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Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories — Kids & Family
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories

Two adult adoptees, Sarah Reinhardt and Louise Browne, delve into all things adoption – from their perspectives as adult adoptees.

Each season Sarah and Louise recap a chapter from a book centered on adoption and then interview a guest. Sarah and Louise come out of the ‘fog’ in real-time through Seasons One and Two and are advocating for change in the adoption industry. They want to give voice to all adoptees. Adoptee stories are needed to reframe the narrative around adoption.

Sarah and Louise, two former business partners who had a successful ice cream truck in Los Angeles, team up again – this time in frank and honest conversations about all things adoption from the adoptee perspective. Both were adopted shortly after birth, but they had very different experiences.

These will be intimate conversations, but also fun – because Sarah and Louise know how to lighten things up and have a good time. They also have an uncanny ability to get to the heart of a subject with anyone who crosses their path – so conversations will take many turns.

Copyright: © 2024 Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories

Latest Episodes:

Ann: For This Adoptee, A Long Wait for Answers Oct 29, 2024

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 Fessler
Exciting 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 Link
USE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTION
magicmind.com/adoptee20

RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Unraveling Adoption with Beth Syverson
Adoptees Connect with Pamela Karanova
Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. This is an adoptee-only space. The next meeting is November 9th @ 1 pm ET

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Lena: For This Adoptee, Reunion is Complicated Oct 22, 2024

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 Fessler
Exciting 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 SUBSCRIPTION
magicmind.com/adoptee20

RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocate
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
Unraveling Adoption with Beth Syverson
Adoptees Connect with Pamela Karanova

Thank 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 ET

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Stephen: For This Adoptee, Reunion Led to Surprises Oct 15, 2024

Stephen Grochol is a Financial Planner in San Mateo, CA. He and his wife
just 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 the
youngest was not.
Stephen’s adoptive parents went through a private doctor for this process.
He was relinquished immediately after birth and whisked home to Pacifica
where he grew up. A stroke of luck occurred when his Aunt and
Godmother procured the names of his birth parents during his delivery.
As time went on things within his family unit started to unravel. His younger
brother, also adopted, started suffering mental health issues and was
ultimately diagnosed as schizophrenic and bipolar. The family was
hamstrung by the fact his medical records were sealed by the state of
California. This was the prompt that Stephen needed to start the reunion
process, for real.
His parents were amazingly supportive throughout the entire search for
reunion. This just made things okay. On his 28th birthday, armed with “the
adoption file” he was able to quickly track down his birth father. They have
been in reunion since 2003.
Tracking down his birth mother was a much more difficult task. Two weeks
after he was born the birth parents broke up and she joined a church that
had some “cult-like” qualities. In 2017, Stephen and his birth father used
Ancestry DNA to narrow the search for her. It worked! It’s here where he
met a half-sister on his mother’s side. From there he was able to finally
track down their birth mother on Halloween of all dates.
The reunion with both parents and the siblings has been filled with joy and
happiness. There have been several family reunions where Stephen finally
feels like he’s “wearing the right uniform.” Of course, no reunion is perfect
but we are pretty close.
It’s after all this that Stephen has come out of the fog. Listening to Sarah
and 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 the
foggiest towns in California. Sunny days lie ahead….
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
Exciting 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 Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Li

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Jennifer: An Adoptee Investigator Turns to Herself Oct 08, 2024

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.com
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
Exciting 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 Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocate
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
Unraveling Adoption with Beth Syverson
Adoptees Connect with Pamela Karanova

Thank 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 ET

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Kelly: A Late Discovery Adoptee Digs for the Truth Oct 01, 2024

Kelly was born in 1970 and grew up in Wichita, Kansas. Her parents divorced before she could remember and she had no contact with her dad. Second oldest of five children, she blended in well enough but noticed some differences. She had reason to believe she was adopted and asked when she was a teenager. Her mother continually said she was not adopted. The physical differences were dismissed as traits that might have come from her absent dad.
Kelly is happily married and has three sons. She is an engineer and a passionate quilter.
Fast forward to 2022, her oldest son was curious about his genetic makeup and took a 23andMe. A niece had previously done 23andMe and shared her results. Kelly was surprised that her absent dad was in the database as well. When her son’s results arrived, the niece was not there nor absent dad. Curiously, there were other relatives that she did not know.
Her mother quickly confessed that Kelly was indeed adopted. The rest of the kids were all biological and her mom intended to take this secret to the grave.
Her mom did not want her “to feel different.”
Reaching out to a relative on 23andMe, as well as the adoption agency, it was only 10 days before Kelly was reunited by phone with her parents. Her parents are still together, married for 50 years, and she has two biological brothers. They had been looking for her for many years. She learned that her dad is an engineer, her mom is a quilter, and many other commonalities.
Kelly describes her story as a fairytale reunion. She has been welcomed into her biological family and they have grown very close. She continues to work on her relationship with her adopted mom, trying to work through her anger and feelings of deception.
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
Magic Mind/ADOPTIONTRIAL: USE CODE: ADOPTEETRIAL
USE THE CODE AND LINK TO: receive a 3-sample pack for free.
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
Unraveling Adoption
Adoptees Connect with Pamela Karanova

Thank 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 ET

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Liz: Migrating Toward Wholeness Sep 24, 2024

Dr. Liz DeBetta, creator of Migrating Toward Wholeness© is an adoptee and independent scholar-artist-activist committed to changing systems and helping people navigate trauma through creative processes. She believes that stories are powerful change agents and when we write them and share them we connect and heal. Liz is a proud member of Actor's Equity, SAG-AFTRA, Affiliate Faculty at the Institute for Research on Women and Gender, and part of the Diversity Scholars Network at the National Center for Institutional Diversity at the University of Michigan. She has published articles on autoethnography and adoptee narratives, has an award-winning one-woman show called Un-M-Othered, and facilitates trauma-informed healing through 1:1 coaching and workshops for adoptees and women. Her book Adult Adoptees and Writing to Heal: Migrating Toward Wholeness is available from Brill Publishers.
To find Dr. Liz:
Instagram
Website
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
Unraveling Adoption
Adoptees Connect with Pamela Karanova

Thank 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 ET

Support the show

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Michael: Beckett's Children: A Literary Memoir - Live Episode from Kansas City 9.7.24 Sep 17, 2024

Born at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Greenwich Village on Nov. 11, 1954, Michael was adopted five weeks later by John and Eleanor Coffey, a corrections officer and an RN, respectively. The adoption was handled by the New York Foundling Hospital. John and Eleanor had been unable to have children.
He was raised as an only child in a small town in the Adirondacks. By the time his parents told him overtly that he was adopted, at age 8, he already knew. Following the Foundling’s recommendation, they had told him from the beginning that they had “chosen” him in a nursery with many other babies.
Although they were loving parents, it seems they were also a bit distant—“hands-off.” Sadly, one of the few things they knew about Michael’s birth parents was that they were college-educated, and it seemed to make them feel that he was of different and maybe better stock. Michael feels they tried to stay out of his way. Although Michael had what he calls a perfectly happy childhood, there was something missing. After much soul-searching and research, he believes there might be an element of containment missing, a term used by Melanie Klein and, later, Wilfred Bion, two prominent psychotherapists--containment being the provision of a safe space at a critical part of childhood development.

Michael went off to college at Notre Dame, and spent his junior year in Dublin. College took care of him to a degree (the Notre Dame motto is in loco parentis—in place of parents). Leaving college, though, was a terrifying prospect, and two months after graduating he married a woman he had known for only four months.

Michael studied Anglo-Irish literature at the University of Leeds in England; his wife and he had a son, Joshua. He earned his Master’s degree. In 1978, the little family moved to New York City. Michael got a job in publishing and, settled, he wrote to the New York Founding, which was just 15 blocks from their walk-up apartment. A Sister Phelps provided him with “background information but not identifying information.” His search for his parents began. He went down many dead-ends.

At the age of 50, with the help of a private investigator, he discovered that both his birth parents were deceased; his father was a Gallagher, whose own father was from Donegal, Ireland; and his mother, indeed Virginia, was fourth-generation Irish-American from a Co. Mayo family. She was a one-time Broadway actress and cabaret singer in Manhattan when he was conceived. His father, Robert Michael Gallagher, was driving a cab in New York and writing poetry at the time. They both hailed originally from Philadelphia.

Michael has written a memoir in which he traces these developments, emphasizing that, since he came of age, he has been looking and listening for traces, voices, and ghosts of lost birth parents, lost siblings, or half-siblings. He did find them, ghosts and real, but just as when John and Eleanor told him at age 8 that he was adopted when he already knew it, he says he also seemed to know who he was, and where he was from before the evidence was in. At this point in his life, he welcomes this as a measure of containment, a “safety in knowing.”
Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. Our next Zoom is on 10/19 at 1 PM ET. This is an adoptee-only community. We appreciate all of our Patreons!
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Lea: Late Reunion Brings Love and Connection Sep 10, 2024

Lea is an adoptee born at the end of the Baby Scoop era, 1970. She was born and raised in the city where she currently lives with her family. She knew from a young age that she was an adopted, a "chosen baby". She was always proud to say she was adopted and would challenge classmates when asked about her "real parents". Lea believes that she was raised by her "real" parents and does not refer to them as her adoptive parents. Lea stood out from her family at an early age as she is very tall (5'10") and her mother is 4'8". She's always been the tallest out of the extended family until her two children came along and they are both over 6 feet!

Lea reunited with her biological mother in 2007. Her biological mother found her after a five-minute search online but it took some finessing to make the connection finally. They remained in reunion for about fifteen years during which time they visited, vacationed together and spent several holidays together.

At seventy-four, Lea's biological father had the surprise of his life when he discovered through a cousin that he had a fifty-year old daughter who lived twenty minutes away. This connection was through Ancestry.com and again, happened very quickly. Lea recently enjoyed a two-week vacation with her biological father, his wife (who Lea refers to as Bonus Mom), and her aunt.

Lea has struggled with the idea of connection her entire life. Even after the black holes of knowing who you are have been filled, Lea continues to search for her connection and sense of belonging.
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
Unraveling Adoption
Adoptees Connect with Pamela Karanova

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. Our next Zoom is on 9/14 at 1 pm ET.

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Patti: The Girl With Three Birthdays Sep 03, 2024

Patti Eddington is a newspaper and magazine journalist whose favorite job ever was interviewing famous authors who came through town on book tours. She never dreamed of writing about her life because she was too busy helping build her husband’s veterinary practice, caring for her animal-obsessed daughter—whose favorite childhood toy was an inflatable tick—and learning to tap dance. Then fate, and a DNA test, led her to a story she felt compelled to tell. Today, the mid-century modern design enthusiast and former dance teacher enjoys being dragged on walks by her ridiculous three-legged dog, David, and watching the egrets and bald eagles from her deck on a beautiful bayou in Spring Lake, Michigan.

The Girl with Three Birthdays by Patti Eddington
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 16:51

The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri
Eventbrite: LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & A PHOTO JOURNEY with Jeff Forney of The Innocent People Project
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. Our next Zoom is on 9/14 at 1 pm ET.

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Kathleen: A Reunion Full of Surprises Aug 27, 2024

Kathleen was born in 1968 in Northern California. Her birth mother relinquished her for adoption immediately upon birth, and Kathleen was then adopted by a loving family who already had a 3-year-old adopted son.

When Kathleen was 22 years old she found her birth mother. Thirty years later she learned that her birth father was an enforcer for the Hells Angels and was shot and killed when Kathleen was seven years old.

She also learned that she has at least seven sisters and one brother on her father’s side -- all from different mothers from the same birth father. Each of her siblings is about a year apart. Kathleen has met most of her siblings and remains in contact with each of them to this day.

Kathleen is a sociology professor living with her spouse in Honolulu and continues to make sense of her adoption experience through a sociological lens.
To hear the full call of Kathleen's Birth Mother:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjt5_vLQYK4
LINK to hear the full call to Kathleen's Birth Mother.
Correction to the episode from Kathleen: It has been 5 years since finding all of my 8 birth siblings. However, just a year and a half since Marianne and Kenny passed away.
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 14:55

The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri
Eventbrite: LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & A PHOTO JOURNEY with Jeff Forney of The Innocent People Project
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. Our next Zoom is on 9/14 at 1 pm ET.

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Gaynor: An Adoptee Finds Resilience Aug 20, 2024

Gaynor was born in a mother-and-baby home and spent the first six weeks of life there before being adopted in the same town of birth. Despite a challenging childhood with an adoptive mother who exhibited narcissistic tendencies, Gaynor persevered through an unhappy adoption experience. At the age of 31, after becoming a parent, Gaynor reconnected with their birth family. This reunion, spanning over 30 years, has been a remarkable success, with Gaynor finding a true sense of belonging and love.

The journey of healing from past traumas has been long and profound. Writing a memoir, intended for her grandchildren, has been a significant part of her healing process. Now in a great place in life, Gaynor finds strength and peace in sharing her story, turning past challenges into a narrative of resilience and hope in the form of letters to all the people who have been important in her life.
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 12:50
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri
Eventbrite: LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & A PHOTO JOURNEY with Jeff Forney of The Innocent People Project
You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off
your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code
VIPMAKINGOFME20
at checkout - You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/vipmakingofme
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. Our next Zoom is on 9/14 at 1 pm ET.

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Aje: Finding Her Voice and Facing Hard Truths Aug 13, 2024

Adopted at birth, Ajé loved sharing her adoption story throughout her childhood. She always had a feeling that she had been wanted by her birth parents, and was a tad obsessed with discovering where, and who, she came from. Around age 9, good, old-fashioned snooping led her to a document with clues about her birth parents and the person she would have been if they had kept her. She had no way of knowing that document would later lead to an unexpected, serendipitous, [absolutely impossible] reunion, just in time for her 18th birthday.

A survivor of abuse in childhood and adolescence, Ajé has always had a strong conviction that anguish is not meant to be carried alone, and the events that draw us into darkness and despair are the stories that need the most light. She loves conversations about uncomfortable truths and the power that comes from finding one’s voice.

Ajé is a lifelong craftaholic with a squirrel’s attention span and spends a lot of her time making art fueled by sporadic bursts of dopamine, lots of hot glue, and just the right amount of glitter. Her long-term goal is to make her home a multi-media shadow box inspired by her favorite characters & quotes from books, music, and film, one random idea at a time.

She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, way too many craft supplies, and her tortoiseshell cat (who is the bestest cat ever).
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 12:55
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri
Eventbrite: LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & A PHOTO JOURNEY with Jeff Forney of The Innocent People Project
You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off
your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code
VIPMAKINGOFME20
at checkout - You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/vipmakingofme
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. Our next Zoom is on 9/14 at 1 pm ET.

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Angela: An Early Reunion Led to Belonging Aug 06, 2024

Angela was born in Nebraska in 1979 and adopted at 3 days old. She grew up in a family that came with many complexities and issues, and she struggled to feel content with not knowing and being with her first family. At 16, she was able to reunite with her birth mother and half-siblings in person and has been in reunion ever since. Throughout the years, she's met more of her first family and has gone through the many challenges of reunion and the search for her birth father. Angela now resides in Chicago, where her first family originated, and has two grown children. She hopes to help others understand that even in the best situations, adoption is difficult and we need to continue working towards adoptees having rights and access to their records and eliminate the secrecy.
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 18:04
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri
Eventbrite: LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & A PHOTO JOURNEY with Jeff Forney of The Innocent People Project
You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off
your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code
VIPMAKINGOFME20
at checkout - You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/vipmakingofme
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
Adoptee Therapist Directory

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. Our next Zoom is on 9/14 at 1 pm ET.

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Magali: A Stranger in Two Countries Jul 30, 2024

Magali was born in Sri Lanka in 1992 and adopted by French parents when she was 2 months old. She grew up in a small town in France, a mostly white area, and struggled to identify with both the French and Sri Lankan cultures. She found her birth family during her first visit to Sri Lanka when she was 16 years old. She has 4 older siblings that stay in the family.

