Shows
Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland214. Jennifer Hiltebeitel: "Trust Falling"Jennifer Hiltebeitel (HILL-ta-bite-el) is a returning guest.Jennifer is an adopted person on a lifelong healing journey. She was adopted through the county foster care system in Pennsylvania in the early 70s and just obtained her original birth certificate in 2023. She met her biological mother at 17 and father at 21 before the internet existed and has ongoing relationships with extended members of her biological family. Jennifer loves helping others - especially adoptees - process their stories through the lens of the Enneagram: a personality tool for self growth and navigating relationships.Jennifer has a MEd in Mul...2025-01-2154 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland210. Jennifer Hiltebeitel: "Where Did I Come From, Who Do I Look Like and Why Did This Happen?"Original air date: November 1, 2022Jennifer Hiltebeitel (HILL - ta - bite - el) was adopted from foster care as a preschooler and grew up to be a fourth-grade teacher with a Master's degree in Multicultural Education. She met members of her biological family between the ages of 17-21 and is honored to understand pieces of her story that were once missing. She has been married to her husband Eric for 24 years - the person who taught her she was worthy of unconditional love. They have one daughter through birth who is in college and a...2024-12-2458 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland175. Jennifer Poole: "Openness in Adoption as an Opportunity for Spiritual Growth"Jennifer Poole was adopted as an infant in a closed adoption. She holds a Masters Degree in Interfaith Pastoral Counseling, where she wrote her thesis on “Openness in Adoption as an Opportunity for Spiritual Growth”. It was during this time, in 2001, that she initiated her reunion with her birth mother and later with her birth father. Passionate about supporting families, she is certified in Hand in Hand Parenting, Redirecting Children’s Behavior, the Enneagram, and Whole Person Design Life Coaching. Drawing from a large tool box which includes continuing education in Mindfulness, High Conflict Diversion, ADHD, ACES, Attachm...2024-05-071h 08
Thriving Adoptees - Let's ThriveLightening Up With Jennifer Dyan GhostonDoes trauma feel dark to you? Does that darkness take you down? I know it has that effect on me. So how do we find more lightness? Listen in as Jennifer points us to toward a lighter life.Here's a link to the interview with Jill Bolte Taylor https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/with-jill-bolte-taylorHere's a bit about Jennifer's first interview:The powerful emotions we adoptees feel can sometimes threaten to overwhelm us. So how do we get past those feelings? Listen in as fellow adoptee and podcaster Jennifer and I explore trauma...2024-04-0558 min
The Everyday MysticHow a Detective Discovered Her Inner Self w/ Jennifer Dyan GhostonMeet Jennifer Dyan Ghoston, a podcast host and retired detective who continues to discover the power of her spiritual practices in connecting to her inner self and dealing with the outer world. In this episode, we talk about how Jennifer was first exposed to spiritual teachings and how she's drawn on them to deal with everyday life, like the death of her father and the traumas she witnessed as a police officer. Jennifer shares some of her daily practices that have helped her navigate life and discover the deeper mysteries of self. You’ll hear abou...2023-11-101h 01
Unraveling AdoptionMagnifying Adoptee Voices with Jennifer Dyan Ghoston - Ep 98Magnifying Adoptee Voices with Jennifer Dyan Ghoston In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, fellow podcaster Jennifer Dyan Ghoston shares her experiences as an adoptee and advocate. She raises up the importance of amplifying adoptee voices, particularly for Black same-race adoptees. But as the conversation comes to an end, a thought-provoking question lingers: are adoptive parents and allies doing enough to truly understand and support their adoptee's experiences? Tune in to find out. In this episode, you will be able to: Navigate the complex emotions surrounding adoption, providing a deeper understanding of its challenges and rewards.2023-06-1947 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland109. Ed Knight: "Artist Story Talk"Ed Knight graduated George Washington University with a B.A. in Journalism. (his late adoptive father studied law there.) He worked at The Washington Post for many years in the Circulation and I.T. Departments, starting as a clerk, and ending up as a database administrator.Ed took an early retirement after finding his biological family and needing time to, “find myself”. In Reunion with biological family, and still close to adoptive family Ed just consider them one big family now, from his point of view. He married Steven Frank in 2009, and in relationship since 1982. Steven was born De...2023-02-2836 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland108. Valerie Naiman: "Mystic Masquerade is a frolic through the dark subject of adoption."Valerie Naiman (pronounced naymen) is an adoptee, author, story-song writer, passionate singer, re-purposer, goat mama, apiarist, gardener, environmental activist, and eco-village founder living in Asheville, NC. As you’ll discover in her soon to be release book, she’s a secret to her natural family. Her personal journey throughout six decades delves into life’s biggest mysteries as she searched for her identity.Join Valerie on social media; http://www.instagram.com/valnaimanauthor https://www.facebook.com/valnaimanauthorValerie's Website: http://valerienaiman.comMusic by Corey Quinn 2023-02-2153 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland107. Greg Gentry: "Fireside Adoptees", "Adoption Trauma Network" and "Adoptees Connect"Greg Gentry is a domestic baby scoop era adoptee, born in California in 1969. He has been in reunion with maternal family members since 2006, and in 2021 also connected with his paternal side. Greg is a facilitator and interviewer for Fireside Adoptees, a private Facebook group founded in 2021, which is committed to additional outreach through its public Facebook page and through the Fireside Adoptees Constellation private Facebook group. Greg is also an administrator and facilitator within the Adoption Trauma Network and the host of Adoptees Connect out of Derry, New Hampshire. He enjoys connecting with others in the online adoptee community...2023-02-1447 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland106. Brian Stanton: "Blank" and "@ghostkingdom"Brian Stanton is a Los Angeles-based stage actor. He's currently starred in a new play titled Final Interview in Los Angeles and will immediately move on to star in Plaza Suite by Neil Simon in February in Mammoth Lakes, CA. In the world of adoption, Stanton is most known for his original solo play BLANK, the true story of his adoption and search for identity. BLANK's Hollywood premiere catapulted Stanton to perform all over the US and Canada, earning Best Solo Acting awards in New York and Los Angeles. Stanton's most recent work @ghostkingdom, originally written as a play...2023-02-0756 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland105. Lora K. Joy: "Goodbye Hypervigilance", "Nobody Looks Like Me: An Adoptee Experience" and "Self-Attunement: An Adoptee Superpower"Lora K. Joy is an adult adoptee. She is a closed, same race, domestic adoptee. She has self-published 3 illustrated books about her healing journey. This past year, she legally changed her first name back to her birth name and was legally reclaimed by her biological mother. Lora has been in reunion with her maternal side since 2008. After facing secondary rejection from her biological father, she has been in reunion with her paternal siblings and