Shows
From Foster to ForeverHealing, Hope, and Holistic Care: Supporting Adopted Children with Dr. Aaron HartmanIn this powerful and deeply personal episode, Rachel sits down with functional medicine physician and adoptive father Dr. Aaron Hartman to explore how early trauma, environmental factors, and holistic healthcare can shape the lives of foster and adopted children.Dr. Hartman shares the story of adopting his daughters through foster care and how his journey parenting a child with complex medical needs transformed his medical practice. Together, Rachel and Dr. Hartman discuss navigating the healthcare system, advocating for special-needs children, and practical ways families can support neurodivergent kids—emotionally, nutritionally, and medically.This conversation offers ho...
2026-02-1858 min
From Foster to ForeverEMDR and Play Therapy with Trauma Expert Jenny HornbyRecognizing our superpower as parents is the name of the game today, and it’s not about having all the answers. Our presence alone can be a game-changer for our kids, especially those who come from foster care and carry their own unique traumas. We’re diving deep with Jenny Hornby, a licensed counselor and trauma expert, who’s got some serious insights on how to help kids process their feelings in a safe way. We chat about EMDR therapy, which Jenny describes like taking a train ride through their experiences without reliving the trauma. So, whether you’re a season...
2026-02-1045 min
From Foster to ForeverAdoption Adventures: Finding Our Family through FosteringToday, we hear the heartfelt journey of David and Jill, who took the leap from being childless to adopting two beautiful siblings through the Foster to Adopt process. They share openly about how infertility led them to this path and speak about how this experience has transformed them into better people and deepened their love in ways they never imagined. From navigating the emotional rollercoaster of uncertainty, to the joys and challenges of raising toddlers who came from a tough background, their happy story is a testament to resilience and unconditional love. We chat about the importance of support...
2026-02-0332 min
From Foster to ForeverFoster Care Reality: Trauma, Love & Burnout with Emily ElletThis episode is a deep dive into the world of foster care - specifically, fostering a teen as a single woman. Our guest, Emily Ellett, shares her personal journey as a foster parent with candor and insight, shedding light on the realities, challenges, and heartfelt moments that come with it. We tackle the common misconceptions surrounding these kids and how the truth often varies from what’s painted for potential foster parents. Emily's experiences reveal the rollercoaster of emotions that come with fostering teens, the unexpected hurdles, and the moments that make it all worth it. We chat about th...
2026-01-271h 01
From Foster to ForeverEmbracing the Unexpected in Foster Care with Nikki ZakocsFlexibility and openness are the name of the game when it comes to fostering and adopting, and our guest, Nikki, really drives that point home today. She’s got a heartwarming story about her journey through foster care, navigating the ups and downs with grace and humor. From dealing with unexpected placements straight out of the hospital to fostering a medically fragile baby, Nikki shares the real scoop on what it’s like to open your home and heart to kids in need. We also dive into how her family adapted, the community support that came through in spades, and...
2026-01-2046 min
From Foster to ForeverThe Cosmic Library: Akashic Records for Family and Personal GuidanceKanika Vasudeva joins us today to dive into the mystical realm of the Akashic Records and the art of energy expansion. We kick things off by exploring what the Akashic Records really are—think of them as a cosmic library filled with everything about your life and soul's journey. Kanika encourages us to embrace our curiosity and even our skepticism, reminding us that accessing this wealth of knowledge is not just for the “gifted” but is open to anyone willing to explore. We chat about how tapping into these records can help folks navigate their paths to building non-traditional famili...
2026-01-1356 minFrom Foster to ForeverFrom Heartbreak to Hope: Martha's Foster and Adoption StoriesMartha Chaput drops some real talk with us today about the rollercoaster of fostering and adopting children. She shares her heart-wrenching experiences of loving and letting go, highlighting how important it is to make decisions centered on the child's well-being, even when it’s tough. We dive into the nitty-gritty of navigating the foster system, the moments of joy, the heartbreak, and the blessings that come from opening your heart to these kids. Martha’s candid reflections will make you laugh, cry, and rethink what family truly means. So grab your favorite snack, kick back, and join us for this...
