Adoption Pop!

Welcome to Adoption Pop! where a podcast journalist, a filmmaker, and a cultural critic burst pop culture’s favorite adoption tropes. Each episode, we’ll dive into movies, TV, and reality shows, from prestige dramas to the classics, to ask what these stories are really saying, and not saying, about adoption. And we’ll get real about representation: how the world sees us, and how we see ourselves.

The Truman Show (1998) – Adoption on the Big Screen 03/25/2026

The Truman Show (1998) – Adoption on the Big Screen E016 | The Truman Show (1998) – Adoption on the Big Screen Long before we all had front-facing screens in our pockets—even before it would have occurred to us to use the term “front-facing screen”—there was somebody born to be on camera: Truman Burbank. The first baby to have been legally adopted by a corporation, Truman and his namesake show were watched, loved, and protected by millions of fans around the world—right up until he started to question that world’s reality. Join podcast journalist, Haley Radke, filmmaker Kristal Parke, and cultural critic, Sullivan Summer as we revisit a favorite, The Truman Show, on this episode of Adoption Pop! Thank you to Pop! Star Frankie for this episode suggestion via Spotify. The Truman Show was written by Andrew Niccol and directed by Peter Weir. (If you start “” now and read really slow, it will soundtrack these entire show notes) This episode of Adoption Pop! aired on March 25, 2026. In it we discussed and/or relied upon: When Sullivan said, “the march of the Storm Troopers,” she was obviously talking about John Waters’s, “The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme)” from The Empire Strikes Back, the NPE theme songs to rule all NPE theme songs. But you know all of this already because you’re listening to it in the background. And because you’re probably just a little bit evil. played Sheriff Alan J. Pangborn in the 1993 film , adapted from Stephen King’s 1991 novel of the same name. There’s this one scene near the end when everything is coming to a head, and it’s cold and its dark and it’s raining, and Ed Harris gets out of his truck and he wants to get everyone’s attention, so he pumps his shotgun with one hand… The was developed by JaeRan Kim, Susan Branco, Grace Newton, Paula O’Loughlin, and Stephanie Kripa Cooper-Lewter. Hannah Andrews, “,” Medium (April 10, 2023) The Adoption Pop! theme music is The Chase by Audiogreen. We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, what you’d like for us to cover in the future, and whether you, too, have been radicalized by us. Find, follow, like, and subscribe to Adoption Pop! at our , , , , , and . Podcast journalist Haley Radke is at and on , , and . Filmmaker Kristal Parke is at , on , , , and . Cultural critic Sullivan Summer is at , on , and on . /episode/index/show/6ce62b00-e947-41c2-9cc3-5a642d2ba14d/id/40091985

Philomena (2013) – Adoption on the Big Screen 03/18/2026

Philomena (2013) – Adoption on the Big Screen E015 | Philomena (2013) – Adoption on the Big Screen A young woman shamed, banished, and indentured—yet faith survives for Philomena Lee who, after 50 years of separation, embarks upon a search for the son she was forced to relinquish inside one of Ireland’s notorious mother and baby homes. Podcast journalist Haley Radke, filmmaker Kristal Parke, and cultural critic Sullivan Summer take on Philomena, adapted from journalist Martin Sixsmith’s The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, and starring Judi Dench as the title character in a film that had our Irish eyes weeping, all 29-30% of them. Philomena was written by Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope, directed by Stephen Frears, and based on the book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee by Martin Sixsmith. For those watching on YouTube, Haley’s necklace–worn in honor of Philomena and the birth mothers–was designed by adoptee in response to Kay Jewelers’ advertisement and jewelry celebrating adoption. The tattered, torn, tarnished heart of “The Adoption Pendant” conveys the loss that adoption brings to adoptees and first mothers. The stone is set wrongly to represent adoptees who feel they have never fit in with the adoptive family or the world due to the loss of their original identity. You can purchase the necklace . This episode of Adoption Pop! aired on March 18, 2026. In it we discussed and/or relied upon: Martin Sixsmith, The Lost Child of Philomena Lee (2010) According to Wikipedia, , also known as Magdalene asylums, were run by the Roman Catholic church in Ireland ostensibly to house “fallen women,” though they actually functioned as penitentiary workhouses. A for the women who worked, and who died in the laundries, was issued by the State in 2013. You can read more about them in Ireland and the by Claire McGettrick et al. (2021). Rory Carroll, “,” The Guardian (January 13, 2021) The Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes produced by the Irish government, all 2,865 pages of it, is available (January 12, 2021). , BBC Radio 4 (2015) Judi Dench, “,” Variety (January 7, 2014) “,” The Sydney Morning Herald (November 17, 2011) The Adoption Pop! theme music is The Chase by Audiogreen. We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, and what you’d like for us to cover in the future. Find, follow, like, and subscribe to Adoption Pop! at our , , , , Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Podcast journalist Haley Radke is at and on , , and . Filmmaker Kristal Parke is at , on , , , and . Cultural critic Sullivan Summer is at , on , and on . /episode/index/show/6ce62b00-e947-41c2-9cc3-5a642d2ba14d/id/40082065

