Fostering Change with Rob Scheer
Hosted by Comfort Cases founder Rob Scheer, this inspiring podcast shares powerful stories of resilience, compassion, and community. Each week, Rob sits down with guests who are making a difference in the foster care system — from former foster youth and foster parents to advocates, authors, and celebrities whose lives have been touched by foster care.
With warmth, humor, and heart, Rob leads conversations that remind us all how dignity, hope, and love can change a child’s life forever. 💙
Have a story to share or a question for Rob?
📧 Email: info@comfortcases.org
Follow us on social media: @comfortcases
Learn more at comfortcases.org
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Somewhat Familiar: Redefining Family, Foster Care, and Belonging with Pedro Andrade
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 • Duration 33:59
As we conclude our Best of Fostering Change series, we revisit one of our favorite conversations from Season 7 with Emmy Award-winning journalist and producer Pedro Andrade.
Pedro is the creator and host of the HBO Max documentary series Somewhat Familiar, which follows his and his husband's journey to parenthood while exploring the many ways families are formed around the world.
One episode of the series holds special meaning for the Fostering Change community. Pedro featured Rob Scheer and the Scheer family, sharing an honest and heartfelt look at foster care, adoption, and what permanency can look like in real life.
In this conversation, Rob and Pedro continue that discussion, exploring how storytelling can broaden our understanding of family, elevate the voices of children in foster care, and inspire more compassionate conversations about belonging.
Conversation Highlights
How storytelling can reshape our understanding of family and belonging
Why foster care deserves a place in global conversations about family
Pedro's journey to parenthood through adoption
The impact of featuring the Scheer family in Somewhat Familiar
The role documentaries and media can play in reducing stigma and inspiring change
Looking Ahead
Thank you for joining us throughout our Best of Fostering Change summer series.
Next week, we begin an exciting new chapter.
Season 8 premieres with the same meaningful conversations, inspiring guests, and commitment to children and families, but under a brand-new name:
Comfort Cases UnPacked
We'll continue exploring the issues surrounding foster care while also unpacking the stories, challenges, solutions, and conversations that matter most.
We hope you'll join us as we begin this exciting new season!
Connect with Pedro Andrade
Instagram: @pedroandradeTV
Series: Somewhat Familiar with Pedro Andrade (HBO Max)
Thank You for Listening
If you've enjoyed these conversations, please follow, like, comment, and share the podcast. Your support helps us grow our audience and bring these important stories to more people.
From all of us at Fostering Change, thank you for listening, for sharing this journey with us through seven incredible seasons, and for believing that every child deserves dignity, belonging, and hope.
We'll see you next week for the premiere of Comfort Cases UnPacked.
A Soft Place to Land: How Isaiah 117 House Is Transforming Removal Day for Children in Crisis
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 • Duration 29:23
With just two episodes remaining in our Best of Fostering Change series, we’re revisiting one of the most moving conversations from Season 7.
Rob sits down with Lindsay Lendyak, South Carolina State Director for Isaiah 117 House, an organization transforming one of the most traumatic moments in a child’s life: the day they enter foster care.
Rather than spending hours in a government office while caseworkers search for a placement, children are welcomed into a warm, home-like environment. There, they can enjoy a meal, receive clean clothes, play, rest, and simply be children.
It’s a model built on dignity, compassion, and the belief that a child’s first hours in foster care shouldn’t add to their trauma.
Conversation Highlights
* What “Removal Day” is really like for children entering foster care
* How Isaiah 117 House replaces fear and uncertainty with comfort, stability, and hope
* The critical role trauma-informed volunteers play during a child’s first hours in care
* Why supporting caseworkers and foster families strengthens the entire child welfare system
* How Isaiah 117 House continues to expand its impact through community partnerships
Looking Ahead
There’s just one more Best of Fostering Change episode before we begin an exciting new chapter.
This fall, we’ll return with Season 8 under our new podcast name:
Comfort Cases UnPacked
Same mission. Same meaningful conversations. A new name that better reflects our commitment to unpacking the issues, challenges, and solutions surrounding foster care and child welfare.
We can’t wait for you to join us for this next chapter!
Connect with Isaiah 117 House
Website: isaiah117house.comYork County Facebook: facebook.com/isaiah117houseyorkcoscYork County Instagram: instagram.com/isaiah117houseyorkcoscYork County Linktree: linktr.ee/isaiah117houseyorkcoscGreenville County Linktree: linktr.ee/isaiah117housegreenvillescHorry County Linktree: linktr.ee/isaiah117househorrycosc
Thank You for Listening
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, like, comment, and share Fostering Change. Your support helps us reach more people and continue these important conversations about foster care, adoption, and child welfare.
Join us next week for our final Best of Fostering Change episode before we return this fall as Comfort Cases UnPacked.
Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.
Turning Tassels, Changing Futures: How Shanté Elliott Is Redefining Education for Youth in Foster Care
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 • Duration 25:04
Our Best of Fostering Change series continues with an inspiring conversation that reminds us of the life-changing power of education.
Rob sits down with Shanté Elliott—a former foster youth, learning scientist, social entrepreneur, and founder of TasselTurn, an innovative organization helping foster and housing-insecure students graduate from high school and successfully transition into adulthood.
What began with a $300 grant has grown into a nationally recognized platform that combines mentorship, coaching, technology, and milestone-based incentives to help young people realize their potential. Through her own lived experience and groundbreaking research, Shanté is proving that when we invest in young people—and redesign systems to support them—extraordinary things can happen.
The educational barriers many foster and housing-insecure youth face
How TasselTurn is helping students stay engaged and reach graduation
Why technology can be a powerful tool for creating opportunity and accountability
How Shanté's own foster care journey inspired her life's work
The importance of believing in young people's potential—and building systems that help them succeed
We're now halfway through August, with just three more "Best of Fostering Change" episodes before we launch Season 8 this fall.
When we return, you'll hear the same meaningful conversations and inspiring guests—but under our new podcast name: Comfort Cases UnPacked. We can't wait to share this exciting next chapter with you!
Website: https://www.tasselturn.org
Instagram: @tasselturn
LinkedIn: TasselTurn
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to like, follow, comment, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more people, elevate important conversations, and advocate for children and families experiencing foster care.
Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.
Conversation HighlightsLooking AheadConnect with Shanté Elliott & Tassel Turn Thank You for Listening
Love Does Not Conquer All: Peter Mutabazi on the Truth About Foster Care, Parenting, and Hope
Season 7 · Episode 47
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 • Duration 32:31
As August begins, our Best of Fostering Change series continues with one of Season 7’s most popular and heartfelt conversations.
Rob welcomes back his good friend Peter Mutabazi—author, speaker, foster and adoptive father, and founder of Now I Am Known. Known to many as the “Foster Dad Flipper,” Peter has welcomed more than 40 children into his home and adopted three.
In this powerful conversation, Peter discusses his book, Love Does Not Conquer All, and shares an honest look at foster parenting and the deep commitment required to help children heal from trauma. He reminds us that while love is essential, healing also requires patience, consistency, trust, and the willingness to keep showing up—day after day.
Episode Highlights
• Why love alone isn’t enough—and what children in foster care truly need to heal
• How practical life skills can help children build confidence and independence
• The importance of every child having at least one trusted adult in their corner
• Why families should receive support before children enter foster care
• Navigating the heartbreak of saying goodbye—and maintaining meaningful relationships afterward
Looking Ahead
Only four more Best of Fostering Change episodes remain before we launch Season 8 this fall under our new name: Comfort Cases UnPacked.
You can expect the same meaningful conversations, inspiring guests, and unwavering commitment to children and families—now entering an exciting new chapter. We can’t wait to share it with you!
Connect with Peter Mutabazi
Website: https://petermutabazi.com
Organization: Now I Am Known
Book: Love Does Not Conquer All, available wherever books are sold
Facebook: Peter Mutabazi
Instagram: @fosterdadflipper
Thank You for Listening
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, follow, comment, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more people, raise awareness, and continue these important conversations about foster care, adoption, and child welfare.
Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Breaking the Silence: Menstrual Health, Dignity, and the Power of Partnership with Yvonne Patron
Season 7 · Episode 46
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 • Duration 25:23
As our Best of Fostering Change series continues, we're revisiting an important conversation about a topic that's too often overlooked—but can have a profound impact on girls experiencing foster care.
Rob is joined by Yvonne Esipila Patron, Co-Founder and CEO of the PATESI Foundation, a global nonprofit working to end menstrual and postpartum poverty through education, access, and empowerment.
This episode also highlights the meaningful partnership between Comfort Cases and the PATESI Foundation. Through this collaboration, every Comfort Cases backpack distributed to girls ages 11 and older includes an emergency menstrual kit, helping ensure that no girl has to face menstruation without the basic products, dignity, and confidence she deserves.
Conversation Highlights
Why menstrual poverty remains an overlooked global issue
The unique challenges girls in foster care face during times of transition
How the Comfort Cases and PATESI partnership is making a tangible difference
Why postpartum poverty deserves greater awareness
The important role men and boys play in breaking stigma and supporting lasting change
Looking Ahead
There's much more to come.
This fall, we'll return with all-new episodes featuring inspiring guests and meaningful conversations—along with a new name for the podcast, which we'll announce very soon. Same mission. Same commitment to children and families. An exciting new chapter begins this September.