2026-01-0641 minFrom Foster to ForeverAdopting Six Kids: Buckle Up with Bonnie Johnston ButlerThis week, we’re diving deep into the whirlwind journey of foster care and adoption with our guest, Bonnie Butler. She shares her story of going from contemplating stepping back from the foster system to unexpectedly adopting a sibling set of six kids—yeah, you heard that right, six! We talk about the real struggles and triumphs of blending families, navigating trauma, and finding emotional balance in the chaos. Bonnie’s insights on emotional intelligence for foster parents are gold, especially when dealing with the unique challenges that come with fostering traumatized children. So get ready for a heartfelt chat p...
2025-12-3055 minFrom Foster to ForeverGrowing Up in Foster Care, Trauma Recovery, and Finding Hope with Mary FieldsMary Fields shares her deeply personal journey of resilience and healing on the podcast, emphasizing that kindness can be a powerful tool for change. Growing up in the foster care system, she faced immense challenges that could have turned her bitter, but instead, she found strength in the support of kind individuals along the way. As an author of the memoir "Forever and a Day," Mary opens up about her experiences, including the struggle of reconciling her past trauma with her present as a mother of four. In a candid conversation with host Rachel, they dive into how humor...
2025-12-2351 minFrom Foster to ForeverAdopting an Older Child with TEDx Speaker Hilary CrowleyIn this powerful and heart-opening conversation, I sit down with Hilary Crowley — foster-to-adopt mom, holistic health practitioner, energy healer, TEDx speaker, and author of The Power of Energy Medicine. Hilary shares the extraordinary story of how she followed intuition, courage, and connection all the way to her son — and the unexpected lessons she learned along the way.From discovering the importance of foster-care support groups before certification, to navigating shutdowns, attachment, sibling dynamics, and biological family relationships, Hilary offers deep insight into what it really means to love, advocate, and parent a child who has survived instability and...
2025-12-1659 min
The ForeCastSheila Clough & Stasia Fulginiti: The Return of Jimmy Kimmel Live and the Lessons Advertisers Can’t Afford to MissIn this episode of The Forecast, host Morgan Willis speaks with our Director of Paid Search + YouTube, Stasia Fulginiti, and Director of Integrated Media Investment, @Sheila Clough, on the late-night lessons advertisers can take away from the suspension and return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! They also discuss strategies for advertisers during viral moments for linear TV and YouTube.The ForeCast is a podcast by Rain the Growth Agency, hosted by Morgan Willis. In each episode, we speak with industry experts about advertising, media, and the latest marketing trends, and sometimes we have a bit of...
2025-11-0717 min
SermonsZach Fulginiti | Running From GodSunday Evening, November 2, 2025Given by Zach Fulginiti | Pastor of Campus MinistryChrist Covenant ChurchRunning From GodSermon Text: Jonah 1Watch on YouTubeDownload our mobile app
2025-11-0226 min
The ForeCastStasia Fulginiti: The Impact of AI on Search, Adapting to Social Search Trends, & the Future of SearchIn this episode, Morgan speaks with Stasia Fulginiti, Director of Paid Search and YouTube at Rain the Growth Agency. They discuss the transformative impact of AI on search, the rise of social search among younger generations, and how brands can adapt to these changes. Stasia shares insights on the importance of content strategy, localization for small businesses, and her journey in digital marketing and fitness. The conversation concludes with predictions for the future of search and the role of AI in this field.The ForeCast is a podcast by Rain the Growth Agency, hosted by Morgan Willis...
2025-07-2318 minSermonsZach Fulginiti | A Precious Possession and a Proclaiming PeopleSunday Morning, July 20, 2025Given by Zach Fulginiti | Pastor of Campus MinistryChrist Covenant Church A Precious Possession and a Proclaiming PeopleSermon Text: 1 Peter 2:4-12Watch on YouTubeDownload our mobile app
2025-07-2040 minFrom Foster to ForeverHey Fam! Quick Catch Up on the show!Life's a wild ride, isn't it? Kind of like fostering and adopting, which is the heart and soul of our podcast, From Foster to Forever. We dive into the ups and downs of non-traditional families, sharing heartfelt stories that are anything but ordinary. In this latest episode, I pop in to give a shout-out after a little break from the mic. I know, I know, it’s been a minute, but hey, life (and surgery!) happens. Whether you’re a new listener or a seasoned vet, I’m stoked to have you here with me. I also take a...
