The Forgotten Podcast
We want to see people everywhere supporting the foster care community and experiencing Jesus together. So, in this podcast, we are sharing the stories of the foster care community to bring awareness that leads to action!
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Helping My Child Thrive Post-High School (w/Jonathan Brush) Ep. 293
04/27/2026
Helping My Child Thrive Post-High School (w/Jonathan Brush) Ep. 293
In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb sits down with Jonathan Brush, CEO of Unbound and a foster and adoptive dad of eight, to discuss how to help young adults—especially those not pursuing a college degree—successfully transition into adulthood and thrive. The conversation addresses the unique challenges facing children from the foster care community, such as trauma and learning gaps, by focusing on resilience, practical career opportunities in a questions-based economy, and the necessity of high expectations paired with endless patience. Jonathan reframes success as "thriving" and offers guidance on understanding the "creation of value" in the workplace and the irreplaceable power of community. About the Guest Jonathan Brush is the President and CEO of Unbound. As a first-generation homeschool graduate and a foster and adoptive dad of eight, he is passionate about preparing young adults for life and has spoken on the subject for over a decade. In This Episode Defining success as “thriving” (living a meaningful, important life) rather than fame, fortune, or power. Exploring non-college career options in business (marketing, sales, technology/AI) and the trades (welding, plumbing, electrician). The shift from an "answers-based" paradigm to a "questions-based" paradigm in the modern job market, emphasizing the ability to quickly and effectively master complicated information (QE MCI). Why the inherent resilience and survival skills of foster children are valuable assets in the current market. Setting the “high expectation” that young people can thrive, combined with “infinite patience” to help them achieve it. Understanding work as the “creation of value” by showing up, working hard, treating others well, and “thinking like an owner”. How to cultivate natural curiosity and the ability to ask better questions by looking for “the game being played underneath the game”. The critical role of community in driving careers and the willingness to open your home despite imperfections. Resources + Links Learn more about Learn more about what at does
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Loving My Distanced Adult Child (w/Renaut van der Riet) Ep. 292
04/13/2026
Loving My Distanced Adult Child (w/Renaut van der Riet) Ep. 292
In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Renaut van der, Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Orlando, Florida, to discuss the difficult and often unspoken challenge faced by adoptive and foster parents: what to do when your adult child rejects you. Renaut and his wife, Brooke, are parents to eight children, including four adopted from Ethiopia. Renaut shares the deeply personal and painful experience of having two adopted daughters cut off relationship and label the family as "toxic" and "abusive". The conversation frames this experience using the prodigal child paradigm to provide a biblical framework for navigating this complexity. Renaut discusses the tension between pursuing and letting go, distinguishing between normal rebellion and the child wanting the parents' provision ("stuff") but not the relationship ("you"). He offers practical guidance on setting boundaries, parenting the children who remain in the home, and maintaining an open heart while trusting God with the timing of potential reconciliation, reminding listeners that they are in a "safe story, just a dangerous chapter". About the Guest Renaut van der is the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Orlando, Florida, which he and his wife, Brooke, planted in 2002. Together, they have eight children, four of whom were adopted from Axo, Ethiopia. Renaut is transparent about his family’s experience with two adult daughters cutting off contact, prompting him to find a functional, biblical approach to dealing with the personal rejection and pursuit of a prodigal child. In This Episode - The personal experience of two adopted daughters rejecting the family and creating a narrative of abuse and toxicity. - How the "prodigal child" paradigm helps parents navigate personal rejection and pursuit with a biblical framework. - Distinguishing between typical rebellion and the prodigal essence, which is a child wanting the parent’s stuff but not the parent. - The necessity of progressively removing transactional pieces of the relationship to stop affirming that non-relational dynamic. - The importance of directing energy toward parenting the children who stayed, to ensure the grief over the prodigal does not steal attention from them. - Guidance on handling sibling dynamics, including how to set boundaries with the children who remain connected to the rejected adult child. - How to keep the "porch light on" in your heart and set relational protocols for a progressive return and reconciliation. - Finding peace and comfort by reminding yourself that you are in a "safe story, just a dangerous chapter" Resources + Links Learn more about Learn more about what at does
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Strengthening GenZ Mental Health (w/Stephanie Shackelford) Ep. 291
