ReStoried

Hope Bridge/Adkins Media Co.

What kind of stories come to mind when you think of foster care?

Many stories are filled with heartbreak, pain, and sorrow. But what if we could step in and see them turned into stories of hope?

Hope Bridge is on a gospel-led mission to transform the foster care landscape in Ohio. We're here to raise awareness and empower churches and communities to step into action by supporting vulnerable children and families in their local communities.

We’re certainly not the Author of these stories, and it’s true that we can't change the past, but we are called to be key characters in THE story that God has written for His creation.
His is a story of redemption and restoration, a story of HOPE.

In this podcast, we will share how we link arms with churches, county workers, foster families, and those in the community to rewrite the narrative for vulnerable children and families.

We’ll be shining a light on stories of hope, redemption, and transformation and sharing practical ways that you can step in and get involved.

Subscribe now, and together, let's make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Welcome to "ReStoried," a podcast by Hope Bridge.

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Top 10 ReStoried Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best ReStoried episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to ReStoried for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite ReStoried episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

69. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Healing Blocked Care in Parenting with Lisa Qualls

ReStoried

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa C. Qualls—author, speaker, and adoptive mom—to discuss the complexities of adoption, parenting, and connection. Lisa brings a wealth of wisdom from her personal experience as both a birth mom and adoptive mom, as well as her expertise as a TBRI Practitioner and Christian spiritual director. She is the co-author of The Connected Parent (written with Dr. Karyn Purvis) and the host of The Adoption Wise Podcast. Through her work, Lisa equips parents with practical tools and compassionate insight to navigate the joys and challenges of adoption and foster care.

During our conversation, Lisa shares her personal journey of adoption and the lessons she has learned along the way. We discuss the importance of attachment, practical ways to build trust and connection with children, and the role of faith in parenting through difficult moments. We also dive into blocked care—what it is, why it happens, and strategies to overcome it. Lisa provides encouragement and actionable tools for parents who may be feeling emotionally drained or disconnected, offering hope for restoring connection and strengthening relationships.

Lisa and her husband, Russ, live in Idaho, where they have raised twelve children and are now proud grandparents. In addition to her writing and speaking, she offers coaching, retreats, and resources for parents seeking support.

To connect with Lisa, check out the links listed below.

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review ReStoried!

Episode Highlights:

Lisa’s personal journey as a birth and adoptive mom
Lisa’s Books
What is Blocked Care?
10 Signs of Blocked Care
The realities of adoption and the importance of attachment
Practical ways to build trust and connection with children
The role of faith in parenting through hard moments
Resources and tools for adoptive and foster parents

Find more on Guest:

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

To connect with Lisa, check out the links listed below.

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review ReStoried!

Episode Highlights:

Lisa’s personal journey as a birth and adoptive mom
Lisa’s Books
What is Blocked Care?
10 Signs of Blocked Care
The realities of adoption and the importance of attachment
Practical ways to build trust and connection with children
The role of faith in parenting through hard moments
Resources and tools for adoptive and foster parents

Find more on Guest:

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

02/10/25 • 30 min

1. Bringing Hope to Dark Places: Welcome to ReStoried

ReStoried

“The system is so broken” is a common phrase when we talk about foster care - and it is. But does that mean that we don’t engage? Is it even possible to bring hope to dark places like this, or is it too far gone?

While there’s no doubt that the child welfare system is overwhelmed and struggling nationwide, we truly believe that hope is not lost. We believe that as we follow Christ’s example of stepping toward the broken and being in close proximity to the lost, our proper response is to engage, to serve, and to move close.

Join us today as we share the heart behind our podcast and dive deeper into the mission of Hope Bridge.

Welcome to ReStoried!

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to Hope Bridge and our mission.
Diving into the different programs that make up Hope Bridge.
The power of community in foster care.
How Hope Bridge came to start a podcast.
God is still writing our story, and He knows the bigger picture.
Coming alongside the vulnerable.

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Join us today as we share the heart behind our podcast and dive deeper into the mission of Hope Bridge.

Welcome to ReStoried!

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to Hope Bridge and our mission.
Diving into the different programs that make up Hope Bridge.
The power of community in foster care.
How Hope Bridge came to start a podcast.
God is still writing our story, and He knows the bigger picture.
Coming alongside the vulnerable.

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

11/13/23 • 17 min

74. Spiritual Formation: Resting in Jesus, Not Just Working for Him

ReStoried

How do you make sure that your heart is set on Jesus and not always focused solely on the work at hand?

In this episode, we talk about the importance of spiritual formation and how we can intentionally keep our focus on Jesus in the midst of life's busyness. It’s easy to get caught up in doing good work, but how do we ensure that our hearts remain centered on Him?