2025-06-2606 minFrom Foster to ForeverMentorship: The Power of Being a Big Brother or SisterDennis DJ Quinn joins Rachel to share some seriously heartwarming wisdom from his years of mentoring through the Big Brother program. Right off the bat, he dives into the real deal about what it’s like to step into a kid’s life—not as a dad replacement, but as a big brother and a friend. He’s here to remind us that fostering connections can change not just a child’s life, but your own too. Dennis spills the beans on his journey, filled with laughter, challenges, and some unexpected life lessons that hit harder than a speeding train. So...
2025-05-0230 minFrom Foster to ForeverToo Autistic for Dance Class? Not Here!In continuation of our celebration of Autistic voices, we're diving deep into the world of dance and neurodiversity with Amanda Trisdale and Leta Rundell, the dynamic duo behind the Autistic Wings Dance Company. Right off the bat, they tackle how traditional dance environments often fall short for autistic kids, leaving them feeling sidelined and misunderstood. Amanda shares her personal journey, revealing how her own experiences with autism shaped the way they run their dance studio—where inclusivity is not just a buzzword, but the very foundation. With a maximum of four students per class, they’re flipping the script on w...
2025-04-1528 minSermonsZach Fulginiti | Praise the Lord All You NationsSunday Evening, April 13, 2025Given by Zach Fulginiti | Pastor of Campus MinistryChrist Covenant ChurchPraise the Lord All You NationsSermon Text: Psalm 117Watch on YouTubeDownload our mobile app
2025-04-1441 min
Tiffany's PodcastThe Secrets to Getting Hired HR Doesn’t Want You To Know | Amanda Fulginiti (Talent Acquisition, Gap Inc.)Want to stand out in a sea of job candidates? Start with how you tell your story.In this episode of Tiffany’s Podcast, we sit down with Amanda Fulginiti, Senior Talent Acquisition Manager at Gap Inc., to uncover what actually makes a candidate shine - hint: it’s not just your resume. Amanda shares what hiring teams really look for, why soft skills and storytelling are make-or-break factors, and how candidates can turn rejections into powerful second chances.We also explore how AI and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are shifting the hiring process, and what...
2025-04-041h 09From Foster to ForeverNeurodiversity, Special Needs and Foster Care with Christopher WyattToday’s chat dives deep into the nitty-gritty of parenting while navigating the complexities of autism and ADHD. Our guest, Christopher Wyatt, shares his personal journey of becoming a foster parent, which took a serious turn when his wife was diagnosed with cancer shortly after they welcomed their daughters into their lives. Instead of throwing in the towel, he emphasizes the importance of commitment, stating, “We signed up to be the best parents we could be, whether it was for a year or for a lifetime.” We get real about the emotional toll of foster care, the challenges of naviga...
2025-04-0257 minFrom Foster to ForeverEducational Rights & Trauma Informed Parenting with Sharon DunlevySharon Dunleavy joins Rachel in this enlightening episode to shed some serious light on the critical role of educational advocacy for kids in foster care. With around 20,000 youth aging out of the system each year, Sharon dives deep into the staggering statistics that reveal a troubling reality—many of these kids face challenges like homelessness and incarceration. We chat about the importance of understanding trauma and how it affects learning, plus the laws that can help foster kids get the educational support they need. Sharon’s insights not only highlight the dire need for advocacy but also serve up some...
2025-03-2553 minSermonsZach Fulginiti | Praying for Us, Praying for YouSunday Evening, March 9, 2025Given by Zach Fulginiti | Pastor of Campus MinistryChrist Covenant ChurchPraying for Us, Praying for YouSermon Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5Watch on YouTubeDownload our mobile app
2025-03-1031 minFrom Foster to ForeverHair Care for Black Kids: Tips for White Parents from Terria RoushunTerria Roushun joins me today to dive into the heart of hair care and its cultural significance, especially for transracial adoptive parents of Black children. She emphasizes that caring for a child's hair is not just about styling—it's about recognizing and affirming their identity and heritage. Terria, a licensed cosmetologist and trauma-informed care expert, shares her journey from a corporate career to empowering families with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate cultural nuances in hair care. We chat about the importance of understanding the history behind Black hair and how it intertwines with self-esteem and pride. Pl...
