Back

Explore every episode of the podcast Unraveling Adoption

Dive into the complete episode list for Unraveling Adoption. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

Rows per page:

1–50 of 187

TitlePub. DateDuration
Building Resilience: DBT Techniques for Overcoming Adoption-Related Challenges with Sharon Stein McNamara - Ep 18417 Feb 202500:26:58

"So the piece that I most resonate with the Dialectical Behavior Therapy is it's one of the therapies that really understands this core feeling of feeling overwhelmed and like you don't want to be alive." - Sharon Stein McNamara

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sharon Stein McNamara, a licensed psychologist and adoption-competent therapist. Sharon, an adoptee herself, shared her personal journey and the profound impact of adoption on her life, particularly during her adolescent years when she faced suicidal thoughts after a breakup.

We delved into the complexities of adoption and how they can lead to feelings of self-loathing and overwhelming distress, especially among adoptees. Sharon introduced us to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a therapeutic approach that has been particularly effective for adopted adolescents and young adults. She explained how DBT incorporates mindfulness and distress tolerance skills, which are crucial for individuals who may feel their emotions are too intense to manage.

Throughout our conversation, Sharon emphasized the importance of recognizing and validating these feelings rather than dismissing them. She shared her own experiences with DBT and how it helped her and her clients navigate the challenges of attachment and self-worth. We discussed the significance of shifting core beliefs about oneself, especially for adoptees who may struggle with feelings of being unwanted or unworthy.

Sharon's insights provided hope and practical tools for families and individuals impacted by adoption. She encouraged listeners to never give up hope on adoptees, as the right support and understanding can lead to healing and growth.

I hope this episode resonates with anyone who has been touched by adoption or is seeking effective therapeutic tools to support themselves or their loved ones. Thank you for joining us, and please share this episode with anyone who might benefit from Sharon's expertise.

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

📘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

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

RESOURCES:

Sharon's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

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

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

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

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
00:01:30 - Guest Introduction: Sharon Stein McNamara
00:02:00 - Sharon's Adoption Story
00:03:40 - Understanding DBT and Its Relevance
00:04:50 - The Importance of Distress Tolerance
00:06:30 - DBT vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
00:08:30 - Grounding Techniques in DBT
00:10:00 - Building Trust with Clients
00:10:30 - Working with Adoptees in Therapy
00:11:00 - Self-Loathing and Adoptee Experiences
00:12:30 - Personal Story: Overcoming Breakup Trauma
00:15:00 - The Impact of Attachment on Relationships
00:17:00 - DBT Skills for Managing Cravings
00:19:00 - The Role of Core Beliefs in Healing
00:21:00 - Finding a DBT-Trained Therapist
00:23:00 - Outcomes of DBT for Adoptees
00:25:00 - Final Thoughts and Resources
00:26:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action

Breathwork and Healing: A Journey Through Adoption Trauma with Kellan Bacon - Ep 18310 Feb 202500:24:16

"I was one of these slight skeptics; I was like, well I've been breathing all my life, what can breathwork do for me?" -- Kellan Bacon

Hear the transcript of this episode here: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JKBNQJYFFZT18Z0XSMHHTH37

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kellan Bacon, a gender-expansive, transracial adoptee from China, who was adopted as an infant in 1998 and now resides in Cardiff, Wales. Kellan has recently launched a professional practice called Kai Ming Holistics, where they utilize breathwork and other embodied modalities to support others on their healing journeys.

Kellan shared their personal adoption story, highlighting the complexities and challenges they faced growing up in a transracial family. They discussed the common narrative of being "saved" through adoption and how they eventually came to realize the profound impact of adoption trauma on their life. This awakening occurred during a mental health crisis around the age of 20, leading Kellan to explore their identity and the interconnectedness of their experiences as an adoptee and a queer individual.

We delved into the transformative power of breathwork, a healing modality that Kellan discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic. They explained how breathwork can help individuals access and process trauma stored in the body, particularly for adoptees who may have pre-verbal or pre-cognitive trauma. Kellan emphasized the importance of having a trained guide during breathwork sessions to ensure safety and support.

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

📘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

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

RESOURCES:

Kellan's information:

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

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

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

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 - Welcome and Introduction
Introduction to the podcast and the host, Beth Syverson, along with her son Joey's journey.

00:01:05 - Meet Kellen Bacon
Introduction of guest Kellen Bacon, a transracial adoptee and breathwork practitioner.

00:01:48 - Kellen's Adoption Story
Kellen shares their adoption experience and the realization of adoption's impact.

00:03:15 - Coming Out of the Fog
Discussion on the awakening to adoption trauma and its effects on mental health.

00:04:30 - Transracial Adoption Experience
Kellen discusses growing up as a transracial adoptee and the challenges faced.

00:06:04 - Exploring Gender Identity
Kellen talks about their journey of coming to terms with their gender identity.

00:07:01 - The Intersection of Identities
Discussion on how various aspects of identity intertwine and impact personal growth.

00:08:34 - COVID and Breathwork
Kellen shares how COVID led them to discover breathwork as a healing modality.

00:10:01 - Understanding Breathwork
Explanation of breathwork and its unique approach to healing trauma.

00:11:08 - Demonstration of Breathwork
Kellen provides a brief demonstration of breathwork techniques.

00:12:24 - Safety in Breathwork
Discussion on the importance of having a guide during breathwork sessions.

00:15:09 - Breathwork for Adoptees
Exploration of how breathwork can specifically benefit adoptees dealing with trauma.

00:16:39 - Trauma in the Body
Kellen explains how trauma is stored in the body and the importance of somatic healing.

00:19:30 - Kellen's Offerings
Information on Kellen's practice, including support groups for trans-adoptees.

00:20:20 - Root Cause Healing
Introduction to root cause therapy and its significance in addressing limiting beliefs.

00:22:26 - Kellen's Journey and Age
Discussion on Kellen's age and their deep work in healing and therapy.

00:23:30 - Closing Thoughts
Final remarks on the importance of breathwork and resources for adoptees.

 

Navigating Identity: A Korean Adoptee's Journey with Nathan Nowack - Ep 17409 Dec 202400:26:12

"I...sometimes I forget that I'm Asian unless I see myself in a mirror." -- Nathan Nowack

Read the Transcript: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JEAFSD4KFY07AFGENGAPDN7A

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nathan Nowack, a Korean adoptee, professional photographer, and co-host of The Janchi Show. Nathan shared his adoption story, having been adopted from Korea at just five and a half months old and raised in a predominantly white community in Oklahoma. He reflected on his childhood, noting the lack of cultural representation and the challenges of navigating his Asian identity in a world that often sees him as different.

We discussed the complexities of transracial adoption, including the impact of his parents' approach to race and culture. Nathan emphasized the importance of understanding and acknowledging one's racial identity, especially in a society that often overlooks these nuances. He shared his experiences with microaggressions and the emotional toll they can take on adoptees, highlighting the need for greater awareness and sensitivity.

Nathan also spoke about his involvement with KAAN (Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network) and how connecting with other adoptees has been instrumental in his healing journey. He described the sense of community he found there and the importance of sharing diverse adoption stories, acknowledging that each experience is unique.

As a father of three multiple-ethnicity children, Nathan is committed to helping them understand their cultural heritage. He shared how he incorporates Asian traditions and celebrations into their lives, ensuring they have a strong sense of identity.

This conversation was rich with insights into the complexities of adoption, identity, and community. I hope listeners find Nathan's story as inspiring and enlightening as I did. Be sure to check out The Janchi Show and connect with Nathan on Instagram for more of his journey and perspectives. Thank you for joining us, and I look forward to our next episode!

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

📘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

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

RESOURCES:

Nathan's information:

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

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

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

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

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
Welcome to the podcast and introduction of host Beth Syverson and guest Nathan Nowack.

00:01:26 - Nathan's Adoption Story
Nathan shares his background as a Korean adoptee raised in a predominantly white environment.

00:02:50 - Cultural Representation in Upbringing
Discussion on the lack of Asian cultural representation in Nathan's childhood.

00:03:50 - Transracial Adoption and Parental Awareness
Nathan reflects on his adoptive parents' understanding of transracial adoption.

00:05:32 - The Melting Pot Mentality
Exploration of the "colorblind" approach to race and its implications for Nathan.

00:06:52 - Microaggressions and Identity
Nathan discusses experiences with microaggressions and their impact on his identity.

00:08:38 - Community and Connection
The importance of finding community among other adoptees for support and understanding.

00:09:18 - Involvement with KAAN
Nathan explains his role in the Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network (KAAN).

00:10:56 - Upcoming KAAN Conference
Details about the next KAAN conference and its themes.

00:11:41 - Healing Through Shared Stories
How connecting with other adoptees aids in Nathan's healing journey.

00:12:30 - The Complexity of Adoption Stories
Discussion on the varied experiences of adoptees and the ongoing nature of loss.

00:13:44 - Reunion with Biological Family
Nathan shares his experience of reuniting with his biological siblings.

00:15:17 - Communication Challenges with Siblings
The difficulties of connecting with his siblings due to language barriers.

00:16:37 - Sibling Trauma and Adoption
Exploration of the trauma experienced by Nathan's siblings regarding his adoption.

00:17:45 - Parenting Mixed-Race Children
Nathan discusses raising his children with awareness of their diverse heritage.

00:19:15 - Cultural Education for Children
How Nathan incorporates Asian culture and representation into his children's lives.

00:20:37 - Food and Cultural Connection
Nathan's love for food and how it connects him to his heritage and family.

00:21:50 - Living Through His Children
Reflections on how Nathan experiences his own identity through his children's upbringing.

00:22:45 - Closing Thoughts and Resources
Nathan expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his story and offers ways to connect.