03/30/2026
Strengthening GenZ Mental Health (w/Stephanie Shackelford) Ep. 291
In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, a Senior Fellow at Barna Group, to talk about the power of relationships, purpose, and tech-free spaces for improving kids' mental health. Dr. Shackelford shares insights from her recent Barna report, Gen Z, Mental Health and Wellbeing. Dr. Shackelford discusses the six themes identified in her research for supporting Gen Z mental health, including the critical need for tech-free spaces and consistent rhythms for connection. She explains that the youth mental health crisis, marked by skyrocketing anxiety and depression, correlates with the rise of smartphone availability between 2010 and 2015. Throughout the conversation, she offers practical advice for parents on setting boundaries, such as removing phones from bedrooms and dinner tables, and modeling healthy technology use. This conversation reflects on how to cultivate purpose and meaning in Gen Z, arguing that focusing on purpose—using one's gifts to serve others—is more fulfilling than chasing happiness. This discussion highlights that half of Gen Z Christians value seeing Christianity promote good in the world more than knowing it is true. She emphasizes that in-person church attendance is a major buffer against poor mental health outcomes like suicide and depression, encouraging families to prioritize being contributors at church and cultivating a culture of service at home. This episode is an encouraging reminder that when parents and caregivers approach these changes with a humble vision and start with small, actionable steps, they can foster deep connection and meaningful purpose for their children. About the Guest Dr. Stephanie Shackelford is a Senior Fellow at Barna Group. She has researched and written for nationwide research studies covering topics such as Gen Z, mental health, purpose, calling, and discipleship. She and her husband live on the campus of Eagle Ranch, a ministry for Families in Crisis. In This Episode What defines Gen Z (ages 9-27) The six practical ideas from the Gen Z, Mental Health and Wellbeing report How the rise of smartphones is correlated with increased youth anxiety and depression Creating tech-free spaces and the benefits of being bored and connecting with nature The meaning of "thick community" and "embodied experiences" to combat loneliness Inviting Gen Z into a narrative of purpose and redemption rather than happiness The protective role of in-person church attendance against poor mental health Cultivating a culture of service and calling at home and in the community Resources + Links Learn more about Learn more about what at does
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Understanding the Court Process (w/Cari Huddleston) Ep. 290
03/16/2026
Understanding the Court Process (w/Cari Huddleston) Ep. 290
Court is one of the most intimidating parts of the foster care journey—but you are not powerless in the process. Today, a Guardian ad Litem shares insight into how the court system works, how “best interest” decisions are made, and why your voice matters more than you may realize. Be encouraged: even when it feels confusing, your presence and partnership make a lasting impact.
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Obeying with Action Where You Are (w/Mary Perdue) Ep. 289
03/02/2026
Obeying with Action Where You Are (w/Mary Perdue) Ep. 289
On this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb welcomes Mary Perdue—wife of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue—to share her journey into foster care and her years as the First Lady of Georgia (2003–2011). Mary shares how fostering newborns awaiting adoption in the late 1990s opened her eyes to the broader foster care system and inspired her to make foster care her primary initiative while in office. She describes the cultural stigma and lack of awareness surrounding the system, her focus on educating communities that there are many ways to help beyond becoming a foster parent, and efforts like Champions for Children that engage businesses, civic groups, and churches. Additionally, Mary discusses her work in creating Georgia’s Children’s Cabinet to coordinate state agencies serving children. She reflects on lessons of obedience and calling while urging the church to take responsibility for supporting foster children, families, and caseworkers alike.
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Encouraging Foster Parents to Persevere (w/Tony Mitchell) Ep.288
02/16/2026
Encouraging Foster Parents to Persevere (w/Tony Mitchell) Ep.288
On this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Host Jami Kaeb interviews Tony Mitchell, who entered foster care as a newborn, was adopted at age two into a loving but impoverished farm family, and grew up learning work ethic, faith, and integrity. Tony shares learning about his adoption around age 9–10, wrestling with identity and belonging while facing racial isolation and teenage rebellion, and later coming to faith in college after reading the New Testament. In his forties he located his birth mother to thank her for choosing not to terminate the pregnancy, and at 59 he was contacted by the son of his foster family, filling in the missing story of his early years and confirming he was deeply loved. Tony emphasizes gratitude, grounding identity in God, and encourages foster/adoptive parents to never give up, reminding adoptees that God can redeem painful stories for good.