We’ll explore two spiritual rhythms that have helped us stay grounded:

Pilgrim’s Feast – A yearly time set aside for reflection and renewal
Sabbath – A weekly rhythm of rest and worship

We often find reasons to put off rest, but God commands us to pause, reset, and be with Him. We’ll also share practical tips on how to create intentional rhythms of rest and worship in your own life, even when it feels impossible.

Listen in and be encouraged to keep Jesus at the center!

Episode Highlights:

Pilgrim’s Feast
Sabbath
Spiritual Formation
Practical Tips for Resting in God

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

How do you make sure that your heart is set on Jesus and not always focused solely on the work at hand?

We’ll explore two spiritual rhythms that have helped us stay grounded:

Pilgrim’s Feast – A yearly time set aside for reflection and renewal
Sabbath – A weekly rhythm of rest and worship

Listen in and be encouraged to keep Jesus at the center!

Episode Highlights:

Pilgrim’s Feast
Sabbath
Spiritual Formation
Practical Tips for Resting in God

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

03/17/25 • 36 min

61. Spiritual Formation at Hope Bridge and Why it Matters

ReStoried

In this episode, we’re excited to highlight Brian’s new role at Hope Bridge as the Director of Discipleship. We dive into the heart behind this position, exploring what it looks like in practice and how it’s being implemented to further our mission. This role is all about supporting our team’s spiritual growth and helping us stay rooted in our purpose as we serve foster families.

We also discuss the importance of spiritual formation in the workplace. Spiritual formation is the process of being formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. Brian shares practical ways we can incorporate this into our daily work lives, creating space for deeper faith and connection even amid the busyness. At Hope Bridge, where we are all foster or adoptive parents, the work we do to support foster families can sometimes lead to weariness and burnout. It’s a reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup. By prioritizing spiritual formation, we not only refill our cups but also keep the main thing the main thing—becoming more like Jesus in the work we do each day.

Whether you’re involved in ministry, foster care, or any work focused on serving others, this episode will inspire and equip you to integrate faith into your daily routine, helping you stay grounded and refreshed in your calling.

Episode Highlights:

Brian’s New Role as Director of Discipleship
The Importance of Spiritual Formation in the Workplace
Practical Ways to Integrate Spiritual Practices into your Workday
Using Spiritual Formation to Combat Burnout and Stay Christ-centered.

Resources From This Episode:

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Episode Highlights:

Brian’s New Role as Director of Discipleship
The Importance of Spiritual Formation in the Workplace
Practical Ways to Integrate Spiritual Practices into your Workday
Using Spiritual Formation to Combat Burnout and Stay Christ-centered.

Resources From This Episode:

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

12/16/24 • 40 min

58. Partner with Hope Bridge this GivingTuesday

ReStoried

In this episode, we’re diving into GivingTuesday—a global day dedicated to generosity and making an impact. Learn what GivingTuesday is all about, why it’s such an important time of year, and how you can partner with Hope Bridge to support vulnerable families and communities.

We discuss our mission at Hope Bridge and our monetary goal for this year. Every dollar raised will directly support programs that provide critical resources for foster families, single moms, youth aging out of the foster care system, and church engagement in the foster care space.

Our work focuses on three key areas:

Intervention: Meeting immediate needs for families in crisis.
Prevention: Offering resources and support to prevent foster care placements when possible.
Restoration: Helping families and individuals heal and thrive.

Join us in making a tangible difference this GivingTuesday—together, we can create lasting change for those who need it most.

Tune in now and find out how you can be part of this mission!

Episode Highlights:

Giving Tuesday
Our Goal for Hope Bridge
Overview of Our Programs at Hope Bridge
Volunteer Opportunities

Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this Episode:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Our work focuses on three key areas:

Intervention: Meeting immediate needs for families in crisis.
Prevention: Offering resources and support to prevent foster care placements when possible.
Restoration: Helping families and individuals heal and thrive.

Join us in making a tangible difference this GivingTuesday—together, we can create lasting change for those who need it most.

Tune in now and find out how you can be part of this mission!

Episode Highlights:

Giving Tuesday
Our Goal for Hope Bridge
Overview of Our Programs at Hope Bridge
Volunteer Opportunities

Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this Episode:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

11/25/24 • 28 min

6. Sowing and Reaping: The Legacy of The Christ Foundation

ReStoried

Did you know that what you do today will leave a legacy for generations to come?

Today, we are honored to share the mics with The Christ Foundation Executive Director Lewis Yoder and Director of Operations Andi Kadas.

The Christ Foundation was founded by Jerry Moore back in 1971. Jerry Moore was an extremely successful businessman with a heart for helping those in need. He spent much of his life quietly giving to those who needed it most, and when he passed away in 2020, he left most of his estate to The Christ Foundation.

Today, The Christ Foundation exists to fund non-profits who are making a Kingdom impact. After Jerry’s death, the Trustees of the Christ Foundation knew they needed to hone in and focus on impacting the lives of children and families.