cousins since 2020 and is fully estranged from her adoptive parents. Lora's website and blog are at www.myadopteetruth.com. Books published by Lora K...2023-01-3140 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland104. Isaac Etter: "Identity Learning"Isaac Etter is an activist and social entrepreneur. He was transracially adopted at the age of two. He is the founder of Identity, a startup focused on using technology to help foster and adoptive families thrive. Isaac has worked in adoption through his consulting firm Etter Consulting for the past 5 years. At Etter Consulting, Isaac led trainings for families and adoption agencies on transracial adoption. He is passionate about making sure adoptees have parents that can support them. Isaac is excited to chat about his work in transracial adoption.Isaac mentions interracial/transracial adoptees on Instagram Jessica Lu...2023-01-2443 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland103. Simon Benn : "Thriving Adoptees: Healing, Inspiration & Empowerment For Adoptees"Simon Benn was adopted at 5 weeks old and told about it so young he doesn't ever remember not knowing. He didn't experience any adoption trauma until he hit 40 when he found out his childhood teddy bear was a gift from his birth mother. This caused an eruption of anger, feeling rejected and unloved. That kickstarted a learning journey that led him to heal and then want to help others. He created the Thriving Adoptees podcast so guests can inspire listeners with their stories and empower them with their learnings. He also speaks at events for adoptees and adoptive parents.2023-01-1752 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland102. Family Reunion Part 1Music by Corey Quinn2023-01-1114 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland101. Dan Smith: "I Have A Need To Help Others"Dan Smith is an adoptee in reunion who co-facilitates a support group with Adoption Network Cleveland for all members of the constellation. It meets the last Thursday of each month online. He resides in Ohio and enjoys his retirement after a career as a firefighter.Music by Corey Quinn2023-01-1037 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland100. Tina: "Healing Together"Tina is a returning guest. She is a published poet who shares her wisdom from her lived experience.Recommended resources: Damon Davis podcast host, https://www.whoamireallypodcast.com/"Born in June Raised in April" hosted by April Dinwoodie https://aprildinwoodie.com/the-podcast National Adoptees And Parents (NAAP) https://www.facebook.com/NAAPUnited Untangling Our Roots Summit http://www.untanglingourroots.org/Adoption Knowledge Affiliates (AKA) https://www.adoptionknowledge.org/ Haley Radke, podcast host https://www.adopteeson.com/ Remembrance Day Episode/October 30, 2022Anne Heffron, published author https...2023-01-031h 34Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland99. Nomi and JR Calhoun: "Still We Rise"Poet: Dr. Maya Angelou; "Still I Rise" (read by Nomi), "Phenomenal Woman" and "Call Letters: Mrs V.B." (read by Jennifer Dyan Ghoston)Poets: Langston Hughes; "Dreams" and Nayirah Waheed; "The Becoming" (read by Nomi)Unknown author (read by JR Calhoun)Poets: Ralph Waldo Emerson; "Write it on your heart" and Rudyard Kipling; "If" (read by Jennifer Dyan Ghoston) Music by Corey Quinn and Invitationals by MDT2022-12-2725 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland98. Akara Skye: "Silent No More"During times in this episode, there is sensitive content that may be traumatizing to some audiences. Listener discretion advised.Akara is a domestic, baby scoop era, closed adoption, late discovery adopted person. She is estranged from her adoptive family and unacknowledged by her birth family. She is a writer to help her navigate the multi layered trauma of relinquishment. Akara is a board member of AKA, Adoption Knowledge Affiliates, to support the endeavors of connection, education, and support to the adoption triad. She is part of the Adoptee Voices Cohort through which several of her writing pieces...2022-12-2054 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland97. Sandi Smith: "What's In A Name?", "Who Are You Because You Were Adopted?" and "Lies and Losses"Sandi Smith is a domestic, same-race adoptee moved across the country illegally at the age of 5 weeks. She’s been in reunion with her maternal siblings for 27 years. She’s been an only child, an oldest child, a youngest child, and recently found out she is once again an only child! She has 5 older biological siblings and one younger adopted sister, along with a wonderful spouse, 3 children and 5 grandchildren. She has found answers to most of her adoption questions by luck, reunion, and DNA. Sandi has always known about her adoption but only found out it was not han...2022-12-1357 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland96. Erika Hayasaki: "Somewhere Sisters; A Story of Adoption, Identity and the Meaning of Family"Erika Hayasaki is an award winning journalist. In 2016, Hayasaki learned about Isabella and Hà, identical twins who were born in Việt Nam, raised on opposite sides of the world, and reunited as teenagers. Over a period of five years, Hayasaki, a professor in the Literary Journalism Department at the University of California, Irvine, spent hundreds of hours interviewing the sisters and their first and adoptive families, tracing the girls’ diverging childhoods in the suburbs of America and the villages of Việt Nam and following them from their much anticipated yet fraught reunion through the complicated years that followed.N...2022-12-0653 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland95. Mary Ellen Gambutti: "I Must Have Wandered: An Adopted Air Force Daughter Recalls"Mary Ellen Gambutti is the published author of "I Must Have Wandered: An Adopted Air Force Daughter Recalls". It is a hybrid of lyrical prose, letters, and photos of a woman relinquished at birth in post-World War11 South Carolina. She reflects on the separations of her transient adoptive military family in the idyllic 1950s into the troubled and turbulent '60s. Mary Ellen defines and defies the barriers set by a culture of privacy and secrecy in her father's career as an Air Force intelligence officer and his religious devotion. She becomes aware as an adult that her birth...2022-11-2947 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland94. Anita Garber: "Hey Adoption", "If Electric Fences Had Wings" and "Make A Mud Pie"Anita Garber- Author and PoetAnita is a passionate, creative, transracial adoptee. Adopted with her identical twin sister, she grew up on a chicken farm with five siblings and considers her faith and family to be most important to her. She has a bachelor's degree in Social Work and is presently pursuing her Master's degree in Social work and a Certificate in Expressive Arts. When she isn't engaged in coursework or academic activities, you can almost always find her grabbing a bite with friends or working on her first book, to be released early next year (2023). ...2022-11-2258 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland93. Ryan Anderson: "Me Opening Up"Ryan Anderson was born in Morocco, a country in Africa and brought up in Edinburgh, Scotland where he currently resides. He is a Transracial, Transnational Foundling and an LDA (Late Discovery Adoptee). Ryan traveled the world for a decade in an attempt to escape the challenges of being an adopted person. He is passionate about raising the awareness about mental health by sharing his lived experience.Ryan's YouTube video; "Me Opening Up-My Life Story” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C-LNcmxdFkPaul Sunderland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX2Vm18TYwgMusic by...2022-11-1552 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland92. Maya Holmes: "Mirror" and "A Letter To Little Maya"Maya Holmes was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up with an older brother who was also adopted. Maya studied psychology in college and I currently works as procurement specialist. On the weekends, she takes a ceramics class. Maya has always enjoyed art, just never pursued it full time. She's single with no kids or pets. It’s just her! Maya is working on writing my story and hope to publish one day.Music by Corey Quinn2022-11-0858 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland91. Jennifer Hiltebeitel: "The Enneagram as a tool for growth and living a holistic life"Jennifer Hiltebeitel (HILL - ta - bite - el) was adopted from foster care as a preschooler and grew up to be a fourth-grade teacher with a Master's degree in Multicultural Education. She met members of her biological family between the ages of 17-21 and is honored to understand pieces of her story that were once missing. She has been married to her husband Eric for 24 years - the person who taught her she was worthy of unconditional love. They have one daughter through birth who is in college and another daughter through international adoption who...2022-11-0155 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland90. Katie: "Connection, Disconnection and Reconnection in Reunion"During times in this episode, there is sensitive content that may be traumatizing to some audiences. Listener discretion advised.Katie is an adoptee who has always known she was adopted. Abuse and neglect by adoptive parents growing up led her to feeling unloved or unwanted by them. As a younger person, Katie felt so broken and joined Al-Anon and (ACA) Adult Children of Alcoholics for healing. She still felt like something was missing in her recovery. A friend gave Katie the book, The Primal Wound by Nancy Verrier, and she then sought out podcasts about adoptees which all...2022-10-251h 01Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland89. Shelby Redfield Kilgore: "Mirror Light Productions and YouTube"Shelby Redfield Kilgore is a Korean International Adoptee. In 2002, when Shelby was a senior in high school, she first shared her story as an adoptee in a short student documentary. It was a very healing experience for her, and also a way to spread awareness and education about her lived experiences as an adoptee. Ever since then, she knew one day she wanted to create a safe space for others to tell their stories through the video lens, to not only be a healing experience for them, but also to let others know they aren't alone. In 2012, S...2022-10-1846 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland88. Dr. Syb Brown: "The added layer of late discovery for an adoptee is another trauma".Dr. Syb Brown, affectionately called Dr. Syb is a Vanderbilt-educated, Harvard trained, two-time Emmy award-winning multimedia journalist, author, international speaker and lecturer. Currently Dr. Syb is a tenured professor of journalism at Belmont University in Nashville, TN.References: Primal Wound by Nancy Verrier, Coming Home to Self by Nancy Verrier, Adoption Healing by Joe Soll, LCSW, Journey of the Adopted Self by Betty Jean Lifton Paul Sunderland YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX2Vm18TYwgMusic by Corey Quinn2022-10-1148 min
Adoption Wise#197: Staying Curious About the Adoptee Experience with Jennifer Dyan GhostonEvery adoptee experiences their story through a unique lens. This week we welcome adoptee, Jennifer Dyan Ghoston, who hosts the podcast series Once Upon a Time in Adopteeland. Jennifer and Melissa recorded a conversation to be aired on both of their podcasts where they both explore their stories using the wisdom of the Enneagram. Jennifer is a firm believer that storytelling is healing for both the listener and the storyteller. Jennifer has also shared her story in her memoir The Truth So Far…a detective’s journey to reunite with her birth family*, and in Jean Strauss’s film documentary A Simp...2022-10-1147 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland87. Melissa Corkum: "The Adoption Connection" and the Enneagram as a tool for growthMelissa Corkum and Lisa host the podcast, "The Adoption Connection". She is a Certified Enneagram Coach and helps members of the constellation. Her bio states: "Many adoptees struggle with issues of identity and belonging. Some have never met another adoptee or may have been the only person of color in their town. As an adoptee and adoptive mom, she is passionate about giving the adoption community the words that help them make sense of their experiences.Melissa and her husband, Patrick having six kids by birth and adoption have taught them a lot about what c...2022-10-0452 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland86. Edward Di Gangi: "The Gift Best Given"Adopted at birth, Edward Di Gangi was born and raised in New York City. Although he knew for most of his life that he was adopted, it wasn’t until he approached his 70th birthday that he began to search for the identity of his birth mother. His journey and the many surprising discoveries he made as he searched are recounted in his memoir, The Gift Best Given. Edward and his wife now live in Hillsborough, North Carolina. He is a popular book club presenter and podcast guest. The Gift Best Given is his first full-length book.websit...2022-09-2736 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland85. Adoptees in Conversation 2/2: Tina hosts JenniferIn conclusion, Tina graciously hosts this episode and asks thoughtful questions of Jennifer. As friends, they often have great exchanges and decided others might benefit from what they learn in conversation about each other as adoptees. Music by Corey Quinn2022-09-2127 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland84. Gail L. Taylor-Tubbs: "Answered Prayers"Gail L. Taylor-Tubbs, 71 years of age and Birth Mom to Andrew Joseph BerryGail married Johnny Tubbs in 1993, with a blended family of six Children (first-born son, my second-born/deceased son, four step children, 17-Grand Children, 1-Great Grandson and Twins on the way in October 2022.In 1977, when Gail's deceased son Christopher was an infant, she discovered that Massage was good for infants and toddlers. This is also when she began the search for her first-born. Massage as a profession stayed on her mind from that time until she became a Certified Massage Therapist in 1997. Today, after havi...2022-09-2051 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland83. Lynn Grubb: "Hidden Identity"Lynn Grubb returns to the podcast to give us an update on her adoption journey as a published author of her memoir, "Hidden Identity" on the Adoption Experience podcast. https://theadoptedgenealogist.podbean.com/Lynn is a Peruvian American adoptee as well as a parent by birth and adoption. She has published multiple essays at her blog, No Apologies For Being Me and in various adoption anthologies. In 2015, she created and self-published The Adoptee Survival Guide: Adoptees Share Their Wisdom and Tools, https://www.amazon.com/Adoptee-Survival-Guide-Adoptees-Wisdom/dp/1508544549/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZVAU3Q8N7TI9&keywords=Lynn+grubb&qid=166...2022-09-1358 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland82. Melinda A. Warsaw: "A Legitimate Life", A Forbidden Journey of Self Discovery"Bio-Melinda is a baby scoop era adoptee - meaning her adoption was done in secret, by The Cradle Adoption Agency in Evanston, Ill. in 1947. Her true identity was sealed by law for 99 years. Her secret journey to find her biomother began in 1970 and in 1980 was finally found. In the course of forty years she became an activist and advocate for adoptee rights; wrote articles for adopters Sandra Hanks and Lisa Shahar for the blog Adoption Under One Roof, wrote her memoir in 2012 and started her own