Unraveling Adoption – Details, episodes & analysis

"I didn't realize how strong I was until, you know, I got into therapy and started to understand all the things that I've overcome." - Ron Jenkins

Read the transcript of this episode here: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JFJJKB7XP00HAV5P6H6ETQGJ

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the privilege of speaking with Ron Jenkins, a remarkable individual whose journey through the complexities of foster care and adoption is both harrowing and inspiring. Ron's story begins with the tragic loss of his mother as a young child, leading him and his siblings into the foster care system. He was eventually adopted by a woman who, rather than providing a safe haven, exploited the system for drug money, resulting in a chaotic and violent environment.

Ron candidly shares the trauma he experienced, including the loss of several brothers to violence and the pervasive fear that defined his childhood. Despite these challenges, he made a conscious decision to steer clear of gangs and drugs, ultimately finding a mentor who changed the trajectory of his life. This mentor not only provided guidance but also became a father figure, helping Ron navigate his way to a football scholarship at Fresno State University.

Throughout our conversation, Ron emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, therapy, and the need to break the cycle of trauma. He encourages listeners, especially men, to seek help and recognize that they deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. Ron's journey of healing and his commitment to helping at-risk youth through mentorship and advocacy work is truly inspiring.

We also touched on the impact of sexual abuse in Ron's life and how it shaped his relationships. He highlights the importance of addressing these issues through therapy, which has been instrumental in his healing process.

As we wrapped up, Ron shared exciting news about a movie being made about his life, and he invited anyone interested in supporting this project to reach out. This episode is a powerful reminder of resilience, the importance of community, and the potential for transformation, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. I hope Ron's story resonates with you and inspires you to seek help, advocate for yourself, and support others in their journeys.

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📘Get our new book Adoption and Suicidality: amazon.com/Adoption-Suicidality-Healthcare-Professionals-Unraveling/dp/B0DCBCTSLL

📆 Community Calendar: UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar

✨Healing the Adoption Constellation database: UnravelingAdoption.com/Healing

💌Sign up for our Unraveling Adoption email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX 

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RESOURCES:

Ron’s information:

• Ron’s email: rongolf6807@gmail.com

• Documentary coming 2025-2026 - email Ron to find out how best to support that project

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

• Celia Center, led by Jeanette Yoffe: https://celiacenter.org/

• Runaway Girl: Escaping Life on the Streets by Carissa Phelps: https://www.amazon.com/Runaway-Girl-Escaping-Life-Streets/dp/0143123335

• Carissa’s nonprofit organization’s website: https://runawaygirl.com/

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Email questions or comments to Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: http://Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

Check out our website: http://UnravelingAdoption.com

Create your own podcast through Libsyn: https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=ADOPTION

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Please rate (*****) and/or review Unraveling Adoption in Apple Podcasts and Spotify (even if you listen to it on another app). Your feedback will help more listeners find our episodes. Thank you!

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00:00 - Introduction
Welcome to Unraveling Adoption with host Beth Syverson and guest Ron Jenkins.

00:01:43 - Ron’s Adoption Story
Ron shares his early experiences in foster care and adoption.

00:02:21 - Foster Care Challenges
Discussion of difficulties faced due to his adoptive mother's drug use.

00:03:57 - Violence and Trauma
Recounting violent incidents and trauma in his childhood.

00:06:36 - Avoiding Gangs
Ron discusses his choices to stay away from gang involvement.

00:10:07 - Loss of a Brother
Heartbreaking story of his brother's murder and its impact.

00:12:39 - Self-Advocacy
Ron reflects on learning to advocate for himself.

00:14:23 - Mentorship
Introduction of Mr. Burnett, a key mentor in Ron's life.

00:16:30 - Impact of Sports
How sports provided structure and discipline.

00:20:08 - Helping Youth
Ron talks about his work with at-risk youth.

00:22:43 - Trust and Self-Advocacy
The importance of learning to trust and advocate for oneself.

00:25:04 - Value of Therapy
Emphasizing therapy's role in healing from trauma.

