We believe that in order to be the best mamas we can for our kids, it is crucial to lean on one another in community, share our hearts, support one another, provide resources, and most importantly learn to embrace and thrive in the plan God has for our families. Here at 2 Adoptive Mamas, we are committed to helping you navigate the day-to-day of adoptive mama-hood through shared resources on adoption and parenting, shared experiences, and by shared opportunities to learn from and grow with one another.
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The Main Thing: Kellee Walker is one of those individuals that makes you feel like despite the uphill climb, there is always an opportunity to thrive. As an adoptive mom and foster/adoption professional, Kellee has been in the trenches and has a heart for meeting parents and families right where they're at. She brings practical applications and ideas to our conversation and brings with her a list of recommended follow-ups and resources that will help families take the next step in their post-per...
The Main Thing: It's something special when a mama can put into words and pictures a children's book that addresses one of those "hard to start" conversations. In this episode we're sitting down with Jessica Whipple to talk about her book, "I think I think a Lot." She openly shares how her household is navigating the day-to-day of neurodivergence and what it looks like to take a deeper dive into the way God has uniquely made all of us in His perfect image. Jessica's thoughtful reflection and ref...
The Main Thing: We are still on break, like so many of you, for this holiday season. We are cherishing this extended time with family and friends to rest and grow. We're excited to be back next week with all new episodes! Check out the shownotes from our amazing episode with Show Hope from Season 2. We'll see you with all new episodes next week! For decades Show Hope has shown up for families pre and post adoption. Founded in 2003 by Steven and Mary Beth Chapman, Show Hope continues to be a ligh...
The Main Thing: We're in the holiday season and 2 Adoptive Mamas is taking a break this week to spend extra time with family and friends. We've pulled one of our most downloaded episodes from Season 3 for this week with the one and only Jamie Finn. Merry Christmas!! Take a look at our shownotes from the original published episode: "To those who follow her, she's a constant resource, encouragement, and much-needed dose of reality when navigating the ups and downs of foster care. Her heart for the...
The Main Thing: SLEEP. Can't live without it, but sometimes it seems like we have to, right?! Vanessa is our attachment based sleep guru and she's here to calm the stress, equip, and help families say goodbye to the dreary days of sleep deprivation! She's got an inspiring story, a calmness, and a passion for coming alongside families to help build secure attachment when it comes to sleep (and trying to get some)! We can't wait for you to hear what she has to share! Episode Resources: Follow Vane...
The Main Thing: We love highlighting all the different ways families grow as families. In this episode we welcome Alexis, who shares God's faithfulness and providence through their story of infertility and embryo adoption. Alexis' story is one of hopeful empowerment to seek Jesus in your story, no matter where you are in your journey or how you are growing your family. She talks about what embryo adoption is and the need for resources and education for families considering and walking this path....
The Main Thing: If there's one thing we can likely all agree on, it's that having some sort of system in our home just makes everything flow better. But sometimes, change happens quickly, systems have to adapt, and the day-to-day triage of managing our homes can become more than overwhelming. Well --- we have good news... Meet Laura Hernandez --- the queen of navigating the day-to-day with "mama systems." Their proven success has transformed their own family (of 10!) rhythm and she's passionate ...
The Main Thing: 2 Adoptive Mamas is taking a quick holiday break! We spent last week with our families and saved producing a new episode for next week... stay tuned. For this week, we're taking a look back at one of our most popular episodes. Rosie Mann (yes, from episode 100's panel! Catch up on last week's episode HERE !) goes into the practical navigation of trauma. Check out our shownotes from it's original publish date: Today we're sitting down with Rosie Mann, an adoptive mama and nurse li...
The Main Thing: 100 Episodes!! And how are we celebrating? With our first-ever live panel and live audience recording in partnership with COBY's Family Services! We had too much fun with Eleanor, Michelle, Rosie and Holly. Some of these names might seem familiar in the 2AM community, and that's because they are! We welcomed back some of our fan favorites to take a deep dive into meaningful community --- how to define it, how to build it, and why it matters. We hope you enjoy this conversation (a...
