Adoptee Thoughts
Melissa Guida-Richards
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Adoptee Thoughts Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Adoptee Thoughts episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Adoptee Thoughts 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 Adoptee Thoughts episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
An Interview with Nicole Chung, Bestselling Author
Adoptee Thoughts
01/04/21 • 52 min
On Season 2, Episode 1 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Nicole Chung, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss their experience with losing a loved one as an adoptee, as well as their writing process. Nicole shares some of her story as an adoptee, and advice for adoptees looking to get into writing.
Nicole’s Bio:
Nicole Chung is the author of the nationally bestselling memoir All You Can Ever Know (Catapult, US; Pushkin Press, UK). Named a Best Book of the Year by two dozen publications, All You Can Ever Know was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, a semifinalist for the PEN Open Book Award, an Indies Choice Honor Book, and an official Junior Library Guild Selection.
Chung’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, The Guardian, GQ, TIME , Longreads, and Vulture, among others, and she also writes a weekly Care and Feeding advice column for Slate. She is the editor-in-chief of the National Magazine Award-winning Catapult magazine and the former managing editor of The Toast. Her next book is forthcoming from Ecco Books/HarperCollins.
Find Nicole on Twitter: @nicolesjchung & Instagram: @nicolesjchung
_________
To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.
My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th!
📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices
Buy here!
Social:
Mailing List: Subscribe Here
An Interview with an Adoptee, Who Exposed his Illegal Adoption in a Viral TikTok Challenge.
Adoptee Thoughts
06/02/23 • 79 min
On Season 3, Episode 6 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Christian Aragon and host Melissa Guida-Richards discuss the shocking story of his illegal adoption and reunion with his biological family. You may recognize some of his story from his viral video with "Put a Finger Down" challenge.
About the Adoptee:
Christian Matthew Aragon was illegally adopted and raised by a woman who claimed to be my birth mother. He found his biological family at 36 and is just now getting to start his life with them.
How to connect:
Follow him @mattaragon87 on TikTok!
_________
To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards and resources available for purchase from panels to workshops, to book club information go to adopteethoughts.com or her Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/adoptee_thoughts/
Her book are available anywhere books are sold.
Preorder the companion Workbook here:
Exploring the Complexities of Birth Mothers and Adoption in the United States with Gretchen Sisson, PhD and Author of “Relinquished”
Adoptee Thoughts
03/25/24 • 62 min
Welcome to our latest episode of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast! In this thought-provoking discussion, I delve into the complexities surrounding the decisions made by birth mothers and pregnant individuals to place children for adoption in the United States with Gretchen Sisson, PhD.
She is a sociologist with Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health at the University of California, San Francisco, and the author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, a critical, ten-year examination of domestic adoption. Centering the stories of relinquishing mothers, the book chronicles our country's refusal to care for families at the most basic level, and instead allow cultural and political ideas of adoption to advance an individual, private solution to large-scale social problems. A "comprehensive and harrowing debut" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) that "contributes to our national conversation of what reproductive justice really means" (Gloria Steinem), Relinquished is a necessary examination for our post-Dobbs era.
Adoption is a deeply personal and often emotionally charged journey, shaped by a myriad of factors including societal pressures, personal circumstances, and individual beliefs. Through insightful interviews and expert analysis, we unravel the layers of this complex topic, shedding light on the diverse experiences and perspectives of birth mothers and pregnant people.
Join us as we explore the nuanced reasons behind adoption decisions, from considerations of financial stability and educational opportunities to the emotional toll of unexpected pregnancies and societal stigma. We'll also discuss the importance of providing comprehensive support and resources to birth mothers throughout the adoption process, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met with empathy and understanding.
Whether you're an adoptive parent, adoption professional, or simply interested in understanding the dynamics of adoption in the United States, this episode offers valuable insights and perspectives that will deepen your understanding of this important topic.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes. Together, let's foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the complexities of adoption and the individuals impacted by this profound journey.
GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:
As a thank you for being such an amazing community I am giving away one (1) copy of Gretchen’s book, “Relinquished.” T
To enter you must:
- Subscribe to my Youtube Channel @adoptee_thoughts
- Comment your favorite part of the episode
- For additional entries tag a friend in the comments that you think would benefit from listening to this podcast episode
- Enter within 10 days from the release of this episode on March 25th, 2024
- Winner Will be announced on April 5th, 2024
Connect with Gretchen here:
https://www.instagram.com/gretchen.sisson/
You can purchase her book here:
_______________________________________________
For more adoption content, please like and follow: @adoptee_thoughts
https://www.tiktok.com/@adoptee_thoughts
https://www.instagram.com/adoptee_thoughts/
https://www.adopteethoughts.com
___________________________________________________
When I wrote an essay about finding out I was adopted much later in life for @huffpost I never expected it to go viral and then find my passion in adoption education and advocacy for ethical, trauma-informed, and child-centered adoption practices. Reviews of "What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption"
“A powerful, worthwhile addition to the growing body of work on race and parenting.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Melissa Guida-Richards lays bare a painful truth: That loss is central to adoption. For those who are adopted transracially and transnationally, the disappearance of culture, familiarity, and language carry added complexity. With grace and sensitivity, Guida-Richards offers clear, insightful guidance for adoptive parents to help their sons and daughters navigate the isolation, racism, and longing they inevitably feel.” —Gabrielle Glaser, author of American Baby
You can purchase my books here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2247656/melissa-guida-richards/
You can read the essay here: https:/...
An Interview with Anissa Druesedow, a Deported Adoptee
Adoptee Thoughts
07/24/20 • 83 min
--------
To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.
My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th!
Social:
Mailing List: Subscribe Here
05/14/21 • 44 min
On Season 2, Episode 4 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Annie Goodchild, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Annie's new video project, "I Used to Be Sam." This project will use interviews of fellow adoptees to an EP and audio visual project series discussing transracial adoptee experiences in addition to the one that is unique to her own.
Anyone interested in participating can submit to:
Deadline: May 15, 2021 6:59 am (EST)
About Annie Goodchild:
On the day Annie Goodchild was adopted, her name changed. I Used to Be Sam is an American music artist whose career has left remarkable traces around the world. From selling out arenas as the lead singer to Scott Bradlee's Post Modern Jukebox, to opening for Alicia Keys, I Used to Be Sam's journey now leads her to expose all in her most emotional and personal project yet. I Used to Be Sam's self-titled EP strips away years of emotional armor to bare all and share her personal experience of self-discovery and self-love, as a transracial adoptee who grew up in the care of a white family.
Website: http://anniegoodchild.com
Instagram: @goodchild.annie
_________
To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.
Her book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th!
📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices
Buy here!
Social:
Mailing List: Subscribe Here
Meet Your Host- Melissa Guida-Richards
Adoptee Thoughts
05/19/20 • 18 min
This is an introductory episode for Adoptee Thoughts. Your host, Melissa Guida-Richards, introduces herself and why she decided to start an adoptee centric podcast. She delves into her qualifications as a transracial adoptee, author, and mom. As well as discusses a bit her late-discovery adoption story.
--------
To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.
My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th!
Social:
An Interview with Astrid Castro, of Adoption Mosaic
Adoptee Thoughts
08/23/21 • 56 min
On Season 2, Episode 5 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Astrid Castro, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Astrid’s work in the adoption community, reunion, as well as the nuances of learning our language from our birth culture.
About Astrid Castro:
Astrid has a degree in sociology with an emphasis in adoption. For twenty plus years, she has traveled the country to lead youth groups, present workshops on transracial parenting, talking with children about adoption and various other workshops focusing on adoption. Prior to creating Adoption Mosaic, Astrid worked in both the private and public sectors of various adoption organizations such the Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center (ORPARC), Holt International, Rocky Mountain Adoption Exchange, to name just a few.
