Episode 169: Talking Adoption with an Adoption Attorney
Release Date: 11/14/2023
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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Episode 200: Know the Risk: Sex Trafficking
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Welcome to an extra special episode of Fostering Voices as we celebrate our 200th milestone! This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and dedication of Chris and Jihae Watson, who worked tirelessly to create this impactful educational space. We’re deeply grateful to continue fostering authentic conversations within our community, tackling real issues with compassion and honesty. In this episode, we take on a critical and urgent topic: sex trafficking. What risks do our children face? Who is most vulnerable to victimization? And what can we do to protect our...
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Episode 198: New Year - New You?
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Happy New Year, and welcome to 2025! While the start of a new year often brings talk of resolutions, research from Pew shows that 70% of Americans skip them—mostly because they’re too easy to break. So, how can we approach personal growth in a way that truly sticks? In this episode, we explore realistic ways to make incremental changes toward the life you envision. Joining us are Toni and James McSwain, parents of six sons and founders of Divine Movement, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping individuals with the tools and mentorship needed to achieve their goals. Toni, a certified...
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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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Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast with Kim and Brian! In celebration of Adoption Awareness Month this November, join us for a special episode dedicated to all things adoption. Our guest, Ed Johnson, a revered local attorney deeply embedded in foster and adoption circles, brings a wealth of experience to the discussion.
In this insightful episode, Ed shares his years of knowledge, shedding light on crucial aspects of the adoption journey. If you're on the path to adoption in Arizona, don't miss the opportunity to connect with Ed—his contact information will be in the resource notes. As advocates for informed parenting, we emphasize the importance of understanding the unique spaces of loss associated with adoption. Education is key, and the more you empower yourself with knowledge, the better equipped you'll be to support your children, present or future.
We hope today's conversation sparks valuable insights and encourages ongoing discussions about adoption. Tune in for a heartfelt exploration of this meaningful journey.
Resource Links:
Ed Johnson - [email protected], 480-209-2847
Families Considering Foster Care and Adoption
The Primal Wound by Nancy Newton Verrier
Connect with us!
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices
Chapters:
00:03 - Intro
00:53 - Welcome!
01:42 - Ed's Story and Work
02:25 - Having a Voice in the Court System
03:53 - Ed's Experience with Adoption
05:39 - Kids Need to be Remembered
06:09 - Appreciating RAD
07:54 - The Joy and Reality of Adoption
10:12 - FIrst Hand Experience with Trauma
12:18 - Relating to One Another
12:46 - Support Leads to Successful Adoptions
15:56 - Resilience Leads to Successful Adoptions
17:51 - Those who Stick Around
18:54 - It's a Family Affair
19:25 - Who's Your Favorite Child?
20:24 - Other People's Perceptions
23:08 - To Foster or To Adopt?
27:03 - Talking about Severence
28:24 - Talking about Cost
30:24 - Subsidies for Fostering
35:23 - The Practical Support of Subsidy
36:56 - The Courtroom Process
40:03 - After the Courtroom is Over
42:08 - The 30-dollar Staple
44:29 - Freedom After Adoption
46:39 - Extended Family
47:35 - The Takeaway
48:59 - Resources
51:01 - Connect with Us!
51:24 - Thank you!