Feeling free to be our authentic selves. Being accepted as we are. What does that mean for you? How can you help the people you love feel that? Listen is as adoptive mom and adoption professional Ligia shares what she's learned - and continues to learn - on two big topics. Especially as they relate to race. An eye opening episode. https://www.instagram.com/ligiaspeaks/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified ...
Mar 13, 2025•55 min•Ep. 539
What if we were to stop searching for happiness outside us? How would that be? How would that feel? Listen in as Amanda and I dive into what she calls emotional self sufficiency. Have you heard of that? I certainly hadn't. And it lead to a profoundly empowering conversation. We both loved it and hope that you do too. https://www.theanchorfamily.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 h...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 538
Truths can be elusive for us adoptees. Fantasies or nightmares may fill in the blanks. And truths can shift when we re-visit the past and ask others for their truth - their versions of events. This can lead to profound realisations. Listen in as Julie and I explore shifting truths, changes of mind and more. Julie Ryan McGue is an author, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. She writes extensively about finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it. Here are links to pre...
Mar 06, 2025•49 min•Ep. 537
What helps us blossom? What gets in the way? How do we overcome those obstacles? Listen in as we explore big questions with grace and depth. Brad stretched me out of my comfort zone into new insights. I hope this interview catalyses sparks insights in you. Foster parent Brad Brooks serves as the Executive Director of Southeastern Children’s Home and Counseling Center. Brad is an avid San Francisco 49ers fan and a running enthusiast. He has previously served as both a Case Manager, Education Inst...
Feb 20, 2025•58 min•Ep. 536
Shame. Not being enough. Trauma. Listen in as birth mother Janelle shares insights on what helps us thrive and what gets in the way of thriving. She also shares how shifts in perspectives help us overcome those obstacles. Powerful. Impactful. Love this. Connect and find out more at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janellebasham/ https://www.bravelove.org/stories/meet-the-team-janelle-basham/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion on...
Jan 30, 2025•53 min•Ep. 535
Born without arms in Romania and unwanted, George went straight from the hospital to an orphanage where he stayed until being adopted at 18 months. Relentlessly bullied at school he felt ashamed, full of resentment, mad at the world and God. Listen in as he shares his insights on the journey to thriving. An incredibly powerful interview. You're going to love this. Find out more: @ThatArmlessGuy Www.thatarmlessguy.com “UndeFEETed” Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-the...
Jan 29, 2025•54 min•Ep. 534
Lacking knowledge of our history can impact our confidence. So what do we do? How can we be more confidence whatever the uncertainty of our roots? Listen in as Jen and I dive deep into overcoming some of our essential challenges as adoptees. From Laguna Beach (Orange County), California, Jennifer Bao Yu "Precious Jade" Jue-Steuck is an author, screenwriter, children's novelist, adoption researcher, and adoption columnist. Adopted from Taipei (by an American family from Los Angeles), Jennifer is ...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 533
Many of us adoptees have been asking questions for as long as we can remember. Who are we? Where did we come from? Why were we adopted? What drives our questions? What drives your questions? Listen in as adoptee and therapist Kim shares the fierce curiosity that drives her, coming through the toughest of times and more. Rich and deep. Just like we love these interviews. Find out about where Kim works here https://www.cffde.org/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-thera...
Jan 10, 2025•55 min•Ep. 532
"The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence." A great quote from Roy T. Bennett. As adoptees we talk a lot about the past, our stories and more. This episode is all about the future. Creating our own future. Listen in as Carol shares insights and learnings on potentiality - unlocking our potential. But it's not all about us, it's about helping others unlock their potential too. Here's the link to listen to the interview I mention. It's with Anthony Lynch and it's called Different...
Jan 09, 2025•47 min•Ep. 531
Do you yearn to belong? To feel a deeper sense of belonging? To feel you belong with others? With yourself? What would that mean to you? Listen in as Jude and I dive deep into this profound topic. Find out about Jude's book here https://www.amazon.com/Girl-without-Tribe-Between-Adoptees/dp/B0DJK4XS9F/ https://www.facebook.com/jude.a.hung https://www.instagram.com/finding_home_with_jude https://fhwithjude.com/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak fro...