The Main Thing: Do you remember Allison? Better yet, do you remember Wanda the owl? We're so thrilled to welcome Allison Olson back for Episode 99 of the Two Adoptive Mamas Podcast. Allison won all of our hearts with her first book "Surrounded by Love: An Open Adoption Story," and now she's raising the bar with her second --- "My Friend's Adoption." During our time together we're talking about the conversation starters that are flowing out of this book, and how it's equipping our children and th...
The Main Thing: Debbie Raymond has a heart of gold and is one adoptive mama that we can't wait for you to meet! We had the pleasure of sitting down for Episode 98 to learn about how Debbie has mastered the art of transitions and travels with her son --- both meeting his needs, thriving amidst opportunity, and why she is passionate about sharing with other adoptive mamas. No matter the season of parenting you're in, Debbie has a word for everyone and she has such a sweet way of sharing her person...
The Main Thing: Joe and Melanie Hashey are on a mission to build strong and healthy family relationships. They believe families these days, especially the parents, are desperately in need of support that would allow them to be the best versions of themselves. Getting this much-needed support/community helps parents to raise their kids with confidence and grace. How are they living out this mission? Within their own family with strong family core values, routines, family meetings, and cultivating...
The Main Thing: Robyn Gobbel is just the kind of person who needs no introduction, because the minute you meet her, her passion for children from hard places comes alive. Robyn joined us for Episode 96 to talk all things neuroscience, the "scaffolding" concept, and what to do with the "baffling behaviors" that sometimes push us to the edge. Her practical approach to relational neurosciences is transforming the journey for helpers, healers, educators, and parents. We're so grateful she agreed to ...
The Main Thing: We could not be more thrilled to invite Raquel McCloud back to the show! Every time we sit down with Raquel her words absolutely capture us. She is so gracious, honest, and passionate about her work, who God has called her to be, and how she's embracing what's next for her and for her family. For Episode 95 Raquel is back to help us tackle the topic of "preventing shame" in parenting. She's sharing her heart because of her own lived experiences while also shedding light on the bi...
The Main Thing: There's something about seeing things through the eyes of children that opens a way for deeper understanding and conversation. Children's author, Laura Khoury joined us for Episode 94 to share about her connection to the foster care and adoption world, and why she decided to write a book that specifically marks the journey of a child through the foster to adopt process. Laura's openness and kind heart make a great combination for the care and compassion behind The Tale of Mallory...
The Main Thing: Attachment is a buzz-word in the adoption and foster care community. Recent research and conversation has brought this important theory to the forefront. If you've been walking the adoptive and foster journey for a while, chances are you've heard a lot about the four different attachment styles and why childhood experiences are important to learn. But how do you fit it into your day to day? Parenting with an attachment-based approach takes practice and dedication. It's a perspect...
The Main Thing: There are some people in our world doing some pretty amazing things for the children from hard places in our community. Mike Shapiro is one of those people. Mike is the Executive Director of The Swappow PLUS Foundation, a nonprofit that connects with foster youth through skateboarding. Yes, you heard right, skateboarding. Their mission is to change the trajectory of extraordinary youth through skateboarding. The lessons about life and faith that are learned through this experienc...
The Main Thing: One of the best things about the podcast is when we make connections with YOU, our listeners! Leeann Hale reached out while we were scheduling Season 5 recordings, and after learning about her books and her story, we couldn't wait to introduce her to this community. An adoptive and bio mom, Leeann is sharing her family's journey through heartbreak to healing. Her story is raw and her heart so passionate about the nuances of the adoption journey. We loved learning from her and bei...
The Main Thing: There's no on better to welcome as our first guest of Season Five than Herbie Newell. He is the President and Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services, host of The Defender Podcast, and author of "Image Bearers: Shifting from Pro-Birth to Pro-Life." Lifeline is the single largest Evangelical Christian adoption agency in the United States. Their work is remarkable and their take on "community" is like none other. Herbie shares some show-stopping realities of the foster c...
The Main Thing: We're back! And couldn't be more excited to bring you Season 5 of the Two Adoptive Mamas Podcast. This season is all about "community." We have been privileged over the past five seasons to build a community in this space, but we want to highlight the need and incredible value of having community right where you are. We have an awesome line-up of guests who have so willingly shared their hearts, expertise, passion, and personal stories. It's because of them that we are able to sh...
