Who do you prioritise? Whose needs come first? Putting ourself first is seen as selfish and therefore, bad. Listen in as Abby and I discover constructive selfishness. Abby also shares her reflect, release and re-invent process that's empowered her as a transracial adoptee. Dr. Abigail Hasberry splits residence in Texas and Maryland. Her work focuses on examining and developing a person's identity, experiences, passions, and support networks. Abby prides herself on being able to support people as...
Jun 30, 2025•58 min•Ep. 569
Thriving starts with us. If we want our kids to thrive, we need to be thriving. And that all starts with self awareness. Listen in as Annette shares insights into self awareness and how it helps us tackle the tough stuff and thrive. Annette Williams, PhD, M.Ed., LPC, RPT, CAS is a Professional Member of the Association of Play Therapy and is a National Certified Counselor through the NBCC. Find out more about her here: https://www.williamscounselingplaytherapy.com/ Guests and the host are not (u...
Jun 26, 2025•53 min•Ep. 568
How fast are you living your life? Today's frantic pace of life means opportunities to learn, grow and connect with the people we love the most pass us by. Listen in as David shares his learnings on slowing down, becoming a better parent and much more. Rev. David Melber is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) effective January 1, 2025. David is responsible for casting the overall vision for the nonprofit as well as overseeing all aspects of its m...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 567
Trauma can be so painful that we back off it. We numb it. We suppress it. And so it lingers. What if we did the opposite? We embrace it. When do so, miracles and magic can happen. Listen in as Stacey and I dive deep into pain and cures. Darren and Stacey Gagnon are passionate advocates for children in the areas of special needs, adoption, and foster care. They both have degrees in education and have a combined 25 years in the classroom. Stacey is also a licensed RN and has mostly worked in publi...
Jun 17, 2025•59 min•Ep. 566
If we are ok with not feeling ok, we are always ok. One of my favourite sayings. Listen in as Adrian shares his learnings on navigating life with more ease. We go deep because that's where all the treasure is. You're going to love this. Check out Adrian's film https://seedandspark.com/fund/finding-home-a-journey-to-biological-roots https://www.adrianburksartist.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianburks1/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from ...
Jun 15, 2025•57 min•Ep. 565
Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. They become a lot easier with a North Star to follow. Podcaster Niall has interviewed an incredible array of talent in the worlds of healing, consciousness and psychology including my favourite author Rupert Spira. Listen in as we riff on intention, course correction and more. Here's the link to the interview with Jill Bolte Taylor: https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/with-jill-bolte-taylor And the interview with Kathy Mackechney: https://thriving-a...
May 26, 2025•52 min•Ep. 564
Do you want change for the better? There's a part of us that always thinks it is right. And it feels good to be right. But it gets in the way of the change we want. Of being better. Of connecting better. Listen in as Kristin shares profound lessons on humility, insight and change. Listen to Kristin's previous interview here: https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/a-guide-to-family-wellbeing-with-kristin-orphan-foster-adoptive-parent-founder-executive-director Connect with Kristin here...
May 23, 2025•50 min•Ep. 563
Who doesn't want more ease? More peace? How? That's the question. Listen in as Jean shares her insights on how insights help us to more ease. With ourselves. With others. As she says so wisely "Compassion is free". That compassion oils our relationships. Jean Kelly Widner is the author of The Adoption Paradox: Putting Adoption into Perspective , a powerful exploration of the complex realities of adoption. Born in 1965 and adopted from birth in Washington State, Jean lives the paradox she writes ...
May 22, 2025•57 min•Ep. 562
Do you want to take your advocacy to the next level? When we know more, we achieve more. When we focus more, we achieve more. Listen as adoptive mother and advocate Marcy shares learnings about learnings, focus, experimentation and much more. Here's the link to Marcy's previous interview: https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/reasons-for-hope-with-marcy-bursac Marcy and her husband adopted a biological sibling pair. While remote schooling my children during the pandemic, she began to...
May 21, 2025•47 min•Ep. 561
Do you feel comfortable in your own skin? Being adopted can feel distinctly uncomfortable. Whether that's due to others or ourselves. Listen in as Rabail shares what she learned coming through tricky teenage years and out of the other side. Find out more about Rabail here: https://www.adoptionmatters.org/podcasts/exploring-transracial-adoption/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabail-ahmed-0b3038336/?originalSubdomain=uk Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and sp...
