Shows
Grid ConnectionsCutting EV Charging Costs by 80% with Solar + Storage with Tom McCalmont of Paired PowerSummaryWe kick off season 7 of Grid Connections with Tom McCalmont, CEO of Paired Power, breaks down how microgrid EV charging—powered by solar and supported by intelligent load management and battery storage—is reshaping the future of clean transportation. Tom walks us through Paired Power’s live design and monitoring platform, Periscope, showing how organizations can reduce energy costs by over 80%, overcome grid constraints, and even enable bidirectional charging. From pop-up solar canopies to large-scale fleet solutions, Tom shares how their flexible systems offer resilience, cost savings, and reliability for workplaces, remote sites, and fleet operators alike. Whethe...2025-06-2452 min
Lady PartyFor the Women Wondering, “Could I Really Start a Business?” — Yes, You Can with two-time Founder, Erin QuickEver dreamed about starting your own thing—but quickly shut it down because... imposter syndrome, family obligations, no college degree or “I’m not that kind of person”?This episode is your permission slip.We sat down with Erin Keaty Quick, Founder of the venture backed software company, PairTree , who opens up about building a business without a fancy resume, a business degree, or a trust fund.From failing out of college to raising over $10M of venture capital, Erin gets real about what it actually takes to start something—and why you don’t have to ha...2025-05-2852 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessPregnancy Neuroscience & Ethics in AdoptionSo often in adoption, there is a rush for an expectant or birth parent to sign a termination of parental rights as soon as the mandatory waiting period has passed. In addition to being a fierce advocate for expectant parents and high ethical standards in adoption, Meshan is a Pregnancy Social Worker with Paths for Families in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. She is an LCSW-C with a degree in Psychology, a minor in Neuroscience, and her Masters in Social Work.In this episode we also d...2025-03-0459 min
Northern Australia Food FuturesHamish Munro - Agtech Tsunami, How To Maximise Tech So That Its Not A Distraction - Pairtree Intelligence Pty Ltd TBCG'day and welcome,This Podcast is brought to you by the Northern Australia Food Futures Conference with is held on the 8th & 9th April 2025 in Darwin, Northern Territory.Today guest is Hamish Munro from PairtreeHamish is a 5th generation mixed cattle and cropping farmer from Central NSW, spending a season at Auvergne Station, Timber Creek, NT in 1996. After representing the Beef industry through NSW Farmers Assoc and the Cattle Council of Australia, Hamish started Pairtree Intelligence. Through his experiences on-farm and through industry representation, Hamish saw that compliance and reporting was going...2025-01-1521 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessAnd That's a Wrap...on Season 1!We are almost at the end of the year and that means we are wrapping up season one of the Modern Adoption podcast and we just want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has listened to us, who finds value in the topics we’re talking about and has learned something from us this past year.
When we finally decided to jump in and start this podcast, we knew we wanted to be a source of education and a space to tackle tough conversations, and I think we’ve done that this...2024-12-2323 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessThe Imbalanced Access to Information in Adoption & Why it Needs to ChangeThrough every step of the adoption process, there is almost certainly an imbalance of power that doesn’t just affect the adoption process in the moment, it can lead to long-lasting consequences. In most cases, that imbalance of power begins even before any “match” has been made and it starts with the type and amount of information that is shared between adopting families and expectant parents.
In this episode of the Modern Adoption Podcast, Erin & Jess are joined by Delphine Veith to discuss the imbalance of power between expectant parents and adopting families and how on...2024-12-0242 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessNavigating the Holidays During Your Adoption JourneyWe’re heading into the holiday season, and that means it’s time for family dinners and holiday parties with well meaning family members, friends and co-workers wanting to know all of the details about how your adoption journey is going.
In this special holiday episode of the Modern Adoption podcast, Erin & Jess dive into how to navigate difficult conversations during the holiday season - from equipping you with how to respond (if you want to), but also acknowledging that it’s okay to just say no sometimes.
We also t...2024-11-2521 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessAn Inspiring Adoption Story with Bethany AyerIn honor of National Adoption Awareness Month, we wanted to share a story we hope will bring a smile to your face and possibly make you shed a tear or two, but ultimately we hope it will inspire you to support your child’s curiosity surrounding their adoption story and birth family.
In today’s episode of the Modern Adoption Podcast, Erin & Jess are joined by Bethany Ayer, an adoptee in reunion with her birth family.
Bethany shares her story from not wanting to talk about adoption as a child, to reconnecting with her birth mom...2024-11-1244 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessAre Profile Books a Thing of the Past?In today’s world, there are so many different avenues to share your family’s adoption journey. You can have an online profile in multiple places, a website, a profile video, a profile book, you can utilize social media…the options for outreach on your adoption journey sometimes feel endless. But with the widespread availability of online profiles and profile videos, you have to wonder…are profile books a thing of the past?