Behind the Scenes with Unraveling Adoption - Ep 8703 Apr 202300:22:10

This week's Unraveling Adoption podcast episode is unique because I am traveling to an adoption conference the week before this episode's release. So instead of editing a regular episode, I put together a short behind-the-scenes episode, highlighting all the things we offer to adoptive families and the larger community.

 

Adoption from 3 Perspectives with Kevin Burgart - Ep 8627 Mar 202300:45:18

In this week's Unraveling Adoption podcast, Beth talks with Kevin Burgart from the Nashville area. He's an adoptee, adoptive parent of two children with significant special needs, and recently he became the adoptive parent of his grandchild as well. Since Kevin has been on both sides of this equation, he has a unique perspective on adoption. His life has been more challenging than most in many ways. We will dig into the obstacles he's faced, and talk about what resources he's found to help him cope. 

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

📆 Community Calendar: UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar

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

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

RESOURCES:

Kevin's information:

Helpful resources mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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

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 UnravelingAdoption on Patreon: Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

www.UnravelingAdoption.com

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

TIME STAMPS:

  1:22 Kevin's adoption story and childhood

  2:53 How adoption affected Kevin's teen years with emotional and behavioral issues 

  3:38 The start of Kevin's search for his biological family, then blocked for 41 years

  6:24 Adoptive parents were loving and helpful with search 

  8:04 New research about biological family in 1991, more falsehoods, adoptees beware!

  9:21 Registration with databases, a few teasers

10:20 Finally received birth certificate after 48 years, but all his parents were gone by then

12:45 Pursuing other family members through DNA, expectation v. reality

17:35 Does Kevin feel "lucky" to escape being raised by his birth family?

19:05 Connections with Kevin's 15 bio siblings

21:52 Deciding to adopt older children with special needs

24:10 Disruptions and chaos with adopted siblings

27:20 Major struggles with adopted son because of so much trauma in his life

33:55 Adopting their son's infant child

37:30 How Kevin reckons with parenting these troubled children

39:00 Resources that have helped Kevin, and advice for adoptees in search

Retreats for Adoptees with Cindy McQuay - Ep 8520 Mar 202300:41:49

In this week's Unraveling Adoption podcast, Beth talks with Cindy Olson McQuay, an adoptee from Pennsylvania who is the co-founder, with Erin Cosentino, of Hiraeth Healing Retreats for Adoptees, DCPs (Donor Conceived People), LDAs (Late Discovery Adoptees), and NPEs (Not Parent Expected). Cindy is a baby scoop era domestic infant adoptee, and she had a rather idyllic childhood with well-informed and open adoptive parents, which was somewhat unusual at the time.  Besides her work for Hiraeth, she advocates for adoption law reform and educates the public about separation trauma. 

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

📆 Community Calendar: UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar

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

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

RESOURCES:

Cindy's information:

Other things mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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

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 UnravelingAdoption on Patreon: Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

www.UnravelingAdoption.com

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

TIME STAMPS:

  1:25 Cindy's adoption story and childhood

  6:40 Cindy's search for her birth family

10:35 Does a "good adoption" preclude adoption trauma?

15:44 What prompted Cindy to become an adoption activist and search angel?

16:58 Adoption v. Guardianship

18:46 The problems with intercountry adoption and surrogacy

21:49 What is Hiraeth Hope & Healing?

25:25 The overlaps between adoptees, LDAs, DCPs, and NPEs

27:03 What do people experience at Hiraeth retreats? 

31:40 Scholarships ARE available! And help them find mansions to host these retreats 

35:17 Advice for non-adoptees and adoptive parents

Adoptee Peer Support with Greg Gentry - Ep 8413 Mar 202300:45:59

In this week's Unraveling Adoption podcast, Beth talks with Greg Gentry, a domestic baby scoop era adoptee, born in California in 1969. He has been in reunion with maternal family members since 2006, and in 2021 also connected with his paternal side. Greg is a facilitator and interviewer for Fireside Adoptees, a private Facebook group founded in 2021, which is committed to additional outreach through its Fireside Adoptees public Facebook page and the Fireside Adoptees Constellation private Facebook group. Greg is also an administrator and facilitator within the Adoption Trauma Network and a leader for the New Hampshire chapter of Adoptees Connect. He enjoys connecting with others in the online adoptee community, and has found these interactions to be richly rewarding and supportive.

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

📆 Community Calendar: UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar

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

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

RESOURCES:

 

Greg's information:

 

Other Resources:

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

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 UnravelingAdoption on Patreon: Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

www.UnravelingAdoption.com

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

TIME STAMPS:

  2:26 Greg's adoption story and childhood

  9:30 Greg's first blood relative he met - the importance of mirroring

11:50 The pros and cons of open adoption

13:50 Greg's reunion experiences

19:10 "Coming out of the fog"

25:45 How Fireside Adoptees helped Greg transition out of the fog

32:00 Adoption Trauma Network description

34:50 What makes Adoptees Connect so special?

43:20 Greg's advice to adoptive parents

Exploring Healing Arts to Process Trauma with Kelsay Elizabeth Myers - Ep 8306 Mar 202300:37:25

In this week's Unraveling Adoption podcast, Beth talks with Kelsay Elizabeth Myers, a professional writer, artist, and somatic movement educator living in Marin County, CA. She is passionate about personal and social transformation for trauma healing. She's a Korean transnational adoptee who has been on a healing journey the last several years, after spending the first 32 years of her life in self-destructive behavior patterns.

Kelsay founded Dialogical Persona Healing Arts where she offers individual and group coaching programs and online courses that use expressive arts and transformational processes to help others discover new ways of understanding themselves, reclaim their creative flow and feel more settled in their whole system, so they, too can experience more power, excitement, and joy in life. She is currently a Ph.D student of Transformative Inquiry at California Institute of Integral Studies where she uses a variety of psychological approaches and arts-based research practices for trauma integration and wholeness. 

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Kelsay's information:

Other things mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources :

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS:

  2:00 Kelsay's adoption story and childhood, including racist microaggressions and bullying

  4:58 Kelsay's racial identity

  7:20 Which was worse, racial trauma or adoption trauma?

10:40 How Kelsay's trauma manifested in abusive relationships

13:20 Intuitively realizing her sexual abuse in foster care through her "felt sense"

15:26 Conscious dancing to begin her healing journey

18:05 Kelsay's training in somatic movement healing modalities

22:45 How somatic movement has helped Kelsay deal with racism triggers

24:39 Somatic movement to help kids

27:37 Autoimmune conditions and somatic movement

30:57 Our culture's mind/body split

32:05 Kelsay's advice for transracial/intercountry adoptive parents

We Are Not Our Trauma with Simon Benn27 Feb 202300:29:48

In this week's Unraveling Adoption podcast, Beth talks with Simon Benn, an adoptee living near York, England and host of Thriving Adoptees podcast. I was recently on his show, so I wanted him to be on our show as well. Trading podcasts across the globe. Simon has been on a healing journey for the last 13 or so years, after a discovery about his adoption that rocked his world. He wants to help other adoptees move toward healing with his podcast and webinars.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Simon's information:

 

Other resource mentioned in this episode:

 

More Resources:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS:

  1:18 Simon's adoption story and childhood

  4:14 What Simon's adoption file revealed about his birth mother

  7:35 Revelations and epiphanies

10:05 What is the primal wound? What is wounded? Simon's new metaphor

18:55 There's no such thing as a second-hand insight

21:23 Simon's advice for adoptees coming "out of the fog"

25:05 Simon reading his poems "Beneath" and "After the Fog"

Engagement Journalism to Elevate Voices of Adoption with Amanda Kari McHugh - Ep 8120 Feb 202300:47:45

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Amanda Kari McHugh, an adoptee and an engagement journalist who is making her mark on the adoption community with her project Voices of Adoption which you can find on TikTok, Instagram, and Substack. In this project she elevates the voices of adoptees and birth mothers. 

Stay tuned for ways you might be able to participate in this project! 

Amanda is pursuing a double masters in journalism and engagement from grad school at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.  She hopes to be a resource to help other adoptees and also to help other journalists find good adoption data.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Amanda's information:

 

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

 

Other Resources:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS:

  1:25 Amanda's adoption story and childhood

  4:25 Kudos to Amanda's school counselor for knowing about adoption-competent therapists

  5:50 Amanda's attachment style is complicated

  7:09 How lack of family medical history impacts adoptees

10:00 Advocating for adoption reform and dealing with pushback

12:00 Blasting apart adoption myths, getting people angry at her

14:35 Pushback has improved Amanda's reporting

15:20 Where does Amanda find adoption data? Who keeps track of "goods transferred?"

18:50 Privacy laws - are they a farce?

20:00 The Yelp of adoption agency databases idea

20:44 Voices of Adoption on TikTok and Instagram 

22:38 Objectivity is a myth but we can try to understand the other points of view

24:11 What exactly is engagement journalism? 