May 20, 2025•55 min•Ep. 560
How do we bounce back? Keep going when all seems lost? Listen in as adoptive mother Besty and I explore answers to these big questions and more... Betsy Armstrong grew up on a farm in Minnesota, but Chicago captured her country-mouse heart thirty-plus years ago, so she stayed. Betsy is a writer, mom, athlete, and philanthropist who wants to change the world. She has had careers in sales, counseling, and the non-profit space. Still, her true passion is running, which led her to become the Executi...
May 19, 2025•50 min•Ep. 559
"Other people's opinions of us are none of our business." Winston Churchill. I love that quote. For me it's about doing what feels authentic to me. Being me. Doing me. I could never have imagined that the starting point for our conversation - stigma - was going to empower my advocacy. Make me bolder. Listen in and see where this episode takes you. About Becky's last interview... Following failed and miscarriages Becky and her husband Kip adopted 2 girls who are now thriving teenagers. Listen in ...
May 14, 2025•47 min•Ep. 558
Do feel different? Less than? Do you deserve to thrive? Doug always felt different. But he didn't know he was adopted until he was 12. Listen as we dive into insights, sobriety and more in this profound and empowering episode. Check out Doug's book - There Are More Like Me: Search, Reunion, and Synchronicity in Adoption here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/There-Are-More-Like-Synchronicity/dp/B0DYQJN7FK Check him out on Substack here https://douglasbhenderson.substack.com/ Guests and the host are not ...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 557
Another episode with a difference courtesy of two ladies with huge hearts. Empathy for others in the adoption constellation is foundational to thriving and communication. Listen in as birth mother Laura and adoptee Hannah explore the path to empathy. Hannah Andrews was born in Chicago and was adopted as an infant during the Baby Scoop Era. She was raised on a Midwestern farm with two older adoptee brothers. In 2018, a chance meeting with author birthmother Laura Engel sent Hannah in search of he...
May 10, 2025•40 min•Ep. 556
The Promise is that Scotland's children and young people will grow up loved, safe and respected. This episode dives into how Fraser, his team and partners are delivering on that. We explore resilience, expectations and more. Fraser has been Chief Executive of The Promise Scotland since September 2022. Prior to that, he spent 16 years working for Audit Scotland, including ten years as Controller of Audit and Director of Performance Audit and Best Value. Before joining Audit Scotland, Fraser was a...
May 08, 2025•46 min•Ep. 555
At times our trauma threatens to overwhelm us. To overcome us. But how would it be to see that we are bigger than our trauma? Not just to see that. To feel it. To let go of blame. To be free. Listen in as Cher and I dive deep into understanding, forgiveness and more. Cher became a passionate advocate for children and decided to help children break the cycle of abuse after experiencing a traumatic childhood herself. The neglect and abuse she experienced gave her a compassionate heart towards chil...
Apr 28, 2025•57 min•Ep. 554
Are you feeling out of balance? I know I do sometimes. And often because our perspective is to narrow. Listen in as Danny shares a broader, and deeper, perspective on thriving. Powerful and thought provoking. If we want our kids to grow, we need to grow. So how do we do that? Danny shares a wealth of insights into how we can grow based on a lifetime's experience working with kids and parents. It's wide-ranging, fascinating and empowering. Here's a link to Danny's last interview https://thriving-...
Apr 23, 2025•42 min•Ep. 553
There's no such thing as bad kid. There's no such thing as a bad adult. Although that doesn't stop us feeling bad right? Listen in as Matthew and I dive under our beliefs and trauma to see the inherent goodness at our core. Matthew McCall started at The Home in 1998 as a Child Care Worker. Matthew has held virtually every client serving role at The Home, from counselor, to clinician, program and department director, in both congregate care and community settings. For much of his career at The Ho...
Apr 14, 2025•53 min•Ep. 552
Is trauma getting in the way on your journey to home? To peace? Is your ego pulling you off the path? Adoptive mom Chasity was adopted by her step-father whilst she was in pre-school. Listen in as we explore the journey home, obstacles and more... Connect with Chasity at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasity-galyon-2b4994250/ https://alovingoptionadoption.org/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if y...
Apr 10, 2025•59 min•Ep. 551
So many of us struggle to see our worth. To feel valid. Listen as we explore safety, connection and purpose before going way deeper into worth. You're going to want to listen right until the end of this when Linda drops a bombshell about her that explains so much of what we discuss. Wow! A truly belief busting episode with breathtaking clarity. Linda Michie has a Graduate Degree in Urban Studies with a focus on Social Organization and Governance. She majored in Psychology and minored in Criminal...