Song Sung Blue (2025) – Adoption on the Big Screen 03/11/2026

Song Sung Blue (2025) – Adoption on the Big Screen E014 | Song Sung Blue (2025) – Adoption on the Big Screen Did you ever read about a frog who dreamed of bein’ a king, and then became one? Well, except for the names, and a few other changes, you’ve got the Hollywood adaptation of a little-known documentary profile of the Milwaukee Neil Diamond tribute act known as “Lightning and Thunder.” Song Sung Blue hit theaters on Christmas Day in 2025, garnering generally favorable reviews, and a slew of Best Actress nominations for Kate Hudson for her melodic portrayal of Claire “Thunder” Sardina, a woman who battles back to the stage after losing a leg in a freak car accident, developing an addiction to pain meds, and insisting her daughter relinquish her baby. Good times never seemed so good. Song Sung Blue was written by Craig Brewer and Greg Kohs, and was directed by Craig Brewer. This episode of Adoption Pop! aired on March 11, 2026. In it we discussed and/or relied upon: The film Song Sung Blue is based on the of the same name by Greg Kohs. You can read Kohs’s essay about the making of the doc . Fact check: Dolly Parton has been the subject of not one, but two biopics. plays a young Dolly growing up in rural Tennessee in 2015’s and its follow-up, in 2016. Fact check: Depictions of smoking can affect a film’s rating. Hollywood studios also each have their own policies regarding on-screen smoking, outlined by IndieWire. And a 2025 article by Adriana Albini in details the history of smoking depictions on-screen. (We normally try to rely on less-biased sources than Cancerworld, but there’s a good chance our other content has already weeded out the nicotine-cancer-connection-deniers, so we’re going to stick with it). is the lead singer and guitarist of Pearl Jam, among other bands. A 2011 Rolling Stone readers’ poll named him seventh on the list of “Best Lead Singers of All Time.” (We normally try to rely on less-biased sources than Rolling Stone, but we stand by the spirit of the list, and agree that Eddie Vedder is, in fact, a national treasure). Gerrad Hall, “Fact vs. fiction in Song Sung Blue: heart attacks, a horrific accident, and Eddie Vedder’s unexpected call,” Entertainment Weekly (December 26, 2025). Paul Grein, “38 Actors Who Were Oscar-Nominated For Playing Real Musicians & Singers,” Billboard (January 22, 2026). It took longer than anticipated, but Haley has finally given Kristal her stage name, which is "Citrine." Listen for her in future episodes. In the meantime, listen to Neil Diamond’s “.” You’re welcome. The Adoption Pop! theme music is The Chase by Audiogreen. We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, and what you’d like for us to cover in the future. Find, follow, like, and subscribe to Adoption Pop! at our , , , , and wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast journalist Haley Radke is at and on , , and . Filmmaker Kristal Parke is at , on , , , and . Cultural critic Sullivan Summer is at , on , and on . /episode/index/show/6ce62b00-e947-41c2-9cc3-5a642d2ba14d/id/40060605