00:28:05 - Sexual Abuse Experiences
Ron shares his experiences with sexual abuse.

00:33:16 - Relationship Patterns
How past abuse influenced his adult relationships.

00:36:10 - Breaking the Cycle
The importance of addressing abusive patterns.

00:38:49 - Healing and Strength
Reflections on healing through faith and therapy.

00:39:39 - Book Recommendation
Ron recommends "Runaway Girl" for inspiration.

00:40:52 - Movie Project
News about a movie being made about Ron's life.

00:42:17 - Closing Remarks
Beth thanks Ron and encourages listeners to connect with resources.

"I use the language of supply and demand because this is a market-based system and it's uncomfortable for a lot of people, right? Because you're talking about a supply and demand of human beings." -- Gretchen Sisson

Read the transcript here: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JESZ6VPKJMRTMRHX6ZMBHDB7

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Gretchen Sisson, the author of the acclaimed book Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood. Gretchen's work stems from a decade-long qualitative sociological study that delves into the experiences of relinquishing mothers and critiques the American adoption system.

We discussed her journey into this research, which began while she was working with pregnant and parenting young people in Boston. Gretchen highlighted the stigmatization of young motherhood and the disconnect between societal narratives and the lived experiences of these women. Her research emphasizes the complexities of adoption, particularly how it intersects with issues of reproductive health and justice.

Gretchen shared insights from her book, revealing that the majority of women who are denied access to abortion end up parenting their children, with only a small percentage choosing adoption. This led to a discussion about the implications of the recent Dobbs decision and its potential impact on adoption rates, as well as the troubling commodification of children within the adoption system.

Throughout our conversation, we explored the reactions to her book from both the adoption community and the broader public. While many adoptees have resonated with her work, some adoptive parents have expressed defensiveness. We emphasized the importance of listening to adoptees and understanding the systemic issues surrounding adoption.

Gretchen also touched on the need for better support systems for both adoptive parents and adoptees, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of family structures and the complexities of parenting. We concluded with a call to action for listeners to engage with the voices of adoptees and to consider the broader implications of adoption in our society.

I encourage everyone to check out Gretchen's book, available in various formats, and to connect with her on social media. Thank you for joining us in this important conversation about adoption and its many layers.

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📘Get our new book Adoption and Suicidality: amazon.com/Adoption-Suicidality-Healthcare-Professionals-Unraveling/dp/B0DCBCTSLL

📆 Community Calendar: UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar

✨Healing the Adoption Constellation database: UnravelingAdoption.com/Healing

💌Sign up for our Unraveling Adoption email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX

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RESOURCES:

Gretchen’s information:

• Pick up Gretchen’s amazing book Relinquished: https://www.amazon.com/Relinquished-Politics-Adoption-Privilege-Motherhood/dp/1250286778

• Find Gretchen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretchen.sisson/

Other book mentioned in this episode:

• The Primal Wound by Nancy Verrier: https://www.amazon.com/Primal-Wound-Understanding-Adopted-Child/dp/0963648004

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Email questions or comments to Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: http://Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

Check out our website: http://UnravelingAdoption.com

Create your own podcast through Libsyn: https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=ADOPTION

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Please rate (*****) and/or review Unraveling Adoption in Apple Podcasts and Spotify (even if you listen to it on another app). Your feedback will help more listeners find our episodes. Thank you!

===============

TIME STAMPS:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Unraveling Adoption
00:00:44 - Introducing Gretchen Sisson
00:01:41 - Gretchen's Research Journey
00:02:53 - Understanding Sociology
00:04:10 - Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research
00:05:36 - Impactful Stories in Adoption
00:06:40 - Response to Gretchen's Book
00:07:53 - Abortion and Adoption Dynamics
00:09:03 - Post-Dobbs Adoption Trends
00:10:55 - The Supply and Demand of Adoption
00:12:49 - Financial Aspects of Adoption
00:13:28 - Redirecting Adoption Funds
00:14:55 - Birth Mothers' Financial Needs
00:16:15 - Adoptee Perspectives on Adoption
00:17:37 - Adoptive Parents' Reactions
00:19:53 - Complexities of Adoption
00:22:06 - Supporting Adoptive Families
00:23:39 - Infertility and Adoption
00:25:23 - Broader Perspectives on Parenthood
00:27:39 - Listening to Adoptees
00:29:35 - Final Thoughts and Takeaways
00:31:09 - Where to Find Gretchen's Work
00:31:49 - Upcoming Events from Unraveling Adoption
00:33:05 - Closing Remarks

