Podcasts about transracial adoption

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: Today's question is about black parents adopting a white child. This was a question we received from a survey we sent out to issues that our audience wished that we would address.Resources:Raising a Child Through a Transracial AdoptionTransracial Adoption Twist: Black Parents Adopting White KidsBlack Families Adopting White ChildrenSupport 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

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Are you raising a mixed-race child? Join our conversation with Nicole Doyley, a biracial woman raising biracial kids, and the author of What About the Children: 5 Values for Multiracial Families.Terminology: what is preferred-biracial, mixed race, multi-racial, mixed?Biracial includes Black/White, Black/Asian, White/Asian, Hispanic/Black, Indigenous/Black/Hispanic. In this interview, we are talking about mixed-race, but families can also be mixed culturally.Is it true that mixed-race is the fastest-growing group in the US?Issues facing biracial people in the US. Based on personal experience as well as a 2020 Vox Survey of Mixed Americans.No man's land of racelessnessHaving to always answer the question “What are you?”Not fully accepted by either raceWanting to ditch one race so as to be fully the other raceFeeling isolatedConfused identityRejecting the idea of having to fit into just one box As a child, you didn't like the ambiguity that biracial brought to your life. You say you felt a “two-ness”. But you came to view being of mixed race as a blessing rather than a curse. Why, as a child did it feel uncomfortable to you and how did you grow to accept it?Do you think a mixed-race adopted or foster child being raised by parents of a different race from them but the same shared race with each other will face different challenges? In the past, it was common to tell adoptive/foster/grandparents that the world was going to treat their child as Black (or another race), so you should focus your efforts on raising a Black child and not emphasize their other race. People in the US see race first. How should parents handle it?Does it matter if the child's dominant features make her look like she fits more squarely in one race?5 values for raising a biracial child:AwarenessHumilityDiversityHonestyExplorationBenefits/advantages to being mixed-race:Can function in both majority and minority environmentsTips for Raising a Mixed-Race ChildSupport 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 Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with Aida Phillips to discuss her personal adoption journey and the cultural dynamics at play within the Hispanic community. Aida shares how language barriers and cultural taboos shaped her experience, and underscores the need for Spanish-language adoption resources. The conversation explores transracial adoption, the importance of representation, and the role of birth parents. Aida also reflects on the power of love, resilience, and identity in building a connected, multicultural family.Important linksAida Phillips Aida's Company: Born From Our Souls / Nacidos del Alma IG: @bornfromoursouls @nacidosdelalmaOur Chosen Child – Profile design and online family page service RG Adoption ConsultingTake our FREE QUIZ "Am I Ready to Adopt?"Join The Adoption Continuum WAITLISTChapters00:00 Breaking the Stigma of Multiracial Adoption02:24 Cultural Taboos in Adoption12:12 Navigating the Emotional Journey of Adoption20:16 Finding Hope Amidst Challenges29:26 The Importance of Community Support30:15 Language Barriers in Adoption Resources35:29 Transracial Adoption and Representation36:07 Navigating Multiracial Adoption42:39 Understanding Adoption Dynamics48:01 The Importance of Open Communication52:11 Cultural Perspectives on Adoption56:50 Support Systems for Adoptive FamiliesTune 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 rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

Lee and John adopted their son three years ago when he was two.  They talk about preparing for transracial adoption; the things they got right and the mistakes they made.  They also talk about how the first six weeks were difficult but overall their journey has been joyful.   Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race (Book) by Reni Eddo-Lodge Buy from Waterstones White Fragility (Book)  by Robin DiAngelo Buy from Waterstones Colin in Black and White (Netflix) Watch on Netflix (account required) The Cultural Iceberg - https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Edward-T-Halls-Cultural-Iceberg_fig2_361162662

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: Can you talk about how being transracially adopted effects how adoptee's children were raised? Both of my parents were transracially adopted and I don't feel like there's anyone else who can share this unique experience and I just want to understand better.Resources:Generational Impacts of AdoptionRaising a Child Through Transracial Adoption (Resource page)Suggested Books for Adults on Transracial AdoptionSupport 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 special episode of the You Can Adopt podcast, we explore the topic of transracial adoption

Angela Tucker is a Black transracial adoptee and the author of "You Should Be Grateful:" Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption, published in April 2023 by Beacon Press. Her search for her biological family was featured in the documentary CLOSURE, which premiered on Netflix in 2015. In 2022, Angela founded the non-profit Adoptee Mentoring Society, offering virtual mentorship for adoptees worldwide. With 15 years of experience in child welfare, she has appeared on CNN, Red Table Talk, The New Yorker, and more, advocating for adoptees.When she's not working to amplify adoptee voices, you can find her at the spa, on the basketball court, or hostessing at Jazz Alley. She drinks a London Fog nearly every single day, and is currently debating the importance of kicking this sugary (but, oh-so-delicious) habit. Angela lives in Seattle, Washington with her Emmy Award-winning spouse, Bryan Tucker.To find Angela: https://www.angelatucker.com/You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Closure - Angela Tucker DocumentaryOur Next Book: Season 10 : The Adoptee's Journey: From Loss and Trauma to Healing and Empowerment by Cameron Lee SmallThank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting will be Saturday, April 12th @ 1 PM ET.RESOURCES 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 Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.Unraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Dr. Santo D. Marabella, born in a Catholic orphanage in Aosta, Italy, and flown to the United States just one week shy of his first birthday, was one of over 3700 Italian-born children adopted by Italian American parents between 1951 and 1969. Known as the “Baby Scoop” era, tens of thousands of Italian unwed mothers were forced to give their children up for adoption, leaving behind generations of children devastated by their perceived abandonment.Though he was the treasured only child of his adoptive parents, Santo was bullied by his peers and struggled from an early age to fit in and connect with others. Growing up, the realization that he was gay further deepened this isolation, straining his relationship with the Church to which he was so dedicated and the parents he so loved (though his parents' acceptance came quickly). Despite self-doubt and fear, he refused to be stopped. He tried harder and achieved more, carving out a life as a caregiver, educator, writer, and artist. But he was still on the outside. In this episode, Santo talks about his “journey to belonging” that he recently embarked on and where it is taking him!Il Mio Posto A Tavola - (My Place at The Table) -Documentary by Santo D. MarabellaYou Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Closure - Angela Tucker DocumentaryOur Next Book: The Adoptee's Journey: From Loss and Trauma to Healing and Empowerment by Cameron Lee SmallJOIN US on March 8th in Atascadero, California - Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered, Jeff Forney & The Innocent People Project + More!Leave your email for more info!Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting will be Saturday, April 12th @ 1 PM ET.RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesAdoptee Mentoring SocietyJeff Forney - Innocent People ProjectGregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementMoses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateUnraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Placed for adoption through a West Texas county children's home, Sharla is a “Baby Scoop”-era adoptee. Sharla's biological mother moved across the state to live with her older sister and family until the time of Sharla's birth. On the day Sharla was born, a married couple who applied to adopt was contacted. Several days later, with their 9-year-old son in tow, they drove an hour to come for her at the children's home. She grew up in a fairly typical family and home. Always having known she was adopted, as is often the narrative, she has no memory of ever being told. The subject was never discussed, although she did know her parents had NonID information and an “adoption papers” folder. For the majority of her life, her adoption didn't seem important to her or anyone else. In 2019, the secrets and undisclosed information of the past 51 years suddenly began to come to light. Unbeknownst to Sharla, her 23andMe DNA kit would soon reveal a close relative via an email. Suddenly, she could decide if she wanted to know the truth about her biological heritage. She later expressed to her husband that in all the years she had said it didn't matter to her, that was true. However, she explained that when you spend decades believing there's no way to ever learn the truth, you may convince yourself that it's not important. With the encouragement of her husband and children, she is building new relationships. She has also enjoyed a long-overdue, warm, and loving reunion with her maternal aunt, who initially considered adopting her and was there to see her the day she was born. Despite some rejection along the way, loving and seeking out people and relationships hasn't become any less of a priority for Sharla. This 5-year journey has helped her recognize how being adopted didn't define her, but it has shaped and affected her. She is a recovering people-pleaser, has begun to realize that it is not her role to make everything and everyone okay, and is currently finding peace with the “what-ifs."You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker JOIN US on March 8th in Atascadero, California - Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered, Jeff Forney & The Innocent People Project + More!Leave your email for more info!Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is this Saturday, March 1st @ 1 PM ET.RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesAdoptee Mentoring SocietyJeff Forney - Innocent People ProjectDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