Dec 20, 2024•45 min•Ep. 530
So many of us feel broken. And that hurts like hell. How would it feel to be whole? A whole lot better. Listen in as Daryn shares his learnings from a very counter-cultural take on wholeness from adoptee Sydney Banks. Daryn really stretched me - in a good way - and that helped me to new insights. We both hope it catalyzes new insights for you. Here's a bit about Daryn from his website: Hello! My name is Daryn Watson, and I am a reunited adoptee. My adoption reunion journey began in 1995 at the a...
Dec 20, 2024•53 min•Ep. 528
How do we feel at our best? Listen in as we explore the mind and body connection together with some simple ways to feel at our best more of the time. I loved this conversation and we both hope you do too. Christine Tangel is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience working with children and families in New York City. She has provided direct service and supervision in various aspects of child welfare, including preventive services and foster care. Currently, Christine is...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 529
If you're in the muck, keep moving forward. You can move on. Listen in as birth mother Kristy describes how she got inspired and let her inspire you. Great life lessons. Great episode. Connect with Kristy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-holt-b36873339/ https://x.com/KristyAkakrissy 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....
Dec 11, 2024•47 min•Ep. 527
Where do we find the courage to step up? Listen in as birth father Andy shares where he found the courage to share his story to inspire others. Powerful. Be ready to be up-lifted. Connect with Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-coppenhall-2a92b4156/ 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....
Dec 09, 2024•45 min•Ep. 526
Sometimes it feels like we are going to drown in our tears. And that's really scary. So we stuff our feelings for fear of being overwhelmed by them. Or we deny them. Or numb them. What if there was another way? What if our trauma didn't bother us? Listen in as transracial and international adoptee Josie shares her liberating take on trauma. Profound lessons. Listen in with big ears. Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. S...
Dec 06, 2024•58 min•Ep. 525
Have you found your way to thrive? Could you use some pointers on different ways? Is it about understanding trauma? Moving beyond identifying with trauma? Healing? Something else? Listen in as we discuss different ways to help you find your way. Ty is an adoptee who has been in reunion with her birth family for over 25 years. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-cliffel-748b7ba7/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek quali...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 524
Did you grow up with a lot on your mind? A lot of questions about you are? Holes in your identity? Molly was born in Thailand and adopted in the US just before the age of 2. She felt holes in her identity and sometimes guilt about the questions she was asking herself. Listen in as she shares how she's grown and come into her identity as an adoptee. https://www.instagram.com/simplymollz/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion onl...
Nov 27, 2024•52 min•Ep. 523
Anna used to spread hate about herself being adopted and did everything she could to avoid talking about it. Now she runs a podcast and discusses adoption all the time. So what changed? Listen in as we talk identity, transracial adoption and most of all, being authentic. Anna Jinja Mather was adopted from Seoul, Korea, and grew up in Iowa. Her heart is filled with love for people and their stories. By sharing her adoption story and all that she is learning to help her navigate through personal a...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 522
Nancy Verrier (the Primal Wound) says the adoptee's self is wounded. Richard Schwartz (No Bad Parts) says the Self is unwoundable. Do you see a clash? Who do you think is right? Here's the post: https://www.facebook.com/simonjbenn/posts/pfbid02vxmVkxqjJAh1FtkcQzaaSKSZ2pykMQf8Js4HEmjTcBiUiWvnexzjZpc1m59uxXiMl More on Richard Schwartz https://ifs-institute.com/about-us/richard-c-schwartz-phd Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion ...
Nov 18, 2024•24 min•Ep. 521
Looking for health, happiness and success as you define it? Listen in as Jim dives deep into mental, emotional and relational wellbeing. I loved this and I learned lots from it. Jim and I hope you do too. Connect with Jim at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-clifford-obe-frsa/ 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....