In this episode of the Modern Adoption Podcast, Erin & Jess dive deep into profile books. We discuss the role of profile books in...2024-10-2843 min
The Adoption Roadmap PodcastThe Shift in Adoption Practices, with Laurie SheltonIn this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Rebecca Gruenspan interviews Laurie Shelton, a seasoned adoption specialist with over 26 years of experience guiding birth parents through the adoption process. Rebecca and Laurie discuss the significant changes in the adoption landscape, including the shift from closed to open adoptions, rising adoption costs, and the increased awareness of scams. Laurie reflects on the emotional complexities of adoption, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices, support for birth parents, and trust in the process. Additionally, she opens up about her personal experience with burnout, the emotional toll of the work, and her journey back...2024-10-231h 04
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessAre Adoption Preferences Problematic?If you are a prospective adoptive parent, one of the first big questions you’ll discuss on your adoption journey is ‘what are you open to?’ or ‘what are your preferences in a match?’
In this episode of the Modern Adoption Podcast, Erin & Jess are joined by Kathryn Russell to discuss adoption preferences and the impact they can have on a families adoption journey.
Kathryn is a licensed master social worker and the Director of Absolute Love Adoptions in Pennsylvania, where she is an incredible home study provider and educator...2024-10-0751 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessWhy is the FTC Getting Involved in Adoption?China’s recent ban on international adoption has been dominating the adoption news cycle, but that’s not the only big news that’s happened in adoption in the last couple of weeks.
In this episode of the Modern Adoption Podcast, Erin & Jess dive into a recent letter sent from the Federal Trade Commission to 31 adoption intermediaries. We break down what the letter said, real life examples of some of the violations mentioned in the letter, and talk about what is an adoption intermediary.
We also discuss:
2024-09-2332 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessAn Attorney's Role in the Adoption ProcessAdoption law is complex and nuanced, and the role of an attorney in the adoption process is vital in helping to navigate the legal complexities of adoption.
In this episode of the Modern Adoption Podcast, Erin & Jess are joined by Diana Schimmel, a Partner with Martine, Katz, Scanlon and Schimmel, a boutique family law firm in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. At MKSS, Diana specializes in adoption and family formation law.
In this episode we discuss:
Unethical practices in adoption and adoption friendly states;
ICPC process;
...2024-09-1736 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessFinancially Planning for AdoptionWe want to preface this episode by saying the cost of domestic infant adoption in the United States is too high, but we also realize that the high costs associated with adoption aren’t going to change overnight. We still want to help adopting families financially prepare for their adoption journey.
In this episode of the Modern Adoption Podcast, Erin & Jess are joined by Matt Joyner, a Certified Financial Planner based in the Pacific Northwest. Matt is passionate about adoption and has prioritized helping adopting families understand and financially plan for their adoption journey.
...2024-08-2631 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessBecoming a Confident Adoptive ParentWe say all the time - parenting an adopted child is different from parenting a biological one and today we’re going to talk about why that is.
In this episode of the Modern Adoption podcast, we are joined today by Jessica Johnson of Root and Revive Wellness.
Jessica is a certified health coach, and adoptive mom of three who, after struggling with her own adoptive parent burn out, created Root and Revive Wellness to help other adoptive moms become more centered and confident in their parenting role. She off...2024-08-1929 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessThe Anatomy of an Ethical AdoptionIn this episode of the Modern Adoption podcast, Erin & Jess dive into ethics in adoption…more specifically, the anatomy of an ethical adoption.
As a team of adoptive parents, birth parents, and adoption professionals, trust us when we say that we understand the desire and longing to grow your family. But how far are you willing to go and what ethical lines are you willing to cross to become a parent?
This episode might be hard to listen to, but it's an important conversation to have...we want to he...2024-07-3142 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessImproving Parental Leave with Allison WhalenIn today's episode of the Modern Adoption podcast, Erin & Jess talk with Allison Whalen, Founder & CEO of Parentaly - a company on a mission to improve the parental leave experience for everyone.
One of the first things we recommend prospective adoptive parents do when they decide to pursue adoption, is to ask about their employee benefits for family building and parental leave.
Unfortunately, a lot of family building benefits aren’t inclusive or don’t allow for adequate parental leave for families who are adopting.
As...2024-07-2533 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessLGBTQ+ Adoption & Family BuildingAt PairTree, we pride ourselves on providing a pathway to parenting for all people so we are really excited about today’s guest.
In honor of Pride Month, we wanted to do an episode focusing on adoption and family building in the LGBTQ+ community.
In this episode, we are joined by Heather Strickland, who is an Arizona attorney specializing in adoption and assisted reproduction. She is a fellow in the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys and prides herself on being an advocate for LGBTQ+ families on their family fo...2024-06-2725 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessAdopting After InfertilityIn this episode, we want to have an honest and authentic (and definitely unfiltered) conversation about adopting after infertility — including what to consider, and how to navigate it.
If you’re navigating adoption after infertility, we hope this conversation helps you feel more prepared on your journey, or more comfortable in saying you aren’t quite ready yet.
Mentioned in this episode:
Creating A Family course - Coming to Terms With Infertility Grief Before You Foster or Adopt
2024-06-1736 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessThe Importance of Self-Care for the Adoption ConstellationMay is Mental Health Awareness Month, and as the month comes to a close, we wanted to take some time and discuss the importance of self care for the adoption constellation.
