Shows
Open Adoption ProjectBook Club: Orphan TrainSharolyn Swenson, an adoptee, joins our special NAM book club episode to discuss Christina Baker Kline’s book “Orphan Train.” If you haven’t read the book yet, please skip this episode to avoid potential spoilers. Sharolyn shares her thoughts and insights after reading the novel. Lanette and Sharolyn delve into the book’s portrayal of adoption and foster care, as well as the historical context of the orphan train movement. They also explore the characters of Vivian and Molly and their struggles with identity, as well as the complexities of adoption and the mother-daughter relationship. Sharolyn shares her personal e...2024-11-1829 min
Open Adoption ProjectIdentifying Family Communication PatternsIn this episode, Shaun and Lanette discuss the Family Communication Pattern Theory, by McLeod and Chaffee, and its adoption application. focusing on conformity and conversation orientation, and how these patterns can impact families, particularly in the context of adoption. They analyzed various family dynamics portrayed in movies and TV shows, identifying different communication patterns and their implications. Family Communication Patterns help us understand how childhood family structure impacts adulthood. The model suggests that families fall into four patterns, which vary in degrees of conformity and conversation. The importance of balance in family communication patterns and the need for open...2024-09-1636 min
Open Adoption ProjectSubstance Exposure in Utero: A Guide For Prospective Adoptive ParentsGet the guide, FREE of charge, here: Substance Exposure in Utero: A Guide For Prospective Adoptive ParentsHi Adoption Friends,We’re Shaun and Lanette, co-hosts and creators of the Open Adoption Project. We hope this guide is a helpful tool for you as you counsel and discuss how you are able to support and help children exposed to substances in utero. We are so thankful to Dr. Stone for collaborating with us on creating and sharing this guide, and generously offering this resource free of charge through the Open Adoption Project publications....2024-09-0902 min
Open Adoption ProjectGiving Grace with Cadon RileyIn this episode, we learn about the experience of foster care alumni Cadon Riley, including his experience being adopted and later returning to the foster care system. Cadon and Shaun discuss some of the challenges Cadon has experienced, and his hopes for how our community can improve experiences for other youth in care and in need of support. Cadon Riley is a Foster Care & Child Welfare Advocate. Cadon was adopted at birth into a transracial family. At the age of 15 Cadon was placed back into the foster care system, aging out at 18. Cadon made it his goal to become...2024-06-1747 min
Open Adoption ProjectEstablishing and Maintaining Healthy Boundaries In this episode, Lanette and Alisha discuss establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries, both in open adoptions and when caring for children in foster care. We address some frequently asked questions regarding this subject, including how to create healthy communication patterns and how to mediate challenging situations. 2024-05-2039 min
Open Adoption ProjectAdoption History: Orphan TrainsThis episode dives into the history of orphan trains in the United States. The orphan trains operated from 1854 through 1929, relocating from about 200,000 children. In this episode, we discuss the orphan train using accounts from a historical nonfiction book called “Orphan Train Rider” by Andrea Warren. This book primarily follows the memories of Lee Nailling, who rode an orphan train in 1926 as a nine-year-old child. In this episode, we discuss some long-term impacts of orphan trains and the policies implemented during this era. We also discuss how openness, honesty, and connecting to roots can make a difference in the lives of i...2023-11-0633 min
Open Adoption Project From Madagascar to France with Christelle PellecuerChristelle was adopted at 10 year old from Madagascar to France after her mother passed away. She shares about her experience as a black adoptee growing up in a white community, about the challenges of being an International adoptee with very little knowledge about her story, and the cultural changes in her life. Learn more on her website christellepellecuer.com2023-11-0356 min
Open Adoption Project“I Don’t Think I Would Have Chosen Adoption Without Openness” with Leah OuttenIn this episode of our National Adoption Month series, we hear from Leah Outten, a birth mom who placed her daughter for adoption as a teenage mother, and maintained a very open adoption throughout her daughter’s childhood and on into adulthood.2023-11-0150 minOpen Adoption ProjectMore People to Love: Season 3 Recap In this episode we recap the third season of the show, remembering some experiences we heard about regarding open adoption over the past 15 months and discussing how the adoption community can better support adoptees and birth parents through openness in both adoption and dialogues.2023-10-1630 min