The language was a real barrier and she had to communicate with the help of a guide. Because learning Sinhalese at that time was too challenging, she decided to learn English to ensure she could communicate with most of the world. To do so she moved to London, England when she was 18 and then moved to Toronto, Canada for 6.5 years where she met her husband.

Magali stayed in touch with her birth family for a few years but had to cut ties because they kept asking her for money. She dedicated her time to teaching French to English speakers because she wanted to help people struggling to learn a second language. Magali is using self-development tools to heal and is assisting other adoptees to find peace with their stories. She wants to bring awareness and make adoptees' lives easier and lighter.

To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 11:15
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri
Eventbrite: LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & A PHOTO JOURNEY with Jeff Forney of The Innocent People Project
You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off
your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code
VIPMAKINGOFME20
at checkout - You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/vipmakingofme
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
Adoptee Therapist Directory

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is on 8/3 at 1 pm ET.

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Jeff: The Problem and the Solution Jul 23, 2024

Jeff is an adoptee born in 1964 in Salt Lake City Utah. He is the middle of 4 children (an older sister and younger twins, a boy and a girl) who were also adopted. He grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and always knew that he was adopted. He has been able to experience living in the Middle East and working in a variety of cultures in countries throughout the Middle East as well as Mexico and the United States.
Jeff is the founder of a non-profit organization that has helped homeless and underserved youth in San Diego and Tijuana to get off the streets and become positive contributors to changing their communities since 2005.
Jeff currently lives in San Diego, CA, and has recently become aware of the primal wound and the life-long effects of being adopted. He is seeing the impact of adoption on various other life events while also striving to heal and help as many as possible to manage and overcome the challenges that life brings to so many who have suffered various types of trauma.
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 16:54
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri
Eventbrite: LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & A PHOTO JOURNEY with Jeff Forney of The Innocent People Project
You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off
your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code
VIPMAKINGOFME20
at checkout - You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/vipmakingofme
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta : Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
Adoptee Therapist Directory

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is on 8/3 at 1 pm ET.

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Julie: Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity Jul 16, 2024

Julie Ryan McGue is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. In her books, essays, and blogs, she explores the topics of finding out who you are, and where you belong, and making sense of it. She is the author of two books: Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging, and Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship. Her third book, Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood releases in February 2025.

https://www.juliemcgueauthor.com
Award-winning author of Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging
NEW BOOK - Available Nov 1, 2023, Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship -FB @juliemcguewrites -IG @julieryanmcgue
Twitter @juliermcgue
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 16:07
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri
Eventbrite: LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & A PHOTO JOURNEY with Jeff Forney of The Innocent People Project
You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off
your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code
VIPMAKINGOFME20
at checkout - You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/vipmakingofme

RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
Adoptee Therapist Directory

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is on 8/3 at 1 pm ET.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, Barbara, Sandra, Darla, Lisa, Karen, Sally, Barbara, April, Jenny, Sally, Mindy and M

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To support the show - Patreon.

Stephen: A Story of Adoption and Destiny Jul 09, 2024

Stephen Rowley, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist practicing on Bainbridge Island,
Washington. He is an adoptee and the father of an adopted son. Born in 1949 to an
unwed mother, he was adopted at six months and enjoyed the benefits of growing up in a loving and affluent home. At age 13 he became deeply curious about his parentage. Not until college did he have the means to begin a lifelong quest to find his birth mother and his true identity. After years of investigation, he finally found his birth mother living in tragic circumstances. However, their poignant reunion vastly exceeded their expectations of finding each other when their souls finally reunited. As told through his memoir, Rowley traces the inner life of an adoptee, not simply the external narrative of his lifelong search.
The Lost Coin: A Memoir of Adoption and Destiny (Chiron Publications, Sept. 2023). Learn more at stephenrowley108.com/memoir/
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 15:34

The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri
Eventbrite: LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & A PHOTO JOURNEY with Jeff Forney of The Innocent People Project
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
Adoptee Therapist Directory

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is on 8/3 at 1 pm ET.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, Barbara, Sandra, Darla, Lisa, Karen, Sally, Barbara, Jenny, Sally & Mindy.

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To support the show - Patreon.

Carolyn: Healing through Poetry Jul 02, 2024

Carolyn Hill-Bjerke is an adoptee born in 1967, during the Baby Scoop Era.
She was born to 20-year-old students at the University of Connecticut.
Carolyn’s biological mother was put into a maternity home. Her father
moved to New York City and became a lawyer. He worked in the
entertainment business.
Carolyn was in foster care for the first five months of her life as her
biological mother resisted relinquishment until she no longer could.
Carolyn grew up in the Washington, DC area as the daughter of a nuclear
engineer and a doctor. She was an artist and writer who was
misunderstood in her early life.
Carolyn attended Syracuse University and moved to New York City in 1989. Carolyn worked as a journalist before launching her career in advertising and film production. Carolyn is still a production executive, consultant, and agent – www.carolynreps.com Carolyn also earned her MFA in Poetry from Columbia University in 2003. Upon meeting her biological father in 2011, Carolyn learned her family name – Pennella – means “of the pen” in Italian signifying a lineage in
writing.
Carolyn met her husband, the artist Wayne Bjerke, in New York City. They
live in Connecticut near where she was born. Carolyn and Wayne have
three children. The oldest, Paige Bjerke, now attends the University of
Connecticut.
Carolyn's Substack - https://carolynhill.substack.com
Carolyn's Book - https://www.amazon.com/Things-Dont-Want-Talk-About-ebook/dp/B01AIGC3R8

To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 11:28

The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri
Eventbrite: LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & A PHOTO JOURNEY with Jeff Forney of The Innocent People Project
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
Adoptee Therapist Directory

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Trishina: Digging through the Layers of International Adoption Jun 25, 2024

Trishina was born in 1991 in Sevastopol, Ukraine, and was adopted at 18 months old. She was always curious about her biological family, searching on and off. Still, it wasn’t until she joined a Russian social media app called Vkontakte, that she could find some answers. Trishina is a nurse and military wife currently living in Cleveland, Ohio.
Vk Link
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 2:12

In Season 8, we will be reading The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler starting July 2nd
See you in Kansas City? LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & PHOTO EVENT with JEFF FORNEY of THE INNOCENT PEOPLE PROJECT - September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri.
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
Adoptee Therapist Directory
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is on 7/13 at 1 pm ET.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, Barbara, Sandra, Darla, Lisa, Karen Sally and Barbara.

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Gretchen: Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood Jun 18, 2024

Season 7 Finale
Gretchen Sisson, PhD is a qualitative sociologist who studies abortion and adoption in the United States, based at Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. She is the author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, a ten-year examination of adoption relinquishment during the years of Roe.
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 11:36

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson
LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & PHOTO EVENT with JEFF FORNEY of THE INNOCENT PEOPLE PROJECT - September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri.
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
Adoptee Therapist Directory
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is on 7/13 at 1 pm ET.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, Barbara, Sandra, Darla, Lisa, Karen and Sally.

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To support the show - Patreon.

Steve: An Adoptee Talks Birth Records Jun 11, 2024

Steve Inskeep is an adoptee and adoptive parent born in 1968, the peak year for adoptions in America during the Baby Scoop Era.

He is a host of NPR's Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

Known for interviews with presidents and Congressional leaders, Steve has a passion for stories of the less famous: Pennsylvania truck drivers, Kentucky coal miners, U.S.-Mexico border detainees, Yemeni refugees, California firefighters, and American soldiers.

And now adoptees can be added to that list. Recently, he published an in-depth article in The Atlantic about America’s long history of secret adoption:
NO ONE’S CHILDREN - America's long history of secret adoption

A native of Carmel, Indiana, Inskeep is a graduate of Morehead State University in Kentucky and resides in Washington, DC.

To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 15:51

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson
LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & PHOTO EVENT with JEFF FORNEY of THE INNOCENT PEOPLE PROJECT - September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri.
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
Adoptee Therapist Directory
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is 7/13 at 1pm ET.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, Barbara, Sandra, Darla, Lisa and Karen.

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Christina: The Ups and Downs of Reunion Jun 04, 2024

Christina Thanstrom is a baby Scoop-era adoptee born in Los Angeles in 1966. A loving couple adopted her in 1967 through LA County and she had a mostly idyllic childhood with a younger brother (also adopted) in the San Fernando Valley.
Christina was reunited with her birth mother, Arleen, an R.N., at age 19 while in college (the same age Arleen had given birth to Christina). Christina learned that when
Arleen’s parents discovered her pregnancy, they threw her high school graduation photo against the wall and called her a “whore.” She then went to a “home for
unwed mothers” where she gave birth to Christina.
Reunion was fraught with unspoken emotions and unaddressed traumas on both sides. Sadly, Arleen died at 52. 23&Me introduced Christina to her bio-father’s family, who have opened their arms and hearts to her.
Christina and her hubby David are proud parents of adult children, Sophia and Harrison. Christina is a devoted rescue pup mom and fierce animal rescue advocate. She hopes that we overcome and eliminate the shame and the secrecy surrounding adoption on all sides of the triangle.
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 18:37

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
Adoptee Therapist Directory
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is 7/13 at 1pm ET.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, Barbara, Sandra, Darla, Lisa and Karen.

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Mark: An Adoptee Holds the Church Accountable May 28, 2024

Mark Diebel has been married for almost 46 years and has two sons and two grandchildren. He has been serving as an Episcopal priest in parish ministry for thirty-six years. He was reunited with his birth mother, a second-generation Japanese immigrant, in 2004 when he was 49. A year later he learned that his natural father, a Cuban doctor, was killed in a bizarre accident in Matanzas Cuba in 1970. Over the years, he has learned about both of his first parents and visited their homes in Hawaii and Cuba. As an Episcopal priest, he advocated for adoptees and donor-conceived persons to have access to their personal information and their right to know their origins and their parentage. In May 2012, he wrote an essay, Human Nature and Truthfulness in Adoption and Donor Conception Practice, for the Journal for Christian Legal Thought. He explores the relationship between Christian theology and contemporary adoption practices. He talks about his adoption experience, adoption practices in general, race, and identity in sermons. Mark is currently working with The Episcopal Church as it begins to examine its complicity in the practice of forced adoptions during the Baby Scoop Era. He is retired and living close to his grandchildren in Owensboro, Kentucky.

To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 9:03

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
Adoptee Therapist Directory
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is 7/13 at 1pm ET.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, Barbara, Sandra and Lisa.

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Cary: Coming to Terms with the Complexities of Adoption May 21, 2024

Cary is a baby scoop-era adoptee who was born in a Florence Crittenton Home in Atlantic City NJ in 1964. Her first mother was 19 years old and was forced to relinquish her baby like many young mothers of those times. Cary had a great upbringing in a family that loved her and never made her feel othered. In her early 30s she reunited with her birth mother and then her birth father. The reunions went well for the most part, but some family members that started out enthusiastic soon became clearly uninterested in staying connected.

Even in the best situations, adoption is incredibly complex. In recent years after the death of her older, adopted, sister, Cary has been better understanding just how complex it can be. Her relationship with her sister was great—as long as she was a child. It became more complicated and difficult as adult years went by. Losing her sister, and therefore her best connection to the parents who raised her and whom she loved dearly, has brought up a lot of adoption-related issues that she hadn't really tuned into before.

What she would like people to understand most is that an adoptee can be both happy with who they grew up with, how they were raised, and the life they’ve had, while also feeling sad and having complicated feelings about the loss they started life with, and the impact adoption has had on them.
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 13:01

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
Adoptee Therapist Directory
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is 6/1 @ 1pm ET.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, Barbara and Sandra.

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Ellen: An Unexpected DNA Test Was Life-Changing May 14, 2024

Ellen is a baby scoop-era New York State adoptee. She was adopted by a loving Greek American couple through a closed private adoption and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area with a younger adopted brother.

Ellen always wanted to find her original family and searched off and on starting in the early 90s but kept hitting roadblocks. Her adoptive parents were not supportive of her search so she had very little information to go on. Then a friend had her rescue dog’s DNA tested which changed everything for the better.

To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 16:13

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
Adoptee Therapist Directory
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is 6/1 @ 1pm ET.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, Barbara and Sandra.

Support the show

To support the show - Patreon.

Simone: A Lifelong Search for Coherence May 07, 2024

Simone Pajo was born in Auckland New Zealand in 1968, the baby scoop era. She was the middle child between two bio children and was adopted after the death of the middle bio daughter. She grew up knowing her adoption was the result of a baby's death and this greatly affected the way she saw the world and her place in it. It has taken decades for Simone to form a coherent worldview where her right to her identity does not depend on the needs of others.

She has lived in the UK for over 30 years and is a law graduate and former journalist.
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 13:53

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, and Barbara.

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Ryan: A Foundling Looks for Answers Apr 27, 2024

Ryan Anderson is a foundling and a transnational, transracial, and late discovery adoptee (LDA). Found on the street in El Jadida, Morocco he was adopted at age 3 months and then brought to Scotland at age 6 months, in between this time he was fostered by a Moroccan family. He first found out he was adopted at age 18. Since 2020 he has been focused on personal development, to then became open to sharing his story at age 31.
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 14:21

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, and Barbara.

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Jessica: For this Adoptee, Unsealed Records Reveal Answers Close to Home Apr 23, 2024

Jessica is a 1970 baby scoop-era adoptee, who started discovering her roots at age 50. After more than 80 years of closed records in NYS, she was able to obtain her original birth certificate in 2020. Two DNA tests and one secret after another uncovered a history of relinquishment, trauma, and family ties nearby of where she resides in upstate New York.

At 54, Jessica is learning to live her truth on her terms and allowing herself to heal from the lifelong effects of being adopted. A retired art teacher, she is running a thriving business and enjoying her life with her amazing sons and husband, all while continuing to uncover more pieces of her genetic puzzle.
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 12:06

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at info@nami.org
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, and Barbara.

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Valerie: Mystic Masquerade, An Adoptee's Search for Truth Apr 16, 2024

Valerie Naiman is an adoptee, singer, story-songwriter, eco-village founder, ontologist, and author. Her #1 bestseller book, Mystic Masquerade, an Adoptee's Search for Truth, was based on five decades of a search that took her around the world as she unraveled the mystery of her stolen identity.

Valerie holds a master's degree in Art and worked as a costume designer and actress in film and theatre in NY, Miami & LA. She’s the President of the Spirit Foundation, a non-profit that supports disenfranchised children..She also leads seekers to sacred sites in the USA and abroad. In 1990 she had an intense vision that ended up founding the first Eco-village in North America.
Through all of her adventures, she journaled her findings as she excavated her biological and spiritual identity.
Presently, Valerie is completing an audiobook version of Mystic Masquerade and producing an album of story songs about her search. She now lives on a small organic farm in Asheville, NC with her dwarf goats and honeybees.

Valerie's Book Trailer and Website
Instagram @valnaimanauthor and Facebook @valnaimanauthor
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 15:29

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson

S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Ann Mikeska, Darra Robins, A.M. Homes, Kelly Layton, Lynn Marie, Lynn Wood, Jeff Wadstrom, Karla, Ellen Ashcraft, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim Mullis, Simone Jung, Liesl de Wet, Kelly Jennings, Sherry Espinoza and Barbara Whitacre.

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Chris: Unraveling the Mystery of Family History Apr 09, 2024

Chris Valdheims is a domestic adoptee born in the late 1970s and adopted in the early 1980s after spending years of his early childhood in foster care. Growing up, he knew very little about his birth family other than his mother and father had met while she worked as a librarian at MIT. He also knew his father was Black, and his mother had immigrated to the United States from Latvia. He spent years searching for answers about his family of origin, and in 2009, he stumbled upon a complex story that involved his grandfather, a then-unknown geometric artist named Zanis Waldheims.

