Episodes
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This true story will inspire you like none you may have ever heard. Rob Scheer interviews Katrina Mullen. You may have seen Katrina on The Today Show, or in People Magazine. This unassuming NICU (NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit) Nurse has received universal praise for how she stepped up where others would not.
As a neonatal nurse in a small Indiana hospital, she saw Shariya, a young mother sitting cribside of her 3 young babies she had just given birth to. This new mom, only 14 years old, was often alone, looking lost… and alone. Katrina would visit with Shariya, and try to give her advice and tips on how to care for her babies. Again, Shariya was just 14, in 8th grade, and the mother of triplets - and was virtually alone.
When Shariya was discharged from the hospital, Katrina gave her her phone number and told her to call whenever she wanted. Shariya took her up on this and Katrina often went to visit Shariya and her babies.
Soon, there was a health issue with one of her babies, and then DSS came and took her two others into care. Shariya asked if she could stay with Katrina. Katrina had 3 young children of her own, plus two adult children, but she immediately said yes, and engaged in all the classes necessary to become a foster parent.
So much more to tell about this amazing human being - and how she soon ended up adopting Shariya, and became the grandmother of three beautiful triplets. We know you will love this episode as much as we do.
To learn more about Katrina, Shariya and the family, you can visit her on social media:
Facebook: Katrina Mullen or Mullen.kat
Instagram@kat_mullen
TikTok: @kmullen23
Twitter/ X: @Katrinamullen23
To learn more about Rob Scheer and Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/
If you have questions or comments about today’s episode, the foster care system, or how you might volunteer or donate to help youth in foster care, please write to us here: [email protected]
You can find previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/
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On today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob speaks with Laura Foster Parent Partner, whose mission is to educate and support people about the foster care system. Often, new foster parents are not prepared for everything they need to know before their first children come to them.
Laura discusses how the “cracks of child welfare are deep”, from misplaced birth certificates to wrong names of the child, and without knowing the right types of questions to ask, you run the risk of not knowing these things and have to play catch up - which is not the situation a new foster parent - or their child - wants to be in!
In this insightful conversation, you will here:
What sweeping changes need to be made in the foster care system
What should be considered when setting up your home for a foster child
How every state has different rules and regulations and how that affects parents and youth
How we should be moving from “mandated reporting” to “mandated supporting”
You can learn more about Laura by visiting her here:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/foster.parenting
Website: https://www.fosterparentpartner.com/
Instagram: @foster.parenting
TikTok: @fosterparenting
YouTube: @foster.parenting
Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influence...
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Missing episodes?
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On today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob interviews Dr. Kristin Hoffman, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer and Child Psychologist and Chelsea Henandez, LCSW, Clinical Director of the All Star Children’s Foundation.
The All Star Children’s Foundation, based in Sarasota, Florida uses a trauma-focused approach through innovation, science and compassion. They have an onsite campus, home to youth in foster care and their caregivers where they offer a number of evidence-based trainings to the community while emphasizing an understanding of trauma through a “trauma informed lens”.
With so many youth in foster care facing trauma, they don’t often get to someone who can help until it is much too late. This is where All Star Children’s Foundation comes in and help the child make a shift away from trauma.
Rob shares with Kristin and Chelsea that “the moment a child enters the system, they should receive some form of therapy.” They discuss the disservice done to children with so many group homes are shut down and how their campus was developed to create a “lasting change” to work with them the moment they enter care to make the feel loved and capable.”
The All Star Children’s Foundation is also planning their first “State of the Mind Conference” on September 21 to help the community understand trauma and how it affects everyone around. There will be many speakers on hand, including Rob! For more information about the conference, please visit: https://www.stateofmind.org/
We know you’ll find today’s discussion full of useful and insightful information. Please leave us a comment, and share with your friends and colleagues.
For more information about the All Star Children’s Foundation, please visit:
Website: www.allstarchildren.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllStarChildren/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allstarchildren/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/allstarchildren
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71017516/admin/feed/posts/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlUB5hOEElGeFBq8VbSL0g/featured
For more information about Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/
Comments? Questions? Guest Suggestions? Please send them to: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Welcome to Season 5 of Fostering Change! For those of you who are new to us: “Welcome!” And for our returning friends, “Welcome Back!”