In this episode of Adoption & Beyond, we sit down with Angela Tucker, a transracial adoptee, educator, and advocate, to discuss her journey growing up as a Black adoptee in a white family. Adopted through a closed adoption and raised in a predominantly white town in Washington, Angela always longed for connection to her roots but faced systemic barriers, including state laws requiring her to be 21 before accessing adoption records.Angela shares how her perspective on transracial adoption evolved, particularly after leaving the "umbrella" of her white adoptive parents to attend college. She reflects on color evasiveness in adoption, the pressures of overachievement and people-pleasing, and the importance of listening directly to adoptees rather than allowing adoptive parents to speak for them—even into adulthood.Through her work, Angela has created a virtual mentoring program to support adoptees and developed an inclusive family support model that emphasizes openness and authentic relationships between adoptees and birth parents. She discusses the need for white adoptive parents to actively cultivate anti-racist family environments and ensure that extended family members are also engaged in this learning.For more information about Angela go to www.angelatucker.com or find her on Instagram @angieadopteeTo learn more about AFTH services you can go to www.afth.org or email us at adoption@afth.org

Rebeccah Carlson is a transracial adoptee born in Georgia and raised in the Midwest. Growing up, she often felt a sense of disenfranchised grief and longed for information about her origins. In her late twenties, Rebeccah began a journey of self-discovery which led to reunion with her birth family. This experience helped start the process of mending her fractured identity and deepened her understanding of the broader realities of adoption.Since then, Rebeccah has found greater healing by publicly sharing her story with others. From podcasts to news articles, Rebeccah has openly explored her lived experience in effort to grow, recover, and transform. Her mission is to create space for authentic conversations related to adoption, identity, and belonging, ensuring other adoptees feel validated in their unique journeys. Rebeccah has also enjoyed volunteering for adoption-related causes, most recently ending her multi-year tenure as Board Chair of the Adoptee Mentoring Society. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona.You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Closure - Angela Tucker DocumentaryJOIN US on March 8th in Atascadero, California - Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered, Jeff Forney & The Innocent People Project + More!Leave your email for more info!Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is this Saturday, March 1st @ 1 PM ET.RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesAdoptee Mentoring SocietyJeff Forney - Innocent People ProjectGregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementMoses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateUnraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

SummaryIn this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia speaks with David, a transracial adoptee from the UK. David shares his lifelong awareness of his adoption, growing up in a multicultural environment, and the unique challenges he faced as the only black child in his small town. He discusses his experiences with racism, family dynamics, and the motivations behind his adoptive parents' decision to adopt. David also reflects on his childhood, the impact of a structured upbringing, and his journey to find his birth mother, which was sparked by the birth of his own daughter. In this conversation, David shares his profound journey of reconnecting with his birth family, exploring themes of gratitude, identity, and emotional growth. He reflects on the complexities of navigating relationships with his birth mother and father, the impact of grief after losing his birth mother, and the challenges of being a transracial adoptee. David emphasizes the importance of feeling emotions rather than just thinking about them, offering insights into personal growth and the significance of family connections.

Jill was conceived in Washington and born in Texas, adopted at birth during the Baby Scoop era, in a closed-file adoption through Home of the Holy Infancy to a same-race couple who was infertile. They had adopted a baby boy but he wasn't as promised. Before they could return to the well to get the baby girl they always wanted, the nuns miraculously placed her with her new parents on Christmas Eve! The nuns who decided her fate believed in genetic mirroring matching her to people with similar demographics. They did that for all their babies, playing chess with their lives. When Jill was two, her adoptive father died. When she was four, her mother remarried the only daddy she ever knew, a widower with six kids. She lived in a big blended family, rich in love, heritage, and tradition. Jill always knew she was adopted but completely disassociated from it. Talk about FOG, she was in DEEP. Her mother tried to turn her story into a fairytale that her birth mother loved her very much but she still couldn't keep her. Jill knew nothing of her origin until she was 57 years old! Now, pushing 60, she has learned many things about her paternal and maternal sides. Her maternal grandpa even had a 2nd secret family. She figured this out all thanks to DNA, which provided her mother's name which was the key to everything. That was then used to obtain her original birth certificate, and court records, and get the adoption agency files unsealed for cause!In reunion since that fateful phone call in June of 2022, she has continued to forge a path forward with all who are interested. Jill isn't needy. That's the worst! She is grateful not because she should be but because she is. Never putting all kidding aside, she's constantly joking. She hopes you read between the lines above to see her beautiful pain. She isn't bitter! Not anymore. This is what is. Adoption, what a wild ride!You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker JOIN US on March 8th in Atascadero, California - Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered, Jeff Forney & The Innocent People Project + More!Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is this Saturday, March 1st @ 1 PM ET.RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesAdoptee Mentoring SocietyJeff Forney - Innocent People ProjectFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementMoses Farrow - Trauma therapist Adoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Fostering Conversations, hosts Amy Smith and Liz Rivera sit down with Angela Tucker, adoptee advocate, mentor, and founder of the Adoptee Mentorship Program. Angela shares her journey from being adopted out of foster care to building a global community for adoptees to connect, heal, and grow. They discuss: Angela's experience growing up in a multiracial family. The challenges of identity and belonging in adoption. How the Adoptee Mentorship Program is creating spaces for adoptees to connect and find support. The power of storytelling and mentorship in navigating adoption experiences. Practical tips for adoptive parents to support their children better. Angela also offers valuable insights into racial identity in transracial adoption and the importance of building inclusive family networks. Whether you’re an adoptee, an adoptive parent, or just curious about the adoptee experience, this conversation is a must-listen. Resources Mentioned: Angela Tucker’s website: AngelaTucker.com Follow Angela on Instagram: @AngieAdoptee Watch the documentary Closure on Angela's website. Read Angela’s book “You should be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption” Learn about the Adoptee Mentorship Program and Adoptee Remembrance Day. Explore Angela's workshop: “Cultivating an Anti-Racist Family Network for Transracial Caregivers.” Memorable Quotes: “There's something healing about talking to someone who just gets it.” – Angela Tucker “We don't just mentor kids. Adoptees at any age need spaces of belonging.” – Angela Tucker “Love is already there, but behaviors show you understand who we are.” – Angela Tucker Angela Tucker Bio~ Angela Tucker is a Black transracial adoptee. She is the author of “You Should Be Grateful:” Stories of Race, Identity and Transracial Adoption. Her book was published in April 2023 by Beacon Press. Angela’s search for her biological family is featured in the documentary CLOSURE which premiered on Netflix in 2015. In 2022, Angela founded the non-profit, the Adoptee Mentoring Society to provide virtual mentorship for adoptees world-wide. With 15 years in child welfare, she has appeared on CNN, The Red Table Talk, The New Yorker, and more, advocating for adoptees. Angela lives in Seattle with her Emmy-award-winning spouse, Bryan Tucker. Ep 56 transcript

