Episode 215: Empowering Children with Learning Disabilities
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: School is back in session, and for parents raising kids who need extra support, the start of the year can bring more than just new routines; it can stir up anxiety, frustration, and countless questions about navigating the system to get the right resources. In this episode, we sit down with Joey Taylor, an education advocate, foster parent, and adoptive parent whose journey is as inspiring as it is unique. Raised and educated in Arizona, Joey’s path has taken him from the halls of jail to the desks of exceptional students, and into the homes of families in crisis. His experiences...
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Episode 214: Keep Goaling!
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, Brian and Kim dive into the struggles parents face when life feels stuck in worry about our kids, our future, and the unknown. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Edith Eger’s wisdom, they remind us that “you’re going to be 50 anyways,” so why not keep moving toward growth and possibility? Together, they unpack what it means to get back on the “dream train,” exploring how parents can rediscover passions and live without regrets. This conversation isn’t about pretending life is all sunshine and rainbows, no trolls are left behind here, but about choosing...
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Episode 213: The Housing Crisis' Impact on Youth
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today we’re talking about the youth housing crisis with Matt Finley, who leads Maricopa County’s efforts to improve the youth homelessness response system. From direct services to policy, Matt brings deep experience to this urgent conversation. We explore what’s driving the crisis, how the needs of youth have changed, and what solutions are making a difference—from statewide initiatives to mentorship programs. Tune in to learn what’s working, what still needs to change, and how we can better support unhoused youth across Arizona and beyond. This is a conversation you won’t...
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Episode 212: Setting Realistic Expectations
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Last week, Kim and I got real about navigating the spaces of unmet expectations. But what if we could keep ourselves out of those spaces of disappointment – or at least visit them less often – by setting realistic expectations in the first place? This week, we’re diving into that question with Estefana Johnson. Estefana is a clinical social worker who began her career supporting youth in residential treatment facilities. She now serves as the Clinical Director for ASA Now and Shade Tree Academy, bringing a wealth of knowledge, practical tools, and encouragement to the families...
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Episode 211: Discovering Opportunity in Unmet Expectations
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, we’re having the real conversation about unmet expectations—and the choices we have in processing them. Do we dwell in disappointment, or do we discover unexpected opportunities? Without minimizing life’s real challenges, we share personal stories and honest reflections on navigating the gap between what we hoped for and what actually is. We explore the grieving process that often comes with unmet expectations and how it’s okay to feel the weight of that gap. Then, we shift the lens to see how those very moments can hold hidden gifts. From redefining success...
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Episode 210: Missing Children - Who's Looking?
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today, we’re talking about the heartbreaking reality of missing children. If you live in Arizona, you’ve likely heard the tragic story of Emily Pike—who disappeared from a group home and was later found dismembered off Highway 60 near Globe. One case like this is one too many. Every day, children who go missing—many of them runaways—face unimaginable danger. Joining us is Leila Woodard, founder of the Arizona Missing Children's Task Force. Leila is a powerful voice and driving force behind this collaborative initiative, which brings together nonprofit organizations across...
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Episode 209: What to do in a Mental Health Emergency
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, we’re diving deep into the growing mental health challenges affecting our communities. Licensed professional counselor Wade Cordell joins us to share his expertise in trauma, ADHD, and crisis intervention. As a Mental Health First Aid trainer and passionate mental health advocate, Wade helps us understand how to recognize a crisis, when to step in, and what steps to take using the ALGEE action plan. From risk factors to real-life interventions, we explore the power of support, the importance of awareness, and how we can all be better prepared to respond when it...
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Episode 208: The Child Catcher
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: New York Times bestselling author Andrew Bridge joins us to share his powerful journey from foster care to Harvard Law and beyond. In this episode, we discuss his memoir Hope’s Boy and his new release The Child Catcher, a bold exposé on the child welfare system. Andrew reflects on beating the odds, the stigma surrounding foster youth, and the billion-dollar business of foster care. With deep personal insight and a call for justice, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who cares about children, advocacy, and systemic change. Tap play for an unforgettable story of resilience...
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Episode 207: What is Happening with Our Teens
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, Meagan Ku returns to explore the mental health challenges facing today’s teens—and how parents can respond with wisdom and awareness. As a mom of three teenagers, Meagan shares personal insight and professional perspective on what's really going on with youth today, and why it's so different from past generations. Kim and Brian dive into tough questions: What are we missing? What do we need to see more clearly? We also revisit Meagan’s previous episode (Ep. 206) and catch up on what’s new in her world. From the alarming youth mental health stats in Arizona to...
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Episode 206: Top 5 Tips for Parenting
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: We're back with a bonus episode to celebrate April's five-Tuesday month! This special release features Meagan Ku, who first joined us in February for our Foster Cooperative training event. Her insights were so impactful, we had to bring her back for more. Meagan has spent over a decade working with children and families, specializing in support for those impacted by neglect, abuse, and attachment challenges. Her deep passion for helping youth and their caregivers shines through as she equips them with practical tools for resilience, healing, and connection. In this episode, we dive...
info_outlineThis week's episode talks about national adoption month and thanksgiving!
National Adoption Month and Day!
November 23rd 2019 is National Adoption Day, which is so exciting as we know this is a huge day for families who are adopting children out of foster care! And National Adoption Month was created to promote adoption via foster care.
We are thankful for all the families that we know who have adopted - whether locally or internationally. Adoption is a multi-faceted and emotionally-charged topic, but when done with grace and humility, that's when the adoption triad can really thrive!
Adoption Triad
We have spoken about the adoption triad in passing several times, and it involves the Adoptee (person who was adopted), the Bio family, and the Adoptive family. When each side of the triangle is strong, and willing to do what is best for the adoptee, the triangle can be successful!
Name Change?
In this episode, we also touched on whether or not adoptive families have changed their adopted children's given names. We found that more people who responded to our poll DID change names. Reasons varied from safety, to letting children choose their new names, and giving family names. And reasons for not changing names was to allow children to keep one of the things that their parents gave to them. (Another family said they kept their birth names as middle names). There is no wrong answer to this, and I am thankful that we have also had input from adoptees themselves. It is important to do what is right for your adoptee and your family.
The Good Word of the Day
"Gratitude is one of the greatest Christian virtues; ingratitude is one of the most destructive sins. Ask God to open your eyes to all the blessings He has given you, and ask for a fresh spirit of gratitude - not just at this season of the year, but always."
- Billy Graham, Hope For Each Day
We hope you will all take time this week, as well as everyday, to find something wonderful to be grateful for. We understand some seasons are easier to do this in than others, but it's still important nonetheless!
We talked about what an inspiration it was to hear Montel Williams talk about his battle with MS. He once said hat instead of focusing on foods he is no longer allowed to eat, he looks at the food he is able to eat (mostly veggies!) and thinks 'what a blessing that I have the privilege to eat this healthy food.' Focus on the positive and not the negatives!
And we also read this article that shared more about Motel and his amazing mindset:
"These days, Montel tries to think of his disease as a gift. "This is what God gave me," he says.
Montel shares one of his calming techniques with Oprah, Dr. Oz and the audience.
Montel shares one of his calming techniques with Oprah, Dr. Oz and the audience.
- Close your eyes.
- Think back on a wonderful moment in your life.
- Take two deep breaths.
- Open your eyes.
And when we can look at being foster and adoptive parents in the same light: that we have the privilege of taking care of these kids, instead of the burden, or inconvenience of the system, hopefully that will make this journey more enjoyable for everyone.
We hope you are able to enjoy great meals with great people this week (and every week)! We are so thankful for you listeners!
If you would like to connect:
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You can also email us at [email protected]
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