2025-03-0453 minFrom Foster to ForeverTransforming Lives Through Foster Care: A Conversation with Dr. John DeGarmoRachel Fulginiti sits down with Dr. John DeGarmo, a powerhouse in the world of foster care and adoption, to dig into the importance of providing every child with a forever family. Dr. DeGarmo shares his heartfelt journey into fostering, sparked by personal loss and a desire to help kids who have faced unimaginable challenges. With over 60 children welcomed into his home, he’s not just talking the talk; he’s living it. We dive into the nitty-gritty of what it means to foster, the misconceptions that often cloud the process, and the critical need for compassionate support within the fost...
2025-02-2550 minFrom Foster to ForeverFrom Cancer Survivor to Mom: Heather Keller's Adoption JourneyActress and cancer survivor Heather Keller joins us today, sharing her inspiring journey as a foster-to-adopt mom in a transracial family. Heather shares what led her to fostering and how she managed to begin the journey while also performing a one-woman show overseas. As the episode progresses, we discuss the unique challenges and joys that come with raising a child of a different race and how it has opened her eyes to the realities of the world around her. Heather opens up about her experience navigating the foster system, the emotional rollercoaster of adoption, and the bittersweet nature of...
2025-02-1858 minFrom Foster to ForeverFamily Dynamics: Therapist Jeanette Yoffe on the unique needs of adopted childrenJeanette Yoffe dives deep into the complexities of foster care and adoption in this enlightening chat. As an adult adoptee, she shares her personal experiences, revealing how her journey through the foster system shaped her career as a psychotherapist advocating for children in similar situations. We discuss the crucial role of emotional support for kids grappling with grief and loss, emphasizing that they can't always piece together their stories alone—sometimes, they need a little help from the adults around them. Jeannette stresses the importance of finding an adoption-competent therapist and also introduces some unique interventions for parents, like cr...
2025-02-111h 11From Foster to ForeverNavigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Foster CareMaryanne shares her compelling journey as a foster parent navigating the complex and often tumultuous world of foster care. She emphasizes the emotional rollercoaster that comes with fostering, highlighting the unique challenges of raising children in limbo while waiting for legal resolutions. Maryanne's story dives deep into her experiences with sibling sets, the impact of the legal system on children's lives, and the importance of community support. The conversation also touches on the weight of attachment and the heart-wrenching decisions foster parents must face, as they balance their desire to provide a stable home with the realities of reunification...
2025-02-041h 06From Foster to ForeverEmpowering Foster Families: Brittany Viebrock on Support and CommunityBrittany Viebrock, the Program Success Manager at Austin Angels, joins Rachel Fulginiti to discuss the vital support system for families and youth navigating the foster care system. The mission of Austin Angels is to walk alongside these families, providing volunteers who offer relationship-building and wraparound support. Brittany shares her extensive experience working with children in foster care and highlights the significant difference that community support can make in reducing the number of families who feel isolated in their journey. They also delve into the impact of recent legislative changes on child removal criteria in Texas, expressing concerns about the...
2025-01-2848 minFrom Foster to ForeverThe Power of Kinship: How Naika Became a Foster MomThe heartfelt discussion between Naika Andre and Rachel Fulginiti delves deeply into Naika's profound journey as a foster mom, focusing on her experiences caring for her godson amidst challenging family circumstances. The episode begins with Naika sharing the pivotal moment when she stepped into the role of a foster parent due to her godson's mother's mental health struggles. This transition was not just about taking on a new title but involved a significant emotional commitment and responsibility. Naika reflects on the emotional complexities of her godson's situation, including the need to explain his mother's absence while ensuring he felt...