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Addressing Fears About Teen Placements (w/Missy Bell) Ep. 287
02/06/2026
Addressing Fears About Teen Placements (w/Missy Bell) Ep. 287
Our guest, Missy Bell, is the Director of San Diego for Olive Crest, an organization dedicated to preventing child abuse by strengthening, equipping, and restoring children and families in crisis one life at a time. In this conversation with Jami, she brings wisdom and insight into common fears parents have when deciding to adopt a teen and how to overcome them.
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Answering FAQ's About the Advocate Role (w/Jami + Holly) Ep. 286
01/19/2026
Answering FAQ's About the Advocate Role (w/Jami + Holly) Ep. 286
In this episode host Jami Kaeb and Holly Gnuse sit down together to talk about all things Advocates. What does it mean to be a TFI Advocate? They answer all of our frequently asked questions about the role including things like what's the time commitment, is training provided, and how do I start. Listen in as they share details about how TFI equips advocates just like you, all across the country to care for the vulnerable right where they live. More information on becoming a TFI Advocate: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/become-a-tfi-advocate/ Set up a call to learn more: https://calendly.com/mellissa-foster-tfi/learn-more-you-don-t-have-to-foster-to-care?month=2026-01
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Linking Trauma Informed Care and the Gospel (w/Tera Melber) Ep. 285
01/05/2026
Linking Trauma Informed Care and the Gospel (w/Tera Melber) Ep. 285
Join host Jami for a powerful conversation with experienced foster parent and trauma-informed care expert, Tera Melber. Tera, the founder of Resound Trauma Education, brings her extensive background—including a master’s degree in human services counseling and a commitment to integrating faith with the latest interpersonal neurobiology research—to the discussion. She shares her 20-year journey into foster care and adoption, highlighting the realization that parenting a child from early adversity requires a special set of skills and a Christian framework for care that wasn't always readily available. Tera delves into the critical need for a trauma-informed approach to parenting and ministry, illustrating how Jesus himself modeled this connection-based care by avoiding shame and fostering safety, as seen in biblical accounts like the woman at the well and Zacchaeus. She also shifts the focus to the pivotal role of the church, encouraging congregations to move beyond rigid expectations. Instead, she advocates for trauma-aware environments—equipping volunteers with co-regulation tools, like "backpack teams"—to ensure foster and kinship families feel safety, connection, and belonging. Ultimately, Tera’s mission is to combine the research of trauma-informed care with the biblical teachings of Jesus, viewing this work not as a buzzword, but as essential "gospel work." She looks forward to witnessing the church step up to be a unique place of safety, connection, and hope to bring healing and generational change to families navigating the foster care journey. Links: Learn more at theforgotteninitiative.org More about guest Tera Melber https://www.facebook.com/p/Resound-Trauma-Education-LLC-61560422615470/
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Episode 284: Celebrating 10 Years of The Forgotten Podcast (w/ Jamie Finn)
12/01/2025
Episode 284: Celebrating 10 Years of The Forgotten Podcast (w/ Jamie Finn)
In this very special episode, our usual host, Jami Kaeb, is taking a turn in the guest seat. Stepping in to act as the host is our dear friend (and repeat guest) Jamie Finn! The Forgotten Podcast is celebrating 10 years of creating content that serves, equips, and encourages those in the foster care community, as well as exalts the name of Jesus. To help commemorate this milestone, Jami will be the one answering questions and filling us in on some of the most impactful moments from the last 10 years as we look ahead to what’s coming next. In this episode, Jami shares key lessons she’s learned through hosting the podcast, a little bit about how The Forgotten Initiative began, why it matters to hold both the darkness and the light in our stories, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 283: Fourteen Children, One Family (w/ Beth van der Wel)
11/24/2025
Episode 283: Fourteen Children, One Family (w/ Beth van der Wel)
My guest for this conversation didn’t set out to have fourteen children in her home. But through every step of her journey, she boldly trusted in the Lord and kept stepping out in faith. Beth van der Wel is not only a biological mom to three, but she is also an adoptive and foster parent to an additional 11 children. Throughout their nearly three decades of marriage, Beth and her husband, Robin, have opened their hearts and their home to however the Lord would lead, which would include welcoming entire sibling groups into their home all at once. From an unexpected nudge toward adoption to watching God bring life and hope to children the world had given up on, Beth has seen firsthand that you don’t have to have a perfect plan to be used by God. Beth recently joined the TFI Team as an Advocate in Marshall County, Alabama. In this episode, Beth shares how she is living out her call to serve vulnerable children, the importance of making caseworkers feel seen and supported, how even 24 hours can have a profound impact on a child’s life, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 282: How to Serve When Your Home is Full (w/ Hanna Thrower)