Task (2025) – Adoption on the Small Screen 03/04/2026

Private Practice “Apron Strings” (2012) – Adoption on the Small Screen 02/25/2026

Private Practice “Apron Strings” (2012) – Adoption on the Small Screen E012 | Private Practice “Apron Strings” (2012) – Adoption on the Small Screen The Grey’s Anatomy spinoff Private Practice followed OB/GYN Addison Montgomery for six seasons from 2007 until 2013, where she and a who’s who of middle-aged eye-candy treated patients at an oceanside wellness center. In a case of art imitating life, Addison, like showrunner Shonda Rhimes, adopts a baby. But when baby Henry’s mother comes back into his life after 8 months away, Addison’s humanity is tested, along with the audience’s ability to hold multiple truths at once. Private Practice “Apron Strings” aired on November 20, 2012. It was written by Gabe Fonseca, Elizabeth Klaviter, and Gabriel Llanas; and directed by Amyn Kaderali. Thank you Pop! Stars Gretchen and Lora for this episode recommendation. This episode of Adoption Pop! aired on February 25, 2026. In it we discussed and/or relied upon: In case you missed it: On Season 1 of Grey’s Anatomy, Derek Shepherd (“McDreamy”) was dating Meredith Grey. Then, in the Season 1 finale, his estranged wife Addison shows up. She meets Meredith and she says, “Hi. I’m Addison Shepherd.” (Very dramatic). Then, in Season 2 we learn Addison had an extramarital affair with Derek’s best friend, Mark Sloan (“McSteamy”), who also comes to work with them at the hospital. There will be a Pop! quiz later. Actor played Detective Rey Curtis on Law & Order Seasons 6-9. If Sullivan had a hall pass… The (ICWA) prioritizes keeping native children within their tribes and communities, over placement with non-native families. “,” Call Her Daddy podcast (October 8, 2025) “,” O Magazine (December 2006) Rickie Solinger, Wake Up Little Suzy: Single Pregnancy and Race Before Roe v. Wade, 2nd edition (2000) Ann Fessler, The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe v. Wade (2007) Gretchen Sisson, Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood (2024) The Adoption Pop! theme music is The Chase by Audiogreen. We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, and what you’d like for us to cover in the future. Find, follow, like, and subscribe to Adoption Pop! at our , , , , and wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast journalist Haley Radke is at and on , , and . Filmmaker Kristal Parke is at , on , , , and . Cultural critic Sullivan Summer is at , on , and on . Pop! quiz: Which Adoption Pop! cohost is the funniest? (a) Sullivan (b) Sullivan (c) Sullivan (d) Sullivan /episode/index/show/6ce62b00-e947-41c2-9cc3-5a642d2ba14d/id/40060505

Love is Blind UK Season 1 (2024) – Adoption on Reality TV 02/18/2026

Love is Blind UK Season 1 (2024) – Adoption on Reality TV E011 | Love is Blind UK Season 1 (2024) –Adoption on Reality TV According to Forbes magazine, around 80 million people, 30% of the adult population in the US, is on a dating app, with 10% of partnered adults reporting that they met their significant other through a dating site or app. Of course, one might skip university, friends, apps, and pokes (ew), and head straight for reality television. What happens when an adopted person looks for love while millions tune in to watch? The pods are open for podcast journalist Haley Radke, filmmaker Kristal Parke, and cultural critic Sullivan Summer, as they explore Season 1 of Love is Blind UK on this episode of Adoption Pop! This episode of Adoption Pop! aired on February 18, 2026. In it we discussed and/or relied upon: Despite its name, Boston Pizza was founded in Edmonton, Alberta in 1964. According to , the company had nearly 400 locations in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as of 2022. In Sullivan’s defense, none of them are in New York. Or near it. Or in Boston, apparently. Contrary to popular belief, Facebook never really got rid of pokes and is, according to , trying to re-popularize them. Dislike. There are about 30,000 people in the funeral services industry across the and . There are about 78.5 million . It is just statistically impossible for all of them to be unattractive, Kristal. Actor is known for roles on Coach, The Family Stone, , and Haley’s hall pass. Emily Phares, “,” Forbes (July 22, 2025). Andres Hjern et. al, “,” Children and Youth Servies Review (October 2023). The Adoption Pop! theme music is The Chase by Audiogreen. We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, and what you’d like for us to cover in the future. Find, follow, like, and subscribe to Adoption Pop! at our , , , , and wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast journalist Haley Radke is at and on , , and . Filmmaker Kristal Parke is at , on , , , and . Cultural critical Sullivan Summer is at , on , and on . /episode/index/show/6ce62b00-e947-41c2-9cc3-5a642d2ba14d/id/40000500