25:00 "Domestic supply of infants" necessitated discussion about adoption and abortion 

27:12 Amanda's TikTok video (audio only)

29:25 The aftermath of the viral video

32:37 How the Voices of Adoption on Substack will create community-sourced resources

35:50 Amanda's dream for collective members to get paid for their emotional labor 

39:09 How to participate in Amanda's projects and join the Voices of Adoption community

41:04 The importance of moderators in social media

44:11 How we can share our stories safely and authentically to help people coming out of the fog

Music That Connects and Heals with Paul Kimball13 Feb 202300:29:26

In this week's Unraveling Adoption Podcast, Beth talks with Paul Kimball, an adoptee from Northern California and author of the memoir We Are All Human Beings: An Adoptee Ponders. Music has always been a huge part of his life, and he currently works as a conductor, horn player, and school music teacher.  He didn't realize it at first, but when he reunited with his birth mother, the passion for music made sense. In this episode, we talk about the power of music to transcend time and space and connect individuals deeply.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Paul Kimball's information:

 

Also mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS:

  1:35 Paul's adoption story

  4:10 Paul's magnetic attraction to all things Armenian

  5:40 Paul's love for classical music, especially cello music 

  7:29 Finding Paul's birth family

  9:52 Paul's adoptive family's support of his music aspirations

11:30 Paul's dream to perform with his birth mother

12:25 Spending time with Paul's mom and half-sister, then his secondary rejection

15:44 Honoring his mother with a memorial

17:45 How music has kept Paul connected to his mother, and keeps Beth connected to her adopted son

21:45 The importance of family preservationism and listening to adult adoptees

23:35 How Paul and Joey process their intense emotions

Moving Beyond Adoption Using Magnetic Mind with Kat Linquist - Ep 7906 Feb 202300:54:40

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: On Saturday, March 11, Unraveling Adoption is hosting a free webinar called Moving Beyond Adoption - An Immersive Experience with Kat Linquist so you all can experience this amazing work that Kat does. It's 10am-noon PST on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moving-beyond-adoption-an-immersive-experience-with-kat-linquist-tickets-532651855037

If you are curious about how Magnetic Mind can help you in your adoption journey - or with any blockage in your life - come on over on March 11 to check it out. The event is open to anyone 18 and older. You don't have to be an adoptee to attend.

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

In this week's Unraveling Adoption podcast, Beth talks with Kat Linquist, an adoptee, an intuitive, and a practitioner of a transformation modality called Magnetic Mind. She has done her own release work around her adoption trauma using this process based on neuroscience. She will be sharing her adoption story and how she helps adoptees heal with this healing modality. At the end of this episode we will be telling you about a free workshop where Kat will be demonstrating this technique. So stick around to the end to hear all the details. 

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Kat's information:

 

Other Resources:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS

  2:02 Kat's adoption story - the big disconnect

 8:00 What prompted Kat's search for her birth family?

11:00 Kat's first experience with Magnetic Mind - a major transformation and reunion

22:00 No human can escape without some sort of trauma. How can we rewrite our trauma narrative?

28:51 Magnetic Mind can take people back into their lineage to repair damage done

30:57 Does Kat consider herself healed from adoption trauma?

34:25 Focusing on what we want to create through Magnetic Mind

36:53 Beth shares her experience with Kat using Magnetic Mind on her

46:25 What modalities are wrapped into Magnetic Mind?

49:35 How Kat works with people who want to heal using Magnetic Mind, including a FREE webinar we're hosting on March 11 (Get FREE tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moving-beyond-adoption-an-immersive-experience-with-kat-linquist-tickets-532651855037)



Can a Foundling Find Himself? with Paul "Jack" Fronczak - Ep 7830 Jan 202300:35:33

In this week's Unraveling Adoption podcast, Beth talks with Paul "Jack" Fronczak, a military veteran, musician, published author, executive producer, and former actor, who now works for a non-profit organization devoted to changing lives.  An avid bass guitarist and motorcyclist, Paul now lives  in Las Vegas, and has a teenage daughter he calls "the greatest kid in the world."  Eleven years ago, Paul took a test that disproved the story he'd been told about his identity—that he was "Baby Fronczak," the infant who'd been kidnapped from a Chicago hospital in an infamous 1964 crime. In an instant, he became a man without a name, birthday, or medical history—an "unidentified living person," in official terminology. Paul has spent the last ten years searching for answers—and looking for the real Paul Fronczak. 

Jack's story is about identity - or lack thereof. I bet most people struggle with questions of identity - Who am I? What makes me me? What traits of my ancestors are carried on with me? Adoptees, Donor-conceived people, and Not Parent Expected individuals struggle with identity quite a bit more. And Jack's identity is the biggest mystery I could think of. In this conversation with Jack, we talk about how his lack of identity has affected him, so we can learn how better to take care of our other-than-biological children in our community.

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

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

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

RESOURCES: 

Paul "Jack" Fronczak's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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

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 UnravelingAdoption on Patreon: Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

www.UnravelingAdoption.com

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

TIME STAMPS:

  2:39 Jack's continuously unraveling life - Cliff's Notes version of Jack's life

  5:35 Did Jack find the "real Paul?"

  7:30 Jack always played a part. No wonder he became an actor! Discovering the kidnapping story

11:35 Did Jack feel like an adoptee growing up?

13:25 The student nurse who helped Jack's mom after the kidnapping

14:34 Jack's infancy with his twin Jill

17:20 Jack's relationship to his [adoptive] parents, foster family, and first family. 2 out of 3 ain't bad??

20:30 Jack's lifelong effects of early chaos and abandonment by his first family

23:50 What is it like being an "unidentified living person?" 

26:49 What adoptive parents and allies can do to help adoptees and other "unidentified living person"s

32:20 Jack's ongoing mysteries make for an interesting life, and we're all discovering who we really are

 

Adoption Songs: Exploring the Complexities of Adoption Through Music with Lori Evans Ermi and Kate Ermi02 Dec 202400:25:10

"I think now that we have this knowledge, then we can use our story to help create awareness." - Lori Evans Ermi

Read the transcript here: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JDRMT4Z5RGJ6SD35WBFBT4PM

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of welcoming Lori Evans Ermi and her 17-year-old daughter, Kate Ermi, both of whom are adoptees and co-wrote their new book, Adoption Songs. Our conversation delved into the complexities of adoption from their unique perspectives, highlighting the emotional layers that come with their experiences.

Lori shared her journey as a domestic adoptee from the baby scoop era, detailing her late discovery of her adoption at the age of eight and the trust issues that arose from that revelation. Despite having loving adoptive parents, she faced challenges in her identity and connection to her biological roots. Kate, on the other hand, has always known she was adopted and has navigated her own path of understanding her heritage, which was further illuminated through DNA testing.

We discussed the creation of Adoption Songs, where each chapter is framed as a track, with contributors choosing songs that resonate with their adoption stories. The book aims to provide a broad perspective on adoption, acknowledging both the joys and the inherent losses that come with it. Lori emphasized the importance of music as a healing tool, and Kate shared her lifelong passion for music, which has been a source of comfort for her.

Throughout our conversation, we touched on the significance of community and shared experiences among adoptees, as well as the need for more resources and support for young adults in the adoption community. Lori and Kate's commitment to raising awareness and fostering understanding about adoption's complexities is truly inspiring.

I encourage listeners to check out their book and visit their website, adoptionsongs.org, for more information and resources. Additionally, I shared details about an upcoming event, Adoption Healing Quest, which will take place in February 2025, aimed at exploring various healing modalities within the adoption community.

Thank you for joining us in this important conversation, and I hope you find the insights shared by Lori and Kate as enlightening as I did.

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

📘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

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

RESOURCES:

Lori and Kate's information:

Other resource mentioned in this episode:

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

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

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

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 - Welcome to Unraveling Adoption
Introduction to the podcast and hosts, Beth, Lori, and Kate.

00:01:10 - Adoptee Stories: Lori's Journey
Lori shares her adoption story, including her experiences and feelings about being adopted.

00:04:47 - Adoptee Stories: Kate's Journey
Kate discusses her adoption experience and her understanding of her identity.

00:06:45 - The Complexity of Adoption
Discussion on the layers of adoption and the importance of understanding different perspectives.

00:07:33 - Creating Adoption Songs
Exploration of the book "Adoption Songs" and the involvement of both Lori and Kate in its creation.

00:10:43 - The Primal Wound Concept
Introduction to the concept of The Primal Wound and its significance in adoption narratives.

00:11:45 - Future Plans for Adoption Songs
Plans for a sequel to the book and the inclusion of more diverse perspectives.

00:12:38 - The Role of Music in Healing
Discussion on how music plays a significant role in the lives of Lori and Kate.

00:14:40 - Untangling Our Roots Experience
Kate shares her experience at the Untangling Our Roots event and the impact of hearing others' stories.

00:18:03 - Navigating Complex Emotions
Lori and Kate discuss the complexities of their relationship and the duality of love and loss in adoption.

00:21:29 - Mainstream Adoption Narratives
The importance of presenting adoption stories in a way that is accessible and relatable to a broader audience.

00:22:30 - Finding Resources and Support
Information on where to find the book and additional resources related to adoption.

00:23:26 - Upcoming Events and Closing Thoughts
Announcement of future events and a closing message of gratitude to listeners.

 

What's the Big Deal About Birth Certificates? with Ann Weaver-Melendy - Ep 7723 Jan 202300:37:22

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.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Ann's information:

Other Resources:

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

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    

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

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?

A Complicated Adoption Reunion Story with Alex Baquero - Ep 7616 Jan 202300:44:06

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. 

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Alex's information:

Other Resources:

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

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    

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

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?

A Birth Mother's Perspective with Leslie Pate Mackinnon - Ep 7509 Jan 202300:48:09

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.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Leslie's information:

Other resource mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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

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

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

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

Transitioning from Safe Home Podcast to Unraveling Adoption - Ep 7402 Jan 202300:21:25

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.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Beth's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

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

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

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

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

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/safe-home-podcast/message
Partnership Parenting with Lainie Liberti & Her Son Miro Siegel - Ep 7326 Dec 202200:45:44

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.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Lainie's & Miro's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

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

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

Neurodiverse Family Adventures with Carolyn Balagot - Ep 7219 Dec 202200:40:34

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.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Carolyn's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

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

Support Safe Home on Patreon: Patreon.com/SafeHome

www.SafeHomeFamilies.com

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

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

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

Destigmatizing Mental Illness with Amanda Lipp - Ep 7112 Dec 202200:39:48

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.

