In this gripping episode, Kendall Stulce opens up a powerful, no-holds-barred conversation with writer, advocate, and adoptee Rich Uhrlaub, the creative mind behind For the Records—a bold new musical that brings the haunting truths of adoption to the stage. Set in 1967, Rich’s musical unravels the hidden heartache of the baby scoop era, a time when adoption was shrouded in secrecy, leaving adoptees to grapple with questions about their identities and worth.
The Musical Exposing Adoption’s Darkest Secrets
As a long-time advocate, Rich has fought tirelessly to give adoptees their stories back. Kendall and Rich delve deep into the emotional maze of finding biological family members and the unexpected rejections and heartbreak that can come with it. Together, they lay bare the highs and lows of family reunions, from joyful connections to the painful reality of still feeling like a stranger. This is a story of resilience, raw honesty, and the universal human desire to belong. Don't miss the first of this two-part conversation that is as unforgettable as it is eye-opening.
Key Takeaways:
- For the Records: Rich shares the lightning-bolt moment when he knew his story—and the stories of so many adoptees—had to be told on stage. Hear how his powerful musical confronts the unspoken truths of adoption.
- The Quest for Identity: Kendall and Rich dive into what it’s like to uncover your biological roots, only to face the complex family dynamics and often bittersweet reunions that follow.
- Fighting for Truth: Rich’s advocacy has helped countless adoptees reclaim their stories, but he reveals the frustrating legal obstacles that still stand in the way for many.
- Hard Conversations, Real Healing: From the anger of being sidelined in family celebrations to the quiet strength of just showing up, Kendall and Rich get real about what it means to seek answers—and acceptance—without losing yourself in the process.
Episode Highlights:
- Rich’s Musical Vision - Discover how a hot tub brainstorm led Rich to write For the Records, a musical that lays bare the forgotten voices of the baby scoop era.
- Adoptees’ ‘Second-Tier’ Status - Kendall and Rich share brutally honest accounts of what it’s like to be viewed as ‘outsiders’ in their own families, even after reconnecting.
- Confronting the Past, Embracing the Present - The conversation reveals how societal norms have shaped the adoption journey, from legal battles to the internal struggles that adoptees continue to face.
- The Fight for Every Adoptee’s Right to Know - Rich recounts his work to bring truth to light for adoptees, including groundbreaking legal wins in Colorado that are breaking down barriers for adopted people everywhere.
Guest link:
For the Record(s) the musical