Colin in Black and White (2021) – Part 2: Adoption on the Small Screen 02/11/2026

Colin in Black and White (2021) – Part 2: Adoption on the Small Screen 010 | Colin in Black and White (2021) – Part 2: Adoption on the Small Screen Part 2 of an Adoption Pop! two-part episode. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick made headlines in 2016 when he courageously took a knee during the Star-Spangled Banner in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, sparking national debate over the role of activism in professional sports. Kaepernick went on to become a civil rights activist, devoting his time, resources, and personal narrative to supporting Black and Brown youth in standing in their power—something he knows a little bit about, not only from his NFL days, but from growing up as a transracial adoptee. The limited Netflix series, Colin in Black and White, tells his story, and a story resonant for many adopted people. Colin in Black and White was created by Ava DuVernay and Colin Kaepernick. This episode aired on February 11, 2026. In it we discussed and/or relied upon: Colin Kaepernick is the founder of , , and . He is the author of several books, including Change the Game (2023), alongside and . According to Kristal and , “Kaepernicking” is to flex your bicep and kiss it in celebratory fashion, inspired and trademarked by San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. Urban Dictionary also defines “” and “,” but you will need to look those up for yourself. the clothing brand has cold weather gear. And when Sullivan said she thought moose knuckles were candy, she might have been talking about Moose Farts, a no-bake treat made with sweetened condensed milk, butter, vanilla, graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips. (Shrug. Canadians). “” is from Kendrick Lamar’s fourth studio album, Damn. The National Association of Black Social Workers articulates the organization’s stance against the placement of Black children in white homes for any reason. Julia Moore for People, “.” (April 4, 2023). Resources for transracial adoptees and their families include: Colin in Black and White: offers educational courses for adoptive parents, and community for adoptees. Melissa Guida-Richards, (North Atlantic Books, 2021) Samira K. Mehta, (Beacon Press, 2023) Angela Tucker, (Beacon Press. 2024) The Adoption Pop! theme music is The Chase by Audiogreen. We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, and what you’d like for us to cover in the future. Find, follow, like, and subscribe to Adoption Pop! at our , , , , and wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast journalist Haley Radke is at and on , , and . Filmmaker Kristal Parke is at , on , , , and . Cultural critical Sullivan Summer is at , on , and on . /episode/index/show/6ce62b00-e947-41c2-9cc3-5a642d2ba14d/id/39885860

“The Girl in the Middle” (2026) – Bonus Pop! Advertising Adoption 02/06/2026

Colin in Black and White (2021) – Part 1: Adoption on the Small Screen 02/04/2026

