Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Called to Love: An Adoption Podcast for Christian Parents - Christian Adoption, Trauma and Healing, Foster Care, Parenting Adopted Children
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your Child is From Two Worlds: How to Bridge Resilience | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:39:28 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by Dr. Mary Ann McMillan. Mary Ann is a former foster youth and adoptee whose life has been shaped by family separation, identity, and the search for belonging. Guided by her Christian faith, she is a writer, professor, and global advocate working at the intersection of trauma, justice, and healing. She holds a doctorate and teaches international relations, human rights, and criminal justice. Her perspective bridges lived experience, scholarship, and global practice, with a focus on vulnerable children in the United States and globally. In this conversation, Mary Ann shares some of her story and experiences as a former foster youth and adoptee who did have an open-adoption with her family, but still struggled immensely with her identity, a sense of belonging, and why she was even adopted. Mary Ann describes how things changed after coming to Christ and her identity was shaped by who God says she is, but she still needed to unpack more of who God created her to be. She encourages parents to invite a child’s heritage and culture into their life and reminds us that our child is from two worlds - their biological one and the adopted one - and they can’t choose either of them, they are a part of them both, so it is our job to bridge those gaps to help our child develop a healthy and positive self-identity. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
To learn more about Mary Ann McMillan check her out on Instagram or buy her new book, “Bridging Resilience: A Guide to Healing for Adoptees and Former Foster Youth, Families, and the Leaders Who Walk with Them” To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/ | |||
| Going From 2 Kids to 5: Adopting Sibling Sets | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:42:57 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by Greg and Hannah East who are both bio parents and adopted a sibling set of three boys from foster care. Greg and Hannah’s story follows a lot of the similar experiences other foster-adoptive parents have: one parent is more interested than the other, the emotional ups and downs of fostering and saying goodbye, and having to navigate new life as a family with two kids to five! Greg and Hannah offer support, encouragement, and hope their story helps other parents see they don’t have to be superhuman to do this calling. God knows we are human and being human is okay! I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/ | |||
| From Pain to Purpose with Kim Patton Part 2 | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:31:07 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This episode is a part 2 to an incredible conversation with the author, foster and adoptive mom: Kim Patton. What if the door that seems permanently closed is actually leading somewhere beautiful? Kim’s decade-long infertility journey became the unexpected pathway to adopting two biological sisters and working with teenage girls in foster care. Additionally, she writes and speaks about her experiences, showcasing how pain can be used for purpose. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
To learn more about Kim, check out her website! To learn more about her book, “Nothing Wasted: Struggling Well Through Difficult Seasons” click here! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/ | |||
| From Pain to Purpose with Kim Patton Part 1 | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:32:44 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This is a part 1 of an amazing conversation with my special guest. She is an author, foster and adoptive mom: Kim Patton. What if the door that seems permanently closed is actually leading somewhere beautiful? Kim’s decade-long infertility journey became the unexpected pathway to adopting two biological sisters and working with teenage girls in foster care. Additionally, she writes and speaks about her experiences, showcasing how pain can be used for purpose. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
To learn more about Kim, check out her website! To learn more about her book, “Nothing Wasted: Struggling Well Through Difficult Seasons” click here! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/ | |||
| Helping Our Kids Heal From Life's Deepest Hurts | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:44:14 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined with an incredible guest who offers us a lot of hope as adoptive and foster parents, trying to help our kids heal from trauma… but this story does come with a trigger warning for those who’ve experienced domestic violence or assault, and this is not an episode for little ears. However, it is an episode of hope! These events did not define my incredible guest: Kimberly Haar. Kimberly said what the enemy meant for evil, God used for good! Kimberly is a writer, speaker, co-host on a radio show, licensed therapist and podcaster herself. Her private practice is based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma and its called “There’s Hope! Counseling.” Her new book is titled, “Healing from Life's Deepest Hurts: Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss, or Trauma” and it centers on why our good God lets bad things happen. It inspires today’s conversation, shifting focus to specifically how we can help our kids process their trauma. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
To learn more about Kimberly, check out her website! Learn more about her book, “Healing from Life's Deepest Hurts: Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss, or Trauma” Follow her on Facebook or Instagram To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/ | |||
| How to Unlearn Habits of Anxiety, Fear and Urgency | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:29:18 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! My special guest is a recent author: Bethaney Wilkinson. Bethany is a coach, spiritual director, and passionate about holding spaces and creating experiences to nourish the inner lives of everyday people, leaders, and organizations. She experienced immense healing and transformation when people held sacred and thoughtful space for her evolution. She wants to do the same for others. In our conversation, Bethaney discusses ways for us as busy and overwhelmed foster and adoptive parents to slow down and enjoy life more beautifully. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
Find Bethaney’s book, “A More Beautiful Way to Live” and order online! Learn more about Bethaney on her website by clicking here. Follow her on social media! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| How Should Adoptive and Foster Parents Deal with Depression? | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:34:41 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by Pastor Steve Larson. Steve is the author of a new book about mental health, a book where he shares his story as a pastor who struggled with depression and felt utterly alone. As an adoptive mom, this felt incredibly relevant to me. After I brought home my adopted daughter, I struggled with post-adoption depression and immense shame from this. How could I feel like this when I was doing God’s calling? A lot of us in the foster and adoption calling can struggle with mental health and also our kids, too. That’s why I invited Steve for this honest and vulnerable conversation. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