Fostering Change is hosted by Rob Scheer, the founder of Comfort Cases, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote hope and dignity to youth in foster care.
We will post new episodes of Fostering Change every Tuesday on all of your favorite podcast channels, YouTube and on our Comfort Cases page (www.comfortcases/podcast). On the Comfort Cases page you can also find all of our previously aired episodes.
If you have comments about today’s amazing episode, or a suggestion for a guest, please email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
Now, here’s a bit more background on Rob’s first interview this season, with Todd Parr:
Todd Parr is an international and New York Times best selling author. He’s written and illustrated more than 60 beautiful books for children. In fact, Rob has been reading Todd’s books to his children for years. A family favorite is It’s Okay to be Different : targeted to young children first beginning to read, this book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence–and it’s never too early to develop a healthy self-esteem.
As you’ll hear in the interview, Todd’s book The Family Book has been listed as, for some reason, one of the “most banned books” in the United States. “Whether you have two moms or two dads, a big family or a small family, a clean family or a messy one, Todd Parr assures readers that no matter what kind of family you have, every family is special in its own unique way.”
Todd’s latest book is The Monster Mac and Cheese Party. His books have received numerous awards and are available in 20 languages. He is the co-creator of the popular Daytime Emmy®-nominated animated TV series ToddWorld with Gerry Renert of SupperTime Entertainment, and several short films for Sesame Street have been based on Todd’s work. Todd has partnered with Target, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Stouffer's, People magazine, and other companies and organizations to help people and animals, and to promote literacy. He lives in California with his adopted pit bulls.
Here’s where you can find more information about Todd Parr and his books:
Website: https://www.toddparr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToddParrBooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddparr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/toddparr
For more information about Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/
Comments? Questions? Guest Suggestions? Please send them to: [email protected]
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Thank you for joining us for our final “Best of Season 4” episode of Fostering Change. From all of us at Comfort Cases, we hope you had a wonderful summer and enjoyed revisiting some of our favorite episodes from this past season.
Next week, September 5, we will post the first episode for our new season. Can you believe that we’re entering Season 5???? Neither can we! We want to thank everyone: our guests and our listeners for all you do to make Fostering Change the #1 podcast for issues regarding foster care and adoption.
If you have suggestions for guests for our upcoming season, or comments on any of our shows, please reach out to us at [email protected].
Thank you again - now for a bit about today’s show!
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Cody Renegar, Hairstylist, Author and Artist.Cody is a hairstylist, fine artist, and author of the memoir "Changing the Stars." He currently lives in California with his husband, Terry. He has a son, Levi, who, with his partner, Alaya, has given Cody three grandkids. Cody is the hairstylist of choice for many Hollywood entertainment industry celebrities and A-listers. Los Angeles is his main stage, although he also maintains a large clientele in Washington, D.C., and Arkansas. He is a cosmetologist and master barber with twenty-five years of experience with unique cutting styles and techniques; he is a former cutting director for Aveda and Bumble & Bumble, Minneapolis. Cody began his career in 1996 in Arkansas. He moved to José Éber Salon on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills in 2004, where he had the honor of working alongside José on the main floor and in his own private barber shop, working with many high-profile clients. Cody has been featured in the documentary film Hollywood to Dollywood and the book Rainbow Relatives. A talented artist, Cody's paintings hang in private collections around the world.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ The power of hope, optimism, and resilience; how we are in charge of our own destiny (the foundation of Changing the Stars)
🖐️ Cody's experience in the foster care system and what he hopes to see change
🖐️ Cody's career & personal evolution - Army, Father, Hair Stylist, Artist, Author
You can find out more about Cody by visiting:
Website: www.codyrenegar.com
Instagram: @hairbycodyrenegar (hair) & @codyrenegarart (art)
Facebook: @CodyRenegarOfficial (hair) & @artbycodyrenegar (art)
Tik Tok: @codyrenegar
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week's episode of Fostering Change, we revisit Rob’s conversation with Gideon Bernstein, Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy and the author of The Workbook for Giving: Exercises for identifying the resources, giving goals, and giving strategies for you and your family.
