Shows
Beauty For AshesThe Heart BetweenThe Heart Between is a deeply personal and powerful journey through grief, love, and the calling to foster. Our guest, Heather Hill—a mom of four and foster mom to two—this podcast explores the sacred space between loss and healing, heartbreak and hope. After the devastating loss of her daughter Layla, Heather and her family stepped into the world of foster care, finding purpose in the pain and light in the darkest places. From fostering toddlers to welcoming teens, Heather shares honest reflections on motherhood, resilience, and the messy beauty of loving children who come and go. Raw, real...
2025-08-051h 19Beauty For AshesAngel’s Journey: From County Casework to Empowering Moms in CrisisMeet Angel—a passionate social worker whose career has taken her from the front lines of county child welfare to a private foster care agency, and now into a new role supporting moms facing unexpected pregnancies. In this heartfelt conversation, Angel shares what inspired her to become a social worker, what she's learned along the way, and how her current work helps women build strong foundations for themselves and their babies. If you're curious about the inner workings of foster care, the transition between public and private sectors, or the power of wraparound support for vulnerable families, this episode is...
2025-07-141h 07Beauty For AshesYou Got a Placement… Now What?You just got the call — a child is on the way. Whether it's your first placement or your fifth, those first few hours and days can feel overwhelming. You Got a Placement… Now What? is a podcast created for foster families who want to meet those early moments with calm, confidence, and compassion.In each episode, we offer practical advice on what to do right after a child arrives, how to create a sense of safety and stability, and how to care for your own family — and yourself — in the process. With honest conversations, supportive guidance, and real-lif...
2025-06-231h 03Beauty For AshesFoster Care Myth Busters: Breaking Down the Myths That Hurt Kids and Families Episode Description:In this powerful episode, we tackle the damaging myths that surround foster care—myths that don’t just misinform the public but actively harm children, families, and caregivers. From the idea that kids in care are “bad” to misconceptions about who can foster, we’re breaking it all down with truth, empathy, and lived experience.Join us as we debunk stereotypes, challenge stigmas, and shine a light on the realities of the foster care system. Whether you're a foster parent, advocate, social worker, or just curious, this episode will open your eyes and shift your perspective.
2025-06-1641 minBeauty For AshesReal Talk: What Foster Parents Actually Need to HearFoster parents hear it all—from the well-meaning to the wildly unhelpful. In this episode, we get real about the things foster parents are tired of hearing—and the words that actually make a difference. Whether you’re a friend, family member, caseworker, or just curious, this honest conversation will help you understand what support really sounds like. It’s not about praise—it’s about presence. Tune in to learn how to show up in meaningful, respectful ways for those doing the hard, heart work of fostering.
2025-05-1649 minBeauty For AshesReal Talk: What Foster Parents Actually Need to HearFoster parents hear it all—from the well-meaning to the wildly unhelpful. In this episode, we get real about the things foster parents are tired of hearing—and the words that actually make a difference. Whether you’re a friend, family member, caseworker, or just curious, this honest conversation will help you understand what support really sounds like. It’s not about praise—it’s about presence. Tune in to learn how to show up in meaningful, respectful ways for those doing the hard, heart work of fostering.
2025-05-1356 minBeauty For AshesFostering Through Faith: DHR vs. Private AgencyWelcome Back to Beauty for Ashes This week, we're diving into an important topic—the difference between fostering through DHR (Department of Human Resources) and fostering through a private agency. We'll share our honest opinions on the pros and cons of each path, drawing from personal insight and experience.Whether you're considering fostering through the state or a private organization, we believe you can do it. The most important thing is having a strong support system—a village around you—and keeping God at the center...
2025-05-0847 minBeauty For AshesFostered by Faith: Finding Purpose in FatherhoodIn this powerful episode, Phillip Fuller and Matt Lanier share their personal journeys into fatherhood — how their hearts softened to the idea of fostering, how they found their place, and why a father’s presence is so vital in a child’s life. They dive deep into recognizing God’s voice, understanding when you’re being called to foster, and the importance of staying rooted in Scripture along the way. Full of encouragement, faith, and real-life wisdom, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone exploring foster care, fatherhood, or simply what it means to say “yes” to God’s call.
2025-04-281h 14Beauty For AshesRoom for One More: Kayla Lanier's Journey into FosteringThis is Kayla Lanier’s story—a tender, honest journey into the world of foster care, rooted in childhood memories, quiet callings, and the kind of love that changes everything. From the moment she first learned what it meant to foster, to the day she and her husband opened their home to a child for the first time, Kayla takes you through every step—raw, unfiltered, and full of heart. She speaks openly about the emotional weight of her first placement: the fear, the guilt, the shame of feeling unprepared… and the beauty that somehow bloomed in the middle of it al...
2025-04-2256 minBeauty For AshesCalled to Love: Carmen Fuller's Journey into FosteringIn this heartfelt episode, Carmen Fuller opens up about the journey that led her to become a foster mom. From her own childhood experiences to the challenges and triumphs in her marriage and starting her family, Carmen shares the moments that. made her certain she was called to foster. She also reflects on her very first placement- how it didn't go the way she had imagined, and what she learned through the heartbreak. This is a powerful story of purpose, faith, and choosing love even when it's hard.
2025-04-1459 min
Beauty For AshesPilotJoin us as we embark on a powerful new journey in Beauty For Ashes. In this inaugural episode, we dive into the world of foster care and adoption, sharing personal insights, heartfelt stories, and the challenges and triumphs of those navigating this often-overlooked system. Whether you're a foster parent, adoptive parent, or simply curious about this transformative process, this episode sets the stage for a series dedicated to healing, hope, and creating new beginnings. Tune in and be a part of this meaningful adventure.
2025-04-0825 min