Following the trail from there, he began to unravel the mystery of his family history and, in the process, learn more about himself and where he had come from. His journey took him to Canada, Germany, Latvia, and Lithuania for answers, and he shares the story in a recently completed memoir for which he is currently seeking the right publishing partner. Along the way, he discovered that his father may have been one of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger Space Shuttle disaster.

He resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons and is the founder of a well-known law firm, Counsel for Creators.
Chris Valdheims on Instagram.
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 18:29

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson

S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary

If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community.

Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Ann Mikeska, Darra Robins, A.M. Homes, Kelly Layton, Lynn Marie, Lynn Wood, Jeff Wadstrom, Karla, Ellen Ashcraft, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim Mullis, Simone Jung,
Liesl de Wet and Kelly Jennings.

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Margaret Jane: For this Adoptee, the Questions Came Early Apr 02, 2024

After being an only child all her life, Margaret Jane’s adoptive parents adopted four more children through the foster care system. This experience of witnessing adoption through foster care, and being the oldest sister of a group of adoptees, has given her a unique perspective and experience with adoption.
Margaret Jane is married to her high school sweetheart, who she shares 3 kiddos with. She is an avid gardener, houseplant collector, and sourdough enthusiast. She also enjoys playing various musical instruments with her family and singing and playing for her church worship team.
Margaret Jane works as an adoption “storyteller” for Adoption.com, where her job is to write and tell her own adoption story, as well as the adoption stories of other adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents. She is passionate about educating adoptive parents on how to do adoption better. She is also passionate about amplifying adoptee voices and sharing their stories.

To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 11:31

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson

S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary

If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community.

Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Ann Mikeska, Darra Robins, A.M. Homes, Kelly Layton, Lynn Marie, Lynn Wood, Jeff Wadstrom, Karla, Ellen Ashcraft, Gayle Whitlock, Dave & Kim Mullis.

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Susan: I Would Meet You Anywhere Mar 26, 2024

Susan Ito is the author of the memoir, I Would Meet You Anywhere, published by the Ohio State University Press in November 2023. She co-edited the literary anthology A Ghost At Heart’s Edge: Stories & Poems of Adoption. Her work has appeared in The Writer, Growing Up Asian American, Choice, Hip Mama, Literary Mama, Catapult, Hyphen, The Bellevue Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her theatrical adaption of Untold, stories of reproductive stigma, was produced at Brava Theater. She is a member of the Writers’ Grotto, and teaches at the Mills College campus of Northeastern University. She was a co-organizer of Rooted and Written, a writing workshop for writers of color.
I Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito. Use Discount MAKINGOF for 30% off.
As mentioned by Susan in the episode: The Alliance for the Study of Adoption and Culture Conference- April 4th-6th at Brown University
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 17:15
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary

Update: Although we are unable to attend Chicago's Foglift in May, here is the link for Early Bird tickets: Foglift Early Bird Link: Chicago: May 17th & 18th
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Ann Mikeska, Darra Robins, A.M. Homes, Kelly Layton, Lynn Marie, Lynn Wood, Jeff Wadstrom & Karla.

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Stacie: For This Adoptee, the Longing Tugged at her Heart Mar 19, 2024

Stacie is a Canadian born and an adoptee to same race and religion parents in 1991-1992. She is part of a mixed family of adopted and “home-made” siblings, all boys, and is the second oldest. She grew up mostly outdoors in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Traveling to Canada every summer fostered loving bonds with both of her grandmas and many cousins. Living further away from them, though, meant she had to create her group of “family” as she grew up. She’s maintained supportive friendships spanning over 25 years that have involved a lot of skiing, hiking, traveling, education, football games, collecting dogs, significant others, and now nieces and nephews.
Reading and music have always been crucial in her life allowing her to think beyond the mountains enclosing the valley she grew up in. Her parents couldn’t contain her independence early on as she studied abroad in Costa Rica and then Spain. After the initial culture shock, she thrives in solitude; searching for something untouched by her conscious mind, a longing that always tugged at her heart. Learning about and experiencing other cultures has been a way to fill the void of her unknown lineage. She isn’t afraid to show her gratitude in any setting: thankfulness, every moment, every experience, and every person who has contributed to that
sense of fullness.
Regardless of the reason for “searching” for a first family, Stacie believes in adoptees. should always feel free and empowered to do so. She doesn’t believe there is a “right” way to do it as adoptees never signed a legal form to be in this position so they shouldn’t be held to the standards are adoptive parents agreed to. The World Wide Web is our friend!
Stacie hopes to finish her memoir at some point in the future and maintain healthy
relationships with all the family involved in her birth and upbringing. You can find her only on Instagram @stacegrier or in the mountains. Sending so much love to all the adoptees finding their way or already there
Update: We are not able to attend Chicago Foglift - to attend: Foglift Early Bird Link: Chicago: May 17th & 18th
LIVE PODCAST GUEST: If you would like to be the guest on the LIVE podcast by Sarah & Louise, please send an email to: themakingofmepodcast@gmail.com (make sure you are free to be in Chicago and you would be comfortable in front of a live audience and being filmed/recorded). We will choose one adoptee.
I Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito. Use Discount MAKINGOF for 30% off.
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary

If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community.

Support the show

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Ken: The Unknown Led to Answers Mar 12, 2024

Ken DeStefano is a domestic adoptee born in the late 1960's and raised in a caring and loving home. As an adoptee, he has had a largely happy life, but always wondered about the unknown. That curiosity led to a search for his birth mother and a reunification with her. His debut novel, "I Will See You Again...Hearts Will Sing," tells the story of two people whose past, present, and future lives are inexplicably linked.
Update: We are not able to attend Chicago Foglift - to attend: Foglift Early Bird Link: Chicago: May 17th & 18th
LIVE PODCAST GUEST: If you would like to be the guest on the LIVE podcast by Sarah & Louise, please send an email to: themakingofmepodcast@gmail.com (make sure you are free to be in Chicago and you would be comfortable in front of a live audience and being filmed/recorded). We will choose one adoptee.
I Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito.
Use Discount MAKINGOF for 30% off.
Thank you S12F for our past support and support of Adoptee 501c3 organizations.
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
To learn more about CAAR visit the Facebook Page

If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Ann Mikeska, Darra Robins, A.M. Homes, Kelly Layton, Lynn Marie & Karla.

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Victoria: A Change in the Law Led to Search and Reunion Mar 05, 2024

Victoria Rich never expected to search for her biological family. Always curious about her origins, she did a photography project at the infant home where she was born but did not pursue any personal searching. Then she read The Girls Who Went Away and was struck that so many of the women interviewed said they thought about and worried about their babies all the time. She had grown up hearing the message that you should never look because it would be too painful to open up the old wounds for the birth mother. After about a decade of debating whether or not to search, New York State opened its adoption records in 2020. She first spoke to her birth mother the week before the pandemic shutdown. Their reunion was the subject of a PBS Self-Evident Episode.

Link for The Infant Home Project: Infant Home project
Update: We are not able to attend Chicago Foglift - to attend: Foglift Early Bird Link: Chicago: May 17th & 18th
LIVE PODCAST GUEST: If you would like to be the guest on the LIVE podcast by Sarah & Louise, please send an email to: themakingofmepodcast@gmail.com (make sure you are free to be in Chicago and you would be comfortable in front of a live audience and being filmed/recorded). We will choose one adoptee.
I Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito.
Use Discount MAKINGOF for 30% off.
Thank you S12F for our past support and support of Adoptee 501c3 organizations.
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
To learn more about CAAR visit the Facebook Page

If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Ann Mikeska, Darra Robins, A.M. Homes, Kelly Layton, Lynn Marie & Karla.

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John: Operation Baby Lift and the Erasure of Culture Feb 27, 2024

John Frey was born in Vietnam and brought to the United States as part of Operation Babylift when he was a year-and-a-half old. John often struggled with his identity, having been adopted and raised by a White American family while not having any connection to his birth country or culture.

I Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito.
Use Discount MAKINGOF for 30% off.
Thank you S12F for our past support and support of Adoptees 501c3 organizations.
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
To learn more about: CAAR visit the Facebook Page

If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Ann Mikeska, Darra Robins, A.M. Homes, Kelly Layton, Lynn Marie & Karla.

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Kristal: Because She's Adopted Feb 20, 2024

Kristal Parke is a talented Cree filmmaker, producer, podcast host, and adoptee, whose personal journey has driven her to explore themes of identity, belonging, and family in her work. Born and raised on the West Coast of Canada, Kristal was adopted into a non-indigenous family as an infant. This experience profoundly shaped her perspective on life, and she has used her creative prowess to shed light on the complexities of adoption and its impact on individuals and communities. In her highly anticipated debut feature documentary, titled "Because She's Adopted," Kristal delves deep into her own life story while also weaving together the narratives of other adoptees from diverse backgrounds. Through heartfelt interviews, poignant storytelling, and powerful visuals, the film offers a touching and introspective exploration of what it truly means to belong, and the universal longing for a sense of connection and acceptance. The “Because She’s Adopted Podcast” will also be making its way onto the podcast stage Fall of 2024. Kristal Parke cements herself as a compassionate and insightful filmmaker and host, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own stories of identity and belonging.
You can find Kristal @Because She's Adopted on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & YouTube.

I Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito.
Use Discount MAKINGOF for 30% off.
Thank you S12F for our past support and support of Adoptees 501c3 organizations.
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
To learn more about: CAAR visit the Facebook Page

If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Ann Mikeska, Darra Robins, A.M. Homes, Kelly Layton, Lynn Marie & Karla.

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Lorah: The Adopted Chameleon Feb 13, 2024

Lorah Gerald is a same race, domestic, Baby Scoop Era, preRoe adoptee. She posts as The Adopted Chameleon on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Patreon, and Pinterest. She co-facilitates Adoptees Connect Tulsa and has a private Facebook group for adoptees and all MPEs called The Adopted Chameleons. She started her social media pages after her reunion with her biological family.

She was raised as an only child in her adoptive family. This was the first time in her life she had ever seen or been in contact with anyone in her biological family. Her birth mother ignored her and rejected her attempts at reunion. She was a secret to her whole family. Reunion was a rollercoaster of emotions. It opened up feelings she had suppressed. She found writing, being creative, and telling her story was therapeutic. Her pages connected her with others who are experiencing adoption trauma. Since that time she has been educating people on the trauma of adoption and how we can help heal ourselves. To better deal with her trauma, she became a certified kundalini yoga instructor, TIYT-Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy instructor, and Reiki Master. With her training in trauma, yoga therapy, and energy healing, she shares these tools online and in person in her weekly yoga classes and workshops. Working with these techniques, she now better understands her trauma and how to help others on their path to being their best and authentic selves.

All of her social media accounts, articles, podcast interviews, classes, workshops, and more can be found on her website.

The Adopted Chameleons group link.
Adoptees Connect Tulsa

I Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito.
Use Discount MAKINGOF for 30% off.
Thank you for our past support: S12F.
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
To learn more about: CAAR visit the Facebook Page

If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Ann Mikeska, Darra Robins, A.M. Homes, Kelly Layton & Karla.

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Sarah: An International Adoptee Gives Back by Writing Feb 06, 2024

Sarah D. Shearer is a writer, wife, and mother. She was adopted from Russia as a baby but has spent her life in Thomasville, Georgia. She is passionate about encouraging people to overcome and maintain a positive perspective.

Sarah is married with two beautiful children. She and her family live on a sprawling rural farm, which gives her, as L.M. Montgomery says in Sarah’s favorite childhood novel Anne of Green Gables, great “scope for the imagination.”

Sarah also enjoys writing for local magazines, reading, and celebrating her friends and family.

I Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito.
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Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
To learn more about: CAAR visit the Facebook Page

If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Ann Mikeska and Darra Robins.

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Roy: For this Neurodiverse Adoptee, Art and Music Helped Him Heal Jan 30, 2024

Born in Edinburgh in 1963, Roy grew up an only child and always knew he was adopted, or as his adoptive mother, Mollie, would tell him, “chosen”. Whilst loved unconditionally by Mollie and her husband Peter, the stigma of being an adopted teenager in 1970s Scotland resulted in Roy being bullied and spat on in school.

At sixteen, he left Mollie a note asking if she had any information about his blood parents. She supplied a form his birth mother had filled in at the adoption agency that gave some details but omitted others, including his father’s name.

Roy became a father himself in his mid-forties, his newborn son being the first blood relation he had consciously laid eyes on. In his early fifties, having had his full adoption papers opened, Roy discovered his mother had made a Transatlantic trip to give birth to him before swiftly returning to her home in Toronto, keeping her pregnancy a lifelong secret. Within a few months, he had found the identity of his father and traveled to Canada, meeting close family on both sides he’d never known he had.

Roy has since published a series of poems, Be My Baby, and released a CD, Songs from Be My Baby, relating to his adoption and experiences of neurodiversity which further marked him out as "different" at school and continue to impact his life. Writing and performing help him feel closer to both sets of parents and to understanding himself.
I Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito.
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Pam: A Rare Diagnosis Led This Adoptee on a Search Jan 23, 2024

Pam Uzzell is a documentary filmmaker and podcaster currently living in Oakland, CA. She is the director and producer of four independent documentaries and the host and producer of the podcast, Art Heals All Wounds.
Her adoptive parents were loving but saw her as the “oddball” of her family, resulting in a profound sense of loneliness. She turned to reading as a way to find a sense of belonging, which led her to gravitate towards storytelling as a career. She’d often been curious about both of her biological parents, but when she was diagnosed with a rare disease at age 30, it felt more crucial to find answers.
After making a connection with her birth mother and her extended family years later, no one on that side of the family appears to have this disease. She discovered that her biological father had passed away two years before she found out his name. In all probability, he was the parent who passed this disease down and he had no other children besides her. However, there are unexplained DNA connections on Ancestry that suggest a mystery behind her father’s origins. Despite attempts to connect with these connections and get more information, she still has more questions than answers about her father’s ancestry and whether there are more biological family members who share this disease.
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Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies, Kathryn Haddad, April Dury,

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Sally: For This Adoptee, Hard Life Lessons Are Paying Off Jan 16, 2024

Sally King is an adult adoptee from the foster system. Growing up she knew she did not seem to fit anywhere and just accepted that that was who she was. After marrying and having two biological children a little girl came to her and her husband through the foster care system. This had her embark on a journey of self-discovery and acknowledgment and through the later adoption of her daughter and dealing with social services once again she realized the impact her foster and adoption had on her.

Sally has never looked back on her decision and knows full well the impact adoption can have on a person. Good and bad - there is still an impact. She details this journey through many speaking engagements and the writing of her book, "In Search of Serenity".
I Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito.
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Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
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Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies, Kathryn Haddad, April Dury, David Behar, Chris Manby, Jamie Johnson, Sandra Umney, Patrick Hawes, Anna Brook, Niamh Graham, Lisa Baylasri, Beverly Halsey, Gina Funaro, Karen Lane, Janet Kane, JR, Stacie Witbeck, Karen Bruckner, Kate Hackett and Virginia McQueen.

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Jane: A Late Reunion Brings Family and Answers Jan 09, 2024

Jane is a baby scoop-era adoptee born in 1963 in Delaware to a 14 yr. old mother. After being in foster care for the first 10 months she was adopted and raised by two wonderful parents in Pennsylvania.

Shortly after her 2nd birthday, her parents gave birth to a biological son.

Jane always knew she was adopted and wondered where she came from but never wanted or needed to search. But, at the age of 58, after both adoptive parents passed, she did a DNA test as well as some other searching. She found that sadly, her birth mother had been deceased for 20 years. Unable to get to know her, it gave her the urge to search and find out whatever else she could. She discovered that she has six half-siblings. In finding one of the siblings, she found her birth father, with whom she never thought possible.