Check out Steve’s book, “The Four Keys to Mental Health: How to Feel Better, Think Clearly, and Enjoy Life Again” Learn more about Pastor Steve on his website by clicking here. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Understanding Trauma and Resilience | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:52:49 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Evan Marbury for a conversation about trauma. Our foster and adoptive children have all experienced some level of trauma – yes, even if we adopted our children from birth! Believe me, I am speaking from experience there. All children separated from their biological families, whether permanently or temporarily, are experiencing a trauma which we should aim to understand. We are not the healers of their trauma – God is – but by understanding trauma, we are better equipped to love and serve these kids. Dr. Evan breaks down trauma, separating it from the other “hurts” we can experience simply from being a broken world, and how trauma changes a person. Dr. Evan also explains how we need to provide safety for these traumatized children and boundaries are crucial to healing. He also shares ways the Gospel can influence us in this process. The same power which rose Jesus from the grave and saved us is the same power living inside us! God has chosen you to be the guardian of this child. Please be encouraged that He will equip you and be there with you in this. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
Learn more about Dr. Evan Marbury on his website by clicking here. Order his book, “Understanding Trauma and Resilience: A Guide for Counselors, Caregivers, and Ministers“ by clicking here. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today! | |||
| Creating Supportive Environments for Kids in Foster Care | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:38:12 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! Callie Priest is the director of strategic partnerships at WinShape Homes, a foster agency and resource based in Georgia that partners with churches to help foster parents. WinShape Homes was established more than 35 years ago by S. Truett Cathy and his wife, Jeannette. They place hundreds of children in need with families who are guided by Christ. WinShape families are connected to an unparalleled network of care designed to ensure that children are restored in mind, body and spirit. In my conversation with Callie, we discuss ways churches can be more equipped to build up parents who receive this calling - help them be trauma informed and accessible. We also discuss practical ways for foster parents to ask for help from their churches and how this benefits the whole community. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
Learn more about WinShape Homes on their website by clicking here. Learn more about their podcast by clicking here. Follow them on Instagram! Follow them on Facebook! Subscribe to them on YouTube! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today! | |||
| How to Love and Pray for Your Prodigal Child | 26 May 2026 | 00:37:40 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! As adoptive and foster parents, we know our child faces many emotional hurdles and these can often lead them down some dark paths towards unhealthy coping mechanisms, finding worth and validation in the wrong places, and even succumbing to addiction or other destructive life choices. It isn’t just adoptive and foster kids who experience this but we know because of the trauma they endured, it happens often. Even if we did “everything right” by bringing them to church every Sunday, praying over them every night, and talking to them about God, they might still choose another path… And that’s what brings us to today’s episode about the Prodigal. Joining me for this conversation and to share their personal story of their son, Zach Williams, are Steve and Jenia. They recently published a book called, “God’s Heart For the Prodigal," which is a devotional to help parents navigate this difficult season of uncertainty with their children – it is a season Steve and Jenia know well. I am so grateful for their honesty, openness and vulnerability as we talk about loving and praying for our children. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
To buy Steve and Jenia’s book, “God’s Heart For the Prodigal", find it at most major retailers like Amazon, Mardel and Christian Books. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today! | |||
| Care Portal: Caring For Kids and Families in a God-Sized Way | 19 May 2026 | 00:38:08 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! My special guest today is someone who I respect and admire a lot in the foster and adoption advocacy space, as he is the Founder and President of CarePortal. CarePortal is an app and online resource designed to, “help mobilize action neighbor-to-neighbor; to connect vulnerable children and families with caring neighbors in their own community. For both prevention and protection, the ultimate goal is for children and families to build a meaningful connection that can lead to on-going supportive relationships.” On the app, as someone who wants to help those in crisis, you are able to see real, tangible needs of those in your own zipcode. If you’re someone who is in crisis, it is a place to share your needs and see God on the move. In our conversation, Adrien shares some of his story - how God led him to where he is today, and also how important it is for the church to look like Jesus in loving “the least of these.” He also shares how little he understood about foster care and how proper resources, support, and love can actually prevent kids from entering the broken system. When we come together as a body, amazing things happen! I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
Learn more about the CarePortal and sign up! Connect with the mission online on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today! | |||
| Offering A Second Childhood to Kids from Hard Places: Part 2 | 12 May 2026 | 00:28:41 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! Welcome to part two of this amazing conversation! We are continuing where we left off, talking with the amazing couple: Michael and Kimberly Klokus. Both having lost a parent as children and a child as parents, they gained a unique insight into grief. Their shared experiences fueled a commitment to dedicating their lives to providing hope and a second chance at childhood for children whose futures would otherwise be uncertain. That is the topic of our conversation today: offering a second childhood to these kids from hard places. Over the past two decades, Mike and Kim have cared for more than 25 kids in the past two decades. Currently, they have 13 children, a mix of international adoptions, state adoptions, and biological children. Their story showcases the transformative impact of compassion and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their mission is to equip more families to foster and adopt. They created The River’s Run County Cottage Home - a fully staffed home for children ages 0-12 waiting for placement for long term foster homes or adoption. Mike and Kim also connect churches and communities with foster children and families for support and relationships. If you wish to donate to their mission or learn more, check out their website: https://www.riversruncottage.com/ I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
Connect with Mike and Kim on Instagram and Facebook. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today! | |||
| Offering A Second Childhood to Kids from Hard Places: Part 1 | 05 May 2026 | 00:40:04 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I was joined by an amazing couple: Michael and Kimberly Klokus. Both having lost a parent as children and a child as parents, they gained a unique insight into grief. Their shared experiences fueled a commitment to dedicating their lives to providing hope and a second chance at childhood for children whose futures would otherwise be uncertain. That is the topic of our conversation today: offering a second childhood to these kids from hard places. Over the past two decades, Mike and Kim have cared for more than 25 kids in the past two decades. Currently, they have 13 children, a mix of international adoptions, state adoptions, and biological children. Their story showcases the transformative impact of compassion and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their mission is to equip more families to foster and adopt. They created The River’s Run County Cottage Home - a fully staffed home for children ages 0-12 waiting for placement for long term foster homes or adoption. Mike and Kim also connect churches and communities with foster children and families for support and relationships. If you wish to donate to their mission or learn more, check out their website: https://www.riversruncottage.com/ I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