FB page. Reunion didn't happen until 2009 when she flew out to Waterloo, Iowa...2022-09-0645 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland81. Patrick McMahon: "Becoming Patrick"Patrick McMahon is an artist, writer and musician. Born in Chicago, he has lived most of his life in the Midwest and California, where he currently resides in San Diego. His book, Becoming Patrick, a memoir of adoption, was a San Diego Book Awards Finalist and is currently available worldwide. He’s been active in adoption education and reform since 1999 and has conducted expressive arts seminars nationally for people involved in adoption. His photography has been exhibited nationally for over 25 years, and he plays clarinet in the Hillcrest Wind Ensemble.His memoir "Becoming Patrick; A Memoir" is av...2022-08-3036 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland80. Janet Nordine, MS, LMFT, RPT-S: An Adoption Compassionate Competent TherapistJanet Nordine, MS, LMFT, RPT-S is an Adoption Compassionate and Competent Therapist working with all members of the Adoption Constellation (adoptee, adoptive parent, birth parent and family members), and their supporters.Janet has advanced training to meet the needs of the Adopted Child and Family. She is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, a Trust Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) Practitioner and she is trained in Level I Theraplay. Janet is attachment-focused and has a clinical foundation in Gestalt Theory. Her personal connection to adoption is that she is a “baby-scoop” era Adoptee and an advocate for adoptee rights. She i...2022-08-2331 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland79. Danielle Orr: "A Writer, Painter and Animal Lover"Danielle Orr is a writer, painter and animal lover. She resides in California and is currently working on publishing her memoir.References mentioned in this episode: The Adoptee Voices Writing Group created by Sara Easterly; adoptee-voices.comhttp://www.jeanhouston.com/Jean-Houston/ervinlaszlo.comhttps://www.ramdass.org/https://pemachodronfoundation.org/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX2Vm18TYwg&t=168s Paul Sunderlandhttps://angelaasatrian.com/media/https://www.ekrfoundation.org/elisabeth-kubler-ross/biography/https://www.facebook.com/danielle.orr.102022-08-1651 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland78. Lisa Ann: The "Wandering Tree" podcast and Connection with the Adoption CommunityRecommended resources by adoptee podcasters, Lisa Ann and Jennifer Dyan Books:Ann Fessler “The Girls Who Went Away”"The Gathering Place" - Emma Stevens"The Lies that Bind" - Laureen Pitman"Tree of Strangers" - Barbara Sumner "Searching for Mom: A Memoir" - Sara Easterly@Because Adoption (Mary Herbert) on InstagramAdoptee Voices Writing Group founded by Sara Easterly(Co-facilitators; Ridghaus, Alice Stephens, Kate Murphy and Jennifer Dyan Ghoston) www.adoptee-voices.comBetty Jean Lifton “Twice Born”Jean Stra...2022-08-0953 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland77. Part 2/2 with Julian Washio-Collette: "Peregrine Adoptee: Wandering Reflections on a Life in Fragments"Julian Washio-Collette is a baby scoop era domestic double-adoptee, relinquished and adopted as an infant, and relinquished and adopted a second time at the age of nine. His life spans a diverse range of experiences, including extensive touring of the United States by bicycle, living in Buddhist and Catholic monasteries and other intentional communities, and a lifelong commitment to healing and growth. He holds a master’s degree in theology with a focus on monastic studies. Julian currently lives in a small cabin with his wife, Lisa, behind a monastery in the coastal wilderness of Big Sur, Cal...2022-08-0248 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland76. Part 1/2 with Julian Washio-Collette: "Peregrine Adoptee: Wandering Reflections on a Life in Fragments"Julian Washio-Collette is a baby scoop era domestic double-adoptee, relinquished and adopted as an infant, and relinquished and adopted a second time at the age of nine. His life spans a diverse range of experiences, including extensive touring of the United States by bicycle, living in Buddhist and Catholic monasteries and other intentional communities, and a lifelong commitment to healing and growth. He holds a master’s degree in theology with a focus on monastic studies. Julian currently lives in a small cabin with his wife, Lisa, behind a monastery in the coastal wilderness of Big Sur, Cal...2022-07-2651 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland75. Adam Anthony: "Onward & Upward"Adam Anthony is a current resident of Murfreesboro, TN. He is the son of two parents and a brother of one sister in his immediate adoptive family. He hasAdam has a Master of Organizational Leadership degree, Bachelor of Science in communications, and is a newly accepted Doctoral of Education in Leadership candidate. He is a communications administrator for Vanderbilt University. Adam volunteers currently in the Nashville and Murfreesboro area in music therapy services for at-risk children, community engagement, and aspires to help serve those in need around him. He is developing a blog for p...2022-07-1928 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland74. Sandi C.: "It's a God Thing!"Sandi C. is an international adoptee from Panama. Most of her life has been in the midwest but she returned to the DMV area about a year & a half ago. She is a social worker whose 30-year career has included time in mental health, adoption, and foster care. She has been in reunion with her birthmother and maternal family for 18 years.Music by Corey Quinn2022-07-1252 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland73. Mary Herbert: "Because Adoption"Mary Herbert as a mom of four biological children, has walked through parenthood as an adoptee trying to understand more about her own childhood through raising children of my own. Each chapter of Mary's life has brought new questions and curiosities that many will never understand. Walking through parenthood, or young adulthood or even your later in life chapters learning about where you came from can be alarming and frankly disconcerting. Pairing with someone who has been through the wringer as far as a story of adoptee search and reunification is a benefit only another ado...2022-07-0531 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland72. D. Yvonne Rivers: "Birth Moms Real Talk"D. Yvonne Rivers, Host, Birth Moms Real Talk PodcastSince 1988, D. Yvonne Rivers Aka Phoebe has been a champion of a cause, from business success, domestic violence, re-entry, and adoption community. One facet of this global business expert is an esteemed speaker, facilitator, and trainer across the globe on four continents.Another facet of this woman started in 1973 with the birth of her son who she championed for family assistance for support to raise as an unwed mother at age 19. Life changes as she ‘did her best’ to place her son in a loving home. Yvon...2022-06-2852 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland71. Jessica: "The Legacy of an Adopted Child Resonates With Me"Jessica was born and raised in California. She is the mother of two kids 10 & 4. Jessica worked in high level dementia and Alzheimer’s care since 18 years of age due to her love for seniors. She's new to being a part of the adoption support community and can’t wait to experience more.Jessica's recommendation of a Facebook group is called Search Angels for Adoptees https://www.facebook.com/groups/418960975230884Music by Corey Quinn2022-06-2135 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland70. Zhen E (Jenny): "Black Box: An Adoption Story Choreopoem"Zhen E (Jenny) grew up in a small Iowa town where she was the only non-white person. Before the Pandemic, she was