Jane has been reunited with five of the six siblings, as well as her birth father, numerous aunts, and a cousin.
Jane owns and operates a cleaning business and still resides in Pennsylvania with her partner and 3 cats.
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Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies, Kathryn Haddad, April Dury, David Behar, Chris Manby, Jamie Johnson, Sandra Umney, Patrick Hawes, Anna Brook, Niamh Graham, Lisa Baylasri, Beverly Halsey, Gina Funaro, Karen Lane, Janet Kane, JR, Stacie Witbeck, Karen Bruckner, Kate Hackett and Virginia McQueen.

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Sean: An Adoptee Faces the Rollercoaster of Reunion Jan 02, 2024

Born in 1970, Sean Broderick was adopted at birth and always knew he was adopted as long as he can remember. The fact that he was adopted never seemed to bother him or cause any type of turmoil in his life. Sean seemingly had a happy and healthy childhood although alcoholism existed within one of his adoptive parents, his parents ultimately divorced and he had a lack of discipline and guidance due to being alone often.

Growing up, Sean’s adopted mother would remind him from time to time that there will come a day that he will want to meet his biological mother. This didn’t make sense to Sean on the surface and he never really gave the notion of meeting his bio mom any serious thought. It was when Sean, at the age of thirty-three, and his wife started trying to conceive their first child that he realized that he should try to find out some health history for himself.

Sean started his search for his biological mother shortly before his thirty-fourth birthday and was reunited with her about six months later. Since that time, it’s been a roller coaster of emotions that continue to this day and the beginning of meeting many more biological family members over the next eighteen years including siblings, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and even cousins.
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Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies, Kathryn Haddad, April Dury, David Behar, Chris Manby, Jamie Johnson, Sandra Umney, Patrick Hawes, Anna Brook, Niamh Graham, Lisa Baylasri, Beverly Halsey, Gina Funaro, Karen Lane, Janet Kane, JR, Stacie Witbeck, Karen Bruckner, Kate Hackett and Virginia McQueen.

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Katherine: A Lifelong Question is Finally Answered Dec 26, 2023

Katherine Sanford is yet another adoptee caught up in the Baby Scoop Era of U.S. closed adoptions and the restrictive laws that prevent access to birth records. It wasn’t until 2017, with the help of two spit-in-a-tube ancestry kits, that she could finally answer the one crucial question she longed to answer: “Who am I?” Katherine writes about her experience in the award-winning book, Storked!
You can follow her at www.kcsanford.com
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Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies, Kathryn Haddad, April Dury, David Behar, Chris Manby, Jamie Johnson, Sandra Umney, Patrick Hawes, Anna Brook, Niamh Graham, Lisa Baylasri, Beverly Halsey, Gina Funaro, Karen Lane, Janet Kane, JR, Stacie Witbeck, Karen Bruckner, Kate Hackett and Virginia McQueen.

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David and Moses: Season Five Finale Dec 19, 2023

Join us for a deep dive into 'loss' with David Benjamin (guest:Season Two) and Moses Farrow (guest:Season Five).
To find David Benjamin
To find Moses Farrow
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Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies, Kathryn Haddad, April Dury, David Behar, Chris Manby, Jamie Johnson, Sandra Umney, Patrick Hawes, Anna Brook, Niamh Graham, Lisa Baylasri, Beverly Halsey, Gina Funaro, Karen Lane, Janet Kane, JR, Stacie Witbeck, Melia Misak Cox, Karen Bruckner and Kate Hackett.

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Koko: An Adoptee Becomes an Advocate Dec 12, 2023

Nikole Shaw also known as "Koko" in the online community was born in Hawaiian Gardens, California, growing up in the suburbs of Orange County. Adopted as an infant, she is a black domestic adoptee who spent much of her life in a small town called Brea. Koko received her Bachelors of Science from San Jose State University and is currently working for the Department of Public Health San Francisco as a mental health professional. Koko is mostly known in the adoptee community as @theblackadoptea and spends her time advocating for and creating content for the adoptee community. She has a passion for spoken word and is also a writer who is in the process of completing her first children's book about adoption. Koko continues to share her adoption journey with the world and is reunion with her biological family from Belize.
We are re-running Koko's episode to highlight past episodes that the listener may have missed. Remember our Season Five Finale and Contest Winner Announcement will be on December 19th. Stay tuned!
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Shelley: Her Self-Discovery Led to Lasting Peace Dec 05, 2023

Shelley Jean is a baby scoop-era domestic adoptee born in 1970. She was in foster care for about 2 months before being adopted. She always knew she was adopted but didn’t think about it very often until her adoptive mother passed away. At the age of 48, Shelley started on her journey of self-discovery. She now has a hard time imagining her life before searching. The journey has had many ups and downs, but Shelley is content to finally know her own story.

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss The Baby Thief by Barbara Bisantz Raymond.
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Kevin: From Darkness to Joy Nov 28, 2023

Kevin Barhydt is a YouTube creator and the author of Dear Stephen Michael’s Mother. His YouTube channel creates a safe space for survivors of addiction, abandonment, adoption, and child sexual abuse, to explore the healing process.

Abandoned by his mother at birth, Kevin was enveloped in a labyrinth of adoption, addiction, and child sexual abuse. By age 20, a shell of the boy he once was, Kevin succumbed completely to a suicidal lifestyle of drug dealing and prostitution. At 45, after many years of recovery, Kevin began a painful journey to uncover his origins and the hopeful search for his mother.

His book, “Dear Stephen Michael’s Mother”, chronicles the unfolding of these stories. The interwoven perspectives offer an unflinching look at the myriad ways life can cloak us in darkness and helplessness yet still resonate with joy and recovery.
To find Kevin and his Book: Stephen Michael's Mother
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss The Baby Thief by Barbara Bisantz Raymond.
Magic Mind - The World’s First Productivity Shot™
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To enter our New York City ATMOM Happy Hour & Operation Foglist + Un-M-Othered Screening taking place on February 2nd & 3rd - go directly to the home page of our website and Subscribe to the Pod.
Note: There will be a cash stipend for airfare and hotels - if you live outside the continental US, you may have to pay additional funds to attend depending upon cost.

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Monica: Childhood Trauma Led to Empowerment Nov 21, 2023

Monica Hall is an author, adoptee, and birthmother.

She was born in Canada, adopted by American parents, and raised in Anchorage, Alaska where she spent the first sixteen years of her life and had many of the foundational experiences that drive her writing.

In addition to working as a business consultant, she has founded several successful companies and has worked in advertising and marketing for more than twenty years.

Monica published essays on her website and wrote her memoir to provide others with understanding, courage, and empowerment. She wants readers to realize that no matter the difficulties they face, it’s possible to heal and succeed.

Monica is a speaker, life coach, and mentor. She has three grown children and lives in Sacramento, California.

Practically Still a Virgin will be available in Spring, 2024. Please subscribe to Monicahall.com for launch dates and essays.

You can find Monica at:
Website
Instagram
Personal Facebook
Author Facebook
TikTok
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss The Baby Thief by Barbara Bisantz Raymond.
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To enter our New York City ATMOM Happy Hour & Operation Foglist + Un-M-Othered Screening taking place on February 2nd & 3rd - go directly to the home page of our website and Subscribe to the Pod.
Note: There will be a cash stipend for airfare and hotels - if you live outside the continental US, you may have to pay additional funds to attend depending upon cost.

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Vicky: Starting a Family Led to Deep Discoveries Nov 14, 2023

A few kismet moments in her early twenties led her on a journey of discovering who she looks like. Vicky Heydon was adopted through a private county adoption right after birth in 1987 and then raised in the same county. Although she believes she crossed paths with her biological family a few years prior, it wasn't until she was in her late 20s when she was helping to pack up her parents to move out of state that led her to her biological family.

When the idea of building her own family came into focus, Vicky began facing her truths about adoption and began to focus on the question, "Is it nature or nurture?"
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss The Baby Thief by Barbara Bisantz Raymond.
Magic Mind - The World’s First Productivity Shot™
To enter our New York City ATMOM Happy Hour & Operation Foglist + Un-M-Othered Screening taking place on February 2nd & 3rd - go directly to the home page of our website and Subscribe to the Pod.
Note: There will be a cash stipend for airfare and hotels - if you live outside the continental US, you may have to pay additional funds to attend depending upon cost.

Tickets to Operation Fog Lift & Un-M-Othering
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
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Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies, Kathryn Haddad, April Dury, David Behar, Chris Manby, Jamie Johnson, Sandra Umney, Patrick Hawes, Anna Brook, Niamh Grah

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Moses: Adoptee. Advocate. Therapist. Educator. Nov 07, 2023

Moses Farrow, LMFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who has 20+ years of working in the mental health field. Farrow has spent the last decade within the population of adopted people and their families. As an activist and speaker, he is mission-driven. In 2018, he wrote a blog article speaking out about his personal life as a survivor of abuse and suicide loss. Since then, he has started several initiatives in the fight against anti-Asian hate, suicide, human rights violations, child abuse, mental health stigma, and child trafficking. Throughout the past decade, Farrow has volunteered with a number of nonprofit organizations focused on addressing adoption issues. He has continued to share his personal experiences and those of his siblings who are no longer able to on his social media and on news and pop culture platforms such as The Guardian, Love What Matters, and numerous podcasts. Today, he adds voice to the efforts of other activists regarding the criminal elements of the adoption industry that result in the deaths of adopted people.
To find Moses: Moses Farrow
Adoption Trauma Factsheet Download - Moses Farrow

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Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies, Kathryn Haddad, April Dury, David Behar, Chris Manby, Jamie Johnson, Sandra Umney, Patrick Hawes, Anna Brook, Niamh Graham, Lisa Baylasri and Beverly Halsey.

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Haley: Podcaster, Community-Builder, Connector Oct 31, 2023

Haley Radke is an adoptee advocate and the creator and host of the popular podcast, Adoptees On, where adopted people share their adoption experiences. Adoptees On has more than 250 episodes featuring adoptees and adoptee therapists and has been downloaded over 1.2 million times in 140+ countries worldwide. www.adopteeson.com
To go directly to Haley's interview, you can go to the timestamp: 9:42

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss The Baby Thief by Barbara Bisantz Raymond.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Haley Radke: Adoptees On
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Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies, Kathryn Haddad, April Dury, David Behar, Chris Manby and Jamie Johnson.

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Gregory: An Adoptee Gives Back Oct 24, 2023

Gregory D. Luce is a Minnesota-based attorney born and adopted in the District of Columbia. He is the founder of Adoptee Rights Law Center, where he represents US-born and inter-country adoptees on issues involving identity, records, and US citizenship. He is also a co-founder and the executive director of Adoptees United Inc., a national nonprofit adoptee rights organization. A graduate of Boston University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he lives in Minneapolis with his spouse and two children.

To find Gregory Luce: Adoptee Rights Law Center
To go directly to Gregory's interview, you can go to the timestamp: 12:06

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss The Baby Thief by Barbara Bisantz Raymond.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
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Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
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Allison: An Adoptee Who Adopts Discusses the Complexities Oct 17, 2023

Allison Olson is an adoptee from a closed adoption in 1979. She is also an adoptive parent, raising awareness of current harmful narratives in children’s adoption books.
To Find Allison: Social Media = @kidsbooksbyallisonolson (FB, Instagram, and TikTok)
IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Award Winner
A Mom’s Choice Awards® Recipient
Surrounded by Love: An Open Adoption Story on Amazon
www.ouradoptionbooks.com
Kirkus Review
Learning about My Friend's Adoption on Amazon

To go directly to Allison's interview, you can go to the timestamp: 14:13

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss The Baby Thief by Barbara Bisantz Raymond.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
To learn more about CAAR visit the Facebook Page
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies, Kathryn Haddad, April Dury, David Behar and Chris Manby.

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Andy: When Reunion Doesn't Provide Closure Oct 10, 2023

Andy was born Anthony in April 1970 in Paisley just outside Glasgow, Scotland in 1970. Although in a material sense, his childhood was relatively affluent emotionally, he struggled with adoption and having nobody to talk to about it. His persistent loneliness was brought on by his adoption and the distance from his adoptive parents.

Attending a strict Catholic private school made the problems worse as there were no "safe" adults to talk to and it helped to contribute to the emptiness he felt.

Thankfully attending University and moving out really helped as he had a great set of friendships and began to enjoy life far more, however, there was always something missing and he found it really hard to get started on a career as he knew so little about himself.

He met his natural family at the age of 27 after discovering he had three brothers and a sister as his parents had gotten married 3 years after he was born. However, it wasn't quite the solution to the issues he had hoped for.

To go directly to Andy's interview, you can go to the timestamp: 11:54

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss The Baby Thief by Barbara Bisantz Raymond.
To learn more about CAAR visit the Facebook Page
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies, Kathryn Haddad, April Dury and David Behar.

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Jessica: Now What Do I Do? An Adoptee Finally Finds Answers. Oct 03, 2023

Adopted in California in 1975, Jessica's family moved to Pennsylvania around the age of two. As a child, she slowly moved in with the neighbors when she realized her adoptive parents were not able to raise her. Recently, she has reunited with her birth mother and several members of that side of the family. She did not tell her Pennsylvania family about her search until after returning from meeting her birth family in Kansas City. It’s been an adventure ever since.
To go directly to Jessica's interview, you can go to the timestamp: 10:21

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss The Baby Thief by Barbara Bisantz Raymond.
To learn more about CAAR visit the Facebook Page
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies, Kathryn Haddad, April Dury and David Behar.

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Rita: A Determined Spirit Finds Resolve Sep 26, 2023

Rita W. Miller was relinquished into the social service foster care system at 6 months of age. In her mind, Rita believes that her biological mother made this decision, not because she did not want her, but because she wanted a better life for her baby. She believes that perhaps the mother thought that she was in no way able, capable, or possibly would not gain the capacity to raise this child. This is only speculation, as with the lives of adoptees, much of what they think about their early lives are self-imposed scenarios.
Rita remembers being in two foster homes prior to her adoption. In each, she recalls feeling like ‘a little girl, who lived with these people’. Never feeling part of a unit, much less a family. Not receiving the care and love that is normally cast upon a very young child, she lived a lonely and neglectful life. Early on, she learned to become independent, self-sufficient…. a Survivor.
Throughout this early journey, Rita had a social worker, who she believed was concerned, caring, and always working on her behalf to find her a good forever home. This social worker did just that, rescued her to a forever home, with loving, caring, and committed parents. They not only opened their home but also their hearts to this soon-to-be six-year-old child. This chapter of Rita’s life was filled with many
things that were unfamiliar to her, which made the transition to a permanent home quite the adjustment. Although this new family provided most of what she needed, there was always the missing link of knowing who she really was. She worked hard to be who these parents wanted and needed her to be, all the while, feeling awkward trying to meet their expectations. However, their persistence to mold her in their way, committed her to be motivated and determined to look deep within and find who she was meant to be.
Rita is eternally grateful for her adoption; however, struggles remain. She is well aware and proud of who she grew up and prepared herself to become. However, she yearns to know who deep down inside, she really is. In all of this, she realizes that blood relatives will leave us, and we are often saved by strangers who will take us in and love us unconditionally.
Rita is the author of her memoir Determined Destination, Life’s Imperfect Journey of Learning and Love. She is married and lives in Virginia. She enjoys the outdoors, creative experiences, and special moments with family and friends.
To go directly to Rita's interview, you can just go to the timestamp: 9:39

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss the introduction of The Baby Thief by Barbara Bisantz Raymond
To learn more about CAAR visit the Facebook Page
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
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Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary

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Season Four Finale - American Baby with Gabrielle Glaser and Margaret Erle Katz Sep 19, 2023

Sarah and Louise have a powerful and meaningful discussion with Gabrielle Glaser, author of American Baby, and Margaret Erle Katz, whose story is the focus of the book.

American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan, Heidi Binnewies and Kathryn Haddad.

