Episode 161: Real Talk - Self Care with Matthew Blades
Release Date: 07/11/2023
Episode 187: Behavior Interventions that Work for Us
Fostering Voices Podcast
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Episode 186: Vacation Planning & Tips - Vehon Style
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: As summer blazes in Arizona, we’re constantly on the move, seeking cooler escapes to preserve our sanity. Traveling with a family of nine is no small feat, and we’ve gathered a treasure trove of tips and tricks to make it smoother. In this episode, we dive into Intentional Travel. Fresh from a recent timeshare presentation, we discuss the joys and challenges of discovering new experiences together and the importance of adventure in our family. We’ll share our favorite adventures and how we align them with our family goals. Next, in The Planning Behind the Fun, we break down the...
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Episode 185: Consider Yourself a Mandated Supporter
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this week's episode, we continue the important conversation started in Episode 184 “The Link Between Foster Care and Social Disparities”. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet, we highly recommend checking it out to gain a deeper understanding of today’s discussion. June is Family Reunification Month, a time to celebrate families coming back together after separation due to child protective services. But what if reunification wasn’t necessary? What if we could focus more on prevention and support within our communities to keep families together in the first...
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Episode 184: The Link Between Foster Care and Social Disparities
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In honor of June being Family Reunification Month, today's episode sheds light on a crucial yet often overlooked issue in our community: the challenges and misconceptions surrounding birth families involved in the foster care system. As foster parents, we initially held unfair biases towards these families. However, through our journey, we've learned that various factors make some families more at risk of system involvement than others. To deepen this conversation, we are thrilled to welcome Claire Louge, the Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. Claire is dedicated to...
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Episode 183: A Single Mom’s FosterAdopt Journey
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In honor of Foster Care Awareness Month, join us for an inspiring episode featuring a heartfelt conversation with my sister-in-law, Tara Armstrong. Tara played a pivotal role in our family's foster care journey, guiding us as we transitioned from having two kids to seven. Now, she has embarked on her own remarkable path. As a single mom of two, Tara opened her heart and home, adopting two children from the foster care system who were searching for their forever family. This episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of fostering and adoption, offering real talk and personal...
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Episode 182: Life-Changing Connections in Foster Care
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In today's episode, we explore the profound impact of connections on well-being, particularly in the context of foster care. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the pivotal role of social connections in fostering healthy choices and better mental and physical health outcomes. However, many children entering foster care face profound disconnection from their familiar support networks, exacerbating challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression. In Arizona, where the average foster child experiences two or more placements, the need for stable, nurturing...
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Episode 181: It's OK to Say, "I'm Not OK."
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today, it’s just the two of us, engaging in a candid conversation about mental health. Ironically, we find ourselves easing into a month dedicated to both mental health and foster care awareness. For those who have experienced life within the foster care system, the intricate connection between these two realms becomes evident. So, let’s dive into the spaces where our mental well-being has been profoundly affected and the valuable lessons we’ve gleaned along the way. With that, let’s begin this authentic conversation. 🌟 Resource Links: Connect with us! Email:...
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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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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!