a massage therapist, a published playwright, wedding official and event planner and Cat-Mom of 2 cats who loved traveling and being a foodie with her husband Robert. She, her husband Robert, their son Jordan and his wife Skylar traveled to her place of birth in South Korea. Zhen E wrote an multi-award winning play loosely based upon her adoption story called “Black Box: An Adoption Story Choreopoem.” She is a co-host of her own podcast Sick&Tired 2.0...2022-06-1450 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland69. Laureen Pittman: "The Lies That Bind, An Adoptee's Journey Through Rejection"Laureen Pittman is a paralegal by profession and worked for lawyers and law firms large and small for over 20 years after graduating from college with a degree in political science. She also happens to be adopted.Laureen started blogging about her journey to discover her identity in 2013. As her own story began to evolve, she realized that there was a much larger truth that needed to be explored and shared. She wanted to bring her story to life—not just for herself and her family, but for other adoptees who yearn to learn their own truths and fo...2022-06-0735 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland68. Adoptees In Conversation Part 1/2: Tina hosts JenniferTina graciously hosts this episode and asks thoughtful questions of Jennifer. As friends, they often have great exchanges and decided others might benefit from what they learn in conversation about each other as adoptees. Music by Corey Quinn2022-06-011h 02Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland67. Pamela Hasegawa: "The Adoption Laws Need To Get Real."Pam was born in the early 1940s in New York City. She grew to age 5 in Manhattan and Connecticut, and by the time she reached junior high school, her family settled in Barrington, Illinois. Her mother died when she was 12 of a massive heart attack.Fast forward to 1959, Pam's first year at college. When she signed up for creative writing, she had no idea she would be opening a door to thinking about her origins when the professor assigned students an essay imagining where they would be, and what they would be doing, four years after graduation....2022-05-311h 04Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland66. Julie Wetherby: "Identity Reclaimed, Echoes of an Adoptee"Like many children adopted in the postwar era in which she grew up, Julie Wetherby has carried the burden of relinquishment and family secrets right through her life. When a powerful call to arms commands her to finally take action, she is faced with a life-changing challenge. Can Julie put off what she always intended to do: investigate her roots? Wheels set in motion, she embarks on a journey that radically alters not only her present life but the way she has viewed the past.Julie’s memoir recounts events chronologically for the most part, assisted at times by ca...2022-05-2440 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland65. Craig S. Hyman: "Inside Out: The Expressive Arts Adoption Healing Seminar"Craig S. Hyman honors a lifelong calling to service in the areas of adoption education, healing & growth. Craig has been in reunion with all members of his biological families since 1987. As an adopted person, he has experienced the depth of separation trauma from blood relatives, as well as the transformative, healing process of the mind, body, and spirit.Craig is the creator and facilitator of Inside Out: The Expressive Arts Adoption Healing Seminar, which helps to identify deep wounds, challenges, and uses creative expression to foster healing. He is also founder and facilitator of numerous post-r...2022-05-1753 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland64. Veronica: "Rooted In Adoption-A Collection of Adoptee Reflections"Veronica graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and later went on to earn a master's degree in mental health counseling from Webster University. Veronica is currently a registered intern counselor with the state of Florida. She hopes that she can help educate adoptive parents and others in the counseling profession on adoption-related trauma and be an advocate for adoptees. Veronica believes no one should be denied the right to know who he or she is.Veronica's recommendations include: "Help Me To Find My People" by Heather Andrea Williamshttps://www.psychologytoday.com...2022-05-1036 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland63. Paige Strickland: "Akin To The Truth" and "After The Truth"Paige Adams Strickland is a Baby Scoop Era adoptee from Cincinnati, Ohio. She researched and found biological family in 1987-88 before modern technologies. Her state records were open although her adoption was considered “closed” at the time. She is a wife, mom of 2 daughters, grandmother of 2, a teacher and fitness instructor. She loves reading, gardening, writing and spending time with family and friends. She writes book, play and film reviews for the NAAP newsletter and for her blog at: https://stricklandp.wordpress.com/ as a way to elevate adoptee voices. She is the author of 2 memoir books: Akin To The Tr...2022-05-0358 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland62. David Bynum: "From a Place of Love: My Adoption Journey"David Bynum was born and adopted at birth in Columbus, Oh. He began his search in 2018 and is currently in reunion with both sides of his biological family. He is a married father of three and grandfather of six. He is a U.S. Army Veteran and Retired Correctional Officer. David Recently retired from coaching High School Football at Reynoldsburg High School due to the Coved – 19 pandemic. David and his wife Marie own ByDam Multimedia, which is the parent company to Star107fm.com https://www.star107fm.com/personalities an online radio station that has a global presence. Hi...2022-04-2635 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland61. Michele Kriegman: "Tapioca Fire" and Finding Faith"Michele Kriegman born Suzanne Gilbert is a storyteller by nature but she was missing her own backstory well into adulthood. Finding her birth-father helped complete it. She worked for many years in U.S. and Japanese journalism, including ABC News, iVillage.com, Lilith, Maine Public Radio, NYT Nippon TV's morning show, . More recent journalism has been for cybersecurity publications such as Info Security Professional. Michele is an adoptee who searched successfully for her birth-father in New York before the state opened its records. She reclaimed her birth-name, Suzanne Gilbert, to write the novel, Tapioca Fire, that is the...2022-04-191h 03Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland60. Joi R. Fisher-Griffin: "Finding Joi, a true story of faith, family and love"Author and entrepreneur Joi R. Fisher-Griffin is an experienced educator, a passionate adoption advocate and a patron of the arts. After going through her own struggles as an adoptee, Joi wrote her memoir, Finding Joi: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Love. She shared her story so that she could help others who sit in silence about their struggles, and she continues to find ways to be open about adoption, not only with adults but with young people, too. She is the author of two best selling children’s adoption books Choosing Joi: An Adoptee’s Journey and Findin...2022-04-1244 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland59. Emma Stevens: "The Gathering Place, An Adoptee's Story"Emma Stevens is a U.S. domestic adoptee from birth and has survived layers of trauma that have put her on multiple journeys. She developed the inner strength and courage to surmount the many struggles she faced. Her traumas were born from being an adoptee who struggled with being forced to wear an impossible mask of playing the part of the “good adopted child.” Because being relinquished and