Fosters podcast. Gage joins Morra to share how her childhood in foster care shaped her strengths as a leader, her reflections on anxiety and hypervigilance as an asset, and how she's transforming trauma into purpose. Chéla's journey from foster homes and group homes to senior leadership roles at Nissan, Raytheon, and Starbucks is a testament to the power of claiming your story. She shares how her upbringing honed her ability to read a room, anticipate challenges, and build belonging, skills that have made her invaluable in corporate spaces. Learn more about Chéla Gage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelagage/ Key Themes: ✅ Hypervigilance as Leadership Strength: Growing up navigating new homes and caregivers taught Chéla to read the room quickly, identify influencers, and trust her intuition—skills she now uses to drive business impact. ✅ Reframing Trauma into Purpose: Chéla discusses how she once felt shame about her foster care past but now sees it as her superpower, providing her with empathy and perspective leaders need. ✅ Parenting as Reparenting: Motherhood allowed Chéla to give the love she didn't receive as a child back to herself. ✅ The Role of Anxiety: Anxiety kept Chéla alert and prepared, but she learned to manage in therapy, to reduce constant threat scanning and burnout while embracing her “hypervigilance” as a leadership tool. ✅ Creating Belonging in Corporate Spaces: Through her career in recruiting and DEIB leadership, Chéla discovered the importance of recognizing and honoring people's whole stories, not just their resumes, to create true inclusion. Timestamps: 07:09 Hypervigilance as a Superpower 12:59 Transforming Pain into Purpose 18:40 The Role of Anxiety: A Double-Edged Sword 24:14 Inclusion and Belonging 29:51 The Impact of Personal Stories 34:50 Empowering the Foster Community