The Main Thing: This week for Episode 088 we’re wrapping up Season 4 with some highlights and encouragement as we all step into the summer months. For both of us (Liz & Sarah) we have experienced a lot of transitions in recent months, and it’s not lost on us that the summer brings feelings of excitement but also lots of change. We’re excited to take a few moments to reflect on where we’ve been and some thoughts for the months ahead before we start our very own “summer break” for the show! Ep...
The Main Thing: One of our primary goals here at Two Adoptive Mamas is to take a deep dive when we need one. When Andrea Pollack's name came across our desk, we knew we needed this for Episode 087. While Andrea's work is not specific to families navigating foster care and adoption, her work resonates with the needs of many parenting kids from hard places. Oftentimes we're not ready or willing to throw up our hands and sound the alarm for help, but Andrea's approach will remind us that finding th...
The Main Thing: There's something extra-sweet about popping in your earbuds and having the opportunity to hear an adoption story from a mama. Sometimes through different seasons of our walk, we forget about the moments that made us families, and when we take a moment to reflect we see God's hand in each step. For Episode 086 Sarah Nichols is sharing her family's walk through adoption and how God's purposeful timing challenged and refined them. We connected with Sarah simply because she is a foll...
The Main Thing: We've said it before, and we'll say it again, there's so much to consider when we discuss the adoption triad. For Episode 085 we're taking a deep dive with Daniela Coats to discuss what it looks like to support the biological children in foster and adoptive families. Daniela is a social worker by trade, but also a "bio kid of a foster/adoptive family" and is now an adoptive and bio mom herself. Her perspective is uniquely informed by her personal experiences and her professional ...
Chris Telesco recounts the miraculous and often unexpected path to becoming an adoptive father of four, including the rapid arrival of his first two children, a failed adoption attempt, and the eventual adoption of twin girls. He candidly discusses overcoming feelings of inadequacy, learning grace in parenting an older child, and offers advice to other prospective adoptive dads, highlighting adoption as God's greatest gift.
The Main Thing: For Episode 083 we're pleased to share the privilege of having a conversation with Sharon Denny. You name it, she's got the experience when it comes to foster care and adoption. Her heart is caring for the most vulnerable and her passion is helping us show up for our kids from hard places. Sharon is a wealth of knowledge and a breath of fresh air among challenging circumstances --- her heart is for Jesus and family. It's not every day that we have the honor of rubbing shoulders (...
The Main Thing: We’re taking a trip! Down memory lane to take a closer look at what it looks like to prepare and actually travel for both international and domestic adoption. There are so many moving pieces to the adoption process, and the more you can do to prepare in advance, the less chaotic it will be in the moment. Or at least we can try to make it that way, right?! During Episode 082 we are sharing our personal experiences and touching upon some of the nuances that transcend states and cou...
The Main Thing: If there's one thing we've learned over the years, it's that through sharing stories we don't feel so alone. It's with this in mind that we recorded Episode 081 with Kelsey Knodel. She's sharing her mama-heart as she reflects on the adoption of their sweet girl and as they prepare their hearts and home to hopefully continue growing their family through adoption. Kelsey's transparency amidst the hard coupled with her faith, hope, and commitment to the journey of adoption makes for...
The Main Thing: They're back! It's the dad-cast for Episode 080 and they're joined by Nate Smith to talk about finding perseverance and hope in the midst of foster care. You'll remember our time with Melinda on the podcast, and hearing their family's story through foster care. We've been so encouraged by their insight and courage to step into the broken and trust God to do the rest. Drew and Dan's conversation with Nate is a reflection of their heart for the most vulnerable and how to build a fo...
The Main Thing: We're back! With Part 2 of our Parenting Teens mini-series with Abby Keiser from COBYS Family Services. This week we're taking a closer look at what it means to help a teen find their voice and how to effectively facilitate this in your home. Once again Abby starts with the basics and then takes us deeper to help with the day-to-day application of coming alongside our teens in this journey. Whether your family is impacted by foster care or adoption, the teen years can be challeng...
