The Forgotten Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Introducing In Case You Forget May 11, 2026

Show notes

From The Forgotten Initiative comes a brand-new series created specifically for the Foster Care Caseworker. At The Forgotten Initiative, we’ve always believed that you shouldn’t have to carry the weight of this calling alone. For years, The Forgotten Podcast has been a place for our whole community to gather—but we know that those of you on the front lines carry a unique kind of weight.

That’s why we’ve created something just for you. Hosted by Jami Kaeb and Jamie Finn, In Case You Forget is a space to breathe, to process the things that follow you home, and to remember the "why" behind your "yes." The weight of child welfare work doesn’t stay at the office. It follows you home, fills the quiet hours of the night, and often leaves you feeling scattered, guilty, or numb. If you are a foster care caseworker, you know the reality of carrying a heavy caseload while managing the emotional toll of decisions often beyond your control.

In Case You Forget is a 12-part series offering faith-based encouragement and honest stories from the field to help you navigate the spiritual and emotional realities of your specific calling. Whether you are walking into a difficult court hearing, responding to a late-night crisis call, or quietly wondering how much longer you can keep showing up, this podcast is here to remind you that you aren't alone. Our mission remains the same: to provide a steady source of hope and practical guidance so you can stay in this calling long-term without losing your faith, your family, or yourself.

The First Five Episodes Available Now:

Episode 1: Wondering If Your Work Matters (w/Austin Ludwig)

Spotify or Apple

Episode 2: Noticing Your Attachment Style At Work (w/Kimberly Glaudy)

Spotify or Apple

Episode 3: Walking Your Story Alongside Theirs (w/Mia Arrington)

Spotify or Apple

Episode 4: Learning From Your Anxiety (w/Blair Linne)

Spotify or Apple

Episode 5: Managing Your Hard Days (w/Blake Boyer)

Spotify or Apple

Helping My Child Thrive Post-High School (w/Jonathan Brush) Ep. 293 Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb sits down with Jonathan Brush, CEO of Unbound and a foster and adoptive dad of eight, to discuss how to help young adults—especially those not pursuing a college degree—successfully transition into adulthood and thrive. The conversation addresses the unique challenges facing children from the foster care community, such as trauma and learning gaps, by focusing on resilience, practical career opportunities in a questions-based economy, and the necessity of high expectations paired with endless patience. Jonathan reframes success as "thriving" and offers guidance on understanding the "creation of value" in the workplace and the irreplaceable power of community.

About the Guest

Jonathan Brush is the President and CEO of Unbound. As a first-generation homeschool graduate and a foster and adoptive dad of eight, he is passionate about preparing young adults for life and has spoken on the subject for over a decade.

In This Episode

Defining success as “thriving” (living a meaningful, important life) rather than fame, fortune, or power.
Exploring non-college career options in business (marketing, sales, technology/AI) and the trades (welding, plumbing, electrician).
The shift from an "answers-based" paradigm to a "questions-based" paradigm in the modern job market, emphasizing the ability to quickly and effectively master complicated information (QE MCI).
Why the inherent resilience and survival skills of foster children are valuable assets in the current market.
Setting the “high expectation” that young people can thrive, combined with “infinite patience” to help them achieve it.
Understanding work as the “creation of value” by showing up, working hard, treating others well, and “thinking like an owner”.
How to cultivate natural curiosity and the ability to ask better questions by looking for “the game being played underneath the game”.
The critical role of community in driving careers and the willingness to open your home despite imperfections.

Resources + Links

Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative

Learn more about what at TFI Advocate does

Strengthening GenZ Mental Health (w/Stephanie Shackelford) Ep. 291 Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, a Senior Fellow at Barna Group, to talk about the power of relationships, purpose, and tech-free spaces for improving kids' mental health. Dr. Shackelford shares insights from her recent Barna report, Gen Z, Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Dr. Shackelford discusses the six themes identified in her research for supporting Gen Z mental health, including the critical need for tech-free spaces and consistent rhythms for connection. She explains that the youth mental health crisis, marked by skyrocketing anxiety and depression, correlates with the rise of smartphone availability between 2010 and 2015. Throughout the conversation, she offers practical advice for parents on setting boundaries, such as removing phones from bedrooms and dinner tables, and modeling healthy technology use.

This conversation reflects on how to cultivate purpose and meaning in Gen Z, arguing that focusing on purpose—using one's gifts to serve others—is more fulfilling than chasing happiness. This discussion highlights that half of Gen Z Christians value seeing Christianity promote good in the world more than knowing it is true. She emphasizes that in-person church attendance is a major buffer against poor mental health outcomes like suicide and depression, encouraging families to prioritize being contributors at church and cultivating a culture of service at home.

This episode is an encouraging reminder that when parents and caregivers approach these changes with a humble vision and start with small, actionable steps, they can foster deep connection and meaningful purpose for their children.

About the Guest

Dr. Stephanie Shackelford is a Senior Fellow at Barna Group. She has researched and written for nationwide research studies covering topics such as Gen Z, mental health, purpose, calling, and discipleship. She and her husband live on the campus of Eagle Ranch, a ministry for Families in Crisis.