Born in 1970 in Iowa, Mike was adopted at just 10 days old. His adoptive father passed away in 1972, leaving Mike and his family to navigate life without him. From an early age, Mike felt a profound curiosity about his biological roots and has spent much of his life searching for answers.The journey to uncover his origins has been full of unexpected twists and turns, leading to the discovery of many biological family members—some of whom have been an incredible blessing and others a more complex addition to his story. Through it all, Mike has learned not only about his family but also about himself and the resilience required to embrace both the joy and challenges of reunion.Mike continues to explore and reflect on what family means while finding strength in the connections he's built. He lives in Iowa and remains passionate about sharing his journey with others navigating similar paths.You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Closure - Angela Tucker DocumentaryJOIN US on March 8th in Atascadero, California - Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered, Jeff Forney & The Innocent People Project + More!Leave your email for more info!Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is this Saturday, March 1st @ 1 PM ET.RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesAdoptee Mentoring SocietyJeff Forney - Innocent People ProjectGregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementMoses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateUnraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Ann is a Baby Scoop-era adoptee. Born to teenage parents in the early 1960s, she was adopted when she was not quite two weeks old. She's always known she was adopted. Her adoptive mother told her against the wishes of her adoptive father when she was very young. Knowing caused her a great deal of angst growing up because she felt her adoptive parents were withholding information from her and that coupled with feeling and looking different from her adoptive family was a constant source of cognitive dissonance that lasted into adulthood.As an adult, Ann searched for her birth mother over the years but with little information to go on, and the imperfect search options available to her, she found nothing. It wasn't until her daughter convinced her to take a DNA test in 2019 that solid leads led her first to a maternal cousin and then to her birth mother's family and set her on the journey to discover where she came from, and how it shaped who she's become.You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Closure - Angela Tucker DocumentaryGet 45% off the Magic Mind bundle with with my link:https://www.magicmind.com/ADOPTEEJANJOIN US on March 8th in Atascadero, California - Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered, Jeff Forney & The Innocent People Project + More!Leave your email for more info!Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is this Saturday, February 1st @ 1 PM ET.RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesAdoptee Mentoring SocietyJeff Forney - Innocent People ProjectGregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementMoses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateUnraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Melanie Green is an infant adoptee from a private domestic adoption in the 1980s. Her adoption was facilitated by a lawyer known for high-dollar adoptions of babies with blonde hair and blue eyes, and for putting financial pressures on birth parents so they wouldn't be able to change their minds. Estranged from much of her adoptive family, she was hesitant to find her birth family. After facing some scary medical news, she started her search for her personal medical history in 2021. She wanted her children to be able to get screened for preventable conditions that they were at risk for but would have no way of knowing due to her adoption. She took an Ancestry DNA test and found some cousins and a search angel at DNAngels who helped her find her living relatives and get as much medical history as possible. She learned her mother died in 2012 at age 50, well before she started her search. Because she doesn't have her real birth certificate, she is unable to request the records of what caused her mother's death.She found out she had a half-sister on her father's side that she continued searching for. All she knows is that she was adopted by an affluent family in Lake Forest, Illinois, and was born around 1985. She's joined Lake Forest area moms groups in hopes of finding her sister and letting her know about their shared medical history.Today, she's a professional writer and serial entrepreneur. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from National University and her Bachelor of Arts in Writing from the University of Tampa. She loves camping, traveling, and going to history and science museums. You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle with with my link:https://www.magicmind.com/ADOPTEEJANJOIN US on March 8th in Atascadero, California - Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered, Jeff Forney & The Innocent People Project + More!Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is this Saturday, February 1st @ 1 PM ET.RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementMoses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateUnraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Born in 1976, Andrea is a same-race, domestic adoptee with international roots. Andrea's birth mother was from Greece and traveled to Sacramento, California, where she gave birth to and relinquished Andrea before promptly leaving the U.S. Raised as an only child in her adoptive family, Andrea spent most of her life understanding her adoption story as a single narrative about how a couple who couldn't have a child of their own "chose" her. It wasn't until the birth of her daughter in 2010 that Andrea started asking questions about her relinquishment and her birth mother's story. Andrea reunited with her birth mother Voula in Greece in 2019, three years before Voula died.Andrea has spent the better part of her forties uncovering the details of Voula's journey to the United States and back to Greece, in an effort to understand where Andrea can call home. Ultimately landing halfway between California and Greece, Andrea has made her home in Queens, New York, where she lives with her husband and daughter and teaches academic writing to college students. She has begun writing about her adoption journey for the Adoptee Voices E-Zine. She is grateful for adoptee communities, like the one created by Adoption the Making of Me, where adopted people can share their stories.You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle with with my link:https://www.magicmind.com/ADOPTEEJANJOIN US on March 8th in Atascadero, California - Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered, Jeff Forney & The Innocent People Project + More!Leave your email for more info!Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is this Saturday, February 1st @ 1 PM ET.RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesGregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementMoses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateUnraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

"Just a quick note - this episode contains language some listeners might find offensive -- regarding experiences involving racism."In 1963, Shawn was placed for adoption because his white mother's family didn't want a biracial grandson. As an infant, he passed for white, and he was adopted by a racist, rural Indiana family who didn't realize that he was black. Ashamed of his ethnicity, his mother concocted lies to hide his race from everyone, including Shawn.This lack of racial identity caused depressing confusion and conflict with his education, relationships, and career, but his mother insisted that he was not to search for his birth family until after she died.Around age 40, Shawn and his wife decided that he was well-suited to adopt other biracial babies. Through the adoption process, he discovered clues that helped him locate and reunite with his biological family.Born Without a Race: The Struggles and Confusion of a Racially Ambiguous Adoptee, and How He Discovered His True Identity.You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Magic Mind Adoptee 20 LinkUSE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONmagicmind.com/adoptee20JOIN US on March 8th in Atascadero, California - Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered, Jeff Forney & The Innocent People Project + More!Leave your email for more info!Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is this Saturday, February 1st @ 1 pm ET.RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesGregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementMoses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateUnraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Lisa was born in 1958 and grew up in Franklin, Indiana. She was the youngest of two, both of whom were adopted.  As far back as she can remember, she always knew she was “chosen.”With no real information to go on, after submitting her DNA and no close family hits, her husband put together a family tree in which they were able to identify her biological father. They think they have her biological mother identified, but have yet to make contact.Lisa now lives in the St. Louis, Missouri area and has two fabulous children and a grandson. She also has 'bonus' children and grandchildren that she loves to see.  She currently works as a software consultant but is on the verge of retiring. She also has two Bernedoodles that keep her very active.Finding this podcast has helped her feel that, finally, she is not alone.You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Magic Mind Adoptee 20 LinkUSE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONmagicmind.com/adoptee20JOIN US on March 8th in Atascadero, California - Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered, Jeff Forney & The Innocent People Project + More!Leave your email for more info!Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is this Saturday, January 4th @ 1 pm ET.RESOURCES 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 Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.Unraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

