Episode 116: Protecting Your Family From Tech with Some Tech
Release Date: 04/06/2021
Episode 197: Championing Community Change
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In the final episode of our mini-series, we explore the transformative power of community support and how it can truly change and uplift lives. Over the last two episodes, we heard from two inspiring individuals who have directly benefited from the incredible work of Foster Arizona. Now, we’re flipping the script. Today, we’re thrilled to spotlight Christian and Patrick Andrew, two dedicated supporters who exemplify how we can all make a difference in our own unique ways. Often, we think creating impact means making big, life-altering commitments like opening our homes. But the...
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Episode 196: Community Impact: Jenny's Story
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode of our mini-series on the transformative power of community support, we dive into another inspiring story of connection and resilience. Last week, we heard from Joseph, who shared how the community shaped his journey from foster care to adulthood. This week, we’re thrilled to continue the conversation with Jenny Montgomery. Jenny brings a wealth of experience as someone who has dedicated her professional life to supporting children and families in the community. But her perspective is especially meaningful because she’s also been on the receiving end of that...
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Episode 195: Community Impact: Joseph’s Story
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Welcome to our podcast mini-series, where we dive into the transformative power of community support. Join us as we explore how fostering connections can truly change lives. To kick things off, we’re thrilled to welcome Joseph Layton to the show. Joseph has been a vital part of Foster Arizona’s housing initiative for over a year and a half, working tirelessly toward his goals and aspirations. Guided by host Ashley, a dedicated Foster Arizona board member and longtime advocate, we’ll uncover the inspiring journey of someone who’s making big strides toward a brighter...
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Episode 194: Refugee and International Foster Care in Arizona
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into the important and often misunderstood topic of refugee and international foster care in Arizona. Misinformation around this issue tends to spread, especially around election seasons, making it hard to separate fact from fiction. Our goal is to shed light on the realities of refugee and international foster care and to offer you practical ways to support those involved. We’re thrilled to welcome two special guests to help us unpack this topic: Erin Pelley and Adan Benitez. Together, we’ll explore the unique challenges and inspiring...
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Episdoe 193: Real Talk: Public Challenges with Invisible Disabilities
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, released during Invisible Disability Awareness Week, we shine a light on the often-overlooked challenges of living with invisible disabilities. We share our personal experiences navigating a world where assumptions are based on what can be seen. From expectations about how a child should behave to judgments about what adults are capable of, these perceptions can create unintentional barriers for those with invisible disabilities. Join us as we explore how our interactions and assumptions affect others and discuss what it might look like to shift our approach. How can...
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Episode 192: Now What? How to Support Your LGBTQ Youth
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, we’re diving into an essential conversation about the role we all play—parents, caregivers, and community members—in supporting the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth. Even if you don’t feel this is directly relevant to your life, we encourage you to listen. Statistically, more than one in five Gen Z adults and one in ten millennial adults identify as LGBTQ+. Youth who identify as LGBTQ+ are at a significantly higher risk for homelessness, substance abuse, trauma, and suicide, with even greater risks for those who’ve experienced the foster care system. These youth...
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Episode 191: Fostered for Greatness
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, we are honored to sit down with Mari Ramsey, whose inspiring journey began when he and his brother entered foster care at the age of 14. While many teens in his situation end up in group homes, Mari was fortunate to find a loving foster family where he could thrive. Through the challenges he faced, Mari discovered his passion for music, faith in God, and a calling to share his story with others. Join us as we listen to Mari’s heartfelt reflections on his experiences, the power of resilience, and how his love for music and faith shaped his path. Resource Links:...
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Episode 190: Real Talk: Group Homes in Arizona
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In today’s episode, we dive into the world of group homes for children in foster care. When family or foster families aren't an option, group homes become the next step for many kids. But what is life really like inside these homes? We’re joined by Shevaun Sullivan, Director of Group Home Relations at OCJ Kids, who shares her insights from years of experience. Shevaun discusses the day-to-day realities for kids in these environments and highlights the crucial role the community plays in supporting their well-being. If you’ve ever wondered how group homes function or how you can...
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Episode 189: Learning & Growing Together - On Location @ FC Training Day
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Join us on location at Central Christian Church in Glendale, Arizona, for Foster Arizona’s semi-annual Foster Cooperative Training. This episode is packed with insightful talks from experts dedicated to empowering caregivers and community champions. Discover valuable knowledge and practical tools to better support the children who need us most. As we learn and grow together, we enhance our ability to make a meaningful impact in their lives. Tune in to be inspired and equipped to show up with greater purpose and compassion. Resource Links: Connect with us! Email:...
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Episode 188: How Art Helps Build Resilience
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the concept of building resilience, particularly in children. We often hear about the importance of resilience, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, how can we help our kids develop this crucial skill? Resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges—it’s about learning to bounce back and thrive in the face of adversity. While there are many ways to nurture resilience, today, we’re focusing on a powerful and perhaps unexpected tool: art. Art can be a transformative medium for children, offering them a way to process...
info_outlineTechnology is great and terrible for our families. Millions upon millions of families have come before us with little to no technology. And they did pretty well for themselves. But here we are with too much technology and what are we supposed to do now?
Todd Watson, CEO of Showit (the sponsor of our podcast!) and Chris' cousin, is on the podcast! This interview is packed with so much incredible info on how to keep our families safe in this technological world.
Where to start
We cannot expect to protect our kids from everything. That is a truth pill we have to swallow, right off the bat. But let's also remember that as adults, a lot of us need this info, whether we have kids or not. A lot of us grown ups are just as bad, if not worse, than kids with their devices!
In episode 31, we talked with Robert Watson about porn and sex. One thing that he told us was that your kids are not always looking for porn, but porn is looking for them! So teach them that there are just so many things they should not click on. And talk to them about staying safe online.
Todd also mentioned that simply having a phone, and having texting capabilities is a form of social media. So even if your kids are not on social media (which we strongly recommend that they avoid it til they are at least 16, if not longer!), you still have to check up on them! If they can text, they are not getting a break from school life, or social life. When we were younger, when we left school for the day, that was it. We didn't bring the drama home with us. Make sure your kids are doing ok with who is texting them, and what people are texting them. Even deleted texts can haunt you forever - so be careful. And tell your kids to be careful.
Some tools
Here are some of the apps and tools that Todd mentioned in this episode
- qustodio.com
- bark.com
- Griffin Wifi router
- set pins on Netflix
Best parenting advice
As always, our biggest pieces of advice for having a healthy home are to eat meals together and build your relationships! If eating dinner every night together is out of the question, then eat bowls of cereal together in the morning. Just make sure you have time to look each other in the eyeballs and say "how was your day? how is your heart?"
Good Word of the Day
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
-Proverbs 22:6
Todd talked a lot about training our kids for character! SO GOOD! We can't control our kids and their actions. We can try to help them make better choices, and we can try to protect them from certain things. But if we train them to have good character, they will make a lot of those good choices for themselves!
We mentioned that Rules Without Relationship Lead to Rebellion. Work on your relationship with your kids and your loved ones. Help them to understand the rules, and even have ownership in them! Hopefully this will mitigate some of the rebellion! Friends, none of us are going to get this right 100% of the time. Our kids will slip up. And so will we! So let's have grace, AND wisdom!
Connect with Todd
You can hear more about Todd's journey as a foster family in episode 6!
You can connect with him on social media, even though he is rarely on it. (So, good luck!)
Connect with Us!
Fostering Voices on Instagram
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