"I think my mom does a great job addressing this in the book, but open adoption is not without its challenges." - Belle Sexton

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the honor of speaking with Linda R. Sexton, an adoptive mom and author, and her 25-year-old daughter, Belle. This marks our first mother-daughter duo on the podcast, offering a unique perspective on open adoption.

Linda R. Sexton is an author, speaker and blogger. She is an adoptive mom of two children, both in open arrangements, and is the author of the award-winning book, The Branches We Cherish: An Open Adoption Memoir. The story is told with frank honesty about the grief and joys of open adoption. Linda includes the voices of all four birth parents, birth grandmothers and her adopted children. She has seen first hand how an adopted child can benefit greatly by knowing and connecting with birth parents and other members of their biological family. Visit her website lindarsexton.com to learn more.

In our episode, Belle shared her adoption story, highlighting her early life in Texas and the open adoption plan created by her young birth parents. She emphasized the importance of knowing her birth family, which helped her navigate her identity as an adoptee. Linda reflected on the emotional journey of waiting for Belle's birth and the profound moment when Belle's birth mother handed her over in a hospital ceremony.

We discussed the complexities of open adoption, including Belle's feelings of adoptee's guilt and the importance of maintaining connections with birth families. Both emphasized that while open adoption can be challenging, it is a better option when compared to closed adoptions.

For those of you who enjoyed this podcast and wish to know more, The Branches We Cherish: An Open Adoption Memoir is available on Amazon or can be purchased from your favorite bookseller. There are several families involved in the story and most of the names have been changed to protect privacy. (Since you now know Belle, she is Sofie in the book.) 

This episode beautifully illustrates the complexities and joys of adoption, and I hope it resonates with those on similar journeys. 

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📘Get our new book Adoption and Suicidality: amazon.com/Adoption-Suicidality-Healthcare-Professionals-Unraveling/dp/B0DCBCTSLL

📆 Community Calendar: UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar

✨Healing the Adoption Constellation database: UnravelingAdoption.com/Healing

💌Sign up for our Unraveling Adoption email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX

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RESOURCES:

Linda & Belle’s information:

• Pick up Linda’s book The Branches We Cherish: An Open Adoption Memoir: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+branches+we+cherish+linda+sexton&crid=3UANIFD0F97FF&sprefix=the+branches+we+%25

• Or pick it up at an independent bookstore if you prefer: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-branches-we-cherish-an-open-adoption-memoir-linda-r-sexton/20200003

• Explore Linda’s website: https://www.lindarsexton.com/

• If you want to reach Belle, email Linda through her website, and she will get your message to Belle 

Other Resources:

• APtitude Support Group for Adoptive Parents Facing Adoption’s Challenges: http://UnravelingAdoption.com/APtitude

• Other Parents Like Me - http://oplm.com

• Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents who have a child struggling with addiction: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Email questions or comments to Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: http://Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

Check out our website: http://UnravelingAdoption.com

Create your own podcast through Libsyn: https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=ADOPTION

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TIME STAMPS

00:00:00 - Introduction to Unraveling Adoption
Welcome to the podcast and introduction of hosts and guests.

00:01:26 - Belle's Adoption Story
Belle shares her background and experiences with her birth parents.

00:03:15 - Terminology in Adoption
Discussion on the vocabulary used to describe adoptive and birth parents.

00:04:16 - Linda's Perspective on the Adoption Process
Linda reflects on the emotional journey of adopting Belle.