And through that, Hope Bridge was born.

We hope that as you have listened to the first six episodes, you have seen the incredible ways that God works through small steps of obedience.

For Lisa, an unexpected tragedy led her family to foster care.

For Nicole, infertility and experience with the foster care system gave her the empathy to sit with other moms in the thick of foster care.

Melanie's “yes” to foster care and a career in social work positioned her exactly where she needed to be for her role today.

Brian's connection to the community and heart for the church drew him to desire more involvement from the community around us.

For Andi and Lewis, their obedience to carry out Jerry’s legacy was the final puzzle piece to unite everyone for what is now known as Hope Bridge.

If you think what you’re doing today doesn’t matter, think again. God is still writing your story.

Thank you for joining us for another week of ReStoried.

Episode Highlights:

A brief background on The Christ Foundation.
Sharing the leafy of Jerry Moore.
An introduction to Andi and Lewis.
The idea and heart behind The Christ Foundation.
The five-year vision for Hope Bridge.

Find more on Guest:

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Did you know that what you do today will leave a legacy for generations to come?

Today, we are honored to share the mics with The Christ Foundation Executive Director Lewis Yoder and Director of Operations Andi Kadas.

And through that, Hope Bridge was born.

We hope that as you have listened to the first six episodes, you have seen the incredible ways that God works through small steps of obedience.

For Lisa, an unexpected tragedy led her family to foster care.

For Nicole, infertility and experience with the foster care system gave her the empathy to sit with other moms in the thick of foster care.

Melanie's “yes” to foster care and a career in social work positioned her exactly where she needed to be for her role today.

Brian's connection to the community and heart for the church drew him to desire more involvement from the community around us.

For Andi and Lewis, their obedience to carry out Jerry’s legacy was the final puzzle piece to unite everyone for what is now known as Hope Bridge.

If you think what you’re doing today doesn’t matter, think again. God is still writing your story.

Thank you for joining us for another week of ReStoried.

Episode Highlights:

A brief background on The Christ Foundation.
Sharing the leafy of Jerry Moore.
An introduction to Andi and Lewis.
The idea and heart behind The Christ Foundation.
The five-year vision for Hope Bridge.

Find more on Guest:

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

11/17/23 • 35 min

54. Celebrating Our Shepherds: National Pastor Appreciation Month

ReStoried

October is National Pastor Appreciation Month, and in this episode, we reflect on the often-overlooked work pastors do every day.

Pastors don't just preach on Sundays; they are present with us during life’s most significant moments—both the joyful milestones and the heartbreaking challenges. Whether it’s celebrating a new chapter, grieving a loss, or walking through illness, pastors are always there, often behind the scenes, carrying the emotional and spiritual burdens of those they serve.

In the context of the child welfare system, pastors play an especially important role. Their support can be life-changing for foster families and children in care. In this episode, we highlight Brian’s personal story of how his pastor and church community have been by his side, providing crucial support during his foster care journey and even during his battle with cancer.

Join us as we explore the vital role pastors play in our lives and the foster care system and why their work deserves our gratitude not just this month but all year round.

Episode Highlights:

October is National Pastor Appreciation Month
Pastors do more than preach on Sundays
Pastors carry heavy emotional and spiritual burdens
The critical role Pastors play in the child welfare system
Brian & Nicole’s Experience with Pastoral Support

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

October is National Pastor Appreciation Month, and in this episode, we reflect on the often-overlooked work pastors do every day.

Join us as we explore the vital role pastors play in our lives and the foster care system and why their work deserves our gratitude not just this month but all year round.

Episode Highlights:

October is National Pastor Appreciation Month
Pastors do more than preach on Sundays
Pastors carry heavy emotional and spiritual burdens
The critical role Pastors play in the child welfare system
Brian & Nicole’s Experience with Pastoral Support

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

10/28/24 • 22 min

38. Resilient and Redeemed: Erin Conrad’s Path as a Single Mom

ReStoried

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with Erin Conrad, a devoted mother, fitness expert, and active church member. Erin shares her background and professional journey, including her early life and education at Malone University and the life-changing encounter with God's love after the birth of her son Edison, making her a single mother.

She discusses the emotional and financial challenges of being a single mother, highlighting the constant balancing act of work, personal life, and raising an energetic son. The conversation touches on the resilience required to navigate these dual roles and the types of support single moms need, such as community and church support, emotional and mental health resources, and practical financial assistance.

Erin offers insights into how listeners can support single moms through encouraging words, acts of kindness, and being present, supportive friends or community members. She also shares her hobbies and passions, including playing sports with Edison, enjoying outdoor activities, writing, reading, and the joy of good coffee.

Erin talks about spreading the love of Jesus and living a life of faith, expressing her gratitude for her community and God's redeeming love, and reflecting on how these elements have been integral in her journey as a single mother.