2025-01-2149 minFrom Foster to ForeverAdoption, Sobriety and Resilience: a conversation with Beth DubberIn this episode, we welcome Beth Dubber, a busy still photographer and an adoptee who later became a foster-to-adopt mom. Beth shares her multifaceted story, including her experiences with IVF, adoption, and navigating life as both an adoptee and an adoptive parent.She discusses the challenges of infertility, her sobriety journey, and surviving breast cancer. Beth opens up about the emotional and psychological aspects of adoption, societal perceptions, and the complexities of her experience. She emphasizes the importance of support systems like foster family agencies (FFAs) and the necessity of open conversations regarding trauma in adoptive families.
2025-01-141h 05From Foster to ForeverYoung, Queer and Suddenly Dad: Billie Oh's Unexpected Foster to Adopt JourneyI found my way to Billie Oh via a beautiful article in the Huffington Post about their experience with Single Foster Dad Adoption. Billie began the foster journey with no intention of adopting, but life had other plans. No stranger to the foster care system, Billie grew up having foster children in the home. In addition, Billie's aunt and mom (the great writer Jeannine Ouellette,)had been in foster care as children themselves. Billie felt a calling to help. Suddenly welcoming a two year old into their home was a huge step. We talk about...
2025-01-071h 05From Foster to ForeverUsing Your Sphere of Influence with actress Jen LilleyDays of Our Lives and Hallmark Channel star Jen Lilley is a foster-to-adopt mom and philanthropist who donates tons of her time, money and energy to championing the cause of foster youth. In this episode she takes time out of her busy filming schedule to discuss why she chose to spotlight foster care and adoption as her cause of choice. In the episode Jen details how she and her husband decided to begin fostering and how they ultimately adopted two siblings, as well as eventually having two biological children, as well. She discusses her faith and how...
2024-12-141h 00
HC&UEpisode 33 with Holly FulginitiIn the thirty third episode of HC&U, we interview Holly Fulginiti whose husband Chris was diagnosed with homocystinuria. We discuss the Chris's long journey to a diagnosis and the role Holly played in advocating for Chris. During Lindsey's Low Pro Bitesss, we talk about a great Thanksgiving side, veggie casserole. Please share the podcast and give us a 5 star rating and review! Email us at podcast@hcunetworkamerica.org! Check out HCU Network America! HC&U on Facebook Find Our Low Protein Ideas on Instagram! ...
2024-11-2848 minSermonsZach Fulginiti | Honoring True WidowsSunday Morning, November 3, 2024Given by Zach Fulginiti | Pastor of Campus MinistryChrist Covenant ChurchHonoring True WidowsSermon Text: 1 Timothy 5:1-16Watch on YouTubeDownload our mobile app
2024-11-0340 min
Christ Covenant Sunday School ClassesFall 2024 | Knowing God - Session 9Sunday School, October 20, 2024Given by Zac Fulginiti, Pastor of Campus MinistryChrist Covenant Church Knowing God - Session 9
2024-10-2029 minChrist Covenant Sunday School ClassesFall 2024 | Knowing God - Session 4Sunday School, September 15, 2024Given by Zach Fulginiti, Pastor of Campus MinistryChrist Covenant Church Knowing God - Session 4
2024-09-1529 minSermonsZach Fulginiti | To Timothy, My True Child in the FaithSunday Evening, August 18, 2024Given by Zach Fulginiti | Pastor of Campus MinistryChrist Covenant ChurchTo Timothy, My True Child in the FaithSermon Text: 1 Timothy 1:1-11Watch in the Christ Covenant appDownload our mobile app
2024-08-1937 minSermonsZach Fulginiti | Going Separate WaysSunday Evening, June 16, 2024Given by Zach Fulginiti | Pastor of Campus MinistryChrist Covenant ChurchGoing Separate WaysSermon Text: 2 Timothy 4:9-11Watch on YouTubeDownload our mobile app
2024-06-1743 min
Epic: Silver WingOn the Dying Winds of the Old Year..., E4The arrival of the Night Riders.Epic: On the Dying Winds of the Old Year and the Birthing Winds of the New is a Realm production, written by Kate Elliot and performed by Rachel Fulginiti. Listen Away.For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there!Listen to this episode ad-free by joining Realm Unlimited or Realm+ on Apple Podcasts. Subscribers also get early access and exclusive bonus content! Visit realm.fm/unlimited
2024-05-2730 min
The AI OptimistScarlett vs OpenAI, Wonderbread AI, and the Emotionalist Painter(s) left out in the cold“Art is not just about technique or style; it's about capturing the human experience, the raw emotions that words alone cannot convey.How can an AI truly understand the depths of what it means to be human?"Geoffrey LaurenceScarlett Johansson and the tech giant OpenAI go at it, sparked by the release of an AI-generated "synthetic" voice that badly resembles Johansson's.This "Wonderbread" AI voice stokes social posing around artistic expression, intellectual property rights, and advanced AI capabilities.Meanwhile, in a colder corner of the brave new creative wo...