11/10/2025
Episode 282: How to Serve When Your Home is Full (w/ Hanna Thrower)
What should I do if I have a heart for the foster care community, but I can’t open my home to foster right now? We hear this question often. Sometimes it comes from individuals who have fostered before and are simply in a season where they need to pause. Other times we hear it from people who don’t feel called to foster, but still have a deep passion to support vulnerable children and families. No matter which group you fall into, there are so many meaningful roles you can step into to make a difference. Today, we want to highlight one such role—and a foster parent who stepped into this role when her home was at capacity. We’re honored to introduce you to one of our TFI Advocates, Hanna Thrower. Hanna is a dedicated TFI Advocate serving Butler County, Alabama. Her heart for foster care began at a young age, and since then Hanna and her husband, Caleb, have fostered over 20 children, welcomed one adopted child into their family, and are raising three biological children. In this episode, Hanna shares about her foster care journey, how she got started as an Advocate and earned the trust of her local agency, advice she would give someone considering the role of a TFI Advocate, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 281: Behind the Scenes with an Agency Worker (w/ Abraham Choate)
10/27/2025
Episode 281: Behind the Scenes with an Agency Worker (w/ Abraham Choate)
It’s no secret that the child welfare system can be frustrating for children, their biological families, and foster families alike. More often than not, agency workers are the people who have to carry the brunt of this frustration. Yet, if we were to take a look behind the scenes, we would see individuals who care deeply about children and families and are doing their best to secure positive outcomes for the people they serve—but they are overworked, overwhelmed, and often trying to keep up with ever-changing policies. My guest for this conversation is deeply familiar with nearly every part of the child welfare system, from investigations and licensing to prevention and support. Abraham Choate has spent years serving children and families through the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families. He’s also a licensed social worker who provides counseling part-time. Abe’s story and perspective offer us a unique look into the realities of child welfare, helping us understand how we can better support and partner with our local workers. In this episode, Abraham shares some of the inner workings on the agency side of child welfare, the stressful environment agency workers are thrust into, the importance of everyone having healthy boundaries, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 280: Working Together to Support and Redeem Families (w/ Norm Suire)
10/13/2025
Episode 280: Working Together to Support and Redeem Families (w/ Norm Suire)
The child welfare system is far from perfect. However, numerous individuals, agency workers, and organizations like us are working faithfully to help support and uplift the children and families within that system. Our guest today knows this system intimately, as he has worked within it for over 40 years. Norm Suire worked first at Elgin Mental Health Center before transitioning to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). With a lifetime of experience in child welfare, Norm brings such wisdom and honesty about both the joys and challenges of this work. He is also a husband and father of three sons and a proud grandfather of five. In this episode, Norm shares practical advice for the day-to-day life of a foster parent, insights into how agency and social workers are required to operate within the system, an encouraging perspective to adopt as we work with children and families, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 279: Space in Our Hearts and in Our Homes (w/ Crystal Paine)
09/29/2025
Episode 279: Space in Our Hearts and in Our Homes (w/ Crystal Paine)
Foster care has a way of changing how we see the world. It asks us to step into hard places, stay present, and let God reshape our perspective. For our latest guest, that’s meant gaining a richer perspective on biological parents, a deeper appreciation for the beauty and challenges of caring for children with disabilities, and so much more. Crystal Paine and her husband have been foster parents to two precious children—one who was medically fragile and reunified with his biological mom, and one who was born premature with significant disabilities, whom they later adopted. Crystal is passionate about supporting biological parents, advocating for children with disabilities, and living out the Gospel through foster care and adoption. In this episode, Crystal shares about leaning on our faith when we’re facing challenges that can be intimidating, how we can be intentional about offering dignity and grace to biological parents, some of the unique aspects of fostering a child with disabilities, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 278: Looking Back at Our Trauma to Move Forward (w/ Byron Kehler)
09/15/2025
Episode 278: Looking Back at Our Trauma to Move Forward (w/ Byron Kehler)
