Episodes

  • Today we are joined by the fierce and wonderful Alana Hook. Alana is a domestic, infant, private closed adoption in reunion. Alana is a masters level clinician who works in public defense as an advocate and mitigation specialist as well as a community mental health therapist. She uses reality based approaches to support all people in finding their path, embracing their own recovery and reconnecting with their power.

    Disclaimer: Laura and Katie are NOT physicians. This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on Adopting Wellness Podcast.

    Contact us:

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod (http://www.instagram.com/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Email us: [email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website (http://podserve.fm/w/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad (http://www.instagram.com/katiethekad)

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot (http://www.instagram.com/lauraisalot)

    Laura's website: http://www.lauraisalot.com (http://www.lauraisalot.com/)

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong (http://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld)

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone (http://www.instagram.com/charcarbone)

  • Laura and Katie discuss turning 40, how grief and loss plays out in every-day life, being a late bloomer, and the difficulties of advocating for your own health as a patient.

    Disclaimer: Laura and Katie are NOT physicians. This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on Adopting Wellness Podcast.

    Contact us:

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod (http://www.instagram.com/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Email us: [email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website (http://podserve.fm/w/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad (http://www.instagram.com/katiethekad)

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot (http://www.instagram.com/lauraisalot)

    Laura's website: http://www.lauraisalot.com (http://www.lauraisalot.com/)

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong (http://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld)

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone (http://www.instagram.com/charcarbone)

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  • Laura and Katie give some personal downloads on health and life. They deep dive into how relinquishment triggers experiences outside of human adoption, and talk about learnings and takeaways from therapy.

    Also, we apologize for Katie's terrible mic sound quality this month--we are working to improve for the future!

    In this episode, we mention the below resources:

    Pamela Karanova: https://pamelakaranova.com/

    Maggie Smith IG: @maggiesmithpoet

    Contact us:

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod (http://www.instagram.com/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Email us: [email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website (http://podserve.fm/w/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad (http://www.instagram.com/katiethekad)

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot (http://www.instagram.com/lauraisalot)

    Katie's website: http://www.katiethekad.com (http://www.katiethekad.com/)

    Laura's website: http://www.lauraisalot.com (http://www.lauraisalot.com/)

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong (http://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld)

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone (http://www.instagram.com/charcarbone)

  • Kate is a Certified Health Coach who works with fellow adoptees and others to find balance with their health and wellness. Kate believes in a growth mindset and works with her clients on their everchanging identities and how this influences their health. Kate strives to educate adoptees with the understanding that even with an unknown family health history there is empowerment in what you can control.

    Over the last 4 years, Kate has supported hundreds of clients as they explore and identify challenges and establish realistic and attainable goals on their journey to wellness. Kate is a Certified Health Coach specializing in hormone health and gut health.

    Kate holds a BS in Human Performance and Sport from Metropolitan State University of Denver.

    Tune in on Apple or Spotify podcasts and let us know your thoughts!

    In this episode, we mention fellow adoptee podcasts:

    The Janchi Show: https://janchishow.com/

    Conversation Piece Podcast: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/

    Contact us:

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod (http://www.instagram.com/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Email us: [email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website (http://podserve.fm/w/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad (http://www.instagram.com/katiethekad)

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot (http://www.instagram.com/lauraisalot)

    Katie's website: http://www.katiethekad.com (http://www.katiethekad.com/)

    Laura's website: http://www.lauraisalot.com (http://www.lauraisalot.com/)

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong (http://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld)

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone (http://www.instagram.com/charcarbone)

  • Laura and Katie celebrate 2024 by sharing what lessons they want to live by in 2024. They talk about the hardships of asking for help and why it's complicated as an adoptee, and how to lean in on professionals for support.

    Tune in on Apple or Spotify podcasts and let us know your thoughts!