2024-05-2417 min
Epic: Silver WingOn the Dying Winds of the Old Year..., E3The Ghost Festival begins.Epic: On the Dying Winds of the Old Year and the Birthing Winds of the New is a Realm production, written by Kate Elliot and performed by Rachel Fulginiti. Listen Away.For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there!Listen to this episode ad-free by joining Realm Unlimited or Realm+ on Apple Podcasts. Subscribers also get early access and exclusive bonus content! Visit realm.fm/unlimited...
2024-05-2022 min
Epic: Silver WingOn the Dying Winds of the Old Year..., E2Mai takes action into her own hands… and into her own home.Epic: On the Dying Winds of the Old Year and the Birthing Winds of the New is a Realm production, written by Kate Elliot and performed by Rachel Fulginiti. Listen Away.For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there!Listen to this episode ad-free by joining Realm Unlimited or Realm+ on Apple Podcasts. Subscribers also get early access and exclusive bonus content! Visit re...
2024-05-1326 minFrom Foster to ForeverQuick Season 1 UpdateJust a quick message of thanks and gratitude for supporting the show and an update on what's next. We're currently working on a Season 2. I am also finishing up an offering that I hope to have out in early summer: Two new books:From Foster to Forever: Surviving the Journey (A handbook for Parents) and From Foster to Forever: A workbook to help you decide if foster-to-adopt is for you. I'll have a pre-order link up as soon as it's available. In the meantime, if you have...
2024-05-0703 min
Epic: Silver WingOn the Dying Winds of the Old Year..., E1There is a spy in our midst..Epic: On the Dying Winds of the Old Year and the Birthing Winds of the New is a Realm production, written by Kate Elliot and performed by Rachel Fulginiti. Listen Away.For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there!Listen to this episode ad-free by joining Realm Unlimited or Realm+ on Apple Podcasts. Subscribers also get early access and exclusive bonus content! Visit realm.fm/unlimited
2024-05-0628 minSermonsZach Fulginiti | Do You Love Me?Sunday Evening, April 28, 2024Given by Zach Fulginiti | Pastor of Campus MinistryChrist Covenant ChurchDo You Love Me?Sermon Text: John 21:1-25Watch on YouTubeDownload our mobile app
2024-04-2942 minFrom Foster to ForeverUnconditional Love: A teacher adopts her studentI couldn't think of a better way to close out Season One than by sharing Stacey and Demi's unique story. It begins when Stacey was a new teacher in her first job. Demi was a pre-teen with a challenging family life. At school she was "always in trouble", but Stacey found a way to connect with her. When Demi ended up needing a foster home, the only person she could think of to call was Stacey. And so began their life together. This is such a great conversation because we have both Stacey and Demi, able to...
2024-04-021h 10From Foster to ForeverSafe Surrenders, Inspiration, Resilience and CommitmentThis is a very special episode because it features our first nanny, Morgan, who we met when she first arrived in LA from the East Coast. Morgan found out about foster care and foster-to-adopt through working for us and decided it was something she felt called to do. Her husband agreed and shortly after becoming certified, they received Ventura County's 13th ever Safe Surrender baby. They went through the process and adopted him and have since gone on to foster multiple children, providing a safe and happy home for them, and attempting to adopt when possible. Morgan...
2024-03-2658 min
Sharing the Heart of the MatterEpisode 59: Creative Balance with Todd FulginitiIn this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon are talking with writer and musician, Todd Fulginiti. Our discussion centers around finding creative balance, especially in Todd’s post-Covid life as a musician gig worker.