In this week's bonus episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, we bring you a powerful compilation of profound insights and advice from Season 1's most impactful episodes. Featuring heartfelt reflections and practical guidance from our incredible guests, this episode is designed to inspire and support both hopeful and current adoptive parents on their journey. Important Links RG Adoption Consulting The Adoption Roadmap Guests & Episodes Mentioned: This Week In Adoption: “Relinquished” Beyond the Hair ~ Transforming Lives Through Cultural Connection and Transracial Adoption with Tamekia Swint A Crucial Step Most Families Who are Adopting Overlook, with Lucrece Bundy Adoption Without Financial Stress: Insider Tips to Make Your Dream Family a Reality with Kelly Ellison Open Adoption: The Importance of Authenticity, with Linda R Sexton This Week in Adoption: Understanding Fear in the Adoption Process The Adoption Home Study Process: Key Steps and Tips Single Motherhood: The Challenges and Advantages, with Kerry Hackett The Shift in Adoption Practices, with Laurie Shelton Home Study: The First Step in Adoption, with Amy Imber Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, we'd appreciate a follow and a 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email:support@rgadoptionconsulting.com

In 1983, Matt's mother delivered him in a metro Detroit hospital. Within a week hewas relinquished to Catholic Social Services, and moved into foster care to spendthe first three months of his life.A married couple, unable to have a natural child themselves, adopted and raisedhim lovingly as their first child. While growing up, Matt always knew he wasadopted, but besides this knowledge, his family rarely discussed the topic ofadoption.Matt has been in reunion since 2009 with members of his biological family on hismaternal and paternal side, including his first mother. Only since 2022, though,has ‘The Fog' over his eyes begun to lift - that of the dominant narrativesurrounding the American adoption system.Today, Matt lives in northwest lower Michigan with his girlfriend, their two cats,and his two biological sons. He is writing a memoir about his life as an adoptee.You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Here is a link to order her book: bookshop link.JOIN US on March 8th in California!- Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered with Liz DeBetta + Jeff Forney & More! Leave your email for more info!Magic Mind Adoptee 20 LinkUSE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONmagicmind.com/adoptee20RESOURCES 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 Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.Unraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaThank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom with the ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is December January 4th Support the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Jennifer is an adoptee born in Orange County, California, in 1963. The first six weeks of her life remain a mystery. Although she was adopted by a loving family, her journey has not been easy. As part of the Baby Scoop Era, she was relinquished at birth and spent her early weeks in foster care.Her adoptive family, led by the daughter of a well-known artist and former model, provided a stable home, but Jennifer always felt like she wasn't enough. She grew up as the middle child with two brothers: her older brother, who was also adopted, and her younger brother, the biological son of her adoptive parents, who had been surprised by his arrival, as they had previously been told they couldn't have children.Jennifer always knew she was adopted, though she can't remember being explicitly told. As she grew older, she became curious about her origins and began wondering who she might resemble. This curiosity led her down a destructive path, turning to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope. Years of rebellion, running away, and conflicts with her parents culminated in her legal emancipation at age 15.Things continued to spiral out of control until she ended up in a treatment center in Portland, Oregon. Once she had regained clarity, Jennifer realized she needed to understand her medical history, and so began a search for her biological family. Remarkably, it only took three hours for a search specialist to find them.However, not all reunions are as heartwarming as one might hope. Jennifer's birth mother, sadly, had no interest in reconnecting and refused to meet her. Despite this, Jennifer did find a half-brother with whom she still maintains a relationship. Tragically, her birth mother passed away in 2023, never having met the daughter she had given life to in 1963. In Jennifer's words, “It's her loss.” Coincidentally, just weeks after her birth mother's death, Jennifer's adoptive mother passed away as well.Today, Jennifer has come to terms with the reality that she will never know the woman who gave birth to her. Meeting other biological family members has become a meaningful part of her journey. She is currently working on her memoir, Sometimes You Just Need a Lollipop: A Very Adult Story of My Spiritual Awakening, a candid exploration of her life's struggles, her search for self, and her spiritual growth.You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Magic Mind Adoptee 20 LinkUSE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONmagicmind.com/adoptee20JOIN US in March 8th in Atascadero, California - Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered + More! Leave your email for more info!Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is on January 4th @ 1 pm ET.Support the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Adam was adopted from Huentitán el Alto, in Jalisco, Mexico. Ron and Wendy had already adopted a son so they planned on adopting a girl as their second child to be named Amy but she suddenly passed away and out of distraught they told the lawyer to give them the next baby available, me. They changed names from Amy to Adam.Adam always felt different, like from another world. He exhibited signs of abandonment issues early on never allowing his mother to leave him without crying. In hindsight, he can say it was because he didn't think she would come back. Not in the sense that other kids cry for their mom to pick them up, he thought she might never come back. This fear of being left developed well into his teens and adulthood in the form of abusive relationships which he would never leave and manifested into several life-threatening situations. To couple this, Adam experienced an Identity crisis and at the age of 17, he felt as if his name no longer fit him. He wasn't Juan Carlos anymore (his birth name) but he no longer felt comfortable claiming the full name his adoptive parents gave him. He legally changed it to keep Adam and to have Esparza Plascencia as his surname, given to him at birth. Maybe he could feel as if he was a part of both. He knew his name because he kept his adoption certificate, more or less a one-page contract that his birth mother signed in pen, Maria De Jesus Esparza Plascencia. At times when he was left alone with his thoughts he would trace the engraved ink on the parchment to bring him closer to her. To try and feel her sentiment. Adam works as Director for a CBO (Community Based Organization) specializing in youth outreach in elementary schools through the Queens, NY borough and is licensed by the OCFS (The Office of Children and Family Services). As his journey to reunion continues he is also happy to announce a new position as one of several Ambassadors representing The Adoptee Mentoring Society, a community giving light to the adoptee narrative and providing support for adoptees, by adoptees. Through his catharsis and above all else he has come to the realization that the road back to oneself is not external after all but inside each and everyone of us just the same. For Adam, it was time to let go of “being let go of”. By sharing his own healing process he hopes to enable other adoptees along the winding road we all have in common. You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Here is a link to order her book: bookshop link.Magic Mind Adoptee 20 LinkUSE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONmagicmind.com/adoptee20See us on March 8th in Atascadero, California Leave your email for more info!Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is on January 4th @ 1 pm ET.Support the showTo support the show - Patreon.

"I...sometimes I forget that I'm Asian unless I see myself in a mirror." -- Nathan Nowack Read the Transcript: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JEAFSD4KFY07AFGENGAPDN7A EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nathan Nowack, a Korean adoptee, professional photographer, and co-host of The Janchi Show. Nathan shared his adoption story, having been adopted from Korea at just five and a half months old and raised in a predominantly white community in Oklahoma. He reflected on his childhood, noting the lack of cultural representation and the challenges of navigating his Asian identity in a world that often sees him as different. We discussed the complexities of transracial adoption, including the impact of his parents' approach to race and culture. Nathan emphasized the importance of understanding and acknowledging one's racial identity, especially in a society that often overlooks these nuances. He shared his experiences with microaggressions and the emotional toll they can take on adoptees, highlighting the need for greater awareness and sensitivity. Nathan also spoke about his involvement with KAAN (Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network) and how connecting with other adoptees has been instrumental in his healing journey. He described the sense of community he found there and the importance of sharing diverse adoption stories, acknowledging that each experience is unique. As a father of three multiple-ethnicity children, Nathan is committed to helping them understand their cultural heritage. He shared how he incorporates Asian traditions and celebrations into their lives, ensuring they have a strong sense of identity. This conversation was rich with insights into the complexities of adoption, identity, and community. I hope listeners find Nathan's story as inspiring and enlightening as I did. Be sure to check out The Janchi Show and connect with Nathan on Instagram for more of his journey and perspectives. Thank you for joining us, and I look forward to our next episode! ===============