Colin in Black and White (2021) – Part 1: Adoption on the Small Screen 009 | Colin in Black and White (2021) – Part 1: Adoption on the Small Screen San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick made headlines in 2016 when he courageously took a knee during the Star-Spangled Banner in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, sparking national debate over the role of activism in professional sports. Kaepernick went on to become a civil rights activist, devoting his time, resources, and personal narrative to supporting Black and Brown youth in standing in their power—something he knows a little bit about, not only from his NFL days, but from growing up as a transracial adoptee. The limited Netflix series, Colin in Black and White, tells his story, and a story resonant for many adopted people. Colin in Black and White was created by Ava DuVernay and Colin Kaepernick. This episode aired on February 4, 2026. In it we discussed and/or relied upon: Colin Kaepernick is the founder of , , and . He is the author of several books, including Change the Game (2023), alongside and . Transracial adoptee is the author of (HarperCollins Canada, 2022). Sullivan Summer was a guest on the Adoptees On Podcast . Colin is married to , a radio DJ and television host of, among other shows, Teen Mom and Teen Mom 2. But that’s for another episode. The National Association of Black Social Workers articulates the organization’s stance against the placement of Black children in white homes for any reason. Matt Foster for CNN, (March 10, 2023). Resources for transracial adoptees and their families include: Colin in Black and White: offers educational courses for adoptive parents, and community for adoptees. Melissa Guida-Richards, (North Atlantic Books, 2021) Samira K. Mehta, (Beacon Press, 2023) Angela Tucker, (Beacon Press. 2024) The Adoption Pop! theme music is The Chase by Audiogreen. We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, and what you’d like for us to cover in the future. Find, follow, like, and subscribe to Adoption Pop! at our , , , , and wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast journalist Haley Radke is at and on , , and . Filmmaker Kristal Parke is at , on , , , and . Cultural critical Sullivan Summer is at , on , and on . /episode/index/show/6ce62b00-e947-41c2-9cc3-5a642d2ba14d/id/39830130

Vivien’s Wild Ride (2026): Adoption on the Small Screen 01/28/2026

Vivien’s Wild Ride (2026): Adoption on the Small Screen 008 | Vivien’s Wild Ride (2026): Adoption on the Small Screen Vivien Hillgrove has been a film and sound editor all her adult life. She’s worked with many filmmaking greats: Francis Coppola, Phil Kaufman, Milos Forman, Walter Murch, and celebrated documentary filmmakers Lourdes Portillo and Deann Borshay Liem. But when Vivien’s eyesight starts to deteriorate, the shame and loneliness she felt in 1964 come flooding back—having relinquished her baby as a teenage, unwed mother when there were few choices for women was a loss that resonated throughout her life. Now she faces a new feeling of isolation and loss. Recalling her resilience as a young woman, she summons it anew and reinvents herself as a person with a new way of being and seeing, an artist with a disability. Join us on this wild, a beautiful ride. Vivien’s Wild Ride was directed, produced, written, and co-edited by Vivien Hillgrove. You can watch on your through April 2026. And click to learn more about the virtual panel discussion with Viven, her daughter Kathleen with whom she is reunited, and members of , Mom’s Head Films, and on Thursday, February 26, 2026. This episode aired on January 28, 2026. In it we discussed and/or relied upon: For a decade, the podcast has been a place for adoptees to share the adoption experience. Haley’s new project, , will feature the stories of first/birth parents, discussing the impact adoption has had on them, as well as on adoptees. The is a nonprofit society committed to supporting and celebrating local, independent filmmakers, while fostering a community of film within the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. Kristal’s film, Because She’s Adopted, is available for rent . You can find speaker, digital creator, author, and advocate Molly Burke . Vivien worked on the Academy Award-winning film, (1983), starring , long time placeholder on Sullivan’s hall pass. Haley would like us to reiterate that she does not have a hall pass. (Allegedly.) The first Salvation Army opened in 1887, and the homes operated into the late 1970s. In 2016 the Salvation Army in the UK issued acknowledging its role in separating mothers from their babies. was issued in Australia in 2022. At the time of this writing, no such apology has been issued to mothers or adoptees in the United States. In 2021 the issued a formal apology for its role in separating mothers from their babies. The Church is not affiliated with the Salvation Army, though the two organizations often collaborate within the country. Sullivan has a from AllSaints that she loves, even though she does not do drugs. The Adoption Pop! theme music is The Chase by Audiogreen. We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, and what you’d like for us to cover in the future. Find, follow, like, and subscribe to Adoption Pop! at our , , , , and wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast journalist Haley Radke is at and on , , and . Filmmaker Kristal Parke is at , on , , , and . Cultural critical Sullivan Summer is at , on , and on . /episode/index/show/6ce62b00-e947-41c2-9cc3-5a642d2ba14d/id/39768815