Connect with Mike and Kim on Instagram and Facebook. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today! | |||
| The Healing Power of Laughter | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:36:45 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I was joined by the amazing comedian, Tim Hawkins. Tim Hawkins is a big name in my household! In case you have never heard of him, he is a Christian family-man who does clean, family-friendly comedy shows and tours across the country. We have loved and enjoyed his comedy specials and songs as a family for years, so this is a special gift to have him on the podcast. Together, we are talking about the healing power of laughter. Family is not easy but laughter can get you through the tough times, as Tim himself explains with his own experiences. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
Connect with Tim Hawkins on Facebook or check out his website to learn more. Watch his brand new comedy special, Fist Bump, on Amazon! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today! | |||
| How to Stop Yelling at Your Kids | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:48:25 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I was joined by a woman who I wish I knew 20 years ago - or at least, had her book 20 years ago! Her name is Janel Breitenstein and she’s the author of, “How to Stop Yelling Up the Stairs: Keeping Your Cool While Raising Your Kids” which is the topic of this episode. Long-time listeners may know some of my story and how I truly struggled as a mom with my littles and especially after adopting my precious little girl. The adoption-reality was completely different from the adoption-dream I had - countless sleepless nights and a traumatized baby who would not sleep and wouldn’t accept anyone but me. The external triggers were intense, but I realized many years later there were also things in my heart, too. I still carry guilt over how I yelled at my kids which is also a part of today’s conversation with Janel. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
Connect with Janel on her website and blog: https://www.janelbreitenstein.com/ Buy her book, “How to Stop Yelling up the Stairs” by clicking here! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide! And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, a devoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'll truly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today! | |||
| Parenting a “Spicy” Child | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:40:27 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I was joined by the amazing author and parenting coach, Mary Van Geffen. Since 2011, Mary has coached over 1,700 moms of “Spicy Ones”, walking with them through the same struggles she once thought would break her. She now has a book titled, “Parenting a Spicy One: A Compassionate Guide for Raising a Deep-Feeling and Wonderfully Strong-Willed Kid” which prompts today’s conversation. As parents of foster and adoptive kids, sometimes we have a “spicy” child - a child who is very emotional, passionate, strongwilled, and maybe labeled as “challenging, difficult, stubborn” and any other descriptors. It can be extremely taxing and difficult navigating this relationship - what do you do when the kid refuses to brush their teeth or change out of their pajamas? It feels like one battle after another, and it can send our nervous systems into overdrive and survival mode, hijacking us into an overly reactive state because we are at our limit. Mary offers a ton of practical advice throughout this conversation – it’s almost like she’s an amazing coach! She has a lot of great insight for shifting our perspective on this “spicy” little one of ours and how to truly connect with them. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode:
Connect with Mary on her website or Instagram, and get a copy of her book! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. | |||
| Encouragement for the Overwhelmed Foster Adoptive and Foster Mom | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:34:49 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I was joined by a mom who’s message spoke near to my heart and I believe many parents in this calling: Jamie Erickson. Jamie is the busy mama of five kiddos, ages ranging from college to 8th grade, and she also homeschools. She is also an author with a recent book that speaks to my heart, “Overwhelmed Mom: Quiet the Chaos, Mind What Matters, and Enjoy Your Life Again.” As adoptive and foster parents (and even just biological parents, of course!), we are carrying a very heavy load and I feel overwhelmed. Jamie’s book comes at a perfect time in my life and I hope you will also find it encouraging and practical. Key topics in this episode:
Connect more with Jamie on her website. And check out new book and topic of today’s episode, Overwhelmed Mom: Quiet the Chaos, Mind What Matters, and Enjoy Your Life Again To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. | |||
| How to Live Less Triggered As Adoptive and Foster Families | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:37:24 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I was joined by Dr. Kelly Flanagan. Dr. Kelly Flanagan is an award-winning author, international speaker, personal and relationship coach, and licensed clinical psychologist with two decades of expertise in interpersonal relationships. His thought leadership has been featured in The 5 Love Languages, the TODAY Show, Reader’s Digest, HuffPost, and Success Magazine. Kelly’s two non-fiction books, Loveable and True Companions. He has recently released The Road Less Triggered which is the topic of our discussion as foster and adoptive parents. Dr. Kelly discusses what it means to be triggered in the clinical sense and how we as parents can experience it and our children - biological, adoptive or foster. He also shares his own personal journey and how he overcame his own triggers which were causing destruction in his relationships. This is a great and practical conversation to help us in any stage of this calling. Key topics in this episode:
Connect more with Dr. Kelly on his website. And check out his book, The Road Less Triggered. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. | |||
| You're Not Ruining Your Kids | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:39:19 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I chat with the amazing Abbey Wedgeworth and through our conversation we promise you: you are not ruining your kids! Abbey is a wife, mother, bible teacher, and writer. She's the author of the Training Young Hearts children's book series, Held, a resource for women who have lost life in the womb, and most recently Help! I’m Ruining My Kids: A Gospel Guide for the Mom Who’s Desperate for Change. Abbey and her husband, David, live on the South Carolina coast, where she homeschools their three boys. In our conversation today, we unpack some of the ideas in her latest book. Abby drops some amazing truthbombs for us as adoptive and foster moms. Sometimes we feel the pressure to “do it all” and forget that God is in control and sovereign. With this unnecessary pressure, we can feel like we’re failing and “ruining” our kids. Abby reminds us that human limitations are not sin. While our role as parent is a large one in our child’s life, it is not equal to or as big as God’s role. We are imperfect people trying to raise these broken kids and God knows exactly what He’s doing when He pairs us with them. It will not be perfect and that’s where He shows up. Abby says if our kids share their testimony and they share something we did wrong, then praise the Lord because it is part of their testimony! Connect more with Abby on her website and Instagram. Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| How to Equip Our Kids to Manage Worry and Anxiety | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:31:02 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I was joined by the amazing author, mother, and ministry warrior Blair Linne. Blair recently wrote a children’s book called, “Yara the Brave and the Swirling Worry” and any time we have a resource for our adopted and foster kiddos, I want to talk about it! This children’s book is all about anxiety which sparks my conversation with Blair - what is anxiety, how does it manifest physically in us or our kids, what are some techniques to cope or calm down? Those are just a few of the things we cover and all from a Biblical perspective. Connect more with Blair online and Instagram! Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Learning How to Pray as Foster and Adoptive Mother | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:39:35 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, my special guest is so full of energy and passion for uplighting you as a prayer warrior: Shellie Rushing Tomlinson! Shellie is a multi-published author, speaker, and farmer’s wife known for saying “Life can be hard when it’s good, but it’s always better when you’re laughing.” She joins me today for a conversation about prayer, and specifically Shellie says, “Don’t pray like her!” It is easy to compare ourselves to others at church, in bible studies and such, thinking “Oh, she’s got it all together, her prayers are so nice and she knows what she’s doing” but Shellie reminds us that no one can pray like we can to our Father in Heaven! Shellie encourages us to embrace what makes us unique and our season of life. Instead of obsessing over “quiet time,” just pray right then and there when you feel led to do it. Don’t wait for an opportunity to pray - just talk to God! Shellie also gets into other practical tips and advice she has learned over the years on her walk with God and hopes you feel empowered to pray. It is especially important as foster and adoptive parents in this calling to be rooted in God as we face so many challenges. Connect more with Shellie on her website, Instagram, and Facebook. Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Overcoming Lies with Truth for Our Kids and Ourselves | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:37:14 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, my special guest is a children's book author, public speaker, and a busy biological, adoptive and foster mom: Beth Guckenberger. Beth is someone I have seen speak in sessions at Christian conferences and my daughter loves her latest book! I am so grateful she is my guest today to speak into the lies our kids believe and even ourselves, and how we can combat this with God’s truth to build emotionally stable homes. Deception, manipulation, triangulation, aggression, even violence, these are just some of the challenging and problematic behaviors we may experience with our foster and adoptive kiddos but what if I told you these were symptoms? These behaviors come from a child’s fear and insecurity, and not knowing how to deal with it in a healthy way. Often these kids have needs which are unmet, and when you grow up not having your needs met by parental figures, it develops these unhealthy coping mechanisms or methods of getting what you want. While this is frustrating for us as the parents trying to love our kids (and then to feel like they’re angry at us or lying to us all the time) it is important to remember this is coming from a place of fear, insecurity, and not knowing any difference. This is the key to breakthroughs - addressing the roots and not the symptoms: overcoming lies with truth. Here are a few key takeaways:
Connect more with Beth on her website and Instagram! Check out her children’s book series, StrongHeart Series: The BRAND NEW addition to the series, “The Heart Who Wanted to Lasso Thoughts (A story about turning bad thoughts to good with prayers of gratitude) The Heart Who Wanted to Be Free (A story about finding freedom through admitting our wrongs) The Heart Who Wanted to Find a Way (A story about calming anxiety through resting in God) The Heart Who Wanted to Be Whole (A story about healing from negative talk through God's truth) Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Equipping Men to Lead Well in the Adoption and Foster Care Calling | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:32:30 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, my special guest is an unusual one for this show but still speaks relevant truth to us as adoptive and foster parents–especially fathers. My guest is Trey Tucker, the founder and owner of Rugged Counseling, known for providing therapy without the fluff. He is a mental health expert and social media influencer, specifically targeting young men to help them live out their God given purpose. His counseling and videos resonate because they challenge passive, surface level advice and speak honestly about responsibility, identity, boundaries, and purpose. He is also now an author with a book titled, “Tough Enough: Hone Your Habits, Cultivate Purpose, and Forge Genuine Strength.” Our conversation today stems around how fathers can step up in their role with foster and adoptive children, and how mothers can support their husbands, too. I ask Trey a lot of questions around the husband and father’s experience, their mental health journey, and some of it parallels what we know traumatized kids experience: feeling isolated, purposeless, and unseen. Fathers are vital in the household but can be often misunderstood. This conversation benefits both husband and wife, father and mother, as they are united in this calling. Here are a few key takeaways:
Trey Tucker’s new book: “Tough Enough: Hone Your Habits, Cultivate Purpose, and Forge Genuine Strength.” Trey Tucker’s website Trey Tucker on YouTube Trey Tucker on Instagram Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| A Miraculous Adoption Story (Part 2) | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:24:22 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This is part two to an incredible conversation… In this episode, my special guest is an adult adoptee named Niemah Scherlacher. Niemah is currently working on a book detailing her incredible adoption story, but we are honored to hear her share pieces of this story on the podcast. She is now a retired and happy grandma, but her story begins in Israel, after being born to a fifteen year old Palestinian girl. As Niemah describes, God protected her mother and her during this tumultuous time between Israel, Palestine and even the United States, and He orchestrated everything so Niemah would be adopted at the age of two and brought over to the states. Niemah also shares her experience as an adopted child in her family, how the church community interacted with her, and the secular world. Niemah encourages parents to talk with their children about the child’s story because the child is always wondering those questions but might be afraid to ask them. Niemah had an unusual experience when compared to other adoptees because she primarily wrestled with God in her later years after more information was revealed about her birth mother… Here are a few key takeaways: ● Naima's story is a testament to God's divine intervention. ● Adoption can be a celebrated aspect of a child's identity. ● Open communication about adoption is crucial for children. ● Children often think about their adoption, even if they don't express it. ● It's important for adoptive parents to initiate conversations about identity. ● Healing from adoption-related trauma can be a lifelong journey. ● Understanding a child's background helps in parenting. ● Adoptive parents should not be too hard on themselves. ● Children's struggles can be transformed into hope for others. ● God's purpose is at work in the lives of adopted children.