Melissa was adopted at birth in 1965 in Little Rock, AR. Her adoptive parents were able to take her home at five days old straight from the hospital since it was a private adoption facilitated by the doctors and lawyer. Understanding the signs of the times as she grew, she never felt rejected by her birth mother. Her life has been full and blessed from the beginning. For most of her life, she declared there wasn't a desire to search when asked. However, searching for familiar faces in a crowd and then internet and social media searches crept throughout different periods of her lifetime. Holding her daughter and then her son two years later increased her desire to have biological connections that had been missing in her life. When her adoptive father began having health problems, she knew it was time to get serious about her search. Submitting DNA led to close matches on her paternal and maternal sides. Through these connections she was able to identify her living birth father and then 2 years later her living birth mother. When her search journey began, she had two conscious thoughts about how it would unfold:1. "Everyone who could be adversely affected are adults. My children, their children, etc. Adults can do hard things. This has to be God's timing for us to connect."2. All the adoption stories, movies, or books she had encountered up to that point had wonderful, happy endings where everyone reconnected and was grateful to do so.She quickly realized how wrong she was on both counts. This is why podcasts like this one and books like The Girls Who Went Away are so vital. She's met family members on both sides who have been welcoming but UNJUSTIFIED rejection has been the prevailing theme of her story. One sibling in particular has put up barriers trying to prevent her from connecting with her birth mother. The measures this sibling has taken are truly unbelievable especially since this sibling proclaims to be Christian and Pro-Life. Until she started researching beyond the idyllic stories, she wouldn't have found the peace needed to understand why her journey had been so difficult.You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker  MAGIC MIND: Black Friday offer, it's currently 50% off until the 6th of December, only with our link: https://www.magicmind.com/adopteebf RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementMoses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateUnraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaThank you to our Patrons! The next ADOPTEE CAFE is December 7th @ 1 pm ETSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Michelle Rice-Gauvreau is a native Mohawk woman born in 1969 in Canada and raised in Connecticut via an illegal adoption, which was commonplace for many Indian babies throughout many years across North America.  She is the author of Who Am I? Native American Child Taken From A Reservation And Raised In White America. Michelle is a compassionate advocate for all adoptees looking for their own truth, peace, and hope. She hopes to instill her strength to any adoptee struggling to find their way.​Michelle now works as a legal professional for a prestigious law firm. She resides in Connecticut with her husband of many years and her two senior cats.  She enjoys traveling and learning more about native cultures far and wide.To find Michelle: Powwows.comMedium.com / authority-magazineAwesomegang.com/michelle-gauvreauWomensjournal.comBooknerdection.comYou Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Here is a link to order her book: bookshop link.Magic Mind Adoptee 20 LinkUSE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONmagicmind.com/adoptee20RESOURCES 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 Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.Unraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaThank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. This is an adoptee-only space. We do appreciate all of our patrons. The next meeting is December 7th @ 1 pm ETSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Rebecca is an adoptee, mother, teacher, historian, and award-winning author of the recently published ‘Who Is a Worthy Mother'? An Intimate History of Adoption.' Rebecca was driven to write a history of adoption in the United States from the perspective of an adoptee and to honor the memory of her older sister and the truth of brave women everywhere. Rebecca teaches in the School of Education at the University of Puget Sound and lives in Seattle with her husband and two daughters. To find Becca: https://www.rebeccawellington.com/You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker Here is a link to order her book: bookshop link.Magic Mind Adoptee 20 LinkUSE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONmagicmind.com/adoptee20RESOURCES 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 Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.Unraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaThank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. This is an adoptee-only space. We do appreciate all of our patrons. The next meeting is December 7th @ 1 pm ETSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Gretchen Sisson is the author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood and a sociologist at Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health in the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. She studies adoption and abortion in the United States.Books Gretchen recommends:All You Can Ever Know by Nicole ChungYou Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity and Transracial Adoption by Angela TuckerBitterroot: A Salish Memoir of Transracial Adoption by Susan Devan HarnessWhat White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption by Melissa Guida-RichardsWe Were Once a Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America by Roxana AsgarianSurviving the White Gaze by Rebecca CarrollLINKS:www.civicsoul.org/events https://www.gretchensisson.com/https://caringacross.org/www.Howcanihelppod.com www.Citizenofsound.com 

During this episode of "Adoption Diaries" Caitlin leads a heartfelrt interview with Annie, focusing on the intricacies of transracial adoption.   Annie candidly shares her insights, challenges, and joys, offering valuable perspectives on navigating identity, culture, and belonging with transracial adoptive families.  Tune into this authentic, transparent, and open conversation, as we learn, grow, and unfold chapters together.  Resources:  Documentary:  1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed https://www.amazon.com/1000-Me-Growing-Up-Mixed/dp/B0BYTHQKPK Instagram Book Accounts: ihaveabook4that  blackbabybooks maistorybooklibrary  Book:  A Practical Guide to Transracial Adoption (Isaac Etter) 

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast, host Rebecca Greenspan speaks with Ramya Gruneisen, an international transracial adoptee and advocate. They explore the complexities of adoption, focusing on mindful conversations, the dual experience of joy and grief, and the importance of education and support for adoptive parents. Ramya shares her journey from adoptee to advocate, underscoring the value of therapy and transracial adoption while urging parents to approach adoption with humility and openness to learning. Rebecca also reflects on her adoption journey, discussing identity challenges, family dynamics, and the need for transparent and responsible narratives in adoption. The conversation underscores the importance of community, support, and education for all involved in adoption. Important Links Ramya Gruneisen Website National Council For Adoption (NCFA) The Value of Adoptee Voices by Ramya Gruneisen (NCFA) Why Belonging Plays a Crucial Role in Transracial Adoption by Ramya Gruneisen (RGAC) Brené Brown RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap Chapters: 00:00 Mindful Adoption: Balancing Joy and Grief 01:52 Ramya's Journey: From Adoptee to Advocate 06:02 Navigating Adoption Conversations: The Importance of Language 09:48 Holding Space for Diverse Adoption Stories 14:03 Accountability in Adoption: Moving Beyond Shame 17:50 The Role of Therapy in Adoption Journeys 24:05 Transracial Adoption: Equipping Parents for Success 26:45 The Importance of Humility in Adoption 27:40 Navigating Adoption Stories and Transparency 29:10 The Challenge of Unknown Histories 33:14 Family Dynamics in Adoption 38:19 The Role of Community in Adoption 41:39 Triggers and Emotional Responses in Adoption 45:37 The Need for Responsible Adoption Narratives 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 rating & review!  THANK YOU! For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com