Episode Highlights:

More on Erin’s Background Story
The struggles of being a Single Mother
Fear of Judgement in the Church
Supporting Single Moms
Showing Jesus to Single Moms

Find more on Guest:

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Episode Highlights:

More on Erin’s Background Story
The struggles of being a Single Mother
Fear of Judgement in the Church
Supporting Single Moms
Showing Jesus to Single Moms

Find more on Guest:

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

07/01/24 • 50 min

32. Love Beyond Boundaries: The Redemptive Story of Foster/Adoptive Mom and Biological Mom with Stacey Burton and Asia Barrett

ReStoried

In this episode of The ReStoried Podcast, we're privileged to hear the touching story of Stacey, a devoted foster and adoptive mom, and Asia, whose journey through addiction and mental health struggles led to her losing custody of her children. Stacey's path intersected with Asia's as she became the foster parent to Asia's kids, offering not just stability but a lifeline of support during her darkest moments.

Through Stacey's unwavering guidance and encouragement, Asia found the strength to seek treatment and embark on a journey of recovery, with faith as her anchor. Their story underscores the profound impact of nurturing relationships with biological families in foster care. Stacey's role transcended mere caregiving to become a beacon of hope and stability for Asia.

Today, Asia considers Stacey not just a friend but a mother figure, a testament to the transformative power of love and support. Together, Stacey and Asia now co-parent the children, showcasing the beautiful evolution of their relationship and the importance of unified caregiving in the journey of healing and redemption.

Join us in this episode as we celebrate the resilience of the human spirit through Christ and the importance of connections in the journey of co-parenting and restoration.

Episode Highlights:

Stacey & Asia’s Background Story
Foster Care
Struggles with Addiction & Mental Health
Relationships with Bio Families
The importance of community
Living Life with a Blended Family

Find more on Guest:

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Join us in this episode as we celebrate the resilience of the human spirit through Christ and the importance of connections in the journey of co-parenting and restoration.

Episode Highlights:

Stacey & Asia’s Background Story
Foster Care
Struggles with Addiction & Mental Health
Relationships with Bio Families
The importance of community
Living Life with a Blended Family

Find more on Guest:

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

05/20/24 • 55 min

15. Building Bridges to Healing: Stephanie Ellison's Story of Redemption

ReStoried

Today, you are getting a sneak peek into the life of Stephanie Ellison, one of our speakers for the Mobilize Ohio Event!

Join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of Stephanie Ellison. Despite a very challenging early life marked by homelessness, parental incarceration, maternal addiction, and foster care, Stephanie's narrative is not one of defeat but of triumphant resilience.

Battling PTSD from her past, Stephanie embarked on a healing journey that has led her to become a successful speaker and author, driven to guide others in adopting healthy coping mechanisms on their own paths to recovery. Today, Stephanie's story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, urging listeners to persevere through challenges with the promise of healing and renewal on the horizon.

For more insights, stay tuned for updates on the Mobilize Ohio Conference, where Stephanie will share further wisdom!

Episode Highlights:

All about Stephanie Ellison
Coping with trauma
Dealing with homelessness
Going in and out of foster care as a child
Fighting for her life at 15
Emancipation
The journey to healing
Getting adopted as an adult
Postpartum Depression
Stephanie’s Book- Always Forever
Survivor’s Guilt

Find more on Guest:

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Today, you are getting a sneak peek into the life of Stephanie Ellison, one of our speakers for the Mobilize Ohio Event!

For more insights, stay tuned for updates on the Mobilize Ohio Conference, where Stephanie will share further wisdom!

Episode Highlights:

All about Stephanie Ellison
Coping with trauma
Dealing with homelessness
Going in and out of foster care as a child
Fighting for her life at 15
Emancipation
The journey to healing
Getting adopted as an adult
Postpartum Depression
Stephanie’s Book- Always Forever
Survivor’s Guilt

Find more on Guest:

Find More on Hope Bridge:

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

01/15/24 • 36 min

Show more best episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does ReStoried have?

ReStoried currently has 75 episodes available.

What topics does ReStoried cover?

The podcast is about Non-Profit, Podcasts and Business.

What is the most popular episode on ReStoried?

The episode title '37. Being a Part of The Team: A Conversation on How Foster Parents Can Support Reunification' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on ReStoried?

The average episode length on ReStoried is 36 minutes.

How often are episodes of ReStoried released?

Episodes of ReStoried are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of ReStoried?

The first episode of ReStoried was released on Nov 1, 2023.

Show more FAQ

ReStoried

Hope Bridge/Adkins Media Co.

Top 10 ReStoried Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does ReStoried have?

What topics does ReStoried cover?

What is the most popular episode on ReStoried?

What is the average episode length on ReStoried?

How often are episodes of ReStoried released?

When was the first episode of ReStoried?

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