    Contact us:

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod (http://www.instagram.com/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Email us: [email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website (http://podserve.fm/w/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad (http://www.instagram.com/katiethekad)

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot (http://www.instagram.com/lauraisalot)

    Katie's website: http://www.katiethekad.com (http://www.katiethekad.com/)

    Laura's website: http://www.lauraisalot.com (http://www.lauraisalot.com/)

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong (http://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld)

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone (http://www.instagram.com/charcarbone)

  • In episode 14, Katie spends time sharing her wins and losses in 2023 and throws in some vulnerability, childhood memories, and therapeutic proud moments of younger Katie. Thanks for joining us on this journey and for tuning in to our podcast this year! @lauraisalot and @katiethekad cannot wait for what's in store for 2024!!

    **Please consult a physician for any and all health questions, concerns, treatment. Adopting Wellness is NOT providing medical advice.

    Tune in on Apple or Spotify podcasts and let us know your thoughts!

    Blue Bear Apothecary:

    Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bluebear.apothecary/

    Shop here: https://bluebear-apothecary.shop/

    Contact us:

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod (http://www.instagram.com/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Email us: [email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website (http://podserve.fm/w/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad (http://www.instagram.com/katiethekad)

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot (http://www.instagram.com/lauraisalot)

    Katie's website: http://www.katiethekad.com (http://www.katiethekad.com/)

    Laura's website: http://www.lauraisalot.com (http://www.lauraisalot.com/)

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong (http://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld)

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone (http://www.instagram.com/charcarbone)

  • In episode 13, Laura and Katie are so happy to come together and discuss our successes, wins, and struggles. In the midst of Katie's great health news and Laura launching a business with her biological mother, it was a really wonderful conversation of catching up and talking about the adoptee experience in estrangement, family, NAAM (National Adoption Awareness Month).

    Tune in on Apple or Spotify podcasts and let us know your thoughts!

    Blue Bear Apothecary:

    Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bluebear.apothecary/

    Shop here: https://bluebear-apothecary.shop/

    Contact us:

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod (http://www.instagram.com/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Email us: mailto:mailto:[email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website (http://podserve.fm/w/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad (http://www.instagram.com/katiethekad)

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot (http://www.instagram.com/lauraisalot)

    Katie's website: http://www.katiethekad.com (http://www.katiethekad.com/)

    Laura's website: http://www.lauraisalot.com (http://www.lauraisalot.com/)

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong (http://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld)

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone (http://www.instagram.com/charcarbone)

  • Episode 12, we give a warm welcome to Rebecca Berg! Rebecca describes herself as “human first, dietician second.” She is a registered dietician committed to showing up as her full authentic self in work with clients helping them slow down, ditch frustrating food rules and beliefs, and develop skills to eat, move and BE at ease. Rebecca is also a domestic same-race adoptee and is passionate about working with adoptees on their relationship with food and their well being.

    Tune in on Apple or Spotify podcasts and let us know your thoughts!

    Contact us:
    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod (http://www.instagram.com/adoptingwellnesspod)
    Email us: mailto:mailto:[email protected]
    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website (http://podserve.fm/w/adoptingwellnesspod)
    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad (http://www.instagram.com/katiethekad)
    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot (http://www.instagram.com/lauraisalot)
    Katie's website: http://www.katiethekad.com (http://www.katiethekad.com/)
    Laura's website: http://www.lauraisalot.com (http://www.lauraisalot.com/)

    Adopting Wellness Team:
    Producer: Patrick Armstrong (http://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld)
    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone (http://www.instagram.com/charcarbone)

  • Katie and Laura get together after taking some time to recover from illness. They talk about the societal shame of not being "fine," not being able to talk about it, and how it correlates to adoptees' way of making others feel comfortable. Life can feel very heavy and it was refreshing to talk to each other about normalizing how we feel, even when it's not what others want to hear.

    Tune in on Apple or Spotify podcasts and let us know your thoughts!

    Contact us:

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod (http://www.instagram.com/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Email us: mailto:[email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website (http://podserve.fm/w/adoptingwellnesspod)

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad (http://www.instagram.com/katiethekad)

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot (http://www.instagram.com/lauraisalot)

    Katie's website: http://www.katiethekad.com (http://www.katiethekad.com/)

    Laura's website: http://www.lauraisalot.com (http://www.lauraisalot.com/)

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong (http://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld)

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone (http://www.instagram.com/charcarbone)

  • Laura and Katie are back again and they catch up on health, talk about how not to burn out on life, and what's to come at the end of the month. They are super excited to bring back guests and are ready to rock the second half of the year.