Ann Fessler is an author, filmmaker, and installation artist. Her work addresses the gap between the authoritative history one learns in history books, and that same history as understood by those who lived it. She has spent more than thirty years bringing stories of ordinary people, and the first-person narratives of adoption, into the public sphere through her visual works and Writing.Fessler traveled the country to interview more than 100 women who lost children to adoption during the 28 years that followed WWII when a perfect storm of circumstances led to an unprecedented 1.5 million non-family surrenders. With the support of a 2003-04 Radcliffe Fellowship at Harvard, Fessler researched the history of the era and later combined her research and interviews in a non-fiction book, The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Lost Children to Adoption in the Decades Before Roe v. Wade (The Penguin Press, 2006).The book, which places the women's stories within the social history of the time period and her own story as an adoptee was called “wrenching, riveting” by the Chicago Tribune; “a remarkably well-researched and accomplished book” by the New York Times; and “a blend of deeply moving personal tales, bolstered by solid sociological analysis—journalism of the first order” by the San Francisco Chronicle. The Girls Who Went Away was chosen as one of the top 5 non-fiction books of 2006 by the National Book Critics Circle and was awarded the Ballard Book Prize, given annually to a female author who advances the dialogue about women's rights. In 2011, The Girls Who Went Away was chosen by readers of Ms. magazine as one of the top 100 feminist books of all time.Website: annfessler.comInstagram: @annfessler_artistFilm by Ann Fessler: A Girl Like HerThe Girls Who Went Away by Ann FesslerExciting News! We will be reading and discussing: You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identify, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker in Season 9.Here is a link to order her book: bookshop link.Magic Mind Adoptee 20 LinkUSE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONmagicmind.com/adoptee20RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementHiraeth Hope & HealingMoses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateUnraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaThank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. This is an adoptee-only space. The next meeting is Support the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Julie Brumley is a trauma-informed adoptee coach who has been coaching men and women for more than 15 years to overcome addictive behaviors and heal the primal trauma of abandonment. She is also the CEO of Coming Home to Self, a company dedicated to helping adoptees heal. After her own birth mother tried to abort her twice, she found herself frozen in an unconscious trauma response for decades until she found the power of somatic trauma healing. Now, she uses somatics, nervous system regulation, personal experience, and her master's in counseling to help other adult adoptees find their way out of their own trauma and into a life of radical self-belonging.The Girls Who Went Away by Ann FesslerExciting News! We will be reading and discussing: You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identify, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker in Season 9.Here is a link to order her book: bookshop link.Magic Mind Adoptee 20 LinkUSE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONmagicmind.com/adoptee20RESOURCES 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 Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.Unraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaThank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. This is an adoptee-only space. We do appreciate all of our Patreons. The next meeting is November 9th @ 1pm ETSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Should you adopt a child of a different race? What things should you consider? Join our conversation with Dr. Gina Samuels, an adult transracial adoptee and a Professor at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago. She is also the Faculty Director of the Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture. Her scholarly interests include transracial adoption and mixed-race and multiethnic identity formation. We are honored to have Dr. Samuels as the Chair of the Creating a Family Board.In this episode, we cover:If you are a White parent, are there different issues you need to consider depending on the race of the child you adopt?Some families prefer to adopt a bi-racial child rather than a child who is all Black or all Latinx. What are the issues to consider?Is there a difference between transracial and transcultural adoption?What does it take to raise a child to have a healthy self and racial identity? How do they differ? Unconscious overlap between self and racial identity for White people.What are some of the issues parents should think about to determine if they are a family that should adopt across racial or ethnic lines? What should parents be prepared to do in order to help their children develop a healthy sense of self?Adoption is a family affair, so how should prospective adoptive parents prepare their extended family members for the adoption of a child of a different race or culture?How do you protect your child from family members who may not approve or are racist?What to do if you have someone in your family that you fear will not be accepting or will not treat your child fairly or is a racist?How do you find role models that racially mirror your child? Politic of transracial adoption in minority communities. What does the research show on how transracially adopted children are doing?What issues may come up with open adoption when adopting across racial lines?Preparation for transracial adoption goes beyond hair care; hair and skin care are important. What should parents know?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

Ann Haralambie is an award-winning author and a trial and appellate attorney (a Certified Family Law Specialist and a Certified Child Welfare Law Specialist). She has a BA in Creative Writing, an MA in English Literature, and a JD in law. Her first book was a poetry chapbook published in 1976 by Desert First Works while she was in law school. Her three-volume Thomson Reuters legal treatise, "Handling Child Custody, Abuse and Adoption Cases 3d" is supplemented annually. Her three other major law books are written primarily for a legal and multi-disciplinary professional audience.Ann is an adoptee who searched for her birth family for 35 years. Her award-winning book, "Not Nicholson: The Story of a First Daughter," (2023) is an adoption search and reunion memoir. It has been called "a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for self-understanding. . . a deeply moving read, one that resonates long after the final page is turned" (The Reading Bud), "universally inspiring, exemplifying an unwavering resolve that continues even in the face of numerous obstacles. . . an invaluable companion for those navigating the intricate paths of understanding and acceptance in the realms of adoption" (Literary Titan), and "a compelling read that balances personal narrative with broader social issues. . . . a book that will appeal to a wide range of readers, . . . a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit and the profound impact of uncovering one's past." (Jeyran Main, Editor-in-chief, Review Tales Magazine).Spending her time equally between Arizona and New Hampshire, in her spare time Ann loves singing all kinds of music from classical choral music to traditional Irish/Scottish songs to worship music, playing various fretted string instruments and the Irish bodhrán (a framed goatskin drum), Irish and ballroom dancing, and serving as the Loon Preservation Committee field volunteer for Silver Lake, NH.The Girls Who Went Away by Ann FesslerExciting News! We will read and discuss: You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identify, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker in Season 9.Magic Mind Adoptee 20 LinkUSE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONmagicmind.com/adoptee20RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesGregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryDr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness MovementUnraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaJoin at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. This is an adoptee-only space. The next meeting is NSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Lena Rosenbloom is a domestic, closed-adopted person from New Jersey. She was adopted in the 80s and raised as an only child in an adoptive family that could not have children. She entered reunion in 2002 with her paternal biological family. Lena discovered her biological family through the adoption.com website and message boards in 2002. She has three half-siblings on her paternal side. Lena has reached out to her biological mother two times in the past 20 years and has been rejected. Lena is a licensed clinical social worker in Florida working with grief and loss as well as terminally ill clients. She helped start a nonprofit organization for first responder spouses in 2018. She has been married to her wonderful husband for 15 years and has two children. She loves to journal, make crafts, and find healing through music and concerts. The Girls Who Went Away by Ann FesslerExciting News! We will be reading and discussing: You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identify, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker in Season 9.Here is a link to order her book: bookshop link.Magic Mind Adoptee 20 Link USE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONmagicmind.com/adoptee20RESOURCES 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 Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.Unraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaThank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. This is an adoptee-only space. We do appreciate all of our Patreons. The next meeting is November 9th @ 1pm ETSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Join us to talk about how kids understand adoption and how best to talk with them about adoption. Our guest is Camillia Whitehead, is a MSW and a licensed clinical social worker, and the Founder of Wise Care Consulting, LLC.In this episode, we cover:How does a child's understanding of adoption differ by age?Toddlers & PreschoolersSchool AgeTweens/TeensYoung AdultsHow does openness or lack of openness impact a child's understanding of adoption?How does transracial adoption impact a child's understanding of adoption?How to talk about adoption at different ages?What are the important points you want to make sure your child understands at each stage?What are some common questions children ask at different developmental stages?Why didn't my birth parents parent me?Can I go back to my birth parents?Do my birth parents think about me?Did my birth parents love me?Who do I look like?Why did they parent my sibling?How am I like my birth parents, and how am I different.”Why not wait for your child to ask questions and then talk with them?What if your child shows little or no interest in their adoption story?What to say when you know very little about the birth parents?How can you talk about adoption and the role of the birth father with young children who do not understand the concept of sex?How to handle the “You're not my real mom or dad” statement?How to handle hard birth parent stories? What to do when your cultural or ethnic background is strongly prejudiced against adoption? Don't outright lie. Think through carefully what you are afraid of by telling the child.That the child will be rejected by extended family?That you will be judged or rejected by extended family?That the child will share the information to others in your community?Accept that the odds are extremely high that the child is going to find out from over-the-counter DNA testing or someone in the family will tell or from 8th grade biology assignment. Accept that at some point the failure to tell is the same as lying. When adult adoptees who were not told by their parents were interviewed later in life they almost universally say that it was the lie that hurt the most and did the most damage to their relationship with their parents.Start laying the groundwork at an early age.Families are formed in different ways.All types of families are good.We had trouble having kids and we were so happy when you arrived.Try to establish connections with other adoptive parentsPoint out adoptive families when you see them in real life or TV or moviesReview your reasons for not wanting to tell and decide on an age that you will tell.Explain their adoption story. 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