00:06:06 - The Ceremony of Relinquishment
Linda describes the emotional moment of receiving Belle from her birth mother.

00:08:09 - Memories and Keepsakes
Belle shares about the memorabilia from her birth family.

00:10:12 - Challenges in Open Adoption
Discussion on the complexities and challenges faced in open adoption.

00:12:25 - Understanding Birth Parents' Choices
Belle reflects on her birth parents' decision-making process.

00:15:46 - Adoptee's Guilt
Belle discusses feelings of guilt and the impact of her adoption experience.

00:19:03 - Navigating Relationships with Birth Parents
Belle talks about her relationship dynamics with her birth parents.

00:20:52 - The Impact of Writing the Memoir
Linda and Belle discuss the process and effects of writing the memoir together.

00:26:02 - Final Thoughts on Open Adoption
Belle and Linda share their concluding thoughts on the benefits and challenges of open adoption.

00:28:49 - Connecting with the Audience
Linda provides information on how to reach her and access her resources.

In this week’s Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Ann Weaver Melendy from Oregon, a baby scoop era adoptee who was taught by her adoptive family to not speak about her adoption and to not ask questions. Well that backfired big time, because not only is she now sharing her story on this public podcast and elsewhere, but she is also an adoptee rights advocate. Ann is particularly bothered that adoptees’ vital records often don’t include the true data about their birthdate, birth parents, and more. She has fought for her own birth certificate to list the correct information - and she won! Her ingenious approach to adoptees’ rights will inspire other adoptees to fight for their own corrected documents.

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💌 Sign up for our Safe Home Families email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX

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RESOURCES:

Ann’s information:

• Ann’s bipartisan bill SB573 going through the Oregon legislature in 2023, sponsored by Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin [D] and Sen. Brian Boquist [R] (The public is welcome to comment on the bill at this link): https://legiscan.com/OR/bill/SB573/2023?fbclid=IwAR2Z_8_LD_BgX2-8qx12haoASLXUzMNN7UC5E1OSR7ViX1CH8QAQwvCUrQ0    
• KATU news segment video with Ann and her dad after their reunion: https://katu.com/news/local/salem-woman-finds-father-through-dna-test
• Find Ann on Facebook as Ann Weaver Melendy. If writing a note to her on Facebook Messenger, make sure ADOPTION Is the first word.

Other Resources:

• Other Parents Like Me -  https://www.facebook.com/other.parents.like.me
• Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents of Addicted Teens: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/
• Find a Tele-Therapist: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/online-counseling

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Email questions or comments to Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

www.UnravelingAdoption.com    

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TIME STAMPS:

   1:30 Ann’s childhood and basic adoption story

   2:46 When’s her birthday? A complicated question!

   5:55 Why her birth certificate lists the wrong birth date

   9:07 Meeting her birth father

14:14 Synchronicities of genetics

15:25 Original Birth Certificate (OBC) and other types of birth certificates

19:24 Birth certificate as receipt

22:56 How the LGBTQ+ community benefited Ann and other adoptees in Oregon with the tri-party adoption bill

29:13 How Ann’s new bill differs from the tri-party adoption law 

31:14 Why is it so important for adoptees to have the correct information on their birth certificate?

33:00 Is Ann available to help other adoptees navigate vital records?

In this week’s Unraveling Adoption podcast (formerly Safe Home Podcast), Beth talks with Alex Baquero, a 31yo from Philadelphia who was adopted at 6 months old from Colombia. His adoptive parents are white, and he started reuniting with his birth family 12 years ago. He shares his adoption story and his complicated reunion story, plus he lets us know what tools have helped him along the way. 