“When trauma is our teacher, we are ill-equipped to live healthy lives in healthy environments. What we learn, we live.” We know that trauma often accompanies children when they enter the child welfare system. Usually, we talk about the effects of trauma and how caregivers can respond with support. Today, we’re looking at trauma through the lens of personal history to understand how individuals can discover, address, and heal the trauma in their own stories. Joining us to offer insights on “Story-Informed Trauma Therapy” (SITT), the method he created, is Byron Kehler. Byron is a Trauma Therapist with a private practice in Portland, Oregon. He’s here to help us understand the stories that lie behind hard behaviors and explore how we can respond with compassion, wisdom, and hope. In this episode, you’ll hear how best to help children while keeping their stories in mind, the power of helping children who have endured trauma maintain a sense of control, why our pasts can have such a big influence on our patterns today, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 277: Pursuing Reckless Faith (w/ Beth Guckenberger)
09/01/2025
Episode 277: Pursuing Reckless Faith (w/ Beth Guckenberger)
Whether it’s across the world or in all four corners of her home, my guest today has over two decades of experience in the foster care and adoptive community. Beth Guckenberger lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, Todd. Together, they serve as the Co-Executive Directors of Back2Back Ministries, a nonprofit dedicated to providing comprehensive care to vulnerable children and families worldwide. After graduating from Indiana University, the Guckenbergers moved to Monterrey, Mexico, where they lived for 15 years. Between biological, foster, and adopted children, they have raised eleven children. Today, Beth travels and speaks regularly at conferences, youth gatherings, and church services about “reckless faith.” In this episode, you’ll hear the power of trusting God’s plan even when things feel overwhelming, strategies for maintaining a strong marriage in the midst of demanding family responsibilities, some of the hardships and joys that come with stepping into hard places, and much more! Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 276: More Than How Your Story Began (w/ Hope Watts)
08/18/2025
Episode 276: More Than How Your Story Began (w/ Hope Watts)
Adoption and foster care are often depicted in dramatic ways in the media. Whether it’s an adult suddenly discovering the truth that they were adopted or a depiction of constant conflict between a child involved in the foster care system and their caregivers, media can easily give us a skewed perspective of what life is actually like for the real people navigating these situations. That’s why it’s so important to listen to the real voices of children, families, and workers in the foster care community—not to chase sensational details, but to approach their stories with compassionate curiosity. When we do, we discover that each journey is unique, that many see their experiences as stories of strength rather than sorrow, and that every person’s life is far richer than a single chapter. My guest for this conversation knows this firsthand. While adoption isn’t the defining feature of her daily identity, it has profoundly shaped her perspective. Hope Watts was adopted through the foster care system as a young child. Today, she enjoys raising awareness about foster care and encouraging others with a message of quiet resilience. In this episode, you’ll hear the importance of holding space for each other’s stories, some powerful encouragement for foster parents, how to meet people with compassion, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 275: Finding Your Role in the Foster Care Community (w/ Thomas Dent)
08/04/2025
Episode 275: Finding Your Role in the Foster Care Community (w/ Thomas Dent)
If you’re listening to this, chances are it was passion that first pulled you into your role in the foster care community—whether you’re a professional, a caregiver, an advocate, or a faithful supporter. But here’s something you might not have realized yet: just because you started in one role doesn’t mean that’s where you’ll stay. As we grow and gain experience, our passions often deepen and shift—and one of the beautiful things about this work is discovering new ways to use your gifts to serve children and families in need. My guest for this conversation knows this well! He has seen this work from nearly every angle. Thomas Dent has welcomed children into his home as an adoptive and former foster parent. He has also worked inside Mississippi’s child welfare system as their former Director of Faith Based and Volunteer Services and Foster Parent Liaison. He knows the challenges that come with this calling, but in the face of those battles, Thomas carries a deep, steady hope in Jesus—the Father of the fatherless. In this episode, you’ll hear some of the challenges of working within a broken system, what a blessing a supportive community can be to vulnerable families, how your passion makes your work personal, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 274: Everything’s in His Hands (w/ David and Julie Zimmer)
07/21/2025
Episode 274: Everything’s in His Hands (w/ David and Julie Zimmer)
