What Next? The Adoptee Rights Podcast

All and everything about adoptee rights, with interviews, discussions, and the ongoing complexities of being an adopted person in the world.

20: Rescission - A Conversation about Ending Your Own Adoption 05/02/2024

20: Rescission - A Conversation about Ending Your Own Adoption Greg talks with Chelsey, a US-born adult adopted person who for years has been seeking to end her own adoption, and for good reason. They discuss her story and reasons, the various legal issues surrounding the rescission of an adoption, and that has led to a definition of terms and that would establish a right as an adult to end your own adoption. More information about the . Greg's prior , though efforts have progressed since he published the initial post a few years ago. Support our work and conversations on the podcast by , a national nonprofit organization working to educate and empower adopted people and to challenge and change the dominant narrative of adoption. /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/31088653

19: Kara Bos - Dual Citizenship 04/24/2024

19: Kara Bos - Dual Citizenship Greg and CS talk with Korean-born and US transnational adoptee Kara Bos about her efforts to reclaim her Korean citizenship, lost to her when she was four years of age and adopted to the United States. Her efforts included the first successful paternity action in Korea to establish paternity with her Korean biological father. The conversation is part of an Adoptees United event, Dual Citizenship for Transnational Adoptees, recorded on April 10, 2024, and . Follow and subscribe to What Next? The Adoptee Rights Podcast, and keep us going with a tax-deductible donation at . /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/30915198

18: Lobbying - With Annette O'Connell and Shawna Hodgson 04/18/2024

18: Lobbying - With Annette O'Connell and Shawna Hodgson Greg speaks with and about lobbying in state legislatures, plus other (kinda nutty) issues that pop up. As board members of Adoptees United and as advocates in New York and Texas, Annette and Shawna have years of experience in lobbying legislators on birth record bills. They talk about their approach, how hard it is to do this work, and what it may look like in the future. This is the third installment of , a series of podcast episodes exploring and explaining how legislatures work as well as how to get a bill enacted (or killed), told within the context of adoptee rights. Support the work of , which goes toward the making of our podcasts plus supports ongoing programming and projects. /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/30840273

17: Relinquished - With Gretchen Sisson 04/12/2024

17: Relinquished - With Gretchen Sisson A conversation with scholar, advocate, researcher and writer Gretchen Sisson, author of the recently published . This is the podcast version of our conversation we had before an online audience in March 2024. It has been slightly edited from that event. What Next: The Adoptee Rights Podcast is a production of , a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the equality of all adopted people. Gregory Luce is the host. /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/30788528

16: Max Aulbach 02/28/2024

16: Max Aulbach One of two episodes (the first with Ayana Smith-Kooiman) where Greg talks with legislative staffers. This time he sits down with , the legislative director for Michigan Represetative Kristian Grant , whose district is in Grand Rapids. Max talks about his work, what works best (or not) in contacting legislative offices, and how he and his office works to support his boss. While we mention , the discussion is mostly about the ins and outs of working with legislative staff and trying to get a legislator's attention and support. Part of the Legislative Bootcamp series, a set of intermittent episodes where we talk about the work of getting a bill enacted (or killing a bill when it goes bad). Read more about the legislative work in Michigan currently, including the work of the . /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/30157378

15: Ayana Smith-Kooiman 02/28/2024

15: Ayana Smith-Kooiman We sit down with , the legislative assistant to Sen. Erin Maye Quade in Minnesota. Ayana was the behind-the-scenes and front-desk staffer directly supporting Sen. Maye Quade's adoptee rights bill in 2023, ultimately getting it enacted. She's a Wisconsin-born adopted person, a Macalester College graduate, and a former advocacy fellow with in Minnesota. She talks about her work in the legislature as well as what does and doesn't work in advocacy. More information about the . The was one of the organizations that had worked on the bill tirelessly for decades. Greg and Penelope Needham of MCAR also appeared on a podcast discussing the efforts to pass the new law: . /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/30156928

14: Adoption Mosaic 02/18/2024

14: Adoption Mosaic Part 2 of a two-part interview with Astrid Castro, and we turn to the history of her work with Adoption Mosaic and the complications and joys of providing solid programming and events for adopted people---and allies, partners, and anyone impacted by adoption. We recommend listening to Part 1 before listening. Ciao! Show Notes is a BIPOC woman owned, adoptee-led mission-driven business. With 30+ years of experience, its founders and leaders have created a robust, diverse community who want to see a future of more adoptee-centered and ethical adoption practices and critical thinking around adoption. Upcoming , including the . /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/30007273