Niemah is still working on her book so follow her on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected! Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| A Miraculous Adoption Story (Part 1) | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:27:28 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This is part one to an incredible conversation… In this episode, my special guest is an adult adoptee named Niemah Scherlacher. Niemah is currently working on a book detailing her incredible adoption story, but we are honored to hear her share pieces of this story on the podcast. She is now a retired and happy grandma, but her story begins in Israel, after being born to a fifteen year old Palestinian girl. As Niemah describes, God protected her mother and her during this tumultuous time between Israel, Palestine and even the United States, and He orchestrated everything so Niemah would be adopted at the age of two and brought over to the states. Niemah also shares her experience as an adopted child in her family, how the church community interacted with her, and the secular world. Niemah encourages parents to talk with their children about the child’s story because the child is always wondering those questions but might be afraid to ask them. Niemah had an unusual experience when compared to other adoptees because she primarily wrestled with God in her later years after more information was revealed about her birth mother… Here are a few key takeaways:
Niemah is still working on her book so follow her on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected! Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Figuring Out What Really Matters in Adoption & Fostering | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:33:52 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, my special guest and friend is Cynthia Yanof, who has been featured on this podcast before. Cynthia is the biological mother to two kids who have flown the nest, one graduated from college and one just starting, and her family also adopted a son who is in third grade. Cynthia stays busy not just as a mom but as a podcaster, speaker, and author. Her latest book, “How’d I Miss That?” sparks a lot of today’s conversation. It is so easy to get distracted as a foster or adoptive parent by all the busyness and urgent tasks of life, and I wanted to take a minute with Cynthia to focus on what really matters in this calling. A lot happens in life, a lot of distractions or even too much information, so let’s get back to the basics. Somewhere along our journeys, God opened our eyes to loving children who are not our own. How do we do this well? Cynthia offers advice gained from her own experience, along with humor and gut-punches (the good kind!). Here are a few key takeaways:
You can learn more about Cynthia Yanof on her website You can follow her on Instagram You can check out MESSmerized with Cynthia Yanof click here You can find her book on Amazon or wherever you shop for books! It is called, “How’d I Miss That?: Gas Pump Confessions, Drive-Thru Obsessions, and Figuring Out What Really Matters” Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| The Eternal Impact of a Middle Mom | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:44:19 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, my special guest and friend is Christie Erwin! Christie is an author, adoptive and biological mother, and Founder and current Executive Director of Project Zero. Christie’s deep love for children led her and husband, Jeff, to become foster parents in 1993, for a private, non-profit adoption agency. It was there that the foundation for Christie’s passion and driving concern for children in foster care was laid. After fostering for eleven years with the private agency, the Erwin’s became foster parents for the Arkansas Department of Children and Family Services in 2004. They fostered over fifty children during their twenty years of fostering. She wrote the book, “The Middle Mom –How to Grow Your Heart by Giving it Away.” In our conversation today, Christie shares part of her story in adoption and foster care. There is so much to tell, we couldn’t go over everything, but we covered a lot. Christie also offers advice for you if you’re saying “Yes!” to this calling. Here are a few key takeaways:
You can learn more about Project Zero and Christie Erwin! Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Building Your Family Through Adoption | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:39:49 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, my guest is Pastor Andrew Hopper. Andrew serves as the lead pastor of Mercy Hill Church, launched in 2012. He is the father of three biological children and one adopted daughter with downs syndrome. He is also a recently published author of the book, “Chosen: Building Your Family the Way God Builds His.” In our conversation, we talked about the theological foundation of adoption. We, as Christians, are intimately connected to adoption because God has adopted us. This should highly motivate us, if not compel us, to support adoption or even pursue adoption ourselves. Andrew talked about how churches can support members who are pursuing adoption and how the calling may have its challenges but is also rewarding. He also shares his personal story going through the adoption of his special needs daughter. Here are a few key takeaways:
You can learn more about Pastor Andrew Hopper and his new book on his website. Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| The Generational Impact of Saying “Yes” to Life with Nicole C. Mullen | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:33:24 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, my special guest is the amazing Nicole C. Mullen, a Grammy-nominated, Dove Award-winning American Christian singer, songwriter, actress, and author of the new book, “It’s Never Wrong to Do the Right Thing: Courageous Stories to Inspire Godly Decisions”. She also has an incredible story of overcoming domestic abuse, adopting her two sons, choosing life for her daughter, and a story of choosing life from her grandparents. Our conversation spans stories of the Bible to Nicole’s own personal journey to how it is relevant for us as adoptive and foster parents today. We may not see the total impact of saying “yes” to this calling, but it can ripple through generations. Here are a few key takeaways:
You can learn more about Nicole on her website Here is her new book, It’s Never Wrong to Do the Right Thing: Courageous Stories to Inspire Godly Decisions Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| The Power Of A Praying Adoptive and Foster Parent | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:24:59 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! Thank you for joining me on the very first episode of Season 4! It is a privilege and gift from God to be able to share the practical, clinical, and Biblical information with you every week about adoption and foster care, which is a calling so near to our Father’s heart. In this episode, I am sharing with you the power and significance of praying for your child, whether they’re with you for a brief season or a long one, and a list of prayers you can use. Here are a few key takeaways:
In this episode, I also share some big and exciting news! I am working on a book! I have been working on a book based on my adoption journey for a few years now, so to finally partner with a publishing company to make this a reality is amazing. The book is coming in the Fall 2027, which seems far away but it will come before we know it. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| The Best of 2025 From Called to Love Season Three | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:34:26 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This is the end of season three. The team here at Called to Love are so grateful for you joining us every week to learn practical and Biblical tools and knowledge for adoption and foster care, a calling which is so reflective of God’s adoptive love for us. As we look forward to another year and a new season, we wanted to share with you the five top moments from 2025. #1 is from “Trusting God With What We Cannot Control: Waiting for Adoption” released on February 25th. The clip chosen is about how to wait with God for adoption. #2 is from “Tools for Self-Regulation, Anger Management and Coping Mechanisms” released on April 8th. The clip chosen is about helping regulate your child. Somer is joined by Kimberly Dubose. Kimberly is a Family Centered Therapy Clinical Caseworker with Connected Families. #3 is from “You're Not Too Late: Trusting God's Timing for Your Adoption Story” released on June 3rd. The clip chosen is about the challenge of trusting God’s timing. In this episode, Somer was joined by a special guest: Rebecca George, a dear friend, author, speaker, and host of the Radical Radiance podcast. #4 is from “Understanding Blocked Care with Lisa