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Elle: For This Adoptee, the Truth Led to an Awakening Sep 12, 2023

Elle Klassen is a Canadian who was born to a young woman of nineteen years of age in 1970. She was relinquished and then placed with her adoptive family when she was five days old. She grew up in a very conservative Canadian evangelical family where adoption was spoken of as God's plan. Much of her religious background didn't sit well with her, including the narrative around adoption. As an adopted person whose big goal in life was to fly under the radar as much as she could, she never challenged the common narrative surrounding adoption that she grew up with. Several years ago she did a DNA test on a whim & with a hint of morbid curiosity. She wanted to know if her adoption information had been falsified as so many others in the baby scoop had been. As a result, she was reunited with her first family on both her maternal, and paternal sides. Digging for truth led to seeing relinquishment, and adoption as complicated, traumatic events in a child's life. The repercussions of this reach into adulthood, and can never be fully dealt with until it is seen for what it is whether someone has had a "good" adoption or not. Truthful conversations about adoption have become her passion. She now co-hosts the podcast "Pulled by the Root" to help facilitate the conversation about relinquishment & adoption, showcasing the voices of those adopted people, and first parents, who have been previously silenced in favor of perpetuating the idea that adoption is not a trauma or a system of belief that should not be challenged.
To go directly to Elle's interview, you can just go to timestamp: 11:15.

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss the final chapter of American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
To learn more about CAAR visit the Facebook Page
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Sandra de Quesada, Noreen Hartigan and Heidi Binnewies.

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Patrick: A Lonely Childhood Led to a Search for Identity Sep 05, 2023

Patrick Hawes was born in North Carolina on August 10, 1970, and officially adopted in September 1970. From an early age, Patrick knew he was adopted because his adopted mom was Japanese and his adopted father was American but he didn’t look at all Japanese. Patrick never really desired to search for his birth family during his childhood. He was raised in a good home and was well taken care of but there was a distance between him and his adopted mom which led to many of his adoption issues including loneliness, fear, and pain. He often thought of searching for his birth mom but being in the military and moving combined with the adoption laws in North Carolina made it extremely difficult and he often wanted to give up! Patrick finally began searching for his birth family at the age of 45 and through the magic of Facebook was able to find his birth mom, sister, and maternal Aunt- he has been in reunion
with them since 2015 and while there have been many ups and downs, he wouldn’t change a thing.
To go directly to Patrick's interview, skip ahead to timestamp 9:00.

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey, Heidi Binnewies, Sandra de Quesada and Noreen Hartigan.

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Janet: A Spouse and a Podcast Led This Adoptee to Reunion Aug 29, 2023

Janet M was born in Virginia in the late 1970’s to a 16-year-old mother. At 6 weeks old she was placed via a closed adoption into a loving home with her parents and older adopted brother. She always knew she was adopted but it wasn’t a topic that was discussed openly or often in her family. Not knowing her origin story fueled her curiosity around the subject of pregnancy and birth. She became fascinated with childbirth and the beautiful relationship between new moms and their babies. She became a labor and delivery nurse in the year 2000 and has been helping new moms and babies ever since.

Janet always had a genuine curiosity about her biological family, especially her biological mother. But she never had the courage to pursue finding and connecting with any of them. It wasn’t until she was in her mid-forties that she started to “come out of the fog” by listening to podcasts about adoption, exploring adoptees on social media, and reading The Primal Wound. This past year for Christmas her husband bought her an ancestry DNA kit. The results revealed 4 close family member matches that led her to her biological mother and half-siblings. They reunited very recently and together are learning to navigate this tender new relationship. Janet lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of 21 years, 3 teenagers and 2 dogs. She loves to travel, hike, and spend time with her family.
To go directly to Janet's interview, skip ahead to 13:26

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson , Lenora Carey and Heidi Binnewies.

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Rivi: An Open Adoption Still Leaves Questions Aug 22, 2023

Rivi Shocket was born in Baltimore Maryland in 1987. She was adopted two days after she was born and had an open adoption. From the time she was a toddler, her adoptive parents would take her to spend time with her birth family (mom, dad, siblings, cousins, and grandparents) every couple of years. Throughout Rivi's teenage years and into adulthood, she developed strong bonds with her immediate birth family--especially her mother. Her birth mother struggled with addictions, so it was difficult to have a consistent relationship with her, but she cherished the times and talks they had up until her passing in 2016. In the past few years, Rivi has learned a lot as far as who she is, where she comes from, and even where she gets certain personality traits from. Along with learning some fun facts about her birth family, including their musical talents, she has also learned the traumas she was handed, being an adoptee. Although having an open adoption has answered many of her questions, the abandonment fears persist, as well as dealing with some of her own addiction traits. She is still learning how to deal with her relinquishment in general, but she has come to believe that writing songs about her experiences will be her saving grace.
To go directly to Rivi's interview, skip ahead to 8:49

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall, Allison Olson and Lenora Carey.

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Terrie: An Adoptee Heals Through Creativity Aug 15, 2023

Terrie Novak was adopted as an infant in 1967. She and her adopted brother, Gene, grew up in the security of a loving family and in awareness of their adoption. When Terrie was 18, thanks to the heroic efforts of her first mother, she received her bio family's contact information. Today Terrie is privileged to a rare abundance of love shared with her first mother, biological siblings, as well as her adoptive parents, and her own bio kids. During the long solitude of the pandemic, Terrie was compelled to write about what it means to make a family under the traumatic circumstances of coerced adoption. After two years of interviews, research, soul searching, and writing, she published her debut novel: Jules Fae, A Story of Adoption and Reunion.

How to find Terrie/Website

Terrie lives in Portland, Oregon with her cat Kimchi.
To go directly to Terrie's interview, skip ahead to 12:15.

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Darra Robinson, Jen Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman, Cindy Turgeon, Monica Hall and Allison Olson.

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Mike: Better Late than Never: An Adoptee Finally Finds Answers Aug 08, 2023

Mike Berman was conceived in Bay City, Michigan in November 1944 and was born on
August 8, 1945 in Nashville, Tennessee to an 18 year old woman who surrendered
him for adoption to the Tennessee Childrenʼs Home Society the day after his birth.
Mike was adopted by a Jewish couple living in New York City and he was raised
there. In February 1950 his Mom gave birth to her only natural child, Mikeʼs
younger brother. Mike never considered searching for his birth parents until he
began to see the online ads for DNA testing and finally began his search in late
June 2017. In addition to DNA testing Mike discovered that because of the
appalling crimes committed by the TCHS under the direction of Georgia Tann he
would be able to acquire his complete adoption record from TN. Mike received
those records in late September 2017 and they proved to be a treasure trove of
information. In addition to his genealogical research Mike also began to read
about adoption and the psychological havoc it leaves in its wake. He has also read
many of the books written by other adoptees and has benefitted from the insight
and understanding they have achieved, each from their unique experiences. That
self-education continues and Mike expects it will go on for as long as he can keep
at it. Mike is currently in happy reunion with an older half-brother and a younger
half-sister, all three being the only remaining children of their common birth
mother, and all of them born on a Wednesday (refer to the childrenʼs rhyme
MONDAYʼS CHILD). Mike and his sister have met three times in person, most
recently earlier this month. His brother lives in Rhode Island and they havenʼt met
but they all keep in touch by phone and social media. Mike has been retired since
2014 and lives in Central Texas. He has been married twice, divorced once and is
currently separated from his second wife. Mike has two sons, one daughter, one
grandson, and one son-in-law who has the same first and middle name as his
adoptive brother. All of them live in the same town and get together regularly for
holidays and birthdays and for the occasional random reason. Mike has a 5 year
old female cat, Clara, who graciously permits him to share her house in exchange
for full-time litter-box maintenance. Mike says, “Life is good.”

To go directly to Mike's interview, skip ahead to 8:26.

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kris

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Mireille: An Unexpected Encounter Led to Reunion Aug 01, 2023

Mireille Landry is an interracial adoptee who, alongside her identical twin sister, was adopted at 3 months old and raised in a predominantly white area by white adoptive parents. Originally intended to be a closed adoption, at the age of 12, the twins coincidentally met their birth mother at the mall while traveling to a nearby city for a soccer game. This unexpected encounter marked the beginning of their reunification journey, which led to meeting most of their maternal and paternal biological family and a trip to Zambia, Africa in 2011 to meet their paternal grandparents and extended Zambian family.

Throughout this journey, Mireille's adoptive parents have been very supportive, fostering a positive relationship with their biological and adoptive families. Today, Mireille and her twin sister have met and established meaningful connections with most of their biological and adoptive relatives. Mireille often expresses her belief that one can never have too many people who love them

To go directly to Mireille's interview, skip ahead to 11:49

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzman, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Darra Robinson, Diane Moore, Jennifer Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman and Cindy Turgeon.

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Faith: For One Adoptee, a Health Scare Brought New Revelations Jul 25, 2023

Faith Brady was born on 22 June 1969 and adopted one month later when the US landed on the moon. She has always known she was adopted and had a great relationship with her adoptive parents. Her parents then adopted another child, a brother, 3 1/2 years later. In 2015 she had to have open heart surgery and it was then that she became very interested in her medical history. Ancestry found a 1st cousin that let her know that ALL of the women in her family died before they were 60, including her bio mom. This set Faith on a path of discovery to find out her history, which is still unfolding as of this airing.
To go directly to Faith's interview, skip ahead to 10:25

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzman, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Darra Robinson, Diane Moore, Jennifer Arave, Thomas Stevenson, Michael Berman and Cindy Turgeon.

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Chris: Home at Last: A Navajo Adoptee Finds His Place Jul 18, 2023

Chris Stearns is Navajo and was adopted in the mid-1960s before the Indian Child Welfare Act existed. His mom was part of the federal Indian Relocation program which moved Native Americans away from reservations to large cities as part of a national assimilation policy. Chris began his life in the Los Angeles County foster care system and was adopted when he was 2 years old by a loving white family in New Jersey where he was raised. Chris chose a career as an attorney fighting for Native American rights and spent many years in Washington, D.C. representing Indian tribes as well as working in the House of Representatives and the Clinton Administration. Chris eventually moved to Washington state where he now serves as a Representative in the state legislature. He also was able to access his sealed original birth records but has never been able to find his birth parents. He now lives in Auburn, where he and his wife Pamela have two adult daughters and a grandson.

The New York Times: The Brutal Past and Uncertain Future of Native Adoptions by Gabrielle Glaser: May 16th, 2023
To go directly to Chris's interview, skip ahead to 13:35

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzman, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Darra Robinson, Diane Moore, Jennifer Arave and Thomas Stevenson.

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Nancy: For this Adoptee, the Story Didn't Add Up Jul 11, 2023

Nancy Davis was born in Florida in 1949 and adopted by a family from New York. The adoption was private and no documents were available to investigate her origins. An Ancestry test 6 years ago revealed that Nancy had 5 siblings in North Carolina from her birth parents, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters. It has been an amazing journey for her and has helped fill many of the “unknowns” of her heritage. She works as an EMT in her current home in Connecticut and thoroughly enjoys sharing her story.
To go directly to Nancy's interview, skip ahead to 19:30.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzman, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Darra Robinson, Diane Moore and Jennifer Arave.

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David E: Phantom Parents: An Adoptee Connects the Dots Jul 04, 2023

An unofficial adoption. David Enker was born in Amsterdam in 1970, following the Summer of Love of 1969. Relinquished a few months after birth to another family in The Hague, his birth mother, a university student at the time, had hoped to retrieve him after her studies. Although never officially adopted, things turned topsy-turvy when his new family refused to let him go. A bumpy reunion unravels in reverse.
This unusual beginning, together with a life-long quest for an identity, belonging and meaning form the backbone of his recently published memoir "Phantom Parents". A heartbreaking and heartwarming work, addressing universal questions through illustrations, photographs and short stories.
Recently diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's Disease he endeavours to embrace life to the fullest. David is a creative currently living in the Dutch coastal city of Haarlem with his English-Irish wife and young son.

LINKS:

Website with book info: www.davidenker.com

Book on Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/9090369449/

Trailer for the book: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgxoFVOWAEk

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzman, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald and Darra Robinson.

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Annie O: Where Is My Mum? Jun 27, 2023

I’m Annie O. O stands for my last name. O is round. It’s a hole I still live in, that I’m not allowed to escape. Why the fuck is that how it has to be?

Adoption has a long history, with a narrative built around it being a celebrated act of love, of charity and saviorism. I rejoice for those who experienced the best of that narrative. However, there is a growing number of investigations and reports that show, for many, adoption is not and has never been, what people are led to believe.
Why must I go to court to gain access to my identity?
Why was it considered necessary to erase my past?
Why are the adopted treated as second-class citizens?
Why are we all repeating this flawed ideology?
Why are only some people considered tabula rasa?

Where the fuck are our mothers and fathers?
Annie's Book
Annie at Parliament (go to the end of the session)
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzman, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald and Darra Robinson.

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Mariela: Home Sweet Casa: A Colombian Adoptee Shares Her Story Jun 20, 2023

Mariela Andersen is the author of "Home Sweet Casa: A Journey to The Universal Heart". Her book is the story of her reunion with her biological family in Colombia after being separated from them at birth. Mariela’s book takes the reader along with her as she discovers more about her past than she could have ever imagined and dives deep into the multifaceted layers of what makes her who she is. Adopted or otherwise, everyone is sure to benefit from reading her story.
UPDATE:
Since this episode was recorded: Mariela visited her biological family in Colombia recently for the first time in 7 years. She was able to attend her sister’s quinceañera (a girl’s 15th birthday) and reconnect with her family there. She said it was a an emotional roller coaster but she’s glad that she went and she won’t let as much time go by before her next visit.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann and Carol Levitt.

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Paige: The Family She Never Knew Lived Only Blocks Away Jun 13, 2023

Paige Strickland is an Ohio “Baby-Scoop Era” adoptee, teacher, mom of two and grandmother of three. She is the author of two memoir books, Akin To The Truth and After The Truth. She is currently working on a YA (young adult) book-in-verse version of her books. Paige also teaches Zumba (tm) Fitness, enjoys working in her garden, loves the beach, reading and spending time with her family.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss American Baby by Gabrielle Glaser.
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann and Carol Levitt.

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Relinquished: An Adoptee Roundtable Discussion About the Complexities of Navigating Those Early Wounds Jun 06, 2023

Sarah and Louise join their season three authors, A.M. Homes, Damon Davis, and Megan Culhane Galbraith in an intimate roundtable discussion about living as adult adoptees and learning to navigate early childhood wounds.
"The Mistress's Daughter" by A.M. Homes
"Who am I Really: An Adoptee Memoir" by Damon Davis
"The Guild of the Infant Saviour" by Megan Culhane Galbraith
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown and Sharon Katzmann.

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Rudy: Fighting for Adoptee Rights May 30, 2023

Rudy Owens is a Detroit native, born in the mid-1960s at Crittenton General Hospital of Detroit, one of the country’s largest maternity hospitals dedicated to supporting and promoting adoption. He was relinquished to his adoptive family shortly after his birth from his single mother and placed with another family after spending nearly five weeks in foster family care. His adoption story typifies many of the adoptions that were promoted by the Florence Crittenton Association of America, which ran the hospital and dozens of maternity homes and hospitals in the United States through the 1970s.
Owens successfully found his birth families in 1989 after several years of searching, working from minimal non-identifying information he found in records that he was able to obtain from the state of Michigan and the successor adoption agency that controlled his adoption and vital records. Michigan’s adoption laws then, and to this day, deny most Michigan-born adoptees their original vital records. Twenty-seven years after finding his biological kin, Owens obtained his original birth records, by court order, in 2016.
Owens has advocated for decades that all adoptees and birth parents are entitled to equal treatment under the law. His search for his records and biological kin revealed how adoptees in seeking their true records still face opposition from friends, family, state agencies, religious institutions, and a mostly pro-adoption public. His experiences with the state of Michigan and its vital records staff, the Wayne County
Probate Court, and his former adoption agency demonstrate how adoptees are denied basic legal rights granted to all other citizens.
Owens’ lifelong journey to answer life’s basic question, “Who am I,” inspired him to write his public health memoir, You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are, published in 2018. In it, Owens shows how millions of adoptees and birth parents still face prejudice rooted in historic stereotypes and biological mechanisms that show “blood is thicker than water.” Owens strongly believes there is no such thing as an illegitimate
person.
To find Rudy (Blog & Website): www.howluckyuare.com
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Megan Culhane Galbraith’s “The Guild of The Infant Saviour”.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
"The Guild of the Infant Saviour" by Megan Culhane Galbraith
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb and
Mikki Jackson-Brown.

