Episode 209: What to do in a Mental Health Emergency
Release Date: 06/10/2025
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outline
Episode 205: Fighting for Change
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, we're diving into the power of advocacy and what it means to fight for lasting change—especially for those who are often invisible and unheard. At the top of that list: Arizona kids in foster care. In this episode, we sit down with Darcy Olsen, founder of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children, to explore what it takes to change systems and laws to protect the most vulnerable. Since 2017, Darcy has been at the forefront of this critical work, tackling tough issues head-on and pushing for better outcomes so that every child can grow up feeling safe, supported,...
info_outline
Episode 204: The Road to an Autism Diagnosis
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this heartfelt episode, we invite you to join us on a journey of learning, empathy, and growth as we recognize Autism Awareness Month. After our own child received an autism diagnosis last year, we’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and questions that come with navigating this path. With 1 in 36 children—1 in 30 boys—receiving an autism diagnosis by age 8, the need for community education and family support is greater than ever. We’re honored to welcome Dr. Christopher J. Smith, an experimental psychologist and leader at the Southwest Autism Research & Resource...
info_outline
Episode 203: Finding Joy in Everyday Spaces
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In today’s episode, we’re diving into a question that so many of us wrestle with: How do we shift our focus from the daily grind and truly embrace joy? Joining us is Anika Robinson—foster parent of over 15 years, dedicated mom and wife, and founder of ASA Now, a local non-profit. With a life constantly in motion, Anika has learned firsthand how to balance the chaos while still making space for joy. Tune in as we explore her journey, insights, and practical ways to find joy in every season of life. Resource Links: How Gratitude Rewires Your Brain - Christina Costa - Gratitude...
info_outline
Episode 202: Pediatric Feeding Disorder: When Food Becomes the Enemy
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Did you know that Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) affects more children than autism, yet it remains largely unknown unless it directly impacts your family? Based on a national prevalence study, an estimated 1 in 23 children are diagnosed with PFD, a condition that goes beyond picky eating and is not related to body image issues like other eating disorders. Instead, it presents unique challenges for both children and their families, affecting nutrition, development, and daily life. In this episode, we welcome Stacy Bradley, a dedicated mom of four, two of whom joined her family...
info_outline
Episode 201: Connecting with Friends: Chris and Jihae Watson
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today is a special day on Fostering Voices! A couple of episodes ago, we celebrated our 200th episode and reflected on how this podcast began—not with us, but with a powerful vision. Fostering Voices started as an idea to spark meaningful conversations and raise awareness about the urgent need for community engagement in foster care. It all began with Chris and Jihae Watson, a microphone, and their living room. Two years ago, Foster Arizona was gifted this incredible platform, and we thought it was the perfect time to check in with the Watsons to see where life has taken them. In...
info_outline
Episode 199: Good Boundaries in Love
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, Brian and Kim dive into the theme of love—not just for others, but for ourselves—by exploring the power of healthy boundaries. First, we break down Boundaries 101, discussing what boundaries really mean, why they aren’t about being mean, and how they help us navigate relationships with clarity and confidence. Then, we get real about balancing life’s demands—from managing time and energy in our most important relationships to setting boundaries at work, home, and even with our kids. Because guess what? Parents are people too! We also tackle boundaries in...
info_outlineSummary:
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 matters most.
Resource Links:
Shift Happens -Transformative Counseling Shift Happens
Mental Health First Aid Training Find a Course or Instructor « Mental Health First Aid
National Crisis Lines SAMHSA
Connect with us!
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices
Web: www.fosterarizona.org