In This Episode

What defines Gen Z (ages 9-27)
The six practical ideas from the Gen Z, Mental Health and Wellbeing report
How the rise of smartphones is correlated with increased youth anxiety and depression
Creating tech-free spaces and the benefits of being bored and connecting with nature
The meaning of "thick community" and "embodied experiences" to combat loneliness
Inviting Gen Z into a narrative of purpose and redemption rather than happiness
The protective role of in-person church attendance against poor mental health
Cultivating a culture of service and calling at home and in the community

Resources + Links

Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative

Learn more about what at TFI Advocate does

Understanding the Court Process (w/Cari Huddleston) Ep. 290 Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

Court is one of the most intimidating parts of the foster care journey—but you are not powerless in the process. Today, a Guardian ad Litem shares insight into how the court system works, how “best interest” decisions are made, and why your voice matters more than you may realize. Be encouraged: even when it feels confusing, your presence and partnership make a lasting impact.

Obeying with Action Where You Are (w/Mary Perdue) Ep. 289 Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb welcomes Mary Perdue—wife of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue—to share her journey into foster care and her years as the First Lady of Georgia (2003–2011).

Mary shares how fostering newborns awaiting adoption in the late 1990s opened her eyes to the broader foster care system and inspired her to make foster care her primary initiative while in office. She describes the cultural stigma and lack of awareness surrounding the system, her focus on educating communities that there are many ways to help beyond becoming a foster parent, and efforts like Champions for Children that engage businesses, civic groups, and churches.

Additionally, Mary discusses her work in creating Georgia’s Children’s Cabinet to coordinate state agencies serving children. She reflects on lessons of obedience and calling while urging the church to take responsibility for supporting foster children, families, and caseworkers alike.

Encouraging Foster Parents to Persevere (w/Tony Mitchell) Ep.288 Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Host Jami Kaeb interviews Tony Mitchell, who entered foster care as a newborn, was adopted at age two into a loving but impoverished farm family, and grew up learning work ethic, faith, and integrity. Tony shares learning about his adoption around age 9–10, wrestling with identity and belonging while facing racial isolation and teenage rebellion, and later coming to faith in college after reading the New Testament. In his forties he located his birth mother to thank her for choosing not to terminate the pregnancy, and at 59 he was contacted by the son of his foster family, filling in the missing story of his early years and confirming he was deeply loved. Tony emphasizes gratitude, grounding identity in God, and encourages foster/adoptive parents to never give up, reminding adoptees that God can redeem painful stories for good.

Addressing Fears About Teen Placements (w/Missy Bell) Ep. 287 Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

Our guest, Missy Bell, is the Director of San Diego for Olive Crest, an organization dedicated to preventing child abuse by strengthening, equipping, and restoring children and families in crisis one life at a time. In this conversation with Jami, she brings wisdom and insight into common fears parents have when deciding to adopt a teen and how to overcome them.

Answering FAQ's About the Advocate Role (w/Jami + Holly) Ep. 286 Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode host Jami Kaeb and Holly Gnuse sit down together to talk about all things Advocates.

What does it mean to be a TFI Advocate? They answer all of our frequently asked questions about the role including things like what's the time commitment, is training provided, and how do I start. Listen in as they share details about how TFI equips advocates just like you, all across the country to care for the vulnerable right where they live.

More information on becoming a TFI Advocate: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/become-a-tfi-advocate/

Set up a call to learn more: https://calendly.com/mellissa-foster-tfi/learn-more-you-don-t-have-to-foster-to-care?month=2026-01

Linking Trauma Informed Care and the Gospel (w/Tera Melber) Ep. 285 Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

Join host Jami for a powerful conversation with experienced foster parent and trauma-informed care expert, Tera Melber. Tera, the founder of Resound Trauma Education, brings her extensive background—including a master’s degree in human services counseling and a commitment to integrating faith with the latest interpersonal neurobiology research—to the discussion. She shares her 20-year journey into foster care and adoption, highlighting the realization that parenting a child from early adversity requires a special set of skills and a Christian framework for care that wasn't always readily available.

Tera delves into the critical need for a trauma-informed approach to parenting and ministry, illustrating how Jesus himself modeled this connection-based care by avoiding shame and fostering safety, as seen in biblical accounts like the woman at the well and Zacchaeus. She also shifts the focus to the pivotal role of the church, encouraging congregations to move beyond rigid expectations. Instead, she advocates for trauma-aware environments—equipping volunteers with co-regulation tools, like "backpack teams"—to ensure foster and kinship families feel safety, connection, and belonging.

Ultimately, Tera’s mission is to combine the research of trauma-informed care with the biblical teachings of Jesus, viewing this work not as a buzzword, but as essential "gospel work." She looks forward to witnessing the church step up to be a unique place of safety, connection, and hope to bring healing and generational change to families navigating the foster care journey. Links: Learn more at theforgotteninitiative.org More about guest Tera Melber https://www.facebook.com/p/Resound-Trauma-Education-LLC-61560422615470/

Episode 284: Celebrating 10 Years of The Forgotten Podcast (w/ Jamie Finn) Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

In this very special episode, our usual host, Jami Kaeb, is taking a turn in the guest seat. Stepping in to act as the host is our dear friend (and repeat guest) Jamie Finn!

The Forgotten Podcast is celebrating 10 years of creating content that serves, equips, and encourages those in the foster care community, as well as exalts the name of Jesus. To help commemorate this milestone, Jami will be the one answering questions and filling us in on some of the most impactful moments from the last 10 years as we look ahead to what’s coming next.

In this episode, Jami shares key lessons she’s learned through hosting the podcast, a little bit about how The Forgotten Initiative began, why it matters to hold both the darkness and the light in our stories, and much more.

Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/jamie-finn-284/

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