A Lifetime Original: How An Adoptee Found His Bio Parents with Mark Caffee

03/20/24 • 39 min

It could be a Lifetime movie or a work of fiction, but it’s one of the most incredible stories we’ve heard. Mark Caffee, communications consultant (and Ann-Sophie’s former boss), shares the remarkable journey of meeting his bio mom and bio dad — 50 years after he was adopted. Grab a mug of warm tea and get out your tissues for this episode!

Listen as we chat about:

The journey of self-discovery growing up gay and adopted
How adoption was very different in the 60s compared to today
The rollercoaster journey of finding biological parents in a closed adoption
Why open adoption is so important for adoptees to feel accepted and loved
Nature vs. nurture in shaping self-identity

Two amazing organizations mentioned in this episode:

Hope CottageCasa of Los Angeles

For more surprising and authentic conversations about family-forming, subscribe to Our Families, Ourselves:

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Join the conversation and follow us on Instagram:

@ourfamiliesourselves

Send us a text

Listen as we chat about:

The journey of self-discovery growing up gay and adopted
How adoption was very different in the 60s compared to today
The rollercoaster journey of finding biological parents in a closed adoption
Why open adoption is so important for adoptees to feel accepted and loved
Nature vs. nurture in shaping self-identity

Two amazing organizations mentioned in this episode:

Hope CottageCasa of Los Angeles

For more surprising and authentic conversations about family-forming, subscribe to Our Families, Ourselves:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts | Google Podcasts

Join the conversation and follow us on Instagram:

@ourfamiliesourselves

Previous Episode

Blonde Ambition: Navigating the Foster Care System with Actress Laura Leigh Hughes

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What an absolute *treat* this week as we chat with powerhouse Laura Leigh Hughes, LA-based actress and founder of The Unusual Suspects Theater Company, a non-profit serving youth. Laura is candid, funny, and shares her incredible journey of navigating the foster care system to adopt her now 15-year old daughter. And hot off the heels of her concert, Maria & Ann-Sophie share their lifelong love of another blonde performer and mom -- Madonna.

Join us as we talk:

How the foster care system impacts thousands of children each year
The ins and outs of adopting through LA’s foster care system
Systemic racism embedded in the system
Unexpected bonds formed between a foster child’s different caregivers
Assumptions people make about adoption, and the challenges and realities of interracial adoption

For more surprising and authentic conversations about family-forming, subscribe to Our Families, Ourselves:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts | Google PodcastsJoin the conversation and follow us on Instagram:

@ourfamiliesourselves

Next Episode

Tea with Tía: Creating the Modern-Day Village with Jess Matos

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There’s no one like your auntie, your tía, who slips you sweets, remembers your baby chub days, and keeps all your secrets. And there’s no one like Jess Matos, Mexico City-based creative strategist and comedian, who runs the hilarious and insightful The Tía Chronicles. Join us as we talk all things tía life and beyond!
Listen in to hear:

How Jess started The Tía Chronicles as a love letter to the tías in her life
How the women in our lives, from aunties to teachers, shape and mold us
Expectations (among MANY) that society places on women to have children
The experience of growing up a first generation kid
Why parents can call on their village when they need help/time away/a good cry
Why tías have more fun

Check out more of Jess’ brilliance here:The Tía Chronicles InstagramThe Tía Chronicles Podcast (Season 2 dropping soon!)

For more surprising and authentic conversations about family-forming, subscribe to Our Families, Ourselves:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts | Google Podcasts

Join the conversation and follow us on Instagram:
@ourfamiliesourselves