Gideon Bernstein has served as a trusted financial advisor to families in Orange County, California, for decades.
Currently a Principal and Chief Investment Officer at Leisure Capital Management, his passion is working with nonprofit boards, families, and private foundations to help them achieve their philanthropic missions.
Gideon has served as a board member of numerous charitable organizations, Vice President of Investments, and Chairman of the Board for the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County. He holds designations as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP).
Gideon is also the author of Giving: A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ The Secret to Happiness: It's Giving.
🖐️ The new Workbook that was just published
🖐️ What inspired you to write the book?
🖐️ What does it take to be a philanthropist? NOT Millions of $!
You can find out more about Gideon and his books by visiting:
Website: www.thejoysofgiving.com
Learn more about how YOU CAN GIVE at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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April Dinwoodie is an Adoption Activist, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Consultant, and Parent Coach. Dinwoodie’s podcast Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World helps facilitate an open dialogue about identity, family, and differences of race, culture, and class. As a transracially adopted person (Black/bi-racial, adopted into a white family), April is fiercely dedicated to sharing her experiences to audiences of varied spectrums. In this week’s Fostering Change, April shares with host Rob Scheer her thoughts on helping individuals get a better understanding of people with similar backgrounds. She often consults with companies and organizations to develop stronger and more astute teams, and ultimately find even more purpose in our individual and collective work. In addition to consulting with corporations, schools, and government grants, and keynote speaking and training, April serves as Executive Director of Transracial Journeys.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Adoptment – Mentoring Program
🖐️ The calendar as a practical tool for conversation and action supporting the needs of youth separated from family of origin.
🖐️ Mothers’ Day – the realities of complicated holidays in adoption and foster care
You can find out more about April by visiting:
Website: www.juneinapril.com
April’s Podcast: Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World
Facebook: @juneinapril
Twitter: @juneinapril
Instagram: @juneinapril
LinkedIn: April Dinwoodie
YouTube: April Dinwoodie
Tilktok: @juneinapril
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Originally airing in May during National Foster Care Awareness Month, on today’s “Best of” episode of Fostering Change Rob interviews Stacy Huston, Executive Director of Sixdegrees.org, the award-winning nonprofit founded by Kevin Bacon with a mission rooted in connecting people to resources. Six Degrees supports impactful initiatives to sustain and enrich local communities by developing partnerships and solutions working collaboratively with local leaders, residents, and celebrities, on increasing youth empowerment, justice and equality, and improving a sustainable living environment.
The organization prioritizes the lived experiences of communities that are commonly underserved and under-resourced. They reach their audiences through video, content and Public Service Announcements about subjects that are meaningful to the community, with a big focus on youth: particularly early education, arts programming and early literacy.
Stacy received the 2022 Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for her work with SixDegrees related to Hunger. She has overseen social media campaigns such as “l Stay Home For”, garnishing more than 1.2 million posts and 2.1 Billion engagements globally, winning 4 Webbys and A Shorty Social Good award.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ “Cake it Like a Kid” - in support of Pediatric Cancer Awareness
🖐️ SixDegrees.Org produced Play On
🖐️ Getting People Moving the Right Direction
You can find out more about Stacy by visiting:
Website: SixDegrees.Org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sixdegrees.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixdegreesofkb/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sixdegreesofkb?lang=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacybradford/
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Today we revisit Angela Featherstone - model, actress, philanthropist: Founder of the organization Fosteringcare.org, a nonprofit trauma-healing and trade school for youth aging out of foster care in Los Angeles.
The school is contributing to halting the negative outcomes that so many youth who age out of foster care experience, including homelessness, incarceration, and human trafficking. Moreover, the school is also very importantly training young people in healing modalities, so that they leave school with a trade/occupation that will enable them to achieve self-sufficiency. They are now working with Jae Canas from UCLA Behavioral Sciences who is now creating a trauma-healing template from our paradigm for the Dept of Mental Health.
Who is Angela?