Open Adoption ProjectAdoption Through a Scholarly Lens with Professor Abbie Goldberg Doctor Abbie Goldberg is a professor at Clark University in Massachusetts. As a professor of psychology, her research regarding adoptive and diverse families, open adoption, transracial adoption, and foster care have immense importance in the adoption community. In this episode, she shares pieces of her extensive knowledge, including the importance of both structural and communicative openness. She also discusses the importance of accepting and embracing the uniqueness of the children in our families.2023-09-2532 min
Open Adoption ProjectMotherhood: Equal and Different with Stevoni Doyle and Aymee Condie Stevoni Doyle and Aymee Condie are mothers connected initially through shared love for their children. In this episode, these strong women share their story, beginning with Stevoni’s children being cared for by Aymee. Over the years, they have built a beautiful family and strong friendship, where they support one another in their roles as mothers. This episode discusses the challenges of foster care, drug addiction, and maintaining connections, as well as the power of vulnerability, forgiveness, trust, and supporting one another with love and understanding, particularly in regards to parenting children in foster and adoption situations.2023-09-111h 13
Open Adoption ProjectIntentional Cultural Connections with Robert Reese In this episode we hear from Robert Reese. Robert was adopted from South Korea as an infant, and was raised in the United States. When he was 16, he began searching for his birth mom. He shares what searching was like for him, and how his adoptive parents supported him in that endeavor. He also discusses racial and cultural mirrors and thoughts regarding how the adoption community can support adoptees in their different experiences.2023-08-2846 min
Open Adoption ProjectThe Adoption Constellation with Professor Michael Grand In this episode, we hear from Professor Michael Grand, the father of the term “adoption constellation.” Professor Grand shares highlights from his academic career as a psychology professor in and researcher who spent years studying a myriad of aspects relating to adoption. He discusses his professional research and his personal experience as a step-adoptee, and the importance of openness and connection. He also discusses the importance of adoptees’ constellations, including grandparents, friends, ecclesiastic leaders, and others who impact adoptee perspectives and identities. Professor Grand’s book, “The Adoption Constellation,” is available on Amazon.2023-08-071h 05
Open Adoption ProjectBoundaries with Hopscotch SongsJoanna Pace, a teacher and adoptive parent, shares lessons she’s learned about helping children set boundaries, and what led her to write the “Setting Boundaries” song with her musician husband and partner at Hopscotch Songs. She talks about how parents can help children advocate for their safety and why boundaries matter, both in the adoption world and beyond.2023-07-2438 min
Open Adoption ProjectChallenging the “Lucky Adoptee” Narrative with Allison OlsonAdoptee Allison Olson, author of the children’s book “Surrounded by Love,” discusses the impact of the “lucky adoptee” narrative and adoptee wellness. The vast spectrum of what “open adoption” means and how openness impacts experiences across the adoption constellation are subjects Allison is well-versed in. She discusses the importance of adoptee access to their own original birth certificates, the differences she’s seen on adoptee wellness when open adoption is practiced. Allison is now also an adoptive parent and shares how her experience as an adoptee impacted that journey as well. Follow her on social media @kidsbooksbyallisonolson, find her book on Amazon...2023-07-101h 00
Open Adoption ProjectThe Complexities of Adoption with Eileen SkahillIn this episode we hear from Eileen Skahill, an adoptee and academic who studies adoption. She shares her experiences and perspectives and also discusses a current research project she’s working on. Are you and adoptee that is interested in participating in Eileen's current research? If so, please contact her at eskahill@uccs.edu2023-06-261h 07
Open Adoption ProjectARCHIVE: Juneteenth with the Destiny Adoption Foundation (2022)This is a conversation that we shared last year, 2022, for Juneteenth. In this episode, you'll hear several members of the adoption community share thoughts on race, and multicultural and transracial adoption.2023-06-1946 min
Open Adoption Project“I Just Wanted to Know She’d Be Okay” with Lauren Eisenhauer Lauren Eisenhauer is a birth mom who placed her daughter for adoption 18 years ago, and maintained contact throughout her daughter’s childhood. She talks about her experience choosing adoption as a teenager, and what that looked like, including naming her daughter with the adoptive parents and making choices about what she wanted things to look like. She talks about shame and stigma as well as the importance of therapy. She shares thoughts on open adoption relationships transitioning into adulthood as well.2023-06-1259 min