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod (http://www.instagram.com/adoptingwellnesspod)
    Email us: mailto:[email protected]
    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website (http://podserve.fm/w/adoptingwellnesspod)
    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad (http://www.instagram.com/katiethekad)
    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot (http://www.instagram.com/lauraisalot)
    Katie's website: http://www.katiethekad.com (http://www.katiethekad.com/)
    Laura's website:
    http://www.lauraisalot.com (http://www.lauraisalot.com/)
    Adopting Wellness Team:
    Producer:
    Patrick Armstrong (http://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld)
    Graphic Designer:
    Charlotte Carbone (http://www.instagram.com/charcarbone)

  • Katie and Laura are happy to come back to July as our last single episode month! August will resume our solo epsiodes at the beginning of the month and an interview with a guest at the end of the month. WE ARE SO EXCITED for our lineup!!!!

    We had a wonderful conversation surrounding EMDR, what we are learning about ourselves, what we are doing surrounding physical activity, and debriefing the mourning of missing KAAN (https://www.wearekaan.org/) and IKAA (https://www.ikaa.org/2022/09/27/2023-ikaa-korea-gathering/).

    Let us know how you are doing this summer and connect with us below on socials!

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod (http://www.instagram.com/adoptingwellnesspod)
    Email us: [email protected]
    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website (http://podserve.fm/w/adoptingwellnesspod)
    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad (http://www.instagram.com/katiethekad)
    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot (http://www.instagram.com/lauraisalot)
    Katie's website: www.katiethekad.com (http://www.katiethekad.com/)
    Laura's website:
    www.lauraisalot.com (http://www.lauraisalot.com/)
    Adopting Wellness Team:
    Producer:
    Patrick Armstrong (http://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld)
    Social Media Manager:
    Kae Wangare Leonard (http://www.instagram.com/karenwangareleonard)
    Graphic Designer:
    Charlotte Carbone (http://www.instagram.com/charcarbone)

  • Laura and Katie return in June to check in with each other, where they chat about their own health journeys, what they are learning in regards to healthy thinking and social norms.

    Hope you enjoy Episode 8! Leave us a message or review!

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod (http://www.instagram.com/adoptingwellnesspod)
    Email us: [email protected]
    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website (http://podserve.fm/w/adoptingwellnesspod)
    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad (http://www.instagram.com/katiethekad)
    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot (http://www.instagram.com/lauraisalot)
    Katie's website: www.katiethekad.com (http://www.katiethekad.com/)
    Laura's website:
    www.lauraisalot.com (http://www.lauraisalot.com/)
    Adopting Wellness Team:
    Producer:
    Patrick Armstrong (http://www.instagram.com/patrickintheworld)
    Social Media Manager:
    Kae Wangare Leonard (http://www.instagram.com/karenwangareleonard)
    Graphic Designer:
    Charlotte Carbone (http://www.instagram.com/charcarbone)

  • Laura and Katie had the opportunity to record this episode together, in person! There were check-ins on their personal lives in regards to their own health journeys as well as dove into how our health has transitioned from the start of the pandemic to now. They also talk about Mother's Day, how they handle these types of holidays, and how they move forward.

    Hope you enjoy Episode 7! Leave us a message or review!

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod

    Email us: [email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot

    Katie's website: www.katiethekad.com

    Laura's website: www.lauraisalot.com

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong

    Social Media Manager: Kae Wangare Leonard

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone

  • We are joined with our favorite human, Patrick Armstrong and deep dive into advocacy, adoption narrative, caring for yourself while maintaining connection within the adoptee community, how to prevent burnout, and what does self care mean in an environment that often takes energy, emotional labor, and time. And we laugh. A lot.

    Patrick Armstrong (he/him) is a transracial Korean American adoptee, podcaster, speaker, and community facilitator. He is the host of Conversation Piece with Patrick Armstrong, a podcast where he discusses the pieces of the conversation we aren't talking about, but should be. He is also one of the hosts of the award-winning podcast Janchi Show, a show that explores and celebrates the experiences and stories of Korean adoptees everywhere. He is a cofounder of the Asian Adoptees of Indiana, a group dedicated to creating a safe, engaging community for all Asian adoptees who need it. He is currently based in Indianapolis with his wife and cat.