Connect with the PATESI Foundation
Website: https://www.patesifoundation.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patesifoundation
Instagram: @patesifoundation
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From Foster Care to Family Law: Susan Chesnutt on Justice, Healing, and Child Welfare
Season 7 · Episode 45
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 • Duration 31:54
Our Best of Fostering Change series continues with an unforgettable conversation featuring Susan Chesnutt—a family law attorney, former child abuse investigator, and former foster youth whose life has come full circle through advocacy and service.
Susan has experienced the child welfare system from nearly every perspective. Raised in foster care herself, she later investigated child abuse cases for Florida's Department of Children and Families before earning her law degree and dedicating her legal career to representing children and families. Today, through The Chesnutt Law Firm and her podcast, From Foster Care to Family Law, she works to make the child welfare system more compassionate, transparent, and effective.
Conversation Highlights
How Susan's own foster care experience shaped her career in child welfare law
What really happens during a child protective services investigation—and what families should know
Why empathy and trauma-informed advocacy are essential in family law
The importance of protecting both children's safety and families' rights
Susan's vision for a child welfare system rooted in compassion, accountability, and healing
Looking Ahead
We're enjoying revisiting these memorable conversations throughout the summer, but there's even more ahead.
This fall, we'll return with all-new episodes featuring inspiring guests and important conversations—under a new podcast name we'll announce very soon. We can't wait to share what's next, so stay tuned!
Connect with Susan Chesnutt
Website: https://thechesnuttlawfirm.com
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From Trauma to Triumph: Dr. Danisha Keating's Journey of Foster Care, Healing, and Hope
Season 7 · Episode 44
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 33:49
This week's Best of Fostering Change episode brings back one of our most powerful and personal conversations from Season 7.
We look back to September, at Rob's powerful conversation with Dr. Danisha Keating—author, speaker, educator, and former foster youth whose remarkable journey is one of resilience, healing, and hope.
At just 16 years old, Danisha was removed from her home, separated from her eight siblings, and given just five minutes to pack her belongings into a trash bag. Rather than allowing that moment to define her, she reclaimed her story—eventually earning her Ph.D., becoming the guardian of five of her younger siblings, and dedicating her life to helping others heal from trauma and find their own voice.
Conversation Highlights
Dr. Keating's journey from foster care to earning her Ph.D.
Healing from trauma and learning to reclaim your own story
The importance of finding your voice while honoring the stories of others
The challenges foster youth face in navigating systems that often tell their story for them
Why education became the foundation for hope, healing, and opportunity
Looking Ahead
All-new episodes return this fall with more inspiring guests and meaningful conversations.
While our mission remains the same, the podcast will soon have a new name that better reflects where we're headed. We'll be announcing all the details in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
Connect with Dr. Danisha Keating
Website: https://danishakeating.com
Instagram: @drdanishakeating
Facebook: Danisha Keating
YouTube: The Dr. Danisha Keating Show
TikTok: @drdanishakeating
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From Foster Care to a Billion-Dollar Brand: Carolyn Aronson's Journey of Resilience and Reinvention
Season 7 · Episode 43
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 • Duration 27:07
Throughout July and August, we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations from Season 7 as part of our Best of Fostering Change series.
This week's featured episode originally aired during the 2025 holiday season and showcases an extraordinary story of resilience, determination, and reinvention.
Carolyn Aronson, founder and CEO of It's A 10 Haircare, shares her remarkable journey from experiencing foster care as a child to building one of the world's most successful beauty brands. Today, It's A 10 Haircare is a global company valued at more than $1 billion, with products sold in more than 130 countries.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Carolyn is a passionate philanthropist whose work supports youth, foster care organizations, LGBTQ+ initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and workforce development. Her story is a powerful reminder that our past does not define our future—and that success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by how we lift others along the way.
Conversation Highlights
Carolyn's journey from foster care to founding a billion-dollar global company
Building It's A 10 Haircare through authenticity, perseverance, and innovation
How her childhood experiences shaped her leadership and philanthropy
The importance of giving back and creating opportunities for others
Lessons on resilience, entrepreneurship, and believing in yourself
Looking Ahead
All-new episodes will return this fall with more inspiring guests and meaningful conversations.
While the mission remains the same, the podcast will soon have a new name that better reflects where we're headed. We'll be announcing all the details in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
Connect with Carolyn Aronson
Website: https://www.itsa10haircare.com
Instagram: @itsa10ceo
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Listening First: Bridging Policy, Community, and Youth in Foster Care Support with Kym Renner
Season 7 · Episode 42
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 • Duration 23:46
As we wrap up Season 7 of *Fostering Change*, we’re joined by Kym Renner, President and CEO of the RennerVation Foundation and a longtime leader in child welfare and public service.