C. Qualls” released on March 25th. The clip chosen is about the result of high need care-giving. In this episode, Somer is joined with Lisa C. Qualls. Lisa is the proud mother of both biological and adopted children, twelve in fact, and is an accomplished author, speaker, and Enneagram coach with TBRI training. #5 is from “Adopted By God: The Spiritual Healing in Adoption & Foster Care” released on May 20th. The clip chosen is about parenting while being broken yourself. In this episode, Somer is joined by author and adoptive father, Matt Lambert. Matt and his wife live in the UK with their two adopted children. Please join us in a prayer over Called to Love, that it will continue to serve and reach families in need of support, encouragement and resources. You can email Somer your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. Somer would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you her monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Reflecting on 10 Years as Adoptive Parents - Part 2 | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:27:55 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This is the second part to my special episode where my husband, Corey, and I reflect on ten years as adoptive parents. We share stories from when God first placed this calling on our hearts, the messy beginnings to bringing our baby daughter home, the changes in our marriage, and how God always had a plan. Corey shares valuable insight from his perspective as the head of our household and a calming technique he uses in his practice as an occupational therapist. Corey says you will never be ready to say “yes” because there are simply too many question marks, so you have to take a leap of faith. He also encourages parents to equip themselves with two things while proceeding in this calling: wisdom and bravery. Here are a few key take aways:
Want to keep Christian Parenting going? The network is listener-supported! Consider giving an end-of-year gift that provides resources to Christian parents. Check out cpgive.org You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Reflecting on 10 Years as Adoptive Parents Part 1 | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:39:10 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This is a very special episode, split into two parts, where my husband Corey and I reflect on ten years as adoptive parents. We share stories from when God first placed this calling on our hearts, the messy beginnings to bringing our baby daughter home, the changes in our marriage, and how God always had a plan. Corey shares valuable insight from his perspective as the head of our household and a calming technique he uses in his practice as an occupational therapist. Corey says you will never be ready to say “yes” because there are simply too many question marks, so you have to take a leap of faith. He also encourages parents to equip themselves with two things while proceeding in this calling: wisdom and bravery. Here are a few key take aways:
Want to keep Christian Parenting going? The network is listener-supported! Consider giving an end-of-year gift that provides resources to Christian parents. Check out cpgive.org You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Hope for Weary Adoptive and Foster Parents | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:39:50 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, my special guest is the founder of The Mission Driven Mom and creator of the MDM Academy: Audrey Rindlisbacher. Audrey’s world was turned upside down when she, at the time a mother to four kids herself, decided to foster her cousin’s four children, ages ranging from twelve years old to newborn. In this conversation, we unpack her story, this incredible experience, and how God led her to utter faithfulness. Specifically, I ask Audrey how to cope with the weariness that comes from this calling. When Audrey was at her lowest point, she turned to God like she never had before and was completely changed. Audrey encourages moms to seek resources, fill their needs, and especially fulfill their spiritual needs like prayer. Here are a few key take aways:
Want to keep Christian Parenting going? The network is listener-supported! Consider giving an end-of-year gift that provides resources to Christian parents. Check out cpgive.org Check out Audrey’s amazing resources at https://www.themissiondrivenmom.com/ Listen to her podcast: click here Check out the Mission Driven Mom Academy: click here You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Fostering Medically Fragile Children | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:35:44 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, Jill Marier joins me on the podcast to discuss the need for fostering medically fragile children. Jill has a rather unique family, and in her words she says “we get stares.” They have a large household full of children that are adopted, biological, and fostering, many of them are medically fragile. Jill’s heart was moved to medically fragile kids after her biological son JoJo was born with cerebral palsy. He is non-verbal and confined to a wheelchair. Going through this experience, Jill’s heart broke for all the kids with these medical hardships without any parents or guardians to walk through it with them. They’re alone and often abandoned because of their medical needs. Not only did Jill and her husband begin to foster and adopt many of these children, and the need is so great, but they started a non-profit farm which has wheelchair accessibility. The farm is a safe space for parents to bring their medically fragile children to have fun with some animals. Together in our conversation, we unpack the fears surrounding foster care and adoption with medically fragile children: “I’m not qualified” or “I’ll be too attached” or “What if they die?” and more. These fears are lies from the enemy to keep you from following God’s calling. Jill and Somer do not shy away from the hard things but God is with you always. Here are a few key take aways:
You can check out Christian Parenting’s gift guide by clicking here. You can learn more about the Mad Hatter Farm on their website: https://www.madhatterfarm.org/ And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madhatterfarmandrescue You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Understanding Embryo Adoption | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:23:36 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am helping you better understand embryo adoption. IVF treatments have risen in popularity as desperate families seek to get pregnant, but the process comes at a great cost— and not just financially, but also emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually as families navigate what to do with excess embryos. Because the success rate is so small, facilities will create more embryos than a couple may necessarily want to carry and raise. There are a few options for these embryos: adoption (which I highlight) or termination or scientific experimentation. This is an extremely heavy decision for the parents to make. Embryo adoption is where an adoptive mother has the embryo placed inside her to carry to term, if successful. There are some factors to this adoption which are different from a traditional one: in utero bonding and potentially breastfeeding. (A newborn adoption could also involve breastfeeding, but it is a different process to achieve this.) Through this episode, I seek to make you aware of all the different factors of embryo adoption, what it is, and what is happening with so many families in the IVF process. There is plenty of controversy even in Christian circles on this topic and I seek to approach it with information and empathy. There are countless little lives frozen right now, waiting for homes. Here are a few key take aways:
You can check out Christian Parenting’s gift guide by clicking here. You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Encouragement for the Waiting Adoptive Parent | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:31:49 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by a joyful and light-filled author, speaker, and mom: Alice Matagora. Alice shares her story about a painful waiting process, depending on God’s promises. Inspired by this waiting journey, as a new mom Alice wrote the book, “You Are My Miracle”. All children are a miracle from God and this book helps us affirm this truth over our children. Through our conversation, we discuss the miracle it is to be a parent, to raise our kids, and the challenges of the waiting process till that child enters our life. Here are a few key take aways:
Connect more with Alice on Instagram and Facebook. Check out her website to learn more! Here is her book referenced in this episode, “You Are My Miracle” You can check out Christian Parenting’s gift guide by clicking here. You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| A Gospel Centered Look at Foster Care and Adoption | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:47:15 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by the amazing and inspiring Jamie Finn. Jamie is an author and busy mom to both biological and adopted children, and their family has been fostering for years. She is also the founder and president of Foster the Family, a national nonprofit that serves vulnerable children and the families welcoming them, as well as the founder of the Filled Gathering, the largest gathering of foster and adoptive moms in the world. Together, we discuss adopting children from foster care. There is a huge stigma against foster kids, being labeled as “problematic” and an underlying fear that you can’t handle their pain and trauma. There is also the fear of becoming attached to a foster child only for them to be reunified, even though reunification is the first priority of foster care. There are many more fears and apprehensions, so how do we face them as Christians, standing on God’s Word and His calling for us to care for “the least of these”? One big point is we are all called to love these kids, but that doesn’t mean everyone is called to adoption or fostering. You can start by supporting those who already are! This may be a small thing but it is huge to the families who desperately need this support and community. And if God does call you into this, you may find yourself with support and community because you served others. Another key point Jamie and I discuss is surrendering to God in this calling. You have no control over what happens and that may be scary but it strengthens your faith. There is also so much beauty in adoption because God has adopted us. Here are a few key takeaways:
Connect more with Jamie on Instagram or her website. Check out Jamie’s book: Foster the Family: Encouragement, Hope, and Practical Help for the Christian Foster Parent Check out Jamie’s new book for foster kids: God Loves Kids: A Gospel-Centered Book About Foster Care You can check out Christian Parenting’s gift guide by clicking here. You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| How to Afford Adoption | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:17:58 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by Leah Brandon Akannam and Brian Murphy from the Gift of Adoption Fund. One of the biggest things stopping people from pursuing adoption is the cost. Resources like the Gift of Adoption Fund are here to bridge the gap and take down this barrier to a child finding their home. We discuss the different ways the fund helps various circumstances from traditional adoption to kinship, foster-to-adopt, and even adult adoptees. Leah and Brian also share stories from the families impacted by this resource. Brian highlights that while their organization does a lot, there are plenty of funds out there as well, and the biggest thing is spreading awareness about these resources so children can find a home. Brian emphasizes that if this is something God has laid on your heart, He will ultimately provide the financial support you need to bring the child home–all you have to do is answer the call. Here are a few key takeaways:
The Gift of Adoption Fund website: https://giftofadoption.org/ You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| God is With You in This Calling | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:39:42 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by the founder of Finally Home: Kristin Orphan. Finally Home exists to walk alongside foster, adoptive, and kinship families with faith-rooted resources that bring hope, healing, and strength. They are a national non-profit that provide tools, courses, resources and community to families so they can find connection and confidence every day. Kristin was inspired to start Finally Home after her own adoption journey and being devastated by the calling. God called her and her family to this but that didn’t make it easy. There was a lot of sacrifice, heartache, and learning through her journey–in fact, the journey isn’t over even though her children are adults! In this conversation, we discuss how God brings encouragement when you’re discouraged or depressed. Here are a few key takeaways:
Learn more about Finally Home and access all their parenting courses and more at https://finallyhome.net/ Email and mention Called to Love so the team can connect with you: info@finallyhome.net You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Discussing the Mental Health of Our Adopted Kids | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:31:44 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by Hally Wells. Hally Wells is speaker, author, and mental health advocate. After struggling with infertility, Hally and her husband had their biological child, but following a miscarriage she felt God place adoption on her heart. She is now the mother of bio, step, and adopted children, and advocates for their mental health and the mental health of parents too. Hally discusses what things to look out for in our adopted and fostered kids, some of the warning signs, and unique struggles they may face with identity. We also discuss the need for support, resources, counseling, and strong communication with your children. Hally brings up that adoptive parents can also experience trauma which is why it is important to take care of yourself too, so you can be a calm, strong presence in your child’s life. Here are a few key takeaways:
Learn more about Hally Wells on her website here: https://www.hallyjwells.com/ The book Hally recommends, “The Anxious Generation” Another book she recommends, “The Deepest Well” You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| How to Prevent and Combat Gender Confusion in Children and Teens | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:39:52 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This week I am fan-girling out just a little bit because my special guest is Dr. Kathy Koch. Dr. Kathy has a PhD in reading and educational psychology from Purdue and is a former university professor now turned child advocate who founded Celebrate Kids. She has written several books, and her latest one (co-written with Dr. Jeff Myers) is called “Raising Gender-Confident Kids: Helping Kids Embrace Their God-Given Design”. This is the topic of our conversation, as many foster and adoptive parents may find their children especially vulnerable to the gender identity crisis. Together, we discuss how to be bold in our parenting while also pursuing connection, trust, and relationship-building. God has given us the task of stewarding these kids and we cannot shy away from this reality. At the same time, if your child is coming to you already in a gender-confused state, it is important to show them love, compassion, and build trust so perhaps they can tell you what’s really going on. Dr. Kathy gives us powerful information and practical tools to equip us for this reality we face as parents. Here are a few key takeaways:
Learn more about Dr. Kathy’s organization, Celebrate Kids: https://celebratekids.com/ Dr. Kathy recommends one of her books, “Five to Thrive” and her latest release which informed a lot of this episode: ”Raising Gender Confident Kids” You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| The Eternal Significance of Adoptive and Foster Parents | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:28:23 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This week I am joined with Bill High. Bill is the CEO of Legacy Stone and the author and co-author to many books. He is a counselor and public speaker, passionate about empowering families to leave a legacy for generations. In our conversation, we explore the importance of building a lasting family legacy through faith, family values, and purposeful living. Bill shares practical steps for families to create structure and stability, emphasizing the power of repetition in instilling values. We hope this offers encouragement for parents navigating the challenges of foster care and adoption. You're playing a vital role in shaping the next generation. Here are a few key takeaways:
Connect more with Bill High on his website or social media. And the website for Legacy Stone: https://legacystone.com/ Bill High’s new book: THE LEGACY LIFE: BOOK AND DEVOTIONAL - A Paradigm Shift that Will Help You Build Your Family for Generations to Come, Guided by Biblical Values. You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| The Truth About Complex Shame | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:34:31 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This week I am joined with Dr. Zoe Shaw. Dr. Zoe is a licensed psychotherapist, author, speaker and an expert on what she calls “Complex Shame”. She is also a busy mom of five kids, and actually part of her story is being a birth-mom. We talk a lot about being adoptive and foster parents, and this conversation gives us a small glimpse of a birth-mom’s experience. For Dr. Zoe, it was an experience filled with shame. This episode is all about unpacking that: shame. All of us experience shame to different degrees, in fact its origins can be seen in the first few chapters of Genesis, where Adam and Eve are ashamed and hide from God. That is how Dr. Zoe describes and differentiates shame and guilt: shame is when we hide. Shame can be destructive and impact our relationships. This is incredibly important for us to understand as parents, to navigate our own shame, and also to help us better understand our kids’ shame. Here are a few key takeaways:
Connect more with Dr. Zoe Shaw on her website or on instagram. You can also buy her new book, “Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame” Christian Parenting’s latest resource: Friday Favorites Newsletter You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Navigating the Challenges of Raising Children with Complex Needs | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:39:28 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This week I am joined with Daryl Potter. Daryl doesn’t have adopted or fostered children but he does have a miraculous daughter with complex medical needs and another biological son. Whether your kids are biological, adopted, or fostered, there are universal truths in parenting and along with it circumstances which take us to the brink of our capacity–physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual. In this episode specifically we are looking at the unique challenges of raising kids with complex medical needs. Daryl shares his personal experiences, insights, and advice for you if you’re in the trenches of that right now. This may be a calling on your life – to adopt or foster children with complex needs – or this is a circumstance out of your control in your biological children. Whatever the case may be, the grueling long nights in hospitals, the panic, the fear, the weight of it all can wear you down. This is why Daryl shares how mindfulness as found in Ecclesiastes is so powerful and a Biblical tool for managing it. Here are a few key takeaways:
Connect more with Daryl on his website or social media. You can also check out his books! He recommends your local library but you can also purchase wherever books are sold. The books he explicitly mentions are: “Something More: Living Well in a Broken World” and “Even the Monsters. Living with Grief, Loss, and Depression: A Journey through the Book of Job” Christian Parenting’s latest resource: Friday Favorites Newsletter You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| God Has A Plan for Every Child | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:21:25 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This week I am joined with an adult adoptee and new author, Emmanual Jean Russle. Emmanuel grew up in Haiti with his grandmother before being adopted into the United States. In our conversation, we briefly discuss his upbringing and transition to the states and then Emmanuel shares his passion for sharing this message: God has a plan for every child. Emmanuel also offers encouragement to adoptive families navigating their unique journeys. Here are a few key takeaways:
Connect more with Emmanuel on social media. Check out his book: “Hello! My Name is Emmanuel - An inspiring true story of adoption, celebrating new” Christian Parenting’s latest resource: Friday Favorites Newsletter You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| How Biofeedback Can Help Your Foster and Adopted Kids | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:44:48 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This week I am joined with Dana Hargrus, a mental health counselor with over twenty-five years of experience in trauma-informed care. We discuss the innovative approach of biofeedback in helping foster and adoptive parents navigate the challenges of caring for children from hard places. Dana shares her personal journey as a foster and adoptive parent, emphasizing the importance of connection and healthy attachment in mental health. The conversation highlights the need for alternative solutions to traditional medication and discipline methods, advocating for a more compassionate and understanding approach to parenting. Here are a few key takeaways:
Learn more about Dana’s practice Restore of Ada by calling 580-453-1076 or email them at contact@restoreofada.com or you can find their website https://restoreofada.com/about-restore Check out Dana’s resource, a brief podcast about trauma: Find it on Apple or Spotify. You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| BONUS: Praying for your kids this school year | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:12:05 | |
Hey friends, today we’ve got something special for you: a bonus episode straight from the Pardon the Mess podcast! Every Monday, host Courtney DeFeo shares a short prayer to help you lift up your kids. This year’s series follows Christian Parenting’s brand new prayer journal, A Great Cloud of Witnesses. Each week highlights a biblical hero of the faith, paired with Scripture-based prayers for your kids. Here is a sneak peek into week one: This first week is all about Noah—a man of incredible faith and obedience. While the world around him turned away from God, Noah walked in righteousness. Building the ark probably looked foolish to everyone else, but Noah trusted God’s word even when it didn’t make sense. That’s the kind of faith we want for our kids: to listen to God’s voice over any others and walk confidently with Him even when it means standing apart. If you love this episode and don’t have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, it’s not too late to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And don’t forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today Follow Pardon the Mess on Apple or Spotify Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org | |||
| Your Motherhood is NOT Wasted | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:32:29 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This week I am joined with Abby Halberstadt, who’s been on the show before. Abby is a busy mom of ten biological kids, homeschools all of them, builds houses with her husband, and works as a fitness instructor, but most importantly she is a woman firmly planted on a Biblical foundation. In this conversation, we unpack the myth she shares in her recent book “You Bet Your Stretchmarks” which is a myth that your motherhood is wasted. Even though Abby has biological kids, all of us as foster and adoptive moms have the scars of motherhood and often the mundane and thankless jobs of wiping bottoms, sleepless nights, and sweeping cheerios can make us ask, “Is this worth it?” Abby reminds us that our motherhoods are eternally significant and callings from God. Even if our acts of love are unthanked and unseen, those sacrifices have an immeasurable impact. Abby also walks us through some of the lies in our culture that prey upon moms and their identities. She strongly encourages us to find our contentment in God and not in comparing ourselves to others. Our culture, and the Enemy through it, are feeding lies to moms that they are alone and the motherhood experience is all negative. We know, however, through scripture that nothing is wasted. Here are a few key takeaways:
Learn more about Abby on her website and social media or buy her new book “You Bet Your Stretchmarks!” wherever you get your books, like Amazon. You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||
| Raising Godly Sons | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:35:17 | |
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This week I am joined with author and busy mom, friend of the show, Molly DeFrank! Molly is the proud mom of six kids, ages ranging from teenagers to young ones, both biological and adopted. Her family has also fostered children, and her two adopted kids came first from fostering. In this episode, we are talking specifically about raising Godly sons as we live in a world that is telling them their masculinity is toxic and they just need to sit still. Anyone with a little boy knows they have so much energy and can’t focus, and while this may be frustrating it is also how God made them. Molly wrote a book titled, “Mothering Boys: 8 Things Your Son Needs From You Before He Turns 10” which has inspired this conversation. Especially if you have children in your home who come from foster care, they may have negative relationships to masculinity, either from bad male role models, failed father figures, or even abuse. We have such an important role as parents to train up these kids, help shape and root their identity in God, and establish their worldview. Let’s talk about the practical ways we can help them be empowered young men for Christ! Here are a few key takeaways:
Learn more about Molly on her website or connect with her on social media! Interested in her book? Click here to learn more! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! | |||