Apr 08, 2025•55 min•Ep. 550
Do you want more peace and contentment? Who doesn't? Listen in as Janelle and I dive deep in to being content with who we are, fulfilment and more. Adoptive mom Janelle serves as Program Coordinator at Adoption Network Cleveland and in this position, she is responsible for coordinating programming for Families and Youth. This includes program improvements, development, planning and implementation. In this role, Janelle acts as one of the co-facilitators for the Mediation Program, and facilitates...
Apr 07, 2025•59 min•Ep. 549
How do we see our wholeness? How do we feel whole? Listen in as we dive deep into life's biggest questions. https://lifesong.org https://www.facebook.com/lifesongfororphans https://twitter.com/lifesongorphans https://www.instagram.com/lifesongfororphans/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help....
Apr 04, 2025•56 min•Ep. 548
What do we need to succeed? What tools do we have already? What tools can we get? Join us for a deep dive with a fellow metaphor lover Amanda into empowerment and thriving. Connect with Amanda here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-angell/ https://www.facebook.com/FosterandAdopt https://mofosteradopt.com/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help....
Apr 02, 2025•39 min•Ep. 547
The past is a place of reference not a place of residence. So what drives us forward? What keeps our momentum? Listen is as foster kid David shares his insights on growing forward. How many ex foster kids are professors? How many have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of children from hard places. Dr David Cross is uniquely placed to support you the adoptive parent and this episode is a gem. The paradox of helping your kids thrive is that it starts with you thriving. Listen in with bi...
Apr 01, 2025•56 min•Ep. 546
What's beyond your dreams? Tapping into the dreams beyond our dreams can take us to extraordinary places. Listen in as inspirational leader and adoptive dad Chris shares what he's learned about impact, dreams and much more. Connect with Chris here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophertonniges/ https://www.onelfs.org/ https://www.facebook.com/OneLFS https://x.com/OneLFS_ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualif...
Mar 31, 2025•50 min•Ep. 545
What if we were content with being content? OK with feeling OK? Searching for happiness prolongs the search. Listen in as Brett and I dive into the big sea of contentment. The one between the high tide of happiness and the low tide of a low mood. Here's a link to Brett's previous interview https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/how-adoptees-change-safety-addiction-more-with-dr-brett-furst Here's some info on Brett and the Center he works at from their website. Dr. Brett Furst holds a ...
Mar 27, 2025•41 min•Ep. 544
What does growth mean to you? How do we grow? Listen in as we dive into this BIG subject. Insights and practical guidance aplenty. Cynthia K. Jensen is a Certified Social Worker in the State of Wisconsin. Cindy graduated Cum Laude from Milton College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. From 1990 to 2009 she was employed by another Wisconsin child placing agency. During that time Cindy placed more than 550 children with adoptive families. Cindy keeps current on adoption practice by obtaining ...
Mar 26, 2025•39 min•Ep. 543
Would you like more peace? Does trauma drown out peace for you? Listen in as we dive deep and deeper still to find peace. Perhaps one of the most profound and powerful conversations in 542 episodes. Enjoy. Here's a bit about Elmarie: I WRITE TO BREAK THE SILENCE. I was adopted through the closed adoption system in 1966, just five days after I was born. For decades, my story remained locked away—silent, like so many others. But silence never brings healing. "Un-Adoptically Me — My story. My truth...
Mar 25, 2025•59 min•Ep. 542
So much of our lives has been based on protecting ourselves. And understandably so when we've felt so vulnerable and insecure. How would shifting our focus move us forward? Listen in as Ryan takes me - and you - on a profound learning journey. A truly mind shifting and belief busting episode. Ryan is adopted. He and his wife are the proud parents of two adopted daughters through kinship care, a son, and two beloved dogs who have yet to realize their own size. Ryan is deeply passionate about lovi...
Mar 24, 2025•56 min•Ep. 541
What we resist persists. How about more freedom instead? Listen in as Danielle dives into emotional freedom, what it means and how we enjoy it. Profound and practical. Here are two of Danielle's previous interviews on Thriving Adoptees: https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/upping-our-empathy-game https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/seeing-our-untarnished-soul Danielle Gaudette is an emotional healing coach and author of, Healing Tree: An Adoptee’s Story About Hurting, ...
Mar 21, 2025•45 min•Ep. 540