Within a year of emancipating herself from foster care at 17, Angela Featherstone became Canada's top model when her September, Flare magazine cover broke all previous records for sales.
She quickly expanded upon her success and left for New York where she signed with the illustrious Click agency. She would travel the world as a top fashion model, working with such great photographers as Oliviero Toscani, Piero Gemelli, Irving Penn, Albert Watson, David Bailey, and Bruce Weber.
But for her life's work of acting, she downplayed her striking features to play unlikely roles, emerging as an actress with exceptional versatility. She is best known for playing Chloe in Friends and the fiancé (Linda) who left Adam Sandler's character (Robbie) at the altar in The Wedding Singer.
Most recently she played the role of Maggie on Showtime’s Ray Donovan and Jame on Girls for HBO. She has created sitcoms for Sony, DreamWorks, and NBC television, and written nonfiction for Time, Jane, Flare, The Huffington Post, Dame, and Zoomer.
Her essay about childhood trauma, God Said No, was published in the 2014 edition of Gargoyle Magazine and nominated for the Pushcart Prize. In 2011, she curated Fuck Pretty, a show at the Robert Berman Gallery featuring important and emerging female photographers, and recorded “Coattail Glide” with Raymond Pettibon and the band The Niche Makers.
Recently, Angela served as a consultant on the important documentary about the effects and healing of trauma, Cracked Up.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Essay about Childhood Trauma
🖐️ Children's Action Network
🖐️ A Trauma-Healing Non-Profit for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
You can find out more about Angela by visiting:
Website: www.Fosteringcare.org
Instagram: @thefosteringcarehealingshool
Twittter: @ppp_healing
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Today, in the midst of one of the hottest summer’s on record, we revisit our interview with Sharlee Jeter, President of the Turn 2 Foundation, a non-profit established by her brother, baseball legend Derek Jeter, and their father, Dr. Charles Jeter, to motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and "Turn 2" healthy lifestyles. They provide help for youth to reach their full potential by creating and supporting initiatives that promote leadership development, academic achievement, positive behavior, healthy lifestyles and social change.
She also serves as vice president of strategy & development for Jeter Ventures, which encompasses Derek’s full portfolio of business operations. She is the co-author with Dr. Sampson Davis of the powerful book, The Stuff: Unlock Your Power to Overcome Challenges, Soar and Succeed . It was inspired by the authors’ own personal challenges and is intended to inspire readers to recognize their own strength and potential to succeed. Sharlee received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Spelman College. She resides in New Jersey with her son, Jalen.
ALSO:
Congratulations to #Turn2 President Sharlee Jeter for being honored by One Hundred Black Men during its 60th Anniversary Gala. Recognized for her commitment to creating positive change, Sharlee received the Jackie Robinson and Community Impact Award. Held at Lincoln Center, the special event celebrated One Hundred Black Men's 60-year legacy and profound impact on the Black community.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Giving kids a platform and an opportunity to succeed and live their maximized lives
🖐️ There are so many synergies that can be discussed during this podcast
🖐️ We have a responsibility to provide youth the opportunity to find & use their voices
You can find out more about Sharlee by visiting:
Website: www.turn2foundation.org
Instagram: @sjeter2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharlee.jeter.7
Twitter: @sjeter2
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast
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Today, as we continue our “Best of Season 4” series, we revisit our interview with Rob’s friend, David Ambroz, author of “A Place Called Home.” David is a national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate. He was recognized by President Obama as an American Champion of Change. In writing about the book, Hillary Clinton stated: “It’s impossible to read… and not want to redouble your efforts to fight the systems of poverty that have plagued America for far too long.”
David currently serves as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon. Previously he led Corporate Social Responsibility for Walt Disney Television, and served as the President of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission, and as a California Child Welfare Councilmember. After growing up homeless and then in foster care, he graduated from Vassar and later from UCLA School of Law (J.D.). He is a foster dad and lives in Los Angeles, CA.
Rob and David have an enlightening conversation about the foster care system, grit, courage and integrity.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️What made you decide to revisit your childhood experience with poverty and in foster care in A PLACE CALLED HOME
🖐️ What qualities and/or circumstances allowed you to survive such deprivation and abuse?