With more than 25 years of experience in Los Angeles County’s child welfare system, Kym brings a powerful perspective at the intersection of public policy, foster care, and community-based support. Alongside her brother, Jeremy Renner, she co-founded the RennerVation Foundation to create opportunities and meaningful support for foster and at-risk youth throughout Nevada.
This conversation is especially meaningful for Comfort Cases. Earlier this year, we partnered with the RennerVation Foundation for a Packing Party and community event in Lake Tahoe. Later this summer, Rob will spend time at Camp RennerVation meeting directly with campers and hearing about their experiences in foster care.
Together, these moments reinforce a simple truth: the best solutions begin by listening to young people themselves.
Conversation Highlights:
Why foster youth must have a voice in shaping the programs designed to support them
How public systems and community organizations can work together to create better outcomes
The impact of Camp RennerVation and the Foundation’s Pave Your Way program
Building meaningful support that feels accessible, welcoming, and relevant to young people
Why collaboration between nonprofits can create lasting change for youth in foster care
A Special Season Finale Message:
This episode marks the conclusion of Season 7 of *Fostering Change*.
Beginning next week and continuing throughout the summer, we’ll be revisiting some of our favorite conversations from this past season in a special “Best Of” series.
We’ll also be releasing our special six-part investigative series:
*The F Word: America’s Foster Care Crisis*
This limited series takes an honest look at some of the biggest challenges facing child welfare today while highlighting real solutions and practical ideas for reform. Featuring former foster youth, advocates, attorneys, policymakers, and frontline professionals, *The F Word* explores where the system is falling short and what we can do to help fix it.
Finally, we’re excited to announce that when we return with brand-new episodes in September, the podcast will have a new name:
*Comfort Cases UnPacked*
Same mission. Same meaningful conversations. Same commitment to children and families.
Just a new name that better reflects what we’ve always done: unpacking the issues, challenges, and solutions surrounding foster care and child welfare.
We can’t wait to share Season 8 with you.
Learn More:
Website: https://www.rennervationfoundation.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rennervationfoundation
Instagram: @officialrennervationfoundation
TikTok: @officialrvfoundation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rennervationfoundation/posts/
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Foster Dad: The Power of Showing Up with Corey McKinney
Season 7 · Episode 41
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 • Duration 18:37
Last week, we celebrated Father's Day with a special conversation between Rob and his son, Tristan. This week, we're continuing that theme with a powerful discussion about what it means to show up for young people who need someone in their corner.
Rob is joined by Corey McKinney, a speaker, mentor, author, and former foster parent whose life has been dedicated to helping young people navigate some of life's toughest challenges.
Through his work with the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program and other youth-focused initiatives, Corey has spent more than three decades encouraging young people to overcome obstacles, believe in themselves, and build brighter futures. But some of his most meaningful lessons came through foster parenting.
In his book Foster Dad, Corey shares the joys, challenges, heartbreaks, and unexpected rewards of opening your home to a child in need. More importantly, he shares what can happen when a young person experiences consistency, encouragement, and unconditional support.
This is a conversation about mentorship, fatherhood, foster care, and the life-changing impact of simply being present.
Conversation Highlights
What inspired Corey to become a foster parent
The experiences that led him to write Foster Dad
The joys and challenges of opening your home to youth in foster care
Why attachment and connection are worth the risk
The importance of consistency and showing up for young people
How mentoring and foster parenting often intersect
Remaining connected to former foster youth long after placement ends
Why positive adult relationships can change the trajectory of a young person's life
About Corey McKinney
Corey McKinney is a professional speaker, mentor, author, and former foster parent dedicated to helping young people overcome gun violence, bullying, and peer pressure. A former Division I basketball player and longtime mentor with the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program, Corey has spent more than 35 years working with youth. He is the author of Coach Daryl's Colts and Foster Dad, inspired by his experiences as both a mentor and foster parent.
Why This Episode Matters
One of the most common questions prospective foster parents ask is: "What if I get attached?"
Corey's answer is simple: that's the point.
Children and youth in foster care need adults who are willing to invest in them, encourage them, and remain present through both good and difficult moments.
This conversation reminds us that foster parenting is not about being perfect. It's about being available. It's about showing up consistently and creating relationships that can last long after a placement ends.
Whether you're a foster parent, mentor, coach, teacher, or simply someone who cares about young people, Corey's story demonstrates the profound difference one committed adult can make.
🎧 Thank you for listening to Fostering Change. Join us next week for another conversation focused on creating brighter futures for youth experiencing foster care.
Connect with Corey McKinney
Website: www.coreymckinney.net
Facebook: CoreyMcKinney
Instagram: @TheCoreyMcKinney
TikTok: @TheCoreyMcKinney
LinkedIn: Corey McKinney
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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