Everything and Nothing At All by Jenny Heijun Wills is an essay collection where the author reflects on her experiences as a transnational adoptee. Jenny was born in Korea and was adopted by a white Canadian family in southwestern Ontario when she was nine months old. Twenty years ago, she reconnected with her Korean birth family. She talks to Mattea Roach about this journey — which also inspired her prize-winning memoir, Older Sister. Not Necessarily Related — and about how writing and literature have helped her figure out who she is.

Stephen Grochol is a Financial Planner in San Mateo, CA. He and his wifejust celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and they have two daughters.He is a post-Baby Scoop and post-Roe v. Wade adoptee. Born in Oakland,CA in 1974 he is the oldest of three. One brother was adopted and theyoungest was not.Stephen's adoptive parents went through a private doctor for this process.He was relinquished immediately after birth and whisked home to Pacificawhere he grew up. A stroke of luck occurred when his Aunt andGodmother procured the names of his birth parents during his delivery.As time went on things within his family unit started to unravel. His youngerbrother, also adopted, started suffering mental health issues and wasultimately diagnosed as schizophrenic and bipolar. The family washamstrung by the fact his medical records were sealed by the state ofCalifornia. This was the prompt that Stephen needed to start the reunionprocess, for real.His parents were amazingly supportive throughout the entire search forreunion. This just made things okay. On his 28th birthday, armed with “theadoption file” he was able to quickly track down his birth father. They havebeen in reunion since 2003.Tracking down his birth mother was a much more difficult task. Two weeksafter he was born the birth parents broke up and she joined a church thathad some “cult-like” qualities. In 2017, Stephen and his birth father usedAncestry DNA to narrow the search for her. It worked! It's here where hemet a half-sister on his mother's side. From there he was able to finallytrack down their birth mother on Halloween of all dates.The reunion with both parents and the siblings has been filled with joy andhappiness. There have been several family reunions where Stephen finallyfeels like he's “wearing the right uniform.” Of course, no reunion is perfectbut we are pretty close.It's after all this that Stephen has come out of the fog. Listening to Sarahand Louise, along with more specialized therapy are major factors for this.Stephen is quite familiar with fog as he grew up in Pacifica…. One of thefoggiest towns in California. Sunny days lie ahead….The Girls Who Went Away by Ann FesslerExciting News! We will be reading and discussing: You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identify, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker in Season 9.Here is a link to order her book: bookshop link.Magic Mind/ADOPTIONTRIAL: USE CODE: ADOPTEETRIAL    USE THE CODE AND LINK TO: receive a 3-sample pack for free.RESOURCES for AdopteesS12F Helping AdopteesGregory Luce and Adoptees Rights LawJoe Soll & other adoptee resourcesFireside Adoptees Facebook GroupReckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryDr. LiSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Jennifer Dyan Ghoston is a same-race domestic foster alum and adoptee in reunion with both sides of her biological family. After a 27-year career in law enforcement with the Chicago Police Department, she retired in 2014 as a police detective. In 2015, she self-published her memoir, "The Truth So Far...a detective's journey to reunite with her birth family". She credits her spiritual journey that started over forty years ago for allowing her path to unfold in unexpected and meaningful ways. In 2021, Jennifer's continued efforts to be open, honest, and public about her lived experience while holding space for other members of the constellation (primarily adoptees) has led to hosting the podcast, "Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland". She currently co-facilitates the Adoptee Voices Writing Group created by Sara Easterly.Website to find Jennifer:  http://www.jenniferdyanghoston.com Website to Jennifer's Podcast: www.Onceuponatimeinadopteeland.comThe Girls Who Went Away by Ann FesslerExciting News! We will be reading and discussing:You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identify, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker in Season 9. Here is a link to order her book: bookshop link.RESOURCES 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 Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocateNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.Unraveling Adoption with Beth SyversonAdoptees Connect with Pamela KaranovaThank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. This is an adoptee-only space. We do appreciate all of our Patreons. The next meeting is Oct. 19th @ 1pm ETSupport the showTo support the show - Patreon.

Please join me as I speak with transracial, transnational displaced person Lina Vanegas, MSW and advocate. We talk about the intersection of transracial and transnational adoption, racism and colonialism and impacts on mental health and suicidal ideation. Lina can be found at: (12) Facebook Lina Vanegas Msw (@linaleadswithlove) • Instagram photos and videos Lina Vanegas - @linaleadswithlove : r/abolishadoption (reddit.com) as well as on X and other platforms @linaleadswithlove Mentioned in the episode: Mila | WHO: Adoption Survivors of Color + Global Majority WHAT: “Visualizing Adoption Abolition” Community Building Workshop WHEN: Saturday... | Instagram Mila | (This workshop is for BIPOC Adopted People Only.) We are offering an online workshop, “Visualizing Adoption Abolition” in collaboration... | Instagram Nos Buscamos – ONG Adoption fraud was widespread for many South Koreans adopted into Western countries, AP finds (nbcnews.com) Why China Is Banning Foreign Adoptions of Children - Newsweek The U.S. history of Native American Boarding Schools — The Indigenous Foundation History of Residential Schools | Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada NABSW_Trans-Racial_Adoption_1972_Position_(b).pdf (ymaws.com) Illegally adopted during Chile's dictatorship, they're now reuniting with biological families | AP News There are a great many more articles and resources referencing illegal adoptions, the sourcing of children of color from other countries for the purpose of adoption, and the coercive tactics employed by so-called Resource employees, who are hired to procure children for agencies. For people looking for lists of podcasts and other media produced by people of color and transnational adopted people, you can visit the site for Intercountry Adoption News, which maintains files and is an excellent source of news about transracial and transnational adoption. (13) Facebook The opinions of the host and their guest are just that, their opinions. The host is not a lawyer or mental health professional. If you or someone you know is feeling alone in navigating trauma and suicidal ideation, please seek support. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | SAMHSA Mental health support: get help - Canada.ca UK Suicide & Crisis Helplines. Free, 24/7 Chat, Text & Phone (findahelpline.com) Mental health and suicide prevention contacts | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care RAINN | The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization Where to get support | Te Hiringa Mahara—Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission (mhwc.govt.nz) Thank you for listening!