Modern Family “Pilot” (2009): Adoption on the Small Screen 01/21/2026

Modern Family “Pilot” (2009): Adoption on the Small Screen 007 | Modern Family “Pilot” (2009): Adoption on the Small Screen For 11 seasons the Dunphys, the Delgado-Pritchetts, and the Tucker-Pritchetts influenced modern American families’ views on gender roles, inter-generational relationships, and transnational adoption. Listen in as podcast journalist Haley Radke, filmmaker Kristal Parke, and cultural critic Sullivan Summer break down the pilot episode of ABC’s Modern Family. Because the circle of life has to start somewhere. Modern Family was created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan. Its “Pilot” episode (September 23, 2009) was written by Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd, and directed by Jason Winer. This episode aired on January 21, 2026. In it we discussed and/or relied upon: aired on ABC from 1991-1999. aired on ABC and CBS from 1989-1998. Its breakout star, , played both the dorky next door neighbor, , and Steve’s stylish alter ego, Stefan. Since recording this episode, Sullivan and Kristal have had occasion to discuss privately Haley’s unique contributions to this podcast, and we have come up with the following: (1) She’s very accurate. Whereas Sullivan and Kristal often misremember plot points or dialogue, Haley always gets them right. (2) Her facial expressions alone are worth watching on YouTube. (3) She is Adoption Pop!’s resident audio expert. We sound good because of Haley. (4) She has a decade-long record of devotion to the adoptee community. It is not an exaggeration to say this podcast, and many projects like it centering adoptee stories, would not exist without her. According to Miriam-Webster dictionary, is “the act or practice of conspicuously displaying one’s awareness of and attentiveness to political issues, matters of social and racial justice, etc., especially instead of taking effective action.” Used in a sentence: The separating of children from their parents, extended biological family, community, country, and culture can often be avoided completely with monetary resources far below what it costs a person or couple to adopt; Mitchell’s claim that Lily “would have grown up in a crowded orphanage” if it not for he and Cam is mere virtue signaling. Miriam-Webster defines as “a preceding event, condition, or cause.” was a US government plan to transport Vietnamese children out of the country during the final days of the Vietnam War. Critics claimed the program was fueled by politics and white saviorism. It is undisputed, however, that many of the children were not orphans. Marc Freeman, Modern Family: The Untold Oral History of One of Television’s Groundbreaking Sitcoms (St. Martin’s Press, 2020). Reeshma Haji and Fabio Fasoli, “,” LGBTQ+ Family: An Interdisciplinary Journal, Vol. 18, No. 2, 119-134 (2022). Kimberly McKee, Adoption Fantasies: The Fetishization of Asian Adoptees from Girlhood to Womanhood (Ohio State Press, 2023). In Season 3 Episode 5 of Friends “.” Ross’s list of five celebrities he would most like to sleep with, otherwise known as a “hall pass,” is laminated, indicating that it cannot be changed. Haley’s hall pass has on it, and it’s laminated. We just know it. If it’s been a minute since you’ve seen the antecedent to Cam Tucker’s “Circle of Life” spotlight moment, you can check out the original source material . The Adoption Pop! theme music is The Chase by Audiogreen. We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, and what you’d like for us to cover in the future. Find, follow, like, and subscribe to Adoption Pop! at our , , , , and wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast journalist Haley Radke is at and on , , and . Filmmaker Kristal Parke is at , on , , , and . Cultural critical Sullivan Summer is at , on , and on . /episode/index/show/6ce62b00-e947-41c2-9cc3-5a642d2ba14d/id/39710170

K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025): Adoption on the Big Screen 01/14/2026

