Episode 214: Keep Goaling!
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, Brian and Kim dive into the struggles parents face when life feels stuck in worry about our kids, our future, and the unknown. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Edith Eger’s wisdom, they remind us that “you’re going to be 50 anyways,” so why not keep moving toward growth and possibility? Together, they unpack what it means to get back on the “dream train,” exploring how parents can rediscover passions and live without regrets. This conversation isn’t about pretending life is all sunshine and rainbows, no trolls are left behind here, but about choosing...
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Episode 213: The Housing Crisis' Impact on Youth
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today we’re talking about the youth housing crisis with Matt Finley, who leads Maricopa County’s efforts to improve the youth homelessness response system. From direct services to policy, Matt brings deep experience to this urgent conversation. We explore what’s driving the crisis, how the needs of youth have changed, and what solutions are making a difference—from statewide initiatives to mentorship programs. Tune in to learn what’s working, what still needs to change, and how we can better support unhoused youth across Arizona and beyond. This is a conversation you won’t...
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Episode 212: Setting Realistic Expectations
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Last week, Kim and I got real about navigating the spaces of unmet expectations. But what if we could keep ourselves out of those spaces of disappointment – or at least visit them less often – by setting realistic expectations in the first place? This week, we’re diving into that question with Estefana Johnson. Estefana is a clinical social worker who began her career supporting youth in residential treatment facilities. She now serves as the Clinical Director for ASA Now and Shade Tree Academy, bringing a wealth of knowledge, practical tools, and encouragement to the families...
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Episode 211: Discovering Opportunity in Unmet Expectations
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, we’re having the real conversation about unmet expectations—and the choices we have in processing them. Do we dwell in disappointment, or do we discover unexpected opportunities? Without minimizing life’s real challenges, we share personal stories and honest reflections on navigating the gap between what we hoped for and what actually is. We explore the grieving process that often comes with unmet expectations and how it’s okay to feel the weight of that gap. Then, we shift the lens to see how those very moments can hold hidden gifts. From redefining success...
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Episode 210: Missing Children - Who's Looking?
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today, we’re talking about the heartbreaking reality of missing children. If you live in Arizona, you’ve likely heard the tragic story of Emily Pike—who disappeared from a group home and was later found dismembered off Highway 60 near Globe. One case like this is one too many. Every day, children who go missing—many of them runaways—face unimaginable danger. Joining us is Leila Woodard, founder of the Arizona Missing Children's Task Force. Leila is a powerful voice and driving force behind this collaborative initiative, which brings together nonprofit organizations across...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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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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 life coach and founder of “Thee Growth Coach,” also works directly with youth to help them unlock their potential.
Together, we discuss actionable strategies for setting and pursuing meaningful goals, overcoming obstacles, and staying motivated throughout the year. Whether you’re aiming for personal, professional, or community growth, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to make 2025 your best year yet.
Let’s dive in!
Resource Links:
Divine Movement in the News: Divine Movement Track Club Competing at Nationals
Hive - List of Goal Tracking Apps: 15 Goal-Tracking Apps & Tools To Succeed in 2024 | Hive
Dream-Design-Define Handout 11x17 (PDF)
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