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, host Rebecca Gruenspan speaks with Tamika Swint, the founder and executive director of Styles for Kids, an organization dedicated to providing haircare education and services to transracial adoptive and foster families. Tamika shares her inspiring journey, starting from a simple hair braiding class to creating a nationwide movement that supports Black children's cultural identity through haircare. The conversation covers the significance of hair in the Black community, the challenges white adoptive parents face in managing their Black children's hair, and the importance of the recently passed haircare bill in Illinois. Tamika also emphasizes the need for education, community support, and advocacy to ensure that every child's haircare needs are met, fostering self-esteem and cultural pride. Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode ⁠Stylez 4 Kids⁠   ⁠Tamekia Swint - IG⁠ ⁠Jockey Being Family - Support For Adoptive Families⁠  ⁠The Haircare Bill (HB 5097)⁠  ⁠Adoption Center of Illinois⁠ ⁠Hairitage Talks Podcast⁠   ⁠Your Hair is Your Crown - Tamekia's Children's Book⁠  ⁠Lucrece Bundy Episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast⁠  ⁠⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap⁠ Chapters 02:23 - Styles for Kids: Comprehensive Hair Care Services and Education 06:06 - The Inspiration Behind Styles for Kids 14:11 - Challenges Faced by White Adoptive Parents in Managing Textured Hair 18:42 - Resources and Educational Tools Provided by Styles for Kids 24:15 - The Hair Care Bill in Illinois 28:03 - Advocating for Children's Hair Care Needs 29:56- The Impact of Hair Care on Self-Image and Identity 32:13 - Common Misconceptions and Mistakes in Hair Care for Black Children 33:34 - Cultural Significance of Hair in the African American Community 34:59 - The Importance of Connection to Culture and Pride in Hair Care 41:28 - Tips and Resources for Hair Care in Transracial Adoptive Families 49:29 - A Memorable Success Story: Changing Lives Through Hair Care Education 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 rating & review!  THANK YOU! For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Shannon Gibney is a writer, educator, and activist. The author of several books, including The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be: A Speculative Memoir of Transracial Adoption, which received a Michael L. Printz Honor and a Minnesota Book Award; See No Color and Dream Country, both winners of Minnesota Book Awards; and Sam and the Incredible African and American Food Fight, a children's picture book about a cross-cultural family also published by the University of Minnesota Press. A Bush Artist and McKnight Writing Fellow, Gibney teaches at Minneapolis College, where she was named Educator of the Year in 2023. She lives with her two children in Minneapolis.Website: https://www.shannongibney.com/Music by Corey Quinn

Tara Herbert opens up about how her identity was repeatedly erased: as a transracial adoptee in a white Mormon family, as a Black woman misled about the church's problematic past, and as a mother excluded by men from spiritual rituals. She also shares her journey of rediscovering her identity and worth outside the confines of the Mormon church. For more Girlscamp content follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For ad inquiries please email girlscamp@58ember.com. All other emails to girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. References: Tara's podcast “Pouty Mouth” Mormon Stories episode with Courtney Kimpel Jane Manning Green Flake Curse of Cain Breaking Down Patriarchy podcast FREE TOYS OR GIFT CARDS FOR TOYS! Everyone who signs up to my giveaway with Bellesa wins something! Enter here. The HydroJug Traveler is always by my side and are game changers for anyone on the go! Use code GIRLSCAMP at www.THEhydroJug.com to get 10% off today and start hydrating today! I have been loving Earlybird gummies! Use my single-use discount code GIRLSCAMP20 for 20% Off on EarlybirdCBD.com. These gummies are for those 21+ and ship to all 50 states! SpearmintLOVE has a fresh and modern take on the baby space. Check out their clothing and accessories and use code GIRLSCAMP for 25% off sitewide at spearmintlove.com, or browse on Instagram at @spearmintbaby. Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Join this interview with Dr. JaeRan Kim, an adoption researcher who also blogs at Harlow's Monkey. In this episode, we cover:Research:Intercountry adoptees with adoption disruption and displacement histories – Adoptee perspectivesKorean adoptees as parentsAdoptees who adoptTransracially adopted Korean American adults raising multiracial childrenAdoptive parents of children with disabilitiesSupport the Show.Please 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

Brittany Salmon is a scholar and author of It Takes More than Love: A Christian Guide to Navigating the Complexities of Cross-Cultural Adoption (Moody, 2022). She is also the adoptive mother to three children who do not share her ethnicity, so her teaching on transracial adoption is not simply academic. She has spent many hours listening to birth mothers and adult adoptees whose experience has shaped her thinking on transracial adoption. She stopped by to talk with Austin about pitfalls Christians should avoid as we try to do the good work of caring for widows and orphans (James 1:27). She also offers helpful insight in how to care for transracial adoptive families, so we hope you will listen and share this episode so we can all support multi-racial families. LINKS & SHOW NOTES:This UWP Podcast Episode was produced by Josh Deng with editing by Roshane Ricketts.Support the Show.To learn more about United? We Pray, follow us on Twitter and keep exploring our website. Please consider rating the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe using your favorite podcast client to hear more!

Happy Pride! Happy Gypsy, Roma, Traveller History Month! We were delighted to start off the season by chatting to Nico! Nico is a queer, disabled Romani from the UK who has lived across multiple continents and is currently based on the southeast coast of England. They're passionate about human rights and equality, and have a lifelong interest in criminal and forensic psychology. They collect taxidermy and gothic art, and are hoping to move to Scotland and become a dog parent in the near future. Follow them at @snafflepuss on Instagram. Thank you for listening to Romanistan podcast.You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @romanistanpodcast, and on Twitter @romanistanpod. To support us, Join our Patreon for extra content or donate to Ko-fi.com/romanistan, and please rate, review, and subscribe. It helps us so much. Follow Jez on Instagram @jezmina.vonthiele & Paulina @romaniholistic. Preorder our book, Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling, available from Weiser Books in October 2024. Email us at romanistanpodcast@gmail.com for inquiries. Romanistan is hosted by Jezmina Von Thiele and Paulina StevensConceived of by Paulina StevensEdited by CherubWith Music by Viktor PachasAnd Artwork by Elijah Vardo

Join us to talk with Dr. Kimberly McKee about her book, Adoption Fantasies: The Fetishization of Asian Adoptees from Girlhood to Womanhood.In this episode, we cover:This book explores how Asian women and girls, specifically Asian adoptees in the US, negotiate the sensationalism and fictional portrayal of adoption in US popular culture.“Modern Family” and “Sex and the City” (and “And Just Like That…”) “Sideways”Soon-Yi Previn and Woody AllenThe limits of multiculturalism How does adoption play into the fetishization of female Asian adoptees?  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 Show.Please leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

Angela, from Seattle Washington, grew up in a home full of adoptees whose adoptions were prioritized because of perceived medical needs, including her own. Angela pursued reunion, expecting she would search for and find her birth mother and they would look just the like, Instead, Angela first found a man who was loved by his community and when she appeared there in his town where she was born, everyone knew exactly who she was because of her close. paternal resemblance. Angela's maternal reunion started with a jarring introduction that initiated with what she thought would be a reunion rejection, but eventually evolved into a maternal connection. Angela is the author of "You Should Be Grateful: Stories of race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption". AngelaTucker.comThis is Angela's journey.Who Am I Really?Who Am I Really? Website Share Your StoryDamon's story Find the show on:InstagramFacebookAppleYouTubeSpotifyGoogleTuneIn StitcherPlayer FMPodbean

Transracial adoption has increased over the years and the experience of being raised by adoptive parents of a different race is not without complications. Host Roy Wood Jr. chats with author of the book All You Can Ever Know, Nicole Chung, and author of the book Surviving the White Gaze, Rebecca Carroll, about their first-hand experiences as transracial adoptees. They discuss their upbringings in predominantly white cities, why adoptive families often don't talk about race, and their lifelong journey navigating their racial identity.   Original air date: November 1, 2022See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.