He talks about grabbing opportunities when they pop up. Because you never know how long the invitations will keep coming. And then the overload that happens when you say “yes” to everything.
We talk through working with the tension between doing too much and taking care of oneself. Todd tells us his conclusion of finding his balance.
We also find o...
2024-03-2233 minFrom Foster to ForeverTransracial adoption & co-parenting through divorceThis episode tells the story of Amy and Tiger, two creatives who "met old" and wanted to start a family. With money constraints, they found their way to foster-to-adopt, and after an arduous fostering process, were able to adopt their daughter. We discuss so many topics on this episode:-The feeling of "otherness" that can sometime occur as an adoptive family. -Transracial adoption and as white people, some ways to support an African American child. -Tokenism and representation in the media.-Their long journey through the difficult foster care...
2024-03-1953 min
Somm Women Talk Wine - TUNE IN NOW TO EVERYDAY SOMMELIER!James Beard: SWTW Covers the Colonial Culinary Classic in Ft WorthSip, share, shape our podcast!What better way to celebrate the culinary and beverage geniouses of Fort Worth, TX than to partner with the James Beard Foundation? We think there is nothing better and Charisse and Kristi were honored to serve as podcast sponsors for the event held at Colonial Country Club on March 4. With microphones in hand, the two took to task catching chefs and vendors before the kickoff of the 1.5 hour cocktail party. The entire list of participants and sponsors can be found on the Colonial Culinary Classic website, but here is are the interviewees fo...
2024-03-131h 01From Foster to ForeverSingle dad fosters many before finding foreverJay Shindell found fostering by "accident". The single dad was only originally going to do emergency placements but soon after welcoming the first baby into his home, he was in love and wanted to adopt. He survived multiple placements, supporting many birth families and helping them get on their feet before finally finding his son (who you can hear cooing sweetly in the background throughout the interview!). Jay talks about how he dealt with loss, how he remembers and honors the children that have been in his home and how he has found a passion for fostering...
2024-03-1255 minFrom Foster to ForeverReunification & depression lead to magicJesse and Hope have been foster family advocates for years, helping others to navigate the foster-to-adopt journey, after adopting two children of their own through the Los Angeles foster care system. Indeed, they also helped my husband and I when we were embarking on ours, sharing strategies for everything from what questions to ask when considering a placement, to interfacing with the County and more. It was wonderful to meet again after so many years and discuss the foster-to-adoption process. In this episode, we hear their story and talk about going through the county vs. a foster...
2024-03-0556 minFrom Foster to ForeverUps and downs interfacing with challenging systemKira Cook always knew she wanted to adopt. She decided to foster-to-adopt soon after having a biological child. In this episode she details the difficult reunification of her first foster daughter and how she subsequently found the child that would become a part of her forever family. She talks about the challenges of working with the foster care system, maintaining the birth order between children, her pre-conceived notions about drug exposure and gives advice about how to move forward if someone is interested in pursuing this path.
2024-02-2749 minFrom Foster to ForeverTwo dads adopt an older child through foster careTed and Carlos adopted Daniel when he was eight through the foster care system. His parental rights had already been terminated and he'd been through multiple failed placements before arriving in their home. On this special episode, we get to hear from Daniel, himself, about his experiences, as well as chat with Ted and Carlos about the joys and challenges of adopting an older child who has been in the system longer and how they surmounted difficulties through love, patience and perseverance. They talk about the "honeymoon period", behavioral challenges and helping Daniel get off lots of...
2024-02-2057 minFrom Foster to ForeverInfertility and Loss led to foster-to-adopt, the best decision ever.In part two of my initial two "mini-sodes" to kick off this podcast, I interview my husband and best friend, Joe Fulginiti. Joe and I already knew we hit the lottery with our relationship. When we began to struggle with fertility challenges, health issues and carrying a pregnancy, we wondered if we could just be happy being child-free. We did a lot of soul-searching and figured out we still wanted kids. That set us off on a quest for how to do that. We researched many different avenues for starting a family and eventually arrived at the...
2024-02-0634 min