Astrid co-authored Adoption in the Movies, which takes the reader on a guided tour of 27 movies and documentaries that are ‘dripping with adoption’ asking questions that encourage the viewer to engage in ongoing dialogue and discussion. She also developed an innovative, evidence-based, 27-minute training DVD titled, Adoptive Parent Training: Developing Communication Skills. The training demonstrates how adoptive parents can communicate openly and honestly with family, friends and especially children.
Astrid is a former member of the board of directors of the North American Council on Adoptable Children, the author of many articles on the subject of adoption and contributed a chapter to the book Parents As Adoptees.
Website: https://adoptionmosaic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adoptionmosaic/
_________
To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.
Her book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th!
📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices
Buy here!
Social:
Mailing List: Subscribe Here
An Interview with Kylie Peterson, a Black TRA
Adoptee Thoughts
06/30/20 • 54 min
On Episode 4 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, I have the honor of interviewing fellow transracial adoptee, Kylie Peterson. She talks about growing up as a Black TRA with white adoptive parents and how she has been discussing race and BLM with her family during this time. Kylie also shares some great tips for fellow transracial adoptees and we delve into some great insights that are essential for adoptive parents.
Find Kylie on Instagram here!
--------
To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.
My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th!
Social:
Mailing List: Subscribe Here
07/15/20 • 55 min
On Episode 5 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Guida-Richards talks with Jessica and discusses her experience finding and reuniting with her birth family, her work in mentoring fellow Adoptees, and helpful advice for adoptive parents.
Mentorship at Spence-Chapin: NYC based Mentorship
All Together Now: Brooklyn based Mentorship
Bio:
Based in New York, Jessica M. Luciere (she/hers), is a mother, photographer, transracial adoptee, and adoptee advocate who has spent 15+ years working with adoptive families from all around the world. Jessica is the President of All Together Now, a mentoring program based in Brooklyn NY, and the Director of the Spence-Chapin Mentorship program in New York City, both serving adoptees and their families. Her involvement in mentorship has given her the opportunity to witness the adoptee experience from many different lenses and learn from all of those within the adoption constellation. This has been the most important work Jessica has done and she continues to develop and grow programming for this community that is so close to her heart.
Email Jessica at JMLuciere.nyc@ gmail DOT com
Follow her on Instagram
--------
To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.
My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th!
Social:
Mailing List: Subscribe Here
10/17/20 • 53 min
On Episode 11 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Louise, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss the unique experience as an international adoptee who grew up in an open adoption, coming out of the fog, and more.
Louise's Bio:
Louise Shepherd was born as “Fenny” on the island of Java, in Indonesia in 1982. At 6 months old she was adopted by a white Australian family. It was then her name was changed to Louise. The family consisted of mum, dad, two biological sons, and then Louise. Two and half years later the family adopted her sister from Seoul, South Korea. Louise grew up in Adelaide, South Australia. Louise lives on Kaurna Land. In 2009 Louise completed her Bachelors of Social Work and Social Planning. She is currently working in the Homelessness sector and has previous experience working in Child Protection. Louise feels passionate about many human rights topics, in particular the plight of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Louise is mum to one healthy and boisterous, thriving 6-year-old little boy. She enjoys going to the beach, trying different food cuisines, and spending time with friends and family. Louise also says a good afternoon nap never goes astray either. Follow Louise on Instagram!--------
To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.
My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th!
📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices
Buy here!
Social:
Mailing List: Subscribe Here
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Adoptee Thoughts have?
Adoptee Thoughts currently has 23 episodes available.
What topics does Adoptee Thoughts cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Podcasts, Self-Improvement and Education.
What is the most popular episode on Adoptee Thoughts?
The episode title 'An Interview with Jessica Luciere, Colombian Adoptee and Mentorship Director' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Adoptee Thoughts?
The average episode length on Adoptee Thoughts is 53 minutes.
How often are episodes of Adoptee Thoughts released?
Episodes of Adoptee Thoughts are typically released every 29 days, 7 hours.
When was the first episode of Adoptee Thoughts?
The first episode of Adoptee Thoughts was released on May 19, 2020.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