Open Adoption ProjectThe Power of Connection with Patrick HawesPatrick Hawes, an adoptee raised in a multicultural home, shares his experience being adopted as an infant and reuniting with his biological mom later in life. He shares different struggles that came with not talking about adoption in the home and the healing that came with finding his family. Sign up for our newsletter here, apply for free assistance using DNA to find your biological family here.2023-05-291h 02
Open Adoption ProjectNavigating the Complexities of Adoptee Reunion with Heather Rodriguez In this episode, we discuss some of the complexities of adoptee reunion with Heather Rodriguez. Heather Rodriguez is an adoptee as well as a foster and adoptive parent. She shares raw experiences and emotions from her reunion experiences and her thoughts on adoptees’ need to connect with and understand their ancestry.2023-05-151h 00
Open Adoption ProjectSearch and Support In this episode, we hear thoughts about searching for one’s biological family from five adoptees– Sara Odacio, John Saintignon, Amanda Justice, Devanie Roberts, and Amy Wilkerson– including thoughts on preparing for potential outcomes, support, self-care, and connecting. Devanie Roberts, an adoptee who we talked to on the show in March, is going to select a few adoptees to help in the search for their biological families for upcoming episodes. If you know of someone who would like to apply to be one of the adoptees she helps on our show, click here. A link to a study cited in the ep...2023-05-0134 min
Open Adoption ProjectInclusivity and Openness with Ellie Wynn Ellie Wynn was adopted at birth and reconnected with her biological family at 14 years old. In this episode, Ellie shares her personal experiences as an adoptee, the benefits of having an open adoption, and experiences to help the community better understand the nuances of open adoption.2023-04-1735 min
Open Adoption ProjectAdvocating for Children with Special Needs with Brady Murray In this episode, we hear from Brady Murray of RODS Heroes, a nonprofit organization aspiring to give voices to children in foster homes and institutions in international countries. Brady and his wife Andrea became parents of a son with Down syndrome in 2007. Over the following months and years, they discovered what a blessing it is to experience life with someone who has Down syndrome. When Brady and Andrea learned it is common practice in many countries for special needs children to be abandoned and generally placed in orphanages, and then when reaching age five or six are usually transferred...2023-04-0343 min
Open Adoption ProjectOpen Adoptee Roots with Devanie Roberts Devanie grew up in a very open adoption during a time when open adoption was so rare that a Seattle news station flew into California, where she grew up, and did a special about her open adoption when she was a baby. While she grew up with a very open adoption and visited her biological mother and her side of the family, Devanie did not know her biological father as a child. Devanie loves family history, and shares how she used Genetic Genealogy to search for her biological father as she grew older. She also talks about the struggles...2023-03-201h 12
Open Adoption ProjectOpen From the Start with Sara VanderHaagen Sara was adopted at birth during a time when open adoption was nearly unheard of, but she grew up in a very open adoption. In today’s episode, she shares her thoughts regarding her experiences, talking about many of the complexities of adoption and relationships. She talks about creating psychological safety for individuals to share their feelings openly, and the importance of truly listening to these individuals with the goal of learning. She also discusses how her thoughts have evolved as she came to adopt her second child.2023-03-071h 06
Open Adoption ProjectOpen From the Start with Sara VanderHaagen Sara was adopted at birth during a time when open adoption was nearly unheard of, but she grew up in a very open adoption. In today’s episode, she shares her thoughts regarding her experiences, talking about many of the complexities of adoption and relationships. She talks about creating psychological safety for individuals to share their feelings openly, and the importance of truly listening to these individuals with the goal of learning. She also discusses how her thoughts have evolved as she came to adopt her second child.2023-03-061h 07
Open Adoption ProjectCaregiver Discussion of “Instant Family” We continue our Adoption in the Media series in this episode, where foster parents Alisha and Shane lead a discussion of themes in the movie “Instant Family.” They answer questions from listeners regarding expectations and realities of being foster care providers, and discuss how supporting and continuing relationships with first families enriches the lives of the children they care for.2023-02-201h 01
Open Adoption Project“Goodbye Again” with Candace Cahill“Goodbye Again” author Candace Cahill shares her story of placing her son for adoption, reuniting with him 18 years later, and then tragically losing him again shortly after. She shares how she and the adoptive father of her son have grieved and supported each other together since her son’s passing, and how their relationship has supported them both through immense struggles. She talks about the complex emotions of adoption, and the elements of coercion, deceit, secrecy, and money that taint it.2023-02-0652 min