adopted has colored her life, it’s Emma’s desire to be part of the movement that is dedicated to helping bring forth change to the way our world views the needs an...2022-04-0531 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland58. Keith Sciarillo: "Better Looks Different For Everybody."Keith Sciarillo is a loving father and a Late Discovery Adoptee who enjoys connecting with his community. Keith currently works in the Accounting field for a Law firm and does volunteer work on the Emerging Leader Advisory Board for C.A.S.E. (Center for Adoption Support and Education). Music by Corey Quinn2022-03-2930 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland57. Richard Urhlaub: "Finding Our Place: 100 Memorable Adoptees, Fostered Persons and Orphanage Alumni, and Adoption and Mothering"Rich Uhrlaub, M.Ed. has been dedicated to support and effective advocacy for the interests of adults impacted by relinquishment and adoption for over 20 years and currently serves as ASRC President. Relinquished and adopted at three weeks old, Rich located and connected with his family of origin in 1995. Rich has testified before legislative committees and presented and facilitated at various conferences nationwide. He has been interviewed for local and national radio, television and newspaper stories. Rich is a contributing author to Finding Our Place: 100 Memorable Adoptees, Fostered Persons and Orphanage Alumni (2010), and Adoption and Mothering (2012). His professional background includes leadi...2022-03-2237 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland56. Oliver Leembruggen: "Virtual Support Groups with Adoption Network Cleveland"Oliver considers himself a simple man with a complexicated identity. He is a husband, father, man of faith, engineer, veteran, and adult adoptee. He lives in Troy, OH (just north of Dayton). Throughout the past three years he has been digging deeper into his genetic history with the help of the adoption community. Like many others, he is seeking wholeness. Oliver currently facilitates a DNA discovery virtual support group with Adoption Network Cleveland.This episode was recorded on October 8, 2021.Music by Corey Quinn2022-03-1554 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland55. Kate Murphy, LCSW: "The Couch with an Adoption Competent Therapist"Kate Murphy was adopted during the Baby Scoop Era. Her long search for family yielded results through the wonder of DNA in 2015. Now in reunion, she finds peace and acceptance through connection with other people who were adopted. Kate is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a psychotherapy practice in Atlanta, GA. She specializes in working with members of the adoption constellation with a focus on adoptees. She knows that processing the loss and grief caused by relinquishment is challenging to do alone. Kate believes it's possible to understand yourself better, take charge, and live with more purpose and joy.Rec...2022-03-0836 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland54. Betsie Norris: "Founder and Executive Director of Adoption Network Cleveland"Betsie Norris is the Founder and Executive Director of Adoption Network Cleveland: The Ohio Family Connection.Betsie is an adoptee who searched for and was reunited with her birthparents and siblings in 1986, when she was in her mid-twenties. She emerged from that experience with strong convictions about the lifelong journey of adoption for all involved, and the need for systemic change. She found Adoption Network Cleveland in 1988, was a volunteer for the first 7 years, and has been the Executive Director since 1995.With a wide array of programs and services, Adoption Network Cleveland has been recognized n...2022-03-0134 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland53. Kenneth Bonomo: "My True Identity"Kenneth Bonomo was born in Chicago, Illinois at Dunning Asylum in the mid sixties. He is of mixed race origin with his father being African-American and his mother being of Polish and Swedish ethnicity. He was adopted by two loving adoptive parents and had a very happy childhood. He went on to become an elementary school teacher, marry his best friend and sweet heart. He enjoys genealogy and discovering the history of all of his ancestors both adoptive and biological.Music by Corey Quinn2022-02-2248 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland52. Jacqueline: "It Was Emotional To See Her Name"Jacqueline is from Chicago and the mother of a beautiful son and daughter.Music by Corey Quinn2022-02-1538 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland51. Black History BonusSnippets from eight guests during Season One share perspectives as adopteesMusic by Corey Quinn2022-02-0925 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland50. Renecia Jennifer: "The Chosen RISING"Renecia Jennifer is a provocative, creative storyteller at heart. Once sharing her story became her assignment, Renecia gave breath to a vision to bring those revelations to life through the arts.Renecia is a late-discovery adoptee who was raised by same-race parents. At the age of 22, her parents had the courage to share what she already knew in her core. It’s often said, adoption doesn’t guarantee a better life but a different life. Adoption is never perfect; brokenness is at its core, but she believes beauty can be exchanged for ashes.Renecia’s warm s...2022-02-0840 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland49. Pekitta Tynes: "Thank God I Was Adopted 'Cause DNA Is No Joke"Pekitta is a published author of the book "Thank God I was Adopted 'Cause DNA is No Joke!" Based on her memoirs and journey to how she found her biological family through DNA testing. Her reunion can be seen on a YouTube video, "Pekitta's Journey". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFhUFNkqpPUMusic by Corey Quinn2022-02-0157 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland48. David Bohl: "Parallel Universes: The Story of Rebirth"David Bohl is a catalyst, immersionist, chronic malcontent, empath, conscientious persister, solitudinarian, itinerant introvert, and often complexly hypervigilant, David B. Bohl is also a relinquishee and adoptee, a professional independent addiction and recovery consultant, and a former consumer of substance use disorder and mental health services. He’s also the author of Parallel Universes: The Story of Rebirth, a memoir that chronicles the intersection of adoption and addiction in his life. David Bohl facilitates Adoptee Paths to Recovery hosted by the National Association of Adoptees and Parents (NAAP).David lives in southeastern Wisconsin and works around...2022-01-2551 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland47. Julie Ryan McGue: "Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging"Julie Ryan McGue writes a weekly blog, and a monthly column for her local paper, called That Girl This Life. Her work has been featured on Brevity Nonfiction Blog, Lifetime Adoption Adoptive Families Blog, Severance Magazine, Adoption & Beyond, Adoption.com, and The Imprint e-magazine. She has a degree in Psychology from Indiana University and a Masters in Marketing from The Kellogg Graduate School of Business, Northwestern University. She has served multiple terms on the Board of the Midwest Adoption Center and Benet Academy College Prep High School. She and her husband, Steve, split their time between NW In...2022-01-1842 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland46. Peter Capomolla Moore: "Adoption Rights Australia"Peter Capomolla Moore is the president of Adoption Rights Australia.He is a Genealogist, Late Discovery Adoptee at age 59, a father of five, grandfather of eleven, foster carer of many, discovery also revealed he had an Italian father and a mother of Australian Aboriginal & Scottish ethnicity. In 2017, Peter reunited with his mother & five maternal siblings. In 2018 Peter reunited with three paternal siblings, two surviving paternal aunts & many cousins, Peter also visited his father’s village in Calabria, Italy to visit his grave and meet family who have lived in that village for as long as living memory. ...2022-01-1156 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland45. Tina: "Reflection" and "Help"Tina read two of her poems, "Reflection" and "Help".This episode is lovingly dedicated in memory of Kyle Glantz.Music by Corey Quinn2022-01-0459 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland44. Michael Knox: "In Finding Fitness, I Found my Family."Michael Knox completed five Ironman Triathlons to date and says finding fitness is how he found his (biological) family. He is a part of Adoptees Connect Atlanta.Music by Corey Quinn2021-12-2852 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland43. Daryn Watson: "An Adoption Reunion Coach"Daryn Watson has been connected to the adoption community for years and works with Adoption Knowledge Affiliates. He coaches adoptees during search/reunion and can be reached through his website and email: http://www.adoptionreunioncoaching.com daryn@adoptionreunioncoaching.com Music by Corey Quinn2021-12-2133 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland42. Niranjani: "It was like the rug had been pulled out from under me."Niranjani is a young professional in the healthcare space – focused on training, organizational development, and business development. She was raised in Maryland, in a suburb outside of Washington D.C., and used to spend her childhood summers in her motherland, India. Placing importance in interpersonal relationships, Niranjani believes that adaptive communication and a strong emphasis on soft skills are crucial to growth, success, and fulfillment in life. She brings a fusion of cultures, experiences, and perspective to her professional and personal life. She is a Myers-Briggs INFJ (one of the rarer personality types) and enjoys tapping into her creative si...2021-12-1455 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland41. Mark Hagland: "Extraordinary Journey: The Lifelong Path of the Transracial Adoptee."Mark Hagland was born in South Korea in 1960, and adopted to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was raised by white parents of Norwegian and German descent. He obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his master's degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. He has worked as a professional journalist for 39 years.Mark has been actively involved as a participant, writer, and speaker, in ongoing dialogues in the transracial adoption world, for over 21 years. He has written numerous articles on transracial adoption, and has been a contributing author to several anthologies written...2021-12-0754 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland40. David Petruzziello: "Facilitating Support Groups in New Jersey"David facilitates support groups for adoptees in New Jersey.This episode is the last one during National Adoption Awareness Month (NAAM2021) and I want to thank all of the adoptees who shared a part of their adoption story along with words of wisdom on this podcast.Music by Corey Quinn2021-11-3043 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland39. Jean Strauss: "Birthright", "Beneath A Tall Tree" and "A Simple Piece of Paper"Jean A. S. Strauss is an adoptee who located her birth family in 1988, a life-changing experience which she continues to learn from today, thirty-three years later. She is the author of five books (three about adoption search and reunion) and over 80 films, 55 of which are focused on the need for adoptee access to records. These works are all streamed online, for free, including two features which aired on PBS (one in which YOU are a star!) Worn a lot of hats, but work in the adoption arena has been among the most meaningful of pursuits of her life. B...2021-11-2331 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland38. Marci Purcell: "Executive Director of Adoption Knowledge Affiliates (AKA)"Marci Purcell is the Executive Director at Adoption Knowledge Affiliates (AKA), a grassroots nonprofit in Austin, TX, founded in 1992. Marci's first connection to the larger adoptee community was through AKA in 2012, first as an attendee, and then serving on their Board, including as AKA President. She is also a founding member and past President of Support Texas Adoptee Rights (STAR). She currently serves on the STAR Advisory Board. Marci is committed to advocacy and reform relating to the rights of adult adoptees, foster care alumni, as well as truth and transparency in adoption. She is also passionate about disability rig...2021-11-161h 07Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland37. Alice Stephens: "Famous Adopted People"Alice Stephens is a writer and the author of "Famous Adopted People". Her website is famousadoptedpeople.comAlice was born in Korea and one of the first generation of transnational, interracial adoptees. Her work has appeared in Urban Mozaik, Flung, Banana Writers, the Los Angeles review of Books, and the Washington Independent Review of Books, which publishes her column, Alice In Wordland. She lives with her family in the Washington, DC area.Music by Corey Quinn2021-11-0953 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland36. Sara Feigenholtz: "An Illinois State Senator Speaks"Part 2/2 of a conversation with Sara Feigenholtz. Sara as an Illinois State Representative fought 14 years (1996-2010) to have the adoption law changed in her state granting adoptees the right to request their original birth certificate. Sara is featured in the Jean Strauss film, A Simple Piece of Paper www.vimeo.com/channels/adopteefilmchannelAs an adoptee herself, she advocates on behalf of all members of the constellation for adoption reform. Now as an Illinois State Senator, she continues to serve the citizens of her district from her Northside office in Chicago and from the state...2021-11-0247 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland35. Sara Feigenholtz: "An Illinois State Senator Speaks"Part 1/2 of a conversation with Sara Feigenholtz. Part 2 is scheduled to air one week from this episode.Sara as an Illinois State Representative fought 14 years (1996-2010) to have the adoption law changed in her state granting adoptees the right to request their original birth certificate. Sara is featured in the Jean Strauss film, A Simple Piece of Paper www.vimeo.com/channels/adopteefilmchannelAs an adoptee herself, she advocates on behalf of all members of the constellation for adoption reform. Now as an Illinois State Senator, she continues to serve the citizens of her district...2021-10-2633 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland34. A reading of Chapter 2 from The Truth So Far...a detective's journey to reunite with her birth familyMusic by Corey Quinn2021-10-2023 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland33. Patricia Martinez Dorner, MA, LPC: "A Pioneer in Open Adoption and Post Adoption Services"Patricia Martinez Dorner, MA, LPC, a pioneer in open adoption and post adoption services, has been a relentless proponent of adoption reform. Her adoption focused practice includes counseling, mediation, education, support and training to individuals and professionals. She is a frequent conference speaker and author of many adoption related books. The adoptive mother of 2 adult daughters, she lives adoption personally and professionally. Books authored/co-authored by Patricia Martinez Dorner, MA, LPC:Children of Open Adoption (co-author) https://www.amazon.com/Children-Open-Adoption-Their-Families/dp/0931722780/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1U9ATY5PGXT8J&keywords=Patricia+Dorner&qid=1668773951&sprefix=patricia+d...2021-10-1943 