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

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

SafeHomeFamilies.com

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

RESOURCES:

Amanda's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

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

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

An Unforgettable Adoption Reunion Story with Doris Blumenthal - Ep 7005 Dec 202201:00:14

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Doris Blumenthal, an adopted person who lives in Northern California. Her adoption story is one of the adoptee narratives in the documentary Reckoning with the Primal Wound, which you've probably heard me talking about before. The filmmaker Rebecca Autumn Sansom was on this podcast in Episode 30. If you haven't seen Reckoning with the Primal Wound yet, I highly recommend it, and I also want to let you know that this episode contains spoilers.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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

Support Safe Home on Patreon: Patreon.com/SafeHome

www.SafeHomeFamilies.com

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

TIME STAMPS:

2:00 Doris' adoption story, crossing paths with birth mother in the early days

6:40 The overwhelming need to know one's biological roots

9:16 Doris' adoptive parents' attitude about adoption

11:54 The mysterious photograph and the broken relationship with Doris' bio brother

13:35 Complex emotions with Doris' paternal sisters

14:36 Starting the pre-internet search process

18:50 First attempt at finding birth mother

20:15 How DNA searches help

21:11 A common problem for adopted people: lack of health history

21:56 Minnesota sisters and other maternal relatives

22:54 How Arizona's open records laws enabled Doris to find her birth mother

25:05 Finding Doris' birth mother's home - and SPOILER ALERT if you haven't seen the Reckoning film yet

28:00 Doris' brother's attitude toward Doris, privacy v. right to know

31:35 Another amazing coincidence

33:40 More details about the reunion day

38:45 Did she find the mysterious photograph or any other mementos?

40:35 How Doris handles her complicated grief

43:45 Most adopted people have a deep desire to meet their natural parents

45:05 Doris' dream of ideal records for adopted people

47:33 Backlash from sharing her story in the Reckoning with the Primal Wound documentary

51:34 Doris' advice for adopted people who are contemplating reunion, and book recommendation

53:30 Doris' book recommendation - The Primal Wound by Nancy Verrier

56:37 Doris' advice for adoptive parents regarding reunion

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

Connective Parenting with Bonnie Harris - Ep 6928 Nov 202200:46:15

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Bonnie Harris, a New Hampshire-area director of Connective Parenting, where she is a parent educator, counselor, coach, and speaker. She wrote two parenting books:  When Your Kids Push Your Buttons and Confident Parents, Remarkable Kids: 8 Principles for Raising Kids You'll Love to Live With. AND she has her own podcast Tell Me About Your Kids where anyone can listen in on her parent coaching sessions. Bonnie has a master's degree in Early Childhood Education And is the proud mother of two adult children raised with her connective approach.

In today's episode, Bonnie will help us answer the question: HOW CAN WE BE MORE CONNECTED WITH the KIDS in our lives?

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Bonnie's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS:

1:26 How Bonnie parented her own (now grown) children

6:08 How Bonnie developed her connective parenting model by learning about herself

9:25 The Dandelion Child and the Orchid Child

13:00 Bonnie's own terms: The Harmony Child and The Integrity Child

13:50 Characteristics of The Harmony Child - compliant but harbors shame

16:40 How Connective Parenting focuses on the parents, not the child

22:56 Connecting with your child's emotional state instead of their behavior

28:17 Connective parenting as an investment for your child's self-confidence

31:04 Characteristics of The Integrity Child - demanding but knows what they want

36:07 How to turn the parenting ship around

40:26 How did Bonnie's orchid daughter turn out?

44:10 "My child is having a problem, not being a problem."

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

Coping with OCD's Intrusive Thoughts with Katherine Osborne - Ep 6821 Nov 202200:32:02

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with a family friend of hers from church - Katherine Osborne. Katherine shared with the church that she was recently diagnosed with OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I thought it might be good for our audience to learn from an eloquent teen how OCD feels. Nowadays people joke that they have OCD when they're bothered when something doesn't quite line up, or if one tile is a different color. You see memes about OCD all the time. But that's a very simplistic view of OCD that doesn't honor the lived experience of people who struggle with this disorder every day of their lives.

In this episode, Katherine explains her own lived experience of OCD, and she mentions things she's learned so far. But of course neither of us are OCD experts or healthcare professionals. We recommend getting professional help if you or someone you know might be struggling with OCD or any mental health issues.

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

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

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

Resources about OCD that Katherine recommends:

Other Resources:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS

1:12 Katherine's hobbies & college activities

2:25 When did Katherine's OCD symptoms start? (Thank you, COVID.  ☹️)

3:46 How Katherine experiences OCD in cycles - obsessions and compulsions

6:30 What are intrusive thoughts?

8:54 How does Katherine manage her OCD?

10:22 How Katherine was diagnosed with OCD. Did her diagnosis make things better or worse?

14:00 How OCD has affected Katherine's social life

15:45 How do Katherine's family and friends support her when she's having a bad OCD day?

18:11 Is OCD more common for adults and teens? Is it growing?

19:40 Katherine's advice to parents of teens?

24:13 Can someone pull an OCD sufferer out of an OCD cycle?

27:20 First steps if you're curious if you might have OCD

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

The Male Adoptee Experience: Understanding Anger, Vulnerability, and Community with Tim Perdion - Ep 17225 Nov 202400:32:29

"I almost feel like there was a blueprint, and I was a character to fit into that blueprint." -- Tim Perdion

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the opportunity to speak with Tim Perdion, an adoptee from Ohio who has spent the last decade navigating his journey of self-discovery and healing. Tim shares his experience of being adopted shortly after birth and the feelings of not belonging that plagued him throughout his childhood. Despite growing up in a loving family, he struggled with anger and a sense of isolation, which led him to seek validation through sports and relationships.

As a teenager, Tim turned to substances to cope with his internal struggles, leading to a reputation for overindulgence in high school. After facing personal crises in adulthood, including two divorces, he sought help at a trauma and addiction clinic, where he began to confront the deeper issues related to his adoption. Tim highlights the lack of focus on adoption-related trauma in traditional recovery settings and emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and community for male adoptees.

He introduces the concept of the "orphaned heart," describing the emotional barriers adoptees build to protect themselves from feelings of abandonment and rejection. Tim encourages younger male adoptees to explore their inner worlds and seek support, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of adoption, the significance of community, and the power of vulnerability. I hope Tim's story resonates with many and inspires others to seek understanding and connection in their own journeys.

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

📘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

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

RESOURCES:

Tim's information:

Books mentioned in the episode:

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

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

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

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
00:01:24 - Tim's Childhood and Adoption Experience
00:03:47 - Struggles with Identity and Belonging
00:06:26 - The Impact of Family Dynamics
00:08:56 - Substance Use and Coping Mechanisms
00:10:51 - Seeking Help and Treatment
00:12:08 - Understanding Adoption Trauma
00:14:20 - The Journey of Self-Discovery
00:16:02 - Finding Community and Connection
00:19:05 - The Importance of Sharing Stories
00:20:17 - Challenges for Male Adoptees
00:22:05 - The Role of Forgiveness in Healing
00:24:46 - Learning to Ask for Help
00:27:04 - Advice for Younger Male Adoptees
00:29:44 - Resources and Community Support
00:30:57 - Conclusion and Call to Action

 

Grandparents Raising Grandkids with Catherine Becker - Ep 6714 Nov 202200:52:09

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Catherine Becker, founder of the support group called Joys and Challenges of Relative Caregivers. She's a grandma who is raising her three  young grandkids while her daughter struggles with addiction. When she tried to find a tribe of other relatives in her same situation, she didn't find a group that went deep enough or that was small enough to create personal connections. So she made her own group. Her organization is raising money to provide financial assistance to grandparents and other relatives who are caring for or who have adopted their family members' children.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Catherine's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS

1:26 Catherine's daughter Katie's journey with addiction and incarceration

6:07 How Catherine plans to keep her young children away from drugs

8:50 How Catherine gained custody of her children

13:03 The boundaries Catherine has drawn with her daughter while incarcerated

16:45 How Catherine manages her emotions and gets support

19:11 How Catherine avoids feeling resentful toward her daughter

22:13 What kind of support do relative caregivers need?

24:26 Struggles Catherine has with her other adult children

26:40 Katie's relationship with her kids

29:25 Family preservation, open adoption, and relinquishment trauma

33:23 How common is relative caregiving?

36:44 How can allies help relative caregivers?

41:08 Catherine's advice for parents with teens

43:33 Katie's mental health challenges

46:03 Catherine's advice for relative caregivers

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

Chronic Suicidality with Frank King - Ep 6607 Nov 202200:40:37

**TRIGGER WARNING** This episode will be talking directly about suicide, so this might not be for everyone to listen to right now. But we at Safe Home believe this is a very important topic so we hope you'll listen when it's safe for you to do so.

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Frank King, a comedian who wrote for The Tonight Show for over 20 years and who performs standup worldwide. Along the way, he focused his creative attention on the topic of mental health, and specifically suicidality. Now known as the Mental Health Comedian, he talks openly about his own suicidality and, using humor as a tool to open up the conversation, he informs people about suicide prevention, destigmatizes mental illness, and helps people feel seen and heard. He has a few wonderful TED Talks: including  A Matter of Laugh or Death, Mental with Benefits, and Born To Be Funny.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Frank's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS:

1:30 Frank explains creating a career from comedy about suicide

7:48 Vulnerability is Frank's superpower

9:58 Dentists, veterinarians, and construction workers have the highest incidence of suicide deaths

11:17 Frank's mental illnesses - Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Suicidality

15:35 Mental with Benefits - what if mental illness is a desirable disadvantage?