Open Adoption ProjectOpen Adoption 101, Part 2What does open adoption look like in practice? What are some of the challenges for adoptees, biological, and adoptive family members in these relationships? How can parents (both adoptive and biological) build better relationships with and for their children? We include thoughts from adult adoptees who grew up in both open and closed adoptions.2023-01-2345 min
Open Adoption ProjectOpen Adoption 101, Part 1If you’re new to our podcast, this is a great place to start! In this episode, we discuss what open adoption is, why it matters, and what we can do to build better open adoption relationships with the ultimate goal of empowering adoptees with a more complete portrait of their identity. We discuss answers to listener-submitted questions, like whether it’s possible to have too much openness, and how to navigate fears and insecurities.2023-01-091h 01
Open Adoption ProjectBasketball, DNA, and Adoption with John SaintignonCoach John Saintignon shares his story and perspectives on the podcast this week. John is an adoptee who was born in Mexico and raised in Arizona. Basketball has been part of his life since he was a child.He was the leading scorer in country when playing college basketball, and went on to play professionally. He currently lives in Japan where he coaches basketball. In John’s discussion with Shaun, John shares about his search for his bio family starting when he was 50 years old and his reunion experience. He talks about how one can’t understand some...2022-12-261h 02
Open Adoption ProjectAdoption Themes in “Elf”We are excited to introduce a new, special “Adoption in the Media” series on the podcast. In this episode we host a live discussion led by our friend, adoptee Melaina Rogers. We're starting the series off with a holiday-themed discussion, about the movie "Elf" and the portrayal of adoption in that film. Questions and themes discussed include submissions from our listeners and Instagram followers. We’ll post about our next Adoption in Media recording at openadoptionproject.org. Happy holidays from the Open Adoption Project!2022-12-1240 min
Open Adoption ProjectNormalizing Adoptee Feelings with Amy Wilkerson Chilean adoptee Amy Wilkerson, LCSW, shares her adoption story in this episode. Amy was adopted as an infant by a family in the United States, and, uniquely, was able to reconnect with her biological family as a teenager. She shares the struggles of balancing honoring and remembering culture in adoption, including her biological heritage as a Chilean and her adopted heritage being raised in a Jewish family.Amy Wilkerson is a therapist and social worker who wrote the book “Being Adopted” to help adoptive families discuss adoption with adoptees in a way that empowers kids to share thei...2022-11-2851 min
Open Adoption ProjectRacial Identity Struggles with Amanda Justice This week we're excited to share another adoptee voice on the podcast. Amanda Justice, a Black adoptee, was adopted by a white family at three days old in a closed adoption. Amanda coaches adoptive families through transracial adoption scenarios and the importance of racial identity for adoptees in particular. Of adopting children of different races than the adoptive family, Amanda says: "It’s not for everyone. It’s going to take commitment and constant learning. If you are not willing to learn about new things and keep an open mind you can do more damage to your chil...2022-11-1443 min
Open Adoption Project“Somewhere Sisters” with Erika HayasakiIn this episode, we hear from author and award-winning journalist Erika Hayasaki. Erika is a professor in the Literary Journalism Department at the University of California, Irvine. Five years ago, Erika learned about Isabella and Hà, identical twins who were born in 1998 in Nha Trang, Việt Nam, where their first mother struggled to care for them. Isabella (initially named Loan) was taken to an orphanage where an American family adopted her. Hà, the other twin, was deemed too sickly for the orphanage. She was taken in by her biological aunt and her aunt's partner, and grew up i...2022-10-3152 min
Open Adoption ProjectTransitions into Adulthood with Dr. Christina Reese and Eliane Shenk Dr. Christina Reese and Elaine Shenk share thoughts regarding transitioning into adulthood for adult adoptees. In this interview, the two share their advice for adoptees and adoptive parents as they discuss trauma and how to work through challenging transitions. Learn more in their new book, "Leveling Up: Adoptive Parents and Adult Adoptees: Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level," a book geared toward Christian adoptive families, available October 20, 2022. Find it at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.2022-10-1754 min
Open Adoption ProjectTrauma, Transitions, and Therapy with Maria Trimble In this episode, we learn from a Peruvian indigenous adoptee. Maria Trimble is a licensed mental health counselor and a licensed professional counselor. In this interview, she talks about the trauma experienced by adoptees when transitioning into new cultures, languages, and families, and ways that therapy can bring healing and understanding during these transitions. Maria’s website for her online therapy services for adults and adolescents is hikingtheheart.com. She specializes in adoptee counseling and support, post-adoption services, and consultations for adoptive parents and professionals.2022-10-0344 min
