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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Episode 221: November’s Presidential Executive Order: Fostering the Future
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this week’s episode of Fostering Voices, Kim and Brian dig into the recent presidential executive order released on November 13th: Fostering the Future for American Children and Families. After receiving many questions about what the order means for the foster care community, Kim and Brian break down the key components, highlight potential benefits, and raise important concerns. They begin with an overview of the order’s call to modernize the child welfare system, including improved data collection, better information sharing, and enhanced collaboration with non-government...
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Episode 220: The Role Trauma and Stress Play in Disease
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: This week, we’re diving into a topic that many of us would rather avoid—how stress and trauma affect our bodies. If you’re like Kim, it’s not a conversation you’re eager to have, but it’s one that matters deeply if we want to live as our healthiest, most authentic selves. Joining the discussion is our friend and regular guest, Estefana Johnson, who helps unpack what happens “when the body says no.” Together, we explore the hidden ways internal stress and unresolved trauma can shape our health, behaviors, and overall wellbeing. From understanding Adverse Childhood...
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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 romantic relationships, the importance of difficult conversations, and how financial issues and lack of communication contribute to divorce.
Finally, we lean into the crazy, asking the hard questions: What’s causing stress? What issues keep resurfacing? Are we truly at peace?
Join us as we unpack the power of boundaries in fostering healthier relationships and a more balanced life. Let’s get into it!
Resource Links:
Boundaries with Kids - Boundaries with Kids: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Children: Cloud, Henry, Townsend, John: 9780310243151
Set Boundaries, Find Peace - a guide to reclaiming yourself
Amazon.com: Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
Healthy Boundaries Worksheets
14 Worksheets for Setting Healthy Boundaries
Visualizing Your Boundaries Exercise
https://positive.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Visualizing-Your-Boundaries.pdf
Connect with us!
Email: info@fosteraz.org
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices