Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories
Louise Browne & Sarah Reinhardt
Two adult adoptees, Sarah Reinhardt and Louise Browne, delve into all things adoption - from their perspectives as adult adoptees.
Each season Sarah and Louise recap a chapter from a book centered on adoption and then interview a guest. Sarah and Louise come out of the 'fog' in real-time through Seasons One and Two and are advocating for change in the adoption industry. They want to give voice to all adoptees. Adoptee stories are needed to reframe the narrative around adoption.
Sarah and Louise, two former business partners who had a successful ice cream truck in Los Angeles, team up again - this time in frank and honest conversations about all things adoption from the adoptee perspective. Both were adopted shortly after birth, but they had very different experiences.
These will be intimate conversations, but also fun - because Sarah and Louise know how to lighten things up and have a good time. They also have an uncanny ability to get to the heart of a subject with anyone who crosses their path - so conversations will take many turns.
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Top 10 Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories 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 Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Jay: Using Journalism Training to Track Down Family Roots
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories
04/18/23 • 66 min
Jay Blotcher was adopted in June of 1961 at the age of one year by a couple in Randolph, MA, a Boston suburb. His dark complexion prompted countless questions about his lineage during childhood.
In March of 1988, Jay was contacted by his birth mother, Valerie Paul, and learned he was the product of a one-night-stand between this young girl and a pitcher from the Baltimore Orioles of Puerto Rican lineage. In the ensuing 35 years, Blotcher employed his training as a journalist to track down his biological father's family, as well as the foster family who cared for him before his adoption. At age 62, he can finally tell the complete story.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss Megan Culhane Galbraith's "The Guild of the Infant Saviour" by Megan Culhane Galbraith.
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Guild-Infant-Saviour-Adopted-Machete/dp/0814257917
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells and Lynn Grubb.
To support the show - Patreon.
Jennifer: An Adoptee Investigator Turns to Herself
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories
10/08/24 • 66 min
Jennifer Dyan Ghoston is a same-race domestic foster alum and adoptee in reunion with both sides of her biological family. After a 27-year career in law enforcement with the Chicago Police Department, she retired in 2014 as a police detective. In 2015, she self-published her memoir, "The Truth So Far...a detective's journey to reunite with her birth family". She credits her spiritual journey that started over forty years ago for allowing her path to unfold in unexpected and meaningful ways. In 2021, Jennifer's continued efforts to be open, honest, and public about her lived experience while holding space for other members of the constellation (primarily adoptees) has led to hosting the podcast, "Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland". She currently co-facilitates the Adoptee Voices Writing Group created by Sara Easterly.
Website to find Jennifer: http://www.jenniferdyanghoston.com
Website to Jennifer's Podcast: www.Onceuponatimeinadopteeland.com
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann FesslerExciting News! We will be reading and discussing:You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identify, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker in Season 9.
Here is a link to order her book: bookshop link.
Magic Mind/ADOPTIONTRIAL: USE CODE: ADOPTEETRIAL
USE THE CODE AND LINK TO: receive a 3-sample pack for free.
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocate
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
Unraveling Adoption with Beth Syverson
Adoptees Connect with Pamela Karanova
Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom /ADOPTEE CAFE community. This is an adoptee-only space. We do appreciate all of our Patreons. The next meeting is Oct. 19th @ 1pm ET
To support the show - Patreon.
Garth: A Midlife Discovery Exposes the Truth of Self
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories
01/24/23 • 65 min
Given up at birth, placed in foster care, then adopted by a military family, Garth Garrett grew up always knowing he was adopted. He thought being adopted was no big deal - like being left-handed in a right-handed family and that his lingering sense of longing stemmed from the nomadic life of an Army brat. Only upon starting therapy in mid-life did he discover that adoption was actually the central issue of his life, including his own alienation from his own feelings. His multiple searches for each biological parent yielded information, more heartbreak, two more rejections by his biological mother, and ultimately a deep, happy connection with his biological sisters and a renewed sense of family with his adoptive sisters. Garth recently retired after 31 years with L.A. Metro.
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss A.M. Homes' The Mistress's Daughter.
If you'd like to read along with Sarah and Louise, go here: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
If you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
Our Patrons are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy,
Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket and Robert Perrino.
If you'd like to support the show, you can do it here: https://www.patreon.com/themakingofmepodcast
To support the show - Patreon.
To support the show - Patreon.
Jennifer: With Pain Came Acceptance
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories
12/17/24 • 47 min
Jennifer is an adoptee born in Orange County, California, in 1963. The first six weeks of her life remain a mystery. Although she was adopted by a loving family, her journey has not been easy. As part of the Baby Scoop Era, she was relinquished at birth and spent her early weeks in foster care.
Her adoptive family, led by the daughter of a well-known artist and former model, provided a stable home, but Jennifer always felt like she wasn’t enough. She grew up as the middle child with two brothers: her older brother, who was also adopted, and her younger brother, the biological son of her adoptive parents, who had been surprised by his arrival, as they had previously been told they couldn’t have children.
Jennifer always knew she was adopted, though she can’t remember being explicitly told. As she grew older, she became curious about her origins and began wondering who she might resemble. This curiosity led her down a destructive path, turning to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope. Years of rebellion, running away, and conflicts with her parents culminated in her legal emancipation at age 15.
Things continued to spiral out of control until she ended up in a treatment center in Portland, Oregon. Once she had regained clarity, Jennifer realized she needed to understand her medical history, and so began a search for her biological family. Remarkably, it only took three hours for a search specialist to find them.
However, not all reunions are as heartwarming as one might hope. Jennifer’s birth mother, sadly, had no interest in reconnecting and refused to meet her. Despite this, Jennifer did find a half-brother with whom she still maintains a relationship. Tragically, her birth mother passed away in 2023, never having met the daughter she had given life to in 1963. In Jennifer’s words, “It’s her loss.” Coincidentally, just weeks after her birth mother’s death, Jennifer’s adoptive mother passed away as well.
Today, Jennifer has come to terms with the reality that she will never know the woman who gave birth to her. Meeting other biological family members has become a meaningful part of her journey. She is currently working on her memoir, Sometimes You Just Need a Lollipop: A Very Adult Story of My Spiritual Awakening, a candid exploration of her life’s struggles, her search for self, and her spiritual growth.
You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker
Magic Mind Adoptee 20 Link
USE THE CODE AND LINK TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR SUBSCRIPTION
magicmind.com/adoptee20
JOIN US in March 8th in Atascadero, California - Live Podcast, Un-M-Othered + More!
Leave your email for more info!
Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting is on January 4th @ 1 pm ET.
To support the show - Patreon.
Monica: Childhood Trauma Led to Empowerment
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories
11/21/23 • 67 min
Monica Hall is an author, adoptee, and birthmother.
She was born in Canada, adopted by American parents, and raised in Anchorage, Alaska where she spent the first sixteen years of her life and had many of the foundational experiences that drive her writing.
In addition to working as a business consultant, she has founded several successful companies and has worked in advertising and marketing for more than twenty years.
Monica published essays on her website and wrote her memoir to provide others with understanding, courage, and empowerment. She wants readers to realize that no matter the difficulties they face, it’s possible to heal and succeed.
Monica is a speaker, life coach, and mentor. She has three grown children and lives in Sacramento, California.
Practically Still a Virgin will be available in Spring, 2024. Please subscribe to Monicahall.com for launch dates and essays.
You can find Monica at:
Website
Instagram
Personal Facebook
Author FacebookTikTok
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss The Baby Thief by Barbara Bisantz Raymond.
Magic Mind - The World’s First Productivity ShotTM
To enter our New York City ATMOM Happy Hour & Operation Foglist + Un-M-Othered Screening taking place on February 2nd & 3rd - go directly to the home page of our website and Subscribe to the Pod.
Note: There will be a cash stipend for airfare and hotels - if you live outside the continental US, you may have to pay additional funds to attend depending upon cost. Tickets to Operation Fog Lift & Un-M-Othering
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resourcesFireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryTo learn more about CAAR visit the Facebook Page
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
To support the show - Patreon.
Trishina: Digging through the Layers of International Adoption
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories
06/25/24 • 49 min
Trishina was born in 1991 in Sevastopol, Ukraine, and was adopted at 18 months old. She was always curious about her biological family, searching on and off. Still, it wasn’t until she joined a Russian social media app called Vkontakte, that she could find some answers. Trishina is a nurse and military wife currently living in Cleveland, Ohio.
Vk LinkTo skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 2:12
In Season 8, we will be reading The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler starting July 2nd
See you in Kansas City? LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & PHOTO EVENT with JEFF FORNEY of THE INNOCENT PEOPLE PROJECT - September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri.
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at [email protected]
Adoptee Therapist Directory
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is on 7/13 at 1 pm ET.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, Barbara, Sandra, Darla, Lisa, Karen Sally and Barbara.
To support the show - Patreon.
Uncovering Hidden Identity
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories
08/23/22 • 47 min
Lynn Grubb is a closed-era Illinois adoptee and parent by marriage, birth and adoption. She is the editor of "The Adoptee Survival Guide: Adoptees Share Their Wisdom and Tools" and the author of “Hidden Identity,” an audible memoir that chronicles her decades long search for her birth parents. She lives in Dayton, Ohio with husband Mark, their daughter, and two spoiled mini-Australian shepherds.
You can reach out to Lynn on social media @theadoptedgenealogist or email her at:
[email protected].
You can listen to Lynn's memoir here:
https://theadoptedgenealogist.podbean.com/
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss B.J. Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self.
Here's our affiliate link for Buzzsprout: When you sign up, you get a $20 Amazon Gift card.
And if you want to support our show, you can go to our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our current Patreon donors for their support.
They are: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Denise Cruz-Castino, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed,
Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy and
Kristan Higgins.
To support the show - Patreon.
Kevin: From Darkness to Joy
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories
11/28/23 • 56 min
Kevin Barhydt is a YouTube creator and the author of Dear Stephen Michael’s Mother. His YouTube channel creates a safe space for survivors of addiction, abandonment, adoption, and child sexual abuse, to explore the healing process.
Abandoned by his mother at birth, Kevin was enveloped in a labyrinth of adoption, addiction, and child sexual abuse. By age 20, a shell of the boy he once was, Kevin succumbed completely to a suicidal lifestyle of drug dealing and prostitution. At 45, after many years of recovery, Kevin began a painful journey to uncover his origins and the hopeful search for his mother.
His book, “Dear Stephen Michael’s Mother”, chronicles the unfolding of these stories. The interwoven perspectives offer an unflinching look at the myriad ways life can cloak us in darkness and helplessness yet still resonate with joy and recovery.
To find Kevin and his Book: Stephen Michael's Mother
Also in this episode, Sarah and Louise discuss The Baby Thief by Barbara Bisantz Raymond.
Magic Mind - The World’s First Productivity ShotTMUse code: ADOPTION20 to save on your subscription.
To enter our New York City ATMOM Happy Hour & Operation Foglist + Un-M-Othered Screening taking place on February 2nd & 3rd - go directly to the home page of our website and Subscribe to the Pod.
Note: There will be a cash stipend for airfare and hotels - if you live outside the continental US, you may have to pay additional funds to attend depending upon cost. Tickets to Operation Fog Lift & Un-M-Othering
Thank you to our sponsor S12F.
Joe Soll & other adoptee resourcesFireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound DocumentaryTo learn more about CAAR visit the Facebook Page
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
To support the show - Patreon.
John: Operation Baby Lift and the Erasure of Culture
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories
02/27/24 • 53 min
John Frey was born in Vietnam and brought to the United States as part of Operation Babylift when he was a year-and-a-half old. John often struggled with his identity, having been adopted and raised by a White American family while not having any connection to his birth country or culture.
I Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito.
Use Discount MAKINGOF for 30% off.
Thank you S12F for our past support and support of Adoptees 501c3 organizations.
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
To learn more about: CAAR visit the Facebook Page
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
Our Patrons: Laura Christensen, Barbara Frank, Ramona Evans, Linda Pevac, Blonde Records, Daphne Keys, Denise Hewitt, Michelle Styles, Emily Sinagra, Linda David, John Frey, Eric David, Beth Figuls, Ron Schneider, Tony Corsentino, Kristi Reed, Kristen Steinhilber, Jane Bofenkamp, Kelley Brickfield, Sandra de Quesada, The Harpy, Kristan Higgin, Lisa Thompson, Michelle Goodwine, Jesper Laursen, Julie Malone, Rivi Shocket , Robert Perrino, Colleen McCall, Janet MacDonald, Robin Wells, Lynn Grubb, Mikki Jackson-Brown, Sharon Katzmann, Carol Levitt, Elizabeth McDonald, Diane Moore, Ann Mikeska, Darra Robins, A.M. Homes, Kelly Layton, Lynn Marie & Karla.
To support the show - Patreon.
Steve: An Adoptee Talks Birth Records
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories
06/11/24 • 55 min
Steve Inskeep is an adoptee and adoptive parent born in 1968, the peak year for adoptions in America during the Baby Scoop Era.
He is a host of NPR's Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.
Known for interviews with presidents and Congressional leaders, Steve has a passion for stories of the less famous: Pennsylvania truck drivers, Kentucky coal miners, U.S.-Mexico border detainees, Yemeni refugees, California firefighters, and American soldiers.
And now adoptees can be added to that list. Recently, he published an in-depth article in The Atlantic about America’s long history of secret adoption:
NO ONE’S CHILDREN - America's long history of secret adoption
A native of Carmel, Indiana, Inskeep is a graduate of Morehead State University in Kentucky and resides in Washington, DC.
To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 15:51
Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson
LIVE RECORDED PODCAST with Adoption: The Making of Me (ATMOM) & PHOTO EVENT with JEFF FORNEY of THE INNOCENT PEOPLE PROJECT - September 7th in Kansas City, Missouri.
RESOURCES for Adoptees
S12F Helping Adoptees
Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law
Joe Soll & other adoptee resources
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary
Hiraeth Hope & Healing
Moses Farrow
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at [email protected]
Adoptee Therapist Directory
If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page.
Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community. Our next Zoom is 7/13 at 1pm ET.
Our Patrons: Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi, Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa, Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert, Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen, Gayle Whitlock, Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, Barbara, Sandra, Darla, Lisa and Karen.
To support the show - Patreon.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories have?
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories currently has 145 episodes available.
What topics does Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Parenting, Kids & Family, Personal Journals and Podcasts.
What is the most popular episode on Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories?
The episode title 'Julie: A Long Journey for Self-Compassion' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories?
The average episode length on Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories is 59 minutes.
How often are episodes of Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories released?
Episodes of Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories?
The first episode of Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories was released on Apr 29, 2021.
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