17:30 Frank's self-care plan - 5 daily requirements to maintain his mental health

20:40 Suicide prevention tips

22:20 Does talking about suicide make it more likely someone would attempt suicide?

23:48 We're not saying "commit suicide" anymore - what do we call it now?

25:08 The new 988 suicide prevention lifeline

28:02 **TRIGGER WARNING** Frank's intergenerational depression and suicide stories

32:09 Sugar addiction as a long-term death sentence

33:15 Ambivalence about suicide means most people can be saved from suicide; what are the warning signs?

36:33 Lock up your medications, parents!!

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

A Recovery Journey with Veronica Silva31 Oct 202200:33:59

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Rev. Veronica Silva, a New Thought minister and a nurse who has struggled with alcoholism since she was young, but who has been in recovery for 26 years.

Veronica has been on a spiritual journey since June 24th, 1996, when she got sober from alcohol and drugs. She has had a passion for spirituality as a result of attending AA meetings and finding a God of her understanding. She is SO passionate about God that she recently became a Minister in 2020 - right in the middle of the pandemic. She is a true believer in going right into the discomfort of life to free ourselves from our suffering. She is a registered nurse and works at a cardiac procedures unit and loves helping others during their times of fear and anxiety.

Here at Safe Home, one of our biggest priorities is to destigmatize addiction and mental health, so by hearing stories from people like Veronica, we are able to humanize addiction, find commonalities, and discover the way others have found their healing path.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Veronica's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS:

1:40 Veronica's childhood and early introduction to alcohol

3:16 Spinning all the plates during high school, self-medicating for anxiety

4:38 Unconscious intergenerational rage and machismo

7:30 How spirituality helped Veronica

9:50 Being a young mom in recovery and later supporting her son in recovery

13:22 Tools that helped Veronica with the initial stages of recovery

16:30 Stay-at-home drunk

17:33 Going back to school to become a nurse

19:12 Another new career as a minister

20:20 Veronica's advice for family or friends of addicted people, setting boundaries with love

22:19 High-functioning alcoholics

24:25 Alcohol's prevalence in our culture

25:34 Meditation as a recovery tool

27:25 Learning how to set boundaries, resentment as a boundary indicator

29:05 Each personal growth journey looks different for everyone, just take a step any direction

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

More Than Sex Ed with Emmalinda MacLean - Ep 6425 Oct 202200:49:07

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Emmalinda MacLean, co-founder of More Than Sex-Ed, a Los Angeles-based non-profit whose mission is to nourish healthy development through honest conversation about sex. She is the Director of Curriculum & Instruction at More Than Sex-Ed plus she wrote a children's book around the topic of consent called "Everybody, Every Body!"  

In case you couldn't guess, this episode will talk openly about sexual topics, so this episode might not be safe for work.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Emmalinda's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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

Safe Home is created by Joseph Nakao and 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

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

TIME STAMPS:

1:42 How Emmalinda landed a career in sex ed

4:24 Gender diversity is NOT a new thing

7:21 Parental backlash?

8:22 Beth's sex ed experience at church

10:33 Teaching consent

12:00 Questions about "gay sex"

14:00 What is sex?

15:52 Can parents rely on school or church to teach about sex?

17:53 Don't Freak Out!

19:33 Acknowledging pleasure reduces victimization

20:25 At what age can kids start learning about sex?

22:30 The topic of menstruation and Turning Red

25:23 How does gaming and social media affect our kids?

27:30 What's the deal about furries?

30:18 Anonymous question box and porn

33:31 What about sexting?

35:19 What should parents do regarding phones?

36:03 How the fall of Roe will affect our teens

39:19 Emmalinda's best piece of advice for parent

42:10 LGBTQ+ identities

44:00 What services does More Than Sex-Ed provide?

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/safe-home-podcast/message
BEST OF: Cough Medicine and Other OTC Drugs - Ep 2 REPLAY17 Oct 202200:36:18

Safe Home is on vacation this week, so we're replaying one of our favorite episodes.

When we started Safe Home Podcast in August 2021, this episode was the most important one we did. Our family wants everyone to know the dangers of having cough medicine and other OTC drugs unlocked and available to teens. Joey almost died twice from overdosing on Coricidin.

Take a listen to one of our early episodes that you might have missed, and enjoy a new episode next week!

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

Open-Hearted Adoption with Lori Holden, AKA Lavender Luz - Ep 6310 Oct 202200:47:17

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Lori Holden, an adoptive mom of 2 teens, author of the book The Open-Hearted Way to Open Adoption: Helping Your Child Grow Up Whole, written with her daughter's birth mom and featured on required reading lists with adoption agencies across the country. She's also a blogger at LavenderLuz.com, and host of the podcast Adoption: The Long View. Lori is an influential voice in the adoption world, advocating for openness in all kinds of adoption relationships. She often keynotes at adoption conferences and speaks to new and prospective adoptive families, helping them realize the benefits to EVERYONE of maintaining transparency in the adoption process.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Lori's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

 

Safe Home is created by Joseph Nakao and 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

 

TIME STAMPS:

1:50 Parents doing their own work

3:39 How Lori learned adoption wasn't all unicorns and butterflies

5:05 Getting curious about adoption

6:40 A new child can't cure infertility grief

9:35 Lori's family's adoption story

13:45 The importance of the biological bond

16:52 "You are mom"

19:38 Both-And

20:58 Adoptive parents that are closed off completely

22:37 What should adoptive parents say when their child misses their birthparent?

27:10 Open adoption's trajectory

30:35 What if…

34:18 Listening to birth parents more

35:55 Seven Core Issues in Adoption and Permanency

36:26 Constellation v Triad

38:35 Adoptive parents as the "bad guys"

41:38 Is Lori anti-adoption?

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

Fentanyl Harm Reduction for Families with Nicole Miller - Ep 6203 Oct 202200:44:30

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Nicole Miller, a certified drug and alcohol counselor and coach from Oregon who teaches addiction pharmacology at Portland Community College. Even though she's very knowledgeable about all kinds of drugs, I brought her onto Safe Home Podcast to help us focus on fentanyl. It's such a dangerous drug, and deaths from fentanyl poisoning have skyrocketed in just the last 2 or 3 years. Our family really wants to raise awareness about fentanyl, so Nicole will help us all understand the risks and what we can all do to prevent deaths caused by fentanyl.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Helanna Johnson, our life coach Heather Ross's daughter who died in December 2021 from fentanyl poisoning.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Nicole's information:

Other resources about fentanyl:

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

Other Resources:

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

www.SafeHomeFamilies.com

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

TIME STAMPS:

2:08 Nicole's personal journey with addiction and recovery

3:14 Safe Home lifts up harm reduction

4:40 What is fentanyl?

8:33 What forms does fentanyl come in? How does it get mixed in with other drugs?

9:55 Having Naloxone/Narcan available to save lives, but never use substances alone

10:45 Fentanyl test strips

13:20 How fentanyl makes people feel

14:30 The dangers of fentanyl with experimental use of substances

16:30 Beth's challenges getting Narcan from the pharmacy

19:41 Encouraging our loved ones to carry Narcan with them

20:24 Meeting addicted people where they're at; facing reality and encouraging harm reduction

23:51 How can Narcan - the Lazarus drug - works

27:12 Opiates, pain, and tolerance

28:50 How Medical Assisted Treatment (MAT) affects the rates of recovery

33:48 When to use Narcan, signs of an opiate overdose

36:35 Fentanyl could be in ANYTHING off the streets

38:02 How does Nicole stay grounded working in the addiction field

39:15 What Nicole's recovery coaching looks like

40:50 All overdoses are accidental

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

Writing Poetry to Process Depression with Colin Parrott - Ep 6126 Sep 202200:26:29

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Colin Parrott, a 16-year-old from Huntington Beach who has been struggling with depression. He has gotten help with his mental illness from his awesome mom Debbi and from modern medicine. But perhaps the best tool he's found has been poetry. He's written a whole book of poetry about his depression called Shards. The process of writing poetry has not only helped him make sense of his mental health, but his poems help others understand what he and others with depression go through. Near the end of the episode, Colin will be sharing a poem or two from his new book, so stick around until the end!

Joey and Beth both also struggle with depression, which you can hear about in Episode 11. It is something that our family is very open about, because you know what - depression kills! We're very glad that Colin was willing to come on Safe Home Podcast to share his story. We believe that the more people talk about things like depression and other mental health issues, the more we'll be able to help each other, and the more lives we'll save - quite literally.

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

RESOURCES:

Colin's information:

Other Resources:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS:

1:36 Colin's poetry-writing and other writing experience before his depression

3:32 How Colin's depression and self-harm started and what it looked like

6:26 What Colin's parents did to cause Colin to feel safe to tell them when he was self-harming

8:14 How meds worked for Colin's depression

10:36 Colin's poetry-writing in NYC

14:48 Colin's advice for kids who are struggling with depression symptoms

17:30 Colin's advice for parents of struggling kids

19:52 Colin reads his poem "Sunrise Relapse"

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

A Transracial Adoption Story with Darcy Mittelstaedt - Ep 6019 Sep 202200:48:47

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Darcy Mittelstaedt, an adult adoptee originally from Korea, and adopted into a dysfunctional family in Nebraska at age 2. Once she came out of the fog, as they say in adoption-land, and came to terms with her relinquishment trauma and chaotic adoptive family life, she turned toward her adoption agency. She now helps inform the adoption agency's families about relinquishment trauma and the struggles that interculturally adopted people have. Hers is a story of resilience and hope that I'm sure everyone, whether or not you are affected by adoption personally, will appreciate hearing.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Darcy's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS:

1:50 Darcy's difficult childhood story

5:00 Darcy's parent's controlling style

7:49 Food control

10:33 The impact of Darcy's parents' divorce

12:14 The end of the road for Darcy

15:45 The family that rescued Darcy

18:05 Darcy's compliant temperament and the role of the church

24:58 Darcy's job at Boys Town

27:01 How Darcy collaborates with her adoption agency

32:15 Growing up as an Asian in a Nebraska farmtown

39:58 The importance of mirroring for adoptees

44:58 Hope for anyone who grew up in a dysfunctional family

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

Being on the Receiving End of the CRAFT Method with Joey and Heather Ross - Ep 5912 Sep 202200:49:13

This week's episode is very special because #1 Joey is with us for this one.  And #2: It's going to be a 3-way conversation with me, Joey, and our life coach Heather Ross. If you've listened to any of our episodes, you've probably heard me mention her, or you might have heard one of her 2 episodes we've already published - #10 and #34.