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💌 Sign up for our Unraveling Adoption's email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX

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RESOURCES:

Alex’s information:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindmentorllc/
• Voices of the Adopted podcast episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1518016505 ===

Other Resources:

• Other Parents Like Me -  https://www.facebook.com/other.parents.like.me
• Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents of Addicted Teens: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/
• Find a Tele-Therapist: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/online-counseling

===============

Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Email questions or comments to Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

www.UnravelingAdoption.com    

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TIME STAMPS:

   1:33 Alex’s adoption story as a child

   5:15 Both extremes are invalidating to adoptees

  6:46 Growing up Colombian in a white family and white suburbia

  8:02 Alex’s initial search for his birth family

10:30 How adoptive parents often get in the way of adoptees’ healing and reunion

16:10 Reuniting with his Scandinavian sisters

19:24 How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has helped Alex

21:30 How Alex got connected with his birth mother in Colombia

24:22 The complexities of traveling in Colombia

25:35 How Covid added to the complexity of reunion with his mother

28:25 Meeting Alex’s father’s side of the family, unexpectedly 

31:10 How Alex managed his emotions and thinking during his time in Colombia

33:35 Aftermath back at home

37:55 Telling his adoptive parents about his reunion

39:03 Going forward…what are Alex’s future plans?

We are just switching our name from Safe Home Podcast to Unraveling Adoption, and this is the first full episode under our new name. 

In this week’s episode, Beth Syverson chats with Leslie Pate Mackinnon, a licensed clinical social worker and an adoption activist for the past 30 years. Leslie is a seasoned and well-respected therapist in the adoption community. She is a nationally known trainer who travels across the country training therapists, agencies and child welfare workers about the psychological issues inherent in adoption and third-party reproduction. Following four decades of successful practice in Atlanta, Leslie and her husband relocated to Asheville, NC. 

Leslie comes to this work by way of being a birthmother in the 1960s, the Baby Scoop Era. She understands adoption trauma deeply, both as a lived experience and as a therapist for all members in the adoption constellation - adoptees, birthparents, and adoptive parents. On Safe Home Podcast, we’ve had 8 episodes so far with adoptees, and 1 episode with another adoptive parent, but this is our first episode from the birth mom’s perspective, which is a super-critical piece of this puzzle.

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💌 Sign up for our Unraveling Adoption email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX

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RESOURCES:

Leslie’s information:

• Website: https://lesliepatemackinnon.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063478541379
• Email: lesliepatemackinnon@gmail.com

Other resource mentioned in this episode:

• Paul Sunderland’s speech about adoption & addiction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3pX4C-mtiI

Other Resources:

• Other Parents Like Me -  https://www.facebook.com/other.parents.like.me
• Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents of Addicted Teens: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/
• Find a Tele-Therapist: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/online-counseling

===============

Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Email questions or comments to Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

www.UnravelingAdoption.com

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TIME STAMPS:

  2:00 All voices in adoption matter, and adoptees’ voices come first 

  3:16 Positive adoption language and listening to adult adoptees

  6:35 Birth parents’ stories are often suppressed

  8:16 Leslie’s birth parent experience #1

16:08 Adoptees and birth parents both get stuck in culture’s judgements about adoption

17:03 Coping with trauma with substances, the intersection between adoption and addiction

25:30 Adoptive parents talking openly with their children about their adoption

28:35 Leslie’s birth parent experience #2

33:25 Birth parents’ difficulties, then and now

39:00 The importance of family preservation, and Follow the Money

44:10 How Leslie & Beth are dealing with their past regrets

In this very special episode, Beth Syverson, host of Safe Home Podcast, explains her pivot to Unraveling Adoption. This is the last episode of Safe Home, and the first episode of Unraveling Adoption. She explains what the new title means, what the future plans are, and she provides ways for everyone to help get the new podcast launched.

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💌 Sign up for our email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX

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RESOURCES:

Beth’s information:

• Email Beth at Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com
• Become a Patreon supporter at Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption
• APtitude Support Group Membership Form (FREE): https://forms.gle/vD8mfJy3fJUDmCJe6
• More info about APtitude: A Support Group for Adoptive Parents Facing Adoption’s Challenges: SafeHomeFamilies.com/APtitude

