Episode 180: How Caregiver Stress Impacts Our Bodies
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In honor of Stress Awareness Month, our podcast delves into the crucial topic of stress reduction and self-care. While this is important for everyone, it holds even greater significance for caregivers of children with special needs and those working in social services fields. The toll of constant stress can adversely affect our health, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, inadequate sleep, lack of physical activity, and imbalanced diets. These factors increase the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. But how do we address this challenge? Today,...
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Episode 179: What is Critical Memory Integration and How Can it Help?
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today, we’re delving into an exciting new therapy modality called Critical Memory Integration. This groundbreaking approach focuses on healing trauma by exploring unresolved critical memories and integrating them with neutral memories, fostering resilience in individuals. At the forefront of this creation, our incredible team of panelists joins us today. You might recognize one of our team members—Estefana Johnson—who shared her insights in our Valentine’s episode. Estefana is a cherished friend of Foster Arizona. Alongside Estefana, we have two remarkable psychologists: Dr....
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Episode 178: Learning and Growing Together - On Location at Foster Cooperative Training Day: Part 2
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast! In today’s episode, we’re picking up where we left off last week. Our microphones are live on location at Foster Cooperative’s first training day of 2024, where we’re soaking up knowledge and growing together. 🌱 Last time, you had the pleasure of meeting some of our incredible presenters. This week, get ready to hear from three more remarkable human beings. They’ll share their stories, insights, and passion for fostering. 🎙️ So, without further ado, let’s dive into this enriching conversation! Buckle up, because here we...
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Episode 177: Learning and Growing Together - On Location at Foster Cooperative Training Day: Part 1
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today is all about something extra special! We've packed our gear and hit the road to bring you an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. Right now, we're on location at Foster Cooperative's training day, immersing ourselves in a day of learning and growth. Foster Arizona, a beacon of support and empowerment, hosts these training events twice a year. And let me tell you, each time is a unique journey filled with eye-opening insights. Today, we're not keeping those gems to ourselves – we're bringing you along for the ride! Join us as we dive into various topics and explore valuable...
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Episode 176: All You Need is Love (Not!)
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: It’s officially Hallmark’s week of love! 🌟 When it comes to parenting kids with trauma, we often hear the words, “All You Need is Love.” But is that really true? This week, we dive deep into this question. We’re thrilled to have Estefana Johnson joining us in the conversation. Estefana, a clinical social worker, began her career working with youth in residential treatment facilities. She’s a mover and a shaker, bringing innovative approaches to trauma therapies. Plus, she’s a favorite trainer at our semi-annual Foster Cooperative training events. And let’s not...
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Episode 175: I Want to Foster! Now What?
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Discover the profound journey of becoming a foster parent in a nation grappling with a staggering shortage. In this episode, we explore the critical issue of the national decline in foster parent numbers, intensified by a 60% drop since the onset of the pandemic. Arizona, mirroring this trend, has witnessed a drastic decrease from 5,559 licensed foster homes in 2019 to a mere 2,798 as of November 2023 – marking a nearly 50% loss. Against this backdrop, our guests, Elisia and Jade from Step Stone Youth Agency, shed light on the challenges and rewards of foster parenting. At a time...
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Episode 174: Moms Get Real
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Welcome to the Fostering Voices podcast with your host Kim! Join us as we shake things up in this episode by delving into some authentic mom talk. We've given Brian the boot for now to bring you a heartfelt discussion on the joys and challenges of parenting within the realms of foster care and adoption. As a mom personally touched by these experiences, connecting with others who share similar journeys has been both empowering and deeply meaningful. In today's episode, we're joined by the wonderful Elisia and Ally, fellow moms navigating the unique landscape of foster care and...
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Episode 173: Kids’ Perspective on Foster Care and Adoption
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast! Happy 2024, everyone! We're thrilled to kick off another year of heartfelt conversations and insightful stories. In today's episode, we have a special discussion with our 'bigs'—Maisey, Liesey, and Sam—sharing their unique perspectives on foster care and adoption. Join us as we delve into their experiences, gaining valuable insights into the world of fostering and adoption through their eyes. Thanks for tuning in, and let's embark on this journey of understanding and empathy together! Resource Links: Connect with us! Email:...
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Episode 172: Foster Care Land Between: Planning Your Future in the Unknown
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: As we wrap up 2024, we're diving into the complexities of foster care planning. Unlike the conventional New Year's resolutions, the foster care journey is a unique landscape filled with uncertainties. In today's raw and unfiltered discussion, it's just the two of us sharing our personal experiences without any guests. We want to pull back the curtain on the challenges and emotions that come with navigating the foster care land between. As we all contemplate what the coming year holds, those entrenched in foster care face a different set of considerations. Planning takes on a whole new...
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Episode 171: Laughing all the Way: Vehon Christmas Traditions
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Welcome to a festive episode of our podcast, where we dive into the heartwarming world of holiday traditions and intentional joy. As we usher in the holiday season, we're joined by some special guests – the Vehon kids! In this intimate conversation, we explore how our family of 9 embraces the spirit of togetherness and crafts unique traditions that redefine the meaning of festive celebrations. Discover the magic of intentional joy and connection as we unpack the Vehon family's approach to the holidays. From crazy traditions that spark laughter to thoughtful rituals that deepen...
info_outlineThis episode is gonna give you all the feels friends, so brew yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy. Unless you are driving. Then stay focused and alert, but still enjoy this episode.
Jeremy was on the podcast on Episode 47: Interview with a Sharp Adoptee and Foster Dad back in March of this year. He mentioned that he had been gifted with an Ancestry.com gift from his wife, and he wanted to see if he had any siblings out there. WELP. He got what he was looking for. And he also got something he wasn't looking for - HIS BIO DAD!!!
We hope that you enjoy this episode. We know that not every adoption story has this outcome, and it can be devastating. We don't want to be insensitive to that. But we do want to celebrate with Jeremy who was able to be reunited with his birth dad - Papa Jeff.
We also want to always be respectful of our guests, so we didn't ask a ton of questions in this interview. We wanted to let Jeremy and Jeff tell their story! (Even though we did try to lay copyright claims on it so we could turn it into a Hallmark Christmas movie!)
But major kudos to every single member of Jeff and Jeremy's families for all the major changes they faced this year! The Adoption Triad is something that is SO important in helping Adoptees to feel supported, and that is comprised of the Adoptee, their bio family, and their adoptive family. Jeremy's entire family has just been such a beautiful example of what it looks like to lovingly embrace every new member of Jeremy's family. This takes so much humility and self-control, and we commend everyone who works hard to make the Adoption Triad work well for the sake of their child!
A little more on Jeremy: he is a good friend of ours. He is married to Grace, who was a guest on our podcast, on episode 45. Together they have 2 boys, and a little foster daughter. Jeremy works at Stewardship, the company that handles all of our insurance, mortgages, financial stuff! We were once guests on his podcast, The Defining Stewardship Podcast. We highly recommend Stewardship for any and every service they provide!
The Good Word of the Day:
“For the revelation (vision) awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come
and will not delay.”
-Habakkuk 2:3
This was actually Jeremy's verse that he shared back in March, and it's even more BEAUTIFUL in light of all that has happened this year!
If you would like to connect:
Jeremy on Instagram.
Jihae on Facebook
Chris on Facebook
Fostering Voices on Instagram
Jihae on Instagram
You can also email us at [email protected]
AND we would LOVE it if you would SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community with more people!