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” – James 1:27 (ESV) You’ve probably heard this verse if you’ve ever been to an adoption or foster care training, attended a conference that discussed child welfare, or even just sat through your fair share of sermons. The message of this verse couldn’t be clearer: God cares deeply about the most vulnerable, and we should too! My guests for this conversation know all about this calling and are here to talk about what it can look like in practice. David and Julie Zimmer have been married for 15 years and are parents to four children together—three by birth and one through foster care. David is the Head of Production and Promotion at Sovereign Grace Music in Louisville, KY. Julie volunteers at BSide U 4 Life, a local pregnancy care center in downtown Louisville, where she supports vulnerable families by offering childcare to parents attending GED, parenting, and Bible classes. David and Julie are passionate about foster care and dedicated to standing in the gap for children and families in need. In this episode, you’ll hear about the emotional challenges that come along with fostering, the importance of investing in your marriage, the necessity of acknowledging our limitations, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 273: Finding Hope While Healing from a Painful Past (w/ Destini McAlister)
07/07/2025
Episode 273: Finding Hope While Healing from a Painful Past (w/ Destini McAlister)
Content / Trigger Warning: This episode does contain mentions and descriptions of abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse. If any of this may be triggering for you, we recommend you either listen carefully, listen with someone else, or you may even consider skipping this episode. Unfortunately, so many children who enter foster care have experienced some terrible things in their lives. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that in 2022, children entered foster care for the following reasons: 62% due to neglect 33% due to drug abuse 13% due to physical abuse 6% due to alcohol abuse 4% due to sexual abuse These are just a few of the circumstances that cause removal, and they total to over 100% because these challenges are not mutually exclusive. My guest for this conversation knows this all too well. Destini McAlister experienced neglect and abandonment while she was still an infant. She would then go on to experience sexual abuse and rejection throughout her foster care journey. Although Destini’s journey was filled with hardship, her story is one of hope. In this episode, you’ll hear how God was guiding Destini’s steps throughout her journey, the importance of processing the past, how hope can be found even in the darkest of stories, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 272: Striving for Racial Equity in the Child Welfare System (w/ Shanelle Dupree)
06/23/2025
Episode 272: Striving for Racial Equity in the Child Welfare System (w/ Shanelle Dupree)
The child welfare system can be confusing and complex. Families are often expected to navigate administrative systems, the criminal justice system, the legal system, and the social system—all at the same time and with no prior instruction. Our guest today knows the child welfare system inside and out—and she’s passionate about helping families navigate it with hope and clarity. She also understands that its challenges don’t impact everyone equally. Her work focuses on uncovering why families of color often face worse outcomes and unpacking the systemic issues behind those disparities. Shanelle Dupree is a former child welfare administrator who has practiced child welfare law. She is currently the executive director of Racial Equity Collaborative, a nonprofit focused on advancing racial equity for families and communities through collaborative action. In this episode, Shanelle shares the correlation between child welfare outcomes and race, why it’s crucial for parents to have the uncomfortable conversations about race with their foster or adoptive children, how to advocate for your child when they encounter racial discrimination, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 271: Foster Fathers (w/ Chris Easley & Kyle Seick)
06/09/2025
Episode 271: Foster Fathers (w/ Chris Easley & Kyle Seick)
Note: In this episode, Jami talks about her pregnancy—but don’t worry, you didn’t miss another baby announcement! If you’re part of our TFI family, you know her sweet little one has already arrived. This episode was recorded back in January! Sometimes, it can feel like the conversation within the foster care community is predominantly shaped by female voices. While it’s wonderful to have such a strong female perspective in this space, it can be a challenge for men to find resources that speak to their unique experiences. This is the heartbeat behind the Foster Fathers podcast. Hosts Chris Easley and Kyle Seick are striving to create a community where men can learn and grow from one another within the context of foster care. Chris and Kyle met during virtual foster care training classes in Boise, Idaho. They quickly bonded over shared humor and mutual support as they embarked on their foster care journeys. Together they offer valuable advice, encouragement, and connection to other foster and adoptive fathers who are navigating the joys and struggles that come with this calling. In this episode, you’ll hear what inspired Chris and Kyle to become foster fathers, an honest take on some of the challenges of foster care and adoption, common misconceptions about the men and women who become foster parents, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 270: Recovering from Addiction to Achieve Reunification (w/ Jacob Jackson)
05/26/2025