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

• Relapse episodes:
  • Episode 6: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/3Lt2RSxK1vb
  • Episode 12: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/AHNFiRxK1vb
  • Episode 13: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/3Fsl3QxK1vb
• Spencer LaJoye’s episode: https://anchor.fm/safe-home-podcast/episodes/Non-Binary-Musician-Spencer-LaJoye---Ep-37-e1guoa5
• Brenda Bash-Cooper’s episode: https://anchor.fm/safe-home-podcast/episodes/Adoption-Story-with-Brenda-Bash-Cooper---Ep-21-e1c2v4r
• Cough Medicine episode: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/sMAeRLrM3vb

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Safe Home is created by Joseph Nakao and Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Cover art by Joseph Nakao, photo by Beth Syverson

Email questions or comments to Safe Home at Hello@SafeHomeFamilies.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

Support Safe Home on Patreon: Patreon.com/SafeHome

www.SafeHomeFamilies.com

Unraveling Adoption is created by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Cover art by Amanda Mullins

Email questions or comments to Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com

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TIME STAMPS:

1:22 Thanks to all those who’ve helped make Safe Home Podcast happen, and some stats

9:17 Why are we making the pivot to Unraveling Adoption?

10:50 What does Unraveling Adoption mean?

13:05 What are our plans for the future?

16:26 Ways you can help

In this week’s Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Lainie Liberti and her 23yo son Miro Siegel.

Lainie Liberti is a best selling author, international speaker, teen mentor,  worldschooler, partnership parenting paradigm advocate and mother. In 2012 Lainie co-founded Project World School with her son and has lived in community with over a 100 teens in over 20 international locations. Lainie founded Transformative Mentoring for Teens in 2020 in response to the growing need to support teen's mental health. Lainie just released her first book, Seen, Heard & Understood, Parenting and Partnering with Teens for Greater Mental Health, the number 1 best seller on Amazon in the Parenting New Releases. Her book is right in line with what we’ve been advocating here at Safe Home - that parents do their own work and partner with their kids instead of being an authoritarian figure over them.

Beth talks with Lainie and Miro about unschooling and worldschooling because they lead a fascinating alternative life. But over the top of everything is the partnership that they’ve nurtured which allows them to both live as their fully authentic selves.

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💌 Sign up for our Safe Home Families email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX

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RESOURCES:

Lainie’s & Miro’s information:

• Lainie’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/ilainie
• Transformative Mentoring for Teens - Mentoring & Courses designed to transform teen's lives (and yours): https://transformativementoringforteens.com/
• The Partnership Parent Movement - Children need connection, not coercion. Together, we will change the world, one family at a time: https://partnershipparent.com/
• Project World School - Inspiring Temporary Lear ning Communities for Teens & Young Adults: https://ProjectWorldSchool.com
• Project World School Family Summit - Biannual community gatherings for worldschooling families interested in travel, education and wellness: https://worldschoolfamilysummit.com
• We Are Worldschoolers - Gain access to exclusive supportive community, articles, interviews, worldschooling mini-courses,  and resource lists: https://weareworldschoolers.org/
• Lainie’s & Miro’s TEDx talk - Making The World Our Classroom: https://youtu.be/bH-kQJ10WWo
• Lainie’s book Seen, Heard & Understood: Parenting & Partnering with Teens for Greater Mental Health: https://www.amazon.com/Seen-Heard-Understood-Parenting-Partnering-ebook/dp/B0B1XKB1WN

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Hub - Miro’s current employer - TheHub.community

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Safe Home is created by Joseph Nakao and Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

www.SafeHomeFamilies.com

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/safe-home-podcast/message

In this week’s Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with   Carolyn Balagot, an advocate for neurodiverse people. In her family, she, her husband, and her 3 kids are all neurodiverse in one way or another - primarily with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has worked at her children’s school as a 504 case carrier, advocating for students’ needs. Her kids all went to school at Orange County School of the Arts, where I used to teach and which I highly respect and admire. Especially in an arts school, all kinds of diversity are celebrated, including neurodiversity. Carolyn will talk to us about her family’s challenges and triumphs, and help us know how to better advocate for our neurodivergent loved ones or community members.