13: Astrid Castro 02/18/2024

13: Astrid Castro Greg talks with Astrid Castro, someone he's long wanted to have on the show. Astrid is a transracial transnational adoptee who was born in Colombia. She is also the longtime leader and current CEO of Oregon-based and has since 1990 provided programming, guidance, wisdom, and space to all people impacted by adoption, but with a particular focus and dedication to adopted people. Part 1 of a two part interview, with Part 2 released simultaneously and covering Astrid's experience in running Adoption Mosaic. Show Notes: is a BIPOC woman owned, adoptee-led mission-driven business. Its founders and leaders have created a robust, diverse community who want to see a future of more adoptee-centered and ethical adoption practices and critical thinking around adoption. Upcoming , including the . /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/30006618

12: @stoweyvik 06/04/2022

12: @stoweyvik More widely known among adopted people as Vicki is a transracial UK adoptee, army veteran, and host of the weekly Sunday Zoom chats with adoptees and Vicki's special guests. Greg talks to her about her and her sibling's life in rural England and about her recent participation in the government's recent inquiry into forced adoptions that occurred in the UK between 1949 and 1976. You can connect with Vicki on Twitter at , where she sends out links to her Sunday chats each week (when the sessions are being scheduled). More information about the . The latest proceeding of the committee can be viewed here: . Witnesses: Nadhim Zahawi MP, Secretary of State, Department of Education; Sarah Jennings, Deputy Director of Adoption, Family Justice and Care Leavers, Department of Education Support this podcast and the work of Adoptees United Inc. by making a tax-deductible donation at https://adopteesunited.org/donate/ /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/23327510

Episode 11: DIB+ 05/19/2022

Episode 11: DIB+ Erica Babino talks with Greg about Roe v. Wade, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in adoptee rights, plus what an adoptee rights retreat could bring and do for the community. Erica Babino is New York born and Texas-adopted. She has a long history in the adoptee rights movement, including as former legislative director of the American Adoption Congress and as a current . She currently oversees equity and inclusion work at a private educational institution in Portland. Erica is a consultant to numerous organizations on organizational issues of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. She is also the author of , a children's book that explores mediation and conflict resolution using a stimulating and visionary approach that is logical and relatable to children. Another book in the series is forthcoming. /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/23164046

Episode 10: Outside the Fold 04/20/2022

Episode 10: Outside the Fold A conversation with biologist and climate scientist Sandra Steingraber, about adoption, cancer, and queerness. , related to her research, writing, lecturing, and activism on issues related to chemical pollutants and environmental dangers in our communities, including fracking. But she's also an adopted person, and Greg talks with her about her lived experience as an adoptee within the context of all of her communities, including academia, science, cancer survivor, and, more recently, the world of adoptee rights, particularly her identity as a queer adoptee. Sandra Steingraber is also the subject of as well as the acclaimed author of numerous books, articles, and essays, including: ; ; She also has a , where she posts on issues of adoption and environmental science and climate justice. Like what you hear? Support Adoptees United Inc. and its programming, including this podcast, by making a tax-deductible donation at . /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/22854887

Episode 9: History 04/14/2022

Episode 9: History Vermont is on the precipice of history as an unrestricted equal rights bill is poised to become law. And Louisiana is on the same track. Greg talks with many of the advocates who are , including Ellie Lane, Rebecca Dragon, Bek Henson, Annette O'Connell and Claudia Corrigan D'Arcy (plus a shout out to Mary King, who couldn't be with us as we talked about Vermont, equal rights, and when we will have our next round of beer together). Greg also talks with Elise Lewis about , plus we have a rundown on other bills, including a in Congress. Follow legislative actions on the , where we track both federal and state legislation that impacts adoptees across the country. Please consider , a national nonprofit organization dedicated to equality for all adopted people. And be sure to sign up for our so we can keep you informed. /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/22791596

Episode 8: Lynelle 03/29/2022

Episode 8: Lynelle Most adoptees know who you are talking about when you say the name Lynelle. As in Lynelle Long, who has been a quiet and consistent powerhouse in working to secure adoptee rights globally, for all adoptees. I talk with Lynelle about her long experience, her work with adoptees across the globe, and about her own experiences as an advocate and adoptee. You can find more information about her and her organization, Intercountry Adoptee Voices, . And if you are an an intercountry adoptee you can join the . More information . If you like our podcast, consider supporting us with a tax-deductible financial contribution at . And sign up for the What Next newsletter at . /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/22609430

Episode 7: Switched 03/15/2022

Episode 7: Switched What if you are switched at birth---and then adopted? How do you unravel all the legal threads of adoption to get to the truth, if not reconstruct relationships that may have been created from the wrong information and records? Greg talks with Minnesota-born adoptee Diane Bazella about discovering a truth about the records of her birth and adoption that has left her reeling--- and has compelled her to seek legal help. Sign up for the What Next Newsletter at . And help Adoptees United continue to produce these podcasts by contributing a tax-deductible donation at . /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/22456343