K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025): Adoption on the Big Screen 006 | K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025): Adoption on the Big Screen Breaking Netflix streaming and box-office records, and charming the critics, podcast journalist Haley Radke, filmmaker Kristal Parke, and cultural critic Sullivan Summer go all-in on summer 2025’s breakthrough hit, K-Pop Demon Hunters. Clever humor, catchy tunes, and storylines exploring shame and generational trauma, the Huntrix girls and the ladies of Adoption Pop! show how adoptee-resonant storytelling is really done done done. K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025) was written by Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Maggie Kang, and Chris Appelhans, and directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans. This episode aired on January 14, 2026. In it we discussed and/or relied upon: According to Spotify, the song “” from the K-Pop Demon Hunters Soundtrack has been streamed more than 1 billion times on the platform. Jeremy Fuster wrote, “‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Becomes Netflix’s First Box Office No.1 With $18 Million Weekend,” for The Wrap (August 24, 2025): (2004) stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as a couple who goes through a medical procedure to have each other erased from their memories forever. Correction: On , Kristal referred to Sex and the City: the Movie as “a s*** movie.” She has since called this comment “too aggressive,” and has softened her stance to “strong dislike.” (But she’s still wrong about it being better than K-Pop Demon Hunters). The Adoption Pop! theme music is The Chase by Audiogreen. We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, and what you’d like for us to cover in the future. Find, follow, like, and subscribe to Adoption Pop! at our , , , , and wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast journalist Haley Radke is at and on , , and . Filmmaker Kristal Parke is at , on , , , and . Cultural critical Sullivan Summer is at , on , and on . /episode/index/show/6ce62b00-e947-41c2-9cc3-5a642d2ba14d/id/39661465

Sex and the City: The Movie (2008): Adoption on the Big Screen 01/07/2026

Sex and the City: The Movie (2008): Adoption on the Big Screen 005 | Sex and the City: The Movie (2008): Adoption on the Big Screen Slip on your Manolos, pour yourself a Cosmo, and listen in to podcast journalist Haley Radke, filmmaker Kristal Parke, and cultural critic Sullivan Summer pick up where the turn-of-the-century HBO juggernaut left off: with Samantha and her celebrity boy toy on the west coast, Miranda living in something less than domestic bliss in Brooklyn, Carrie finally settling down with Big, and Charlotte, making her fairy tale dreams of motherhood complete … through international adoption? Sex and the City: The Movie (2008) was written and directed by Michael Patrick King, and was based on the book by Candace Bushnell and series by Darren Star. This episode aired on January 7, 2026. In it we discussed and/or relied upon: Adoptees On podcast : Grace Newton Alexandra Stevenson and Zixu Wang, , New York Times (September 6, 2024) Felix Gillette, It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution and Future of HBO (2022) Josh Friedman, “,” Los Angeles Times (June 2, 2008) Kimberly McKee, Adoption Fantasies: The Fetishization of Asian Adoptees From Girlhood to Womanhood (The Ohio State University Press, 2023) The Nicole Evelina, Sex and the City: A Cultural History (2022) Ramin Setoodeh, , Newsweek (March 13, 2010) Tabitha Britt, , People (March 1, 2024) Sharon LaFraniere, “,” New York Times (August 4, 2011) Chinese adoptees can access resources and support from . The Adoption Pop! theme music is The Chase by Audiogreen. We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, and what you’d like for us to cover in the future. Find, follow, like, and subscribe to Adoption Pop! at our , , , , and wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast journalist Haley Radke is at and on , , and . Filmmaker Kristal Parke is at , on , , , and . Cultural critical Sullivan Summer is at , on , and on . /episode/index/show/6ce62b00-e947-41c2-9cc3-5a642d2ba14d/id/39448520