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💌 Sign up for our Safe Home Families email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX

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RESOURCES:

Carolyn’s information:

• Facebook group Cypress Neurodiversity Friends: https://www.facebook.com/groups/711278036622893/
• Carolyn’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.balagot
• Carolyn’s Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/redmama73/

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

• Orange County School of the ARTS (OCSA): https://www.ocsarts.net/
• Penguin meme showing autism spectrum diversity: https://www.facebook.com/theicannetwork/photos/a.278436099008274/1965490896969444
• Understood website - information about 504s and IEPs: Understood.org
• Neurodivergent Rebel, Lyric Holmans’ website: https://neurodivergentrebel.com/
• Neurodivergent Rebel’s Safehome Podcast episode: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/fo36eVKbPvb
• Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASN): https://autisticadvocacy.org/

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Support Safe Home on Patreon: Patreon.com/SafeHome

www.SafeHomeFamilies.com

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TIME STAMPS:

1:52 Carolyn’s family’s background and diagnoses

8:20 High-functioning and low-functioning are outdated. What vocabulary is correct nowadays?

9:50 Autistic people?  Or people with autism?

12:35 504 v IEP accommodations

13:55 Is anxiety a neurodivergence? Is a student with anxiety eligible for accommodations?

15:48 Cum. files and labeling in school

18:33 What is ableism? What are some examples of ableist policies in school and work?

21:20 Did Carolyn’s child’s diagnosis make things better or worse?

22:30 Carolyn and her husband are waiting to get their own diagnosis of autism confirmed

25:40 How job interviews are challenging for autistic people and how to make them better

27:30 The powerful concept of universal design

28:43 Carolyn’s advice for parents who think their child might be neurodiverse

30:10 Why to steer clear of ABA - listen to adult autistic people

35:15 Why Autism Speaks is problematic

37:40 Carolyn’s advocacy for the LGBTQ community too

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In this week’s Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Amanda Lipp, a documentary filmmaker and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of mental health, storytelling, and technology. Amanda has produced over 80 short documentaries about mental health and social impact - covering topics such as youth psychosis, schizophrenia, art therapy, cyberbullying prevention, and housing relief from wildfires.  A passionate mental health advocate, she has given over 150 speeches around the U.S. since age 18 sharing her journey navigating the mental health system. Amanda is passionate about mental health leadership, policy change, and tying films to mental health research studies. She serves on the Mental Health Advisory Panel at Google, and the Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Committee (ISMICC) created by Congress to advise on federal mental health policy. Amanda formerly served on the board of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the largest grassroots mental health nonprofit in the U.S.

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RESOURCES:

Amanda’s information:

• Website: https://amandalipp.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandalipp01
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandalipp/

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://nami.org/
• The Truman Show (film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120382/
• The Truman Show Delusion (disorder): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Truman_Show_delusion
• 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org
• Pride & Joy Foundation: https://www.prideandjoyfoundation.com/
• Elena Joy Thurston’s Safe Home Podcast episode about Pride & Joy Foundation: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/klzqKKg6Evb

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TIME STAMPS:

2:09 Amanda’s lived experience with mental illness

6:05 Sports injuries and Amanda’s depression

9:50 Using drugs like an emotional credit card

11:05 Amanda’s support system and challenges of parenting a “problem child”

12:55 Amanda’s major mental breakdown as a college freshman - The Truman Show Delusion

15:08 Psychiatrist ICU and outpatient services from induced psychosis

17:50 Amanda’s daily regimen to maintain her mental health

22:40 Behind the scenes in mental health organizations

24:00 Amanda’s reprise of The Truman Show Delusion and how her parents handled it

26:37 The danger of cops responding to mental health crises, and the hope of the new 988 lifeline

28:50 The importance of compassion and curiosity in responding to psychiatric emergencies

31:50 Advice for how to be supportive to your loved one struggling with mental illness

33:46 How Amanda’s sexual identity intersected with her mental health

35:50 Seek out access points for professional help before a crisis occurs

36:43 Befriending all parts of ourselves with grace, and lean on community

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/safe-home-podcast/message