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Kate: An International Adoptee Struggles to Bond May 23, 2023

Kate Betancourt was born in 1978 in Bogotá Colombia. She spent three months in the hospital after her Mother left, after her birth. Kate was transferred to an orphanage where she stayed until her adoption by an American couple at six months old.

Kate grew up in Michigan with one younger sibling biological to her adoptive parents. Growing up a Transracial adoptee in a mostly white area had its issues. Kate knew she was adopted and struggled with bonding with her adoptive parents, feeling lonely and flawed. Kate dealt with childhood sexual abuse. As a teen Kate was dealing with depression and self-destructive behavior , identity issues and low self worth and is thankful she made it out of that period alive.

With a need to see and know her mother and origins since she was five, Kate has been tirelessly searching for thirty-one years for her family in Colombia - over that time she has learned the process and now helps others search. Kate has always loved working with children and currently works in Mental Health. Kate has a passion for being there to support other children or adolescences who are where she was and to show them they are not flawed and to have worth, and that what they feel is valid. She also works as a Certified Adoptee life coach, consultant and mentor.
UPDATE TO EPISODE:
Katie has made some close connections recently from a DNA test, but the family as of now is hesitant to help. Her search continues.

To contact Kate if you need help with your search: katebetancourtclc@gmail.com

To learn more about searching in Colombia, click here.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Megan Culhane Galbraith’s “The Guild of The Infant Saviour”.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
"The Guild of the Infant Saviour" by Megan Culhane Galbraith
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb and
Mikki Jackson-Brown.

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Jeffrey: Untangling the Layers of a Corrupt Adoption May 16, 2023

Jeffrey Leventhal was born In 1970 in Miami, FL, and didn’t learn until age 12 that he was adopted. He was told that he had a twin, which was just one of several lies that persisted throughout his childhood. Having never felt like he fit in and being rebuffed by his adoptive family whenever he requested more information, when Jeff was in his 20s, he decided to dive deep into his adoption only to find out there were no records of his adoption… or his birth.

Finally, over 20 years later with the help of DNA, he found the information he needed to reconnect with his natural mother, a life-changing event that allowed him to start filling the hole inside that plagues many adoptees.

But the adoption mystery still wasn’t solved - he found out that his adoption papers came from Juarez, Mexico involving a corrupt adoption agent, a disbarred lawyer, and a delivery doctor who went to jail.

Jeff has found that meeting and talking to other adoptees has helped validate his feelings and meeting his natural family has helped him understand himself better.

He has been fortunate in many ways and hopes to use his resources to reach more adoptees in search of answers and help to leave this world with fewer adoptions happening, keeping more babies within their natural families and telling the true story of adoption and its effects on people and society.

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Megan Culhane Galbraith’s “The Guild of The Infant Saviour”.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
"The Guild of the Infant Saviour" by Megan Culhane Galbraith
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb and
Mikki Jackson-Brown.

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Anne: A Disrupter Digs Deep May 09, 2023

A conversation with fellow adoptee Anne Heffron.
Anne Heffron, author of You Don’t Look Adopted, Truth and Agency Writing Ideas for Adopted People, Writing and Pooping, and the movie Phantom Halo, can be found on Instagram at anne-heffron, Facebook, and her website https://www.anneheffron.com.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Megan Culhane Galbraith’s “The Guild of The Infant Saviour”.
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Guild-Infant-Saviour-Adopted-Machete/dp/0814257917
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb and
Mikki Jackson-Brown.

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Fred: Finding Out at 41 that the Life You Knew was a Lie May 02, 2023

Everyone learns to accept life’s twists and turns as they live out the daily rituals of their lives. But what happens when an event completely alters one’s understanding of everything about the world in which they live, including who they are? Fred Nicora brings the audience into his innermost thoughts as he sees his foundation swept away with a simple slip of the tongue at the age of forty-one, while attending a large family gathering with his children and wife. Fred details his journey to understand his new identity and re-frame his past in his memoir, Forbidden Roots.

Fred has followed a path of unexplained restlessness ignited by undisclosed triggers in his efforts to find the right fit for his own identity and seek truth in his life. Careers explored on his journey include health care administration, architecture, business consulting, teaching, and his own entrepreneurial endeavors including a startup fitness-based company and now authoring his story of being thrust into the adoption triangle.

To purchase a copy of Fred's book or to visit his website: www.frednicora.com -
Forbidden Roots | Fred Nicora

Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Megan Culhane Galbraith’s “The Guild of The Infant Saviour”.
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Guild-Infant-Saviour-Adopted-Machete/dp/0814257917
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb and
Mikki Jackson-Brown.

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Katie: On the Outside Looking In Apr 25, 2023

Katie is an ESL teacher from Pennsylvania and was adopted in 1966 at the age of six weeks. She grew up always knowing she was adopted, but became the people pleaser in a huge Irish Catholic family always feeling like she was "on the outside looking in". After having her first child in 1995, she contacted the adoption agency to obtain her medical history and was warned, "These reunions don't always go well". Katie waited until after the birth of her second child to inquire again only to discover her birth mother had inquired about her the exact same week. Things went well with the reunion, but led to some interesting discoveries about her birth father.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Megan Culhane Galbraith's "The Guild of the Infant Saviour".

If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Guild-Infant-Saviour-Adopted-Machete/dp/0814257917
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells and Lynn Grubb.

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Jay: Using Journalism Training to Track Down Family Roots Apr 18, 2023

Jay Blotcher was adopted in June of 1961 at the age of one year by a couple in Randolph, MA, a Boston suburb. His dark complexion prompted countless questions about his lineage during childhood.
In March of 1988, Jay was contacted by his birth mother, Valerie Paul, and learned he was the product of a one-night-stand between this young girl and a pitcher from the Baltimore Orioles of Puerto Rican lineage. In the ensuing 35 years, Blotcher employed his training as a journalist to track down his biological father's family, as well as the foster family who cared for him before his adoption. At age 62, he can finally tell the complete story.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Megan Culhane Galbraith's "The Guild of the Infant Saviour" by Megan Culhane Galbraith.

If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Guild-Infant-Saviour-Adopted-Machete/dp/0814257917
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells and Lynn Grubb.

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Julie: A Long Journey for Self-Compassion Apr 11, 2023

Julie was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1968 at a Salvation Army home and was adopted 5 days later by a lovely family. She always knew she was adopted but it was not really talked about much other than to say she was "chosen" and very much wanted. Julie was born a very sensitive little girl. The parents had a child of their own 8 years prior with special needs. They tried to get pregnant again but were unable to do so. They adopted Julie not realizing the extent of their son's problems. He had severe epilepsy as well as some cerebral palsy and had many seizures most days. A lot of these seizures were traumatic and caused him to crack his head open and have to go to the hospital on a regular basis. Most of their attention was placed on him of course. Although her parents loved her very much they were not emotionally equipped to help a scared little girl with everything that happened with their son. No one was really ever there for Julie and she buried all the fear, shame and trauma inside. This continued throughout her whole life until she went away to college and finally moved away in her 20's. She has struggled throughout her life with many things including identity issues, healthy attachment, anxiety, depression, poor self image and little self confidence. In her 50's she finally came out of the fog and realized where most of her issues stemmed from. "Finding this podcast was so validating and I listen all the time. I'm so glad I found others I could relate to finally."

Julie found her birth mother in 1990 and shortly thereafter found out she had 2 full blooded sisters as well and has been in reunion ever since. It's been a long journey for Julie but she hopes that things will continue to get better with therapy and self-compassion. Julie never married and didn't have any children but has 2 dogs that are her world. Animals have always held a special place in her heart.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Megan Culhane Galbraith's "The Guild of the Infant Saviour".

If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Guild-Infant-Saviour-Adopted-Machete/dp/0814257917

Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells and Lynn Grubb.

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Paul: A Kidnapping, An Adoption, A Lost Twin: One man's Quest for the Truth Apr 04, 2023

When he was ten years old, Paul Fronczak was snooping around for Christmas presents in a crawl space in his family’s Chicago home. There, he found hundreds of old newspaper clippings about the kidnapping of a one-day-old infant in a hospital in 1964. He also learned that, two years later, the boy was found and returned to his family—and that the boy was him.

Nearly fifty years later, Paul, acting on long-held suspicions, took a DNA test that proved he was not the kidnapped boy. In an instant, his world changed.

He found out that not only was he adopted, but he was adopted with a history that wasn’t his. It was the history of their real son, Paul. The Fronczaks had to adopt him merely for paperwork, believing he was their biological son. Now he realizes that he was truly adopted. He wasn’t their son. He wasn’t Paul. He was an adoptee.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Megan Culhane Galbraith's "The Guild of the Infant Saviour".

The Foundling: The True Story of a Kidnapping, a Family Secret, and My Search for the Real Me

True Identity: Cracking the Oldest Kidnapping Cold Case and Finding My Missing Twin

If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Guild-Infant-Saviour-Adopted-Machete/dp/0814257917

Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells and Lynn Grubb.

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Kay: A Self-taught Genetic Genealogist Discovers the Story of her Life Mar 28, 2023

Kay was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1973 and immediately placed for adoption. After a stay in foster care, she was adopted into a small close-knit family. Adoption was not discussed a great deal, but it was not hidden either. Despite being loved and spoiled, Kay was never quite comfortable in her own skin. She received her original birth certificate in 2015 and was able to locate her maternal biological family quickly. Unfortunately, her birth mother died 5 months later, and the identity of her birth father was left a mystery. Kay became a self-taught genetic genealogist. Using a 4th cousin match on Ancestry DNA, Kay was able to identify who her birth father was within a few months of research. Unfortunately, she found that he passed away 25 years prior. She was able to connect with her paternal aunts, uncle, cousins, and siblings. The greatest gift was her 95-year-old grandfather and the relationship she enjoyed with him until he passed. Her story is one of self-discovery, the “passing” practice of babies of color, and the inaccuracies of non-identifying records kept in adoption files. Kay continues to volunteer to help other adoptees in search and loves solving mysteries using DNA. Kay and her husband, Napoleon, have been together for 21 years. She is a mom to Isaiah and stepmom to Myeiah. She is also Mimi to her grandson Raheem and nieces MiKiya and McKenna. She is the Principal of a K-8 school and is dedicated to serving the children in her community.
For help researching your family roots you can contact Kay at: Kayboyd611@gmail.com
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Megan Culhane Galbraith's "The Guild of the Infant Saviour".
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Guild-Infant-Saviour-Adopted-Machete/dp/0814257917

Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald and Robin Wells.

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Cormac: An Adoption, An Irish Mother-Baby Home, and the Search for Answers Mar 21, 2023

Cormac was born into a mother-and-baby home in Ireland, which was known to be exceptionally cruel to both mother and child. He was adopted at five months old. He's always known he was adopted but it was never spoken about. Ever. He did not look for his biological family until his adoptive parents died. He re-connected with his birth mother just before his fiftieth birthday. Sadly that didn't work out. He's just recently found out about his birth father, who is deceased. He found this podcast by chance and is devouring it daily. He would like to send his gratitude to Louise and Sarah for their brilliant and insightful podcast. Each episode just shouts out something he never knew but knew all along.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Damon Davis's Who Am I Really.
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: Who Am I Really by Damon Davis

Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald and Robin Wells.

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Shari: From Foster Home to Wounded Healer Mar 14, 2023

Shari was adopted at the age of four. She spent the first year in a hospital. Then went to several foster homes after that. When she met her adopted family, there was always an open conversation about her beginnings. She always knew her story from her past, so she never had many questions. Later on in life, she began a spiritual quest to heal from journey, as a young girl. This brought her to meet a spiritual teacher, and become a healer. This powerful work helped others as well and grounded Shari into a bigger version of herself. A true, successful, story of the wounded healer.
ShariDreamCatcher blog and page

To join Shari's free meditations on YouTube
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Damon Davis's Who Am I Really.
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: Who Am I Really by Damon Davis

Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald and Robin Wells.

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Greg: Searching for a Place to Fit In Mar 07, 2023

Greg was born California in 1969 and placed in a closed adoption as an infant after spending 6 weeks in foster care, which was a common practice with Baby Scoop Era adoptions. Growing up, he sensed a certain ill-fit with his family, and found out about his adoption when he was 10. In 2006, at age 37, he finally discovered and made contact with his biological maternal side, and has experienced all the attendant ups-and-downs that so often accompany reunion. He was able to connect with his paternal family in late 2021, and is currently navigating the landscape and complexities of those newly-emerging relationships. Since coming out of the fog in 2021, Greg has been an active member of the online and in-person adoptee communities.
To find Greg: Fireside Adoptees & Adoptees Connect
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Damon Davis's Who Am I Really.
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: Who Am I Really by Damon Davis

Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall and Janet MacDonald.

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Charity: Sometimes it takes Loss to be Found Feb 28, 2023

Charity Elliott was born in 1969 and after spending 3.5 months in foster care was placed for adoption with the State of California. Growing up in Missouri, Charity was a happy adoptee and found great comfort in her faith and in the sport of basketball. After a collegiate career that ended with her team making it to the Final Four, Charity entered the college coaching ranks where she has spent the last 25 years. Despite being located and contacted by her birth mother in college, Charity never realized the impact her adoption had on her until she lost her adopted father and shortly after met her birth father for the first time. Over the last two years, the realization of the impact of her adoption has been brought to the forefront and she's been processing all the changes that have occurred in her life. Charity has been married to her best friend and most patient husband ever, Chris Elliott, for 24 years and is the proud "mama" to a Jack Russell named Daxton Prince and all of her current and former players. She is now in her 2nd year as the head women's basketball coach at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Damon Davis's Who Am I Really
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: Who Am I Really by Damon Davis

Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall and Janet MacDonald.

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Jim: When Trauma Leads to Love Feb 21, 2023

Jim Serrano's origins as a domestic adoptee started on January 22nd, 1962 in San Jose, California. Being adopted at 6 months of age, his journey has had many ups and downs. From childhood to his search for his biological family 23 years ago, Jim continues to heal from the trauma that is still so present in his life.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss what's upcoming for Season Three.
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall and Janet MacDonald.

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Emily: Putting the Pieces of Life Back Together Feb 14, 2023

Emily Sinagra was born and relinquished, in 1958, at a Salvation Army Hospital for Unwed Mothers. After four months of foster care, she was placed in a closed adoption. Thirty years later, she found her birth parents and has been trying to put herself back together ever since. Writing, theatre, improv, clowning, painting, these are the tools she wields to patch and paste. Her memoir, How I got Born, is nearing completion, and she hopes her voice will collaborate with others to change assumptions about adoption and provide impetus for change. Most importantly, she is the mother of three adult children and one granddaughter. Miracles, all. Emily presently lives in Portugal.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise wrap up their first memoir of Season Three with a discussion of A.M. Homes' "The Mistress's Daughter".
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino and Colleen McCall.

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Adam: When Pain Becomes Growth Feb 07, 2023

Adam Anthony is a same-race, black adoptee and blogger on the platform "Onward & Upward," which explores his motivation for persona development, mental health awareness, and his adoption discovery experience. Adam is a doctoral student, writer, and podcast host of two shows, "Curiously Becoming" and "Mentorship Mondays." Some of his featured writing on his perspectives on being an adoptee has been shown in online mediums like "Love What Matters" and "Severance Magazine."
Onward & Upward
https://inspire-explore-promote.blog
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss A.M. Homes' The Mistress's Daughter
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino and Colleen McCall.

If you'd like to support the show, you can do it here: https://www.patreon.com/themakingofmepodcast

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Ruth: A Mother Searches for a Mother Jan 30, 2023

Ruth Bendig is a “Baby Scoop Era” domestic adoptee. The oldest of her adoptive
parents' three children, she and her brothers were all relinquished as infants and raised in the Midwest.
Becoming a mother jump-started a desire to learn more about her biological history.
WIth the support and encouragement of her adoptive parents she began to search, first through the state, then, when that proved to be a dead end, through DNA testing. She is now in reunion with siblings and cousins on both sides of her biological family.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss A.M Homes' The Mistress's Daughter.

If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino and Colleen McCall.

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Garth: A Midlife Discovery Exposes the Truth of Self Jan 24, 2023

Given up at birth, placed in foster care, then adopted by a military family, Garth Garrett grew up always knowing he was adopted. He thought being adopted was no big deal - like being left-handed in a right-handed family and that his lingering sense of longing stemmed from the nomadic life of an Army brat. Only upon starting therapy in mid-life did he discover that adoption was actually the central issue of his life, including his own alienation from his own feelings. His multiple searches for each biological parent yielded information, more heartbreak, two more rejections by his biological mother, and ultimately a deep, happy connection with his biological sisters and a renewed sense of family with his adoptive sisters. Garth recently retired after 31 years with L.A. Metro.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss A.M. Homes' The Mistress's Daughter.
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket and Robert Perrino.

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From Happiness to Despair and Back Again Jan 10, 2023

Daphne Keys is a BSE adoptee born and raised in Maryland as the middle child between two brothers who are the biological children of her adoptive parents. Daphne always knew she was adopted, had access to the minimal non-identifying information provided at her adoption hearing, and always searched the faces of her community for a connection to her biological family.
Married for forty years, Daphne is the mother of four adult children and grandmother of eleven. Daphne did not realize the impact her adoption had on her ability to bond with and parent her own children until coming out of the fog after beginning a reunion with her biological family at age fifty-six.
Daphne’s reunion with her birth mother’s family has been a wild ride from the pinnacle of happiness to the depths of despair. An avid reader, Daphne turned to the experts such as Betty Jean Lifton and Nancy Verrier to help her along her reunion journey. At the suggestion of her biological Aunt, Daphne turned to writing to help her process her feelings and is still working on a memoir. Along the way, Daphne
also began quilting and has found this very therapeutic. After all, she has been putting her pieces back together in various patterns, her entire life.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss A.M. Homes' The Mistress's Daughter.
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket and Robert Perrino.

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From Only Child to a Community Dec 27, 2022

Jon Stautzenberger is a pastor in the Texas hill country. He grew up an only child from a small family in a closed, private adoption always knowing that he was locally adopted and grew up in the community of his birth family. He finally took a DNA test in 2021 and connected with his paternal aunt. Suddenly the only child from a small family found himself with three aunts, three uncles, cousins galore, and a sister and a brother! Being from the same community, the times that their paths had crossed were astonishing.
Moving forward Jon desires to help young adoptees know that there are adults that understand their experience and to help other adults rethink how to care for children in need.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Am Homes' The Mistress's Daughter.

If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen and Robert Perrino.

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What Happened When the Fog Lifted Dec 13, 2022

Amy Hansen is a domestic adoptee, and was born in 1969. She was placed for adoption at birth. Amy grew up in a loving family and was well cared for. She was the "happy" adoptee, grateful to her birth parents, her adopted parents and always trying to make everyone happy. Amy has been in reunion with some of her birth family for the past four years and has recently come out of the FOG. She is beginning to realize she was living behind the disguise of a happy, positive person who didn’t realize the loss and grief she was carrying. Today Amy feels sad, confused and angry about her adoption and she feels that sharing her story is a way to be honest for the first time in her life.
Amy has been married to a wonderful and supportive husband for thirty years. They have three amazing adult children and two golden retrievers. Amy enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Am Homes' The Mistress's Daughter.

If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine and Jesper Laursen.

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When a Seeker Turns into a Guide Nov 29, 2022

Daryn Watson is a Canadian-born Domestic Adult Adoptee who began his adoption reunion journey in 1995 after locating his maternal family in Canada. Daryn uses his 25+ years of experience in reunion to guide other adoptees through their adoption reunion journeys. Daryn is a contributing author to two books on adoption:

“The Adoptee Survival Guide” edited by Lynn Grubb
“Flip the Script: Adult Adoptee Anthology with Diane Rene Christianson.

Daryn also has a blog on Facebook and IG “@TheAdopteeMind”
Daryn is a Certified Life Coach for Adoptees, Birth/First Parents and others who have been affected by adoption.
You can find Daryn on his website “AdoptionReunionCoaching.com” or email him directly at daryn@adoptionreunioncoaching.com
Links:
Website:Home - Adoption Reunion Coaching | Home - Adoption Reunion Coaching
Email: daryn@adoptionreunioncoaching.com
FB:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=adoption%20reunion%20coaching
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069741619695
IG: https://www.instagram.com/theadopteemind/
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Am Homes' The Mistress's Daughter.

If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, and Michelle Goodwine.

If you'd like to support the show, you can do it here: https://www.patreon.com/themakingofmepodcast

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The Art of Holding on and Letting Go Nov 15, 2022

Laurie James is an adoptee, mother, caregiver, turned author, and transformative
coach. Laurie’s book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go is about
her eight-year journey when she was sent down an unwanted path after her mother
had a heart attack and her husband’s lawyer delivered some shocking news.
Sandwiched between caring for her parents, managing caregivers, raising four
daughters, and a crumbling marriage, she starts therapy and turns to alternative
healing programs to address her adoption, childhood trauma, and loneliness she felt
for much of her life. Laurie now enjoys coaching others who are searching for their
own happiness and belonging. For more information on Laurie and her book, please
visit www.laurieejames.com or order and review her book on Amazon.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Am Homes' The Mistress's Daughter.
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson and Michelle Goodwine.

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Awakening to a Compassionate Nature Nov 01, 2022

Danielle’s vision is a healthier, happier, and more peaceful world starting from within. Bringing over two decades as a senior instructor, healer, and trainer, she's currently Regional Director of WA state's Body & Brain Yoga Center. Born in Manhattan, NY, she was adopted at 10 days old, growing up with her adopted parents, later reconnecting at 21 years old with her biological mother actress Kate Mulgrew from the hit series TV sitcom Orange is the New Black and Star Trek Voyager. As a highly sensitive person from a young age along with a deep concern for the state of our planet--these two qualities propelled her on a long journey in search for inner peace. Danielle's passion is helping people awaken their bodies and minds to meet their true nature, specializing in emotional management, brain management, aligning the mind, body, heart, and soul.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss A.M. Homes' The Mistress's Daughter.
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgins and Lisa Thompson.

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An Adoptee Becomes an Advocate Oct 18, 2022

Nikole Shaw also known as " Koko" in the online community was born in Hawaiian Gardens, California, growing up in the suburbs of Orange County. Adopted as an infant, she is a black domestic adoptee who spent a large part of her life in a small town called Brea. Koko received her Bachelors of Science from San Jose State University and is currently working for the Department of Public Health San Francisco as a mental health professional. Koko is mostly known in the adoptee community as " @theblackadoptea" and spends her time advocating for and creating content for the adoptee community. She has a passion for spoken word and is also a writer who is in the process of completing her first children's book about adoption. Koko continues to share her adoption journey with the world and is reunion with her biological family from Belize.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss A.M. Homes' The Mistress's Daughter.

If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgins and Lisa Thompson.

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Facing the Primal Wound: Coming Out on the Other Side Oct 04, 2022

Bob Guyer was born in 1953 and stayed for four days with his biological mother, and was adopted after a few months in foster care. He learned he was adopted at eight years old but didn’t think much of it until he went through a breakup and re-experienced his separation from his biological mother. Shortly before his 52nd birthday, he began a process of imaginative dialog with his feelings and that led to the healing of his Primal Wound. He has since found his biological relatives and remains in reunion.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louis discuss A.M. Homes' The Mistress's Daughter
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgins and Lisa Thompson.

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Reclaiming the Orphan of the Lost Self Sep 20, 2022

Lisa King is a retired disability specialist, artist and mother. She was born in 1957 into a closed adoption system and was adopted six months later. She has been on a lifelong quest to understand and make sense of how the adoptive experience has shaped and impacted her life. Having suffered the initial abandonment at birth, as all adoptees do, she has struggled throughout her life to embrace and not abandon her true self.
Additionally, Lisa suffered a life changing traumatic accident that serves as a metaphor for her adoptive experience. Much of her spiritual search, consisting of dog rescue, mentorship and artwork have helped her transcend the trauma of relinquishment, and reclaim and integrate the orphans of her lost self.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise wrap up their discussion of Betty Jean Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.

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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy and
Kristan Higgins.

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Understanding the Mistress's Daughter Sep 06, 2022

A.M. Homes was born in Washington D.C. in 1961 and adopted at birth in a private adoption.She began to explore themes related to adoption in her 1993 novel, In A Country of Mothers. Just before the book was published her birth mother—inspired by an Oprah show on ‘reunions’ made contact. A.M. explored what happened next in her 2007 best-selling memoir, The Mistress’s Daughter.

A.M. Homes newest novel: The Unfolding.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.

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Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy and
Kristan Higgins.

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Uncovering Hidden Identity Aug 23, 2022

Lynn Grubb is a closed-era Illinois adoptee and parent by marriage, birth and adoption. She is the editor of "The Adoptee Survival Guide: Adoptees Share Their Wisdom and Tools" and the author of “Hidden Identity,” an audible memoir that chronicles her decades long search for her birth parents. She lives in Dayton, Ohio with husband Mark, their daughter, and two spoiled mini-Australian shepherds.
You can reach out to Lynn on social media @theadoptedgenealogist or email her at:
theadoptedgenealogist@gmail.com.
You can listen to Lynn's memoir here:
https://theadoptedgenealogist.podbean.com/
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.
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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy and
Kristan Higgins.

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Taking the Stigma out of Adoption Aug 09, 2022

Jeff Forney was born in San Francisco and raised in the East Bay town of Moraga, CA.
A photographer based in Los Angeles, he has been working on a documentary filming interviews of adoptees in reunion.

As Jeff says, ‘Finding your birth parents is the base camp of Mt. Everest, now you have to climb the bitch’.

His goal is to take the stigma out of adoption, help adoptees identify with others' stories, and through that, restore power that had been buried and forgotten.

My life is not better because someone adopted me, my life is different. Adoption can multitask. She is many things at once. So are we. We are the bastards, the unwanted, the surrendered, the saved, the chosen, the rescued, the loved, and the forsaken. Allow us our entirety. -Mindy Stern-

Jeff can be found here: Jeff Forney Photographer
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.

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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy and
Kristan Higgins.

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The Complexity of Poverty and International Adoption Jul 26, 2022

Lenore Paletta Hiller is an international adoptee born in Southern Italy in the mid-1960's. She lived with her birth mother for the first five months of her life, but was separated from her due to poverty and other circumstances. She was adopted to the United States when she was 20 months old. She has been in various stages of reunion with her birth family since 1995.

Lenore is hopeful that the future of adoption research will include the effects of intergenerational trauma on the children of adoptees.

She is a member of the Facebook group Italiadoption, a space where Italian adoptees and their families can find resources and connect.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.

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Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy and
Kristan Higgins.

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A Daughter Connects with her Father Jul 12, 2022

After being taken away from her birth parents as a baby by the state, and adopted out of foster care at age 4, singer-songwriter Jenni Alpert (aka birth name: Cami) decided to go searching for her birth father. After weeks undercover on the street of LA, she finally found him homeless, addicted, and running from the law, yet a musician, just like her. Ultimately she guides him out of the legal system and off of the streets becoming his advocate and shadow adopting him into her life, cultivating an inspiring transformation as Don transitions from self identified vagrant to self esteemed volunteer with the music they share in their extraordinary partnership founded on unconditional love.

To find Jenni / Cami and her amazing story & music you can find her on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter as: : @jennialpert @camianddon
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.

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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada and The Harpy.

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A DNA Test Changed his Life Jun 28, 2022

Michael Knox was adopted in 1961 in Illinois. He was raised with two younger sisters, one adopted and one bio. He moved to Southern California when he was five. He has been married for thirty six years and has three wonderful children and one granddaughter. Michael worked in the television industry for many years and moved his family to Atlanta work on the Olympics and he never left Atlanta.
Around twenty-two years ago Michael started running, biking and swimming. One thing led to another and he started doing Iron Man triathlons and is currently training for one this year. If you asked him to describe himself 2 1/2 years ago he would say “A husband, father, grandfather & athlete”. He did both 'Ancestry' and '23 and Me' out of curiosity, never was searching for family then there was a match on 23andMe and life changed forever! Now he describes himself as ADOPTED, husband, father, grandfather & athlete.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.
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Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada and The Harpy.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Finding a Sense of Self Jun 14, 2022

Carolina Khan is a transnational adoptee from Palmira, Colombia. As early as she can recall, she has always been informed of her adoption that took place at 18 months old. What she was not informed of were her circumstances surrounding her adoption and most importantly where her natural mother was and where she could be found. Why was adoption her story? Carolina had made it her priority to receive support and work through her own adoption trauma. Ultimately, she finds herself wanting to share her process of gaining her identity as a Colombian woman, sense of self, individuation and healing.

List of Resources - a major part of Carolina’s journey:
Joe Soll, LCSW
Adoption Healing
Author: Adoption Healing a Path to Recovery
Daily Chat Room, Healing Weekends & opportunities to meet 1st moms/ adoptees
http://www.adoptionhealing.com

Jorge Ivan Restrepo (Busca Personas Reencuentros)

buscapersonasreencuentros@hotmail.com

Elena Di Giovanno Serrato
http://www.healingpuentes.com

Abby Forero-Hilty, Founder of Decoding Origins
https://decodingorigins.com/

Editor: Decoding Our Origins: The Lived Experiences of Colombian Adoptees
Jacob Taylor-Mosquera
SALA: Spanish for Adoptees from Latin America

Memoir: I met Myself in October

Kate Betancourt CLC
Avanza Adoptee Services

Transracial International Colombian adoptee
katebetancourtclc@gmail.com
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.

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And if you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada and The Harpy.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Better Late than Never May 31, 2022

Adopted at birth, Edward Di Gangi was born and raised in New York City. Although he knew for most of his life that he was adopted, it wasn’t until he approached his 70th birthday that he began to search for the identity of his birth mother. His journey and the many surprising discoveries he made as he searched are recounted in his memoir, The Gift Best Given. Edward and his wife now live in Hillsborough, North Carolina. He is a popular book club presenter and podcast guest. The Gift Best Given is his first full-length book.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.

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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada and The Harpy.

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An Adoptee Raised by an Adoptee May 17, 2022

Beth Figuls is a technical writer and aspiring novelist/memoirist from Los Angeles. A Baby Scoop-era adoptee, she was raised by a father who was also an adoptee, and who had lived in an orphanage for a time when he was very young. She searched for and found her birth mother, as well as siblings from both sides of her birth families. She strongly believes that adoptees have a right to know who they are. She is very interested in exploring intergenerational trauma, loss, and adoptee personhood in her memoir-in-progress.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.

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Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada and The Harpy.

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A Transracial Adoptee Speaks his Truth May 03, 2022

Matthew Charles is the host of "little did u know", an abolitionist podcast that seeks to reveal the precarity inherent in transracial/national adoption and dream of a new future by centering the voices of Adoptees and Professionals. His is also an essayist, poet, and sometimes actor whose work explores (dis)placement, belonging, and colony and appears in VISIBLE and Severance Magazine.
To learn more about Matthew Charles and his poetry you can visit his website: MatthewCharlesPoet.com
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.

