Fostering Voices Podcast

Movies make us wonder, and dream, but sometimes they also change the way we live. Eric Epperson is making a movie, which will be more of a narrative of a fictional character who is aging out of foster care. It is set to be released next year.

Marc shares his story about adopting his youngest daughter out of foster care. This episode is heartwarming and insightful, and we are thankful to have his voice in this foster adoption community.

In honor of Mother's Day, this episode is about our mamas! Even though this is a light hearted episode, we do share the different reactions of our families when we told them we were going to foster and adopt. And not everyone was in complete agreement with us.

There are many resources available to help you as you are on your foster care journey. Our favorite one is WIC, so that we can get free formula for our foster babies. Tune in to learn more.

Nicole Marshall is on the podcast today, sharing about her life as a foster adoptive mom. Nicole has 7 kids - 3 bio, and 4 adopted. She has also recently started an organization called Advocacy 31nine. She wants to help people in the community to help get the resources their kids need at school, so that every child can have the kind of open, learning environment they all deserve.

Chris joins me for the episode as we answer some of the most infrequently asked questions in the world. Though this episode is light hearted, and a look into our lives, and things we are dealing with in our home, we hope that it gives you a better sense of who we are, and what we are about! And we are about community, and family, and faith, and fostering and adoption, and so much more.

Today's episode features Jen Walsh of 'Emerge Designs by Jen'. Three and a half years ago, the Walsh family welcomed 2 toddlers into their home and family, from Haiti. Things were ROUGH for a while. Like, 3 years. But tune in to find out more about the power of perseverance and prayer!

If you are looking for different ways to get involved in the foster care and adoption community, today's episode has lots of information for you! Kelly Lewis, my licensing worker, is with us today sharing about her 21 years of work with Christian Family Care Agency.

Talking about the costs and benefits associated with foster care and adoption. Short interview with my 11, 10, and 6 year old about their likes and dislikes about being foster siblings.

In this episode we review 'The Happiness Advantage' by Darren Hardy. We are strong believers in Positive Psychology and that having an attitude of gratitude is one of the only things you need to have a successful life.

Do you struggle with what to say when people tell you they are doing something that you have no inclination to do? Whether it's running a marathon, or going plant-based, or fostering, we can now respond to others in the same way: "Wow, that's cool."

Elisa Watson shares her experience when she fostered a sweet little girl for 21 months! Though this sweet girl showed up with lice and dirty clothes (textbook scenario), Elisa and her family showed her what it's like to live in a family where there is order, boundaries, and unconditional love.

The D word in the world of foster care is DISRUPTION. It is much like divorce and comes with all the same stigma. Tune in to find out how Jamie got to the point where she felt like disruption was her only option, and how she survived that decision.

Brandi Hansen is a former foster babe turned fantastic adult. She is proof that kids are resilient, and can grow to be well-adjusted, productive, creative, and beautiful members of society, despite non-ideal beginnings.

In today's episode, I do a quick review of an incredible book by two incredible women: Regina Calcaterra and Rosie Maloney. Girl Unbroken is the true story of Rosie's life. She had a terrible stint in foster care, but the truly terrible times were with her own mother. If you can handle a lot of truth, a lot of sadness, and a handful of F-bombs, go and read this book and let me know what you think.