Adoption is a journey that never ends, for everyone involved, so it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself no matter where you are on your adoption journey. In this episode we’re going to be sharing some self-care tips for adopting families, birth moms, and adoption professionals - from our own lived experiences.
PairTree Adoption Specialist, Laurie Shelton, joins us tod...2024-06-0137 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessComplexities & Considerations of Prenatal Exposure When AdoptingIn this episode, we are joined by Dr. Sara Silvestri to discuss some of the medical considerations while adopting, specifically prenatal exposure.
Dr. Silvestri is a board certified pediatrician, and adoptive mom of 2. She uses her platform and business, The Adoption Doc to help educate adoptive families on the medical complexities of adoption such as prenatal exposure along with birth family medical and mental health history, among many other things.
Just a reminder, nothing in this episode should be considered medical advice.
To get in touch with Dr. Silvestri to book a 1:1 with...2024-05-2036 min
The Amped EV PodcastPaired Power's pop-up microgrid aims to solve challenges associated with fleet electrificationFleet electrification is tricky. Many fleet locations never planned to one day convert their vehicles to run using electric powertrains, and therefore lack the adequate electrical infrastructure to easily make the switch. The good news is that upgrade solutions are typically available, and today there are lots of partners out there who can help fleets get started. The bad news is that the upgrade process can involve lengthy wait times – sometimes up to two years – due to factors like utility management and equipment shortages.Tom McCalmont, CEO and co-founder of Paired Power, says his company has developed what he c...2024-05-1316 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessThe Politics of Motherhood with Gretchen SissonIn this episode, we are joined by Gretchen Sisson, PhD and author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood.
We’re going to be talking about Gretchen’s new book, her eye-opening research, and the importance of sharing a real and honest look at the birth parent perspective in adoption.
Gretchen's research and subsequent book have been the subject of numerous articles such as:
The Untold Stories of Birth Mothers, The Cut
Why is the History of Adoption So Complicated, Dame Magazine
Whom Does Adoption Really Serve?, The Nation
2024-05-0239 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessThe Changing Landscape of Family BuildingToday we are talking with one of our favorite attorneys, Liz Vaysman, about the legal aspects of family formation and how family building has changed in the last few years.
We cover:
Embryo Donation - what it is and could it be an option for your family
Alabama IVF case
Open Adoption Agreements - do they exist in embryo donation?
Sidenote - we dive into the role of an attorney in the family-building process, and also talk about some of the big changes affecting IVF and embryo donation BUT nothing in this episode should be...2024-04-1139 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessThe Story of Adoption in Women's HistoryMarch is Women’s History Month and we would be remiss if we didn’t talk about the story of adoption in women’s history. This episode is dedicated to the incredible women who have made it their mission to change adoption for the better.
To learn more about the women we talked about in this episode:
Ashley Mitchell - you can find Ashley on Instagram @bigtoughgirl or online at https://www.bigtoughgirl.com/
Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard - you can find Kelsey on Instagram @fromanothamotha and follow her advocacy work here.
(Kel...2024-03-2632 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessTalking About Adoption in Your HomeIn this episode we are joined by Allison Olson. Allison is an adoptee, adoptive mom, and author of the children’s books, “Surrounded by Love" and "Tell Me About My Friends Adoption."
Today we’re talking about love in adoption and how Allison’s books can help you talk about adoption in your home.
You can follow Allison on Instagram at @kidsbooksbyallisonolson and order her books on https://www.ouradoptionbooks.com/
If you're looking for the best books to include in your adoption library, check out our Ultimate Adoption Reading List, and Allison's list, An...2024-03-1335 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessCalifornia Adoption Law Recap with Audrey DeGraafToday, we’re joined by Audrey DeGraaf, Director of Family Network Adoption Center in California to discuss some big changes to adoption that went into effect this year.
California Assembly Bill 120
Bans adoption facilitators from operating in California.
Restricts the adoption professionals you can work with in California.
Commonly Asked Questions About AB 120
Hoping to adopt in California? Learn more about Audrey and the Family Network Adoption Center!
2024-02-0131 min
Modern Adoption with Erin & JessPrivate Adoption Trends in 2024Welcome to the Modern Adoption Podcast! In our first episode, we'll discuss some of the recent changes, developments, and perspective changes we've seen in private adoption, such as open adoption, policy changes, and the role technology plays in adoption.
In this episode, we touched on some of the new federal legislation recently introduced. To learn more about these important bills, and how you can get involved and show your support, please visit the National Council for Adoption Action Center.2024-01-3133 min
Creating a Family: Talk about Adoption, Foster & Kinship CareHow to Create a Compelling Adoptive Parent ProfileClick here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.How can you create an adoptive parent profile to help you stand out and show what makes you unique? To find out, join our guests Erin Quick, the Founder and CEO of PairTree and an adoptive mom, and Jess Nelson, the profile creation provider at Pairtree and a two-time birth mom.In this episode, we cover:What are Adoptive Parent Profiles?What other names might they go by?Each agency or attorney has their own preference, but the goal...2024-01-3147 min