🖐️ How did your sexuality change your foster care experience?
You can find out more about David by visiting:
Website: https://www.davidambroz.com/
More about the boo: A PLACE CALLED HOME: A Memoir
Twitter: @DaveAmbroz
Instagram: @hjdambroz
Learn more about Comfort Cases at https://www.comfortcases.org/
To view previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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As we continue our “Best of Season 4 Series” this Summer, we go back to a true favorite: Rob Scheer talks with Lauren Ruotolo, author of “Unstoppable in Stilettos”, inspirational speaker and award winning content producer.
Be this the first time you’ve heard this interview, or an encore, we know you’ll love Lauren as much as we do.
At 18 months Lauren was diagnosed with a rare disease called McCune Albright's Syndrome which left her walking with crutches full time at the age of 5 years old. After spending more than 20 years in magazine publishing and healthcare, Lauren now commits 100% of her time advocating for the 61 million people in the US and 1.2B globally who identify as disabled. Currently she is working with global corporations on why including disability in all your DEI, hiring and believes that all people matter.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Inclusion Matters
🖐️ Segregation Started for Me at the Young Age of 5
🖐️ Self Love and Acceptance -- The idea of accepting who you are, where you came from and how exist
You can find out more about Lauren by visiting:
Website: www.laurenruotolo.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenruotolo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenruotolo/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/laurenruotolo
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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For our first “Best of” episode in July, we are revisiting our interview with Kenisha Anthony, a first-generation college graduate, award-winning advocate for youth, and author. Known for being resilient and bold, Kenisha Anthony is an outspoken activist utilizing her experiences to empower others. As a foster care visionary, she starred in the documentary, Foster Shock and has been featured on NPR and in Essence Magazine. Join our host Rob Scheer as he talks with Kenisha about her eye-opening memoir, LABELED,
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Purpose of writing memoir
🖐️ Lived experiences as a child in care, advocate and social worker
🖐️ Life after foster care, college, career focus, healing, family, moving forward
You can find out more about Kenisha by visiting:
Website: www.kenishaanthony.com
Facebook: Kenisha E. Anthony
Twitter: aboutkenisha
Instagram: aboutkenisha & aboutlabeledbook
TikTok: aboutkenisha
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Michael leads the executive efforts of the national nonprofit organization, Childhelp – a national leader in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse.
Childhelp believes that every child has a unique contribution to make to the world.
Prior to his role with Childhelp, Michael has served in executive leadership roles with other national and international nonprofit organizations such as Easter Seals and Project CURE. Currently pursuing a PhD in Education from Seattle Pacific University, Michael is looking to advance the education, vocational, and communal support of children who have experienced, or at risk of experiencing abuse; as well as children and youth who are a part of our national foster care system
Childhelp has just launched the Courage First Hotline – a national hotline staffed with professional counselors to assist athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone in the athletic communities who are concerned about emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.
Childhelp has also established the first evidence-based prevention education curriculum designed to educate students preK-12th grade on not only the signs and symptoms of abuse, but what to do when they witness or experience abuse. This curriculum has now included a new module around Human Trafficking.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ About Childhelp
🖐️ A foundation to assist youth in foster care; as well as youth at risk for, or experiencing abuse
🖐️ The First Evidence Based Prevention Education Curriculum
You can find out more about Michaeli by visiting:
Website: www.childhelp.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/childhelp
Instagram: www.instagram.com/childhelpf
Twitter: www.twitter.com/childhelp
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast
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Originally posted in March, we couldn’t be happier to share Rob’s interview with his good friend, Mike Thorne, Mike’s focus of work is Human Transformation. He accomplishes this through an association with Vistage Worldwide, the largest Peer Advisory firm, and his work as Chairman of the National Council for Adoption.
As the author of the new book, Hustle With Heart: Unlocking Self-Worth Through Personal Trust Communities, he works to help people transform and thrive - at home and at work - to find a better way forward with their lives.
