Episode 220: The Role Trauma and Stress Play in Disease
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: This week, we’re diving into a topic that many of us would rather avoid—how stress and trauma affect our bodies. If you’re like Kim, it’s not a conversation you’re eager to have, but it’s one that matters deeply if we want to live as our healthiest, most authentic selves. Joining the discussion is our friend and regular guest, Estefana Johnson, who helps unpack what happens “when the body says no.” Together, we explore the hidden ways internal stress and unresolved trauma can shape our health, behaviors, and overall wellbeing. From understanding Adverse Childhood...
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Episode 219: When Grandparents Become Parents
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: This week, we’re diving into an important and often overlooked topic — when grandparents step into the role of parent. In 2024, Duet reported that more than 64,000 grandparents in Arizona are raising their grandchildren, and census data shows the state ranks above the national average for grandparents providing care. For every one child raised by kin within the foster care system, there are eight being raised by kin outside of it. In this episode, we’re honored to talk with Oralia, a grandmother navigating the challenges and joys of raising her grandchildren, and Lisa from Duet,...
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Episode 218: Supporting Young Adults with Addiction
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: This week on the podcast, we wrap up our series on substance use with an honest and compassionate conversation about supporting young adults who are struggling with addiction. Joining us again are Kim McWilliams and Sarah Grado, who bring both personal insight and professional experience to this deeply important topic. We begin by exploring why this issue is so relevant today—looking at current statistics, the driving factors behind them, and the real-life experiences of youth that go beyond the numbers. From there, we shift to the power of connection on the other side of addiction:...
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Episode 217: The Impact of Marijuana on the Adolescent Brain
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In our last episode, we explored how substances affect infants. But what about adolescents? Is marijuana really a big deal for today’s youth, and what do parents and communities need to know to keep them safe? In this episode, we welcome Kim McWilliams, an award-winning licensed counselor, and Sarah Grado, Executive Director of Not My Kid, a local Arizona nonprofit dedicated to substance use prevention and recovery. Together, they shed light on the realities of marijuana use among teens, the ripple effects it creates at school, at home, and among peers, and how communities are...
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Episode 216: The Impact of Substance Use on the Infant Brain
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: From the very first breaths of life, some babies face challenges most of us can hardly imagine. Born substance-exposed, these newborns often enter the world in pain, their tiny bodies working through the effects of addiction before they even have a chance to begin. In the Phoenix Valley, Jacob’s Hope is stepping into that story with compassion and care. Their mission is twofold: to nurture newborns who are substance-exposed and to walk alongside mothers who are fighting to overcome addiction, offering them the support they need for a healthier future. Today, we’re joined by two...
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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...
info_outlineJacob's Hope is an organization here in Arizona, that seeks to provide care, support, and education for newborns who have been substance exposed. It started from the hearts of Jo and Brian Jones, who adopted their son, Jacob, who was substance exposed.
This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Jo, the president and co-founder of Jacob's Hope, as well as Syria Watson, the community relations liaison. Syria also happens to be our aunt, and Jo is also a great friend of hers, and Chris' grandmother and Jo's mom have been best friends for over 40 years! Small world!
As foster parents, we can have our substance exposed children receive care and treatment at Jacob's Hope. You can call 480-398-7373. But the best thing for you to do is to take your baby to the pediatrician, or the hospital, to receive a diagnosis for your child.
To learn more about Jacob's Hope and their amazing team, and what they do, check out their website. Though they are currently not in need of volunteers to hold the babies, they are always open to taking newborn sized diapers, as well as these items from their wish list, and financial donations as well!
You can allocate your Amazon Smiles to Jacob's Hope, as well as your Fry's money. And if you search through United Ways list of organizations, you will find them there as well!
It is just about tax season, and if you are getting ready to file your taxes, you can listen to this episode to help you with that!
If you live in Arizona, there is a huge one-day conference going on called Kids Blitz. This is a great opportunity to get your education hours in to keep your foster care license up. This will be on Saturday, March 5th, 2020, and Jacob's Hope will be there!
Good Word of the Day
"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:40
Thankful for the way that the Bible can convict us and move us to care for others the way Christ cares for us.
The random question of season 5 is 'Who would play you in the movie of your life?'
Syria said Diane Keaton, cause it's the only correct answer. And Jo went with Emma Thompson, which is also a great answer because they are both prevailing, resilient, classic women.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! Thank you for listening, and we hope that you will check out Jacob's Hope, and you can connect with them on Instagram .
And you can connect with us as well! On Instagram and on our website!