Episode 161: Real Talk - Self Care with Matthew Blades
Release Date: 07/11/2023
Episode 231: High Risk: What Weed is Doing to Young Brains
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Fostering Voices returns with an important conversation about marijuana use among young adults and why the growing normalization of cannabis may carry deeper consequences than many realize. Brian and Kim explore the impact legalization has had on youth, especially those connected to foster care, housing instability, and mental health challenges. This episode examines emerging research linking cannabis use to increased risks for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, school disruption, impaired driving, and long-term instability. The discussion also highlights...
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Episode 230: A Grown Up Love Story: Adoption after Later Stages
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today, we’re joined by Leah and Brian from the Gift of Adoption Fund to explore how families are supported as they welcome youth who have faced adversity into permanent, loving homes. With more than 6,500 children served and over $22 million in adoption funding provided, their work is creating tangible pathways to stability and belonging. While many people associate adoption with infants, this conversation broadens the lens to highlight critical needs within our communities. Leah and Brian share their personal journeys into adoption advocacy, what drew them to this work, and the...
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Episode 229: ENOLA: You're Not Alone
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Isolation is one of the most consistent challenges we hear from the young adults we serve. Many feel like they are navigating life on their own, and that sense of disconnection doesn’t just affect them—it impacts their families as well. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to break that isolation and how we can step in with meaningful support. We’re joined by Wendi Cross, author of Not Forgotten and CEO of xHope. Wendi shares how her personal journey—including adoption, ministry, and building community—shaped her passion for helping others experience connection....
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Episode 228: Empowering Vulnerable Youth in Uncertain Times - Estefana Johnson
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In a time marked by division and uncertainty, today’s conversation confronts a hard reality. Many of the youth we care about are struggling to find their footing. Fragmentation across culture, ideology, and community has not just created tension. It has created confusion for young people trying to navigate identity, belonging, and direction. Ignoring it is not an option. This episode invites a direct and honest discussion about what we are seeing on the ground. As adults, whether leaders, parents, mentors, or caregivers, we carry a responsibility to move beyond observation and...
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Episode 227: Finding Strength in Our Shared Stories
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, we explore how parents and caregivers can find strength, encouragement, and resilience through shared experiences with others who understand their journey. Parenting—especially within the foster care community—can sometimes feel isolating, but connection with others who have walked a similar path can provide the support and perspective families need to keep moving forward. Joining the conversation is Ricky Denwood, who has served the foster care community in many roles. As a foster parent, adoptive dad, parent trainer, and community advocate, Ricky brings both...
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Episode 226: Crisis Intersection: Policing with Compassion
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: When a mental health crisis escalates to the point of police involvement, most families feel overwhelmed, unprepared, and unsure of what happens next. In this episode, we step into that difficult space with clarity and practical guidance. Youth mental health concerns are rising at alarming rates. Data from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that 40% of high school students report persistent sadness or hopelessness, and 18% have experienced major depression. At the same time, 53% of public schools report an increase in students seeking mental health support. For youth who have...
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Episode 225: Navigating Connection in Out-of-Home Placement
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: When a child can’t stay at home, families are often left asking one painful question: how do we stay connected without making things harder? In this episode, we talk about how families can stay emotionally connected when a child is placed in out-of-home care. Whether a child is receiving temporary services or more intensive wrap-around support, separation from the home can be one of the most challenging experiences for families—especially those connected to foster care, residential treatment, or therapeutic services. We’re joined by returning guest Estefana Johnson, a licensed...
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Episode 224: Focus In, Freak Out Less
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode of the Fostering Voices podcast, Brian and Kim explore what happens when we shift our focus inward—toward what we can control, what we need, and how we choose to respond—and how that shift shapes our relationships with others. They kick things off with a few real-life moments we can all relate to, from navigating chaotic drivers to the unique stress of New Year’s Eve, using these everyday experiences as a springboard for deeper reflection. From there, the conversation turns toward intentionality: how we want to show up in the world, the power of choosing our...
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Episode 223: The Unofficial 2025 Recap - Vehon Version
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Happy 2026! In this reflective kickoff episode, Brian and Kim look back on 2025 through their shared perspective as the Vehons—an honest conversation about a year that taught them deeply, stretched them unexpectedly, and surprised them with moments of real joy. Together, they unpack what 2025 revealed: the lessons that shaped them, the challenges that pushed them beyond their comfort zones, and the places where joy showed up in meaningful ways. From there, they turn the corner toward the new year, naming what they are intentionally carrying forward into 2026—and what they are...
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Episode 222: Trauma Parenting Will Expose Your Scars
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, you’re invited into a personal, honest conversation about what really happens when you say yes to trauma parenting. Peter Mutabazi joins you for a heartfelt discussion about why fostering doesn’t just change the lives of children—it changes the adults who step in for them. If you’re fostering now or considering stepping into this world, this episode speaks directly to you. Peter shares how his journey began as a ten-year-old homeless child in Uganda and how the kindness of others shaped the man he is today. He opens up about becoming a foster parent to more...
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Matthew Blades is a familiar and friendly voice known to many in Arizona from the successful Matthew and Priscilla in the Morning show on Mix 96.9 FM. Matthew's own journey of battling physical and mental health challenges led him to step away from broadcasting and embark on a healing journey. Now, he sits in front of the podcast mic, hosting the insightful "Learn From Those Who Lived It" podcast, where he engages in conversations with individuals who have overcome unimaginable circumstances and found their path to healing.
Matthew's commitment to spreading joy continues with his new podcast, "I Needed That," co-hosted with Fitness Expert Chris Powell. Drawing from his personal experiences, Matthew shares valuable lessons in his workshops and speaking engagements, touching the lives of others. Today, we dive into an important topic: self-care. This discussion resonates with everyone, particularly those involved in the foster care world. Get ready to join us as we explore the significance of self-care and welcome Matthew Blades to the podcast. Prepare to be inspired and uplifted!
Resource Links:
Learn From People Who Lived It - Podcast
2021 Top 10 Self-Care Resources - PDF
Caregivers Guide to Wellbeing - PDF
Connect with us!
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
IG: @FosteringVoices
Chapter Markers:
00:04 - On Today's Episode
00:34 - Welcome Matthew Blades!
02:25 - Matthew's Story
04:40 - Your Super Power
05:12 - 3 Ways to Screw up Your Kids
07:10 - I am a Human FIrst!
07:41 - Shame, Fear, and Guilt
11:06 - The Recordings in our Heads
12:33 - Moving Forward
13:49 - Spinning the Plates
15:52 - It's not Control; It's Fear
16:59 - Letting Go
18:44 - You're a Transitional Character
20:44 - Speaking it Out Loud
21:47 - Redefining Success
23:59 - Your Real Life - Personal Inventory
26:43 - The Value of Self
27:51 - Having a Self Care Strategy
30:03 - Kim's Weekend
31:31 - Being Selfish
33:36 - The Blame Game
35:00 - Giving Yourself Permission
38:02 - The Takeaway
40:04 - Resources - Closing Thoughts
43:16 - You are not Broken
44:05 - Wrap Up
45:00 - Thank You!