Episode 270: Recovering from Addiction to Achieve Reunification (w/ Jacob Jackson)
There are many requirements that a biological parent must meet in order to reunify with their children. While these requirements are necessary to ensure that children are being reunited with parents who can provide a safe and stable environment, many parents struggle to overcome the circumstances that led to their children being placed in foster care in the first place. In the state of Illinois, Just as children and foster parents need a supportive community, biological parents working toward reunification need a strong, steady network around them too. One such parent is Jacob Jackson. After a car accident, Jacob found himself addicted to prescription drugs, which led him into a tumultuous season of life. When he was at the end of his rope, Jacob attempted to take his own life. With nowhere else to turn, he entered the Louisiana Adult & Teen Challenge and by the grace of God found a connection with a local church. It was during this time that Jacob learned his children had entered foster care. Determined to reunite with them, he threw himself into recovery, working tirelessly to complete the program and meet every requirement needed to regain full custody. In this episode, you’ll hear the obstacles Jacob had to overcome, the ways that anyone can fall into difficult circumstances, how the support of the local church played a vital role in reunification, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 269: Opening Your Heart and Home to Those in Need (w/ Sarah Hott)
05/12/2025
Episode 269: Opening Your Heart and Home to Those in Need (w/ Sarah Hott)
Foster care is both rewarding and challenging. It’s happy at times and sad at others; it brings hard days as well as beautiful moments. If you are in the foster care community, you’ve likely seen (or experienced) this firsthand. But what do we do when we come to the end of ourselves? How do we respond when we feel called to open our homes again to those in need—yet find ourselves unsure if our hearts are ready to face the joys and the pain that foster care can bring? Our guest for this episode knows this tension well. Sarah Hott’s journey through fostering, adopting, and parenting has taught her profound lessons about faith, community, and the power of love. Sarah and her husband, Chris, have been foster parents for over six years. They currently have five children in their home—three by adoption from foster care, one biological, and one foster child. Sarah believes that few things draw you to the heart of Jesus like opening your home and heart to children in need and their families. In this episode, you’ll hear more of Sarah’s personal journey as she shifted from foster parent to adoptive mom, her thoughts on the power and necessity of a supportive community, the ways God showed up when she was at her maximum capacity, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 268: Building Compassion for Those Struggling with Addiction (w/ Christina Dent)
04/28/2025
Episode 268: Building Compassion for Those Struggling with Addiction (w/ Christina Dent)
Substance use is a major factor in foster care cases; , more than half of the children who entered care under age 5 did so because of parental drug use. Addiction is an issue that runs parallel to the foster care community, and it’s a struggle that agency workers and foster parents often witness firsthand in the lives of the families they serve. For those of us who have never battled with addiction, it can be easy to think we have nothing in common with parents whose substance use results in their children being removed from their care. However, my guest today is here to help us see these people through a new lens—one that emphasizes compassion, understanding, and shared humanity. Christina Dent is the Founder and Vice President of Mission at End It For Good, a nonprofit that invites people to support approaches to drug addiction that prioritize life, preserve families, and promote public safety. As an adoptive mom and former foster mom, Christina’s experiences in foster care ignited a passion in her for finding better solutions for addiction. In this episode, she shares the realities of addiction and drug use, how drug addiction intersects with foster care, why we should reframe the way we think and speak about those struggling with addiction, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 267: Beauty Woven in the Brokenness (w/ Austin Ludwig)
04/14/2025
Episode 267: Beauty Woven in the Brokenness (w/ Austin Ludwig)
Trigger Warning: We want to let our listeners know that this episode includes mentions of physical abuse. If you are sensitive to this topic, we recommend you listen with caution. Trauma is one of the hardest challenges to navigate in life. Whether it’s impacting you or someone you love, it can be easy to wish that trauma could be erased in an instant. But our latest guest’s powerful story reminds us that healing doesn’t happen with the snap of a finger. It takes the steady presence of others, the patience to water seeds we can’t yet see growing, and the courage to keep seeking God—even in the darkest moments. After fifteen years of abuse and a childhood riddled with trauma, Austin Ludwig ended up in the foster care system until he aged out at 18. As he wrestled with the broken pieces of his past, he encountered the transformational love of Jesus and the opportunity for healing and restoration through the Gospel. Today, Austin is a musical artist, writer and speaker who serves on staff with the WinShape Foundation. In this episode, he shares about the brokenness in his childhood as well as the hidden beauty, why every person has an opportunity to respond to the trauma they have experienced, encouragement for foster parents who may currently have a tumultuous relationship with a child in their care, and much more! Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 266: Advocating for Whole Family Care (w/ Esther Sherrard)