In this Safe Home episode, we will be talking about how the CRAFT method has helped our family, and you'll hear from both sides - the parents' side and the teen's side.  CRAFT is an acronym that stands for Community Reinforcement and Family Training. This is the approach that is scientifically proven to get more people into recovery than the old-fashioned approaches like tough love and interventions. The basis of CRAFT is the positive rewards that the loved one heaps on the addicted person when they are doing favorable behaviors. A key concept in CRAFT is that the relationship is more important than their sobriety. This method shifted our family so much that I credit it to keeping our son alive for these past few years. I'm very excited to share some details of the CRAFT approach with you.

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

RESOURCES:

Heather's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:


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

www.SafeHomeFamilies.com


TIME STAMPS:

3:30 Overview of Joey's struggles

6:40 Joey's new job has helped stabilize him

7:40 Alternative healing we've found to be helpful

11:32 How Heather and CRAFT helped save our family

16:24 Putting our kids under the microscope

19:29 Addiction causes hiding and masking

21:20 Changing the conversation with our addicted loved one

23:28 What Joey and Helanna received from substances

27:04 The goal is CONNECTION, not sobriety

33:25 Why some parents have trouble with the CRAFT Method

36:30 Sliding through life pre-crisis, asleep at the wheel

39:08 What our kids want from us

41:16 Enabling, Narcan, "rock bottom," and stigma


--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/safe-home-podcast/message
The Plants Are Calling for the Adoption Constellation with Mee Ok Icaro - Ep 17118 Nov 202401:29:51

"The plants are always turning everything upside down because our culture is upside down." -- Mee Ok Icaro

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I, Beth Syverson, welcome back Mee Ok Icaro, a previous guest who has shared her profound insights on adoption and healing through plant medicine. This episode is particularly special as we recorded as we prepared for an ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica, where I participated in my first ceremony under Mee Ok's guidance.

We begin by discussing our feelings as the retreat approaches. I express my excitement mixed with a hint of fear, acknowledging that this experience is far outside my comfort zone. Mee Ok shares her own anticipation and the unique challenges of leading a retreat for the first time, emphasizing the importance of focusing on personal healing rather than taking on the burdens of others.

Mee Ok elaborates on the concept of leadership in the context of plant medicine, contrasting it with traditional views. She explains that true leadership often involves humility and a willingness to learn from others, rather than a desire for power or control. This perspective shifts the narrative around what it means to guide others in their healing journeys.

As we delve deeper into the preparations for the retreat, we discuss the rigorous dieta we have both been following. This dieta involves strict dietary and behavioral restrictions designed to prepare our bodies and minds for the transformative experience ahead. I share my struggles with giving up my phone and certain foods items and the impact of reducing external stimuli on my mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Mee Ok and I also touch on the broader implications of accessibility to plant medicine, particularly for marginalized communities. We discuss the challenges faced by individuals from lower-income backgrounds in accessing these healing modalities and the need for a more equitable approach as psychedelics become more mainstream.

Throughout the episode, we reflect on the importance of integration and preparation in the healing process. I share my personal journey with ketamine treatment and how it has helped me move away from antidepressants, highlighting the significance of active engagement in one's healing journey rather than passively relying on substances.

As we conclude, we express our excitement for the upcoming retreat and the potential for profound transformation. We plan to record a follow-up episode after the retreat to share our experiences and insights gained during this journey.

Join us as we explore the complexities of adoption, healing, and the transformative power of plant medicine in this thought-provoking episode.

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

📘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

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

RESOURCES:

Mee Ok's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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

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

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

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
Welcome to the podcast and introduction of hosts Beth Syverson and Mee Ok Icaro.

00:02:00 - Preparing for Ayahuasca Retreat
Discussion about the upcoming ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica and the preparation process.

00:03:30 - Emotional Readiness and Expectations
Beth and Mee Ok share their feelings of excitement and fear as they approach the retreat.

00:05:30 - Redefining Leadership in Healing Spaces
Mee Ok discusses her perspective on leadership and the importance of humility in guiding others.

00:09:00 - The Role of Ego in Leadership
Exploration of how ego affects leadership and the qualities of a good leader.

00:12:00 - Accountability in Healing Environments
Mee Ok emphasizes the need for accountability and trust in the retreat setting.

00:15:00 - The Importance of Preparation and Integration
Discussion on the significance of preparation and integration in the healing process.

00:20:00 - Challenges of Accessibility in Psychedelic Healing
Conversation about the barriers to accessing psychedelic treatments for various demographics.

00:23:00 - Personal Healing Journeys
Beth shares her experiences with ketamine treatment and the importance of integration.

00:27:00 - The Process of the Dieta
Mee Ok explains the dieta, its restrictions, and its role in preparing for the ayahuasca experience.

00:32:00 - Transformative Effects of Disconnecting
Beth discusses the impact of reducing phone and media usage during the dieta.

00:35:00 - Commitment to Healing Work
Mee Ok talks about the commitment required for serious healing and the importance of discipline.

00:40:00 - The Role of Tobacco in Healing
Mee Ok shares her personal journey with tobacco and its significance in the healing process.

00:45:00 - Building Relationships with Plants and Healers
Discussion on the importance of relationships with plants and healers in the dieta process.

00:49:00 - Conclusion and Future Intentions
Wrap-up of the conversation and reflections on the journey ahead.

 

Framework to Improve Mental Health with Renee Knapp - Ep 5805 Sep 202200:50:32

Movies & Conversations with Alex Kaplan from Of Substance

Saturday, September 10, 2022, 10am PST

OfSubstance.Eventbrite.com

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

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Renee Knapp, a vice principal at a high school - or she would call it a deputy principal at a district high school where she lives in SW of Western Australia. But on top of that, she's an independent consultant at Think Effective Consultancy, where she works with schools, communities, and passionate individuals to improve  mental health and wellbeing outcomes through a proven process and framework for change. She is the Chair and co-founder of a Community Based Mental Health Action Team and she's an Ambassador for the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association. 

RESOURCES: 

Renee's information: Think Effective Consultancy website: https://thinkeffective.com.au/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.thinkeffective.com.au 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkeffectiveconsultancy/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn8qrZZ0hmktyC7Ot0QIXuw 

 

Other resources mentioned in this episode: 

Mind Matters (Australia): https://www.positiveschools.com.au/2012%20Mind%20Matters.html 

GoZen videos for kids: https://gozen.com/ 

Reach Out for teens and young adults: https://au.reachout.com/ 

New 988 mental health crisis line: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988 

 

www.SafeHomeFamilies.com 

=============== 

 

TIME STAMPS 

1:50 The Big Picture work that Renee is doing to help kids' mental health 

2:20 Renee's background and interest in mental health 

7:30 Behaviors are not the problem 

11:05 Common mental health problems in high school 

15:00 Advocating for a CULTURE of well-being at school and Beth's horrible experience with Joey's high school's culture 

20:23 Examples of Renee's framework in action 

27:10 Finding passionate individuals who can hop on board 

29:50 Framework instead of programs 

32:40 Suicide as leading cause of death 

37:35 Creating a plan for well-being in the school and community 

39:13 Belonging and connection is the cure

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

Marriage Under the Influence of Alcohol with Dayna Del Val and Mazz Marry - Ep 5729 Aug 202200:44:40

Movies & Conversations with Alex Kaplan from Of Substance

Saturday, September 10, 2022, 10am PST

OfSubstance.Eventbrite.com

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

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Dayna Del Val and Mazz Marry, a married couple from North Dakota who are bringing alcoholism out into the light with their podcast, Daily Dose of Dr Marry & DD. They are here on Safe Home Podcast to talk about how addiction affects everyone, not just the person struggling with addiction. They, like our family, believe that the opposite of addiction is connection, and they are aiming to destigmatize addiction so we can all heal. 

=============== 

MOVIES & CONVERSATIONS about addiction and shame event With Alex Kaplan from Of Substance Saturday, September 10, 10-11:30am PST $15 (Half off for Patreon members, Open House attendees come free) Get your ticket here: https://ofsubstance.eventbrite.com 

=============== 

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

RESOURCES: 

Dayna & Mazz's information: Daily Dose of Dr. Marry and DD: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF3myrebU1m8PhVe1HutQ2w 

Website: https://daynadelval.com/category/dr-marry-and-me/ 


Other resource mentioned in this episode:

 IGNTD Recovery: https://www.igntd.com/ 


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 

=============== 

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 

=============== 

TIME STAMPS: 

1:16 Why Dayna & Mazz decided to share their story on their podcast 

4:03 How Dayna & Mazz met and their early years together 

6:27 Early signs of alcohol derailing Mazz and their marriage, "married to a newborn" 

10:11 Dayna's reaction to the negative aspects of alcohol on their marriage 

12:06 How Mazz's body made him rethink his relationship to alcohol 

15:15 The overwhelming worry about cost of treatment 

20:46 What Mazz's rehab was like 

23:45 The benefits of having a late-onset addiction 

25:20 Dayna's quirky addiction 

26:54 The culture around alcohol 

31:46 What was underneath Mazz's alcohol misuse? 