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 520
Does music lift your spirit? Is it an escape for you? It was for Mj as a chid. It is now. She also uses music with clients in therapy sessions. Listen in as we go deep on escaping, spirit, people pleasing, being accepted and much more.... Mj is a music therapist-board certified (MT-BC) and licensed clinical social worker. Find out more about MJ at https://musingsofataiwaneseamericanadoptee.life/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own op...
Nov 05, 2024•50 min•Ep. 519
Trauma can seem like a terrifying predator stalking us... Our world is scary and dark. This podcast is fundamentally different because it brings lightness to this darkness. · So you can see a dramatically different, friendlier world. And when you see better, you do better for yourself and loved ones. · So you can forge a peaceful relationship with trauma. Because you see the light of hope as well as the lightness of understanding. · So you can see a brighter way to a better life. Because there’s...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 518
Do adoptees want to heal? Is healing even possible? Listen in as Joyce and I explore rarely asked questions about trauma. Why? To catalyse fresh insights for you on trauma's impact. I learned lots of from this and hope you do too. Here's the link to Joyce's previous interviews: https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/joyce https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/theres-nothing-wrong-with-us-with-joyce-maguire-pavao https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/joyce-advoc...
Oct 22, 2024•49 min•Ep. 517
Thriving is about who we are as well as how we feel. Listen in as Sherrie and I go deep into identity and healing. Sherrie is a christian - and I'm not - so there's some different views and mutual respect. A particularly powerful episode. For well over two decades, Sherrie Eldridge has offered her unique voice within the adoption community, as an established author and international speaker. An adoptee herself, Eldridge has the ability to see life through the eyes of an adopted child. In her sev...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 516
Has being adopted boxed you in? Do you want to feel free-er? Free? Listen in as Fiona shares her insights on what she's learning about freedom, seeing through imposter syndrome, shaking inadequacy off and more. Find out more about Fiona and her advocacy at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-wells-patch-9064071a5/?originalSubdomain=uk https://www.ourpatch.org.uk/ https://x.com/PATCH_AdoptCris Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinio...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 515
How clear are you on who you are? Identity can confuse the hell out of us. Listen in as Samantha dives deep into finding herself. It may help you on your journey to finding your trues self or living from authenticity. https://www.drsamanthabrooks.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-b-4763a94a/ https://x.com/DrSjBrooks 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....
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 514
Who doesn't want a loving, happy and fulfilling life? Do I hear the HOW question? Listen in as Ken shares his learnings for catalyst ideas to help you along your journey. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethdestefano/ https://www.facebook.com/ken.destefano.1 https://www.amazon.com/Will-See-You-Again-Hearts/dp/B0C63YSMWH 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....
Sep 12, 2024•58 min•Ep. 513
Do you wish you were carrying less emotional baggage? Listen in as Craig shares the things that have helped and are helping lighten his load from meeting Nancy Verrier and Ram Dass and much, much more. Find out more about Craig at: https://www.facebook.com/insideoutadoption 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....
Aug 28, 2024•55 min•Ep. 512
What if there's an inherent health within us that drives us? A Self that's untouched by trauma? How would knowing that make a difference to how we feel about ourselves? Listen in as Liam dives into his experience to reveal a finding overflowing with hope. Liam O Mahony is an adoptee, an accredited Psychotherapist and Addiction Counsellor with over nine years of experience working with adults and adolescents. He is associated with the Centre for Self-Leadership Internal Family Systems Therapy (IF...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 511
Have you felt separate? Alone? Elizabeth felt so separate that she thought she was an alien. So how did she get to that visceral feeling of wholeness? A deep dive into healing. Because that's where the gems are. Note from Elizabeth – I want to apologize for the incorrect usage of the phrase trauma bonding near the very end of the episode. I was looking for a way to describe adoptees commiserating with one another about a shared traumatic experience. Simon’s term of validation is more appropriate...
Aug 15, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 509