Open Adoption ProjectJamie | Trauma Unaddressed Jamie Weiss shares some of her experiences as an adoptee in the 1970s, growing up in a closed adoption, never having conversations at home about adoption. She shares thoughts about her reunion experience and adoptee trauma. Jamie works with the Georgia Alliance for Adoptee Rights. You can also follow her adoption education efforts at signedsealedadopted.com. She and a fellow-adoptee just launched a podcast where they discuss children’s books from adoptee perspectives called Adoption Rewritten.2022-09-1954 min
Open Adoption ProjectAdoptee-Centered LanguageIn this episode we discuss the history of different schools of thought regarding adoption language, including Positive Adoption Language and Honest Adoption Language. We also talk about following the adoptees’ leads and giving thought to circumstances. Words matter! Adoptive parents need to be cognizant of the preferred language of adoptees and biological parents in their lives. We advocate for adoptee-focused language. We discuss the need to focus our adoption language on adoptees and their preferences rather than on others in the adoption community. The tricky thing about this topic is that every adoptee is going to feel differently. As a...2022-09-0531 min
Open Adoption ProjectSara | Supporting Teen Adoptees Sara, a Chinese-born adoptee who was raised in Pennsylvania, is now a social worker who coaches teenage adoptees. In this episode, she shares her story and how she came to work with adoptees. She shares thoughts and advice for the adoption community to better help listen to and validate adoptees, in particular adopted youth. Learn more about Sara's professional work in the adoption community at https://www.coreofadoption.net/ and follow her on Instagram @core.ofadoption.2022-08-2256 min
Open Adoption ProjectSteph | L'adoption ouverte c'est l'amourSteph, a French adoptive dad, talks about his experience adopting his daughter. He highlights some of the differences between adoption in the United States and France, based on his experiences. We love how Steph highlighted the importance of taking care of first parents and the importance of prioritizing their care and control over their time and decisions post-birth. He also talks about the overturning of Roe v. Wade, potentially giving less control and choice to first parents. Steph’s family hired a doula as an advocate for their daughter’s first mom, and talks about creating positive open adoption rela...2022-08-0852 min
Open Adoption ProjectCultivating Meaningful Long-Distance RelationshipsIn this panel episode we hear from Keri, Dawn, and Regan, who are all either birth moms or adoptive moms. They share their thoughts and experiences regarding cultivating meaningful open adoption relationships. We hear thoughts from each of them regarding building and maintaining relationships over long-distances. The panel discusses lessons learned over the years and advice for building relationships with adoptive and birth family. They also share tips for others on creating these relationships.2022-07-2557 min
Open Adoption ProjectRachel | Seeking ConnectionWe're kicking off Season 3 of the Open Adoption Project with a conversation with Rachel Kramer. Rachel is an adoptee and a birth mom, who shares how her experience growing up in a semi-open adoption influenced her decision to place her twins in an open adoption last year. Rachel is from the southern United States and talks openly about the struggles and hardships of adoption.2022-07-111h 03
Open Adoption ProjectJuneteenth Special by the Destiny Adoption Foundation This bonus episode is a special Juneteenth episode. Our friend DaKota with the Destiny Adoption Foundation hosted a Juneteenth Conference on June 17, 2022, with guest speakers Samantha Williams, a birth mom, and Jeena and Drue Wilder, adoptive parents. In celebration of Juneteenth we are so honored to share the audio from the conference with our listeners. A special thank you to DaKota and the Destiny Adoption Foundation for sharing and hosting this discussion. DaKota, an adult adoptee who grew up in an open adoption, is featured in episode 18 of our podcast.2022-06-1946 min
Open Adoption ProjectSeason 2 Wrap-upThis week we look back on some key takeaways from season 2. We’ll be back with season 3 beginning on July 11.2022-05-0236 min
Open Adoption ProjectAdoptee VoicesIn this episode we revisit some of our conversations with adoptees during seasons one and two. Adoptee voices are key to understating adoption more deeply, so we really should listen to them.E11 - Sharolyn | "So Wanted & So Loved"E15 - Melaina | “A Journey to Discover Who I Was”E18 - DaKota | Growing Up with an Open AdoptionE25 - Jori | My Experience as an Adoptee and Birth MomE27 - Emily | My Experience as an Adoptee and an Adoptive MomE30 - Katie | Healing & Open Adoption2022-04-2551 min