32:34 Redefining marriage after Mazz's recovery and getting support for the spouse of the addicted person 

41:28 Getting rid of shame

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/safe-home-podcast/message
Disordered Eating with Sue Bowles - Ep 5622 Aug 202200:43:39

Movies & Conversations with Alex Kaplan from Of Substance

Saturday, September 10, 2022, 10am PST

OfSubstance.Eventbrite.com

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

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Sue Bowles, an Ohio-based master certified life coach, memoirist, and public speaker focusing on the topics of disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and sexual assault survival and recovery. Her company is called My Step Ahead, whose motto is "you only have to be a step ahead to help the person behind you." That is certainly how we operate at Safe Home, too.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Sue's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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

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 SafeHomePodcast@gmail.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

Support Safe Home on Patreon

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

TIME STAMPS:

1:22 Sue's childhood

4:45 Sue's sexual assault at 7yo, "Don't tell anyone!"

7:33 Ways Sue acted out in high school

9:08 How Sue's eating disorder began, atypical anorexia

13:01 Physical and mental effects of her disordered eating

17:16 Sue's opinion about BMI

19:29 What prompted Sue to get help for her disordered eating?

21:25 Sue's advice to parents of a teen with disordered eating

28:55 Where do people go to get help for eating disorders?

29:55 Sue's role as a life coach

35:00 Eating disorders resources

38:11 A sliver of hope can be cultivated

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

Families in Recovery with Pam Lanhart - Ep 5515 Aug 202200:54:32

OfSubstance.EventBrite.com - 9/10

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Pam Lanhart. She's the Director of the Minnesota based non-profit organization "Thrive Family Recovery Resources" that she started in 2016 to help families with addicted loved ones. She's a certified recovery coach, peer specialist, speaker, author, and advocate for those dealing with substance use disorder - and their families.. She has a book and a FB page called "Praying Our Loved One Home" that our Christian audience members will especially love. She recently lost her young adult son Jake to the disease of addiction, but like our dear friend Heather Ross, she is forging ahead, more determined than ever to help families so they can help their struggling teens and young adults who are battling with addiction. Pam subscribes, as I do, to the CRAFT approach of treating our addicted loved ones with unconditional love and positive regard, no matter where they are in their sobriety.

RESOURCES:

Pam's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

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

Mindset Shifting with Tiffany Gay - Ep 5408 Aug 202200:31:24

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Tiffany Gay, a Philadelphia entrepreneur, mindset coach, and public speaker. Several years ago she experienced severe depression and anxiety, but through prayer, a shift in her mindset, and identifying her "Why" she was able to survive through her mental health breakdown. She regained everything back that she lost, including her mind, and now she helps others shift their mindset and find the root cause of their struggles. Her mission is to serve, support, coach, and mentor individuals with shifting their self-defeating, unfulfilling, unproductive, and unhealthy patterns of thinking.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Tiffany's information:

Other Resources:

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

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 SafeHomePodcast@gmail.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

Support Safe Home on Patreon

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

TIME STAMPS:

1:13 Tiffany's childhood, one of 8 kids

2:44 How Tiffany's father's PTSD affected her family

5:20 Unfamiliar simultaneous lack - in full survival mode

8:48 How Tiffany managed her economic struggles

12:05 Tiffany lost hope for 2 years

14:15 TIffany's turning point

16:00 The 5 steps Tiffany took - Identify her WHY, shift her mindset, reactive her faith, incorporate prayer, identify a support system

17:18 Why Tiffany found her healing path outside the healthcare system

18:25 How Tiffany got back on track

20:00 Tiffany is the CEO of her own life

24:11 How has Tiffany's experience affected her parenting of her 12yo daughter

27:27 Breaking generational patterns

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

Self-Care for Moms with Yvette Harpootian - Ep 5301 Aug 202200:38:31

Movies & Conversations with Alex Kaplan from Of Substance

Saturday, September 10, 10am PST

OfSubstance.Eventbrite.com 

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

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Yvette Harpootian, a certified life coach from Rhode Island who is passionate about helping women get out of overwhelm, get more done, and release anxiety and self-sacrifice in order to feel better. I thought her message would be welcome here on Safe Home Podcast since many in our audience are parents of adolescents. I know when Joey was in crisis mode, I almost completely lost myself for a while there, before I got connected with Heather Ross, OUR life coach, who BTW went to the same coaching school as Yvette. In this episode, you will receive practical tools from Yvette that you can put into practice right away.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Yvette's  information:

Other Resources:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS:

1:18 Why Yvette focuses on moms in her life coaching business

2:08 Key areas that moms can focus on to improve their relationship with their kids

4:52 Women's invisible workload

6:58 Keeping up with the "perfect" class mom + toxic comparing

8:02 "I don't have time for self-care!"

12:30 What does self-care encompass?

15:28 How does Yvette convince moms to engage in self-care?

18:40 Avoiding getting "hangry" (hungry + angry) and prioritizing sleep

20:30 Scheduling self-care in the calendar

21:31 What does life coaching look like?

22:41 The Model that Yvette uses in her coaching - how to control your thoughts

32:18 What's the difference between coaching and therapy?

34:06 "My son got better when I got better" and "Nurturing and Love are the keys to healing"

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/safe-home-podcast/message
Creating Wellness with Leela Davis - Ep 5225 Jul 202200:39:26

OfSubstance.Eventbrite.com

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Leela Davis. She is a neurodivergent who combines her lived experience self-healing her Bipolar 1 and CPTSD symptoms and managing ADHD symptoms with training in the healing modalities that she found the most powerful in her own healing journey.  She is certified: as a Holistic Health Coach, in Somatic Attachment Therapy, as a Yoga of Sound and Vinyasa Instructor, in Astrology and Human Design, and has spent decades as a multi-passionate creative finding healing in the process of art-making-performing. Her mission is to mentor and support folks with emotional and mental health challenges or diagnoses and live a meaningful and beautiful life beyond the limitations ascribed to certain diagnoses.  Her vision is a world where all medical and healing practitioners will learn to heal by addressing the roots of symptoms rather than covering up the symptoms.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Leela's information:

  • Website: LeelaDavis.com
  • Instagram: @mypeaceofsanity
  • Podcast with Jude Gorini: What I Didn't Tell My Therapist - on all major podcast platforms
  • Podcast instagram: @whatIdidnttellmytherapist

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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

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 SafeHomePodcast@gmail.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

Support Safe Home on Patreon

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

TIME STAMPS:

2:34 What is the difference between Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and depression?

5:35 Leela's diagnosis at age 37

7:44 Childhood trauma and genetic predisposition to mental illness

10:41 Did Leela's Bipolar diagnosis help or make things worse?

12:40 Leela's Bipolar medication hijacked her body and mind

21:21 How Leela found healing without meds

24:55 Meditation and yoga are key tools, incl. Yoga of sound

28:55 How Leela evaluates medication and substances now

31:15 What does Creative Wellness coaching look like?

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

Transformation and Healing with Jude Gorini - Ep 5118 Jul 202200:43:17

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Jude Gorini, a Brazilian who lives in Northern Italy. He identifies as gender queer, and works as an author, podcaster, intuitive coach, and creative artist. He has struggled with Bipolar, addiction, and gender identity issues and shares his life story openly in order to help others. I met Jude recently when I recorded on the podcast that he co-hosts with Leela Davis, What I Didn't Tell My Therapist. He really resonated with our family's story, which intersects in many ways with his own. You will love his warmth and honesty, not to mention his sexy accent.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Jude's information:

What I Didn't Tell My Therapist Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-i-didnt-tell-my-therapist-reboot/id1473447399

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS:

  1:26 Around the world with Jude - Brazil, Italy, UK, Italy

  2:39 What's wrong with Italy?

  5:50 Jude's LGBTQ+ status and coming out story

11:33 Jude's career path

13:19 How and when did addiction come into Jude's life?

18:56 What was the catalyst for his addiction recovery?

22:35 Start of holistic healing and coaching to help others

24:54 How Jude has managed his Bipolar I

26:20 Bipolar and addiction

28:55 What is Jude's favorite tool for balancing his life?

30:20 Jude reads his poem "Today"

32:25 Nature as a tool for healing

33:54 Jude's advice for parents of LGBTQ+ teens

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

Yoga for Healing Trauma with Lorah Gerald - Ep 5011 Jul 202200:49:21

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Lorah Gerald, an adoptee, an intuitive, a Kundalini Yoga Instructor, and writer. Lorah hopes to help others heal their trauma, adopted or not, by sharing her lived experiences as an adoptee as well as her education in breath work, energy healing and natural intuitive abilities.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Lorah's information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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

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 SafeHomePodcast@gmail.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

Support Safe Home on Patreon

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

TIME STAMPS:

1:33 Holding feelings about adoption trauma inside v. healing in community

2:49 Lorah's adoption story as a Baby Scoop Era domestic adoptee

4:40 A better life or just a different life?

6:40 What Beth was told about adoption trauma when she adopted Joey

8:32 What Lorah's adoptive parents knew about adoption trauma

9:20 How Lorah acted out as a teen and how she avoided addiction

10:38 Lorah's reunion story

15:34 Lorah's mother's forced hysterectomy

16:46 Lorah's reaction to her adoption story as told by her parents

20:28 Lorah's reunion story, continued

26:40 Lorah's healing path - yoga, reiki, reading, etc.

28:35 Kundalini yoga & processing trauma through our bodies

34:55 Other physical trauma-healing tools that Lorah uses

39:03 Adoptee-only yoga sessions

41:43 How yoga has helped Lorah with trauma and well-being

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

A Courageous Spiritual Journey with Bobbi Becker - Ep 4904 Jul 202200:49:26

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Rev. Bobbi Becker, the Senior Minister and Spiritual Director at Namasté Center for Spiritual Living in Long Beach, California. In this episode, Bobbi tells her story of  being a gay New Thought minister who grew up in the Mormon church and whose whole family was touched by addiction and mental health issues. You will be inspired by her commitment to her own spiritual growth which included the acceptance of her sexual orientation. She is not afraid to speak out and take action within social structures about women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights. You will find out what saved her from the addiction route that many of her family members took.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Bobbi's information:

Resource mentioned in the episode:

Other Resources:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS:

1:18 Bobbi's unique childhood

2:44 Being raised in the Mormon church

5:00 Bobbi's excommunication

10:36 Coming out as gay and getting involved in diversity training

13:46 Bobbi's mother's mental health trifecta and family secrets

20:01 How Bobbi escaped her family's dysfunction

22:36 Where Bobbi found support as a young adult

25:30 What are you giving power to?

26:25 Bobbi lost 2 brothers to addiction and mental illness

30:18 How Bobbi's 2 surviving siblings are doing

33:54 How Bobbi avoided addiction to substances

37:25 Bobbi's transition from corporate executive to minister

39:05 How Bobbi's life has affected her parenting

44:59 Dealing with family trauma

47:06 The best thing parents of struggling teens can do

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

Finding Empowerment through Sex Work as a Korean Adoptee with Kayla Tange - Ep 17005 Nov 202400:39:45

Finding Empowerment through Sex Work as a Korean Adoptee with Kayla Tange

"I can be in my body, and in that moment, I feel safe." -- Kayla Tange

 

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the privilege of speaking with Kayla Tange, a Korean adoptee raised by Japanese-American parents. She has navigated a unique and complex journey through life as an exotic dancer, performance artist, and sex worker. Kayla shared her adoption story, detailing her early life in an orphanage in Seoul before being adopted at six months old.

We explored how her experiences with ADHD and autism influenced her career choices and her desire for connection. Kayla candidly discussed her entry into the world of sex work, revealing how it provided her with a sense of empowerment and control over her body—something she felt was taken from her during her adoption.

Throughout our conversation, we touched on the themes of identity, belonging, and the emotional complexities that come with being an adoptee. Kayla's reflections on her work and the connections she forms with clients highlighted the often misunderstood aspects of sex work, challenging stereotypes and emphasizing the agency she feels in her choices.

Kayla also read a powerful piece from her contribution to the anthology Whorephobia, which delves into her experiences and emotions surrounding her adoption and her work. Her insights offered a profound understanding of the intersections between adoption, identity, and the search for belonging.

This episode is a deep dive into the complexities of adoption and the ways in which individuals navigate their identities and experiences. I encourage listeners to reflect on Kayla's story and the broader implications it has for understanding adoption and the diverse paths that adoptees may take.

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

📘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

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

RESOURCES:

Kayla's information:

Other Resources:

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

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

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

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
Welcome to the podcast and introduction of host Beth Syverson and her son Joey.

00:00:34 - Today's Topic: Sexuality and Sex Work
Discussion on the focus of the episode regarding sexuality and sex work.

00:00:56 - Introducing Kayla Tange
Introduction of guest Kayla Tange, her background as a Korean adoptee, and her work in the sex industry.

00:01:52 - Kayla's Adoption Story
Kayla shares her adoption story, including her age at adoption and her upbringing.

00:02:32 - Early Interest in Performance
Discussion on Kayla's early interest in dance and performance.

00:03:20 - Career Path and ADHD Diagnosis
Kayla talks about her career journey and the impact of her ADHD and autism diagnosis.

00:04:49 - Transition to Sex Work
Kayla explains how she transitioned into sex work and dancing.

00:05:59 - Job Satisfaction and Flexibility
Discussion on the benefits of working as a dancer compared to retail jobs.

00:06:33 - ADHD and the Nature of the Job
Exploration of how the job suited Kayla's ADHD tendencies.

00:08:06 - Connecting with Customers
Kayla discusses the importance of connecting with customers and building relationships.

00:09:06 - Adoption Trauma and Connection
Exploration of the link between adoption trauma and Kayla's need for connection.

00:10:25 - Empowerment through Sex Work
Kayla shares her perspective on feeling empowered through her work.

00:12:17 - Commodification of Bodies
Discussion on the commodification of bodies in adoption and sex work.

00:13:24 - Feelings of Displacement
Kayla reflects on feelings of displacement related to her adoption.

00:14:01 - Experiences in Korea
Kayla shares her experiences and feelings during her trips to Korea.

00:15:11 - Creating the Film "Dear Mother"
Discussion on the process and impact of creating her film.

00:16:28 - The Power of Performance
Kayla talks about the liberating aspects of performing.

00:17:56 - Family Dynamics and Support
Kayla reflects on her adoptive family's support and concerns regarding her career.

00:19:13 - Community and Support in the Industry
Discussion on the supportive community within the sex work industry.

00:20:12 - Advice to Her Younger Self
Kayla shares what she would tell her 12-year-old self.

00:21:45 - Advice for Parents
Kayla offers advice to parents about supporting their children's interests.

00:23:49 - Reading from Whorephobia
Kayla reads a powerful piece from the anthology Whorephobia.

00:37:04 - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
Discussion on Kayla's ongoing work and future plans, along with closing remarks from Beth.

Trauma and Resilience with Cheyanne Alsop - Ep 4827 Jun 202200:50:45

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with one of Joey's friends, 19yo Cheyanne Alsop. Like Joey, Cheyanne was adopted, her adoptive parents later got divorced, and she struggled with mental health issues throughout her adolescence. Cheyanne's harrowing childhood would leave most people completely paralyzed emotionally. But because of her willingness to get help and to work on her own emotional toolbox, Cheyanne has graduated high school, she's got a job, and she's on her healing path. Her story gives us all hope for our struggling kids, and she and Joey give some great advice to teens and parents at the end of the episode.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Cheyanne's contact info: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheyanne_autumn1618

Other Episodes mentioned during this episode:

  • Our CHS episode - #22
  • Our episode about psych hospitals: #16
  • Brenda's Adoption Story episode: #21

Other Resources:

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

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

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

TIME STAMPS:

0:30 A little update with Joey

3:17 Cheyanne's infancy and first relinquishment at age 3

4:42 Cheyanne's childhood trauma with her grandparents

11:15 Moving to her aunt's in foster care system

13:45 Getting matched with Cheyanne's adoptive parents

16:55 Cheyanne and Joey talk about adoption trauma

22:20 Adoptive parents' divorce created more pain and caused first hospitalization

25:00 Cutting and self-harm, Cheyanne's rock bottom

27:58 Cheyanne and Joey's advice to teens considering going to residential treatment programs

29:25 DBT - Dialectial Behavior Therapy, working hard in treatment

34:37 Things that have helped Cheyanne survive

36:38 How Cheyanne's steered clear of the addiction route

41:23 Cheyanne's plans for the future

44:13 Cheyanne's advice for adoptive & foster parents

46:25 Cheyanne's advice for teens

47:30 What Joey admires about Cheyanne

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

Anxiety Toolbox with Jeanette Matthew - Ep 4720 Jun 202200:55:46

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Jeanette Matthew. She lives in North Yorkshire in the UK, and she is a coaching psychologist who helps individuals and organizations transform their  uncertainty, overwhelm, and lack of clarity into goals, action plans, and confidence. Her specialty is helping people deal with anxiety. Jeanette has delivered workshops around the world offering psychological hacks to managing and preventing anxiety, and teaching people the mindset tools we can adopt preventatively to see every day triggers through a different lens.

In this episode, Jeanette gives plenty of practical tools to help our teens - and ourselves - manage anxiety.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Jeanette's information:

Other Resources:

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

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

Website: SafeHomeFamililes.com

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

TIME STAMPS:

1:37 Jeanette's career background

8:00 Coaching v therapy

13:40 What is causing anxiety for our teens?

17:31 Learning to release outcomes

18:35 Sense of permanency of one's life choices

25:30 Jeanette's favorite tool for anxiety - a simple question to ground you in the present moment

34:45 Mindfulness tools

44:25 Choices over one's own behavior gives us autonomy

49:02 Getting active and getting outside for anxiety relief

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

Recovery Coaching with Tracy Struckman - Ep 4613 Jun 202200:39:51

In this week's Safe Home Podcast, Beth talks with Tracy Struckman, an Indiana-based recovery coach who has 8 years of recovery from a destructive  heroin addiction. She now helps others who are struggling with addiction to find long-term recovery.  She is just completing her licensure to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and she does online consulting and workshops for people who struggle with addiction as well as their families.

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

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

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

RESOURCES:

Tracy's information:

Other Resources:

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

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 SafeHomePodcast@gmail.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

Support Safe Home on Patreon

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

TIME STAMPS:

1:35 Tracy's childhood and adolescence and background of her heroin addiction

3:35 The addiction process - alcohol→marijuana→then heroin

5:41 Fentanyl's dangers and access to Narcan to prevent overdose deaths

10:19 Addiction as a symptom of an underlying problem

13:32 Tracy's rock bottom

14:57 A chance of rehabilitation in the criminal justice system?

16:23 What happened to cause Tracy to become sober

19:00 Tracy's parenting and Tracy's parents

25:10 What Tracy wishes would have happened differently when she was a teen

27:30 What is a Recovery Coach?

31:23 How parents can shift their focus off their kids and onto themselves

33:27 How is Recovery Coaching structured logistically?

36:22 Parents, don't blame yourself!

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

© My Podcast Data