Episode 6: Cleanup 03/08/2022

Episode 6: Cleanup Do bad bills ever go good? Rarely, if ever. But that may change with Vermont this session, as House Bill 629 is being redrafted and is expected to be cleaned up, all through the efforts of local and national advocates, including the Vermont Adoptee Rights Working Group. Greg talks to Rebekah Henson, Ellie Lane, Rebecca Dragon, and Mary Anna King about their efforts and work in Vermont, about the New England Adoptee Rights Coalition, and about working to educate legislators about adoptee rights and original birth records. Get more , as well as the . And you can watch the latest testimony in the here, including live testimony on March 9 for House Bill 629. /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/22379528

Episode 5: Ireland 02/22/2022

Episode 5: Ireland Greg talks with and Mari Steed about Ireland's history of adoption and original birth records---which have always been public records---and the decades-long fight for Irish-born adopted people to secure the right to obtain all records related to their own identities and history. You can read more about this issue and Claire and Mari's work at , which is also a partner in the rights-based research work of the . And check out Claire and Mari's (and others') recent book, , which provides "an overview of the social, cultural and political contexts of institutional survivor activism, the Irish State's response culminating in the McAleese Report, and the formation of the Justice for Magdalenes campaign, a volunteer-run survivor advocacy group." /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/22215146

Episode 4: Omelette 02/08/2022

Episode 4: Omelette Greg travels to Wisconsin for a legislative hearing and meets Diana Higgenbottom Anagnostopoulos and other advocates, legislative staffers, and legislators. Diana's remarkable story is highlighted in this week's episode, and we talk about the documentary film being produced about her life, the hard work of showing up for adoptee rights advocacy, and what it takes to keep moving forward in the face of adversity. Plus, what she means by the three-egg omelette of adoption. Keep our show going! Please consider making a contribution, which is tax-deductible, at . Plus, get show notes and the What Next newsletter at . /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/22062587

Episode 3: Bonus Material 02/02/2022

Episode 3: Bonus Material Extended interview session with Shelise Gieseke in which we talk mental health resources, advocacy, Adoption Mosaic programming, and Greg's mom. Enjoy. /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/22000859

Episode 3: Infinite Money 02/01/2022

Episode 3: Infinite Money What could the adoptee rights movement do if it had infinite money? We work to answer this question with Shelise Gieseke of Adoption Mosaic, and we predictably end up discussing all sorts of other issues within the adoptee rights community. You can find more information about Shelise and her work with Adoption Mosaic at . And listen to another recent interview with Shelise on the , a podcast "about, by and for Korean adoptees." /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/21968918

Episode 2: Georgia 01/25/2022

Episode 2: Georgia Can a person really be born in two different places? Yep, if you were adopted in Georgia. Greg talks with Jamie Weiss about her backstory and about a new story moving forward: changing the law in Georgia through her work with the Georgia Alliance for Adoptee Rights (GARR). Support our work and this podcast by donating to Adoptees United Inc., a national nonprofit organization with an unwavering committment to equality for all adopted people. Make a tax-deductible contribution today: Sign up for the weekly What Next newsletter with updates on legisative and legal issues in the past and coming week: For more information about GAAR and its work, go to . /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/21866684

Episode 1: Soap Opera 01/18/2022

Episode 1: Soap Opera Adoptee United's Gregory Luce launches the new podcast and talks with Marley Greiner about the origins of Bastard Nation, the history of adoptee rights, and the growing threat of Safe Haven Baby Boxes /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/21804989

What Next? The Adoptee Rights Podcast 01/11/2022

What Next? The Adoptee Rights Podcast Welcome to What Next:The Adoptee Rights Podcast. Each week we'll talk about the state of adoptee rights and all that it is---or isn’t. We’ll feature state and federal legislative updates, interviews, and legal developments, plus we'll discuss the frequent absurdities and complications of being an adopted person. Join AU's Gregory Luce and his guests each week as they discuss the state of adoptee rights. Fun and informative, with a constant bottom line of equality for all adopted people. Latest Episode: Infinite Money What if we had infinite money? That is, what if adoptee rights work was suddenly fully funded? What would that world look like? Greg talks with Shelise Gieseke of about her work and what we could do if we actually had the resources to do it. Follow/Subscribe/Rate and all that on • • • What Next Newsletter (and Show Notes) Sign up for the What Next newsletter, with legislative updates, weekly show notes, and bonus content. /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/21743360

What Next: Trailer 01/11/2022

What Next: Trailer Trailer for the upcoming What Next? podcast, presented by Adoptees United. Join Gregory Luce and guests each week to bemoan and bemuse the state of adoptee rights, with some humorous lessons along the way. /episode/index/show/whatnextpodcast/id/21742772

What Next? The Adoptee Rights Podcast

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