    Episode reference to one of our favorite podcasts--Adoptee Jennifer Holcomb Patel shares her journey of being an adoptee and adopting on Janchi Show episode

    Check out Janchi Show's website and episodes here: www.janchishow.com

    Amazing resource to adoptees and allies of adoptees: Adoption Mosaic: https://www.adoptionmosaic.com/ and "We the Experts" events.

    Patrick's favorite podcast: Comedy Bang! Bang!

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod

    Email us: [email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot

    Katie's website: www.katiethekad.com

    Laura's website: www.lauraisalot.com

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong

    Social Media Manager: Kae Wangare Leonard

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone

  • Katie debriefs some thoughts on attending an adoption conference from this past weekend and Laura shares about how she had a moment of self care while traveling and how that has impacted her intentions for the future as a parent. The discussion lands on expectations and the shame-filled word "should."

    We hope you enjoy this conversation and reach out to us for anything! Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod

    Email us: [email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot

    Katie's website: www.katiethekad.com

    Laura's website: www.lauraisalot.com

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong

    Social Media Manager: Kae Wangare Leonard

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone

  • Episode 4 is out now!

    Laura and Katie have the amazing opportunity to interview our friend Susan Carpenter Sims. We dive into Susan's journey of using Internal Family Systems therapy, tarot, and collaging and how it has helped connect her to a deeper understanding of Self and wellness.

    We hope you enjoy this conversation and reach out to us for anything! Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

    Today's Guest: Susan Carpenter Sims

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod

    Email us: [email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot

    Katie's website: www.katiethekad.com

    Laura's website: www.lauraisalot.com

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong

    Social Media Manager: Kae Wangare Leonard

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone

  • Episode 3 is out now!

    Laura and Katie deep dive into their personal health goals after a month of setting them. They share the challenges, successes, and have real talk about checklists and drinking water.

    We hope you enjoy this conversation and reach out to us for anything! Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod

    Email us: [email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot

    Katie's website: www.katiethekad.com

    Laura's website: www.lauraisalot.com

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong

    Social Media Manager: Kae Wangare Leonard

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone

  • Episode 2 is out now!

    Today Katie and Laura talk to the beautiful Jenn Chapman @chappyplans about organization, planning and how this has been a part of her wellness.

    Jenn is a Korean-American transracial, transnational adoptee, wife to her husband Matt, and mama to their 7-year-old daughter, Norah. She is a part-time Connections Director at their church, planning/memory-keeping YouTuber, and PTA president. She is an advocate for adoptee voices, ally for Black & Brown lives, and believes in anti-stigmatizing mental health issues.

    We hope you enjoy this conversation with another amazing adoptee. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

    Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspod

    Email us: [email protected]

    Adopting Wellness Podcast Website

    Katie's instagram: @katiethekad

    Laura's instagram: @lauraisalot

    Katie's website: www.katiethekad.com

    Laura's website: www.lauraisalot.com ----

    Adopting Wellness Team:

    Producer: Patrick Armstrong

    Social Media Manager: Kae Wangare Leonard

    Graphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone

    Today's Guest:

    Jenn Chapman's instagram: @chappyplans

    Jenn Chapman's Youtube channel

  • In the inaugural episode of Adopting Wellness we introduce ourselves, talk about our mission for the podcast, and share our core values - our "why."We also share a bit about our personal 3-month focus areas for wellness and talk about who our guest will be for the second episode.Can't wait to hear more from you! Adopting Wellness Instagram: @adoptingwellnesspodEmail us: [email protected] websiteKatie's instagram: @katiethekadLaura's instagram: @lauraisalotKatie's website: www.katiethekad.comLaura's website: www.lauraisalot.com----Adopting Wellness Team:Producer: Patrick ArmstrongSocial Media Manager: Kae Wangare LeonardGraphic Designer: Charlotte Carbone----Mentions:Mindfulness book: Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness: Practices for Safe and Transformational Healing by David A. TreleavenJenn Chapman's instagram: @chappyplansJenn Chapman's Youtube channel