Mike is the former President of Yankee Candle and Russell Athletic and most recently CEO of Challenger Turf. He is a father of 3 adult daughters and has been married to his best friend for over 32 years. He invests his time with high integrity growth oriented leaders (and/or their leadership) who care about humanity and the environment
At age 46, Mike met his biological Mom and siblings, but not his dad. He was told that his dad didn't like successful people, but was talented at breaking and entering. Sitting in a living room with people he shared blood with but had never known until then was a turning point - Grateful vs resentful.
Mike shares so much in this interview with Rob Scheer, including these messages:
Take care of your thoughts when alone. Take care of your words when with other people.The struggle of believing to belong: Belong. Build. BelieveOther Key Story Notes:
🖐️ Know and Own Your Own Story
🖐️ Define Your North Star
🖐️ Build Your Personal Trust Community Across All Aspects of Your Well Being
You can find out more about Mike by visiting:
Website: mikethorne.co
Instagram: @ptctransformer
Twitter: @ptctransformer
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/michaelbthorne
YouTube:@mikethorne3768 You Tube
You can purchase Mike’s book, Hustle With Heart, by clicking THIS LINK.
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Please note that this episode initially aired in November, National Adoption Awareness Month. We acknowledge all, such as our guest Damon Davis, who continue raising awareness about adoption.
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with author and podcast host Damon Davis. Host of the "Who Am I Really?" podcast (www.whoamireallypodcast.com) Damon interviews people who share their stories of adoption and their attempt to find their birth families. He has interviewed nearly 200 adoptees from an array of life experiences from awful adoptions and amazing reunions to inspiring adoptions and unfortunate reunions.
In his autobiography "Who Am I Really? - An Adoptee Memoir" Damon shares his journey to becoming an adoptive parent and his emotions over the birth of his son, Seth. He opens up about the heartbreak of grappling with his adoptive mother's mental illness while balancing the joy of locating his birth mother working nearby. His journey took a twist when he located his biological father via DNA testing.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️Who Am I Really? An Adoptee Memoir
🖐️Changing the Narrative about Adoption
🖐️While many children are very fortunate in our adoptions, let’s acknowledge that adoption starts with trauma.
You can find out more about Damon by visiting:
Website:Whoamireallypodcast.com
Facebook:facebook.com/waireally
Instagram:@damonldavis
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Today we kick off our "BEST OF SEASON 4" series. And what better way than to re-broadcast our first episode of the season, featuring Olympic Gold Medalist, Greg Louganis. So please enjoy - either for the 1st time or again. And stay tuned for additional "Best ofs" through the summer until we premiere Season 5 in September.
From the archive:
We are so thrilled to launch our 4th Season of “Fostering Change.” Over the past 4 years, we have spoken with more than 150 Good Humans, who have shared their missions and inspiring stories. For our premiere episode of Season 4 we could not be more excited to have Olympic Gold Medalist, Greg Louganis as our guest. Enjoy!
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Greg Louganis, Louganis was adopted at 9 months by Frances and Peter Louganis, who lived in Lemon Grove, CA, just outside of San Diego. Teased and bullied as a child for the dark skin he inherited from his Samoan father and for his learning “differences,” he turned to what he could do well: sport. His first love was gymnastics and by nine years old, he was a “seasoned performer on the local talent show and convalescent-home circuit.”
Considered the greatest diver in history, Greg Louganis is the only male to win gold medals on both 3 meter springboard and 10 meter platform in consecutive Olympic Games (1984, 1988).
Across the globe, billions who watched either the 1984 or 1988 Olympics were enthralled by the poetry that was Greg Louganis: the beauty and power of his diving captured the world.
With a total of 5 Olympic medals, 5 World Championship titles and 47 national titles, more than any person in U.S. history, his records remain unbroken.
Today, as a coach, speaker, author, actor, activist and humanitarian he continues his tradition of excellence.
A trained actor, dancer, model and spokesman, Greg’s wide repertoire of skills keeps him in demand and in the public eye.
As the undisputed GOAT of mindset, Greg shares his knowledge and wisdom through his meditation and mindfulness course, as well as through his books, interviews and speaking engagements.