Penny Serenade (1941): Adoption on the Silver Screen 12/31/2025

Penny Serenade (1941): Adoption on the Silver Screen 004 | Penny Serenade (1941): Adoption on the Silver Screen The 1941 sentimental classic, Penny Serenade, stars Irene Dunne and Cary Grant as a married couple who replace children more often than they replace the needle on their sitting room Victrola. Join podcast journalist Haley Radke, filmmaker, Kristal Parke, and cultural critic Sullivan Summer as we challenge marriage and adoption propaganda during Hollywood’s Golden Age on this episode of Adoption Pop! Penny Serenade (1941) was directed by George Stevens, based on the novella by Martha Cheavens. This episode aired on December 31, 2025. In it we discussed and/or relied upon: , Cary Grant Retrospective: Penny Serenade Adoptee activist Connor Howe posts and videos of adoptees meeting adoptive families, without the inspirational background soundtrack. may have been the United States’ most notorious child trafficker. Policies and procedures pioneered by her for the purposes of kidnapping and selling children are still used today across the adoption industry. Actress Jane Biffle played one-year-old Trina Adams in Penny Serenade, her only film credit. “,” New York Times (March 17, 1938) Marilyn Ann Moss, Giant: George Stevens, a Life on Film (2004) Marshall B. Jones, Crisis of the American Orphanage, 1931-1940, Social Service Review (December 1989) , Los Angeles Times (July 26, 2020) Mia Laurenzo, “,” WLRN (January 30, 2019) From 1854 to 1929 transported children from northern cities to foster homes in rural areas to perform labor. Despite the moniker, many of these children had living parents. Peter B. Flint, “,” New York Times (September 6, 1990) Travis Tritt, “” The Adoption Pop! theme music is The Chase by Audiogreen. We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, and what you’d like for us to cover in the future. Find, follow, like, and subscribe to Adoption Pop! at our , , , , and wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast journalist Haley Radke is at and on , , and . Filmmaker Kristal Parke is at , on , , , and . Cultural critical Sullivan Summer is at , on , and on . /episode/index/show/6ce62b00-e947-41c2-9cc3-5a642d2ba14d/id/39448505

The Family Stone (2005): Adoption on the Big Screen 12/24/2025

The Grinch (2018): Adoption on the Big Screen 12/17/2025

The Grinch (2018): Adoption on the Big Screen 002 | The Grinch (2018): Adoption on the Big Screen Terrorizing Whoville and inciting holiday joy for almost 70 years, podcast journalist Haley Radke, filmmaker Kristal Parke, and cultural critic Sullivan Summer bring an adoptee lens to the only adaptation of the classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! that turns the title character into an orphan. The Grinch (2018) was written by Michael LaSieur and Tommy Swerdlow, directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney, and produced by Universal Pictures. This episode aired on December 17, 2025. In it we discussed and/or relied upon: 23andMe, “,” pre-release version (2018) “” was written and recorded by Eric Carmen in 1975, appearing on his self-titled album. In 1996 it was covered by for her album, Falling into You. (1925-2022) was a British-American-Irish treasure, with an 80-year career in film, stage, and television, including the crime show (1984-2003). Anthony D’Alessandro, “,” Deadline (November 7, 2018) , directed by Robert Zemeckis, Universal Pictures (1985). . , directed by Richard Donner, Amblin Entertainment (1985) , Dr. Suess (Random House, 1957) television special, directed by Chuck Jones and Ben Washam, CBS (1966) starring Jim Carrey, directed by Ron Howard, Universal Pictures (2000) , the comic strip by Harold Gray, has been adapted numerous times for stage and screen. Nancy Newton Verrier, (Gateway Press, 2003) Pharrell Williams, “,” Despicable Me 2 (2013) , directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, John Lounsbery, and Art Stevens, Walt Disney Productions (1977) Rotten Tomatoes, “” Tyler the Creator, “,” The Grinch (2018) The Adoption Pop! theme music is The Chase by Audiogreen. We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, and what you’d like for us to cover in the future. Find, follow, like, and subscribe to Adoption Pop! at our , , , , and wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast journalist Haley Radke is at and on , , and . Filmmaker Kristal Parke is at , on , , , and . Cultural critical Sullivan Summer is at , on , and on . So raise a glass and give a toast, to kindness and love, the things we need the most! /episode/index/show/6ce62b00-e947-41c2-9cc3-5a642d2ba14d/id/39272850

Elf (2003): Adoption on the Big Screen 12/10/2025

Welcome to Adoption Pop! 11/18/2025

Adoption Pop!

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