Here's our affiliate link for Buzzsprout: When you sign up, you get a $20 Amazon Gift card.
And if you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield and The Harpy.

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The "Good" Adopted Child Apr 19, 2022

Emma Stevens is a U.S. domestic adoptee from birth and has survived layers of trauma that have put her on multiple journeys. She developed the inner strength and courage to surmount the many struggles she faced. Her traumas were born from being an adoptee who struggled with being forced to wear an impossible mask of playing the part of the “good adopted child.” Because being relinquished and adopted has colored her life, it’s Emma’s desire to be part of the movement that is dedicated to helping bring forth change to the way our world views the needs and support of adopted individuals. She believes strongly in adoptees finding their voice and discovering their truth to have a solid sense of self and to reclaim their identities. Through telling her story, Emma is dedicated to help redefine the narrative of adoption to include the entire complex truth.
THE GATHERING PLACE by Emma Stevens on Amazon
This memoir is Emma Stevens’ first book. She has an undergraduate degree in journalism and has completed Master’s level course work in psychology, specializing in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling. She has two adult children and two cat children who she adores.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.

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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield and The Harpy.

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The Dark Side of Foster Care Apr 05, 2022

Mikayla Mains is a dancer teacher, small business owner and SAHM. She was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri where she now resides with her husband and two children. After spending years in and out of the foster care system, she was adopted at age 12 to a large family in which she became the 10th child. She battled with questions about her past for years until she finally found her biological mother on Facebook and began to piece things together. She now wants to dedicate herself to educating others on the dark sides of foster care, advocating for those still in it and shed light on the emotional scars it can leave even after adoption.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.

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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber and The Harpy.

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Sometimes You Have to Get Loud Mar 22, 2022

Tony Corsentino is a cataloger at a public library near Boston, Massachusetts, after a prior career as a philosophy professor. A child of a closed adoption, Tony grew up in the southern United States without siblings. After fighting cancer and becoming a father, he obtained his birth records, reunited with his mother, and connected with other adoptees on social media. He plans to continue to raise awareness of adoption issues and help amplify adoptee voices through print and online writing projects.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.
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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed and The Harpy.

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Digging through the Layers of International Adoption Mar 08, 2022

Trishina was born in 1991 in Sevastopol, Ukraine and was adopted at just 18 months old. She was always curious about her biological family, searching on and off, but it wasn’t until she joined a Russian social media app called Vkontakte, that she was able to find some answers. Trishina is a nurse and military wife currently living in Cleveland, Ohio.
Vk Link
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.

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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino and The Harpy.

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An Adoptee Gives Back Feb 22, 2022

David was born in 1972 in Newcastle, in the North East of England and adopted shortly after he was six weeks old. He is now a therapist working predominantly with trauma and adoption. He also sits on a fostering panel and teaches therapeutic parenting. David is married with two children, and he is currently writing his first novel based on his life story.
Please also hear more of David at: The Adoption and Fostering Podcast
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.

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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino and The Harpy.

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Using Trauma to Treat Trauma Feb 08, 2022

Melissa Porter, born "Ryan Keeler" is an adult adoptee and psychologist from New York, who specializes in attachment and trauma theory. After the birth of her daughter, she used DNA and modern-day sleuthing to build her family tree and connected with her first family in 2018. She found a large maternal family ready to welcome her, and a decades-old mystery in her paternal family that she used DNA tracing to solve! Since "coming out of the fog", Melissa uses her education and expertise as a platform from which to advocate for adoptees' rights.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.
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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider and The Harpy.

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A 20-year Search for Answers Jan 25, 2022

As early as he could comprehend it, Matt had always known he was adopted – but he never had the desire to find his birth parents. That is until the birth of his only daughter brought more questions than answers about his health and ancestry. When he received his adoption paperwork from the State of Wisconsin, he discovered that his birth father was never told of the pregnancy. That started 20 + years of searching to finally find the answers he was looking for.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.
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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, Eric David, Beth Figuls and Ron Schneider.

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S1 Finale: Megan Jan 11, 2022

In this episode, Sarah and Louise recap Season One and then they speak to Megan Culhane Galbraith.
Megan Culhane Galbraith is a writer, visual artist and adoptee. Her debut memoir-in-essays The Guild of the Infant Saviour: An Adopted Child's Memory Book (Mad Creek Books/Ohio State University Press) was published in May 2021. Megan's work was listed as Notable in Best American Essays 2021 and 2017 and recognized by Poets & Writers in their "5 Over 50" issue. She is the 2022 Writer-in-Residence at adopteeson.com. Her essays, interviews, reviews and visual art have appeared in BOMB, The Believer, HYPERALLERGIC! ZZYZYVA, Tupelo Quarterly, Hobart, Redivider, Longreads, Hotel Amerika, and Catapult, among others. Megan has been awarded fellowships from The Saltonstall Foundation, The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and The Horned Dorset Colony. She is the founding director of the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont Young Writers Institute. She holds a BA in Journalism from the Pennsylvania State University and an MFA in Literature from the Bennington Writing Seminars.

Website: www.megangalbraith.com
Twitter: @megangalbraith
Instagram: @m.galbraith and @the_d0llh0use
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.culhane.galbraith

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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David and Ron Schneider.
Reckoning with The Primal Wound: Official Trailer

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S1 Ep. 16: Ann Marie Dec 28, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Sixteen of “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Newton Verrier and then they speak to Ann Marie Morello.
Ann Marie Morello is a licensed mental health counselor, Adoptee coach and self proclaimed “truth warrior.” She owns a boutique private mental health practice in Suffolk County, New York. Ann Marie was a closed domestic adoption, was in foster care, and has been in reunion since 2017. We will hear how being an adoptee shapes her work as a licensed trauma professional, and the personal fulfillment she receives volunteering as co-facilitator of the Long Island chapter of Adoptees Connect Inc. She credits finding her truth with the help of a professional genealogist, DNA, and personal tenacity. Ann Marie continues to uncover more secrets since reunion and is currently handling the emotional pain of secondary loss/estrangement with first family.

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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David and Ron Schneider.
Reckoning with The Primal Wound: Official Trailer

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S1 Ep. 15: Eric Dec 14, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Fifteen of “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Newton Verrier and then they speak to Eric David.
Born in Queens in 1966, Eric was adopted at two months old. He is the oldest and has one sister who is adopted and one who is not, all treated equally by their parents. Eric's married with two sons: one who died in 2013 and the other who is graduating college next year. Having his own genetic kin caused him to start his search. Eric recently found his birth mother through a DNA test after years of searching, and they reunited in August of 2021.

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They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra and Ron Schneider.
Reckoning with The Primal Wound: Official Trailer

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S1 Ep. 14: Rachel Nov 30, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Fourteen of “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Newton Verrier and then they speak to Rachel Atiemo-Obeng.
Rachel Atiemo-Obeng was born In Southfield Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, adopted as an infant, and raised in Midland Michigan. She received her M.Ed. with emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University, and has worked with special needs children for over ten years in clinical and school settings. She has recently relocated to Los Angeles California where she works as a Special Education Paraeducator and Special Education advocate for California Connections Academy. She is also pursuing her passion as a singer/songwriter, going by the artist name Rachel AO for her works.

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Reckoning with The Primal Wound: Official Trailer

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S1 Ep. 13: Casey Nov 16, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Thirteen of “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Newton Verrier and then they speak to Representative Casey Weinstein.
Casey Weinstein is currently serving his second term as a State Representative in the Ohio House of Representatives. He lives in Hudson, Ohio with his wife Amanda and their three children—Nora, Emelia, and Brady. Both Casey and Amanda are veterans of the United States Air Force and served at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base before eventually moving to Ohio to start their family. Their son, Brady, was formally adopted earlier this year.

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S1 Special Episode: Jennifer Nov 02, 2021

In this special episode, Sarah and Louise put their chapter discussion on hold to talk to Jennifer Utley, Director of Research, at Ancestry.
Jennifer’s journey at Ancestry® began more than 20 years ago with a love of editing, writing, and publishing—and a strong desire to remain close to her Utah roots. Today, her passion for storytelling remains at an all-time high, thanks in part to the technological innovations she’s witnessed throughout her career. Stories that once took days to research now unfold in minutes. It’s Jennifer’s job to surface the power of Ancestry® for television programming, public relations campaigns, and media outlets.

On a personal note, Jennifer has had the pleasure of tracing her interests in publishing, reading, and music to not-so-distant relatives. And by learning more about the adversity some of her ancestors faced, Jennifer is able to draw strength and resolve to achieve her own goals. From battle-worn grandfathers to early colonial patriots, Jennifer’s family history embodies a bold sense of pride in forging ahead where others might give pause. This makes her the perfect choice to curate and distribute the most compelling Ancestry® narratives to empower personal discoveries and enrich lives.

For Jennifer, the most rewarding part of her work at Ancestry® is the emotional connections that develop when customers keep coming back to connect their own dots.
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S1 Ep. 12: David Oct 19, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Twelve of “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Newton Verrier and then they speak to David Daniels.
Adopted at birth by a pioneering Hollywood television couple who were responsible for creating some of the most iconic series of our time, including I Love Lucy, David grew up in the midst of show-biz Los Angeles far removed from the devoutly Christian world of West Virginia, where his biological parents were from. But it was this very Christian faith that compelled David's unwed college-age birth mother to carry David to term, clandestinely flee from West Virginia to New York City to give birth to David, and then relinquish him into the arms of the progressive TV industry couple, whose open-mindedness ultimately freed David to search for and find his biological parents. Listen now to hear David's story of coming home to roots that are in marked contrast to his life as an adoptee.

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S1 Ep. 11: Nichie Oct 05, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Eleven of “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Newton Verrier and then they speak to Nichie Stonall.
Nichie (Nikki) Stonall moved from Michigan to Johannesburg South Africa in 2015 to work alongside Impact Africa as the director of their Impact Baby Rescue. She leads a team of women who raise awareness about Baby Abandonment, counsels women as they journey through their pregnancies, and oversees the day-to-day operations of a baby home. Nichie lives in Johannesburg with her husband Chris and together they have a daughter. Nichie's passion for Adoption and family drives her to continue to advocate for the mothers who are facing an uncertain future for their babies, and the precious babies her team cares for.

Find Impact Africa on Social Media under Impact Africa on Facebook and Instagram. And, Nichie can be found on Facebook as Nichie Parish Stonall and Instagram as @nichiestonal

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Reckoning with The Primal Wound: Official Trailer

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S1 Ep. 10: Damon Sep 21, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Ten of “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Newton Verrier and then they speak to Damon L. Davis.
Damon L. Davis is the host and producer of the podcast, "Who Am I Really?" (www.whoamireallypodcast.com) where adoptees tell their own stories of adoption and share their experiences attempting reunion with their birth families. He has interviewed over 150 adoptees from a diverse range of adoption experiences. In his autobiography "Who Am I Really? - An Adoptee Memoir" Damon shares his journey to becoming an adoptive parent and his emotions over the birth of his natural son, Seth. Damon opens up about the heartbreak of grappling with his adoptive mother's mental illness while balancing the joy of locating his birth mother. His journey takes a twist when he finds his biological father via DNA testing.
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S1 Ep. 9: Denise Sep 07, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Nine of “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Newton Verrier and then they speak to Denise Cruz-Castino.
Denise Cruz-Castino is an advertising writer and screenwriter from Los Angeles. When she was five years old, her four-year-old cousin Kenny moved in and became her adopted brother. No matter how much love he got from Denise’s family, and how much therapy, these early years shaped his rocky life that continued through his adulthood.
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S1 Special Episode: Rebecca Autumn and Nancy Aug 24, 2021

In this special episode, Sarah and Louise put their chapter discussion on hold to talk to Nancy Verrier, author of the groundbreaking book, The Primal Wound, and Rebecca Autumn Sansom, director of the upcoming documentary, Reckoning With The Primal Wound.

Nancy raised both an adopted daughter as well as a biological daughter and was able to compare her children’s behavior. She became so fascinated with her adopted daughter’s response to being relinquished that she changed careers, becoming a psychologist and writing her thesis about the separation of a mother and child. She called this separation the primal wound.

Rebecca Autumn, who goes by both her adopted name and her birth name, connected with Nancy to help realize Reckoning With The Primal Wound. It is the first adoptee and biological mother team to produce a film about The Primal Wound. She has partnered with Legacy Entertainment Partners and Executive Producer Gena Vazquez to secure distribution.

Reckoning with The Primal Wound: Official Trailer

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S1 Ep. 8: Mick Aug 10, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Eight of “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Newton Verrier and then they speak to Mick Smyer.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Mick started out life in St. Vincent’s, a Catholic orphanage, where he lived until he was adopted at six months old. His adoptive mother was 50 years old when she adopted Mick, but she lied about her age to the adoption agency (and to her husband). She was also mentally ill. Not surprisingly, Mick eventually became a psychologist, with a specialty in geriatric mental illness. Listen now to hear Mick's journey in finding his biological family.

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S1 Ep. 7: Madeline and Laura Jul 27, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Seven of “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Newton Verrier. They then talk to Madeline and Laura Lillis, two sisters from Kansas City with a unique story.
Raised in a single-parent household by their biological dad, Madeline and Laura’s relationship to adoption may not be apparent to an unfamiliar listener. However, in this episode, these sisters describe their unique relationship to and perspective on adoption with discussion about their biological mother’s adoption and the generational trauma they are determined to dismantle.
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S1 Ep. 6: Sam Jul 13, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Six of “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Newton Verrier, and then they talk to Sam Miller, an adoptee living in Dallas, Texas.
Raised in the Chicago area, Sam Miller’s father passed away when he was just 3 years old. Growing up, he didn’t have a close relationship with his mother. He could never understand how she could be so emotionally distant from her own “flesh and blood.” In 2014, his intuition that his relationship with his mother was “opaque,” became clear. He was fatally ill from a genetic condition, his parents were gone, and he found out that not only did they know that he would need a kidney transplant one day, but they refused to tell him that he was adopted. This conversation touches on that “aha” moment that some of us have when our being adopted suddenly becomes our new identity later in life and concludes with a happy message.
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S1 Ep. 5: Andrea Jun 29, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Five of “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Newton Verrier, and then they talk to Andrea Ross, author of "Natural Selection: A Memoir of Adoption and Wilderness."
Adopted at birth, Andrea grew up inhabiting two ecosystems: one was her tangible, adoptive family; the other her birth family, whose mysterious landscape was hidden from her. In her early twenties, while working as a ranger in Grand Canyon National Park, she embarked on a journey to discover where she came from and, ultimately, who she was. After many missteps and dead ends, she uncovered her heartbreaking and inspiring origin story. She began navigating the complicated turns of reuniting with her birth parents and their new families. By way of backcountry travel in the American West, she also came to define her true identity and place in the world not by adopted nor biological parents, but through an expanded concept of family.
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S1 Ep. 4: John Jun 15, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Four of “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Newton Verrier, and then they talk to John Frey, who was born in Vietnam and brought to the United States as part of Operation Babylift when he was a year-and-a-half old. John often struggled with his identity, having been adopted and raised by a White American family while not having any connection to his birth country or culture.
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S1 Ep. 3: Jean Jun 01, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Three of “The Primal Wound” and then they talk to Jean Bliss Baron, who was adopted into a loving family when she was a few months old. She always knew she was adopted, but it wasn’t until she was 65-years-old when her biological family tracked her down through Ancestry.com.

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S1 Ep. 2: Louise May 18, 2021

In this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Chapter Two from the book “The Primal Wound”, and then it’s Louise’s turn to tell her adoption story.
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S1 Ep. 1: Sarah Apr 29, 2021

Today you’ll meet your podcast hosts, Sarah and Louise. On this episode we discuss Chapter One from the book “The Primal Wound”, and then we delve into Sarah’s adoption story.
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