Causes close to his heart include HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+, Adoption/Foster Care, Mental Health/Addiction, Human Rights, Animals, Environmental Issues and Climate Change.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Dogs/Animals
🖐️ HIV/AIDS/LGBTQ+
🖐️ Adoption/Foster Care Environmental Health & Wellness
🖐️ Mental Health
You can find out more about Greg by visiting:
Website: https://greglouganis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greglouganis/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greglouganis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gregorylouganis
Twitter: https://twitter.com/greglouganis
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nolan Carr serves as the Marketing & Community Relations Manager for Amerigroup DC, a Managed Care Organization in the district serving residents eligible for Medicaid Health Insurance. In his role, Nolan coordinates outreach and community events to connect families to resources and services. Nolan supports the mission of Amerigroup DC to create a healthier District of Columbia. He is a proud graduate of Jackson State University.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Supporting the foster care community together
🖐️ How Amerigroup DC is supporting the foster care community in the District of Columbia
🖐️ How we can work together to provide resources and support to the foster care community
You can find out more about Stacy by visiting:
Website: www.myamerigroup/dc.com
Twitter: @Amerigroup
Facebook: @Amerigroup
LinkedIn: @Amerigroup
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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April Dinwoodie is an Adoption Activist, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Consultant, and Parent Coach. Dinwoodie’s podcast Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World helps facilitate an open dialogue about identity, family, and differences of race, culture, and class. As a transracially adopted person (Black/bi-racial, adopted into a white family), April is fiercely dedicated to sharing her experiences to audiences of varied spectrums. In this week’s Fostering Change, April shares with host Rob Scheer her thoughts on helping individuals get a better understanding of people with similar backgrounds. She often consults with companies and organizations to develop stronger and more astute teams, and ultimately find even more purpose in our individual and collective work. In addition to consulting with corporations, schools, and government grants, and keynote speaking and training, April serves as Executive Director of Transracial Journeys.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Adoptment – Mentoring Program
🖐️ The calendar as a practical tool for conversation and action supporting the needs of youth separated from family of origin.
🖐️ Mothers’ Day – the realities of complicated holidays in adoption and foster care
You can find out more about April by visiting:
Website: www.juneinapril.com
April’s Podcast: Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World
Facebook: @juneinapril
Twitter: @juneinapril
Instagram: @juneinapril
LinkedIn: April Dinwoodie
YouTube: April Dinwoodie
Tilktok: @juneinapril
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In today’s podcast Rob Scheer and his guests discuss the needs of families looking to adopt. This includes creating paths for families who need extra support for safety and stability. They look at what is working and what can be done differently to help children and families thrive.
Adoptions Together supports children and families formed through adoption, guardianship, foster care, and kinship care with specialized services offered at locations in Maryland, Virginia and DC. Support is available to every family for a lifetime of guidance, education, and counseling to ensure that each family stays strong together.
Janice Goldwater is the founder and CEO of Adoptions Together. With an attachment focused, trauma informed lens, the agency provides a broad spectrum of clinical, educational and transformational services to strengthen relationships in first families, kinship, foster and adoptive families and the communities who support them. Janice founded the organization in 1990 and has been primarily responsible for its growth and development. As an adoptive parent of an older child who experienced maltreatment for ten years of life, Janice has utilized community-based services to support her child and family into effectively reaching adulthood.
Lisa Dominguez, LICSW, LCSW-C, joined Adoptions Together in 2022 in the role of Chief Program Officer. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and families impacted by trauma and loss and has specialized training in working with foster and adoptive families. Ms. Dominguez has been trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and has a certificate in Advanced Trauma Treatment from the Ferentz Institute. In addition to her direct service with children and families and contract oversight experience, she is a seasoned supervisor and trainer.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ National Foster Care Awareness Month gives us the chance to reflect on practice
🖐️ How do we define safety and stability for children as a society
🖐️ What are the short-term and long-term possible psychological implications for children who experience abuse and neglect
You can find out more about Adoptions Together by visiting:
Website: www.adoptionstogether.org
www.familyworkstogether.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adopttogether/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdoptTogether
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adoptionstogether/?hl=en
LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/company/adoptions-together/
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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