03/31/2025
Episode 266: Advocating for Whole Family Care (w/ Esther Sherrard)
The child welfare system is not perfect. Not only is it subject to the types of challenges all government programs can face—such as a lack of funding, policy gaps, and inefficiencies—it’s also very overloaded. As a result, many biological parents don’t receive the best resources to help them navigate their circumstances, and often, they are confused about how to access the resources that are available. Here at The Forgotten Initiative, we’re committed to advocating for the best interests of children and families while ensuring that the laws and procedures designed to protect them are upheld. This is exactly what Esther Sherrard, a dedicated private consultant, works to do every day! Esther helps agencies, courts, and faith communities improve child welfare outcomes by preserving, restoring, and growing families. She was a licensed foster parent for older youth and has spent 10 years with the Federal Child and Family Services Review team. Esther is determined to see more children and families involved in the child welfare system experience positive outcomes. In this episode, Esther shares some of the challenges biological parents face when trying to navigate the system, the importance of the local church standing in the gap to support children and families in foster care, why we should seek to show true compassion to biological parents, and much more. This conversation was grounding and inspiring as we seek to fulfill God’s calling to promote justice and support families. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 265: Walking Through the Heartache of "Blocked Care" (w/ Eric & Diana Powell)
03/17/2025
Episode 265: Walking Through the Heartache of "Blocked Care" (w/ Eric & Diana Powell)
Like so many families, Eric and Diana Powell entered into adoption with the best intentions. After their first international adoption from Thailand, they quickly started the paperwork for their second, knowing that the process is often long and fraught with delays. What they couldn’t know is that the next few years of their adoption journey would include physical aggression, episodes of emotional dysregulation, marriage tension, a phenomenon known as “blocked care”, and an overwhelming sense of isolation. During this challenging period, they often didn’t know where to turn next or what to do to help their family heal and connect. Blocked care is a response that can occur when a person rejects your attempts to provide for them, no matter how loving or compassionate those attempts may be. Over time, this pattern can lead to feelings of rejection, hostility, anxiety, and even compassion fatigue in the caregiver. Eric and Diana’s story has been one of incredible challenges, but it is also one of tremendous growth. Today, the Powells are passionate about being a listening ear for others on their fostering or adoption journey. In this episode, they explain how they learned what blocked care is and how to navigate it, the importance of finding a supportive community as a foster or adoptive parent, where to find hope when reality doesn’t match your expectations, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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Episode 264: The Reality of a Caseworker’s Role (w/ Brittni Hodges)
03/03/2025
Episode 264: The Reality of a Caseworker’s Role (w/ Brittni Hodges)
Foster care caseworkers often feel forgotten, isolated, and alone. From managing stressful workloads to coping with secondary trauma and sometimes facing frustration from families in crisis, it’s not hard to understand why caseworker turnover is so high. But here at The Forgotten Initiative, we believe well-supported caseworkers will more effectively serve children, leading to better outcomes for everyone. Our guest for this episode is here to give us an inside look at the kinds of struggles caseworkers may be experiencing in your community and how both individuals and churches can come together to give these professionals a network of support. Brittni Hodges is currently a social worker at Delavan Schools in the same community where she grew up. However, she began her career as a foster care caseworker in Central Illinois. During her time in this role, Brittni worked tirelessly to support children, biological families, and foster families within the complex demands of the foster care system. Despite heavy caseloads, limited resources, and challenging situations that took a toll on her emotional and physical well-being, her time as a caseworker profoundly shaped her understanding of compassion, resilience, and Christ’s love for all His children. In this episode, Brittni helps us understand some of the most challenging parts of a caseworker’s role, how big of an impact community support can have on caseworkers, what kinds of resources can make a meaningful difference for local agencies, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode:
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