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland32. Ridghaus: "Six Word Adoption Memoirs"Ridghaus relinquished a son at 19 and then later, at the age of 35, learned that he had been relinquished and adopted.Ridghaus is the co-creator of the 6WAM (Six Word Adoption Memoir). He has spent the last 20 years teaching as a professor in English, Communication, Media, and Law from his graduate degrees in English (MA), Communication (MA), and Jurisprudence (JD).He recommends for LDAs the Private Facebook Late Discovery Adoptee Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/latediscoveriesMusic by Corey Quinn2021-10-1250 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland31. Nomi: "It was time for me to start deeply exploring some of my questions."Nomi is a domestic adoptee and grew up in a same race family. She enjoys connecting with others, daydreaming, delicious meals, the arts, and running fast, to name a few interests. She is grateful to have found the adoptee community. Music by Corey Quinn2021-10-0538 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland30. Sydney Parkhurst: "Filmmaking and Writing"Sydney Parkhurst is a college student with a passion for filmmaking and writing. She's decided to use her personal experience as a biracial transracial adoptee and help spread awareness to stories like hers. She hopes that you will find her resources useful and know that in a world where it feels like you have to fit in, you were actually born to stand out. Her website is SydneyParkhurst.comMusic by Corey Quinn2021-09-2829 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland29. Lorah Gerald: "The Adopted Chameleon"Lorah Gerald is an adoptee, writer, Intuitive, Kundalini Yoga Instructor, Reiki Master and Ordained Minister. She writes inspirational, educational, opinion pieces and a blog on her website www.LorahGerald.com and as the @theadoptedchameleon on Facebook and Instagram. Lorah hopes to help others heal their trauma, adopted or not, by sharing her lived experiences as an adoptee as well as her education in breath work, energy healing and natural intuitive abilities.Music by Corey Quinn2021-09-2139 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland28. Maura Duffy; "A Simple Piece of Paper"Maura Duffy is featured in the documentary "A Simple Piece of Paper" by Jean Strauss www.vimeo.com/channels/adopteefilmchannelShe is a Chicago born adoptee, has been in reunion with her birth mother and her maternal family for 9 years. Maura had never met another adoptee until she got involved with the film A Simple Piece of Paper by fellow adoptee Jean Strauss in 2011. It was during the filming that she acquired her original birth certificate and discovered her origins. Maura is a marketing professional within the non-profit arena and resides in Chicago, IL. She remains connected to...2021-09-1444 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland27. Astrid Castro: "The Founder of Adoption Mosaic"Astrid Castro is the founder of Adoption Mosaic and has been connected to the adoption community for nearly 30 years. You can connect with her on social media; Facebook and Instagram, website; https://adoptionmosaic.com/ and email; Astrid@AdoptionMosaic.com Astrid has a degree in Sociology with an emphasis in adoption. "Adoption Mosaic's 'We the Experts' series brings adult adoptees and their loved ones together to share personal experiences with the intention to discuss best practices and tangible tools, to connect among peers and to engage in learning with other adoptees."Music by Corey...2021-09-0742 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland26. Wendy Libowitz: "An NYC Birth To An Adoption In New Jersey"Wendy Libowitz is a Baby Scoop Era adoptee, born in New York City in July 1968 and adopted through Louise Wise Services. She is a nurse practitioner with two adult daughters and resides in Massachusetts. Music by Corey Quinn2021-08-3138 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland25. Tammy Murphy: "I Felt I Would Never Matter"Tammy is a writer who creates poetry related to adoption. She plans to write a memoir about forgiving both her birth and adoptive mother.Music by Corey Quinn2021-08-2427 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland24. Alicia Williams: "I Don't Know Who These People Are."During times in this episode, there is sensitive content that may be traumatizing to some audiences. Listener discretion advised.Alicia is a wife, mother of 5 and a grandmother. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Business. Music by Corey Quinn2021-08-171h 08Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland23. Lynn Grubb: "The Adoptee Survival Guide: Adoptees Share Their Wisdom and Tools"Lynn Grubb is creator and editor of The Adoptee Survival Guide: Adoptees Share Their Wisdom and Tools (published in 2015) and is currently working on a memoir which she hopes to publish in 2021. She is currently a student at the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She hopes to work as a professional investigative genetic genealogist.Lynn will be a workshop speaker and a part of the panel entitled "Adoptee Voices Matter-Options for Writing Your Truth" at the NAAP (National Association of Adoptees and Parents) in person conference in Indianapolis, IN September 10-11, 2021. Lynn has been married to h...2021-08-1045 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland22. Nancy McCaughey: "Trust Is Based In Truth""Trust is based in truth." -Nancy McCaughey Nancy is a certified professional coach. She can be reached via email nancy@nancymccaughey.com and her website is nancymccaughey.comMusic by Corey Quinn2021-08-0357 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland21. Marc Borne: "Raise Your Hand""Raise your hand and self validate yourself." -Marc BorneMusic by Corey Quinn2021-07-271h 01Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland20. Eileen Abrams: "I Was Hoping They Could Find A Way"This episode is dedicated to "Sean Lewis Edmonds", Eileen's son born December 30, 1959.Music by Corey Quinn2021-07-2051 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland19. Marcie J. Keithley: "The Shoebox Effect"Marcie is the author of "The Shoebox Effect" and can be reached via email marcie@naapunited.org https://www.amazon.com/Shoebox-Effect-Transforming-Fortitude-Purpose/dp/1949856178/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2M0LY22K5VIOH&keywords=the+shoebox+effect&qid=1668735994&sprefix=the+shoebox+effect%2Caps%2C543&sr=8-1National Association of Adoptees and Parents (NAAP) is a 501c3 educational organization that is dedicated to enhancing the lives of adoptees by unifying and elevating the voice of all adoptees regardless of where they are in their adoption journey.Music By Corey Quinn2021-07-1343 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland18. Melisha Mitchell: "White Oak Foundation"A former advertising copywriter and magazine editor, Melisha Mitchell stumbled into the world of adoption reform in 1996 after reconnecting with the daughter she had lost to adoption during the infamous Baby Scoop era. Over the next two decades, Melisha launched the White Oak Foundation, a non-profit focused on helping adoption triad members circumnavigate Illinois´ closed record laws, and spearheaded the movement to overturn her home state's outdated adoption statutes. Her efforts led to Illinois becoming the 9th U.S. state to release original birth certificates to all adult adoptees upon request and, through her Foundation, the reunification of thousands of I...2021-07-061h 04
Adoptees On138 Jennifer Dyan GhostonJennifer Dyan Ghoston is here to share her story with us. Jennifer tells us about the moment she opened her original birth certificate, her search for her biological family, and what reunion with extended family really looks like for her today. 2020-03-2754 min